HOT cars we all would LOVE to have!!!

Super Hot and Super Fast Cop Cars in Europe

2009-03-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

You can bet that American tuners would love to be stopped

by this fantastic Nissan 350Z loaded with Nismo gadgets.

Volvo’s V70 wagons are known for their durability.
In Canada, police forces in Quebec use them in their fleets.
Here is a V70 cop car from England.

This Porsche 911, modified by German tuner TechArt,

must have convinced a few kids to become cops.

This car isn’t on the road yet but it does exist.

It is the E7 from Carbon Motors, a new company

specializing in police vehicles.

The Mitsubishi EVO X is already a fearsome machine.

Dressed in a British police suit, this is even more intimidating.

The Mercedes CLS is already a heck of a car.

Redesigned by Brabus as a German police car,

it’s equipped with everything for the role.

And with 730 hp, it’s the world’s fastest sedan.

The Honda NSX, as a police car, must be a dream to drive.

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Uncompromising comfort

for the ultimate high-speed chase.

The British sure seem to have variety in their fleets.

This bullet-fast Lotus Exige handles extremely well.

Street patrol in the U.K. isn’t only by way of small cars.

Here is a larger police car the Lexus GS.

Police have to leave their vehicle’s engine running all the time,

and this Toyota Prius hybrid is easy on the environment.

Not only is the Caparo T1 a powerful car, it’s also agile and very rare.

However, this is just a prototype.

Alas, high-speed chase squads take note nothing can escape it!

Italians are passionate people, and so are their cops.

Just look at this Lamborghini Gallardo.

If Chrysler was the biggest police-car maker in the 1970s and ’80s,

the company seems unable to make a comeback in this market,

even though the Dodge Charger is well-suited for the job.

Here is another example of a dragster that can be used on any terrain the Subaru WRX.

German company GeigerCars specializes in the modification

of American dragsters.

A sheriff in American order his own toy: A 700-hp hummer.

For high-speed chases, this one won’t get very far.

But for zigzagging through London’s traffic,

the Smart fortwo is just the ticket.

Australians love big V8 cars.

This Holden VE Commodore is essentially a Pontiac G8,

and it is very popular down under.

As if the basic Gallardo wasn’t enough,

the high-speed chase division of the Italian police force

relies on the LP560-4 version.

2010 Chevy Camaro

2009-02-24T02:15:00.000-08:00

The day you've been waiting for has arrived – you can submit an order for a 2010 Chevy Camaro (scheduled to be available spring 2009) starting Monday, October 13, 2008.

Chevy dealers across the country will be able to submit customers' orders for the new 2010 Chevy Camaro Coupe, with its outstanding performance and efficiency, sleek styling and unexpected array of features, including:

- Price starting at $22,995
- Choice of six-speed transmissions: manual or TAPshift automatic
- Projected 300 hp DOHC V6 engine that gets an estimated 27 MPG hwy with automatic transmission

- Projected 400 hp V8 engine with automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management for added fuel savings
- Projected 422 hp V8 engine with manual transmission
- 4.5-link independent rear suspension
- Six air bags
- Bluetooth® wireless technology available for select compatible phones
- USB connectivity available on select models
- Standard one-year OnStar Safe & Sound plan

Top 10 Fuel Misers

2009-02-08T06:11:00.001-08:00

There’s no question: Consumers have changed their buying habits when it comes to automobiles. High fuel prices have shoppers gravitating away from large gas-guzzling SUVs toward more efficient subcompacts and gas-electric hybrids, which are not only easier on the wallet but more environmentally friendly. For a better understanding of what vehicles will save the most money at the pump, here’s our breakdown of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of the top 10 most fuel-efficient vehicles for the 2009 model year.

In the past there have been many complaints, especially from hybrid owners, about EPA fuel-efficiency ratings. The main gripe was that the EPA numbers were too lofty to achieve under real-world driving conditions. In response to these claims, the agency changed its methods of computing fuel economy for the 2008 model year. Fuel economy calculations now take into consideration faster driving speeds, stronger acceleration, air-conditioning use and operation in colder temperatures. Read more about how the EPA has changed its fuel economy ratings here.

