Porsche has almost two dozen models in the 911 lineup, but this one stands out. It is both highly capable and relatively unadorned with turbos, ragtops, or all-wheel drive. It's the kind of 911 that true Porschephiles love. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive in the 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS to check the tech.

You can also read CNET's full review of the Carrera GTS.

The Kia Optima comes in three power trains, including a hybrid. But a V6 is not one of them, unlike its rivals Accord, Camry, and Fusion. What gives? Kia thinks a turbo 4 can do the job better. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

You can also read CNET's full review of the 2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo here.

The Nissan GT-R has always been one of the most capable cars in the world, but in the past it was also one of the most unlivable. Nissan seems to have heard those complaints, while also bumping up the horsepower dramatically and adding some bling. Does the formula still stun? Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

You can also read CNET's full review of the 2012 Nissan GT-R here.

Hyundai's first hybrid is this Sonata, a commendable car in general and one that seeks to retain Hyundai's high value position as it lumps in an electric motor. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

You can also read CNET's full review of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid here.

This year's fashionable car is the Fiat 500. But unlike the return of the Mini, which had little if any reputation in the U.S., Fiat's have a less than sterling image in this country. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to see how this little car aims to erase those memories while he checks the tech.

You can also read CNET's full review of the 2012 Fiat 500C here.

Audi's A4 has grown up to be a substantial competitor to the immovable 3 Series. The company is also in a head-to-head race with BMW to offer the most innovative in-dash navigation, interface, and media options. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive in the 2011 A4 2.0T to check the tech.

You can also read the full CNET Review of the 2011 Audi A4 here.

The M3 has always been a serious sports car, but in recent years it seems every BMW is getting loaded up with tech. No complaints from us--except when it comes to an M3. It should be lean, spare, and all about driving, which is exactly the kind of M3 that got dropped on our doorstep. You want nav? Unfold a map. As a result, the pure excellence of it as a driving machine shone through. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

You can also read the full CNET review of the 2011 BMW M3 here. … Read more

Scion has had a funny reception during its short history. Intended as a car for the young and ultrahip, it ended up being quite popular with baby boomers as well; whoops! But that's another story. In the video at hand, we take a look at the Scion xB Release Series for 2011, which is most certainly not a car with a lot of cross-generational appeal (though the Smurfs are eating it up). Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

Kia and Hyundai are badge-engineered twins as much they used to be. The Optima Hybrid hits a number of notes different from the Sonata Hybrid and hits many of them successfully, if not always smoothly. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

You can also read CNET's full review of the Kia Optima Hybrid here.