2011 Lamborghini Gallarado

The 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo ranks 1 out of 7 Exotic Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 32 published reviews and test drives of the Lamborghini Gallardo, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo has one-of-a-kind exterior styling, insane performance and a fantastic interior. These characteristics combine to make one of the fastest, sexiest exotic sports cars on the market.

The automotive industry thinks the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo is an amazing exotic sports car. It’s powerful, and the Supperleggera model, which is 154 pounds lighter than base model, is extra fun to drive. It has some of the best handling capabilities in its class, and reviewers say standard all-wheel drive keeps the Gallardo glued to the pavement. To top it off, the Gallardo has an eye-catching exterior.

Without a doubt, the Lamborghini Gallardo is a great specimen, but it’s not suited for daily driving. For one thing, its unique body structure makes visibility poor, and compared to other models in the class, the Gallardo doesn’t have a lot of standard tech features. You’ll have to turn to the Aston Martin DB9 for standard Bluetooth, navigation and iPod integration.

But, if you’re looking for a superfast Gallardo and are more than willing to sacrifice a few amenities, go for the LP 570-4 Superaleggera. It’s lighter – Lamborghini even dropped its leather seats and replaced them with synthetic material to shed some weight – and faster than the base model. Fox News writes, "In fact, in many ways the Superleggera is the ultimate factory tuner car, and a god among the mod squad."

Other Sports Cars to Consider

When it comes down to it, the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo trades comfort for performance, so if you’re in the market for a grand tourer, start with the Aston Martin DB9. It has one of the most luxurious interiors on the market and comes standard with satellite radio, navigation, Bluetooth and rear parking sensors – features you have to pay extra for on the Gallardo.

However, if performance is the name of your game, shoot for the Ferrai Callifornia. It has a 4.8-liter V8 engine, which is smaller than the Gallardo’s V10, but reviewers like the California’s performance just as much. The California costs nearly $200,000, and the Gallardo tops $200,000, so if those figures are out of your range, try the Audi R8. The R8 starts at about $114,000, but that doesn’t mean it can’t hang with the rest of the pack. Reviewers think its V8 and V10 engines are smooth and powerful.

Details: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo

The 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo is available in coupe and convertible body styles. It’s also available in several models: the LP 560-4, the LP 560-4 Spyder, the LP 570-4 Superaleggera, the 550-2 Valentino Balboni, the 570-4 Spyder Performante and the Bicolore. This year, automotive journalists spend a lot of time discussing the Superleggera, which is 154 pounds lighter than the LP 560-4 to enhance performance.

• "For now we are content to celebrate Lamborghini's decision to build a truly hard-core exotic and give Ferrari something to worry about, aside from the pretty lime-green paint."
• "A sleek machine and newest member to the Gallardo (pronounced guy-ar-doe) family, it does something to you. Maybe it's an escape, a fantasy, or just the only opportunity to drive an Italian work of art."
• "In fact, in many ways the Superleggera is the ultimate factory tuner car, and a god among the mod squad."
• "The high-performance Lamborghini Gallardo represents the essence of exotic ultra-luxury."

Gallardo Performance - 9.1 (Excellent)

Other than a touch of understeer here or there, test drivers can’t think of anything bad to say about the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo. "On the move, the V10 is incredibly aggressive, emitting a deep bark at full throttle that’s wilder and more brutal than the Ferrari Italia’s engine note,” says Car and Driver. “And the Superleggera is seriously fast in a straight line.”

Gallardo Exterior - 9.4 (Excellent)

The 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo’s exterior is like nothing on the market. "There's nothing subtle about this car,” says Detroit News. “It draws constant stares. Pedestrians gawk. Traffic stops. This car is an obscenity in all of the right ways."

Gallardo Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)

In terms of performance, the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo and the Audi R8 are on completely different levels, but they do share a lot of things in common like interior parts, which makes some test drivers worry that the Gallardo is losing its Italian roots.

