Caught on the Nurburgring, this Acura prototype appears to be the same model shot during hot-weather testing earlier this summer in the U.S. Although its identity is not yet confirmed, the heavily camouflaged car is likely to be the 2009 Acura TL. Whether the prototype is in fact the TL or the 2009 Acura TSX, it's apparent that Acura's latest design cues continue on this car. Downward-sloping headlights plunge toward a grille similar to the latest Acura MDX's front treatment, while squared-off quad exhaust tips protrude from the car's rear. The prototype's rear taillights also reveal a small LED strip within the taillight cluster. 2009 TL specifications have not yet been released, but a slightly larger V6, a DSG-type transmission and all-wheel drive are among the rumored possibilities.

With the 2009 TSX, Acura has done a full remake of its entry-luxury level sedan. More than just bolting a slick new body on an old platform, the TSX is new from the ground up, as in, longer, wider and lower. In a couple measures, it's roomier, too. Technology is what sets the new TSX apart. Acura's superb navigation system comes standard and can be operated using voice-recognition. The standard navigation system is the equal of anything in the class, while an optional system displays real-time traffic with congestion re-routing and local and national weather. An airlines display lets you track a flight's progress across the country. The top-line audio system sets a standard for the class, too, with superbly crisp surround sound. Hands-free, Bluetooth cell phone architecture is built right into the car's electronics. The 2009 Acura TSX is a four-door, five-passenger sedan designed to competed with Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series sedans. It comes with one engine, a 2.4-liter inline-4, and a choice of transmissions, a six-speed manual and a five-speed SportShift sequential automatic. Although horsepower is off slightly, torque is increased by enough to make up any difference in sheer acceleration. Just as important, fuel economy is unchanged with the manual and improved with the automatic. The TSX stays with a front-wheel-drive configuration, whereas true sporty sedans are rear-wheel drive.

After finally seeing the 2008 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione in the flesh, we can confirm that the production model is an Italian knockout. And with a 90 degree 4.7-liter V8 engine cramming 450 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque through a paddle shifter-controlled six-speed transaxle to the rear wheels, Alfa's claim of a 0-100 kph (0 to 62 mph) acceleration time under 4.2 seconds is utterly believable. But the even bigger news, delivered by Alfa Romeo Executive Vice President Antonio Baravalle himself, was confirmation that the 8C will in fact be coming to the United States. Unfortunately, we'll only get 84 of them, and they're already sold according to Alfa Romeo. Wiith lines that stop you in your tracks and the promise of performance that's equally as enticing, the 8C looks like a good way to kick off Alfa's return to the States.

Low, sleek and yet self-consciously aggressive, the 2008 Aston Martin DBS is the ultimate expression of the contemporary Aston Martin. With the farewell to the hand-built Vanquish last summer, the DBS has become the corporate face of a newly independent Aston Martin. Sold earlier this year by its former parent Ford to an investment group fronted by David Richards, the chief executive of Prodrive, Aston Martin will now have to make its own way in a world where Audi, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and a clutch of small independent companies are all fighting for the attention of the new group of millionaires across the globe.About a thousand or so people have preordered the $265,000 2008 Aston Martin DBS, so it's already a success, a measure of the dramatic increase in sales the company has experienced over the last few years.The DBS is also the best car that Aston Martin makes (alongside the V8 Vantage, of course): intriguing, capable and charismatic. This augurs well for the company's future. But the question lies in just how far the present Aston Martin formula can take the company in its bid for ongoing desirability against companies like Ferrari.

The 2009 Audi A4 is yet another evolutionary design change on the outside while the internal structure is borrowed from the A5/S5 coupes. The big benefit derived from the new chassis is the repositioning of the engine directly above the front axle. Current models hang the engine forward of the axle which creates handling and steering problems. The engines themselves won't change much as the next generation A4 will use the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder on base models and a 3.2-liter V6 for top-of-the-line versions. The overall dimensions have increased slightly as the A4 has received consistent criticism about its lack of rear passenger space. Yet another evolution of the A4 should keep Audi in the hunt for entry level sport sedan buyers.

