The mainstay of the all-new 5 Series is the sedan model that consists of the 528i and 535i. Both are powered by an in-line six-cylinder engine that provides the renowned turbine-like smoothness of BMW’s in-line sixes. Unlike past BMWs, the numerical badges on the trunk lid no longer signify the actual engine displacement. Both the 528i and 535i employ the same 3.0-Litre engine where the difference is that the 535i uses a twin turbo to produce 300-horsepower vs. the non-turbo 528i that puts out 240-HP. For the overachievers, there’s the big kahuna 550i with its 4.4-L, V-8 twin turbo engine developing an impressive 400-HP and 450-lb. ft of torque. The standard transmission for all models is an eight-speed automatic. Being a driver’s car, it’s only natural that a manual transmission is still offered in both the 535i and 550i, but only in rear-wheel-drive models. This is a no-charge option, which should keep hardcore BMW fans happy. BMW’s very competent and sophisticated X-Drive all-wheel-drive system is available on both the 535i and 550i. To retain a rear-wheel-drive feel that is essential in a vehicle of this nature, the all-wheel-drive system is configured with a 40:60 torque split, where 40 per cent of the power goes to the front wheels and the remaining 60 per cent drives the rear wheels. With no driver intervention, the X-Drive AWD system goes about its job providing maximum traction and control for all-weather driving conditions.

In its quest to be a segment leader, the 5 Series comes with a very long list of convenience, luxury, safety and entertainment amenities. The base models are fairly equipped but when looking at the available packages, one can’t help but notice how much more technology the 5 Series can come with when pricey option packages get selected. Some of the available features are Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function; Park Assistant for the parking challenged; Lane Departure Warning System to warn of lane wandering; Active Blind Spot Detection for detecting vehicles in the driver’s blind spot, Night Vision with pedestrian detection, Head-Up display and Surround View cameras.

With handsome new styling, strong underhood performance, dynamic chassis qualities and a high-content list, the BMW 5 Series easily satisfies those looking for a sophisticated mid-size luxury sedan. www.bmw.ca

Being the top grade in the C-Class family, outside of the outrageous AMG-powered C63, the C350 looks decidedly racy as it gets the standard sport package with large 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Look closely and you’ll notice that the rear tires (255/35R18) are much wider than the fronts (225/40R18), promising excellent cornering grip. The wide rear tires also add to the solid stance when viewed from the rear. Breaking from past Mercedes-Benz passenger car styling convention, the C350’s standard sport package also includes the front grille design traditionally found on Mercedes coupes. The rest of the styling package includes a deeper front air dam, lower side sills and rear apron. Completing the aggressive styling are two large exhaust outlets on either side of the lower rear bumper. Those who still want the traditional styling that includes the upright chrome front grille with stand-up hood ornament are limited to the C250, as it is the only model in the C-Class family that offers the “old-school” design.

Inside, the C350 is easily recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz; the cabin shows off elegance and good taste and has the familiar three-gauge instrument panel that harks back to past designs. The gauges themselves have a finely crafted look and look really great at night. As expected, Burl Walnut wood trim is standard, adding to the luxury feel expected in the C350. Fine detailing can be seen in the use of metal trim surrounding various areas of the dash and door panels. Specially cut metal dials are also used in the climate controls and also in the COMAND control system for added style. Looks can be deceiving as the C350’s cabin is unexpectedly spacious, especially in the rear cabin with a useable amount of leg and headroom. Both front and rear seating offers good support and long distance comfort. A panoramic moonroof is available, which is becoming more popular these days and totally transforms the look and feel of the interior.

Under the hood, the C350 with its 3.5-L 268-hp V-6 gives out a nice deep sounding exhaust note, especially under hard acceleration. Matched to the engine is a smooth shifting seven-speed automatic transmission. For drivers who want added involvement, the transmission offers a sequential shift system that also throttle blips the engine during downshifts for smoother operation and also a sportier engine note.

When it comes to handling, the C350 is surprisingly fun and agile in the corners, with little body roll when pushed hard, and offers very good steering feedback and feel to the driver. The brakes with crossed drilled front discs bite hard with excellent modulation giving a lot of driver confidence. The C350 is offered in rear-wheel-drive and 4MATIC full-time-all-wheel-drive that is great for all-weather driving.