Gallardo Safety - NA

While the federal government and insurance industry have not tested the Lamborghini Gallardo, this exotic sports car has a number of safety features.

Gallardo Reliability - NA

Lamborghini protects the Gallardo with a three-year/unlimited-mile basic warranty, which is good for an exotic sports car.

Lamborghini Aventador

The 2012 Lamborghini Aventador ranks 2 out of 7 Exotic Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 8 published reviews and test drives of the Lamborghini Aventador, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Reviewers are amazed by the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador’s raw power, nimble handling and high-tech interior. While the Aventador is significantly quicker from zero to 60 mph than competing exotic sports cars like the Ferrari FF, it’s also significantly more expensive.

The 2012 Lamborghini Aventador wows reviewers with its bold, aggressive styling. And while the car’s dramatic exterior looks the part of an exotic sports car, reviewers say that the Aventador exceeds their expectations with its shocking performance.

The Aventador’s body is a carbon-fiber monocoque, which keeps its weight down, but Lamborghini says that it also makes it impressively rigid. That strong, lightweight body shell, combined with all-wheel drive and a suspension system that’s modeled after Formula 1 race cars adds up to an extremely agile car. But in addition to being nimble and light for its size, the Aventador is also exceptionally powerful.

The Aventador houses a 6.5-liter V12 engine that produces 700 horsepower. Lamborghini mates this powerhouse to a seven-speed automated manual transmission, and reviewers say that the acceleration is intoxicating. The Aventador features selectable drive modes that allow you to tailor performance for strada (road), sport and corsa (track) use, and test drivers like all three. They say that while the sport and corsa modes rocket this Lamborghini around the track with wrath-of-God performance, the Aventador is still relatively comfortable to drive if you’re just puttering around in strada mode.

Inside, most reviewers praise the dash, which features an LCD screen rather than gauges. This allows drivers to select different gauge views, but most auto writers are pleased to say that the virtual gauges have an analog look. Other design cues mimic a fighter jet, such as the starter button, which is housed under a cover that you have to flip back to engage. Overall, they say the interior is comfortable and roomy, but one reviewer notes that taller drivers may need to be mindful of the Aventador’s low roofline when climbing inside.

So, what’s the downside? Well, while the Aventador impresses reviewers and outperforms most other exotic sports cars, it will cost you close to $380,000, which is a hefty sum compared to most of the competition.

Other Cars to Consider

The Aventador is pricier than most competing exotic sports cars, but if you’ve been drawn to Lamborghini because of their unique design, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG might catch your eye with its unusual gullwing doors. It starts at $183,000, which means that you could buy two of them for the price of the Aventador and still have enough left over for a Ford Fiesta. But the SLS AMG can’t match the Aventador’s performance. With 563 horsepower on tap, the SLS is no slouch, but it’s down 137 horsepower when compared to the Lamborghini. Additionally, the Aventador’s all-wheel drive and race car-inspired suspension mean that the SLS AMG would have a hard time keeping up on the track.

If you’re looking for an exotic sports car with impressive performance, but also want one that can seat four comfortably, the 2012 Ferrari FF might be a good compromise. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but reviewers expect the FF to start at around $300,000. And while it’s not as quick, reviewers rave about the FF’s all-wheel drive, comfortable seating and inspiring performance. Its 651-horsepower V12 is 49 horsepower shy of the Aventador’s 700, but test drivers say the FF’s combination of nimble handling, power and comfort make it a serious contender in the exotic sports car class.

Lamborghini Aventador: The Details

Starting at nearly $380,000, the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 features a mid-mounted 700-horsepower, 6.5-liter V12 engine, which is paired to a seven-speed automated manual transmission. The Aventador puts its power to the ground through a Haldex all-wheel drive system. Standard interior features include a multimedia system with navigation, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, push-button start and automatic climate control.

Available options include front and rear parking sensors with backup camera, heated seats, an upgraded stereo and a multifunction steering wheel with controls for the multimedia system.

