MotorMouths

The 2009 Porsche 911 4S sprints from the light. Raw power. No hesitation or stumbling, just blistering quick yet exceptionally sure-footed movement.

The Jaguar XF’s engine seals the deal. It flies –– literally. The excitement of a power takeoff sucks the air out of your lungs. It’s like being strapped to a rocket. You leap forward and head for the horizon until it’s time to tap the brake pedal.

The 2010 Porsche Panamera’s ride ranges from silky smooth to sporty stiff depending on whether you’re cruising the interstate or at the track. Handling is pinpoint precise.

The ZR1’s 638 horsepower are the most ever squeezed into a Chevy. In an age when mileage is sacred and speed is a sin, this Corvette is an absolute blast.

Despite great looks, performance and mileage, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has shortcomings. Fun is not one of them, unless sentenced to the back seat, where there’s no room for feet, legs or knees.

The 2010 model year brings Gen V. Almost an inch taller and longer and half an inch wider, Gen V also sports bolder sheet metal that at first glance makes it look like Toyota’s Land Barge, er, Cruiser.

The “A” in A5 doesn’t stand for adorable, though it could. It’s a neat-looking, low-slung, wide-body, soft-top convertible, which powers down at the push of a console button.

The Chevrolet Equinox is nimble and agile, with stability and traction control keeping you on the straight and narrow. The cabin is quiet, helping it act more luxury than economy.

Combined with AWD, the 2010 Lexus RX350 is nearly bulletproof in keeping the wheels down. Just in case, anti-lock brakes and side-curtain air bags with rollover sensors are standard too.

Lexus LX570 takes a family anywhere in style and comfort. Yet the tall SUV doesn’t move like a ballerina, especially in sharp corners or turns.

With its ability to nurse a drink, the BMW 335d can go nearly 600 miles before needing a refill, a most impressive range for those who like to travel in style, surrounded by high-tech gadgetry.

The 2009 Cooper S is a blast, especially with the top down. So much fun that BMW includes an “openometer” gauge to record the amount of minutes and hours spent with the wind in your hair.