2011 Honda CR-Z

Welcome to the return of the mighty CR-X!! ...or rather, the CR-Z. While the idea of this 2 seater coupe is no stranger to Honda, this new, evolved form brings some great new features to the table. Just as the original CR-X, introduced as a 1984 model, this coupe comes to the North American shores as a two passenger (four in Japan) economy sports coupe. The CR-Z appears to act as the ambassador for Honda's new direction of exterior styling with it's radical new, pronounced front grille, which gets much criticism for appearing Audi-esque. Powered by a 1.5 litre 4-cylinder (as per 1984 specs), the new buzz comes in that the CR-Z is being offered only as a Hybrid with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system in order to capitalize on the lack of entry level Hybrid sport coupes currently available. Personally, it was love at first sight! No bias here, promise. The coupe comes available with CVT or 6-speed manual drivetrain on the sport model. No pricing figures available at this point but release is set for late Spring of this year. I'll line up the night before for this one.

2010 Ferrari California

Yes, I was hoping for the presence of a 458, and no, I don't know why they didn't have one. They did, however, present their newest grand tourer, the California. A very pretty car, but still lets you know it bears the prancing stallion. Having yet to see one in person, I had given the California little consideration before this point. Seeing is believing. Naturally clad in Rosso Scuderia, the coupe presented itself as its convertible alter ego. The other half? Tucked away in the rear sits the retractable hard top, allowing its GT Coupe personality to take form. I have no doubt this car performs in either variant. The exterior, while purely Ferrari, is understated. Smooth curves and very simple features, evident in the lights and low-profile, modest hood intake, surround the car, while ducting for brakes and cooling are cued-in to the styling in an unmistakably Ferrari manner. Perfect really, she has everything in the right places, is properly proportioned, and will go both ways. That is, top up or down.

2011 Audi R8 Spyder

The Ingolstadt crew shows up as usual with the entire range of vehicles open for public access. But the highlight...a brown one? Yes. Somehow, the R8 even looks good in brown. With the same 5.2 litre V10 in tow, the new R8 Spyder was a spectacle. Abandoning the contrasting sideblade for a drop top, monochromatic scheme, it draws far less attention to itself than the original coupe. I suppose the best way to describe is, where one might compare the outrageous coupe to the likes of say, a Gallardo, this convertible version gives off more of a classier, luxurious feel, as one might get from an Aston Martin. Don't be confused though, the R8 is in a class of its own.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe

Gullwing. Gorgeous. Bask in its glory.

2010 Fiat 500 Abarth

This just could be in tie with the CR-Z as the coolest small car to be hitting Canadian streets this year. It brings over everything that is to be desired about the European driving scene. Classic Italian styling, economy, and of course, in this particular model, performance courtesy of Abarth tuning. Bringing back the ultimate pocket rocket, and even truer to the term than the German redesigned Mini Cooper. Expect to see these miniature monsters this December as Fiat begins to move into your neighbourhood Chrysler establishment.

-D