2011-2012 New Cars: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide, Part 4
Maserati to Porsche
What a difference a year makes. After dark times nearly ground the auto industry to a halt, production lines are back up to speed, sending bright, shiny -- and most importantly -- quality vehicles into showrooms. From electric to electrifying, we break it all down in a concise, model-by-model review that begins on the next page. To make things easier, we've broken it down into five parts separated by automaker:
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You're reading part four, which covers automakers from Maserati to Porsche.
PART ONE covers automakers from Acura to Cadillac.
PART TWO covers automakers from Chevrolet to Honda.
PART THREE covers automakers from Hyundai to Lotus.
PART FIVE covers automakers from Rolls-Royce to Volvo.
STAR RATINGS:
Maserati GranTurismo/Cabrio
BASE PRICE RANGE:$120,000-$137,000 (est)
BODY TYPE:Coupe, conv
WHAT'S NEW:Matte paint is available in one of three existing Maserati colors. All coupes now have darker headlight surrounds; the feature is optional on convertibles. S models get an aerodynamic extension in the front fascia. Minor trim changes in the interior, two new leather colors are available, and a wood steering wheel is offered.
COOL FACT:Look to the MC Sport Line for upgrades on everything from a Maserati Trident Livery on the roof to carbon-finish exhaust pipes.
SUM UP:Charming, stylish, powerful.
READ MORE:
First Drive: 2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible
Maserati Quattroporte
BASE PRICE RANGE:$121,000-$135,000 (est)
BODY TYPE:Sedan
WHAT'S NEW:For 2011, the mid-level Quattroporte S receives standard all the exterior enhancements on the high-end Sport GTS model including red-painted brake calipers, black headlight surrounds, 20-inch Multi-Trident silver wheels, and more. Two new packages grouping popular options available for base and S models and all Quattroportes now have the same multimedia head unit as GranTurismo with a 6.5-inch display.
BEST BUY:Quattroporte S for the Sport GTS exterior upgrades.
SUM UP:The four door Ferrari. ****
Mazda2
BASE PRICE RANGE:$14,730-$16,185
BODY TYPE:Hatch
WHAT'S NEW:Since it is the model's first year in Mazda's U.S. lineup, everything is essentially new. The Mazda2 Sport is the entry-level model while the Touring trim throws in a few more standard accessories like chrome exhaust tips, foglights, 15-in. alloy wheels, and a trip computer.
BEST BUY:Mazda2 Touring model. Upgraded touch-points like leather-wrapped steering wheel are worth the modest price bump.
SUM UP:Zoom-zoom in its smallest form. ***
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Mazda3/Mazdaspeed3
BASE PRICE RANGE:$16,200-$24,090
BODY TYPE:Sedan, hatch
WHAT'S NEW:Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control are now standard on every Mazda3. Power door locks now come with the i SV and i Sport models and Grand Touring models get a 265-watt Bose 10-speaker sound system standard. Other new standard GT trim includes a moonroof and an in-dash 6-disc CD player.
COOL FACT:The Mazdaspeed3's 18-inch wheels are modeled after the RX-8 R3's 19-inch forged wheels.
SUM UP:Fun, efficient, and priced right. *** 1/2
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Mazda6
BASE PRICE RANGE:$19,500-$29,500 (est)
BODY TYPE:Sedan
WHAT'S NEW:The Mazda6 is refreshed for the 2011 model year. Headlights, fog lights, and wheels are redesigned while folding mirrors with integrated turn signals are new for high-end models. Cloth seat materials have changed and there's a new steering wheel design. Those who opt for a navigation system will now also get a rearview camera and a 7-inch touchscreen. Fuel economy is improved across the lineup.
BEST BUY:Loaded V-6 models could be treated as an alternative to sporty entry-level premium sedans.
SUM UP:Sporty, fun, and full of features. ***
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MazdaMX-5 Miata
BASE PRICE RANGE:$23,710-$30,250
BODY TYPE:Convertible
WHAT'S NEW:The MX-5 loses the Havana Brown interior, marble white exterior, and the Sport model with power-retractable hardtop. Hardtop Touring and Grand Touring editions receive chrome door handles and headlamp bezels. Also new for PRHT models are top control buttons set above the stereo.