There is no denying the strong appeal of the C350, with its sporty sophisticated styling, solid as a bank vault feel, high safety content and excellent driving dynamics that puts it on the very desirable list of cars to have.

www.mercedes-benz.ca

General Specifications
Mercedes-Benz C350
Engine: 3.5-L V-6 DOHC 24-valve
Horsepower: 268
Torque: 258 lb. ft.
Fuel economy L/100km: City – 12.2 / Hwy – 7.9
Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sequential Shift
Drive train: Rear-Wheel-Drive or available 4MATIC Full-Time-All-Wheel-Drive
Base MSRP: C350 – $48,600 / C350 4MATIC – $50,600

The model name “M56” is fairly nondescript. It’s only when seen in person that the M56 truly impresses. The “56” part is what’s going to raise eyebrows, as it stands for the engine’s displacement size of 5.6 litres with huge amounts of firepower under the hood. The large direct-injected V-8 puts out an astounding 420-horsepower and almost an equal amount of torque at 417 lb.-ft. Getting the power to the rear wheels is a seven-speed automatic transmission with a selection of drive modes that include Snow, ECO and Sport settings. With horsepower at its disposal, Sport Mode would seem to be the default as the insane acceleration the M56 is capable of can be intoxicating. In manual mode, using the steering wheel Paddle shifters, the rev-matching downshifts provide added aural feedback, and this function also helps to smooth out the harshness when a lower gear is selected.

Infiniti offers six grades of “M” to choose from, starting off with the $52,400 rear-wheel-drive M37 with a 3.7-L, V-6 engine that produces a generous 330-horsepower. Next up is the M37x all-wheel-drive and M37 Sport. The V-8 models are made up of the M56 rear-wheel-drive, M56x AWD and M56 Sport that tops out at $73,400. The sport grades offer a stiffer suspension set-up and standard 20-inch wheels, larger disk brakes and four-wheel steering for added dynamic agility. Sport front seats with prominent side bolsters will help keep the driver and front occupant in place during hard cornering.

When choosing a car with over 400-horsepower, it’s usually wise to opt for the all-wheel-drive model as it will get the power to the road a lot more effectively than the standard rear-wheel-drive system. With this driver’s heavy right foot, the traction control system was working overtime trying to keep wheelspin under control! Misbehaving is easy as the driver has the option of deactivating the traction control system.

Once inside, the cabin will impress with its elegant and modern design. With the generous use of leather throughout, combined with tasteful application of silver powdered wood accents and metal trimmings, the cabin is luxurious. Pampering the occupants is a broad array of amenities expected in this class. A great feature is the available heated steering wheel that is truly appreciated on those cold winter days. Audiophiles will appreciate the available 16-speaker Bose system with surround sound and a hard drive for storage of up to 2,900 songs. The navigation system is unique with its 3-D graphics and also incorporates a rear-view display when reverse gear is selected. First time offered on Infiniti is the Forest Air system, designed to contain unwanted odours and keep the air smelling fresh within the cabin, which can keep the peace during long-distance travel.

On the safety side, Infiniti has equipped the M with an arsenal of devices to keep the driver and occupants out of harm’s way. These consist of a Blind Spot alert system and Lane Departure prevention system that can actually steer the car back to its lane if the system detects another vehicle within its range.

When shopping in this category, it’s hard to ignore the all-new Infiniti M56 as the attractive styling and immensely powerful V-8 combined with a luxurious interior puts it squarely against the top dogs like the new BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-Class.

www.infiniti.ca

General Specifications
2011 Infiniti M56
Engine: 5.6-L, V-8  DOHC 48-valve
Horsepower: 420
Torque: 417 lb.-ft.
Fuel economy L/100km: City – 12.9 / Hwy – 8.0
Transmission: Seven-Speed Automatic
Drive train: Rear–Wheel-Drive or available All-Wheel-Drive
Base price: $66,200

Bugatti is a company with a storied history of building some of the most exclusive cars the automotive world has ever seen. Its founder, Ettore Bugatti, started out by designing lightweight sports cars in the early 1900s. Born in Milan, Italy, Ettore Bugatti came from a family of artists and found his passion to be automobiles. This led him to pursue an engineering apprenticeship, which resulted in some of the finest racing cars of its time.

