2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom "The large driver-oriented grand tourer"

The large driver-oriented grand tourer is powered by the company's 6.75-liter V12 that produces 453 horsepower, 531 pound-feet of torque -- with nearly 400 lb-ft, or 75 percent, available at just 1,000 rpm -- and has segment-leading fuel economy thanks to modern technology such as direct injection and variable valve and camshaft control. A 25 percent increase in fuel capacity, compared to the Drophead Coupe, adds significant driving range. Electronic driving aids are integrated into the car's anti-lock braking and traction control system to ensure the behemoth is never out of shape.

At the core of the Phantom Coupe is an aluminum chassis. The lightweight unibody structure is hand made, requiring over 430 feet of welding.

The Phantom Coupe features rear-hinged coach doors which add considerably to the ease of access to the rear seats as well as to the overall aesthetics. According to the automaker, they also aid the overall stiffness of the body as the rear hinged doors allow for an uninterrupted A-pillar helping to make this the most torsionally rigid Rolls-Royce ever. A brushed steel finish of A-pillar and hood, as seen first on 100EX Concept, is also available for the Coupe.

The Drophead's Picnic Boot, a split opening tailgate trunk, is likewise retained. A choice of three 21-inch wheel styles is available at no additional cost.

"Rolls-Royce has always been about pace, performance and style," Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said. "The dynamic drive of the Phantom has always come as a surprise to customers and the Coupe takes it one step further."

Base Price: $400,000

Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive

Curb Weight (lbs): 5776

City (MPG): 11

Hwy (MPG): 18

Horsepower: 453 @ 5350

Torque (lb-ft): 531 @ 3500

Wheelbase (in.): 130.7

Length (in.): 220.8

Width (in.): 78.2

Height (in.): 62.7

2009 BMW 750Li

The new 750i is powered by BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, which first appeared under the hood of the new X6. Rated at 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, the engine will be the only one powering the two U.S.-bound models, the 750i and the 750Li, with a wheelbase that is 5.5 inches longer than the previous model. The 6.0-liter V12 of the outgoing model, rated at 438hp and 444lb-ft., has been dropped. European models also get a 3.0-liter twin turbo diesel delivering 242 hp and 399 lb-ft and the familiar twin-turbo gasoline 3.0-liter inline-six upgraded to 323 hp and 332 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission will be mated to the V8 engine, with the shifter moved from the steering column back to the center console.

The new 7er will roll on 18-inch alloy wheels shod in all-season run-flat tires in a 245/50R18 size. Two styles of 19-inch wheels with performance-oriented rubber will be optional.

Weight-saving measures have shaved about 120 lbs thanks largely to increased use of aluminum in the body as compared to the previous generation car despite the new car carrying more standard equipment. Another detail change meant to improve fuel consumption by reducing drag is a flap in the grille that eliminates unneeded airflow.

Four-wheel steering will be included on the 7-Series option list, with an all-wheel drive option slated to be offered in a few years. The rear wheels will turn in the opposite direction as the front ones at speeds below 35mph, and will turn up to three degrees in the same direction as speeds climb above that.

A new active chassis management system BMW calls IMS will give users the choice of Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus settings, changing settings such as shock settings, steering effort, gear change speed and smoothness, and the sensitivity of the stability control system.

A new night vision system promises to increase safety for pedestrians. The new system will be able to detect human presence in front of the vehicle and then flash a warning symbol on the display. Moreover, the system will be able to tell if a pedestrian is in the road or safely on the sidewalk, although it's not clear how the system can differentiate the two.



The new system is so advanced, it's also able to read speed limit signs and warn drivers when they are driving too fast. However, this feature will only be available in Europe for the time being. A lane departure warning system will notify drivers of cars in their blind spots via a vibrating steering wheel and a message on the dashboard-mounted screen, which now grows to 10.2 inches from 8.8.

The big BMW will also be keeping an eye on your speed during inclement weather. The camera can detect fog or rain, and will warn drivers when they are approaching an unsafe speed. Despite the warning, the system has no control over the speed of the vehicle so those with lead feet need not worry.

The 2009 7-series will be available for purchase in European showrooms starting this November, although prices have not been announced, with BMW saying only they will stay close to current levels. In the U.S., the car will debut at the Los Angeles International Autoshow in November before arriving at dealers in the spring of 2009.

2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed "Nothing exceeds like excess"

Introduction

In the spirit of "Nothing exceeds like excess," Bentley has introduced the 2009 Continental Flying Spur Speed, a more athletic and extravagantly appointed variant of the four-door Continental Flying Spur. Priced around $218,000, the Speed adds about $27,000 on top of the "regular" Flying Spur's price tag. In the game of ultraluxury one-upmanship, this new Bentley is charging out of the gates.

For the extra coin, buyers receive more power and sharper handling. The Flying Spur Speed generates 600 horsepower (47 hp more than the standard Flying Spur), thanks to lightweight lower-friction engine components and a new engine management system. Cornering prowess has been advanced thanks to a lower ride height, higher-performance Pirelli P Zero tires and a stiffer suspension. The Speed also receives subtle external styling cues to differentiate it from the Flying Spur, with dark-tinted chrome grilles and wider sports exhaust tailpipes. The exhaust is also tuned for a more sporty growl.