Americans are becoming more accepting of cars powered partially or completely by electricity. Five of the top 10 vehicles in the EPA list are gasoline-electric hybrids, which continue to be great choices for stop-and-go driving, where the vehicle’s electric motor does a lot of the heavy lifting.

For 2009 the Toyota Prius continues to lead the pack as the most efficient vehicle on U.S. roads today. The five-seat Prius, which was redesigned as a midsize sedan for the 2004 model year, is rated at 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. It combines the power of a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine and a 50-kilowatt electric motor to produce a total of 110 horsepower — enough power to get around town, but not enough to make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.

Next on the list is the Honda Civic Hybrid. Like the Prius — and any other hybrid, for that matter — the Civic Hybrid uses electric motors to help get the most out of a relatively small engine. The primary difference between the Civic and the Prius is that the former has a larger gasoline engine, while the latter opts for a more powerful electric motor. A smaller gas engine uses less fuel; hence the Prius stands at the top of the heap. Even so, the Civic Hybrid does achieve a very respectable 40 mpg in the city, 45 on the highway.

New to the list for 2009 is a car that was just introduced to America in the last year: the smart fortwo. More than three feet shorter than a MINI Cooper, the fortwo is the smallest car sold in the U.S. It has space for only two passengers and the ride is rather uncomfortable, but it gets up to 41 mpg on the highway, putting it third on the list.

One of the most anticipated vehicles coming to market this year is the four-door Volkswagen Jetta TDI, which takes fourth place. Running a clean diesel system that meets the world’s most stringent emission standards, the Jetta sedan is rated at 41 mpg on the highway — matching the tiny smart car in terms of fuel-efficiency, yet it offers much better performance specs. For instance, the smart fortwo produces a measly 68 lb-ft of torque, while the Jetta cranks out 236 lb-ft, so it will be faster off the line and capable of hauling around a much heavier load.

Hybrids are also doing well in the midsize arena. Number five on the list is the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which gets 34 mpg under combined city/highway driving conditions. It has a much roomier interior than its Prius cousin, and a gas-electric hybrid system that produces V6-like grunt (187 horsepower).

Although the Nissan Altima Hybrid is about the same size as the Toyota Camry Hybrid and uses similar technology, its hybrid system is tuned a little differently. Coming in sixth on the EPA list, the Altima delivers better gas mileage within city limits (35 mpg compared to 33), while the Camry does better on the highway (34 mpg to 33).

The other exception to the small-car trend is the Ford Escape Hybrid, along with its Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Mazda Tribute Hybrid siblings. Coming in ninth position on the EPA list, these are the most fuel-efficient four-wheel-drive SUVs on the U.S. market. Basically the same under the skin, each achieves an impressive 32 mpg in combined city/highway driving, and the AWD versions still do well at 28 mpg combined. Although hybrids achieve impressive fuel economy, there is a premium to be paid in order to purchase one. For example, the Honda Civic, rated at a combined 29 mpg, cannot match the 42 mpg that the Civic Hybrid should achieve; however, the gas-only Civic is priced about $7,000 less.

Other non-hybrid offerings for 2009 include the MINI Cooper, Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, which took seventh, eighth and tenth places on the EPA list, respectively. All three fit firmly into the small car category and thus have relatively small engines that burn less fuel. The MINI is one of the few premium small-car offerings on the market, while the Yaris and Fit both provide a roomy, versatile interior in a rather inexpensive package. The MINI’s new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, slightly smaller dimensions and six-speed transmission conspire to produce good fuel-efficiency, particularly on the highway (37 mpg). The Yaris is Toyota's budget entry, filling a role that used to be taken by the Corolla, which has grown into a somewhat larger and pricier compact car. And the Fit’s mini-minivan styling might not seduce those who are more interested in a sportier look, but it offers users oodles of usable space.