• "It's named after a bull who was very mean and probably gored and trampled a whole village, thus making him a shoe-in to lend his name to a new Lamborghini. And, in the spirit of that irate bovine, the Aventador is a mite bit ornery. It's what you might call intentionally violent."
• "From the instant you flip up the red ignition-button cover and punch the Aventador's 12 raucous cylinders to life, you know you're in the cockpit of a special machine."
• "It’s a razor-sharp jet-fighter on wheels, but more important, the Lamborghini Aventador is one of very few truly raunchy automobiles. With its aggressive engine note and aerospace styling, it is completely different from the more sophisticated - and equally new - Ferrari FF."
• "The Aventador, named after an award-winning bull from the Spanish Corrida, a Lamborghini tradition for many of its two-seaters, features a number of ground-breaking technologies that combine to make it the best overall sports-car from the company - ever."
• "It's difficult to sum up the feeling of driving the Aventador in a family publication - it is an experience best described with expletives. Everything about this vehicle screams at you, from its recession-blind price tag to the outrageous angular sharpness of its design to the revved-up engine howl it gives when you push the start button."

Aventador Performance - 9.3 (Excellent)

The 2012 Lamborghini Aventador amazes reviewers with its blistering performance, race car-inspired handling and tenacious all-wheel drive grip. AutoWeek reports, "The car's performance is stunning yet surprisingly sane -- even at warp speed on a track."

Aventador Exterior - 9.5 (Excellent)

Lamborghini is known for producing sports cars with radical exterior designs, and the 2012 Aventador impresses reviewers with its new look. Popular Machanics writes, "Perhaps surprising for a vehicle with this much outward braggadocio, it actually delivers on the promise of its looks."

Aventador Interior- 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2012 Lamborghini Aventador impresses reviewers with its high-tech cockpit and comfortable seating. Inside Line says, "Its cabin looks contemporary and is usefully roomy, sporting an impossibly deep cowl and minimal brightwork."

Aventador Safety - NA

Neither the federal government nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador.

Aventador Reliability - NA

The 2012 Lamborghini Aventador comes with a three-year/unlimited-mileage basic warranty.

GM Recalls Impala, LaCrosse Cars in North America

General Motors is recalling more than 14,000 cars in the U.S. and Canada for power steering and electronic stability control problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the recall affects 4,077 Buick LaCrosse cars from the 2012 model year, and 10,344 Chevrolet Impala cars from the 2012 model year.

The recall affects Buick LaCrosse cars built between June 9, 2011 and July 2, 2011. The LaCrosse’s StabiliTrak system, which is GM’s name for electronic stability control, may have a malfunctioning sensor which could make it erroneously activate. This could make the car suddenly slow down and experience an abrupt change in handling. NHTSA says this could cause the driver to lose control of the car. GM dealers will reprogram the electronic brake control module for free starting this month.

Chevrolet Impala

In a separate recall, GM is recalling Chevrolet Impala cars that were built between April 19, 2011 and July 29, 2011. NHTSA one of the Impala’s power steering hoses may have been misrouted to a location where it could touch or come too close to the catalytic converter. If the car is on, heat from the catalytic converter could melt the hose, causing power steering fluid to leak onto the catalytic converter, which could cause an engine compartment fire. GM dealers will make sure the hose is routed properly so it doesn’t come too close to the catalytic converter. Repairs are free for affected owners and will start this month.

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

The 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid wows reviewers with its nimble handling and slick hybrid powertrain. But like the non-hybrid Panamera, this Porsche still falls short with divisive exterior styling.

Reviewers say that there’s a lot to look forward to when the 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid hits dealerships this fall. The Panamera S Hybrid features the same powertrain that’s in the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, and although consumers may fear that these eco-friendly Porsches may lack performance, test drivers report that there’s little to worry about. Automobile Magazine writes, “Though some may consider an eco-minded Porsche an oxymoron, the engineers in Stuttgart have already proven that their hybrids are driver’s cars and don’t stray far from the brand’s performance ethos.”