At the lofty, narrow end of the luxury car spectrum, the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed slots in above the more agile Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG. Both are drivers' cars, but the Bentley bests the Benz in terms of sheer opulence and prestige. Also included in this exclusive group are the Maybach 57 and Rolls-Royce Phantom, but these modern limousines lack the Speed's performance and are significantly more expensive. Given that all of these ultraluxury sedans feature the best of German engineering, there is really no loser among them, leaving a buyer's decision down to which interpretation of luxury is preferred.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed is a high-performance ultraluxury sedan that is offered in one very well-appointed trim level. Standard features include 20-inch wheels; an adjustable air suspension; bi-xenon headlamps; four-zone automatic climate control; heated rear seats with lumbar massage; 16-way power front seats with heating, cooling and lumbar massage; keyless ignition and entry; a sunroof and "Speed" scuff plates on each doorsill. Also standard are a 12-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio, a navigation system, Bluetooth phone connectivity and diamond-quilted leather upholstery that requires a herd-thinning 11 cowhides.

In addition to the above-listed features, the Flying Spur Speed also incorporates items from the Flying Spur's Mulliner Driving Specification package, which includes contrasting stitching, nostalgic seat piping, drilled alloy sport pedals, a rear seat refrigerated bottle cooler and lamb's-wool carpeting.

Options include power-adjustable rear seats with a full rear center console, a three-passenger rear seat, a rear seat entertainment system with dual screens, flip-down wooden picnic tables for rear passengers, a heated steering wheel, a back-up camera, a power opening and closing trunk, adaptive cruise control, a 15-speaker Naim sound system and iPod integration.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed is powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 that produces an astounding 600 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque. Just as impressive as the output numbers is the fact that peak torque is reached at an incredibly low 1,750 rpm. Power is channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. These features, along with the Speed's all-wheel-drive system, combine to propel all 5,379 pounds of this Bentley to 60 mph in a scant 4.6 seconds. Equally impressive is the top speed of 200 mph.

Safety

Taking into account the considerable performance, safety equipment is fittingly formidable. Bentley equipped the 2009 Continental Flying Spur Speed with a full complement of safety features that include side and side curtain airbags for front and rear seats and a rear passenger sensing system that automatically raises the headrests to ensure the best possible protection against whiplash injuries. Antilock brakes and stability control are also standard. Carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Continental Flying Spur Speed's leather-and-lumber-lined cabin won't win any awards from environmentalists or animal rights activists, but it's still one of the most exquisitely constructed automotive interiors on the market today. There's a charming old-world feel to the whole affair, highlighted by push-pull vent controls, a Breitling timepiece, and switches and levers constructed of real metal. Unfortunately, the infotainment system is old-world as well -- it's a bit dated, and it shows in the undersized display screen and nonintuitive interface. The rear seats lack the adjustment and advanced features (such as cooling) available in competing sedans. Rear legroom, too, is comparatively scarce.

Driving Impressions

With sharper handling and more power, the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed outperforms the already impressive standard Flying Spur in every way. It delivers the sensation of low-level flight rather than cruising down a long stretch of highway, thanks to its road-smoothing suspension and nearly silent cabin. Improbably, it also tackles back-road curves like a much smaller car.

2009 Audi A8 L "A full size luxury car"

Introduction

A full-size luxury car is to a millionaire's driveway as a designer handbag is to a socialite's arm. While both serve a practical purpose, the appeal of such trappings of wealth goes far beyond functionality. Some well-heeled consumers subscribe to the "louder is better" school of thought -- and for them, there are plenty of luxury sedans that scream prestige like overexposed couture labels dripping with gold hardware and signature plaid. But for those who prefer a more understated aesthetic, the 2009 Audi A8 is a compelling proposition, even if it won't necessarily raise as many eyebrows in the country club parking lot.

As ever, this full-size luxury sedan features an impeccably finished cabin, refined acceleration and polished road manners. Audi's adaptive air suspension handles both freeway cruises and twisty back roads with aplomb, and unlike its main competitors, the A8 features standard all-wheel drive. The Audi's restrained exterior styling is another strong point, we think, striking a sweet balance between muscularity and elegance. Yet the A8 still lags in sales behind its competitors, the BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and that isn't because it's more expensive. In fact, the 2009 Audi A8 is a couple grand shy of its BMW equivalent and nearly $9,000 less than the Benz.

The A8 probably owes those underwhelming sales numbers to its slight but undeniable lack of cachet compared with its chief German rivals, as well as its inability to compete with the LS 460's sterling reputation for quality. But other than these perceived deficiencies, the A8 is top-notch. It moves out smartly, handles confidently and coddles its occupants with luxury and style. If you're in the market for a full-size luxury sedan and don't mind being a bit unconventional, the A8 is certainly worth a close look.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Audi A8 comes in three trims: base, L and L W12. (The "L" stands for long wheelbase, which provides increased rear legroom.) The base and L models come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system, a navigation system, cruise control, leather upholstery, 16-way power front seats, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a parking system with a rearview camera, keyless ignition/entry, a power trunk opener, power door closers, Bluetooth and a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with satellite radio, iPod connectivity and a CD changer. The L W12 comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels and adds four-zone climate control, ventilated/massaging front seats, four-way lumbar adjustment for all passengers, an Alcantara headliner and a wood steering wheel. Most of the L W12's standard features are available on lesser A8s.

Options include 20-inch wheels, a solar-powered venting sunroof, upgraded leather interior trim, a 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system and a Technology Package that adds adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system and a blind-spot warning system. The L W12 can also be outfitted with a personal refrigerator.