While this list is based on combined fuel economy, there are a few cars worth noting that excel in highway fuel economy but drop off the list when combined with city mpg. The Chevrolet Cobalt XFE is rated at 37 mpg highway, while the Honda Civic lists 36 mpg highway.

It’s also important to note that no pickup trucks, vans, luxury cars or large sedans rank in the top 10, and the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid are the only vehicles from U.S.-based automakers that managed to crack the top 10.

Is Your Car a Cop Magnet?

2009-02-07T00:39:00.000-08:00

If $4 gas didn't convince you to trade in that big H2 for a Mini Cooper, perhaps your friendly neighborhood police officer will. It seems that Hummer drivers get more traffic tickets than drivers of any other make of car.The data come from a survey conducted by ISO Quality Planning. The company helps insurers spot risks; or in other words, it helps insurance companies spot you, Mr. Bright Yellow Hummer.

Not sure if your car attracts more cops than a donut shop? Check out the list to see if your ride is getting you unwanted attention.

10 Most Ticketed Cars

1. Hummer H2

People who love the Hummer H2 probably love its bold, imposing looks. Apparently, cops love the H2 because it helps them meet their ticket quotas. Here's a tip: If you have an H2, maybe you shouldn't drive it near then end of the month when traffic cops are scrambling to make their numbers.

2. Scion tC

Seeing the tC on the most-ticketed list makes sense, given its popularity with young people. Its sporty performance, which comes at a price that makes affording tickets easy, probably helps tempt some drivers as well.

3. Scion xB

Like the Scion tC, the xB is aimed at younger drivers. Still, when you look at the xB's less-than-stellar performance, it's safe to assume that all the tickets xB drivers are getting aren't moving violations.

4. Mercedes Benz CLK63 AMG

If you're lucky enough to have a Mercedes AMG -- any AMG -- then a few tickets are worth unleashing this luxurious beast. Besides, if you've got a Mercedes, you can probably afford a few traffic citations.

5. Toyota Solara Coupe

Now, here's a surprise. The fifth most ticketed car is the Toyota Solara Coupe. Essentially a two-door Camry, the Solara isn't known for road-thrashing performance. Maybe Solara drivers just get a lot of parking tickets.

6. Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG

The CLS63 AMG is another luxury performance car, so it's no shocker to see its drivers among the most ticketed. The question is: With all that power, why aren't more CLS63 AMG drivers outrunning the cops?

7. Scion xA

With the xA taking the seventh spot on the ten most ticketed cars list, Scion completes the traffic-ticket hat trick. Toyota's upstart little brand has only come out with four models over its entire lifespan -- and three of them will likely get you a date in traffic court.

8. Subaru Outback

Subarus have a reputation of being yuppie grocery getters, but the Outback manages to prove that stereotype wrong by being one of the top ten most ticketed cars. Apparently, the Outback is the car of choice for people who need to get to Whole Foods in a hurry, and maybe park illegally once they're there.

9. Audi A4

Audi often finds itself in the shadows of Mercedes and BMW, but not when it comes to getting tickets. The Audi A4 is the ninth most ticketed car in America.

10. Toyota Matrix

The Toyota Matrix is often credited for bringing SUV styling to small cars. Now it can also be credited to bringing insurance rate increases to thousands of its owners.

10 Least Ticketed Cars

1. Jaguar XJ

The Jaguar XJ gives drivers a smooth ride and an opulent interior. As the least- ticketed car in America, it also seems to provide the ability to fly under radar guns. There's a feature they won't tell you about at the dealership.

2. Chevrolet Suburban

Suburban drivers tend to need their large SUVs for hauling people or towing trailers, not breaking land speed records. So it's not surprising to see it on the list of least-ticketed cars.

3. Chevrolet Tahoe

The Tahoe shares some architecture with the Hummer H2, the most-ticketed car in America. Despite the two having similar sizes, the Tahoe manages not to attract as much police attention.

4. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500

It's no shocker to find Chevrolet's heavy-duty trucks among the least-ticketed vehicles. These trucks are usually bought for their towing ability, not for impromptu drag races.