A handful of reviewers critique the Panamera S Hybrid, saying it lacks the responsiveness of the non-hybrid Panamera. However, most are pleased with the Porsche’s 380-horsepower hybrid powertrain. Additionally, nearly all who drive it are floored by its nimble handling.

The Panamera S Hybrid sports basically the same interior as its gas-only siblings. Subtle hints to the S Hybrid’s greenness include an E-Power gauge, which display’s the hybrid’s battery charge, as well as an Engine Off display that shows how much driving has been done solely on electric power.

In many ways, the Panamera S Hybrid’s biggest detractor is probably one that it shares with its non-hybrid sibling: its polarizing exterior design. While the Panamera almost always pleases test drivers with its comfortable, luxurious interior, some still say that these super luxury cars have a face that only a mother could love.

Other Cars to Consider

If you’ve got a little extra cash to spend, and would like a super luxury hybrid that’s even more powerful, the BMW Active Hybrid 750i might be worth test driving. Starting at $97,000, the ActiveHybrid 7-Series costs $2,000 more than the Panamera S Hybrid, but with 75 additional horsepower on tap, BMW says that the ActiveHybrid 750i will sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. That’s a full second quicker than Porsche's claim of 5.7 seconds for the Panamera S Hybrid. On the downside, reviewers generally aren’t as impressed with the 7-Series’ interior, while the Panamera frequently garners praise for its attractive design and comfort.

That said, the Lexus LS 600h features an interior that’s just as opulent and comfortable as the Panamera S Hybrid, as well as all-wheel drive. However, the LS 600h isn’t nearly as agile, and with a base price of $112,250, it’s also roughly $17,250 more expensive. Still, the LS 600h’s 438-horsepower hybrid powertrain does offer impressive acceleration. Lexus claims that the LS Hybrid will go from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, making it slightly faster than the Panamera S Hybrid in a straight line.

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid: The Details

Starting at $95,000, the Panamera S Hybrid comes with standard interior features that include a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, rear park assist, cruise control, eight-way power heated front seats, Bluetooth and navigation. Notable options include ventilated front and rear seats, a Bose surround sound stereo and four-zone climate control.

To improve handling, Porsche includes an adaptive air suspension as standard equipment. This feature is nearly a $4,000 option on the base panamera and almost $2,000 on the Panamera S.

• "This Panamera S hybrid might not post the big economy numbers of the Fisker Karma, and it certainly isn’t going to win any beauty contest against it. But the Porsche is a highly impressive, desirable sports sedan."
• "Here is a Porsche that sacrifices its dynamic competence and aural pleasures in favor of fuel-efficiency gains that will only really be felt by urban dwellers. The result is a car that forever feels at war with itself."
• "With a near-$96,000 base price, the Panamera S Hybrid doesn't come cheap. That price, in fact, is very close to the V-8-powered Panamera 4S with its all-wheel drive stability, 175-mph top speed and 4.2-second 0-60 mph sprint."
• "Its best trick is being an excellent luxury sports sedan and an excellent hybrid at the same time - something unseen until now."
• "Porsche is calling this the world's fastest production hybrid and the most economical Porker of all time. With a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph, Porsche nailed the numbers for quick and fast. But with a starting price of $95,000, the ‘economical’ claim is tough to swallow."

Panamera S Hybrid Performance - NA

The 2012 Panamera S Hybrid is an extraordinary performer that promises similar power and handling to the gas-only Porsche Panamera S. Reviewers praise this hybrid super luxury car for its powerful hybrid drivetrain and nimble handling.

Panamera S Hybrid Exterior - NA

Only minor styling tweaks differentiate the 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid from its gas-only sibling. Motor Trend writes, “From the exterior there are no derivations from the rest of the Panamera range, save for hybrid-specific badging on the front fenders and rear deck.” Still, that may not necessarily be a good thing, since not all test drivers think that the Panamera is attractive.

