György’s cars-and-babes exposé was shot at the Budapest Tuningshow, Hungary’s answer to SEMA.

It stars The Fuel Girls, by their own definition a “kick-ass, ultra-sexy, fire breathing rock and roll, dance and stunt show” from the UK. If you watch the video, you will see that the part about breathing fire is to be taken quite literally.

As you would expect from a car styling event held in the porn capital of the world, the video is somewhat heavy on skin, so please watch with care if you happen to be at a typical American office.

Machine shops and European offices are exempt from such warnings.

And if you can’t get enough, there’s always the behind-the-scenes gallery:

Photo Credit: György Szeljak

Why You Shouldn't By This Car:
As hyper-good as the IS-F is, it doesn't electrify the driver the way an Audi RS4 does. The Lexus is like sticking your fork in a 110 volt socket; the Audi, 220. The IS-F jumps through every hoop and excels at every trick, but you just don't feel as much of the car as you should. Logically, I understand paddle shifting and all the benefits contained therein, but emotionally I'm left lusting for a proper manual. You have to open the sunroof to hear the glorious engine and serious hoons hate sunroofs. And forget cracking the window, as an IS design flaw is the blast of wind noise in the ear that accompanies said action. Ugly, fake tail pipes. No one that digs factory tuners cares that you're driving a Lexus.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: Yes
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: Yes
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: Yes
Poseurs: Yes
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
· Audi RS4
· BMW M3
· Cadillac CTS-V
· Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Lexus
· Model tested: IS-F
· Model year: 2008
· Base Price( est): $59,995
· Price as Tested: n/a
· Engine type: 5.0-liter V8
· Horsepower: 416 hp @ 6,600 rpm
· Torque: 371 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm
· Red line: 6800 rpm
· Transmission: 8-speed "direct shift" automatic
· Curb Weight: 3,774 lbs.
· Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup II
· Drive type: RWD
· 0 - 60 mph: 4.6 Seconds
· 1/4-mile: 13.0 seconds
· Top speed: 170 mph (electronically limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 17/23
· NHTSA crash test rating: N/A

[Part 1] [Part2] [Part 3]

Why You Should Buy This Car: Drop-kicking the accelerator is like hitting a crack pipe; the rush is outright mad, instantly exhilarating and altogether unhealthy. A lack of German engineering in a car this powerful is refreshing. The GT500 is as American as Marlboro Reds, 72oz steaks and adult-onset diabetes; wrapping yourself in a flag would be less patriotic. Despite all odds, the Shelby is a blast to drive really fast. The brakes will man up and save your bacon, and then do it again. Tight back seat doubles as a handy dog carrier. The commodious trunk makes it realistic for daily use. It's both fantastically butch-looking and ordinary, which makes it as stealthy as a Q-ship. The price makes it the performance steal of this decade. The hottest MILF in the Valley walked up to me and said, "Nice car." Did I mention that the acceleration is more fun than seven roller coasters?

Why You Shouldn't Buy This Car: You're not sold on last century's technology. Precision in all things is your thing, and you need a little foreplay. Underneath all the snakes, Eaton blower and bluster sits a $17,000 rental car. The ride is just pathetic and the road noise isn't far behind. Its collar is bluer than Larry the Cable Guy's routine; nothing Volvo going on over here. Despite having decent gas mileage (for what it is), the tank is only 15-gallons large; real world range is about 250-miles per fill-up. The massive bulge in the hood makes parking an F-150-ish affair. You're too old.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: Yes
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: Yes
· Golfing Grandparents: No

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Ford
· Model tested: Shelby GT500
· Model year: 2007
· Price as Tested: $43,250
· Engine type: 5.4L Supercharged V8
· Horsepower: 500 hp @ 6000 rpm
· Torque: 480 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
· Redline: 6250 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 18" Aluminum wheels w/ P255/45R18 fronts, P285/45R18 rear
· Drive type: rear-wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 4.5 seconds
· 1/4 mile: 12s
· Fuel economy city/highway: 15/21
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: NA

– Jonny Lieberman

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why You Should Buy This Car

Loverman: It comes with one of the world's all time great OEM engines. It goes way, way faster than however fast stink actually goes. The handling is ridiculously precise, the brakes are even better than the handling and to an untrained eye, the driver of said vehicle picks up dry-cleaning for S-Class-owning studio bigwigs. You'll win a lot of street races in the RS4. For the money, no car comes close — save the Z06, but you look goofy in gold chains. But most of all, you should buy the RS4 because it makes you laugh and giggle and constantly shout, "OH MY GOD!!!"