Powertrains and Performance

Both the base and L models come with a 4.2-liter V8 that makes 350 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The L W12 model boasts a 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine that makes 450 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. Known as the W12, this engine can be thought of as two narrow-angle V6 engines joined at the crankshaft, making it more compact than a conventional V12. Both engines are matched to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that drives all four wheels through Audi's Quattro AWD system.

With either engine, this is a quick luxury sedan. The base version can hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 14.2 seconds, while the W12 betters those stats by about a half second in each case. Fuel economy for the base and L models is 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. The L W12 achieves 13/19/15 mpg.

Safety

Standard on all 2009 Audi A8s are antilock brakes, stability and traction control, full-length side curtain airbags, front- and rear-seat side airbags and active front headrests.

Interior Design and Special Features

The interior of the A8 provides first-class comfort, especially in the L version, which boasts a limolike 42 inches of rear legroom. In typical Audi fashion, the fit and finish is superb, with generous amounts of wood, Alcantara and aluminum accents lending a luxurious ambience.

With a 16-way power-adjustable driver seat (including upper seatback angle) and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, finding a comfortable driving position is easy for folks of all body types. The dash is uncluttered by buttons thanks to Audi's MMI, which handles everything from the navigation and audio systems to the adjustment of the driver-selectable air suspension. And unlike BMW's iDrive, MMI doesn't require a Ph.D. in rocket science to operate, though cycling through the network of menus remains a labor-intensive process.

Driving Impressions

Whether taking off from a stoplight or jetting up to cruising speed on the freeway, any version of the 2009 Audi A8 always puts a solid rush of power on tap. Moreover, the powerful and easily modulated brakes have no problem reining in this luxury liner. While the air suspension works just fine in automatic mode, the "Dynamic" setting tightens up body control considerably, making the A8 feel more like a sport sedan than a large flagship luxury car.

Top 5 luxury Cars to Drive

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom

Ah, the Phantom. This Rolls-Royce is an attention-getter if there ever was one, a gigantic 5800-lb. sedan that has become the ride of choice for pro athletes, celebrities and pop stars, not your typical old-school Rolls buyers. These nouveau riche folks must be on to something, because beneath the aluminum skin the Phantom truly is a great car, tuned with a magic carpet ride that's not the least bit wallowy when the road starts to turn left and right. Powering this lavishly appointed sedan is a huge V-12 engine that's perfect for the part — the Phantom always has power in reserve, as any dignified car should.

That dignified nature carries over inside the Phantom, where this English 5-seat sedan is covered in the finest hides and veneers, and those in back will want to take off their shoes, just so they can feel the softness of the lamb's wool carpeting.

With its mix of bold in-your-face styling and a classically hand-crafted interior that has a thoroughly modern multifunction controller for the navigation system, stereo and climate control, the Rolls-Royce Phantom is an artful blend of the then and now. Simply put, there is no other car quite like it.

Five Reasons To Buy:

1. It's a Rolls

2. Serenely smooth V-12

3. Quiet

4. Makes a bold statement

5. Opulent interior

2009 Lexus LS 460 L

The LS model put Lexus on the map in the late 1980s, back when it was a brash newcomer trying to prove it could compete with large sedans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It did so, with ease. And now, roughly 20 years later, the LS remains the company's flagship, with the 460 L long-wheelbase model doing a great job of competing with the Germans and keeping the cruel world at bay.

That's right, this Lexus is an isolation chamber, incredibly quiet inside and smoothing out all but the harshest bumps in the road. What's more, it's a spacious car, especially in the back seat, where three adults can sit in good comfort, all while being treated to some rich sounds from the Mark Levinson audio system, which is way better than the stereo in most homes. This car exudes quality inside, and the powerful V-8 is strong yet silent, just the type of engine you want in a luxury ride.

The Levinson sound system is part of a $4630 option package that includes the "Advance Parking Guidance System." Yes, this Lexus will parallel park itself, provided you line the car up correctly and operate the brakes as instructed. We think it's a bit gimmicky, but that's the only aspect of this incredibly opulent Lexus that makes us furl our brow.

Five Reasons To Buy:

1. Lexus quality

2. Extremely quiet

3. Mark Levinson sound

4. Lexus Link communications

5. Power rear seats with optional Luxury Package

2009 Audi A8 L

Audi's long-wheebase A8 L model is for the guy in the know, that person who wants a big luxury sedan but wants to be a little different. So what makes the A8 so different? For starters, its whole chassis is made of aluminum, which saves weight and greatly adds to the car's agility. Moreover, it has Quattro all-wheel drive, which makes this sedan your best friend in areas such as the Northeast, where there's real weather, and on that ski trip you're planning to Vail.

This German-built sedan also has plenty of power, thanks to a direct-injected V-8 with 350 bhp. And when you order the optional $4300 Sport package, the A8 is fitted with 20-in. wheels and a leather-covered sport steering wheel whose shift paddles help keep the driver's hands on the steering wheel, where they should always be. Other options worth considering are the $6400 Leather Appointment upgrade, which makes an already handsome interior that much richer, and the Bang & Olufsen sound system. At $6300, the system is not cheap, but it turns your A8 into a concert hall on wheels, and it's especially fun to watch the tweeters pop up out of the dash.

What's perhaps most special about the A8 is its rarity. You won't see yourself coming and going in the Audi A8, and that's exactly how owners like it to be.

