MotorMouths

The Bentley Continental GT V8 presents a slight contradiction. It’s more blatantly aggressive than the familiar W12, yet it’s based on a foundation of less conspicuous consumption. By price point, the Continental GT probably pegs the top end for daily drivers.

We guarantee that the 2011 Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible won’t be the fastest big-dollar convertible you can buy. On the other hand, it’s no slouch on a hard court, and it may be the sexiest.

The Cadillac CTS-V Series coupe is a fabulous combination of sporting entertainment and coddling everyday transport.

The 2012 Mustang line delivers more features and more refinement than any so-called pony car line-up before, not to mention a whole lot of performance per dollar.

The Jaguar XF rises toward the top of the class with distinctive good looks, first-rate interior finish, excellent driving capability and a charm some competitors lack. All in all, the XF is one of the most appealing choices in a segment loaded with great cars.

The Avalon might be Toyota’s best sedan. We think it’s as good as more expensive Lexus models. It’s big and comfortale and quiet. It can accelerate in lively fashion, given its modest engine size, and it returns good fuel economy, given its space and luxurious demeanor.

The ZL1 is the horsepower king of the pony cars. In some respects it’s a bargain, and when you consider its civility, quite an achievement. It’s remarkable for its mix of everyday civility and track capability.

The Santa Fe Sport is attractively priced, with a substantial feature-for-feature retail price edge on key competitors, and it will go toe-to-toe with best that Ford, Honda, Toyota or Volkswagen have to offer, regardless of price.

The ATS is fundamentally solid and inherently balanced. Its three engine options start near the tip in terms of output and technology. The car offers rear- or all-wheel drive out of the box, and its power-to-weight ratios are best in class.

The Santa Fe Sport is an excellently sorted automotive appliance: functional, economical to operate, smooth, quiet and practical. It’s almost never annoying and it’s engaging to drive. The Sport will go toe-to-toe with the best any mainstream manufacturer offers.

Who among the Mustang faithful wouldn’t want the fastest and arguably best Mustang ever? The 2011 GT500 is fabulously fast, ruggedly handsome and imposingly obvious.

Volvo XC70 is an excellent choice for outdoor adventurers. It offers genuine off-pavement capability and it’s very good on unpaved roads.