Panamera S Hybrid Interior - NA

With an interior that closely resembles the gas-only Panamera, the new 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid builds on a design that reviewers like, with minor tweaks to monitor the Panamera’s hybrid systems.

Panamera S Hybrid Safety - NA

The 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid has not been crash tested by the federal government or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Panamera S Hybrid Reliability - NA

The 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid comes with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty.

Porsche Panamera

The 2011 Porsche Panamera ranks 2 out of 9 Super Luxury Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 20 published reviews and test drives of the Porsche Panamera, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Now in its second model year, the 2011 Porsche Panamera continues to impress the automotive press with its performance and luxurious interior. Still, some reviewers dislike the Panamera’s styling, and even the base model’s price can skyrocket as you make your way through the options list.

With its first-class interior and athletic performance, the 2011 Porsche Panamera impresses nearly all who drive it. Rear-seat accommodations are almost as roomy as those up front, and the Panamera’s hatchback design gives it a utilitarian edge – with the rear seats folded it can match the cargo capacity of some SUVs. Edmunds says, “Yes, the Porsche Panamera does truly deliver the best of both worlds: sports car and sedan.”

Despite offering the comfort and convenience shoppers expect from a super luxury car, the Panamera still manages impressive performance. It’s as nimble a four-door sedan as you’ll likely find, and if you buy a turbo-charged model, it’ll go from zero to 60 faster than a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.

Thus far, the Panamera may look like the total package, but reviewers do have a few bones to pick with this Porsche. First, the automotive press isn’t in love with the Panamera’s appearance. Its steep roofline and hatchback body improve cargo capacity and passenger space in the back seat, but they also mean that the Panamera doesn’t have the sleek, sexy lines of other Porsche models like the 911. Second, despite its interior comfort, its low-slung design means that the Panamera can be difficult to get in and out of for taller folks. Lastly, there’s the price. Porsche has a long options list for the Panamera, and tacking on options can make an already expensive car even pricier.

Despite these minor qualms, if you’re looking for a super luxury car with impressive performance and an opulent, private jet-like interior, the Panamera may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Other Cars to Consider

The Panamera is unique among super luxury cars. It offers a luxurious interior that cars like the BMW-7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class can match, yet these cars struggle to match the Panamera in terms of performance. Still, rivals from BMW and Mercedes do have one advantage – each offers space for five passengers, while the Panamera only has room for four.

Starting at just under $71,000, the BMW 7-Series is less expensive, and more powerful than the base Panamera. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine puts out 15 more horsepower than the Panamera, and you’ll save about $4,000 off the base price. Still, the 7-Series doesn’t quite match the Panamera in terms of fuel economy, and while the BMW is a capable performer, the Panamera trumps it when the road gets twisty. Still, with multiple engine and drivetrain configurations – there’s even a 7-Series Hybrid – BMW’s flagship is worth a look before you throw down your many hard-earned dollars.

With a base price of $91,000, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class may not seem like a fair comparison at first. However, if you’re looking at the Panamera in S, Hybrid S or Turbo trims, the S-Class starts to make a lot more sense. At $91,000 the S400 Hybrid is about $4,000 less than the Panamera Hybrid S, and it offers a spacious interior that can seat one more than the Porsche. However, if you have your heart set on the Panamera S, the Mercedes S550 would be a more direct competitor, and more costly. At $93,000 the S550 is about $3,000 more expensive than the Panamera S, and it’s not as powerful or as fuel efficient. If you like the Panamera but want a softer, more luxurious ride, the S-Class may be worth looking into.

