Auto News 5

When the images of the new Chrysler 300 were first released, I was instantly sold on its exterior design. But now that I've seen it in person, I'm not so sure. The overall shape is very similar to that of the previous generation car -- albeit bolder, more muscular, and more elegant -- but the tiny details that look nice from a distance look busy and slightly garish when you step closer. This is especially true when viewed from the rear where there are numerous small pieces of chrome in and around the taillights and on the bumper.

Four years after its introduction, the Buick Enclave remains a strong competitor -- and a strong seller -- in a tough segment. To quantify the latter point, consider that Buick has sold 23,998 Enclaves through the first five months of the year, compared with 18,821 Acura MDXs, 2112 Lincoln MKTs and 3872 Audi Q7s. Those sales would be in addition to the 33,526 mechanically identical GMC Acadias that were sold predominantly through the same dealer network during the same period.

A contemporary Lotus will never win a comparison test that values practicality. The sills are too wide, the pedal box is too cramped, and the switch gear is too finicky for daily use. So even though the Evora is the most livable model in Lotus's narrow lineup, it's only a daily driver if your commute consists of descending the stairs from the tower to pit lane. Porsche's Cayman, by almost every measure, is a much more accommodating everyday sports car.

The Acura TL is an excellent car, and duly impressed my family when I chauffeured them to a Father's Day dinner. The TL manages to blend impeccable comfort with enthusiastic performance. One moment, the TL is a subdued large sedan with a comfy ride, gentle transmission shifts, and slick styling. The next it's a snarling sports sedan, with prodigious acceleration from its V-6, tight steering, and a transmission that's eager to jump between ratios.