We’ve all played the game: If you won the lottery, or somehow came into a small fortune, what vehicle would you buy? It is a big decision, with so many options and considerations.

It is natural to start with body type, then limit to preferred manufacturers and even country of origin. These days, for some, the desire to support the American auto industry runs strong. Factoring that among my new-car ambitions, the first choice in my “no dollar limit” category: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. If I must, I’ll settle with a Z06 or a Cadillac CTS-V. There is no reason to explain why. I’ve been fortunate to have driven these high-performance American machines, and, in my opinion, they’re world-class cars.

Fantasyland aside, when looking at practicality there is one car that fits my car-buying mode: CTS with AWD. I own an Audi A4 quattro, and the only domestic product that can give me what I want from a sedan (performance, handling, comfort, all-wheel drive) is the CTS. While I’m not a fan of the first-generation look, I like the new car’s styling, superior interior, and overall package.

Our Pontiac G8 proved to be a nice long-legged cruiser and carried five 30-something guys -- all 6-feet tall or more -- across Connecticut and back as we headed to my bachelor party one weekend. I like the comfy, roomy interior, the power, and the attention to detail. With gas selling at $2.05 a gallon, the mileage wasn’t awful. (Check back with me when gas is $4.00 per gallon.) It really was enjoyable to drive.
And while I don’t need it right now, the Chevrolet Avalanche is a vehicle that I’ve always liked. Now, with a six-speed automatic and the latest GMT900 platform, it would make for a great tow vehicle for a track car. Comfortable, a better ride than a Silverado, flexible midgate…it all adds up to an Avalanche “For the Win".

So, if a pile of money fell into your lap, what would you have in the driveway?

—Jon Linkov