Shortly after building and successfully racing his cars, Bugatti set up a factory in the town of Molsheim, France in 1909. From here, Bugatti developed race cars that enjoyed tremendous success, winning various European road races and grand prix events in the 1920s and ’30s. The sleek race cars wore a distinctive sky-blue paint job and were further identified by the signature horseshoe-shaped front radiator shell that is still a feature of today’s designs. The 24 Hours of Le Mans Grand Prix resulted in two victories, one in 1937 and the next in 1939 at the hand of Pierre Veyron, whose name now adorns the current model. During this period, Bugatti also produced some of the most exclusive luxury cars the world has known. Some of the outstanding models were the Types 35, 51, 57 and 59, which, despite being based on racing models, were produced as street versions in the forms of coupes, convertibles and sedans. Bugatti’s designs stood out with artistic flowing lines that suggested speed; indeed, some of his cars were capable of top speeds well in excess of 160 kilometres per hour! Their advanced mechanical precision and styling stood out among all other automobiles of the time. One of the best known models is the ultra-rare and luxurious Bugatti Royale, which came with a 12.7-litre engine.

The advent of the two World Wars brought a temporary halt to Bugatti’s auto production. During World War I, Bugatti developed and produced aircraft engines for both the American and French governments. One of these was the infamous ‘straight-eight’ engine, originally designed to power an aircraft but later adapted for the Bugatti road cars. Another new innovation was in the material and look of wheel design. At a time when wheel design was based on common wire spokes, Bugatti came up with a highly advanced spoked aluminum wheel in the 1920s that looks contemporary even by today’s standards.

During the two World Wars, Ettore Bugatti’s automobile business flourished and with it came an extravagant lifestyle on his Molsheim estate that housed museums, stables and even a private distillery.

In the fallout of World War II, the company’s fortunes began to decline and a few short years after the war, Ettore Bugatti passed away, leaving a legacy of cars unique in their engineering and design that have become sought-after collectibles.

Fast forward to 1987, when Italian businessman Romano Artioli acquired the famous Bugatti name and established Bugatti Automobili SpA. A new factory was built in Campogalliano, Italy to produce the striking Bugatti EB110GT supercar. With a mid-engine quad turbo V-12 motor and all-wheel-drive, the high-tech EB110GT promised unsurpassed high-speed performance. Two Bugatti-specific styling cues from the past that made the transition to the EB110 were the horseshoe-shaped radiator shell on the front facia and aluminum wheels that bore a similar resemblance to those on the Royale. By the mid-1990s, the company had closed due to financial difficulties.

Today Bugatti is owned by the Volkswagen Group, which founded Bugatti Automobiles SAS in 2000. Their first creation was the stunning, hyper-exotic Bugatti Veyron 16.4 supercar, which put out almost 1,000 horsepower. This is the result of the 16-cylinder engine with four turbo chargers that can power the Veyron to a top-speed of 407 km/h, faster than the take-off speed of a commercial jetliner!

The latest iteration of the Bugatti Veyron is the Grand Sport convertible. Significant structural engineering using lightweight carbon fibre was undertaken to retain body rigidity for the extreme high speed the car is able to achieve. Active aerodynamics include a movable rear wing designed to keep the Grand Sport stable at high speeds.

Some of the exterior enhancements to the Grand Sport include distinctive new LED headlamps and forged aluminum wheel design. Two roof-tops are offered, a transparent hardtop roof offering more rigidity and a temporary foldable umbrella type that can be stored in the luggage area. As expected, the interior is wrapped in the finest leather with quilting on the seats.

With the exotic performance and engineering, it looks like Bugatti has succeeded in producing the ultimate open-top sports car.

Manufacturing process: Veyron 16.4

With much publicity regarding the spectacular technical achievements and performance of the Grand Sport, the other crucial component of the Bugatti experience includes its state-of-the-art production facility. Located in Molsheim, France, the modern, highly functional building designed by internationally renowned architect Gunter Henn employs an elliptical layout that reflects the company logo. The elliptical shape was favoured by Ettore Bugatti as a design cue in the styling of his legendary motor cars. Just like Etorre Bugatti’s engineering mandate of using lightweight materials such as aluminum, the building also employs an aluminum shell that lends a feel of lightness to its structure. Inside, the production facility is known as the Atelier Studio, where the Bugatti Veyron and Grand Sport are created.

