MotorMouths

The planted feel of the Mercedes C350’s chassis, the quietness of the interior and the abundance of save-your-distracted-butt technologies make good first impressions for buyers shopping for this class of vehicle.

The 2012 SLK’s driving experience was a good one. It did, however, leave us wondering about the lighter SLK250, which is down by more than 100 pounds and weight distribution should be closer to 50/50.

Because they deliver on practicality, minivans survived the age of the SUV and seem to be holding their own against the onslaught of crossovers. Designed purposefully for families, the 2011 Quest is absolutely competitive with the segment’s other new entries.

The 2011 Nissan Quest’s design will likely appeal to some, and it will serve the role of people carrier perfectly well. But if hauling cargo is the main mission, other vans perform that task better.

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.

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.

Not that many years ago, trucks with the capability to tow eight tons were not comfortable every day drivers. The 2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 HDs are. Taxpayers should hope that truck buyers give the new Dodges a look. The payoff could be substantial.

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 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX could be an easy, practical performance car to live with. In most people’s real lives – as opposed to their fantasies – 265 horsepower is plenty, making the WRX STI’s extra 40 hp seem superfluous.