Johnson: Many Bothan spies died to bring us this engine. Audi should offer a Fleshlight option in front of the engine simply so you can commune with it properly. Because trust me, you will feel the need. The brakes are heaven-sent. Clutch and gear lever action are good at speed. But mostly, you should buy it because it runs like a stripe-assed ape.

Why You Shouldn't Buy This Car

Johnson: Because the seats suck and it pushes during attempted donuts. Those two roughly cancel each other out. This car is specifically designed for hoonage, but it pretends to be everyday-livable. It excels at neither of these, although it goes very fast and sticks like properly-cured epoxy. Yet there are other cars I'd much rather have, regardless of price. Oh, and the mileage is Valdez-horrific.

Loverman: It works for OPEC. You like the people you make sit in the back. Sherman-tank ride quality might make you bite your tongue off. The stupid yellow idiot light blinks at you the whole time you have the traction/stability control switched off. Turning said traction/stability control off raises your monthly life-insurance premiums. You enjoy having a valid driver's license. You don't think $70,000 cars should look like $30,000 cars. You don't enjoy driving.

Suitability Parameters:

Speed Merchants: Yes
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: Yes
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: Yes
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: No
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: No

Vitals:

Manufacturer: Audi
Model tested: RS4
Model year: 2007
Price as Tested: $69,585
Engine type: 4.2L DOHC Aluminum V8
Horsepower: 420 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque: 317lbs. ft. @ 3000 - 7000rpm
Redline: 8250 rpm
Wheels and Tires: 19" 7-spoke wheels w/ 255/35 Pirelli high performance tires
Drive type: AWD
0 - 60: 4.6
1/4 mile: 13.2 seconds @ 107mph
Fuel economy city/highway: 14/20mpg
Observed fuel economy city/highway: 11mpg

– Jonny Lieberman & Davey G. Johnson

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Audi RS4 — He Said Supercar, He Said 'Meh' Part 1; Part 2 [Internal]

Why you should buy this car: You like American cars — big, fast and sloppy at the limit. (If they weren't, what would Euro snobs have to brag about, soccer?) To your mind, dumping the clutch never died, it just faded away. You consider the Shaker 1000 stereo to be what the Infiniti G35's Studio on Wheels by Bose is to audiophiles. You don't mind the cops pulling you over to ask questions about your car.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: You're an Asiaphile who's aware that, for the same money, you can get a faster, better handling and possibly more fuel-efficient EVO/STI. You lament that the gearbox, interior and brakes are all not built Ford tough. You enjoy autocrossing and in-car sex.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: Yes
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: Yes
· Golfing Grandparents: No

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Ford
· Model tested: Ford Mustang GT California Special
· Model year: 2007
· Price as Tested: $29,985
· Engine type: 4.6L OHV V8
· Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5750 rpm
· Torque: 320lbs. ft. @ 4500
· Redline: 6250 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 18" Polished Aluminum wheels w/ performance tires
· Drive type: rear-wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 5.5 seconds
· 1/4 mile: 14.1seconds
· Fuel economy city/highway: 17/25
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/na/5

– Jonny Lieberman

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Ford Mustang GT California Special, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why You Should Buy This Car: You like sitting up high, but need a semblance of sport from your car. You think "drug-addled catfish" is the new design chic. You're five-and-a-half feet tall and prefer just to step sideways to get in and out. You need to lug a few cases of wine home after the Thursday-night tasting.

Why You Shouldn't Buy This Car: The Subaru WRX Sport Wagon (shut up, Davey). Or for that matter, the Legacy GT Wagon. Or maybe best of all, the Mazdaspeed3.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: Yes
· Nascar Dads: Yes
· Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
Infiniti FX
Subaru Legacy GT Wagon

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Mazda
· Model tested: Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring AWD
· Model year: 2007
· Price as Tested: $29,585
· Engine type: 2.3L 16-Valve 4-Cyl Turbo
· Horsepower: 244 hp @ 5000 rpm
· Torque: 258 ft.-lbs. @ 2500 rpm
· Redline: 6750 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 235/60 R18 tires on 10-spoke alloy wheels
· Drive type: All-wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 7.5 seconds
· 1/4 mile: 15.8 seconds
· Fuel economy city/highway: 18/24
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 5/5/na

– Jonny Lieberman

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring AWD, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why You Should Buy This Car: You are passionate about driving. You like embarrassing Solstice drivers. Power slides are your thing. You drift in your sleep. You understand that for the money, this is the best car on the road.