5. Buick Park Avenue

While Buick has recently begun to increase the oomph in their cars, the now- discontinued Park Avenue helped solidify the brand's image as cars for the senior set. No wonder Park Avenue drivers tend not to get very many tickets.

6. Mazda6

The largest car in Mazda's line up, the Mazda6 has plenty of the brand's zoom-zoom, yet still manages to be among the least-ticketed cars. If you love driving sporty sedans but can't take seeing any more red and blue lights in your rearview mirror, the Mazda6 may be just the car for you.

7. Buick Rainier

The now-discontinued Buick Rainier is a largely forgettable attempt at a near- luxury SUV. Maybe that forgettable nature keeps cops from noticing when one commits a traffic offense.

8. Oldsmobile Silhouette

Finding a minivan from Oldsmobile on the list of least-ticketed cars isn't surprising. What's surprising is that anyone is still driving a Silhouette.

9. Buick Lucerne

The Buick Lucerne offers a near-luxury experience at an affordable large car price. Being one of the least-ticketed cars means that the Lucerne's affordability continues after it's bought, thanks to fewer fines and lower insurance rates.

10. GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra is an attractive truck for work or play. With its ability to haul or tow heavy loads, this truck will do anything you ask it to, including avoiding traffic citations.

The Ten Most Decadent Options

2009-02-05T03:54:00.000-08:00

Do you love yourself so much that you would do anything to make you happy? Surely that devotion extends to your car, and we have a list of the ten most decadent options you can find. Just to make things clear, we’re not talking about modern necessities such as cruise control or air conditioning. We’re talking about excessive self-indulgence to the extent that some might consider it moral decay. Of course, those ethically righteous types probably only frown on such extravagance because they can’t afford all this awesome stuff. These items don’t make your car perform any better, either. Their sole purpose is to make you say, “Thank you, myself,” every time you use them.

10. BMW Comfort Access

Power windows are great and all, but sometimes it’s really tough to push all the buttons to roll them up and down. That is why BMW offers Comfort Access, which lets you roll the windows up and down using the key fob remote. And if you have a convertible, you can operate the roof as well. Of course, it also allows you to unlock and lock the doors and start the engine without going to all the trouble of taking the key out of your pocket or putting it in the ignition. This is a luxury that is very easy to get used to. Comfort Access is $500 on 1- and 3-series models, $1000 on other BMWs.

9. Porsche Customized Leather List

Porsche is famous for the extent of its options lists, and for how much it all costs. The leather portion of the options list is by far the craziest section, with a stupefying array of choices. Leather on the vent slats? That’ll be $365. You can even get the coat hook on the back of your seat swathed in leather.

8. Mercedes-Benz Designo Interior

Standard leather is so, well, standard. If you really want to pamper yourself in an S-, SL-, or CL-class, we suggest dropping $12,015 for the Designo interior. For that much cash you also get velour floor mats to coddle your couture soles.

7. Mercedes-Benz Drive-Dynamic Seats

Really, this option is all about multitasking. Think of the time you’ll save by getting a back rub while in the car. You can choose between four combinations of slow/fast and gentle/vigorous, but “fast and vigorous” aren’t so much; the option is better in theory than in practice. But who cares? It’s only money, after all, and these thrones provide serious bragging rights. And a little massage always beats no massage. They are available as a standalone option on the S550 for $1820 and are part of the $5290 Premium 2 package on the CL550, and they’re standard equipment on any AMG or V-12 CL- or S-class.

6. Lexus Executive Package

Why reserve lounging for your private jet or living room? For an extra $12,675 on top of a $73,725 Lexus LS460L (a little less in the hybrid LS600hL) you can get a reclining rear seat with an extending leg rest. Considering that you’d have to buy a $350,000 Maybach to get this feature in any other car, it’s a relative bargain.

