2014 Audi S5 3.0T quattro Premium Plus AWD 2dr Convertible
The performance-oriented four-seat Audi S5, which is based on the A5, is aimed at German rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Both the S5 coupe and S5 Cabriolet (convertible) are powered by a 333-horsepower, supercharged V-6 engine.
The A5 and RS 5, a high-powered V-8 version, are covered in separate reports in the Cars.com Research section.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo PZEV 2dr Convertible 6A w/Sound
Volkswagen redesigned its Beetle hatchback for the 2012 model year. Sporting more retro cues than its predecessor, the Beetle can have either of two gas engines or a diesel, the latter of which gets up to an estimated 41 mpg on the highway. Competitors include retro hatchbacks like the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500.
Check coolant level at reservoir. Never open a hot radiator cap. If low, add 50/50 mix of approved antifreeze and distilled water. Change coolant annually on most vehicles.
The 650i is the only 6 Series trim available for 2012; the convertible is hitting the market ahead of the hardtop coupe. The rear wheels are powered by a 400-horsepower, twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine. It comes with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission at no additional charge … sort of. The manual gets 15/22 mpg, and with that comes a $1,000 gas-guzzler tax.
My test 650i came with the eight-speed automatic, good for 16/24 mpg city/highway. Performance fans won’t mind the eight-speed: It shifts quickly and smoothly, and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles allow for manual shifting.
2007 BMW Z4
The Z4 is BMW’s most affordable convertible and easily rates as one of the best handling roadsters in any price category. Distinctive styling is augmented by a driver-oriented cockpit that is surprisingly roomy for taller folks, a rarity in this class. And when it comes to acceleration, handling and braking, the Z4 certainly holds its own against rivals from Porsche, Nissan and even Pontiac.
E350 Sport Sedan in Cardinal Red with standard LED headlamps
With its new grille-mounted Star, the sport sedan asserts its Mercedes-Benz performance pedigree.
The 2014 Acura RLX is a new car — though it’s arguably a new name for a completely redesigned existing model, the RL. As before, the RLX rides the line between midsize and full-size sedans, with generous interior volume in what’s roughly a midsize wrapper. As such, even though Acura also sells the midsize TL, the RLX competes with the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS and Lincoln MKZ.
The RLX’s most unique features are its active steering and optional hybrid-based all-wheel drive.
The A5 coupe and Cabriolet are aimed straight at their fellow two-door heartthrobs: the BMW 3 Series coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. Like its Deutschland competitors, the A5 seats four. Audi offers a performance version of the A5, the S5, that is covered separately in the Research section.
2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan
Mercedes’ flagship S-Class full-size sedan seats up to five in two luxurious rows. Buyers can choose the S550, which is offered with rear- or all-wheel drive, or the all-wheel-drive S63 AMG that’s powered by a 577-horsepower V-8 engine. The S-Class shares luxury-sedan real estate with competitors like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Bentley Flying Spur.
The all-wheel-drive Porsche Cayenne was redesigned last year. Along with new exterior and interior styling, the Cayenne came with a sliding backseat, increased power and better mileage in all versions. A Cayenne S Hybrid is claimed to deliver the acceleration of a V-8 with the mileage of a V-6. Gas-only models include the base Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. The five-seat Cayenne competes with the Infiniti FX, BMW X5 and Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
Affordable Motors of Brooklyn 