Audi has decided that if one SUV is good, two must be better as it's currently working on a small sport utility based on the A4 platform. With a base price of roughly $35,000, the 2009 Audi Q5 will compete against the likes of the BMW X3 as well as the Land Rover LR2. The U.S. version will be available with both four-cylinder and V6 engines, while Audi plans to offer a V8-equipped version in Europe. Audi is making up for lost ground in the U.S. with its second SUV, and we expect it will exhibit the same performance attitude as its big brother the Q7.

Although Audi hasn't made an official announcement yet, a prototype spotted on the Nurburgring points to the development of an even hotter version of its R8 sportscar, possibly called the 2009 Audi R8-RS. Larger side air intakes were one tip off to the test car's nontraditional setup while revised rocker panels were another. We're not sure if it will come badged as R8-RS, or simply RS8, but it appears as though there's a good possibility this range topping two-door will get a version of the 5.2-liter V10 currently found in the S6 and S8 sedans. Expect around 500 horsepower from the V10 which will separate it from its sedan siblings without infringing on Lamborghini Gallardo territory. Expect to see this version of Audi's super coupe arrive sometime in 2008. It's already one of the premier sportscars on the market. Adding a V10 certainly won't hurt its reputation.

You would think the 435-horsepower Audi S6 would be enough to satisfy most Audi enthusiasts, but of course there are always a few rich guys who want more. They'll get more with the introduction of the 2008 Audi RS6. At first glance the RS6 doesn't look much different than the standard S6, which doesn't look that much different from an A6 for that matter. There are visible differences on the test mules in our spy photos, however, and most of them point to an RS-spec car. The overall shape of the front end is essentially unchanged, but the lower edge of the front airdam is a little more robust than that of the S6 and the air intakes no longer feature a strip of LED lights across the top. Double-spoke wheels similar to those used for the current Audi RS 4 are another tip-off to this prototype's enhanced specification sheet. Out back, this Audi also features a pair of oval exhaust tips -- another design element exclusive to Audi's ultrahigh-performance RS models. So if this is the upcoming Audi RS 6, what should you expect under the hood? Given there's already a 5.2-liter V10 in the S6, an increase in displacement isn't likely. Our best guess at this point is a turbocharged setup that will add between 50 and 100 horsepower. This will put the RS 6 firmly in super-sedan territory alongside the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Look for the debut of the high-powered Audi RS6 at the Frankfurt auto show in September. Sales in the U.S. could start as early as the end of this year. This is the sedan that Audi needs to properly fend off its 500hp German rivals.

Positioned as the top model in the TT lineup, the 2009 Audi TTS will go on sale in November in either coupe or convertible form. Its 272 hp comes courtesy of a high-boost version of the company's familiar turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter inline-4 engine. The little mill also pumps out 258 pound-feet of torque between 2,500 rpm and 5,000 rpm. According to Audi, this 2.0-liter features a revised engine block, cylinder heads, pistons and connecting rods. Although European customers will have a choice of a manual or dual-clutch transmission, all U.S. models will use Audi's S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Audi reckons the U.S.-spec coupe will reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds. Not a bad figure for a roughly 3,100-pound car with standard all-wheel drive. Magnetic ride-control dampers are also standard for the TTS. Just like similar items seen on the Audi R8, Chevy Corvette and Ferrari 599, they can be set in either standard or sport mode. The latter not only stiffens up the damping rates, it lowers the body by nearly a half inch. With its standard 18-inch wheels and 245/40R18 tires with stiff sidewalls, the comfort setting is likely to get the most use. Upgraded brakes are also part of the package, and the setup includes larger rotors, sport-type brake pads and zippy black calipers. Bringing it in line with other recently introduced Audi sporty cars, the TTS gets a string of LED daytime running lights under its main lights. The TTS's kit of body pieces and the satin-aluminum finish to the outside mirrors are also familiar from other S models. Like the looks of the new TT but don't think it has enough performance? The TT-S should do the trick when it goes on sale later this year.