5. Mercedes-Benz Airscarf

Most people understand that removing the top of a car exposes you to the elements. But if you refuse to accept the reality of the shortened driving season that Mother Nature imposes on you, Mercedes has your answer. Airscarf is a vent just below the headrest that blows hot air on the back of your neck when others are raising their tops. It’s part of a $3750 package on the 2009 SL550, but only $510 on the SLK55 AMG.

4. Rolls-Royce Starlight Headliner

You might think that $12,100 for 1600 tiny lights in the headliner (a mere $7.56 per light) is over the top; but how would you know? We certainly can’t afford a Rolls -Royce Phantom, but if we could, this dramatic—and pointless—option’s box would be the first one we’d tick.

3. Maybach Granite Interior

Considering how many homes cost less than a Maybach, it’s only appropriate that you can trim out a Maybach as opulently as your abode. Granite interior trim will cost you an astonishing €43,000 (about $60,600), and that’s for the Basic package. There’s also a pricier package for the Maybach Landaulet, and the Luxury package costs more still. Maybach wouldn’t share just how much with us working types.

2. Aston Martin Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 DBS Transponder Watch

James Bond might drive an Aston Martin, but he wears an Omega. Too bad for 007. Anybody who has $37,900 to spare and wants to use a timepiece to access his or her car can order up a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch that will unlock the doors of his or her DBS. You do, however, still need to insert the sapphire key to start the car.

1. Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Paint Packages

If €1.1 million (about $1.6 million) and a limited run of less than 500 copies aren’t exclusive enough for you, try the special editions of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. For half a mil or so—depending on the strength of the dollar—you can opt for the Pur Sang edition, which comes without any paint, or, if you’d rather have special brown paint and leather, the Fbg par Hermès, created with French fashion house Hermès. Or, for the same price, you could get a convertible version.

Audi: Working on a Murcielago-killer??

2009-02-04T15:21:00.000-08:00

Street word has it that Audi might be working on an even beefier version of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro, slated as Murcielago-killer.

According to an anonymous source cited – not quoted – by InsideLine, the automaker is "experimenting with an even faster supercar that will dare to go head-to-head with the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640." While that won't make the crew from Sant'Agate particularly pleased, the line from InsideLine leaves a lot open to interpretation. Are we talking about an all-new supercar? A V12-powered R8 (not the TDI)?

Lamborghini Diablo

2009-02-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

Lamborghini began developing the Diablo (which translates to "Devil" in English) in 1985 as a replacement for the Countach model, introducing it for sale on January 21, 1990 at a base price of USD 240,000. Power came from a 5.7-litre, 48-valve version of the legendary Lamborghini V12 featuring dual overhead cams and computer-controlled multi-point fuel injection, producing a maximum output of 492 hp (367 kW; 499 PS) and 427 ft·lbf (579 N·m) of torque. The vehicle could reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in slightly over 4 seconds, with a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). The Diablo was originally rear-wheel drive and the engine was mid-mounted to aid its weight balance.

Even at over $240,000, the vehicle was somewhat spartan, featuring only basic radio functions (with optional CD playback) along with manual windows, adjustable but unpowered seats and no anti-lock brakes, mostly to minimize the vehicle's already high curb weight. A few options were available, including having the driver's seat molded specifically for the buyer, a rear spoiler, a factory fitted luggage set (priced at $2,600) and an exclusive Breguet clock for the dash (priced at $10,500).

