Food: Quinoa Craze

A DRIVER’S DREAM

ROAD TESTING THE BEST NEW AUTOMOBILES OF 2015. BY DAVID A. ROSE

A real car guy never thinks of his automobile as transportation. For him it’s the thrill of acceleration, the sense of control as he traverses through a tight turn, the throaty sound of his car’s exhaust note. These are what bring him joy. His sports car may not be the most pragmatic machine on the road, but it likely reflects his personality and sense of style. The car guy—and he who desires to become one—is the guy I’m addressing here.

At the magnificent Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, New York, I had the opportunity to drive almost all the newly released 2015 car models as part of the International Motor Press Association’s test days. This happens each year as the new models are about to go on sale, so that automobile journalists can ascertain an impression of each one. In this car guy’s opinion, these six models represent the cream of the crop.

2015 Corvette Stingray

This eight-speed paddle-shifting convertible boasts 460 horsepower with 465 foot-pounds of torque. The exhaust note of the V8 engine is equivalent to the lyrical tonality of a brass band. Unlike earlier Corvettes (which tended to under-steer with hard cornering), this car is very neutral and quite nimble. Truly a world-class sports car, comparable to a Ferrari 458 Italia but at less than half the price.

2015 Camaro ZL1

With a top speed of 184 MPH, 0 to 60 in four seconds and the ability to travel a quarter-mile in just 11.96 seconds, you might say this car was built to impress. The original Camaro was introduced in 1967, and this 2015 ZL1 more than lives up to its iconic heritage. The vehicle has it all: speed, looks and comfort. The 6.2 liter supercharged engine delivers 580 horsepower with 556 foot-pounds of torque. Taking cues from its racing past, the Camaro ZL1 is a driver’s machine; it’s strictly for the guy who wants all the grunt he can get from a street car.

2015 BMW 428i Gran Coupe

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

2015 Jaguar F-Type

2015 Maserati Ghibli S Q4

2015 Maserati Ghibli S Q4

Comparing this Maserati to most muscle cars is akin to comparing Swan Lake to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. But its elegant looks can be misleading. When you put the hammer down on this fourdoor sedan, I promise you won’t be disappointed. It may not have the brute power of a Camaro ZL1, but the 404 horsepower and 404 foot-pounds of torque delivered from its three-liter twin-turbo V/6 will take it from 0 to 60 in under five seconds (it tops out at 165 MPH). This impressive performance is even more enjoyable since the car still provides the driver and passengers with a smooth and luxurious ride.

2015 Jaguar F-Type

It may have taken 40 years to follow up on the extraordinary EType Jaguar of the 1960s and ’70s, but let me tell you: It was worth the wait. The Jaguar F-Type embodies all the feline superlatives one would expect from a two-seater Jaguar sports car. There are three engine options, all of which are supercharged. The standard F-Type three-liter V/6 delivers 340 horsepower; the F-Type S three-liter V/6 delivers 380 horsepower; and the F-Type V/8 S produces 495 horsepower. In terms of all-around performance, handling, looks and appeal, this is the car that does it all. The Jaguar F-Type lives up to it pedigree and provides its owner the feel and sound of a racecar—even when shopping for groceries.

2015 BMW 428i Gran Coupe

Stepping out of a Corvette and into a four-door hatchback may sound like a downgrade, but to my surprise and delight, this car was fun to drive. It offers great handling, an aggressive exhaust sound, and of course, the sensibility of four doors with hatchback storage. And it’s plenty quick. The four-cylinder, two-liter turbo engine produces 240 horsepower, capable of launching this 3,700pound car from 0 to 60 in less than six seconds while achieving 27 miles per gallon.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

This is not your father’s Cadillac. It’s a dignified automobile with proper Cadillac refinements, but with the added element of performance. The 3.6 liter V/6 produces 321 horsepower, enough to make a Sunday drive in the country something special.

Clearly, this is a good year for car guys. Expand your collection, get out on the road and celebrate spring!