COOL FACT:The power-retractable-hardtop model has almost exactly the same cargo volume as the softtop model.
SUM UP:Incredible performance bang for buck. *****
Mazda RX-8
BASE PRICE RANGE:$27,400-$33,600 (est)
BODY TYPE:Coupe
WHAT'S NEW:Well-placed sources in Japan suggest 2011 will be the RX-8's last year before production ceases in Hiroshima. European customers will not get the model after 2011 due to stricter global emission standards and slow sales.
COOL FACT:The free-revving, corner-carving RX-8 placed higher than a Porsche 911 Turbo and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR in our 2008 Best Handling Car competition.
SUM UP:The last of its kind. ***
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class
BASE PRICE RANGE:$34,865-$61,175
BODY TYPE:Sedan
WHAT'S NEW:mbrace, the next generation of M-B's telematics system with emergency assistance, current weather and traffic information, and a Concierge function. Sport models now get standard LED daytime running lights. Those models without bi-Xenon headlights get black headlight inlays. The C-Class receives a new headlight control switch, and the ESP button has been relocated.
LOOK FOR:Powertrains of V-6-powered C-Classes to be updated soon.
SUM UP:Getting closer to BMW 3 Series. ***
Mercedes-BenzCL-Class
BASE PRICE RANGE:$114,000-$210,000 (est)
BODY TYPE:Coupe
WHAT'S NEW:Restyled body and cabin and new mbrace telematics. The CL550's 5.5L V-8 has been replaced by a 4.6L, 429-hp direct-injection V-8 with 47 more horses and a whopping 185 lb-ft more torque. The CL63 gets a new twin-turbo 5.5L D.I. V-8 with stop/start technology, plus AMG's 7-sp multiclutch trans.
BEST BUY:If you can afford a luxury coupe this expensive, enjoy any of them.
SUM UP:Buttoned-down high performance. ****
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First Look: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
First Look: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
BASE PRICE RANGE:$76,175-$102,525
BODY TYPE:Sedan
WHAT'S NEW:For 2011 the CLS-Class stays essentially the same as it was in 2010. It had received new engines in 2007, then got a mild interior and exterior refresh in 2009. The only major change for 2011—the CLS550 now comes standard with features that were once optional: sport styling, 18-inch AMG wheels, performance summer tires, and paddle shifters.
COOL FACT:Cargo volume is the same with the four-passenger CLS sedan as it is with the larger, five-passenger E-Class sedan.
SUM UP:Like gorgeous shoes that pinch your toes. ***
READ MORE:
First Look: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
BASE PRICE RANGE:$50,275-$90,175
BODY TYPE:Sedan, wgn
WHAT'S NEW:The wagon, which comes as an AWD V-6 only, with a rear-facing third row and a rear air suspension. The headlight control switch has been restyled on the sedan and the ESP controls have moved. Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist with automatic brake intervention are newly available features.
BEST BUY:Until Mercedes-Benz updates the base 268-hp V-6 model, go straight for the E550 and its nearly 400 hp.
SUM UP:Odd styling, great car underneath. ****
READ MORE:
Comparison: 2011 BMW 535i vs 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet
BASE PRICE RANGE:$49,725-$65,675
BODY TYPE:Coupe, conv
WHAT'S NEW:The softtop convertible, which seats four, comes with the same engines as the sedan—3.5L V-6 and 5.5L V-8—and 7A. It's designed to keep passengers warm and noise levels down in open-air driving, even when it's cold out.
COOL FACT:Aircap allows all four passengers of the convertible to appreciate a draft-free driving experience.
SUM UP:A comfortable luxury cruiser. ** 1/2
READ MORE:
Second Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
BASE PRICE RANGE:$89,000-$204,700 (est)
BODY TYPE:Sedan
WHAT'S NEW:Last year's S63 AMG had a 6.2L 518-hp V-8; for 2011, it has been replaced by a 536-hp 5.5L twin-turbo V-8 with direct injection and start/stop technology. The other new engine is Mercedes' 241-hp, 429-lb-ft 3.0L turbodiesel that comes standard with all-wheel drive. S600 gets larger 19-inch wheels, and the S65 AMG's horsepower increases by 17 hp.