2009 LATEST CARZ

2009-01-17T12:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks to celebrity endorsements and relatively little competition, Toyota's got a lock on the domestic hybrid market with its Prius, the popular five-seater hatchback that gets 48 miles per gallon in city driving and 45 on the highway. Its recently announced a third-generation model should help it retain its ranking at the top of the hybrid heap.But that's not stopping Ford Motor from trying to dethrone the Japanese automaker.
This spring, Ford will try to gain more traction in the hybrid space with two new models, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids. Both family-sized sedans promise 41 miles per gallon in city driving and 36 on the highway.They are just two of a handful of new drives set to debut in the U.S. over the next two years. Others include the Chevrolet Camaro, the Ford Fiesta and the Chevy Cruze. Some, including many being unveiled at the North American International Auto Show this week, are set to hit domestic showrooms this year; others may not reach production until the 2011 model year.In Pictures: 20 Cars Of The FutureThough the worldwide car market has been saddled with poor sales--domestic sales in recent months fell to their lowest per-capita levels in 50 years, and last year, Asian manufacturers lost 12.5% of their sales in the U.S., while their European counterparts lost 11.1%--the home team has been busy investing in new products.General Motors (nyse: GM - news - people ) is making an ambitious effort to take back the mantle of technological leadership with its Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid. This vehicle differs from today's hybrids in that drivers will be able to recharge the batteries with an electrical outlet.Another difference: The Volt's gasoline motor does not power the drive wheels. Instead, after the vehicle exceeds its 40-mile range on batteries only, the gasoline motor turns a generator to recharge the batteries that feed the electric drive. The lithium ion batteries for this vehicle still remain a challenge in cost and volume manufacturing, but GM is promising it can make first deliveries, in limited numbers, by November 2010.

EURO FOCUS

2009-01-17T12:53:00.000-08:00

EURO FOCUS

Europeans have always been willing to pay a premium for small, sporty, fuel-efficient cars, whereas Americans have traditionally associated small with inexpensive. That is why Europeans have a new-generation Ford Focus, while U.S. buyers only have a tweaked version of the first-generation model. But Ford plans to change that: Some time in 2010, we will get essentially the same car that's popular with European drivers.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

2009-01-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
Since becoming private, Chrysler has become as secretive as the old Kremlin when it comes to disclosing information about its plans. If Chrysler can ride out the current downturn, we will see a new version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee (current model pictured) in the future. At one time, the Grand Cherokee was a big money-maker for Chrysler. The sport utility market may be shrinking, but Chrysler needs another home run with this Jeep.

Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger

2009-01-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

CHRYSLER 300 AND DODGE CHRGER
Despite all the attention given to fuel economy, there is still a market for big cars like the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger (image is of the current model). All that Chrysler will admit is that it's working on updates for these two rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Our best guess is that the company will de-emphasize the hemi V-8, tone down the styling and try its best to improve fuel efficiency without unduly sacrificing performance. Perhaps Chrysler will figure out a way to package these vehicles with the advanced two-mode hybrid system it briefly offered in its big SUVs (Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen) before closing the factory late last year.

CHEVY VOLT

2009-01-17T12:38:00.000-08:00

CHEVY VOLT
General Motors' plug-in hybrid differs from today's hybrids in that drivers will be able to recharge the batteries with an electrical outlet instead of letting them recharge while the car runs on gasoline. Another difference: The Volt's gasoline motor does not power the drive wheels; instead, after the vehicle exceeds its 40-mile range on batteries only, the gasoline motor turns a generator to recharge the batteries that feed the electric drive. The lithium ion batteries for this vehicle still remain a challenge in cost and volume manufacturing, but GM is promising it can make first deliveries, in limited numbers, by November 2010.

DODGE VIPER SRT 10

2009-01-17T12:35:00.000-08:00

DODGE VIPER SRT 10

Base MSRP: $89,520

0-60: 3.5 seconds

HP: 600

Torque: 560 lbs.-foot

Chevrolet corvette ZO6

2009-01-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet corvette ZO6

Base MSRP: $73,925

0-60: 3.7 seconds

HP: 505

Torque: 470 lbs.-foot

Cadillac CTS Wagon and Coupe; Cadillac SRX

2009-01-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

Cadillac CTS Wagon and Coupe; Cadillac SRX

Crossover
The second-generation Cadillac CTS sedan is a formidable competitor against the best small sport sedans from Germany and Japan. General Motors is wisely expanding the CTS lineup with coupe and wagon versions. The wagon (pictured) comes first, this spring; the coupe will follow some time in 2010. The wagon will offer many of the same performance and luxury features as the CTS sedan, including rear wheel drive and available all wheel drive, as well as two versions of GM's 3.6 liter V-6, with 255 or 304 hp. Also on its way in the second half of this year is a brand new Cadillac SRX crossover, a mid-size luxury crossover on GM's new global SUV architecture, replacing the slow-selling original version. The standard engine in the SRX, a three-liter V-6; a turbocharged 2.8 liter V-6 is optional.

