The all-new Mazda6 is a breath of fresh air in a market that is saturated with the standard Camrys, Accords, and Altimas. The 2009 Mazda6 combines sexy styling, creature comforts, and performance into a package you wouldn’t expect from your typical sedan. The Mazda6 is much larger than its predecessor, coming in with almost seven additional inches, four of which give the back seat passengers more legroom. The new styling is athletic, with a wide stance, optional HID headlights, muscular fender flares, and a trunk that looks like it has a built-in spoiler. The chassis is also stiffer, to accommodate the sportiness that comes from the 3.7L V6.

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We tested the Grand Touring model with the six-speed automatic transmission paired to the 3.7L V6 engine that produces 272 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. The Grand Touring model, with an as-tested price of $28,26, includes many of the amenities we have come to rely on like navigation, a sunroof, and a quality sound system but you can also select creature comforts that are usually only found in near luxury vehicles like blindspot monitors, rain-sensing wipers, and auto-dimming mirrors. Overall, with the styling, performance, price, and luxury-esque perks, the Mazda6 is sitting comfortably at the top of its class.

Join us as we test the 2009 Nissan 370Z on the roads of Red Rock Canyon and at Spring Mountain Motorsport Park. The design of the 370Z is a throwback to its smaller 240Z roots and its sibling, the GT-R, coming in 4 inches shorter than the outgoing 350Z and one inch wider on the rear track while the lines, air intakes, and front spoiler resemble that of the recently released GT-R. The weight has also decreased by 95 lbs thanks to the aluminum hood, doors, and back hatch.

You may be familiar with the 370Z’s 3.7L engine because it’s basically the same engine used in the Infiniti G37 coupe. The V6 is mated to either a 7-speed automatic with Synchro Rev-Match or a 6-speed manual transmission and gets 332 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5,200. Fuel economy for this sports coupe is respectable, coming in at 18 city mpg and 26 mpg highway thanks to VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). Base price starts at $29,930 but with the sport and navigation packages, the Z can end up at the as tested price of $37,460.