Five Reasons To Buy:

1. High technology

2. Quattro all-wheel drive

3. Beautiful interior

4. Bred on the Autobahn

5. Exclusivity

2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed

So, you're in love with the Bentley Continental GT but practical concerns mean that you need a pair of rear doors? Well, the Continental Flying Spur Speed is your answer, a decadently luxurious sedan that's among the fastest cars in the world, with a top speed of 200 mph.

That kind of speed is possible only with a powerful engine, and the twin-turbo W-12 in this all-wheel-drive Bentley is just that, a smooth gem that puts out 600 bhp. But contrary to what you might think, this Bentley is a gentle beast around town, aided by a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission.

As you'd expect of this expensive British ride, the interior is as rich and warm as an old English study, replete with lots of burl walnut trim and the finest leather hides. Of note, it takes 11 hides to do the interior of a Flying Spur sedan, and the leather comes from Scandinavia where barbed wire that might scar the product is not used.

That's indicative of the attention to detail that goes into this Bentley, which blends the engineering might of Volkswagen (Bentley's owner) with the finest in English hand-craftsmanship. Indeed, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed is one of the world's finest (and fastest) sedans.

Five Reasons To Buy:

1. Beautiful styling

2. Sumptuous interior

3. Fast, Fast, Fast

4. Unique W-12 engine

5. Available radar cruise control

2009 BMW 750Li

For years, perhaps decades now, BMW's slogan has been "The Ultimate Driving Machine." For the most part, the Bavarian company has been true to its word. And even though this new 7 Series sedan has a softer, more comfortable ride than the outgoing 7, this new BMW still has an agility that belies its ubstantial 4735-lb. weight.

And beneath the more conservative skin, the new 7 Series is a technological tour de force, with electronic controls that monitor and adjust several aspects of the car, such as throttle response, power-steering assist and even how quickly the standard stability control system kicks in to keep the car on its desired path. Let's just say it all works very well, and the Munich-based company has managed to this without removing the mechanical feel so cherished by BMW drivers.

On duty under the aluminum hood is a twin-turbo V-8, an engine that propels the 750Li to a limited top speed of 150, which this car could manage all day, provided you're in Germany and traveling on the Autobahn. An option worth considering is the $4900 Sport package, which actually steers the rear wheels a tiny amount in corners for added stability. And if you're a tech-head, the $2600 Night Vision camera will provide hours of fun. But with this being a BMW, the sporty overall driving experience is what's most impressive about this large sedan.

Five Reasons To Buy:

1. Still a driver's car

2. Potent twin-turbo V-8

3. Loaded with technology

4. Optional Rear and side-view cameras

5. Available head-up display

Latest 2010 Ferrari 599XX preview

Ferrari brought two new versions of the 599 GTB Fiorano to its show stand in Switzerland — a handling package, called the HGTE (for Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione), as well as the 599XX, which will no doubt prove to be one of the world's greatest track-day cars.

The "select group of clients" who buy the Ferrari 599XX (which is not designed for competition use) will be getting a car that the company says "incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari's road -going and Formula 1 research." The output of the 599's 6.0-liter V-12 was increased from 611 bhp to 700 bhp (DIN) through modifications to its combustion chambers and inlet and exhaust tracts; redline was raised to 9000 rpm (from 8400).

Ferrari says the 599XX features a "plethora of aerodynamic, electronic control and handling innovations used together for the first time on a single car, making this model a genuine technological laboratory." One of those innovations is what Ferrari calls the "Actiflow" system, which increases downforce or cuts drag depending on the car's cornering attitude, "courtesy of the use of a porous material in the diffuser and two fans in the trunk which channel the air flow from under the car out through the two grilles next to the taillights." Ferrari says the 599XX produces 617 lb. of downforce at 124 mph and almost 1400 lb. of downforce at 186 mph. The F1-derived "doughnuts" partly covering the wheels and brake discs improve both aerodynamics and brake cooling.

Speaking of the brakes, the 599XX's carbon-ceramic brake system now uses carbon pads, which allow for smaller calipers and, hence, even more weight savings, while further pounds were shaved by the car's extensive use of carbon-fiber body panels. The car's extra power, active downforce devices, improved grip (the 599XX uses 19-in. slicks front and rear) and reduced weight resulted in a lap time of 1 minute 17 sec. around Ferrari's Fiorano race track.

Ferrari will organize a series of track days specifically for owners of the 599XX in 2010 and 2011.

2009 Ferrari 599XX Prototype Specifications

Chassis
Brakes	Carbon-ceramic composite disc with carbon fiber brake "doughnuts"
Wheels	19 inch Ferrari carbon fiber spoke alloy
Tires Front	Racing slicks, 29/67 R19
Tires Rear	Racing slicks, 31/71 R19
Drivetrain
Layout	Mid-Engine, RWD
Transmission	F1-style 6 Speed with paddle shifters, 60 ms shift times
Differential	LSD
Engine
Type:	599 GTB Fiorano-derived V12
Displacement	6.0 liters
Horsepower	700 horsepower @ 9000 rpm
Induction	Naturally aspirated
Exterior
Body Type	2 Door, 2 Seat Track Car

2009 Audi R8 "4.2-liter 420-horsepower V8"

Introduction

Passers-by in Los Angeles are as automotively jaded as they come, thanks to the endless stream of exotic sports cars roaring down the city's numerous boulevards. The 2009 Audi R8, however, is the perfect antidote to their indifference. Maybe it's the relative scarcity of these midengine all-wheel-drive supercars, or maybe the distinctive low-slung design is just that sexy. Whatever the case, the R8 attracts more stares from Angelenos than Al Gore at an OPEC meeting.

