2013 Scion xD TRD

The thought of a performance version of the Scion xD may not set our souls on fire, or anyone’s really. Based on the Toyota Yaris platform, the xD starts out life lacking any performance DNA to speak of. And, with the current generation of the Scion xD having been on sale since 2008, the vehicle is getting a bit tired and old as only minor updates have occurred during its lifespan.

But all of this hasn’t deterred Toyota Racing Development (TRD) from having a go at the sub-compact to make it more exciting and keep it interesting. So can TRD take the $16,500 xD, add $4,600 worth of style and performance upgrades, and make it something you’d want to buy?

BMW M6 Gran Coupe

For starters, the BMW M6 Gran Coupe is the BMWs M division's latest model. It is also third in what is now an extended range of dedicated M6 models, following the second-generation coupe and first-generation convertible launched last year.

2013 Honda CR-Z

WEST COAST EDITOR MARK VAUGHN: Everybody's right, the detractors and the believers. The CR-Z does not perform like a CRX and dropping the batteries and adding the conventional gasoline engine from Honda that would really make this thing come alive doesn't look like it's ever going to happen.

2014 Chevrolet Cruze diesel drive review

What is it?

As the name implies, the Cruze diesel is, well, a Chevrolet Cruze with a diesel engine. It’s the first diesel car GM has sold in the U.S. since the 1980s; depending upon your age and experience with those V6 and V8 GM diesels, they were either forgettable or you still haven't forgiven the company for selling them to an unsuspecting public. We have good news: It’s time to move on.

2013 Infiniti FX37

This is one of those cars I liked more than I thought I would. The 2013 Infiniti FX37 is a good size, looks cool and swoopy and different -- and it’s very well built. I had a guy pull up to me in a new Cadillac Escalade and roll down his window and tell me how cool he thought it was. The shape is a little left field, but that’s cool -- I like it.

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Rolls-Royce and Bentley, brothers-in-arms for decades, were split up and absorbed by, respectively, BMW and Volkswagen. Both brands have achieved record sales since. VW also revived Lamborghini and Bugatti, lavishing resources and components to allow these tiny and often-troubled brands to thrive as never before. Ferrari and Maserati, once fierce Italian rivals, now share and share alike, playing nice within the Fiat family.