MotorMouths

When Audi decided last year to offer a 525-hp, 5.2-liter V10 in the R8, the two-seater graduated to supercar status. Being able to drop the top is now icing on the performance car’s cake.

The XKR-S represents the pinnacle for the brand. Jaguar’s goal of building a gentleman’s race car that you could drive to the racetrack, have some fun in, then go out and have a casual drive around town, has been successful.

The 2013 Dodge Dart takes a back seat to no one in the segment. The Dart has more interior room than the leading competition, and with all of the engines, transmissions, exterior colors and interior options, you can outfit the car to your specific liking.

Audi prides itself on its engineering prowess and forward thinking. As flagships go, the new A8, from its elegant good looks to its sporty drive and bevy of electronic goodies, waves the Audi banner like none before.

If someone is looking for an open-top ride and can afford the entry price, the Boxster Spyder is a no-brainer. The car looks good, drives even better . . . and who needs a roof anyway? With the extra horsepower, just outrun the rainstorms.

If your pocket is deep enough and you want a true sports sedan, you can’t really go wrong with this latest edition of the BMW 550i. It combines good looks and outstanding performance.

If you don’t want to drive a traditional four-door sedan but want space for four adults and a ton of luggage space wrapped in an edgy design with all the latest doodads, the new CLS is the perfect car for you.

The Touareg TDI’s luxury and economy come at a hefty price. But for us, the thrust from the diesel and the extended range are more than worth the price of admission.

Like similar wagons from Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, Acura’s TSX Sport Wagon is a terrific alternative to a sport-ute. With cargo-hauling capacities similar to those of a compact SUV you get a fun-to-drive car with good fuel economy.

Driving a Viper at speed remains a heart-stopping adrenaline rush, unlike just about anything you can drive. Sadly, this is the last year for the Viper. Only 50 of the final edition models were built, and only 18 roadsters. A very limited, limited edition.