That kind of curb appeal is exactly what many buyers in this rarefied segment are looking for -- but they'd better be prepared to pay dearly. With a base price well over $100,000, the R8 is tens of thousands of dollars more expensive than such high-performance luminaries as the BMW M3, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911. What's more, while the Audi's sonorous V8 makes it thrillingly quick, the GT-R and Z06 are quicker still, as is the competitively priced 911 GT3. Only when one considers that the R8 is based on the exclusive Lamborghini Gallardo does its price tag seem somewhat reasonable.

Considered on its own merits, though, the R8 is an awesome car. It all starts with that 4.2-liter 420-horsepower V8, which is one of our favorite engines currently in production. Power is sent to all four wheels in typical Audi fashion, and it's supported by communicative steering and brilliant handling. Inside, the R8 is impressively roomy for such a squat car, and the nicely shaped seats afford ride-all-day comfort. Along with its tolerable ride quality, this makes the R8 an exotic sports car you can genuinely live with every day. In fact, we'd venture to say that the R8 is one of the most accommodating supercars ever produced.

The 2009 Audi R8's shortcomings are few. Most glaringly, the optional automated manual R tronic transmission sucks too much joy out of the driving experience, delivering delayed, clunky upshifts. Also, there's an engine under the hatch and not much space in the nose-mounted trunk, so good luck carrying any cargo. And finally, there's that price tag -- for the same price as an R8, you could buy a GT-R or a Z06 and an Audi S5 coupe, which is powered by a lesser version of the R8's V8. But this doesn't change the fact that the R8 is one of the world's most desirable cars. We turn our heads, too, whenever we hear one purring past.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Audi R8 is a two-door midengine AWD exotic sports car. Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, a retractable rear spoiler, xenon headlights, LED brake lights and turn signals, leather and Alcantara upholstery, power-adjustable sport seats, aluminum trim, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and a seven-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer.

Optional are carbon-fiber "sideblade" exterior styling panels, a Bang & Olufsen premium stereo, a navigation system and upgraded Napa leather upholstery. There's also the Convenience Package, which contains parking sensors, auto-dimming rearview mirrors and a "hill-holder" feature for models equipped with the conventional manual transmission.

Powertrains and Performance

The R8 sports a midmounted 4.2-liter V8 -- clearly visible through the R8's distinctive transparent engine cover -- that churns out 420 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque. Power flows to all four wheels (56 percent to the rears by default) through either a traditional six-speed manual transmission or Audi's six-speed R tronic automated manual. The latter features a computer-controlled clutch and can be shifted using either the console-mounted shift lever or steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The R tronic also offers a fully automatic mode.

In performance testing, we hustled a manual-shift R8 from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, dispatching the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds at nearly 111 mph. In the R tronic model, our times increased to 4.6 seconds and 12.8 seconds at 108.4 mph. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 13 mpg city/20 highway and 15 combined for cars equipped with the conventional manual transmission, while the R tronic lowers the highway estimate to 19 mpg.

Safety

Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, seat-mounted side airbags and knee-protecting airbags.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2009 Audi R8 features an attractive interior with high-quality materials, although there are a few cheap-feeling bits, such as the hard plastic on the center console and the substandard emergency brake handle. The center stack swoops elegantly toward the windshield; however, this design requires the driver to lean forward in order to adjust certain controls. Also awkward is the race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel -- it may not telescope out far enough for those with long legs. The seats are superbly contoured for both hard driving and long-distance cruising.

Unlike in most newer Audis, the R8's Multi Media Interface (MMI) controls are mounted below the LCD screen on the center stack, which is less convenient than their typical location on the center console. Audi claims there's room behind the seats for two golf bags -- your results may vary. There are also 3.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk; in practice, however, this less-than-optimally shaped cargo hold can't swallow much more than a duffel bag and some odds and ends.

Driving Impressions

The 2009 Audi R8 won't let you forget that it's an exotic sports car -- you'll feel every bump, and road noise is pronounced relative to most other Audis. But the ride quality is certainly livable, and there's surprisingly good visibility in all directions. On back roads, the R8's prodigious power, razor-sharp reflexes and heroic grip make this AWD exotic feel almost as tossable as a lightweight roadster, albeit one with handling limits beyond the reach of all but the most skilled (or foolhardy) drivers.

We can't recommend the outdated single-clutch R tronic gearbox, though, because its automatic throttle blips on downshifts can't compensate for its cranky upshifts, which manage to be at once sluggish and neck-snapping. The conventional manual transmission, on the other hand, is a joy to operate, featuring an excellent mechanical feel augmented by an audible clink-clink as you row through the exposed metal gates.

Free Preview: Top 5 Ultimate Fantasy Cars

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (MSRP $104,920)

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the most coveted American supercar in production today. It'll not only outgun its closest competition — the fire breathing Dodge Viper SRT-10 — in acceleration, braking and handling, but it'll drive with the civility of a car you'd let mom tool around in.

The ZR1 features a hand-built 6.2-liter supercharged V-8, which peers through a transparent polycarbonate window in its ultra-light carbon-fiber hood. The V-8, thanks largely to its supercharger, makes excellent power and torque. Just how much? Try 638 bhp and 604 lb.-ft. of torque!

