Audi R8 V10 Spyder 2012

The R8 V10 Spyder is the convertible version of Audi ’s mid-engined, 10-cylinder R8 supercar. As with its fixed-roof sibling, the R8 V10 Spyder is based on the same platform as the Lamboghini Gallardo and features an excellent balance of extreme performance and docile around-town driving manners. For those seeking a more affordable everyday exotic, Audi offers coupe and drop-top versions of the R8 with a V8.

This 5.2-liter V10 engine delivers an impressive 525 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, along with peak torque of 391 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. The sprint to 62 mph takes just 4.1 seconds, compared to just 3.7 seconds for the coupe R8 V10.

Accelerating to 124 mph is a similarly brisk 12.7-second trip. Top speed is 195 mph.

Fuel consumption for the six-speed manual version is rated at 12 city, 20 highway mpg. The R-tronic automated manual gearbox improves the city figure to 13 mpg - highway mileage remains unchanged.

Notably absent are the R8's trademark aluminum "side blades." Other visual changes for the Spyder model include additional air intakes located behind the seats as well as a pair of safety roll bars. The placement of the fuel filler cap was also changed due to the lack rear pillars. Changes under sheet metal are focused around chassis strengthening, but otherwise, Audi says the V10 Spyder is mostly unchanged from its hard-top counterpart. Cosmetically, the exterior gains high gloss black air inlet grilles, spoiler lip and rear outlet grilles. Exhaust tips are also swapped for oval tips.

It is worth noting, however, that both the R8 V10 and R8 V10 Spyder feature an aluminum double wishbone suspension which is tuned for higher performance than the suspension found in the 4.2 model.

The convertible top weighs just 93 pounds, helping to keep the car’s center of gravity down low, and can be raised or lowered in just 19 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph. 

Uber-Audi Features

 Befitting the car's considerable price, the R8 V10 Spyder comes standard with a host of features including a navigation system with 3D maps and a 6.5-inch LCD display, a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 12 speakers, fine nappa leather sports seats, a rear parking camera that pairs with ultrasonic sensors and Bluetooth connectivity with seatbelt-mounted speakers for easy hands-free communication.

The V10 Spyder also features Audi's magnetic ride adaptive damping system with manual Sport and Normal sport modes.

Jaguar XKR Convertible

The XKR Convertible is the more performance-focused version of the normal drop-top XK. It packs a 510 horsepower punch and features more aggressive touches to its Aston Martin-like styling.

In addition to its massive horsepower rating, the AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter engine delivers a whopping 461 pound-feet of torque. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes just 4.6 seconds.

There's not a lot of space for rear passengers, but the driver and his or her passenger enjoy a luxurious grand touring experience with enough power to give most sports cars a run for their money.

The XKR Convertible owes its handsome looks to a unique design approach taken by Jaguar's team. Instead of designing the Coupe first, the design team began by penning the Convertible. This strategy ensured the drop-top doesn't simply look like a coupe with its roof chopped off.

Like its coupe counterpart, the XKR Convertible has unique styling cues such as a more aggressive front fascia, air intakes on the hood, aluminum-finish grilles, more creases on the hood, and quad exhaust pipes. Customers can chose between 19- and 20-inch wheels for the XKR.

The XKR's roof is a power-latching, self-stowing system with three layers including Thinsulate insulation and a Rakona headliner. When the top is down, an aluminum tonneau cover conceals the canvas roof. While many convertibles are only offered with a black roof, the the XK can be ordered with gray, burgundy, green or dark beige canvas.

The XKR's suspension has been tuned for a more aggressive ride. Changes include up-rated springs and dampers, plus a recalibrated computer to control the dynamic suspension settings.

As is the case with the regular XK convertible, the XKR model is built around Jaguar's ultra-strong "Lightweight Vehicle Technology," which does not need traditional stiffening panels to achieve a sturdy body structure. In fact, the XK convertible is 19 percent lighter than the previous-generation XK drop-top.

A six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddles is standard. On downshifts, the system creates a throttle blip to shorten over-run shifts. An "active" exhaust system ensures the XKR is quiet while cruising, yet still able to create purposeful V8 roar under hard acceleration.

Although they are not a legal requirement, the Convertible features a Roll-over Protection Device consisting of two aluminum hoops that are automatically deployed if the car's sensors detect the onset of a roll-over accident.

Other standard features include adaptive headlights that swivel in corners, aluminum-finish side window surround, stability control, keyless entry and start, a seven-inch touch screen to control various car functions, and a body-colored spoiler.

Options include a 525-watt Alpine premium sound system, Sirius satellite radio, soft-grain leather, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, and a heated steering wheel.

All XKRs are fitted standard with an iPod and USB connectivity interface, an air quality sensor, front park assist and electrochromic and heated power fold-back mirrors.

Mazda cx-5

With the new CX-5, Mazda has finally released a complete vehicle designed around their Skyactiv philosophy. The result is a small SUV with almost a Miata’s worth of racetrack talent and the best mileage numbers in the market – but is anybody really asking for a “performance alternative” to the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V?

The CUV segment is among the hottest in the market right now, fueled by scarcely believable sales numbers from the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. Unfortunately for Mazda, the company has never had a homegrown vehicle to offer those buyers. The Tribute was a quickie rebadge of the Escape that didn’t fool anyone; the CX-7 was a sleek spaceship of a crossover that was always just a little bit too big, too fuel-thirsty, and too expensive to really make any friends.

Although a CR-V clone would pack the showrooms and make some short-term money for Mazda, nobody really expected them to build one. Instead, we have the CX-5, which aims to combine traditional Mazda virtues like light weight, simplicity, and driver-focused design with the new Skyactiv suite of technologies. The result is perhaps the most interesting $21,000 car on the market.

What is Skyactiv? As implemented in the CX-5, it’s a complete departure from previous Mazda platforms. The unibody is all-new, designed to maximize space while cutting weight severely. Indeed, the CX-5 is between 220 and 500 lbs. lighter than the equivalent CX-7, depending on trim level, while providing very similar interior space. A completely re-imagined gasoline engine uses special long-tube headers and unique piston design to safely raise compression to 13:1, yielding 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft. of torque. The manual and automatic transmissions – yes, two kinds are on offer for the North American market – both feature six forward gears and are claimed to be significantly lighter than their predecessors.

Buyers who do expect those qualities won’t have to look any further than the Mazda CX-5, and they won’t suffer much of a practicality penalty for doing so.

2013 Mazda CX-5 base price range, $20,685 to $28,295