Audi seems to be playing the long game. Each successive model brings a bit more attitude and driver appeal to add to its traditional strengths of fantastic build quality and beautifully crafted interiors. It’s just a pity it can’t up the pace and really give BMW something to think about.

Though Audi is currently readying an all-new S4 sedan and wagon based on the latest, redesigned A4, the current Audi S4 is based on an older platform and is currently available as a convertible only. Under its hood is a 4.2-liter V8 that generates 340 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the Quattro all-wheel-drive system through either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.

More of a rocket ship executive express than a racetrack emigre, a used Audi S4 is nevertheless a very desirable piece of automotive real estate.

Audi’s S4 might be just what this economic climate needs: A reasonably-priced, high-performance German sports sedan that offers that impossible-to-describe “something special” feel of a limited-run model. Only time will tell, but odds are that Mercedes and BMW will follow Audi on this one.

If you’re reading this, that means you’ve stumbled upon the 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The Hyundai Elantra is a small sedan, although there is a related four-door hatchback known as the Elantra Touring. The sedan is available in GLS and SE trim levels.

The Elantra sits near the top of the economy car pack in terms of not looking too much like an economy car. Thanks to a dorky swage line that dips in the middle and a teardrop-shaped rear window, the Elantra looks like a Corolla with an untucked shirt.

Fortunately, the Korean’s front is all business: crispy tailored creases surrounding the requisite Pokemon thousand yard stare headlights.

The Elantra offers integrated XM radio as part of a cheap audio package. Alas, that’s it for toys.

It’s an economy car, but comes with sophistication lacking in some pricier cars, including independent suspension front and rear, disc brakes all around, standard stability control and alloy wheels.

Although it’s probably difficult for most people to think of a nearly $200,000 automobile as “affordable,” that’s the position the Lamborghini Gallardo finds itself in within the Lambo product lineup.

In a similar vein you wouldn’t use a racehorse to hack out, and you wouldn’t use a pearl-handled butter knife to pick a lock. So it’s faintly ridiculous to suppose a supercar can co-exist in the real world alongside young men from Kazakhstan in Nissan Laurels and even younger men from Albania on pizza-delivery mopeds.

A five-litre V10 with around 520bhp and 376lb ft of torque mean that the Gallardo has the go to match the show; 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds and a close enough 197mph top speed. Even better is the fact that these figures are achievable reliably thanks to that four-wheel drive system and strong mechanicals.

Lamborghini’s market ambitions dictated an ambitious car. This is a durable and lovable long-term sports car, backed by a three-year warranty. It is also a $165,900 object of not inconsiderable lust, one whose allure no photograph can properly depict. Yet the car on these pages makes one thing clear: After years in the wilderness, Lamborghini is back.

A Car and Driver favorite since its debut in 2005, the Chrysler 300 continues to blend big-American-car luxury and European rear-wheel-drive road manners in a stylish and unique package.

Thanks to its distinctive styling, roomy interior and powerful performance capabilities, the latest Chrysler 300 has become a popular choice in the large sedan segment.

The entire Chrysler 300 lineup features handsome exterior styling, spacious interiors, rear-drive handling, and luxury-car refinement. Although the V-6 versions lack the fire of the V-8–powered models, they should satisfy most customers.

The 2009 Chrysler 300 receives significant updates. The 5.7-liter 300C now features variable valve timing that increases horsepower and torque for better performance.

GT3

With the 997 series in full production, Porsche is preparing to roll out even more new 911-based vehicles in the next year and a half. The first fruits of the company’s labors will be the highly anticipated 911 GT3, as can be seen in these spy shots. The Porsche GT3’s template is the recipe for success from F1 to the 24 hours of LeMans.

The 305-kW (415-bhp) 3.6-liter flat-six engine produces a specific output of 84.7 Kilowatts (115.3 bhp) per liter of displacement. This performance places the new-generation Porsche  GT3 in its displacement class at the pinnacle of road-legal production sports cars with naturally aspirated engines.

As in no vestigial back seat, a feature not missed given Porsche’s top drawer carpeting and seamless interior design.

For the best-possible transmission of engine power to the road, the Porsche GT3 is equipped with a comprehensive traction package, which includes not only the standard-equipment 19-inch sports tires but also a mechanical limited slip differential.

The Honda Civic is a great looking small family car thanks to its sharp looks inside and out. It’s also blessed with superb build quality and a great drive, while the boot is one of the largest in its class.

2010 Honda Civic

The 2010 Honda Civic sees no major changes after a modest freshening for 2009. These compact cars come in 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe body styles. A gas/electric Hybrid sedan is also offered, along with a sedan that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG).

To complement the range, the new Honda Civic type R is now launched offering exhilarating performance and superb handling. The new model Civic Type R is equipped with a 204BHP 2.0 litre i-VTEC engine, capable of 0 – 60mph in 6.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 146mph.

The 2010 Honda Civic is the best car for you if you believe economy cars warrant precision engineering and forward-thinking design — and you have a few extra bucks to pay for it.