If you can't quite drive a stick yet, you're out of luck; the ZR1 is available only with a manual transmission, a race-hardened 6-speed manual that is the best ever offered in a Corvette.

The ZR1 is the only Corvette currently equipped with GM's Magnetic Ride Control. This system continuously adjusts the suspension for the given road conditions, and it lets the driver switch the shock absorbers between Sport or Tour modes on the fly, with the simple twist of a knob in the cockpit.

Everything that makes the ZR1 go fast comes standard. However, if you opt for the 3ZR package ($10,000) you'll get touch-screen navigation, a Bose audio system and a leather interior.

Five reasons to buy:

1. It's an affordable supercar

2. Easy to drive fast (and slow)

3. Substantial luggage space

4. Aggressive yet tasteful styling

5. American made

2009 Aston Martin DBS (MSRP $262,000)

Aston Martin DBS

If beauty and elegance are of utmost importance but you still like going fast, the Aston Martin DBS is your dream come true. Aston Martin is long known for building some of the most attractive designs in automotive history, and the DBS is one whose looks will never fade.

This lavish 2-seater is quite spacious inside, with ample room for the driver and passenger, plus some space behind the seats for supplemental luggage room. Built entirely out of carbon-fiber and aluminum, the DBS weighs a lot less than it looks — 3480 lb. to be exact.

The 6.0-liter V-12 engine that powers the DBS is hand built like the rest of the car, and every DBS features a plaque that bears the name of the individual responsible for its final inspection. With either the 6-speed manual or 6-speed paddle-shifted Touchtronic automatic transmission, the DBS accelerates at virtually identical rates. Which is to say, super fast!

The standard suspension is equipped with Aston's Active Damping System that automatically adjusts according to the inputs it receives from the road and driver. A track setting (the stiffest setting) can also be summoned with the touch of a button.

Lastly, Aston Martin has partnered with fine-watch maker, Jaeger-LeCoultre to offer a watch that doubles as the DBS's transponder, locking and unlocking the doors by simply touching the watch's sapphire crystal face.

Five reasons to buy:

1. Pinnacle of automotive beauty

2. Surprisingly quick and athletic

3. Extensive use of exotic materials

4. Interior fit for a king (or queen)

5. Manual and automatic transmissions available

2008 Audi R8 (MSRP $114,200)

Audi R8

Audi's first supercar, the R8, couldn't have been more properly executed. What originally appeared to be a pipe dream concept car wowed the entire world when it actually pushed through to production. What's even more surprising is how the R8 has come to define the term "everyday supercar."

The mid-mounted 4.2-liter V-8 shielded under a transparent hatch provides 420-bhp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque channeled through a sporty Quattro all-wheel drive system. The transmission choices are a classic steel-gated 6-speed manual or a single-clutch paddle-shifted sequential manual dubbed "R tronic" by Audi. Though 420 bhp may not seem like much in the company of these other cars, the R8 readily utilizes every bit of its power with greater ease, resulting in more speed when the road gets twisty.

Audi's own active suspension damping utilizes the same magnetic ride technology as the ZR1 and it too also features both a sport and comfort setting.

The R8's greenhouse is quite expansive for a coupe, which adds to its comforting allure. You won't feel cramped even if you're over 6-foot tall, and ingress/egress can be accomplished without embarrassment. Though the interior already looks great in standard Audi trim, you can order Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim to elevate the feel of what is genuinely a well-engineered supercar.

Five reasons to buy:

1. An exotic without pretension

2. Excellent all-wheel-drive system

3. Superhero styling

4. Relatively affordable

5. Sporty, everyday comfort

2009 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster (MSRP $382,400)

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster

Think exotic car, and the likely image that'll pop into your head will be that of the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster. Nothing about this car is subtle from its lane-wide size, bevel-edged body styling, or angry V-12 bark; and that's what makes this open-top car so spectacular.

Leave all thoughts of practically behind if what you desire is the LP640. Named after its 640 metric horsepower (632 bhp SAE), the LP640 is a road-going jet fighter that gulps copious amounts of fuel (EPA 8 mpg city/13 mpg hwy) but can accelerate to 100 mph in only 7.5 seconds. And when it comes time to slow down, this Lamborghini stops quicker than cars half its size and weight — by that we mean the Lotus Elise or Exige.

Like the Audi R8, the LP640 Roadster can be outfitted with a gated 6-speed manual or a sequential 6-speed transmission that comes with paddle shifters mounted on the steering column. A mid-mounted engine and all- wheel drive are characteristics shared with the R8, which benefit them both in any weather condition.

Aside from its striking head-turning appearance on the road, the LP640 attracts even more onlookers when its unique scissor-style doors open vertically. The interior that's revealed is the wonderfully understated, with fixed-bucket seats that look to be permanently reclined, although the overall design looks more German than Italian.

Five reasons to buy:

1. Ferocious road presence

2. As fast as it looks

3. Comfortable, understated interior

4. Racecar-handling dynamics

5. That open top

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series (MSRP est $300,000)

Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

With more power on tap than the half-million-dollar Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (now discontinued), the SL65 AMG Black Series is the most radical Mercedes on the road today.

You could chalk it up to the bi-turbo V-12 that resides under the hood, producing 661 bhp and a staggering 738 lb.-ft. of torque. But what's most tantalizing about the Black Series is its racecar-inspired bodywork, with fenders that push the limits of a car's legal width. Even compared with the already ultra- wide body of the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640, the Black Series is an additional 1.2 inches wider. And it's not all for show as the extra fender width allows for those wide wheels to stay within the confines of the bodywork.

