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The cars that dads will love

The freedom of the road can be the perfect antidote to the constraints of a family. Let dad have days to himself with one of these expressive cars.

Wayne Cunningham

May 8, 2012 1:35 p.m. PT

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2012 BMW 328i

The new BMW 328i lets dad be simultaneously responsible while having a bit of fun. Its new turbocharged four cylinder engine gives the car 245 horsepower, enough for sprightly acceleration, but a respectable 30 mpg average. BMW handling and a load of connected cabin tech complete the package.

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2012 Porsche Cayman R

This Porsche is for the dads who crave sublime sports car performance. The Cayman R's stiff body gives it unparalleled handling, and Porsche pulls 330 horsepower out of its 3.4-liter flat six cylinder engine.

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2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

The Chrysler 300 SRT8 would seem to be all about raw power and gangster looks, but this heavy duty sedan adds an extra dimension in the form of a luxury interior. Dad can win pinks at the drag strip while surrounded by opulence.

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2012 Range Rover Evoque

Urban dads will appreciate the funky Evoque. Equally at home in the Whole Foods parking lot or at the weekend ski lodge, Land Rover built off-road prowess into the Evoque.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bluetec

Dads who look wistfully at tractor-trailer rigs heading down the highway can dream along in their own diesel truck. Boasting a bit more comfort than a Kenworth, the ML350 Bluetec has a soft ride that makes the highway miles go by like nothing at all.

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2011 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCab

Help dad into the new millennium with the Ford F-150, which takes advantage of modern technology to improve every aspect of its operation. The turbocharged Ecoboost engine gives it tremendous power and better fuel economy than a typical V-8, and its four-wheel-drive mode includes informational apps to help negotiate tough off-road situations.

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