Why You Shouldn't Buy This Car: You absolutely need to lug around surfboards and half-stacks. I can't really think of another reason. Oh yeah — it's kind of slow.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Mazda
· Model tested: MX-5 Miata Power Retractable Hardtop (pre-production)
· Model year: 2007
· Price as Tested: (estimated) $23,995
· Engine type: 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cyl with variable valve timing
· Horsepower: 170 hp @ 6700 rpm
· Torque: 140 ft.-lbs. @ 5000 rpm
· Redline: 7000 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 205/45 R17 tires on 10-spoke alloy wheels/Michelin Pilots
· Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
· 0 - 60: n/a
· 1/4 mile: n/a
· Top speed: n/a (at least 115 mph)
· Fuel economy city/highway: n/a
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: n/a

[by Jonny Lieberman]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata Power Retractable Hardtop, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: You want a performance car that's friggin' sweet but need four doors or all-wheel-drive; you like humiliating Corvette owners.
Why you shouldn't buy this car: You're a little too mature to have a giant wing on your car, or you're not interested in insurance premiums as high as your car payment.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: Yes
· Technogeeks: Yes
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: No
Also Consider:
· Subaru Impreza WRX STI
· Audi S4
· MazdaSpeed 6
Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Mitsubishi
· Model tested: Lancer Evolution MR
· Model year: 2006
· Base Price: $35,189
· Price as Tested: $36,894
· Engine type: Turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline four
· Horsepower: 286 hp @ 6500 rpm
· Torque: 289 ft.-lbs. @ 3500 rpm
· Redline: 7000 rpm
· Transmission: 6-speed manual
· Curb Weight: 3285
· LxWxH: 178.5 x 69.7 x 57.1 in
· Wheelbase: 103.3 in
· Wheels and Tires: P235/45R17 Yokohama Advan
· Drive type: all-wheel-drive
· 0 - 60 mph: 4.9 sec.
· 1/4-mile: 13.7 sec. @ 101 mph
· Fuel economy city/highway: 18 / 24
· NHTSA crash test rating: not tested
[by Mike Austin]

Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR, Part 1, Part 2

Related:
More Jalopnik Reviews [Internal]

Why you should buy this car: Vee Dub's $25k cruise missile is the financially challenged pistonhead's Porsche. We're talking maximum bang for the buck (discounting the cramped MINI Cooper S and pricier, harder-riding Subaru WRX STi and Mitsubishi Evo). The GTI is also an ideal chariot for less adrenal enthusiasts with kids and an aversion to gas stations, who still like to fart around from time to time.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: VW's reputation for reliability disappeared about the same time luftballoon singer Nena declared "Denkst Du vielleicht grad' an mich" ("Back at base, bugs in the software"). Only time will tell if the new Golf has the ICBM-proof build the brand needs to reestablish the whole German-quality shtick.

Suitability Parameters
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: Yes
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: Yes
· Technogeeks: Yes
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals
· Manufacturer: Volkswagen
· Model tested: Golf GTI DSG
· Model year: '06
· Price as Tested: $23,880
· Engine type: 2.0-liter inline-4, fsi, intercooled turbo
· Horsepower: 200 hp @ 5100 - 6000 rpm
· Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1800 - 5000 rpm
· Redline: 6500 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 17J X 17: alloy wheels, 225/45 R17W summer performance tires
· Drive type: front-wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 6.3 seconds
· 1/4 mile: 14.8 seconds
· Top speed: 130 mph (limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 25 / 31
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: Not Rated

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews, 2006 Volkswagen Golf GTI, Part 1; Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: The A3 has the world s best gearbox, and it isn t afraid to use it.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: $40k for a hatchback?