Recent spy photos suggest the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur will be getting a slight refresh soon. A prototype spotted during cold weather testing had a revised front clip with a few minor styling changes. Expect to see some updates to the interior as well with most of the improvements centered on keeping the big Bentley sedan up to speed in terms of technology. A sedan this nice doesn't need much improvement, but Bentley will try anyway with the upgraded 2009 Flying Spur.

Prototypes of the 2009 Bentley Continental GT coupe have been spotted and they appear to reveal some slight styling changes for the refreshed two-door. Although much of the coupe's shape remains the same, a revised front air dam gives it a new face. Nothing changes in back and even the wheels were similar to the current model. Interior updates are expected to be limited to technology upgrades like a more advanced navigation system. Bentley knows that much of the Continental's success stems from its unique shape so it's appears to be leaving it alone for now.

The 2009 BMW 335d is part of a new-generation of clean diesels that will be sold in all 50 states. It uses a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that makes 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. The 335d accelerates from zero to 60 in less than 6.2 seconds and returns EPA city/highway fuel economy of 23/33 mpg. The comparable figures for the X5 xDrive35d are 7.2 seconds and 19/25 mpg. If diesel power can't make it in this car, its prospects for widespread popularity in the U.S. could be grim.

Although covered in plastic from nose to tail, our latest spy shots give the best look yet at the 2010 BMW 7 Series. Caught during testing on the streets of Munich, the 2010 7 Series looks as though it will maintain a size similar to the current model while cleaning up some of its controversial styling. Expected to start production in 2009, the 2010 7 Series will ride on a new platform with an internal designation of F01. In order to increase passenger space without adding more bulk, the new sedan will get a longer wheelbase without adding any significant length. An even bigger "L" version dubbed F02 will be offered that adds an additional 5.5 inches of length. Slight bulges around the rear wheels of this prototype also suggest a slightly wider track. Most of the styling changes will be evolutionary as this prototype shows an overall shape very similar to the current model. Up front, the twin-kidney grille looks as though it will be slightly larger while the slimmer headlights will be pushed farther to each side. The distinctive trunk design pioneered on the 2002 7 Series appears intact. We expect to see a new taillight design that will further reduce this 7's bulky rear end, but anyone hoping for a wholesale redesign will be disappointed. Like the current 7 Series, there will be the usual range of V8 and V12 engines. The real news for this 7 Series, however, will be its alternative-fuel options. Given BMW's participation in a hybrid development program with DaimlerChrysler and General Motors, it's a good bet that the 2010 7 Series will offer the option of a gas-electric drivetrain similar to the one planned for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. By 2009, BMW may also have a diesel engine capable of meeting U.S. emission standards so that could be part of the package as well. With production slated to begin in 2009, the 2010 BMW 7 Series should be headed for U.S. dealers by the spring of 2009. Evolutionary styling and revolutionary technology should make this 7 Series a formidable flagship for BMW.

Not long after the debut of the 2008 BMW M3 coupe, a BMW M3 sedan will be added to the lineup. It will have all the same equipment as the two-door. That means a 4.0-liter, 414 horsepower V8 under the hood, rear wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.With sedans like the Audi RS4 already on the street, the success of the BMW M3 sedan isn't a sure thing.

The 2009 X5 diesel will be the first of the new-generation BMW clean diesels. It's powered by a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that makes 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. The X5 xdrive35d accelerates from zero to 60 in 7.2 seconds and returns EPA city/highway fuel economy of 19/25 mpg. More torque and better mileage? It's a combination that should make this BMW X5 a popular option when it goes on sale later this year.

BMW is introducing a new sports activity coupe here in the U.S. sometime early next year called the X6. The BMW X6 concept shown at this fall's Frankfurt Auto Show was a thinly veiled version of the real X6 we will see here next year. The production BMW X6 will be manufactured at the company's SUV plant in South Carolina, and it will look almost exactly like this concept when it arrives in early 2008. Unlike the conventionally styled BMW X3 and X5, the company's five-door SUVs, the production X6 will have seats for only four occupants, with much less rear-seat headroom and a very small cargo compartment by comparison. That's part of the Sports Activity Vehicle concept, though we'll likely call it an SUV. Think of it as an SUV take on four-door coupes such as the Mazda RX-8 and Mercedes-Benz CLS. BMW has shown two strikingly different concepts of the X6, a high-riding SUV that's a four-door coupe version of the 6 Series and a hybrid version of the same hatchback coupe that was claimed to get about 20 percent better fuel economy than the standard version, with a concomitant reduction in tailpipe emissions. The production version of the X6 is expected to offer the 4.8-liter V8 and 5.0-liter V10 engines available in the BMW 6 Series and M6 coupes, and it may use the twin-turbocharged inline-6 from the 3 Series as a base engine. We don't know, they haven't officially said yet. The major difference between the X6 and 6 Series Coupe will be the full-time computer-controlled BMW X-Drive underneath the X6, featuring a new torque-distributing and selective-braking system called Dynamic Performance Control.

