Rocket Science

Rocket ScienceHot, small sport compacts are rewriting the rules. Big is bad. Rear-wheel drive is old hat. The new thinking is front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive in machines influenced by rally cars and featuring air dams, fender flares and tail spoilers. Five- and six-speed manual gearboxes, immense brakes and trick alloy wheels come with the packages. The rationale for all this is simple. Married younger guys want a family car that says "I'm still happening." Singles want a car with...