Porsche Panamera: The Details

For 2011, the Porsche Panamera is available in a total of five trims: V6-powered Panamera, V8-powered S, the hybrid/supercharged V6 Panamera S Hybrid, and top-of-the-line Turbo and Turbo S models. S Hybrid, base and S models are rear-wheel drive, while Turbo and Turbo S models put power to all four wheels. Additionally, base and S trims can be upgraded to the Panamera 4 and 4S, which feature all-wheel drive. All cars use Porsche’s seven-speed PDK transmission – a double clutch gearbox that works like an automatic.

For a bit under $75,000, the base Panamera includes an adaptive suspension, rear park assist, sunroof, power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, eight-way power heated front seats, and an 11-speaker stereo system. S models are similarly equipped, but add a more powerful, V8 engine, bringing the base price to almost $90,000. Adding all-wheel drive to these models isn’t cheap either: The Panamera 4 costs about $4,500 more than the base model, while the 4S costs nearly $5,000 more than the S trim.

For a flat $95,000 Porsche will sell you the Panamera S Hybrid, which should see improved fuel economy thanks to its hybrid powertrain, which incorporates a supercharged 3.0-liter V6. The Hybrid S has not yet been tested by the EPA, but when fuel economy numbers are available, we’ll bring them to you.

The most powerful members of the Panamera family are the Turbo and Turbo S models, which start at about $135,000 and $173,000, respectively. These models are significantly more powerful, and add features like larger wheels, adaptive headlamps, an adaptive air suspension system with adjustable ride height, front parking sensors, push button start, 14-way power adjustable front seats, heated rear seats and a 14-speaker Bose stereo.

Like all Porsche models, adding options can cause the Panamera’s price to skyrocket, and reviewers agree that you should choose options carefully. Even the sticker price for base models can easily climb to well over six figures. The options list is long, and includes notable features such as four-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a rear refrigerator, adaptive cruise control and a DVD entertainment system.

• "For someone who really cares about back-road romps, the V-6 Panamera makes a compelling alternative to more conventional sedans like the similarly priced Audi A8 and BMW 7-series."
• "Its hatchback design and folding rear seat backs make the Panamera uniquely versatile in this class, and that scores points with me. So do the surprisingly strong V6 and all-wheel drive. But the recalcitrant transmission would be an embarrassment in a $15,000 car, control functioning could be easier, and visibility is pretty bad."
• "The new, entry-level Panamera is essentially the same car as the S and it, too, is a joy to drive. You give up some raw speed but not much else, and the base model may handle a tiny bit better than the S because it's slightly lighter."
• "Once you consider all these positives, you could easily accept a merely adequate driving experience. Thankfully, the Panamera exceeds expectations in this regard, even when equipped with the base, V-6 engine."

Panamera Performance - 9.1 (Excellent)

Reviewers are impressed with the 2011 Porsche Panamera, which is now available in five different engine configurations that offer varying degrees of power. All models are nimble, even by super luxury car standards, but reviewers frequently comment that the lighter, base Panamera is probably the best handler of the bunch. Still, not all are impressed with the Panamera’s transmission – one reviewer notes that it would hesitate during hard acceleration.

Panamera Exterior - 7.3 (Good)

The 2011 Porsche Panamera is one of the most distinctive-looking super luxury cars on the road, but its design is not universally accepted by the automotive press or Porsche enthusiasts. Very few reviewers love the car’s look, although some say that the car is more attractive in person.

Panamera Interior - 9.4 (Excellent)

The 2011 Porsche Panamera impresses reviewers with an opulent interior and super-comfortable seating for four. Head- and legroom is ample, regardless of where you sit, and the car is well-equipped with standard tech that includes navigation. Still, reviewers say that the Panamera doesn’t offer the five-passenger seating seen in rivals like the BMW 7-Series and the Audi A8, and one reviewer notes that the Panamera’s low-slung design can make it difficult to get in and out of.

Panamera Safety - NA

Neither the federal government nor the insurance industry has crash tested the 2011 Porsche Panamera.

Panamera Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2011 Porsche Panamera reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2011 Porsche Panamera comes with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty.