My Most Anticipated Test Drives for 2010

[svgallery name="2010_Most_Anticipated_Test_Drives"] By John LeBlanc Some of the cars I test-drove last year were more surprising than others. Who would have guessed Honda's Insight would have been such a flop? Or that in the same year it dropped out of Formula One racing, Toyota would launch its US$375,000 552 hp V10 LF-A supercar? But 2009? That was sooo last year. And with the auto industry struggling to meet new environmental demands and massive shifts in customer tastes, 2010 is set to see the launch of a lot of interesting and significant new vehicles. Alphabetically, here are the Top 10 new cars I'm most looking forward to test-driving this year: Aston Martin Rapide Ever since seeing photos of concepts in 2006, I've been waiting for the Rapide (above) like a hungry dog eyeing a juicy T-bone. Aston Martin head pen, Marek Reichman, has done a masterful job making the big sedan look like it's at least from the same parents as the Rapide's gorgeous-yet-smaller coupé siblings. But as the first-ever four-door (technically five if you include the rear hatch) from the British automaker, will Rapide feel and drive like an Aston? Will it make purists cringe? Buick Regal Gran Sport I'm not kidding. I am really, really looking forward to driving this Buick; specifically in high-po Gran Sport trim (or whatever they're going to call it when it debuts at next week's Detroit auto show.) Here's the thing: Buick is promising no marshmallow suspensions, landau tops, crushed velour interiors or standup hood ornaments this time. In fact, the Regal GS is essentially a rebadged Opel Insignia OPC, which packs a 325 hp turbocharged V6 channeled through a Saab-designed Haldex all-wheel-drive system — in a Buick! Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Like beer nuts and Top Gear on iTunes, more of a good thing is always better, right? So the addition of a sexy-looking coupé to the lineup of the Best Car GM Has Ever Made (that's the CTS, folks) is something to look forward to. In addition to the sedan and Sport Wagon, Cadillac is now adding its V formula (556 hp supercharged V8; Recaros, racetrack suspension) to the long-awaited-for two-door CTS as well. With a wider rear track, and hopefully less weight and lower centre of gravity, the CTS-V Coupe is one car I want to wrap my string backs around before New Year's, 2011. Chevrolet Volt Arguably, the Volt extended-range plug-in is the most-anticipated car of the new century. But with all the hype surrounding the vehicle, production versions have yet to be critically analyzed by anyone outside of General Motors. Will it get its proclaimed 230 mpg? Will its electric-only mode last the as-advertised 64 km range? Will it drive like a "normal" car? Or like your microwave? Will it cost more or less than a Corvette? Stay tuned. Ferrari 458 Italia After the questionable aesthetics (i.e. junk in the trunk) of last year's California cruiser, can this year's 458 Italia make Ferrari magic again? What with magnetorhoelogical shocks (look it up), a front grille that bends at speed to reduce drag, and no manual tranny (only a seven-speed dual-clutch), the Italia is the most high-tech Ferrari yet. The differences between the car's predecessors — the '99 to '05 360 and '04 to '09 F430 — were evolutionary. But are Ferrari buyers ready for the revolutionary 458? Ford Focus The subcompact Fiesta and Transit Connect commercial van were just the appetizers of Ford CEO Alan Mullally's make-it-or-break-it One Ford strategy that sees one platform (get it) shared among multiple markets. The compact Focus (also due at this year's Detroit show), though, is the main course. And it's the car Ford has to get right if it wants to not join its Detroit rivals in the government breadline. Instead of a decade-old, first-generation chassis, the 2011 North American Focus will be the all-new, third generation sold around the rest of the world. The big question I'll be asking: Will it be good enough to get Canadians out of their Civics and Corollas for the new Focus? Ford Mustang GT 5.0 The American muscle car may be a dying breed, but Ford isn't letting up, despite new competition. I'm already on record saying the current `10 Mustang GT is the driver's choice in American coupes, and one of my Straight-GOODS/Sports Coupes picks. More brakes would be nice. But the only nit to pick was the lack of engine compared to the Challenger Hemi or Camaro SS. Not any more. Mustang fans are finally getting our 302 back. That's right. A new 412 hp and 390 lb-ft 5.0-litre V8 will be replacing the old 315 hp 4.6 later this year. Can't wait. Honda CR-Z Full disclosure: One of the biggest automotive regrets of my life is when I got rid of my 1990 CR-X Si. Sweet car. So now here's Honda, resurrecting CR-X ghosts with its new CR-Z hybrid two-seater. As a slightly more powerful, two seat version of the Insight (but with a manual transmission), I'm dying to find out if a hybrid really can be anywhere near as much fun to drive as my lamented CR-X? Mini Countryman Like the Rapide, the Mini Countryman is a literal expansion of the brand.  The perennial Straight-GOODS/Hot Hatch pick, Mini Cooper S, has been one of my favourite drives since its debut eight years ago. However, with four full doors, all-wheel-drive and a body that looks like its been too many times to an Oktoberfest all-you-can-eat buffet, the Crossover begs: When is a Mini not a "mini?" Volvo S60 Beyond the product, the S60 will more than likely be the first Volvo launched under its new stewards at China's Geely, which is set to take over the currently Ford-owned automaker in the spring. That should be an interesting press event, eh? Other than that, the most interesting part of the S60 is what it's not: a high-riding, Labrador schlepping wagon, or hockey-mom-friendly crossover. Volvo is promising the new S60 will finally be the Volvo sedan to take on the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. Something its predecessor could only achieve in Volvo ad copy. Like all of these undriven rides for 2010, I'll be anxiously waiting to pass judgment.

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