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Performance

Compact snaps: Five speedy compact cars

Automakers, recognizing some buyers' need for speed, oblige by tuning up their inexpensive compact models, delivering more power and better handling. At the same time, most of these cars retain their basic practicality, whether it is the stylish and easily parked Fiat 500 Abarth or the cargo-friendly hatchback design of the Focus ST.

Not only do these cars cost less than top performance models, they can also work as your only car, good for the daily commute, a road trip, and maybe even a track day.

Here are five cars designed to perform. … Read more

Lapping the lightweight Lamborghini

At CNET, we dig into the cabin electronics available in just about all new cars, comparing navigation, voice command, and telling you how well your phone will integrate with the hands-free system. But on one chilly Tuesday morning, I put all that aside in favor of some pure automotive adrenaline, getting a feel for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera.

There is certainly a tech story about the Superleggera. Its 5.2-liter V-10 uses direct injection, and it comes with a six-speed computer-controlled transmission. The car CNET got even had navigation, but it was an older Audi-derived system. But any … Read more

Cooley's Logbook: 2013 Audi S5

A number of Audi purists (and a couple of intenders around the office) groaned when I showed them the new S5 with its V6. And it turns out they are on to something. Not that the car isn't responsive, but there is a point where the power flattens out right when you think it will keep coming. You actually have to be good about selecting gears and reading the situation ahead. Welcome to the new downsized world -- and to actually driving, not just throttle pressing. … Read more

McLaren's Paris concept a high-tech supercar

At next week's Paris Motor Show, McLaren Automotive will show off the P1 concept, a car that will do little to increase McLaren's model range. The P1 concept heralds a new production car to be launched next year.

Just like its only current model, the MP4-12C, which comes in hard-top and convertible formats, the P1 is a two-seat low slung hyper sport car. Those in the market for a sedan or SUV must continue to look elsewhere.

McLaren released no details about the new concept, and merely said it will slot in above the MP4-12C in the company'… Read more

Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S earn top safety award

When shopping for a sports car, safety is often not high on the list of priorities. In many cases, it falls far behind handling, acceleration, and overall driving enjoyment. Thankfully, for those interested in either the Subaru BRZ or the Scion FR-S, safety is not something to sacrifice. The twin Japanese rear-drive sports coupes earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's 2012 Top Safety Pick award, the highest rating available.

Each passed all three categories -- front, side, and roof strength tests -- easily, and are the only sports coupes in the $30,000 price range to do so. … Read more

Synology adds TV recording and more to its NAS with DSM 4.1 operating system

After more than a month in beta state, Synology's final latest version, version 4.1, of the DiskStation Manager operating system for its NAS server, was released today.

Synology is one of a few NAS vendors that regularly releases new versions of the operating system, which improves and adds features to its existing NAS servers. DSM has been by far the most advanced operating system for network-attached storage servers, which offers not just a vast amount of features and ease of use, but also the most robust user interface that resembles a native operating system. Like all NAS operating systems, DSM is accessed via a Web interface using a connected computer.

DSM is one of the main reasons Synology NAS servers, such as the DS1511+, or the DS412+, have been the best on the market, for both home and small business environments.… Read more

2012 Camaro ZL1: More muscle

One of the greatest automotive rivalries exists between the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang. Although it lay dormant when the Camaro ceased production, the 2010 model reignited the rivalry. However, when it comes to discussions of horsepower, Ford could hold the Mustang-based Shelby up as having no competition among Camaros. Until now.

The 2012 Camaro ZL1 adds a supercharger to a big V-8, the same strategy as the Shelby, to produce massive horsepower. And while the Shelby is still the power king, Chevy can boast other tech tricks that help give the Camaro ZL1 the edge at the track.

Foremost … Read more

WD adds USB 3.0 and high-speed HDD to Mac external storage solutions

WD has just upgraded its storage solutions for Macs on both USB and Thunderbolt fronts.

The storage vendor today announced its first USB 3.0-based portable drives for Macs, the My Passport for Mac, and a new Thunderbolt drive, the My Book VelociRaptor Duo.

Apart from USB 3.0, the My Passport for Mac also increases the capacity to 2TB while remaining compact and portable. The reason WD waited until now to release a Mac portable drive that supports USB 3.0 is because USB 3.0 has just been added to the new version of the MacBook Pro and … Read more

My favorite high horsepower car under $50k

...the Ford Mustang Boss 302. Oh, I know, here come the Chevy and Mopar folks telling me I'm biased because I own a bunch of Fords, but the Fords I own were all made before Clinton was in office -- some before Nixon. So that's that.

I love the Boss because it moves well, sounds good, looks good, and is enjoyable to be in, not just be seen in. It's an absolute hammer on the road, does so without the lumpy, surging weirdness of turbos and blowers, and is just this side of too wild for daily … Read more