COOL FACT:The S-Class sedan can now be had with six different powertrains, including a diesel and a hybrid V-6 plus V-8s and V-12s.
SUM UP:Tech savvy and sumptuous. ****
READ MORE:
First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
BASE PRICE RANGE:$104,775-$202,225
BODY TYPE:Convertible
WHAT'S NEW:There is a new limited edition for 2011—the SL550 Night Edition, of which 100 will be produced. It comes with matte black paint, premium black leather, 19-inch AMG wheels, and silver painted brake calipers. All models get tire-pressure monitoring, HD Radio, and Sirius Traffic. Quartz Blue is a new paint color.
COOL FACT:Other markets get SLs powered by a 231-hp 3.0L V-6 and a 315-hp 3.5L V-6.
SUM UP:Lightning-quick status symbol. ****
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
BASE PRICE RANGE:$48,525-$54,175
BODY TYPE:Convertible
WHAT'S NEW:As of this writing, there is no mention of an AMG version of the SLK for 2011. That leaves two V-6 models, the 300 and 350, and the manual is only offered with the smaller engine. The SLK350 receives new 18-inch split five-spoke wheels. Both models get sport body styling and black inlays in the headlights for no charge.
BEST BUY:The SLK350 is thousands less expensive than the E350 Cabriolet yet one second faster from 0-60 mph.
SUM UP:Only Mercedes drop-top under $50K. ***
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
BASE PRICE:$187,450
BODY TYPE:Coupe
WHAT'S NEW:The newest supercar from Mercedes is all-new. Unlike the McLaren that it replaces, this car is solely designed and engineered by Mercedes. Even the 6.2L V-8, which was sourced from the SL63 AMG, had so many significant changes—more than 120 redesigned parts—that it has a new internal designation. Top speed is said to be 197 mph.
COOL FACT:The SLS AMG started life as the next-generation Dodge Viper.
SUM UP:What the SLR should have been. *****
READ MORE:
Comparison: 2010 Audi R8 vs 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG vs 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo
Mercury Grand Marquis
BASE PRICE:$30,810
BODY TYPE:Sedan
WHAT'S NEW:The Grand Marquis enters its final year without any changes—its sheetmetal has not changed for years. The interior has not been updated in ages, but it is one of the few cars on the market offered with a front bench seat, and it has a cavernous 20.6-cu-ft trunk.
COOL FACT:An optional sound system on the Grand Marquis includes a cassette player.
SUM UP:Well past its expiration date. *
Mercury Milan
BASE PRICE RANGE:$22,750-$29,370
BODY TYPE:Sedan
WHAT'S NEW:Though not a complete ground-up redesign, the Milan was heavily updated in 2010 and features a new interior, new sheetmetal, and a new four-cylinder engine. Its 3.0L V-6 carries over, but the engine has been revised to make more power. The Milan Hybrid is Mercury's second such model and is also its most fuel-efficient.
BEST BUY:The mechanically identical Ford Fusion if you're worried about plunging resale values.
SUM UP:First-rate second banana. ***
Mini Cooper/Clubman
BASE PRICE RANGE:$19,700-$34,800 (est)
BODY TYPE:Hatch, conv
WHAT'S NEW:Minor cosmetic upgrades and engine tweaks are the big changes for the 2011 model year. The base engine will likely make 122 hp (up from 118 hp) thanks in part to variable valve timing while the Cooper and Clubman S models get power upped to 184 hp from 172 hp. Expect a slight improvement in fuel economy, as well.
AVOID:The Clubman and its bisected rear windshield unless you really need the extra space.
SUM UP:Mini drivers smile for a reason. ****
MitsubishiEclipse
BASE PRICE RANGE:$19,744-$33,573
BODY TYPE:Coupe, conv
WHAT'S NEW:The big news -- really -- for the Eclipse was the addition of a large rear spoiler on the GT model, which also receives Xenon headlamps. A new GS Sport model offers the style of the GT but with I-4 power. All Eclipses wear revised front and rear fascias, and the GS Spyder now boasts a dual exhaust system.