Chevrolet Camaro

2009-01-16T10:02:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet Camaro

The last Camaro left the factory in 2002, but GM is bringing back a new model that offers a little something for everyone. The base car comes with a 300 hp double-overhead cam V-6 with direct fuel injection, and it promises highway fuel economy in the high 20s. The V-8 versions will pack 400 or more horsepower. All versions of the Camaro come with independent rear suspension. Camaro coupes will arrive this spring, while the convertible is still a year or more away.

Ford Mustang and Shelby GT 500 Mustang

2009-01-16T10:01:00.001-08:00

Ford Mustang and Shelby GT 500 Mustang

The 2010 Mustang (pictured), arriving this spring, does not stray far from timeless Mustang styling, and it shares most of its mechanicals with the current version. Yet the design language is sleeker, sexier and tighter. Ford also put a lot of effort into refining the interior. The carryover V-6 has has just 210 horsepower, but be on the lookout for Ford to eventually offer a peppier motor for buyers who like the Mustang image but want fuel economy, too. For performance fans, the available 4.6 liter V-8 pounds out 315 hp; if that's not enough, the Shelby GT 500 Mustang debuting this spring has 540 ponies under the hood.

Ford Fiesta

2009-01-16T09:50:00.001-08:00

Ford Fiesta

Underneath the stylish exterior of the new Ford Fiesta, a vehicle smaller than the Ford Focus, are components of the Mazda2. Versions of the Fiesta--in three-door and five-door hatchbacks--are already on sale in Europe. Americans will get a sedan and hatchback in early 2010. The Fiesta promises to be the best small car Ford has ever made in North America.

Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids

2009-01-16T09:49:00.001-08:00

Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids

Politicians and environmentalists love hybrids, but only one model, the Toyota Prius, has been a big commercial success. Ford Motor will try to gain more traction in the hybrid space with two new models--the Ford Fusion Hybrid (pictured) and Mercury Milan Hybrid--as part of the update for these sedans, due this spring. Both vehicles promise 41 miles per gallon in city driving and 36 on the highway. These are family-sized sedans, not pipsqueak vehicles like the Mercedes Smart. In fact, the Smart is less efficient in city driving (33 mpg) than the new Ford hybrid sedans, though it bests them by five mpg on the highway

2008 Mazda Tribute

2009-01-16T09:44:00.001-08:00

2008 Mazda Tribute

Number Sold Jan. to Aug. 2008: 9,200
Base MSRP: $19,135
EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 24
Vincentric True Cost of Ownership:$41,848
Second Look Features: Tinted rear windows; power driver's seat; cruise control; roof rack; optional towing package; auto-dimming rearview mirror; rear seat DVD entertainment system.

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

2009-01-16T09:43:00.001-08:00

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

Number Sold Jan. to Aug. 2008: 9,296
Base MSRP: $19,990
EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
Vincentric True Cost of Ownership: $47,325
Second Look Features: Roof rack; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; cruise control; reclining rear seats; optional third-row seat increases seating capacity to seven; hands-free phone capability.

Dodge Ram 2500 Quad

2009-01-16T09:39:00.001-08:00

Dodge Ram 2500 Quad

Amount below MSRP: $4,770
MSRP: $40,680
Invoice Price: $35,910
Actual transaction price: $35,910

Audi Q7 SUV

2009-01-16T09:37:00.001-08:00

Audi Q7 SUV

Amount below MSRP: $4,750
MSRP: $59,375
Invoice Price: $55,272
Actual transaction price: $54,625

Cadillac Escalade SUV

2009-01-16T09:35:00.001-08:00

Cadillac Escalade SUV

Amount below MSRP: $4,454
MSRP: $59,390
Invoice Price: $55,003
Actual transaction price: $54,936

2009 Honda Odyssey

2009-01-16T09:17:00.001-08:00

2009 Honda Odyssey

EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 20 mpg
Base MSRP: $26,255
Safety Features: Three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; active front seat head restraints; pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.
Appealing features: Third-row seat accommodates up to three passengers or folds completely flat into the floor; DVD entertainment system with nine-inch screen.

