HIGHS Chassis tuned for fun, powertrain is willing if not brawny, spacious first and second row seating—and a third row if you need it. LOWS No performance-engine option, firm seats and minimalist interior design, cargo volume is shy of the segment average. VERDICT The Tiguan brings a decidedly European flavor to the crowded compact crossover segment with crisp handling and purposeful styling. Overview It’s hard to stand out in a crowd, but the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan strives to escape the genericism of the compact crossover segment with reserved but tasteful sheetmetal, sharp handling, and European spirit. Living directly below the Atlas in VW’s U.S. lineup, it prioritizes a holistic balance over stylistic gimmickry or extraordinary zero-to-60 performance. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic serve as the sole powertrain; what it lacks in performance, it makes up for with parsimonious fuel economy and satisfying operation. The cabin follows the blueprint, offering decent space for people and cargo while the styling remains reserved and purposeful and the seats firm but comfortable. A third row of seats is available as an option, but it’s tight and for small children or occasional use only; the Mitsubishi Outlander is the only other model in the segment to offer a third row, but it has even less legroom. While the Tiguan's feature content is class-competitive, its crisp handling and overall well-rounded personality make for an appealing and enjoyable driving experience. Buyers enticed by the Tiguan but desiring more contemporary styling and the option of an electrified powertrain are advised to wait for the soon-to-be-revealed 2025 VW Tiguan. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Lift the hood on the 2024 Tiguan, and you’ll find VW’s near-ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder tuned for 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Output flows through an eight-speed automatic transmission and to the front wheels; Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is optional. Whether front- or all-wheel drive, the Tiguan turns in an athletic if not breathtaking performance, aided in part by its low 1900 rpm torque peak and a smooth-shifting transmission. Indeed, some of our staff feel there’s a whisper of sportiness here that recalls VW's well-respected GTI hot hatchback. Alas, the brake pedal is the weakest member of the start-stop-turn team, as its soft and slightly ambiguous feel doesn't match the firm, progressive pedal action present in other members of VW's family tree. Like many of our favorite vehicles, the Tiguan’s cohesive real-world personality and general on-the-road poise belie its statistical limitations, including a rather languid 9.1-second zero-to-60-mph time as extracted by our test drivers. Again, having max torque available just after step-off does wonders for its in-town drivability, leaving highway merges as likely the only time you'll wish the Tiguan had a bit more power. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The 2024 Tiguan is reasonably efficient for the segment providing up to 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway per EPA estimates. Adding the 4Motion all-wheel drive system extracts a small penalty, coming in at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Subtract another 1 mpg in both metrics for the top-spec SEL R-Line trim. Our test of the 2022 Tiguan with 4Motion all-wheel drive returned 26 mpg combined. We haven’t yet had an opportunity to subject the Tiguan to our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, but we'll update this story with the results when we do. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The Tiguan's interior space is a classic case of give and take. One of the only models in the segment with an optional third row, legroom is incrementally tighter in the front- and second row than most competitors. In real-world use, however, the cabin feels spacious, and none of our drivers complained about a lack of space. Of note, Tiguans equipped with the 4Motion all-wheel drive system have no third row, and the second-row passengers gain approximately two additional inches of legroom. The interior layout is simple otherwise, functional but not particularly stylish. The base Tiguan comes standard with six-way manually adjustable heated front seats with cloth upholstery. The SE adds a power-adjustable driver's seat and faux-leather upholstery among other upgrades; opting for more expensive versions can net full power passenger seating, leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. Cargo space behind the third row is limited to just 12 cubic feet, which is about half a cubic foot less than the trunk space of a Corvette C8. Thankfully, that third row folds flat easily and increases the available cargo space to around 33 cubes, about mid-pack for the segment. With all the seats folded, we fit 19 of our carry-on boxes in the Tiguan, fewer than we stuffed inside key rivals. https://www.caranddriver.com/volkswagen/tiguan-2024 ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQdC8QrRkxs