BEST BUY:With Mitsubishi's 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, you can make a decent case for any Eclipse if you get a good deal.
SUM UP:More engaging to view than drive. **
Mitsubishi Galant
BASE PRICE RANGE:$22,359-$24,759
BODY TYPE:Sedan
WHAT'S NEW:A new silver-painted mesh grille adds some pizzazz to the Galant's nose. Topline SE receives standard 18-inch alloy wheels, a color-keyed rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust finisher. SE's nav/backup camera package features Mitsu's multi-communication system with a seven-inch touch-screen LCD, DVD-based nav with lane guidance, and a backup camera.
BEST BUY:Galant SE features more for less money than you'd find in other midsize sedans.
SUM UP:Old player in progressive league. * 1/2
MitsubishiLancer/Evolution
BASE PRICE RANGE:$15,700-$41,700 (est)
BODY TYPE:Sedan, hatch
WHAT'S NEW:Electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) are now standard on all Lancer models as well as revised taillamps with black extensions, an eight-inch pole antenna, and new side airdams.
DRIVER'S CHOICE:For those who don't want to spend $40,000 on a Lancer Evo, the GSR fits the bill with the 291-hp engine, a 5M transmission, and Mitsubishi's AWD.
SUM UP:A small car for any enthusiast. *** 1/2
Nissan 370Z
BASE PRICE RANGE:$31,200-$44,500 (est)
BODY TYPE:Hatch, conv
WHAT'S NEW:40th Anniversary Edition, which commemorates four decades of the Z in the U.S. Painted in unique 40th Graphite Gray and trimmed with a special red-leather interior, the 40th Anniversary Z boasts smoke-finished 19-inch RAYS forged wheels, Nissan sport brakes with red calipers, and a viscous limited-slip differential.
COOL FACT:The first Datsun 240Z arrived in North America on October 22, 1969, with a base price of $3626.
SUM UP:Fun and fast but has rough edges. ***
READ MORE:
Arrival: 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
Nissan Altima
BASE PRICE RANGE:$20,700-$28,500 (est)
BODY TYPE:Sedan, coupe
WHAT'S NEW:Three new colors for the sedan, two for the coupe. For 2010, the Altima received a new hood with a power bulge, a restyled grille and front bumper, and fresh wheel designs. The coupe adds projector beam headlights. VDC is standard across the board. Inside, updated gauges, a 4.3-inch color audio display, and a USB port with iPod connectivity all standard.
DRIVER'S CHOICE:Make your morning commute more exciting with the power of the Altima 3.5 SR's 270-hp, 3.5L V-6.
SUM UP:Mainstream player with a dose of sport. ****
READ MORE:
First Drive: 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
NissanCube
BASE PRICE RANGE:$14,900-$21,200 (est)
BODY TYPE:Wagon
WHAT'S NEW:Revised content, a new exterior hue, and improved emissions certification. The 1.8 SL with the Preferred Package and the 1.8 S Krom Edition get an enhanced SD card-based nav system with real-time traffic updates. Golden Ginger replaces Moss Green on the paint list. And in California, the Cube is certified as LEV2-SULEV.
BEST BUY:The 1.8 SL to match the Cube's asymmetrical style to the funky four-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels.
SUM UP:A studio apartment on wheels.
Nissan GT-R
BASE PRICE:$85,060
BODY TYPE:Coupe
WHAT'S NEW:Premium is the only model for 2011. New rear cooling ducts enhance cooling around the rear floor. Additional changes include a suspension re-tuned for a better ride, double clear-coat on the fascias, and standard auto on/off headlamps, speed-sensitive wipers, USB iPod interface, Bluetooth audio, and XM NavTraffic and NavWeather capability.
COOL FACT:Each GT-R engine is hand-built by one person in a room with strict temperature and dust contamination controls.
SUM UP:One of the finest supercars. *****
READ MORE:
Comparison: 2012 Lexus LFA vs 2010 Nissan GT-R
Nissan Maxima
BASE PRICE RANGE:$31,560-$34,280
BODY TYPE:Sedan
WHAT'S NEW:Revisions for the 2011-model-year focus on the Maxima SV with the sport package, which now wears smoked headlamps (in place of clear lenses), a dark chrome grille, special gray interior stitching, and new metallic interior trim. Maxima's color palette gets three new hues—Metallic Slate, Brilliant Silver, and Pearl White.