With an estimated 550 hp, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 makes 43 hp more than the 6.2-liter V8 of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, which is currently the quickest sedan we've ever tested. The CTS-V is dimensionally almost identical to the BMW M5 or E63, but it's heavier, tipping the scales at an estimated 4,200-4,300 pounds. It shouldn't present too much of a problem though, as the CTS-V also develops an estimated 550 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the first-generation CTS-V, the '09 will offer an optional six-speed automatic that includes steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Cadillac got rid of the current car's axle hop through the use of asymmetrical half-shafts. Tucked between these shafts is a heavy-duty cast-iron limited-slip differential. The 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels carry 285/35R19 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, identical in size to the M5's wheel/tire package. Like the BMW, the front tires are 255/40R19s. Brembo supplies brake rotors larger than those of the M5 or E63 (a good thing, since they have more weight to deal with). The slotted and vented rotors are clenched by six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units in the back. The CTS-V comes standard with GM's magnetic ride-control dampers, which can be set in either Tour or Sport modes. Inside, the CTS comes with 14-way adjustable Recaro seats that include pneumatic adjustable bolsters on the bottom and back. A suedelike microfiber material covers the steering wheel, seats and shifter. The center stack and door trim are now shiny black. And the V is the first CTS to be fitted with an electronic parking brake, removing the foot-operated unit. It has the looks and the numbers on paper, but we'll have to wait as see if the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V can back it up on the track.

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is a full-size luxury SUV that promises to get around 20 mpg in city driving versus 12 mpg in city driving for the conventional gas model. Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell told Inside Line that the Detroit luxury brand's first hybrid will cater to an "exclusive clientele." While the Escalade Hybrid's price has yet to be announced, Cadillac officials said to expect it to be close to a fully loaded conventional Escalade â?? around $66,000. While the Escalade Hybrid will deliver a significant increase in city fuel economy, Cadillac says the improvement in highway driving will be less dramatic â?? closer to an estimated 22 mpg versus the current 18 mpg in the conventional model. The Escalade Hybrid uses GM's two-mode hybrid system that is made up of an advanced electrically variable transmission (EVT) and a 300-volt nickel metal hydride battery pack. These systems work with the standard 6.0-liter V8 gas engine. The Escalade Hybrid delivers 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. The engine features GM's active fuel management system, which shuts off half the cylinders when less power is needed in situations such as highway cruising. There are no exterior changes to the Escalade Hybrid, except for badging. It may also be one of the few hybrids in the world with 22-inch wheels. In the cabin, the major change comes in the second row, where you can only get the hybrid with a bench seat and not captain's chairs. The rear seat has been modified because the battery pack is located under the floor of the second row. Escalade style and hybrid power, what more could a celebrity want?

The hydrogen-powered 2008 Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle will enter the U.S. market on a limited basis in Southern California starting in summer 2008. "Full details of the lease program will be set closer to launch, but current plans call for a three-year lease term with a price of $600 per month, including maintenance and collision insurance," said American Honda. Striking a reassuring note, the automaker said it is developing a service infrastructure. "When the FCX Clarity requires periodic maintenance, customers will simply schedule a visit with their local Honda dealer," the company said. Honda will transport the vehicle to the service facility. Honda says its FCX Clarity achieves the approximate equivalent of 68 mpg combined fuel economy or about two to three times the fuel economy of a typical gas-powered car. Driving range is 270 miles. Honda continues to refine its fuel cell system and notes that the FCX Clarity has an advanced new lithium-ion battery pack that is 40 percent lighter and 50 percent smaller than the current-generation FCX's ultra-capacitor. The company said it has achieved a 45 percent reduction in the size of the fuel-cell powertrain to the point where it is almost equivalent to a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. If the initial tests prove positive, the 2008 Honda FCX could turn into the first mass produced fuel-cell vehicle.

