MotorMouths

The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport defines “amazing” in the automotive world. Yes, it costs a fortune, but in these days of the diminishing mean regarding automotive quality and speed, it takes cubic dollars to deliver performance that is truly outstanding.

The rich view their automobiles as a necessary accoutrement to their elevated lifestyles. The 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost lives up to those lofty requirements by simultaneously being a rolling work of art and a status symbol beyond reproach.

The Dodge Charger SRT8 is happily more raucous. It has the power and moves to embarrass performance cars costing tens of thousands more, making everyone in Detroit proud.

Unlike many cars that go flaccid and floppy when pushed hard, the Audi S4 took what might have been construed as abuse and played along. It’s an attack directed at the BMW 335ix, and buyers will decide who offers the more attractive product.

Outside and in, the 2011 Cayenne is so much better than the outgoing model that Porsche could have stopped with a new exterior and a duly revised interior. But they didn’t. It’s the best excuse yet for buying a hybrid.

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid S starts at approximately $68,000. This is a few thousand more than the V-8 Cayenne S, but that’s a small price to pay for peacefully living if greenies dominate your neighborhood.

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 epitomizes an innovative product that nobody knew they wanted—a Jeep allergic to rocks and gravel. Everything is functional, and the smooth ride lends the GC SRT8 every-day potential.

The Performance Pack equipped GT500 Cobra steered more sharply, responded faster to inputs, and communicated more about the track surface to the driver. All of these benefits are critical when hurtling 125 mph toward a corner where a screw up would send the car to the junkyard and you to the hospital.

The 2011 CTS-V Wagon is simply the Coupe with better visibility and room for water skis, snowboards, mountain bikes and more (thanks to the roof rack). Could performance come in a more practical package? (Subaru WRX hatchback drivers… you understand.)

The 2012 A6 has a check in every box, finally bringing life to the segment for Audi. Its shape is now in line with Audi’s corporate vision, as are its myriad features and a pair of efficient and modern engines.

While the 911 Speedster is rare, fast and expensive, it’s not the rarest, fastest or most expensive 911. This begs the question, “Is this car significant?” The reality is, it’s not. It’s just another pseudo-special 911 variant that Porsche is using to help boost revenue.

The A6’s new style brings the midsize sedan in line with Audi’s evolving corporate design language. With a contemporary style, futuristic technology and eager performance, the A6 is a solid competitor to Audi’s traditional German rivals.