One or two Bugatti Veyrons are produced each week at the Chateau St. Jean production facility. Whereas conventional automobile plants run at high speeds, spitting out thousands of cars each day, Bugatti’s production follows a much slower pace, reflecting the special made-to-order cars. Each Bugatti Veyron is specially hand-assembled by eight carefully selected individuals who are highly trained to put together all the main components that make up each car. Each car will take up to three weeks of assembly due to the careful production procedures put in place to ensure the highest quality and inspection. There is no assembly line to speak of, only specially designed workstations where the Veyron and Grand Sports start to take shape. Unlike a typical auto assembly plant, crammed full of equipment, the Bugatti’s spacious production facility is extremely neat and modern. The bright atmosphere comes from the natural lighting that emanates from the full-length floor-to-ceiling windows and bright epoxy coated floors.

Producing the Veyron and Grand Sport at the original birthplace of Bugatti has brought the history of the company full circle.

Engine: 1,001-HP, quad-turbocharged, 8-litre W-16, 64 valves
Transmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch automated manual
Drivetrain: Mid engine/all-wheel-drive
Suspension: Double wishbone front/rear
Brakes: Cross-drilled, radially vented carbon fibre composite discs brakes with Stability Control System
Fuel tank capacity: 100 litres
Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h under 2.7 seconds
Top Speed: 407 km/h
Starting Price: $2,200,000 (CDN)

www.bugatti.com

Designed by Pininfarina, the world renowned design house is responsible for the striking new look which gets a nod of approval from this author. As with any new Ferrari, one always hopes that the styling doesn’t get compromised to suit either safety or engineering requirements. Case in point is the recently released California convertible that somehow looks disproportionate due to the super wide rear deck that had to be designed to fit the folding retractable metal roof! Shaped for high speed aerodynamic efficiency, the 458 Italia excites with surface details like the front grille intake and side air intakes designed to direct air to the coolant radiators. A cool styling detail surely to be copied by others is the small aero elastic winglets on the front nose which helps generate down force and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets that lowers aerodynamic drag! The factory claims that at speeds of 200km/h, the bodywork generates 140 kg of aerodynamic down force. As part of the styling package, the Italia comes with twenty inch wheels mounted on super sticky summer high performance tires.

Located directly behind the cabin resides the new 562-horsepower 4.5-litre mid-engine V8. Thanks to the latest high tech tricks like direct injection and the ability to achieve very high compression, the V8 can scream to a maximum of 9,000rpm! Ferrari claims top speed to be in the 200mph region with slingshot-like acceleration from standstill to 60mph in well under four seconds. For the techies reading this, the flat-plane crankshaft is what makes the Ferrari engine soundtrack so intoxicating when pushed. The three rear exhaust’s tailpipes are also carefully designed for sound quality and lend a menacing look to complete the rear styling.

Transmitting the immense power to the rear wheels is a brand new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission designed for very rapid and smooth shifts even at full throttle. Developed from years of F1 racing, the new transmission promises to be a leap forward compared to the automated manual that was in the F430.

Effectively getting the power to the tarmac for extreme levels of grip and high cornering limits are electronically controlled components like E-Diff and traction control. This allows the Italia to perform like a hero when pushed hard to the limits. This will hopefully dispense of rivals like the Gallardo from Lamborghini and the R8 from Audi. Future owners can also brag that F1 superstar Michael Schumacher played a major role in the development of the 458 Italia.

Constructed mainly of aluminum, the new chassis incorporates various types of advanced alloys along with aerospace industry-derived manufacturing and bonding techniques. This type of construction allows a highly rigid body and also helps in keeping the weight down. The lighter weight allows the Italia to accelerate quicker, corner at higher speeds, reduce braking distance and also improve high speed agility.

Helping with vehicle dynamics is the suspension design that features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear. Along with a more direct steering ratio, the 458 Italia will offer rapid steering response and maintaining decent ride comfort in spite of the super low profile tires.

With the Ferrari 458 Italia, Maranello has brought a highly distinctive new car to its vehicle lineup. The 458 Italia is designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance with occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving like all of Ferrari’s recent models. Predictably, this new Ferrari will soon be the super model on every car magazine cover and You Tube link.

Ferrari 458 Italia General Specifications
Engine: 562-horsepower 4.5-litre V8
Transmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch F1
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel-drive
Brakes: 4-wheel ceramic disc brakes with Stability Control System
Price: Not released yet

So, how does a heavy 3,700-pound two plus two coupe attain such velocities? Big power helps, and under the hood resides a twin-turbo, 3.8-litre V-6 with plenty of high-tech tricks spitting out 480-horsepower and 430 lb-ft. of torque that can help launch the GT-R from a standstill to 60 mph in under four seconds! A dual-clutch, automated six-speed manual helps transfer the immense power to the highly capable all-wheel drive system. Filling the wheel wells are super-sticky Nitrogen-filled tires on 20-inch rims.