The 2009 Honda Pilot will look much like the Pilot prototype unveiled at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Lose the concept-car headlights and put a cheaper paint job or smaller wheels on it and you've got the Alabama-built crossover nailed. Honda believes that the truck's new blocky styling "communicates strength." OK, we suppose that in comparison to the pointy-nosed Acura MDX, which is based on the same structure, or the smiling CX-9, the Pilot is butch. It does have a sort-of carved-from-billet look. The company isn't saying much about the mechanical systems, but we don't expect a revolution here. It will be powered by a V6, of course. But this one will incorporate the new version of the Variable Cylinder Management system that Honda introduced for the new Accord V6. It can run on six or three or even four cylinders, depending on how much power the driver demands. And we expect that it will operate almost imperceptibly, if our experience with the Accord is any indication. Honda also claims that the interior of the new Pilot will be roomier and says the 60/40-split third row now provides enough knee room for an "above-average-sized adult male." Honda is looking to refine its midsize crossover in the face of new competition from GM, Ford and Toyota.

Like the H3 SUV, the H3T should prove useful as an off-roading accessory. Full-time four-wheel drive is standard, as are skid plates to protect the undercarriage. The H3T has been designed as a toy hauler and will accommodate dirt bikes, motorcycles, and ATVs. A full line of factory and licensed accessories should aid in bed storage and gear-carrying.Those Hummer buyers concerned with measurements will be glad to know that this truck is all about numbers. The H3T gains twenty-two inches between its wheels compared to the T-less H3 SUV. That extra length allows Hummer to fit a five-foot bed instead of making do with whatever would have fit on the H3's shorter wheelbase and also increases rear-seat room over a Canyon or Colorado crew cab. Thirty-two inch tires are standard while thirty-threes are available in the Off-Road Adventure package that also features locking front and rear differentials.

After several years on the market, the Infiniti FX is finally headed for a redesign. The 2009 Infiniti FX37 is expected to debut in early 2008 and go on sale later in the year. No prototypes have been spotted yet, but expect the unique shape of the FX to remain similar to the current model. Power will come from the V6 found in the G37 coupe while the top-of-the-line model will continue with V8 power. Its exterior design has worn well, but the rest of the FX needs some upgrades.

The Jaguar XF is an all-new midsize luxury sport sedan. In the grand scheme of things, this statement is perhaps not of extraordinary significance. But for Jaguar, whose past 10 years have been awash in slowing sales and diminishing consumer enthusiasm, the XF is a savior of sorts. Sporting standard V8 power and a blending of tradition with modern style and technology, it's one of the most interesting Jaguars to come out in a long while.Overall, the XF is a clear indicator that Jaguar has learned from its past missteps and delivered a wholly compelling midsize luxury sedan. Traditionalists may balk at the XF's chic, coupelike roof line and strikingly unfamiliar front-end treatment. For those buyers, the classically appointed XJ sedan still graces Jaguar showrooms. The Jaguar XF is aimed at a new buyer: younger, more style-conscious and more tech-savvy. Measured from that point of view, the XF is a solid hit.

The 2009 Lexus IS 350 coupe is one of those cars that we expected to show up years ago. It's no secret that Lexus was targeting the BMW 3 Series with the IS lineup, so the lack of a coupe variant has been a little surprising. Although no prototypes have been spotted yet, a report in the trade publication Automotive News says to expect to see the IS 350 coupe by mid-2008. A hardtop convertible is expected to follow a year later. With a coupe and convertible in the IS lineup, Lexus will finally have some leverage against the almighty BMW 3 Series.