HIGHS Ferrari V-8 punch, comfortable ride, looks that gets endless stares. LOWS Dropping the top means no room for luggage, a rear seat not really meant for people. VERDICT The Portofino M provides the Ferrari experience in top-down form, and elegantly. Overview The Portofino M hardtop-convertible is one of the more restrained models in the Ferrari lineup, aimed as much at comfortable cruising on sunny days as it is at high-speed thrills. Our time with the front-engine Italian grand tourer proved that it provides a lavish and comfortable driving experience. Its driving dynamics are fluid thanks to a surprisingly supple ride and well-coordinated handling. Its around-town behavior is docile. But if you want to crank up the excitement the Portofino is ready. It's twin-turbo V-8 pumps out 612 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque and works with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to push its sleek sheetmetal through the air with gusto. It even has a driving mode labelled "race." We estimate that the fierce power delivery is enough push it to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. And of course, the Portofino struts attention-getting design and a handsome interior slathered in rich leather. It even hints at practicality with a tiny rear seat. But not too much practicality. This is a Ferrari, after all. Engine, Transmission, and Performance A Ferrari is defined by its engine as much as its styling, and the twin-turbo 3.9-liter V-8 that hides beneath the Portofino's elongated hood is excellent. The engine sends 612 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. But the claimed top speed of "over 199 mph" and estimated zero-to-60-mph time we estimate to be 3.1 seconds aren't what's most impressive; it's the unmistakable timbre that erupts from the exhaust tips as the Portofino's tach needle charges towards the engine's 7500-rpm redline. The Portofino M we drove in the Florida Keys showcased the convertible's comfortable ride and remarkable body control courtesy of its well-tuned adaptive dampers. While its electrically assisted steering delivered satisfying feedback, the setup isn't as engaging as what Porsche provides in its sports cars. Every Portofino also features carbon-ceramic brakes that ensure this hefty GT can quickly be hauled to a stop. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The 2023 Portofino M is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Both figures fall short of V-8–powered rivals such as the Bentley Continental GT (16/26 mpg city/highway) and the Aston Martin DB11(18/24 mpg city/highway). Since we haven't tested the Portofino or either of those alternatives on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can't say how efficient they are in the real world. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Inside, the Portofino delights the eyes with a fabulous design and magnificent materials. Its varied surfaces are stitched together with handsome leather, and the 18-way power-adjustable front seats are sculpted to provide comfort and support. The buckets can also be equipped with ventilation and neck-warming functions. Neat. There's a handy wind deflector that helps keep the cabin quiet at speed when the top is dropped, too. With a pair of small bucket seats behind the front passengers, the convertible Ferrari can technically transport up to four people. However, we don't recommend that anyone spend time back there; use the space for your gym bag. A useful tray is positioned at the front of the center console for storing small items, and there's even a place to store a beverage nearby. With the top up, there's enough room to fit golf clubs inside the Portofino's trunk. With the top down, it's a challenge to store much more than a briefcase in it. Infotainment and Connectivity The infotainment system on a Ferrari is like a spare tire on a Buick: it's nice to have when you need it, but not something anyone will ask about. Still, the Portofino does include a 10.2-inch touchscreen that is mounted in the center of the dashboard. We found the unit to be responsive during our limited exposure, and the optional touchscreen that faces the front passenger lets them view performance data and even operate the car's navigation system. https://www.caranddriver.com/ferrari/portofino ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBa4R1TB44U

HIGHS The V-12’s shriek, Jekyll-and-Hyde duality, traffic-stopping looks. LOWS Gas glutton, lifespan is running out, the world will miss the Competizione models. VERDICT The 812GTS is a heaven-sent postcard from Ferrari’s V-12 past that delivers a superfluity of speed, luxury, and excitement. Overview The Ferrari 812GTS sits at the intersection of speed and luxury, delivering both the boisterous wail of 789 prancing horses and the satisfying refinement of a cabin lined with Italian leather. It is Jekyll-and-Hyde duality in the extreme. This front-engine, rear-drive supercar is equally adept at whisking you comfortably to dinner at a three-star Michelin restaurant and mashing your innards together with its seemingly limitless performance. While Ferrari isn’t fond of us strapping our test gear to its products, we were able to clock a 2.7-second 60-mph run back in 2018 in the GTS’s coupe version, then called the Superfast. It hit 100 mph in 5.7 seconds and destroyed the quarter-mile in 10.4 seconds at 138 mph. Super-fast indeed. Under the hood of the 2023 812GTS convertible—the only body style available for this model year —sits that same sensational 6.5-liter V-12. Our drive in a 2021 Ferrari 812GTS confirmed this car’s incredible luxury-supercar bandwidth; we deemed it “two cars in one.” Anyone lucky enough to purchase a 2023 812GTS will also be getting what is probably the last naturally aspirated V-12 Ferrari sports car without hybrid assist. As if the 812 needed anything more to make it special. