MotorMouths

Traditional Porschephiles may never respect the Cayenne, but the 2011 edition clearly deserves its Porsche badge. It looks more like a Porsche, feels more like a Porsche, and most importantly, drives more like a Porsche than ever.

Horsepower and load figures are hotly contested, but at the end of the day, comfort, durability, and competence make the winner. And the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty has all those things in spades.

While overall Equus performance seems unremarkable, as Hyundai’s first effort, it’s still very notable. And here’s the kicker…the Equus Signature starts at $58,000. That’s about $8,000 less than an LS, and $30-grand less than the cheapest S-Class.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is impressive. No matter if you call it an electric car or a hybrid, it combines the best gas-saving, plug-in technologies yet available for an uncompromising driving experience.

For less than twenty grand, the 2011 Kia Sportage is just a great looking compact crossover deal. Even ten years ago, we couldn’t have seen this Kia coming, but we’re glad it’s here.

Some critics will cry, it’s still not a BMW. Still, Cadillac has proven that it can hold its own in the same ultra-high performance circles. Indeed, we think the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is an outstanding, no excuses, driver’s car that can stand up to all comers.

The 2011 Nissan Juke is a fun, sporty little urban runabout with zippy performance, a shot of utility, and a face that’s all its own. For city dwellers looking to tread the midtown mayhem, it’s perfect.

The 2011 Scion tC is cast in much the same mold as the first generation was, just this time around with more power, more safety, and a hint more style.

BMW, Lexus, and other high end brands, need to please their elite clientele that also have an energy conscience. So, in that vein, the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 makes sense. But the best part of this hybrid is, it’s still an uncompromising BMW.

With class-leading towing, hauling, and power, plus better fuel economy, and a more refined ride, the new Chevy Silverado doesn’t need a toothy new grille to make a statement.

While still brazenly extravagant, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is a totally modern saloon, and one that the super affluent may actually demand to drive themselves.

Hands down the CR-Z is more entertaining than any other hybrid. Its compromises show in sluggish acceleration and good rather than great economy ratings. But, then, life is full of compromises, as was the original CR-X.