Suitability Parameters
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: Yes
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: No

Vitals
· Manufacturer: Audi
· Model tested: A3 3.2 quattro DSG
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $37,700
· Engine type: 3.2 liter V6 DOHC
· Horsepower: 250 hp @ 6300 rpm
· Torque: 236 lbs-ft @ 2800 -3200 rpm
· Redline: 6500 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 17-inch 5-spoke cast alloy wheels with 225/45 all-season tires
· Drive type: Haldex quattro all-wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 5.9 secs.
· 1/4 mile: 14.4 secs.
· Top speed: 130 mph (limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 21 / 27
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: NYR

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Audi A3 3.2 Quattro DSG Part 1 , Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: The Cayman S is the world s safest, best handling sports car.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: The Cayman S is not quite sexy enough to win your heart and not nearly enough powerful enough to exploit its inherent capabilities. Corvette s significantly faster and identically priced (once options are factored in) Z06 and BMW s forthcoming M Roadster are worthy alternatives.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: No

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Porsche
· Model tested: Cayman S
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $69,910
· Engine type: 3.4-liter flat-6, aluminum block and heads
· Horsepower: 295hp @ 6250 rpm
· Torque: 250 ft. lbs. @ 4400 - 6000 rpm
· Redline: 7200 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport PS2; F: 235/35ZR-19 (87Y), R: 265/35ZR-19 (94Y)
· Drive type: rear-wheel-drive
· 0 - 60: 5.1 secs.
· 1/4 mile: 13.4 secs. @ 105 mph
· Top speed: 171 mph
· Fuel economy city/highway: 15/30
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: NYR

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Porsche Cayman S, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: It s faster than a BMW 330i and looks sharp enough to draw blood.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: Driving a 300-horse sports sedan without adequate chassis control or progressive brake feel is like dating a bulimic supermodel.

Suitability Parameters
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: No

Vitals
· Manufacturer: Lexus
· Model tested: IS 350
· Model year: 06
· Price as Tested: $35,440
· Engine type: 3.5-liter V6 DOHC 24 valve, VVT-i
· Horsepower: 306hp @ 6400 rpm
· Torque: 277 ft.-lbs. @ 4800 rpm
· Redline: 6600 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 17 X 8 aluminum alloys, [optional] Michelin Pilot Sport 225/40YR18 (front) 255/40YR18 (rear)
· Drive type: rear wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 5.3 secs.
· 1/4 mile: 14.2 secs.
· Top speed: 142mph
· Fuel economy city/highway: 21/28
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: NR

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Lexus IS 350, Part 1; Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: For a commodious family four-door, the Fusion s priced right, undercutting its rivals by some margin. (Depreciation is another matter.) The Fusion s also a bit of a handler, both nimble and tenacious through the twisties.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: If you want to drive a rental car, why not rent one?

Suitability Parameters:
· Manufacturer: FoMoCo
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs; No
· Working Stiffs: Yes
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals
· Model tested: Fusion SEL
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $22,360
· Engine type: 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6
· Horsepower: 221hp @ 6,250 rpm
· Torque: 205 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm
· Redline: 6550 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: P205/60TR16 on 16 x 6.5-inch steel wheels
· Drive type: front wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 7.5 secs
· 1/4 mile: 16.2 secs.
· Top speed: better you than me
· Fuel economy city/highway: 21/29
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/TBR/4

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Ford Fusion, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: Because you collect Star Wars memorabilia. Either that or you appreciate all the traditional Civic virtues — practicality, frugality, reliability, comfort, value, invisibility, etc. — and want something relatively slow that handles like a go-kart.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: The view from the driver s seat is on the disco side of disconcerting: an acre of plastic between dash and glass, a videogame console in place of a traditional display and not even a glimpse of the Civic s snout. What s that all about?