The front tires are sized at 255/40ZRF20, and the rear at 285/35ZRF20.This in turn allows the GT-R to effectively apply the power for tenacious grip in the corners that allows the heavy GT-R to dance around smaller and lighter vehicles like the Porsche 911 Turbo. A great feature is the Brembo high-performance braking system, that ensures fade-free braking under repeated high-speed usage. Very comforting to have, when exercising the GT-R on curvy mountain roads.

Killer looks add to the menacing profile with bulging fenders, the requisite rear wing, and large wheels. Not exactly a beautiful looking vehicle, the GT-R’s distinctively sharp and contrasting lines do lend a sinister profile that makes it a head-turner on any road. Every curve and air intake provokes the eyes as they lend some sort of functionality to aid down force for high-speed stability or for engine and brake cooling duties.

Interestingly enough, most folks recognize the GT-R and know exactly what it is except maybe for some poor unsuspecting Ferrari driver!

Inside is a functional interior with an imposing dash. The driver is faced with numerous toggle switch controls, for the various performance settings available.

Having been on numerous front covers, the Nissan GT-R is the current darling of the supercar club, thanks to its cult-like status and devastating performance. If a Porsche 911, Audi R8, BMW M3, or even Ferrari or Lamborghini bores you, the GT-R will surely rock your world!

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 480-horsepower, 3.8-litre DOHC V-6 twin-turbo
Transmission: 6-speed, dual-clutch automated manual
Drivetrain: All-wheel-drive
Suspension: Independent front and rear
Brakes: 4-wheel disc with ABS, Stability Control System
Starting Price: $89,900 (Cdn)

www.gtrnissan.com

Here’s a car that dynamically, shouldn’t handle well at all – especially since a lot of its weight is situated behind the rear axle. But over the years, Porsche’s engineers have stuck with the rear engine layout and have performed some amazing feats of automotive magic in the 911’s handling performance.

Today, the 911 flourishes with various versions, starting from the base grade that offers a stellar performance, to versions such as the stunning new GT2 that kicks the performance envelope into orbit! How does 530 horsepower moving 3,200 pounds sound? That easily translates into a computer-aided launch control start that vaporizes the quarter mile in under 12 seconds! Sixty miles an hour blurs by in a little over two seconds, and not too long after that you’ll see the speedometer pointer sweep past the 200 hundred mile an hour mark!

So how does the new Porsche GT2 achieve these extreme feats of velocity? A highly boosted twin turbo 3.6-litre flat six-cylinder motor is one of the key ingredients, and transferring the awesome power to the fat rear wheels is a six-speed manual transmission. Generous footprints in the form of high-performance, ultra low-profile Michelin Pilot Cup Sport tires, 235/35R19s in front and 325/30R19s in the rear do wonders to the GT2’s ability to stick to the road at extreme cornering speeds. Effective aerodynamic down force, thanks to the aggressively shaped front and rear spoilers, helps to contribute to high-speed stability as well. It’s always nice to have confidence in the car when venturing into ultra-high speeds. A lot can happen at 200 miles an hour, such as hitting a mild bump, travelling on uneven roadway, or even air turbulence caused by crosswinds – all of which can affect high-speed controllability.

The GT2’s massive carbon-ceramic brake rotors also play an important part in its performance equation. They measure 15 inches in front and 13.4 inches in the rear. Six-piston calipers grab the front rotors, while four-piston calipers in the rear prevent brake fade by easily scrubbing off high speeds without overheating.

Looking at the GT2, most would think it’s just another Porsche 911 that has some custom bodywork. Only the true Porsche aficionados will be able to appreciate the new GT2, thanks to a few revealing unique details. Devoid of fog lamps, the front bumper has a lower, more menacing look with functional air intakes that help cool the front brakes and also help with high-speed aerodynamics. Fashionable LED light bars doubling as turn signal lamps complete the look. On each side of the rear wing are integrated oval ducts. Easily visible inside the 19-inch alloy wheels are massive yellow brake calipers adding to the race-car look as well.

If you’re expecting something truly different inside the GT2, you’ll be a little disappointed, since it’s similar to a regular 911. Some nice touches are the suede-like Alcantara materials on the steering wheel and gear shift knob and special light-weight sport seats.