DRIVER'S CHOICE:Definitely the 3.5 SV with the sport package, but for nearly 37 Gs, wouldn't you rather have an Infiniti G37?
SUM UP:Four-door sports car? Almost. ** 1/2
Nissan Sentra/SE-R
BASE PRICE RANGE:$16,270-$20,830
BODY TYPE:Sedan
WHAT'S NEW:The list of new packages includes the SL Value Package, SL Audio Package, and Visual Audio Package, which is available on the 2.0 S and 2.0 SR. Navigation is now standard in the SE-R Upgrade Package, while ABS and stability and traction control are standard on the 2.0.
COOL FACT:The Sentra can be equipped with the RearView Monitor, which shows what a trunk-mounted camera is seeing in the optional navigation system's screen.
SUM UP:Affordable, but competitively under par. **
Nissan Versa
BASE PRICE RANGE:$10,740-$17,650
BODY TYPE:Sedan, hatch
WHAT'S NEW:The 2011 Versa gets a light helping of new kit, notably a standard six-disc CD audio system for the 1.8 S sedan and anti-lock brakes on all models sans the entry-level 1.6 Base. That said, the 2010 model year saw the Versa receive myriad refinements, including a new grille, fresh wheels, and availability of stability and traction control and navigation.
COOL FACT:There's enough space inside the Versa that the government considers it a midsize car.
SUM UP:Capacious and versatile, but boring. **
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Porsche 911
BASE PRICE RANGE:$78,750-$171,150 (est)
BODY TYPE:Coupe, conv
WHAT'S NEW:Buyers who put a premium on handling performance will be thrilled to hear that Porsche resurrected its GT3 and track-tuned GT3 RS models for the 2010 model year. The 435-hp GT3 represents the ultimate in street-ready Porsche handling talent. Also, Porsche treated the Turbo to a power bump -- it now gallops with 500 twin-pressurized ponies.
COOL FACT:Porsche now makes more than 12 variations of the 911.
SUM UP:A modern legend. *****
READ MORE:
First Drive: 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Porsche Boxster
BASE PRICE RANGE:$48,600-$62,150 (est)
BODY TYPE:Convertible
WHAT'S NEW:Okay, there were new steering wheels for 2010, but the big news is the arrival of the 2011 Boxster Spyder. Featuring 10 hp more than the Boxster S (for a total of 320 hp), a significant weight reduction, and a bodyshell optimized for driving topless, the Spyder truly is a worthy successor to the legendary 550.
COOL FACT:To save weight on the Boxster Spyder, door handles are replaced with cloth loops.
SUM UP:Why twisty roads were built. *****
READ MORE:
Comparison: 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport vs 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder
Porsche Cayman
BASE PRICE RANGE:$52,500-$62,500 (est)
BODY TYPE:Coupe
WHAT'S NEW:For the 2010 model year, Porsche limited the changes to a new steering-wheel design. Clearly, it's hard to mess with near-perfection. Yet in the quest for that absolute, Porsche will be treating the Cayman to a thorough revision for the 2011 model year. So stay tuned. Or keep your eyes out for great deals on the 2010 car.
BEST BUY:The regular Cayman, unless you think getting from 0 to 60 mph 0.6 sec faster is worth a $10,000 premium.
SUM UP:Is 911 worth extra money? *****
Porsche Panamera
BASE PRICE RANGE:$75,350-$133,550
BODY TYPE:Sedan
WHAT'S NEW:The 300-hp V-6 takes its place at the bottom of the Panamera lineup. Base and S models are rear drive, while the 4S and the Turbo are AWD. The stop/start feature will be standard on all 2011 models as will regenerative braking on Turbo models. S, 4S, and Turbo models will offer Porsche's Torque Vectoring Plus system for sharper handling.
COOL FACT:The four-passenger Panamera is already outselling the 911, Cayman, and Boxster in the U.S.
SUM UP:Cheaper than Rapide but not as sexy. ****
READ MORE:
First Drive: 2011 Porsche Panamera V-6