2009 Acura TSX

2009-01-16T09:14:00.001-08:00

2009 Acura TSX

EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 25 mpg
Base MSRP: $28,960
Safety Features: Side curtain airbags for all outboard seating passengers; front five-mph bumper and rear 2.5-mph bumper that won't bend in fender-bender accidents; rear head restraints for all seating positions.
Appealing features: Leather-trimmed seats; thicker leather-wrapped steering wheel with fingertip controls; dash-mounted electronic compass.

2009 Acura RL

2009-01-16T09:13:00.001-08:00

2009 Acura RL

Base MSRP: $46,280
EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 18 mpg
Safety Features: Front- and rear-impact absorbing crumple zones; front head-restraint system with adjustable front headrests for height and tilt; side-curtain airbags for front and outboard seats.
Appealing features: Hands-free phone connectivity; DVD-audio stereo entertainment; genuine wood-instrument panel trim.

2009 Subaru Forester

2009-01-16T09:11:00.001-08:00

2009 Subaru Forester

Base MSRP: $19,995 (cash incentives of up to $2,000 direct to the customer)
EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
Safety Features: Seat-position sensor on the driver's track detects if the driver is sitting too close to the air bag, in which case the system delays deployment of the airbag's second stage; front-seat side-impact airbags for thorax-area protection.

2009 Subaru Tribeca

2009-01-16T09:06:00.001-08:00

2009 Subaru Tribeca

Base MSRP: $29,995 (up to $3,000 on 2008 models)
EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 18 mpg
Safety Features: Standard curtain side air bags for front and second rows; roll sensor system that detects a potential vehicle rollover and deploys side curtain airbags.

No. 2: Audi A3

2009-01-16T08:23:00.001-08:00

No. 2: Audi A3

Number Sold Jan. - Aug. 2008: 3,447
Base MSRP: $25,930
EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 24 mpg
Vincentric Five Years True Cost of Ownership: $54,041
Second Look Features: Dual-zone automatic climate control; 17-inch wheels; optional leather upholstery; 12-way power driver seat; dual-pane sunroof; navigation system; windshield washer nozzles.

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander

2009-01-16T08:17:00.001-08:00

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander

Base MSRP: $20,230 (cash incentives of up to $1,000 direct to the customer)
EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
Safety Features: Passenger airbag occupant-sensing deactivation; driver and passenger head restraints that reduce neck injury.

2009 Saturn Vue

2009-01-16T08:13:00.001-08:00

2009 Saturn Vue

Base MSRP: $22,075 (10% employee discount on all 2008 and select 2009 models)
EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
Safety Features: Driver and passenger head restraint whiplash protection system; dual front-seat-mounted airbags; front and rear head airbags.

F O R D

2009-01-16T08:07:00.001-08:00

F O R D

2009 Ford Taurus X
Base MSRP: $27,575 (cash rebate $1,500 to $2,000)
EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 19 mpg
Safety Features: Side curtain airbags for all three rows; seat-deployed side air bags for front-seat passengers.

LINCOIN

2009-01-16T07:25:00.001-08:00

LINCOIN

Consider the smaller MKZ ($32,155) with 3.5-liter V6 over the slightly bigger MKS ($37,665) with a 3.7-liter V6 engine.

Lexus

2009-01-16T07:17:00.001-08:00

LEXUS

buying the 2009 LS 460 ($63,675) without some of the high-tech features available on the $73,585 version, such as a voice-activated navigation system and power rear sunshade.

Lotus Elise SC

2009-01-16T06:31:00.001-08:00

Base MSRP: $54,500
0-60: 4.4 seconds
HP: 218
Torque: 156 lbs.-foot
*2008 model data