For this year's Father's Day, you know your dad really wants a new car. Sure, all of these might be a few bucks more than a tie or something shiny from Craftsman, but we guarantee that your father will be really, really happy with any of these. We kept our list to one vehicle per marque, but we know we left out some great vehicles.
Audi A7
Behold, the most beautiful expression of Teutonic sophistication ever: The Audi A7. While its shapely hind quarters and menacing front fascia define its exterior, we're probably most impressed with the A7's inner trappings. High-tech features like an almost iPad-like center screen and a seemingly endless choice of trims will make any driver or passenger feel like a king.
Buick Verano Turbo
Buick's just-announced Verano Turbo has all the right specs for a small, sporty car - namely a 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a six-speed stick. Likely to make mincemeat out of pokey rivals like the Acura ILX and Lexus IS 250, the Verano Turbo could be just the thing Buick - and your pop - really needed.
BMW Alpina B7
BMW has just detailed its new, performance-oriented Alpina B7. Eschewing the odd pinstripes of its predecessor, this latest Alpina B7 puts out an impressive 540 horsepower from its relatively small 4.4-liter engine. The Alpina B7, which is finished by BMW's not-quite-in-house tuner in Germany, is the closest thing we're likely to see to an M7... for now.
Ford F-150 EcoBoost
Ford's twin-turbo V6 gamble has paid off for pickup buyers. Achieving V8-style power and a torque curve that tops even the best golfer's swing, the EcoBoost V6 is definitely a winner. There's a healthy price premium for the EcoBoost V6 over the 5.0-liter V8 on F-150s, but we think it's worth every single penny.
Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec
Just a few years ago, Dad probably would have been insulted to have received a Hyundai as a Father's Day gift. How things change. The Genesis 5.0 R-Spec isn't quite a budget BMW M5, but it is a big step in the right direction for Hyundai. Its roaring V8 is mated to a terrific eight-speed automatic, which makes it a serious performance machine at a great price.
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
Chrysler's SRT division has one of the highest male ownership rates in the industry, and while everything they touch seems to turn to gold this year, the best car for Dad might be the Grand Cherokee SRT8. For once, it's as practical as it is fast (and thirsty), since this new-for-2012 model can finally be equipped with a trailer hitch from the factory.
Maserati GranTurismo MC
Undeniably one of the most beautiful cars to hit the market in recent years, the GranTurismo is the ultimate GT car. While the standard GranTurismo S is a little more subtle, we like the MC's more aggressive body kit and its handcrafted leather interior trim. James Bond might prefer an Aston Martin, but our money's on a Maserati.
Subaru BRZ
Does Dad need some track time? He really shouldn't be taking the family hauler to SCCA track days, but that's where the BRZ comes in. Set to be a little rarer than the identical Scion FR-S, the BRZ is the most precise track tool we've seen since the way pricier (and far less plush) Lotus Elise. The six-speed stick is pretty good, but we're really smitten with the firm-shifting conventional automatic and its rapid-fire paddles.
Toyota 4Runner Trail
So Dad wants something that can take him up to his favorite fly fishing spot in the mountains, but he also needs a decent commuter car? Enter the fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner. Equipped with the Trail package, the 4Runner gives even the most capable Jeep Wrangler Rubicon a run for the money on weekends, but it provides a more refined and comfortable driving experience the other five days.
Volkswagen Beetle Turbo
While the New Beetle (having been dropped a few years ago, it's not really new any more) was about as masculine as a trip to the day spa, the third-generation version of Volkswagen's iconic two-door is pretty cool. Boasting Porsche 356-inspired looks, a zippy turbo engine and a kickin' Fender audio system, the Beetle is finally a car worthy of Dad's attention.