Suitability Parameters
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: No

Vitals
· Manufacturer: Honda
· Model tested: EX
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $20,560
· Engine type: 1.8-liter, SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder
· Horsepower: 140hp @ 6300 rpm
· Torque: 128 ft.-lbs. @ 4200 rpm
· Redline: 6800 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: P205 / 55 R16 89H all season
· Drive type: front-wheel-drive
· 0 - 60: 9.5 secs
· 1/4 mile: 17.35 secs. @ 82 mph
· Top speed: Don t go there
· Fuel economy city/highway: 30/40
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: TBA/TBA/4

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Honda Civic, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: You're a multiple-personality type seeking a luxury fix, but would rather not have to pop a dramamine every time you buckle up. Or you'd rather be in a sports car, but have kids (or more than one friend) or suffer from that fear of being flattened by a wayward SUV. If you're a retiree who wouldn't be caught dead in an "old guy's car" you probably won't do much better for the money. Of course, you could just head for Barrett-Jackson and pick up a '69 Firebird.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: If you're looking for a cushy, comforting, wrap-yourself-in-a-down-comforter of a luxury car, walk away now. Nothing to see here. Those who prefer true-blue, sports sedans in the Audi/BMW vein, would be better off test driving the SE model. Of course, for them, front-drive is likely a dealbreaker anyway.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: Yes
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals
· Manufacturer: Nissan
· Model tested: Maxima 3.5 SL
· Model year: 2005
· Price as Tested: $33,160
· Engine type: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-Valve V6
· Horsepower: 265 hp SAE @ 5,800 rpm
· Torque: 255 ft lb @ 4,400 rpm
· Redline: 6600 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: Continental, 225/55R-17
· Drive type: Front wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 6.4 secs.
· 1/4 mile: 14.9 sec @ 95.8 mph
· Top speed: 140 mph (electronically limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 20/28
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 5 driver; 4 passenger / front seat 4; rear seat 4 / 4

[by Mike Spinelli]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2005 Nissan Maxima SL, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: Audi makes the world s best car interiors. The A4 Avant is an Audi. Ingolstadt s mini-hauler offers fit and finish fetishists an unparalleled opportunity to satisfy the strange demands of their incurable affliction. Even drivers who couldn t care less that all the car s switches respond with the exact same click will be swept-up by the Avant s aesthetic consonance and haptic happenings. Beware: the car s ergonomics will preclude full enjoyment of any other brand s interior, save Brother Bentley.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: Because you re an American who [quite rightly] believes that station wagons should be larger than a breadbasket. Also, like the rest of the Audi lineup, the A4 Avant is shadowed by serious questions about its R&R: resale and reliability. For the same money, you can buy yourself a dynamically superior, more financially prudent BMW.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Audi Avant A4 2.0T Quattro
· Model tested: A4 Avant 2.0T Quattro
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested:
· Engine type: Turbocharged DOHC inline 2.0 liter 4-cylinder with FSI Direct Injection, variable valve timing and intake manifold
· Horsepower: 200 hp @ 5100 - 6000 rpm
· Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1800 - 5000 rpm
· Redline: 6850 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: 16-inch 5-spoke grooved design cast alloy wheels with 215/55 all-season tires
· Drive type: Turbocharged DOHC inline 2.0 liter 4-cylinder with FSI Direct Injection, variable valve timing and intake manifold
· 0 - 60: 7.4 seconds
· 1/4 mile: 15.5 sec @ 92 mph
· Top speed: 130 mph (limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 22/31
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/NA/NA

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 A4 Avant 2.0T Quattro, Part 1, Part 2

Why you shouldn t buy this car: The 325i is not exactly handsome or particularly well-built, and there are plenty of meticulously-crafted, spicy hot Japanese sports sedans swirling around that give you more of everything for a lot less money.

Why you should buy this car: You ve always wanted a BMW, or always had a BMW, and the 325i offers the refinement, safety, snob appeal, and fun you expect from those clever Bavarians. Again. At last.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: BMW
· Model tested: 325i Sedan
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $33,195
· Engine type: 3.0-liter, in-line six
· Horsepower: 215 @ 6250hp
· Torque: 185 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
· Redline: 7000rpm
· Wheels and Tires: Double Spoke (Styling 161) light-alloy wheels, 17 x 8.0 front, 17 x 8.5 rear; 225/45R-17 front, 255/40R-17 rear run-flat performance tires
· Drive type: rear wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 6.7 seconds
· 1/4 mile: NA
· Top speed: 130 mph (limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 20/30
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: not tested

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 BMW 325i, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you shouldn t buy this car: Chevy s new Vette is still plastic craptastic, and the Vette s image remains resolutely down-market. Amongst the sports car fraternity, the model still identifies its driver as a muscle head who doesn t know any better, or a middle-aged man who desperately wants to shag a woman younger than his first wife.

