The holidays give us the opportunity to express love and appreciation via thoughtful gifts. Not surprisingly, the gifts our editors crave most come with four wheels and a throttle. Here are the 10 cars our editors would most like to see in their driveways this holiday season, listed in alphabetical order.
"Perhaps I'd enjoy driving a Ferrari 599 or the new McLaren more, but the car I want most is the sexy, sumptuous, personality-filled, V12-powered, carbon-fiber-bodied Aston Martin DBS. It's also one of James Bond's cars, and my goal is to own them all someday, so there's that. (P.S. If the DBS seems a bit steep, I'd certainly settle for a DB9)." — James Riswick, Automotive Editor
"We never got the gonzo CSL version of BMW's E46 M3 with its 360-horsepower inline-6 and carbon-fiber roof — that was for European derrieres only. But we got something tantalizingly close. The 2005 BMW M3 Competition Package took the already iconic 333-hp E46 M3 and sharpened its steering, bettered its brakes and added a Track mode to the stability control system. Result: the best M car ever sold Stateside, and the car I'd buy today even if I could afford a Veyron." — Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor
"I'm wishing for a Flex Limited with the white suede roof to ward off the SoCal sun, and the EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 option that includes all-wheel drive to make swift work of hauling friends to the slopes. The Flex Limited includes nav and a thumpin' Sony audio setup, and I'd add the tow package so I could drag toys to the desert. Active Park Assist cancels out any gripes about parking this box, the Remote Start System will pre-warm or cool it in any clime, and the dual-headrest DVD entertainment system creates a rolling drive-in." — Paul Seredynski, Executive Editor
"Yeah, I know it's twice the price of a base Mustang, but this monster is perhaps the most fun I've had behind the wheel at any price. I swear, I could drift this bad boy through a supermarket without hitting a thing. I'd add the Electronics package (gotta love that you can watch your own burnout on screen). I miss my old SVT Cobra and this would be a wonderful substitute. Oh, and if there was a way to have rear tires delivered on a weekly basis, I'd sign up for that as well." — Mark Takahashi, Associate Editor
"I'd want my XK outfitted with the Advanced Technology package, HD Radio and burl walnut finish, done up in limited-edition Radiance Metallic (a sweet shade of red) with a caramel interior. The first car I ever lusted after was a Jaguar, and this beauty lets me throw eco-practical caution to the wind." — Joanne Helperin, Senior Features Editor
"Give me my 5 in the Grand Touring trim, with Sirius Satellite Radio, an interior cargo cover and a cargo net. My color of choice would be Copper Red Mica. Is it silly that my pick is so practical? I'm a sucker for a compact car that seats six and has sliding doors. I really would like to see one of these wrapped up with a bow in my garage this year." — Bryn MacKinnon, Senior Editor
"E550 is really just another word for luxury — this sedan does everything but fluff your pillows and tuck you in for the night. Having my gift horse equipped with goodies like parking guidance and massaging seats would be nice. However, you don't need to pile on the options to enjoy the traits that make this car a standout for me: quickness (thank you, 382-hp V8) and unshakable poise." — Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor
"I can't wait to drive an electric car, and the 2011 Nissan Leaf looks like the first affordable e-car out of the gate. With four doors and some usable cargo space, I'd be very happy cruising around the Los Angeles area in this car, which would never need gassing or warming up. I'd love being able to jump in and drive three blocks or three miles without tailpipe emissions." — Phil Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor
"The 911 Turbo is a car I've lusted after for as long as I can remember, and now the mighty Turbo is so civilized, I could (and would) use it as a daily driver. With its comfortable seats, relatively supple ride, compact size and good sight lines, the 911 Turbo has no problem handling the more mundane aspects of motoring — yet its thrilling performance capabilities firmly entrench it within the supercar league. Just like every other 911, it boasts one of the most engaging driving experiences around." — John DiPietro, Automotive Editor
"I'd thoroughly enjoy receiving a 2009 Porsche Cayman S for the holidays. It'd make a great gift because, frankly, I can't afford one on my own. The car's expensive to begin with — about $60,000 — and by the time a handful of desirable options are thrown on, it ends up being a $75,000 car. But the reality is that the Cayman is a fantastic sports car. Great handling, sweet engine, distinctive character and Porsche heritage. I couldn't ask for anything more." — Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor