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Ferrari 812GTS gets its muscle from a 789-hp 6.5-liter V-12, which delivers a bracing 530 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Although the GTS doesn’t use the Superfast name, it is still super fast; it tops out at 211 mph according to Ferrari. While we haven’t tested a GTS, the Superfast that we tested hit 60 mph in a mere 2.7 seconds. Ferrari claims the GTS should reach 60 about a tenth of a second behind the Superfast, likely owing to the necessary chassis reinforcements and folding top mechanism that make the convertible an estimated 265 pounds heavier than the coupe. In our drive of the GTS, we found the handling to be nimble and sporty for a near two-ton car, making it feel much smaller than it is. The removable roof makes it easy to listen to the 812’s stupendous noise—its exhaust note starts as a guttural growl and rises to an ear-piercing shriek. And the standard carbon-ceramic brakes bring this beast to a quick and decisive halt; the Superfast coupe needed just 142 feet to stop from 70 mph in our testing and the braking performance should be similar on the GTS. https://www.caranddriver.com/ferrari/812-2023 ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8n2r--vqrI

The Mullen Five RS is an extremely high-performance electric SUV that's designed and built in the United States; it's expected to launch sometime in 2025. The all-wheel-drive Five RS has a two-speed transmission, and it's targeting over 1000 horsepower, a 60-mph time under 2 seconds, and a 200-mph top speed. Mullen estimates the RS will have up to 300 miles of range, and its 800-volt electrical architecture allows fast-charging from zero to 80 percent in around 20 minutes. Mullen isn't messing around with its upcoming high-performance EV, the Five RS SUV. In fact, extreme performance might be a better descriptor. That's because the specs and estimates Mullen released today at CES regarding the RS rival supercars rather than an electric crossover based on the comparatively humble Five model. Five RS Specs While Mullen has been mostly mum on performance specs for the non-RS Five, the company has revealed many tantalizing tidbits about the sportier variant. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain is targeting over 1000 horsepower and more than 850 pound-feet of torque, which Mullen estimates will send the roughly 4.5-ton four-seater to 60 mph in less than 2 seconds (1.2 ticks quicker than the regular model). The RS also features a two-speed transmission like the Porsche Taycan, and the Mullen is claimed to have a top speed of at least 200 mph. Not only is the Five RS more visually striking than the standard model, it also has hardcore equipment that's right at home on a racetrack. A set of 21-inch wheels on summer rubber (sized 315/35R21) are standard; a set of 22-inchers that are either 9.5 or 11 inches wide are optional. Braking is handled by six-piston Brembo front calipers that pinch 15.7-inch two-piece carbon-ceramic rotors. Out back are a set of four-piston calipers and 14.6-inch rotors. Mullen claims this setup can stop the Five RS from 62 mph in 110 feet. The Mullen Five RS measures 193.0 inches from stem to stern, and it stands 64.0 inches tall, with 6.7 inches of ground clearance. Along with being 80.0 inches wide, it has a 116.0-inch wheelbase. Cargo volume is 26 cubic feet with the rear seats raised and expands to 62 cubes with the seats stowed. Five RS EV Tech and Features Featuring an 800-volt electrical architecture, the Five RS is said to have a 100.0-kWh battery pack. Mullen doesn't clarify if that's the gross or net capacity, but the company estimates it'll provide up to 300 miles of driving range (25 miles shy of the regular Five). Maximum charging speed also isn't mentioned in the tech specs we received, but the RS is said to be capable of charging from zero to 80 percent in about 20 minutes. Inside, the Mullen Five RS features racy materials and a dashboard that's dominated by two large digital displays. A center console divides both the front and rear passengers from each other, and the seats themselves look like they're designed to secure people during hard cornering. There's a standard panoramic sunroof on U.S. models as well as customizable ambient lighting, a "premium" sound system, and popular infotainment features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also an AI-based voice assistant. For those who aren't familiar with Mullen, it's a U.S. company based in Southern California. In 2022, it also acquired a controlling interest in Bollinger Motors, another U.S.-based startup that focuses on commercial electric vehicles. Bollinger suspended plans for its B1 SUV and B2 pickup in the same year. That's also the same year when Mullen revealed the regular Five SUV, which at the time was said to go on sale in 2024. However, according to the company's website, the Five RS is now slated to go on sale first, starting sometime next year. The regular model (priced around $55,000) is expected to follow after that. Pricing on the Five RS hasn't yet been revealed, but Mullen CEO David Michery said during today's press conference at CES that it will start around $295,000, with a carbon-fiber edition priced around $365K. We reached out to a Mullen spokesperson to confirm those figures. We'll update this story if we hear back. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a46330972/mullen-five-rs-revealed/ ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWWE9WtKtuY