Although it has the performance of a racecar, the Black Series is relatively docile to drive, given you're prudent with the throttle. It comes equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission that's a good compromise between smooth shifting and sporty response. This makes the car better suited for a comfortably brisk road drive than an all-out track day.

Only 350 examples of this future collector's item will be built, and only 175 will make it here to the U.S. market. Get yours now, if you can!

Five reasons to buy:

1. Ultimate exclusivity

2. DTM wide-body racecar style

3. Obscene power and torque

4. Stable handling

5. Ultra plush interior

So whether you end up sitting on a winning lottery ticket or have worked tirelessly for a long time to afford such a car, make sure your fantasy ride is a sound investment. All five of the cars wev'e featured here are from reputable marques, and they're bound to stay stylish and valuable for generations to come. They might also be the last of their breed, as we appear headed toward a new era of the automobile.

5 to Drive "Inexpensive and Fun"

2009 Honda Fit Sport (MSRP $16,260)

2009 Honda Fit Sport

In the minds of many, a 5-door (once upon a time known as “a wagon”) can be efficient and/or practical…but not fun. But Honda’s roomy little Fit runabout turns this notion on its ear. And thanks to a recent restyling, the Fit looks even more sporting with its more aggressive and pointy proboscis.

Though its 4-cylinder engine makes only 117 horsepower, the Fit has a peppy, rev-happy nature, crisp steering and a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission. Even the suspension is tuned to have a sporty feel. The Sport model has some welcome additional features, including a body kit (with a roofline spoiler), sharp-looking 16-in. alloy wheels and a USB audio interface. And on the safety front, there are front and side airbags, along with active front head restraints that help minimize whiplash for the driver and front passenger in the event of a rear-end collision.

Five Reasons to Buy:

1. Even more fun than it looks

2. Space efficiency

3. Thrifty fuel economy

4. Nice-looking 5-door

5. Clean interior

2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i (MSRP $17,995)

2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i

With a starting price under $18,000, the Subaru Impreza 2.5i sport sedan (also available as a 5-door for only $500 more) is a very good deal on the surface. But delve a little deeper into its window sticker and factor in the standard all-wheel-drive and unique flat-4-cylinder engine and this Subie becomes an exceptional deal.

Subaru has been equipping its cars with full-time all-wheel-drive for years, and it is a strategy that has worked well for this Japanese manufacturer ─ not only has this helped differentiate the company from the likes of Toyota/Nissan/Honda but it has helped Subaru earn a near cult-like following in the snow country from Colorado to the Northeast.

As for the aforementioned “flat” engine, this means that the cylinders/pistons are horizontal, a design favored by Porsche for decades.

When the weather gets bad, the all-wheel-drive Subaru Impreza starts to shine, capable of getting places that other cars can’t, and doing it at a bargain price.

Five Reasons to Buy:

1. All-wheel-drive versatility

2. All-wheel-drive fun

3. Low base price

4. Peppy engine

5. Reputation for reliability

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS (MSRP $24,095)

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS

Don’t let the Chevrolet Cobalt SS’s buttoned-down, mild-mannered looks (in either 2- or 4-door guise) fool you ─ this exceptionally quick sports coupe is one of the best values on the market today.

In our test of an SS sedan, it hit 60 mph as quickly as a $130,000 Maserati Quattroporte SportFerrari F430. Not bad for around $24,000, eh? GT sedan. And the Cobalt slithered through the slalom cones at 70 mph, nearly the same speed as a quarter-million-dollar

The Cobalt SS’s engine – a turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 260 horsepower ─ has plenty of power; what’s more, it gets an EPA-rated 30 mpg highway. The car’s handling is also superb ─ the harder you drive it, the better it seems to grip to the road. And unlike many cars with sport-tuned suspensions, the Cobalt SS’s ride quality is firm but not teeth-rattling. And using the Cobalt SS’s 5-speed manual gearbox is a treat, thanks to its tight, short throws.

Five Reasons to Buy:

1. Best bang-for-the-buck in America

2. High-end sports car performance

3. 2- or 4-door availability

4. Surprisingly good 30 mpg highway

5. Excellent agility

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara (MSRP $18,499)

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Those with an active lifestyle deserve some inexpensive fun, too, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara
meets that need perfectly.

At first glance the Grand Vitara ─ thanks to its clean, rugged exterior and sensibly styled, high-quality interior ─ looks like an SUV priced well beyond its sub-$20,000 price. And with seating for five, along with a good deal of stowage space in the rear cargo area, there’s plenty of room for your adventurous brood and their outdoor gear.

Versatility is the name of the game underhood, where buyers have a choice of either the base 166-bhp 4-cylinder engine or an optional 230-bhp V-6. With either choice, the Grand Vitara can tow up to 3000 lb. ─ perfect for a trailer full of dirtbikes, personal watercraft, or any number of other fun weekend accessories. Want to go off-road? Either engine can be equipped with 4-wheel drive featuring low-range gearing that works great on really tough roads.

Five Reasons to Buy:

1. Handsome looks

2. Quality inside and out

3. Off-road capability

4. All-wheel-drive traction

5. Good value

2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring (MSRP $18,495)

2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

Like the Honda Fit Sport, Hyundai’s Elantra Touring is a 5-door machine that puts the “fun” back in functionality.

