10 Ferocious Family Haulers

The muscular S4 is one of the stealthiest performance cars you can get. Its supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine produces 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. That's good for a zero-to-60 mph sprint of 4.8 seconds and a 13.4-second quarter-mile. On the practical side, the S4's cargo capacity can expand from 12 to 34 cubic feet by flipping down both rear seatbacks, creating plenty of room for groceries and the kids' stinky lacrosse gear.

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BMW created the performance sport-utility with the original X5 and expanded the concept with the X6. The ultimate versions of both models are the radical M variants, both of which are powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that cranks out 555 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. That's enough power for an amazing zero-to-60 mph sprint of 4.3 seconds and 12.9 seconds through the quarter-mile. Through sheer grip, this pair will match anything with four wheels, on the street or track.

MSN Autos Review: 2010 BMW X5

Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that develops 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque, the CTS-V Sport Wagon joins its sedan and coupe siblings as the most powerful production Cadillac models in more than a century. Boasting 58 cubic feet of cargo volume with its rear seatbacks folded, Brembo brakes and Magnetic Ride shocks, it can take you from one antique auction to the next with unmatched quickness and style.

View Pictures:  Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

The newest 300 is a more refined, more aerodynamic version of Chrysler's broad-shouldered interpretation of the classic American sedan. Its best-performing current trim is the 300C, powered by a 363-horsepower version of the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. That's enough oomph to propel the rear-drive version to 60 mph in less than six seconds. An all-wheel drive 300C is offered too, but we can't wait for the new SRT8 trim, with its 6.4-liter 470 horsepower V8 engine, which it shares with the Dodge Challenger SRT8.

Compare: Chrysler 300C vs. BMW 528i vs. Acura TL SH-AWD

Ford's smartest interpretation of performance in a modern family vehicle is the turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. Available for the angular Flex crossover and standard in the Taurus SHO sedan, it develops 355 horsepower in the former and 365 horsepower in the latter. The zero-to-60 mph sprint flies by in 6.5 seconds in the 7-passenger Flex and in only 5.6 seconds aboard the SHO. Both vehicles are all-wheel drive, a drivetrain notoriously rough on fuel mileage. But respective mileage ratings of 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 17/25 are virtually identical to less powerful models.

Watch Video:  2011 Ford Taurus

Originally introduced as the "bionic cheetah," the second-generation FX50 crossover still has that long, low, menacing crouch, especially with 21-inch rims and 265/45 tires that fill its wheel arches and flared fenders. It keeps its claws sharp with a 5.0-liter 390-horsepower V8 engine that vaults it from zero to 60 mph in a mere 5.4 seconds. Space is a bit tight in the rear, but cargo volume does go from 24.8 to 62 cubic feet by folding the seatbacks under a new power-operated hatch.

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Jaguar designers took the revered British marque into uncharted territory with the sleek XF sedan. The "R" version is powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 510 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. It roars to 60 mph in 4.67 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 13 seconds flat. The XFR has quick steering, a suspension that goes from soft to firm in a nanosecond, and large disc brakes with red calipers that are visible through the seven branches of the standard 20-inch alloy wheels.

Bing Images: Jaguar XFR

Few machines can top the street cred and pure curb appeal of the Range Rover Sport, and likely none can match its combined on- and off-road performance and handling prowess. As the most athletic member of this iconic family, the Range Rover Supercharged is powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter 510-horsepower V8 engine that can whisk it to 60 mph in a scant 5.9 seconds. This SUV's fully adjustable suspension and pioneering Terrain Response system make it virtually unstoppable, on sand, snow, boulders or twisty tarmac.

Compare: Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs. Porshce Cayenne vs. Cadillac Escalade

The brawny ML63 performance sport-utility is one of few models in the AMG portfolio to be powered by the Mercedes-Benz performance division's fabulous, hand-built, naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8. This award-winning engine develops 503 horsepower with a soul-stirring, thunderous and truly addictive sound when at full tilt. While the adaptive sport suspension, huge 295/40 tires on 20-inch alloy wheels, and big brakes sharpen the dynamics, flared fenders and deep front and rear fascias help the ML63 look suitably menacing.

Bing Images: BMW AMG ML63

The Cayenne Turbo came late to the SUV party, but it soon became a top gun in performance and handling, especially the notably lighter and better-looking second-generation 2011 model. It's the same story for the sharklike Panamera Turbo, which scorches to 60 mph in 3.63 seconds, rips through the quarter-mile in 11.93 seconds, and brakes from 60 mph in just 118.7 feet. These are amazing feats for a plush, 4,343-pound luxury sedan. These two "No Substitute" machines share the same twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter 500-horsepower V8 engine.

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A professional auto journalist for more than 25 years and the founding editor of Sympatico / MSN Autos, Marc Lachapelle is a two-time winner of the Canadian Journalist of the Year award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, an accomplished photographer and licensed racer.

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