2009 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

Let's get the negatives out of the way first. The steering on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S is slightly numb on center, the brakes have an eerie dead spot before they bite, the ride quality is brittle on broken pavement, and the shift paddles feel cheap. And to that, we have to say, "Who cares?" There are too many other things to love about the Quattroporte.

The Sport GT S - Maserati's most driver-focused Quattroporte yet - combines all of the best features that have trickled into the gorgeous Italian four-door since it launched more than five years ago. These items include dual-cast Brembo brakes (aluminum hubs, iron rotors), Bilstein dampers paired with stiffer springs, a brilliant ZF six-speed automatic transmission, and a Ferrari-built 4.7-liter V-8. The result is the most emotionally appealing luxury sedan on sale today.

If you have any doubts about that assertion, all you need to do is accelerate the V-8 past 7000 rpm while driving through a tunnel. With a simple push of the sport button on the dash, the dual-mode mufflers belt out a symphony of exotic, tantalizing music that reminds you why normally aspirated engines still offer tremendous appeal. Sure, this powertrain provides horrendous fuel economy - 11 mpg city and 18 mpg highway, according to the EPA - but the Quattroporte's exhaust note alone might make you forget about that.

And it's not as if the Quattroporte's competition - cars such as the Audi S8 and the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG - are much, if any, friendlier at the pump. After all, these low-volume cars are all about performance and pedigree, not efficiency, and that's where the Maserati shines. The aforementioned German sedans are basically luxury cars with bigger engines, larger brakes, and stiffened suspensions. They go to battle with a big stick and a take-no-prisoners attitude. The Quattroporte is different. What it gives up in displacement and raw grunt, it easily makes up for in handling. The 433-hp V-8 is mounted behind the front axle, and 51 percent of the car's 4375-pound mass sits over the rear wheels. No other large luxury sedan can dance like the Quattroporte. Front-end grip is beyond reproach, and you can adjust the big, beautiful four-door's cornering line with the throttle, as in a Ferrari. In the Audi and the Mercedes, by comparison, you always feel as if a computer is helping you go fast, and you sometimes wonder what happened to the fun.

As for practical considerations, it's true that Maseratis have never been known for quality or resale value, although the company has made great strides recently in those regards. So we certainly can't fault anyone for choosing one of the German cars instead, but we also can't think of another large luxury sedan that rewards its driver as much as the Quattroporte does - or one that looks so good doing it.

The Specs:

On sale: Now
Price: $138,100
Engine: 4.7L V-8, 433 hp, 361 lb-ft
Drive: Rear-wheel

Honda CR-Z

Who said hybrids couldn’t be stylish? Honda’s sleek coupé is a modern interpretation of the original CR-X – but with a bold nose and recessed headlamps inspired by the very latest designs from Honda’s new-car line-up. Yet it promises to be more than a pretty face – under the skin is an advanced hybrid engine – and the Japanese manufacturer has confirmed its will go on sale in 2010.

Using a similar powertrain to the recently-launched Insight hybrid, but tuned for sportier performance, the CR-Z will use an i-VTEC engine twinned with an electric motor to combine excellent fuel economy and lively performance. Just like the Toyota Prius an even more economical plug-in version is currently in development too.

TATA Nano EV

It’s the world’s cheapest car – but as if that wasn’t enough, the TATA Nano will soon be available in electric form too. The Indian company has already developed a plug-in Indica and the same technology will be transferred to the Nano. Developed with the help of Norwegian electric vehicle specialist Miljobil Grenland, it features a hi-tech lithium-ion superpolymer battery that promises a range of 120 miles from a single charge. Expect the eco-friendly four-seater to do 0-60mph in less than 10 seconds, while its battery can be fully revived in eight hours.

The only problem could be the price – the Indica EV goes on sale in Norway soon for the equivalent of £25,000. But with a subsidy a Nano EV could cost a lot less.

Tesla Model S

It’s the electric XF! There’s no doubt that the new Model S will be the car that flips the executive car world upside down – and finally puts Tesla on the map. Getting the same lithium-ion battery technology as the Elise-based Roadster, it’s gunning for Jaguar’s XF and BMW’s 5-Series. As well as a gorgeous body there’s space inside for five, with an extra two seats for children behind. Tesla claims 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 120mph. Buyers can choose from three battery packs, with ranges of 160 miles, 230 miles and 300 miles. Tesla says that the battery can be partially recharged in just 45 minutes. Expect the entry-level model to cost less than £40,000 when sales start in 2012.

MINI Spirit

This is the car that will take the MINI into a new dimension. Set to hit the road as early as 2011, the zero emission Spirit is being developed alongside two new models from a joint venture between Fiat and BMW that will produce the Topolino and the re-invented Isetta. Boasting an advanced electric engine mounted at the rear, the Spirit will offer four full-size seats, despite being smaller than the current two-door car. In-wheel electric motors and lithium-ion batteries are a very real possibility too – thanks to the technology that’s already been developed for the MINI E. Lightweight, tough plastic bodywork is under consideration, while the car’s chassis will mix aluminium and composite materials like carbon fibre to deliver enormous strength and light weight.

Vox Wagon up!

It’s the modern day people’s car! The Up! is the future of VW, a lightweight, fuel-sipping micro car that’s every bit as revolutionary as the original Beetle. Available in three-door hatchback form first and set to go on sale in 2011, the up! will be the most eco-friendly VW ever.

Although stability issues have meant that the firm has already switched the concept car’s rear-engined, rear-drive layout for a more conventional front-engine, front drive set-up that won’t effect the car’s green credentials. Initially, the model will be available with petrol and diesel engines. These turbocharged units will have a capacity of around 600cc and offer CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km and combined fuel economy of 94mpg. But VW will also offer a hybrid version too, with plug-in capacity. It should offer an incredible mix of fuel economy and emissions.

Lightning GT

Gorgeous British sports coupe is mean and very green

Here’s proof that electric cars can be dream machines too. Built by the Lightning Car Company, based in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, the GT mixes elegant looks with electric power. Powered by 30 batteries, it generates 36kW and can be charged in only 10 minutes. With the help of regenerative braking, the firm hopes the car will have a range of nearly 200 miles and a 0-60mph time of less than four seconds. It’s powered by four electric motors - one for each wheel - and if investors are found to help develop it, the firm hopes to start sales in the next few year. However, it won’t come cheap. Prices are expected to be around the £120,000 mark.