Five new cars to buy in 2013

Here’s a fun fact: The retail price of Lamborghini’s first production vehicle, the 350 GT, cost $13,900 when it debuted in 1964. That’s equivalent to roughly $103,000 today–much less than the $442,000 Aventador LP700-4 Roadster we saw debut in Los Angeles last month. Talk about refining the brand.
If you’re not of the Lamborghini persuasion, there are plenty of other options for hot new things on the market in 2013. Here’s a quick primer on five of them. And fret not, my dear penny-pinchers–they all cost much less than the Lambo.

BMW M6 Gran Coupe
WHY IT’S HOT: A 4.4-liter turbo V8; 560 horsepower.
WHY IT’S NOT: Its two-tone look may not be for everyone. Not available in standard transmission.
UNNECESSARY BUT AWESOME: Golden brake calipers. Refined and ostentatious all at once; good inflation hedge.

Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG
WHY IT’S HOT: Sporty handling with sedan practicality.
WHY IT’S NOT: For now Mercedes has been tight-lipped about its performance specifications.
UNNECESSARY BUT AWESOME: Likely to be priced under $40,000, which would make it the $5 martini of luxury cars.Audi S8
WHY IT’S HOT: A big, plush sedan. Tons of gadgets.
WHY IT’S NOT: Too many dials and buttons required to operate all that stuff.
UNNECESSARY BUT AWESOME: Audi’s most powerful engine to date offers 520 horses and 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds.

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster
WHY IT’S HOT: Razorback haunches plus 700 ponies.
WHY IT’S NOT: Loud, hot, rides low. But it’s a Lambo. Want something practical? Go buy a minivan.
UNNECESSARY BUT AWESOME: Did I mention 700 horsepower? Better start a speeding-ticket fund.

Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
WHY IT’S HOT: It’s the fastest Bentley ever.
WHY IT’S NOT: Tips the scales at 5,500 pounds–so in city driving you’ll get maybe 12mpg.
UNNECESSARY BUT AWESOME: A full dozen cylinders under the hood; polished carbon fiber everywhere else.