What sets this car apart from other high-horsepower brutes (you really have to get into something like a BMW M series or Audi S series to even approach this level of performance in a non-exotic) is its style.

FORBES: Test Drive: 2013 Mercedes SL 550 Roadster

Packing a 5.0-liter aluminum alloy V8 engine that generates a blazing 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of launch-happy torque, it runs with other hopped-up premium SUVs like the BMW X5 M and the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG.

FORBES: 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Review: Born to Run

Some might have an advantage in driving dynamics on the road BMW X6 M and others might have better off-road capabilities Land Rover Defender but, arguably, none thrives in both environments to the degree that the Range Rover Sport does.

FORBES: 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, A True Decathlete

And it makes me think that, on some level, BMW's M Division has quietly realigned its philosophy.

WSJ: 2013 BMW M6 Coupe Review: A Hurtling Flume Ride on Dry Land | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

With the new F-line of performance cars, Lexus will be better able to compete with BMW's M-series, Mercedes' AMG line and Cadillac's high-performance V-series, says Carter.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Ms. BUNNY RICHARDSON (Spokesperson, BMW Plant): If I'm forceful and you think I'm getting angry, it's - because it's stereotypical and it's not accurate for the entire state.

NPR: S. Carolina Towns Cope with Economic Fallout

Guys have called for an M version of the 1-Series for years, and BMW has finally come through.

FORBES: If I'm Going to Detroit in January, This Is What I Want to Know