If being strapped into one of the finest sports cars turns you on, then the Porsche GT2 will surely provide immense automotive bliss. Even driving at sane speeds, the GT2 will provide a distinct aural feedback that’s absent in most sports cars.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 530-horsepower 3.6-litre DOHC Flat 6-cylinder Variable Valve Timing
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel-drive
Suspension: Independent front and rear
Brakes: 4-wheel disc with ABS, Stability Control System
Starting Price: $235,400 (Cdn)

Being on the A-list is a challenge. I’m sure Ferrari agrees, but still continues to create machinery that elicits lust from car enthusiasts everywhere. Recent hits include the 360 Modena, F430, Enzo and now, the 599GTB Fiorano. These cars are at the top of the must-have list for anyone with motor oil in their veins. Besides the sensational performance, the sinuous body exudes speed and functionality. In admiration of the 599GTB, the exterior lines are drawn with several captivating sections that either assist in the cooling of the radiators or brakes. Beneath the rear bumper is a Venturi panel shaped to manage airflow at high speeds, without needing a rear spoiler to interrupt the flowing bodywork. As in any design, the wheels and stance are critical, and the 599GTB does not disappoint with its wide tires.

If making a strong visual presence is required, the 599GTB is guaranteed to get you noticed. It would be a shame, though, if the car were used primarily for high-profile exposure. The main excitement comes from spending personal time in the vehicle on a deserted country road, away from traffic and anything that emits radar waves! A racetrack would be ideal, as this is where its addictive 620 horsepower can be unleashed without fear of spending time behind bars! Yes, the astonishing amount of horsepower is available in a 6-litre V-12 engine mounted at the front. Unlike the media-obsessed-over, mid-engine Ferrari F430 and Enzo, the 599GTB is a front-engine, rear-drive coupe. Its 12-cylinder engine is closely related to the limited production Enzo and FXX. Armed with state-of-the-art go fast bits and software, the exotic V-12 is able to catapult the 599GTB to 100 km per hour in less than four seconds, and destroy the quarter mile in under 12 seconds. That’s the 448-pound feet of torque talking! With enough road, the driver can pass the 320 km per hour mark. The last time I checked, an F-22 Raptor jet fighter had a lower takeoff speed.

Transferring the immense power from the 6.0-litre V-12 motor to the wheels are two transmission choices. Standard is a conventional 6-speed manual that the driver navigates through the patterned aluminum shift gate. Optional is the F1 SuperFast automated 6-speed manual. These days, the must-have option is the pricey steering wheel paddle-shift, 6-speed automated manual transmission, devoid of a clutch pedal. Going clutchless is more common now, thanks to Formula One racing technology. More and more high-performance cars offer this option, as it keeps the driver’s hands on the steering wheel while shifting up and down during battle. Another benefit, thanks to more sophisticated electronics, is quicker gearshift times. Four transmission selector modes will keep the driver amused. Sport mode keeps the driving fun, while Race mode is for Michael Schumacher only, as it takes a highly skilled pilot to fully exploit the maddening cornering speeds that this car is capable of!

For those who are fortunate enough to play in one of these, the wise selection is the Sport mode for maximum attack. Sport mode sharpens the transmission shift times for rapid response during acceleration, as well as deceleration for hard braking and cornering. This also stiffens up the shock absorbers for added control in the suspension.

Providing exceptional cornering and directional stability for the insanely high speeds that the 599GTB is capable of are sticky Pirelli P Zero Rosso super-high performance tires. In keeping with cars in this league, the rear tires are wider than the front tires for optimum road holding. Fronts are sized at 245/40ZR19 and rears are 305/35ZR20. The finely crafted cabin is a showcase of Ferrari’s Italian stitched leather. Luxury abounds with flawlessly stitched leather wrapped seats, door trim and dash panels. Glossy high-tech carbon fibre trimmings and lots of fine aluminum detailing are found throughout the racy cabin. www.ferrariworld.com

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 620-horsepower 6.0-litre DOHC 48-Valve V12 Variable Valve Timing on both intake and exhaust
Transmission: 6-speed manual with automated clutch and shifting
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel-drive
Suspension: Independent Front and Rear
Brakes: All disc with ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control

Making its big splash in the 007 Casino Royale flick was the debut of Aston Martin’s latest creation, the sleek and muscular DBS.