Not long after the debut of the LF-A, we caught footage of a prototype on Germany's Nurburgring test track. It was covered from nose to tail, with no clear signs of the production design underneath. Our latest spy photos of a similar prototype on the same track reveal a few more details than before. Up front you can clearly see the detailing of the headlights. With their amber marker lights and single projector beam in the middle, the clusters are significantly different from those of the concept. Other revisions worth noting are the three large air intakes and F1-inspired front airdam. In profile this LF-A prototype doesn't reveal much more than before. You can see the actual body panels this time around, but there's not much in the way of character lines other than a slightly swept-back B-pillar, yet another change to the concept. The flat shoulder panels and side air intakes look as though they'll make it through to production as well. In back, the center-mounted exhaust pipes remain along with the thin taillights and twin-tunnel diffuser. Lexus isn't known for cars that get the blood flowing, but this coupe could be the one that finally changes public perception.

After evading spy photographers for some time now, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK coupe has finally been spotted on the streets of Stuttgart. Based on the same platform as the recently introduced C-Class sedan, the next-generation CLK coupe shows signs of a similar design. The front fascia has a more squared-off shape, although our spy shooters said they saw signs of quad headlights in place of the single-lens design used on the C-Class. Mercedes went to great lengths to disguise the shape of the C-pillars, so expect to see a more distinctive design than the current model. Engine choices aren't expected to change much. The current 3.5-liter V6 will most likely remain the base power plant, with the 5.5-liter V8 continuing as an option. Rear-wheel drive will continue as well, although there is speculation that 4Matic will be added as an option. Look for the debut of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, with sales in the U.S. expected by the end of the 2008. Without a more dramatic design, the Mercedes-Benz CLK could easily get overshadowed by the more interesting Audi A5.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will not change much from the current model. This will be a mid-cycle refresh, so expect a few styling updates to the front and rear ends along with a revised interior. No major engine upgrades are expected. There's no reason to tinker with the styling of this successful sedan, so don't expect big changes from this mid-cycle refresh.

Scheduled to go on sale this fall in Europe and early next year in North America and China, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GLK is an all-new compact SUV. It joins the G, GL, ML and R-Class in the company's rapidly expanding utility-vehicle portfolio. Mercedes says the concept shown at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show is "close to series production." Built on C-Class underpinnings, the GLK sports a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, plus 4Matic all-wheel drive. The production model will offer U.S. buyers a choice of V6 gas engines and eventually a diesel. Technical highlights include adaptive headlamps, driver-adjustable suspension, speed-sensitive power steering, electronic stability program, automatic slip reduction and downhill speed regulation. BMW proved that a small SUV can be successful with the right package and price, so it's no surprise that Mercedes-Benz would want to get in on this lucrative category.

Mercedes-Benz plans to begin sales of a gasoline/electric hybrid version of the S-Class in early 2008, which will be followed by several other hybrid Mercedes models. The new car, previewed at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, will be the first hybrid model sold by Mercedes-Benz. It is expected to be the first of a lineup of advanced gasoline/electric models including specially adapted versions of the E-Class, M-Class and GL-Class. All are currently under development at the German carmaker's headquarters in Stuttgart. The new S-Class is described as a "mild hybrid." It is expected to be powered by Mercedes' 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection gasoline engine unveiled in the CLS350 CGI. With it will be an 8.2-hp electric motor, mounted within the gearbox housing, which will be powered by electricity obtained during braking. A stop/start function will help reduce fuel consumption in city traffic. Similar to the system employed by the Honda Insight, the S-Class's gasoline engine provides the primary propulsion, with the electric motor providing assistance whenever extra power is required ? during hard acceleration or on steep gradients, for example. The electric motor can not operate independently of the gasoline engine, meaning the new Mercedes-Benz will not be compatible for zero emissions. It can generate electricity for the battery or consume electricity from the battery, but not both at the same time. Mercedes-Benz has formed an alliance with General Motors and BMW to develop a "direct hybrid" system in which the electric motor can propel the car independently of the gasoline engine over long trips. No time frame has yet been announced for the introduction of a direct hybrid Mercedes, though. It won't be a full hybrid like the Prius, but this gas-electric S-Class puts Mercedes-Benz a little bit closer to the promise of luxury and a clean tail pipe in the same car.