In addition to clean, European-inspired styling and a pleasantly stout 136 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, this Hyundai has some unexpected performance sizzle, thanks to the addition of a B&M Racing short-throw shifter and a sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension. Even the most jaded of commuter drivers will feel a spark of invigoration in the Touring, especially when downshifting a gear or two to negotiate a corner at speed.

If the Elantra Touring’s fun-loving nature can’t put a smile on your face, then maybe its EPA mileage rating of 31 mpg highway can. There’s also a long list of safety features that come standard on this hip little 5-door, including traction control, electronic stability control and active front head restraints. Still need more cheering up? Opt for one of the fun, vibrant paint schemes such as Vivid Blue or Chilipepper Red.

Five Reasons to Buy:

1. One hip wagon

2. Sporty accessories

3. Good interior quality

4. 31 mpg highway

5. Excellent Hyundai warranty

Without a doubt, this group of Inexpensive Fun rides proves that versatility and fun are not mutually exclusive. Need to transport yourself, friends and/or stuff on a regular basis? Then the Hyundai Elantra Touring, Honda Fit or Suzuki Grand Vitara are a good choice. Opt for the Suzuki if you’re an outdoor adventurer. Looking for something that leans a little more toward the fun side of the spectrum? The Subaru Impreza is that car. And if performance is what drives you, the Chevy Cobalt SS is the only way to fly.

Latest free preview 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

Following the redesign of its standard SL-Class range, Mercedes-Benz introduced the most powerful SL ever built. New for the 2009 model year and beyond, the SL 65 AMG Black Series was built as the interim heir to the discontinued Mercedes-Benz SLR's throne, until the eventual arrival of the SLS über coupe.


As with previous Black Series offerings from Mercedes-Benz, the SL65 AMG Black Series promises supercar performance, thanks to large quantities of power and a lighter curb weight.

Mercedes engineers were able to wring out an extra 57 horsepower from the car's twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 -- bringing total output to a monstrous 661 horsepower (20 more than the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition). But despite the bump in horsepower, the engine's torque rating remains the same at 738 lb-ft.



Power is sent through Mercedes' five-speed automatic, which is able to shift in as little as 250 milliseconds. As with the car's suspension, the automatic transmission has two different sport settings.

The SL also went on a hefty diet to become the SL65 AMG Black Series. Through the extensive use of carbon fiber in the car's front fenders, hood and new fixed roof, the SL shed about 570 pounds -- bringing its curb weight down to a still rather portly 4,080 pounds. Of note, the decision to make the roof a fixed unit wasn't strictly a weight-saving measure -- it simply wouldn't fit in its retracted position because of the car's steamroller rear tires.

To round out the performance package, Mercedes also equipped the SL Black Series with a new adjustable suspension, a wider track, larger brakes, a deployable rear spoiler and a lower hood.

Inside the SL Black Series, the car features carbon fiber shell racing seats, a flat bottom steering wheel and plenty of Alcantara. However, the carbon fiber seats won't make it to the U.S. as they do not have side-impact airbags.

The SL65 AMG Black Series -- available in white, black, red and silver -- carries a hefty price tag north of $300,000.

Base Price: $299,000

Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive

Curb Weight (lbs): 4345

City (MPG): - TBD -

Hwy (MPG): - TBD -

Horsepower: 661 @ 5400

Torque (lb-ft): 738 @ 2200-4200

Wheelbase (in.): 100.8

Length (in.): 180.8

Width (in.): - TBD -

Height (in.): 51.1

2009 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster "60 mph in 3.4 seconds"

It's not often that a convertible can hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, but the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster manages to do this, and then some. First introduced as a 2005 model, the Roadster was created for customers looking for an even more thrilling ride than the coupe had to offer.


The latest iteration of the car is called the LP640, first introduced as a 2007 model. It offers 631 horsepower via a 6.5-liter V12, improving performance significantly over the original Murcielago Roadster. The huge motor churns out 487 pound-feet of torque at 6000 rpm.

The Roadster is very similar to the coupe it is based on, with a few exceptions. The only exterior change -- aside from a retractable canvas roof -- is the addition of cooling vents behind the air intakes. The interior has also been modified somewhat, and the body structure has been reinforced to compensate for the lack of a structural roof.


The Murcielago LP640 can be had with a six-speed manual or six-speed automated manual transmission. Either way, the sprint to 60 mph should take no more than 3.4 seconds. The mid-engine supercar comes standard with all-wheel-drive.

It features scissor doors, a rear spoiler that can be raised to an angle of 70 degrees, side air scoops that automatically open at speed, folding side mirrors for increased aerodynamics, and electronic Launch Control.

Given its unique convertible configuration, the LP640 Roadster doesn't have many direct competitors. The Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster might be considered one, but it costs nearly $150,000 more. Ferrari doesn't sell any roadsters with this kind of power, and Aston Martin's DB9 Volante has considerably almost 200 less horsepower. With this in mind, the LP640 Roadster is a pretty unique offering.

Base Price: $382,400

Drivetrain All Wheel Drive

Curb Weight (lbs): 3726

City (MPG): 8

City (MPG): 9

Hwy (MPG): 14

Hwy (MPG): 13

Horsepower: 640 @ 8000

Torque (lb-ft): 486 @ 6000

Wheelbase (in.): 104.9

Length (in.): 181.5

Width (in.): 81.0

Height (in.): 44.7