Like a high fashion runway model, the DBS exudes presence that gets noticed, whether it’s still or in motion. Thanks to the designer’s creativity, the styling of the Aston Martin DBS has a timeless look to it. Flowing, sculptured lines and muscular curves are defined and well integrated, lending a classic, elegant, yet racy look to the new Aston DBS. Being involved in racing has benefited Aston Martin in many ways, especially in the use of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber for the use of body panels. There’s also use of exotic materials like carbon ceramic discs for the brakes that perform extremely well in high combat mode. Super sticky 20-inch Pirelli P Zero tires also add to the equation. Further use of aluminum alloys in many components contributes to a reduced weight.

When you swing the door open, expect high-tech, sophisticated luxury. Unlike past Astons, the DBS eschews traditional wood inlays and living room style furniture in favor of a racy athletic environment.

Beneath the long hood resides the hand-assembled 12 cylinder power plant, putting out 510 horsepower and 420 pound feet of torque. Purists will love the conventional six-speed manual gearbox for maximum driver involvement, unlike computer software-controlled transmissions that are popular these days. Aston claims that the DBS is able to launch from standstill to 100 kilometres an hour somewhere in the neighborhood of four seconds! That’s close enough to play with other party animals like the Ferrari 599 GTB.

Combining classy style and high performance, the Aston Martin DBS Coupe tops the list in the desire factor. www.astonmartin.com

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 510-horsepower 6.0-litre DOHC 48-Valve V12
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel-drive
Suspension: Independent Front & Rear
Brakes: All ceramic discs with ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control
MSRP Price: C$290,000

Looking at the exterior, there is now a uniform styling connection with the rest of the Land Rover lineup. The look is more upscale with styling elements seen on the Land Rover family of vehicles. Anyone looking at the new LR2 will compliment its taut handsome lines, which appear more muscular than in the past when it was known as the Freelander. A styling feature that is starting to appear on a number of new vehicles is the front fender vent placed ahead of the front doors. This adds some surface excitement to the LR2. As with all new SUVs these days, large 18-inch wheels complete the styling package, giving the LR2 a wide stance.

Land Rover vehicles have an undisputed reputation for being capable of navigating extremely challenging terrain. If your daily commute takes you through mud infested rainforests or deserts or even a winter storm, then the LR2 comes equipped with a few tricks up its sleeve. A feature called Terrain Response System allows the driver to drive through whatever road or trail conditions the vehicle encounters. Four selectable modes allow adjustment for level of traction and stability. Combined with the capable permanent all-wheel-drive system, the LR2 should satisfy most drivers’ needs. Looking at the crumbling road infrastructure surrounding our cities, it is no wonder SUVs have become the preferred choice!

Under the hood lies an inline six-cylinder engine putting out a stout 230 horsepower and 234 pound feet of torque. It’s a good thing that the LR2 comes equipped with a powerful motor as it tips the scales at a hefty 4,200 pounds. Getting the power to the wheels is a six-speed automatic transmission that helps to maximize acceleration and fuel economy. A choice of Sport and Manual shift modes can be selected for spirited driving.

Those expecting the cabin to offer the opulence that one sees inside the Range Rover may be disappointed as the LR2 has more of a functional feel to it. Ahead of the driver is a low placed dash with plenty of buttons occupying the centre console. These buttons operate the stereo and climate controls. Placed ahead of the gear lever is the control knob for the selectable Terrain Response System. A nice touch is the thick rimmed steering wheel offering good grip. The leather wrapped wheel includes control switches on the hub for audio and cruise control functions.

When it comes to utilizing the rear cabin for hauling things, the rear seats fold down flat for maximizing space. The seat bottom cushions do need to be folded forward.

On the safety side, the LR2 is equipped with side curtain airbags and a stability control system, which are starting to appear as standard items on most new vehicles.

When looking at the LR2, a few areas do stand out, such as the chic styling, brand image, compact size, capable all-wheel-drive system and cargo carrying utility. Pricing is another matter as the base price can easily swell up to a shocking number if you get carried away with the available options.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 230-horsepower 3.2-litre DOHC Inline 6-cylinder Variable Valve Timing
Transmission: 6-speed Automatic
Drivetrain: Full-Time four-wheel-drive with Traction Control
Suspension: Independent Front & Rear Independent
Brakes: 4-wheel disc with ABS, Stability Control System
Price: CAN$44,900 or US$34,700