Few cars on the road are as iconic as the Mercedes-Benz SL sports car. It's been around since the famous Gullwing 300SL sports car was introduced in 1954, which today is regarded as the world's first supercar. The SL is as desirable now as it was then. Not surprising then that the new 2009 SL-Class carries on with the familiar look: There's no mistaking this new car for anything else. However, there are substantial changes that set the 2009 Mercedes SL apart from the previous version, which has been with us for six years. The overall stance has been modified, and the result is that the 2009 SL looks sportier and more aggressive than the previous version. It has a new nose with a more pronounced grille, sleeker headlights and more shapely front fenders. Although the basic dimensions have not changed, the car is a little longer overall. As before, there will be four versions of the SL available in the U.S. The SL550 is powered by a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 and the SL600 has a twin turbo 5.5-liter V12 engine under the hood that produces 510 horsepower. There will be two AMG versions: the SL65, which continues with an upgraded version of the turbocharged V12 that produces 604 horsepower. The previous-generation SL55 has been replaced by a new SL63 which has a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter 518-hp V8. It also gets a new MCT (multi clutch technology) transmission. This seven-speed automatic transmission has no less than six clutches that enable lightening quick shifting akin to a Formula One race car according to Mercedes-Benz. There is even a race start function. Externally, the AMG models are distinguished by a black mesh grille under the front bumper that makes the front nose appear much deeper. The front spoiler also features vents on each side. The new SL inherits a neat new optional feature called AIRSCARF. It is an extra heating system built into the driver and passenger seats. At the touch of a button, warm air flows from vents in the head restraints, acting as an invisible scarf around the head and neck. Just as a scarf makes one feel much warmer in cold weather this new heater in the SL should make driving with the top down possible in cooler weather than would normally be practical. The metal retractable roof can be raised or lowered in 16 seconds and there is a relatively generous 7.2 cubic feet for storage space with the top down and 10.2 cu ft with the top up. A leather covered roll bar can be raised or lowered by a switch and it will automatically raise in one-third of a second in the event of an impending rollover accident. A new direct-steer system will become available later on 2010 SL models. It features a variable-ratio rack gear provides impressively quick on-center steering with an even higher gear ratio beyond the first five degrees of steering angle. This means the driver doesn't have to move the steering wheel as far when cornering, especially in low-speed maneuvers such as parking, and the car's response is noticeably more direct, according to Mercedes engineers.

All the talk out of Nissan recently has been about the GT-R supercar, but the 2009 Nissan 370Z is headed our way soon as well. An early test mule for the next-generation Z-car was spotted testing at the Nurburgring test track in Germany last year. It wore what looked like sheet metal from the current-generation Z, but a closer inspection makes it clear that the car was substantially modified. At roughly 3,600 pounds, the current-model Z-car is far heavier than its natural competition, the 2,900-pound Porsche Cayman and the 3,100-pound BMW Z4. We think Nissan is looking to push the Z closer to its natural competitors when it comes to performance, and this cut-down chassis might be an attempt to create a leaner, lighter Z. Instead of employing exotic materials to reduce the Z-car's weight, it looks like Nissan is simply whittling down the chassis to a smaller size. The current Z has a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, and while the next-gen Z isn't likely to match the short 95.1-inch wheelbase of the Porsche Cayman, we're guessing something between the two numbers is a safe bet. And don't be surprised to see a 370Z badge planted on the trunk lid of this new car, as an upgrade to Nissan's new 3.7-liter V6 is also likely to appear. Rated at 330 horsepower in the Infiniti G37, the 370Z's V6 would probably come in around 320-325 hp, a modest bump to the 306 hp delivered by the current 3.5-liter V6. A leaner, less brutal Z car should go a long way toward generating more interest in Nissan's often overlooked sportscar.