Why you should buy this car: Buy a new Vette if you want to drive like a maniac (on smooth, dry pavement) and enjoy every damn second of it.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: Yes
Fashion Victims: Yes
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: Yes
Hairdressers: Yes
Penny Pinchers: Yes
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: Yes
Technogeeks: No
Poseurs: Yes
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: Yes
Golfing Grandparents: No

Vitals:
Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Model tested: C6 (hardtop and convertible)
Model year: 2005
Price as Tested: approx. $60k
Engine type: 6.0-liter V-8, aluminum block and heads
Horsepower: 400 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 400 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Redline: 6500rpm
Wheels and Tires: Cast aluminum; Goodyear Eagle F1 SC; F: P245/40ZR-18, R: P285/35ZR-19
Drive type: rear-wheel-drive
0 - 60: 4.2 seconds
1/4 mile: 12.7 sec @ 113 mph
Top speed: 185mph
Fuel economy city/highway: 18/25
NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: not tested

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2005 Chevrolet Corvette C6, Part 1; Part 2

Why you shouldn t buy this car: If you grew up with Pong rather than Playstation, BMW s flagship luxobarge is not for you. You won t be able to manipulate the iDrive mouse controller without consulting your children — who should stay in their damn seats and not try to prove that they re smarter than you. The sedan s also not much of a looker. You d be forgiven for kicking her out of bed for eating crackers. No surprise, then, that the 7 s image is a bit tarnished these days — although the model s cliff-face depreciation is par for the course.

Why you should buy this car: If you like to drive fast, and like to drive big, the new, more highly-horsed 7-Series is a phenomenal way to scoot from point A to point B with plenty of leather-lined elbow-room.

(Quite why BMW restricts the natural born autobahn bomber to 150mph is a mystery lost in the mists of 70 s-era environmentalism.) It s the safe and relaxing way to lose your license.

Sutibility Parameters:
Speed Merchants: Yes
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: Yes
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: Yes
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: Yes
Poseurs: Yes
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
Manufacturer: BMW
Model tested: 750i
Model year: 2006
Price as Tested: $79,140
Engine type: 4.8-liter V8
Horsepower: 360 @ 6300 hp
Torque: 360 @ 3400 lb-ft
Redline: 6200 rpm
Wheels and Tires: 245/50R-18 (optional 19 )
Drive type: Rear-wheel-drive
0 - 60: 5.8 seconds
1/4 mile: na
Top speed: 150mph (electronically limited)
Fuel economy city/highway: 12 / 15 mpg
NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: not tested

[by Robert Farago]

Related: Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 BMW 750i, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Why you shouldn t buy this car: The anti-four-door brigade has a point: the Charger R/T lacks charisma. While the Hemi lets rip in fine fashion, and The Dodge Boys have pumped-up the interior volume to proper Yank Tank proportions, there s really nothing to get all that excited about. A muscle car needs drama, flair and excitement. The Charger R/T is simply too sensible for its own good. Both the interior and exterior lack the kind of killer app that lifts a bread-and-butter sedan onto that next level, where you re completely convinced that your kid schlepper is too cool for school.

Why you should buy this car: The engine.

Chrysler s 5.7-liter Hemi is a pistonheads dream come true: a smooth cruising, bad-ass blasting peach of a powerplant, offering massive bang for very little bucks. The outer wrapper (i.e. the car) lacks the ripped physique muscle car fanatics adore, but the Charger s ergonomics will increase the average driver s appreciation for the sedan s engineering and value as the miles blow by. The Charger R/T is practical, comfortable, reliable, affordable and, in a straight line, fun.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: Yes
· Golfing Grandparents: No

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Dodge
· Model tested: Dodge Charger R/T
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $29,995
· Engine type: 5.7-liter Hemi V8, cast iron block, 16-vavles
· Horsepower: 340 hp @ 5000 rpm
· Torque: 390 ft. lbs. @ 4000 rpm
· Redline: 5800 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: Continental P225/60R118H 99H All Season Touring
· Drive type: RWD
· 0 - 60: 6.0 secs.
· 1/4 mile: 13.9 secs.
· Top speed: 130 mph (limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 17/25
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 5/5/4

[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Dodge Charger R/T, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]