The long-awaited 2009 Nissan GT-R debuts, replete with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, all-wheel drive and legendary Skyline heritage. The 2009 Nissan GT-R delivers true supercar performance in a user-friendly package for less coin than a base Porsche 911. Technically, the 2009 Nissan GT-R isn't a Skyline -- that distinction now belongs to what we know as the Infiniti G series, which is marketed as the Nissan Skyline in Japan. But don't let the official nomenclature fool you. From its familiar twin-turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive layout to its telltale circular taillights, there's no mistaking the new Nissan for anything but a modern-day Skyline GT-R. The big deal for Americans is that the 2009 GT-R marks the first time this legendary performance car will be officially sold stateside. We also happen to be getting the most ambitious version yet. The great-granddaddy of the new GT-R, the "Godzilla" R32 Skyline GT-R produced from 1989-'93, was designed to equal the performance of the iconic Porsche 959. Nissan's benchmark for the 2009 GT-R? The mighty Porsche 997-series 911 Turbo. How does the GT-R do it? As far as that bargain-basement price tag is concerned, we'd put it down to a mixture of modern mass-production techniques and magic. Performance-wise, the gnarly Nissan has a long list of co-conspirators to thank, among them a 473-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6, a thoroughly revised version of the previous GT-R's ATTESA ET-S all-wheel-drive system, a trick suspension with adjustable dampers and a dual-clutch transmission that ranks right up there with the best in the business.

After a model-year hiatus, the 2009 Nissan Murano returns fully redesigned. Given its popularity, styling changes are kept evolutionary, while an upgraded cabin and key mechanical refinements further its appeal. Nissan retains the Murano's attractive qualities while making some key improvements to keep this sporty crossover more than competitive in the midsize segment. A re-engineered suspension with lightweight aluminum pieces and a new steering system make the 2009 Nissan Murano a willing and surprisingly communicative partner in daily driving. No doubt the combination of these chassis upgrades and a new predictive (not reactive) all-wheel-drive system (first introduced by the Nissan Rogue) contribute to the Murano's genuine agility and overall feel of predictability. And, contrary to what some might expect, the 20-inch wheels and tires standard on the LE trim don't degrade the ride either.The 3.5-liter V6 provides plenty of power for almost all situations. Of special note is the revised CVT, which incorporates adaptive shift control software and boasts ratio changes 30 percent faster than before. As a result, the reactions of the CVT are so good that Nissan decided that it's unnecessary to offer a manual-shift mode with this CVT -- and we totally agree.

The speculation is over as the 2008 Porsche Panamera has been given the official green light. Indeed, the Porsche Panamera has been approved for production in Leipzig, alongside the Cayenne SUV and the feisty Carrera GT, beginning in 2008. The Panamera could very well be powered from a modified version of the Cayenne's V8, which will be laid out in the front of the vehicle. Porsche plans on selling the vehicle in quantities of 20,000 annually. Contrary to industry gossip, Porsche will not be venturing into a partnership with a sponsoring manufacturer to develop the Panamera, choosing instead to build the vehicle on a unique rear-wheel-drive chassis of its own creation. Building a sedan might seem like Porsche is stretching beyond its limits, but the Cayenne's success proves that it can build more than just sports cars.

The 2009 Saab 9-4X crossover will slot into the company's lineup in place of the 9-6X SUV -- which was cancelled at the 11th hour after GM terminated its relationship with Subaru, its partner on the project. This midsize luxury crossover will share its long-wheelbase theta platform with the '09 Cadillac BRX as well as a similar vehicle to be manufactured by Buick. Use of this platform will give the 9-4X the capability of either front- or all-wheel drive. GM will be counting on vehicles like the 9-4X, with its feature-filled interior, room and 3.6-liter V6 to help revise its corporate fortunes. The company's tentative plans to build the vehicle at its Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico should help to keep costs down. Saab will field its first crossover, the 9-4X, in place of the shelved 9-6X.

In a unique partnership with Lotus Cars, a Silicon Valley startup firm called Tesla Motors hopes to rock the automotive world with a pure-electric, high-performance two-seater called simply the Roadster. Among the investors are Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. The carbon-fiber-bodied Tesla Roadster was designed by and jointly developed with Lotus. Final assembly will be at the Lotus facility in Hethel, England, although Tesla said it will maintain an R&D center at its headquarters in Northern California. The car is fitted with a lithium-ion battery pack and a 185kW (248 horsepower) electric motor driving the rear wheels through a clutchless two-speed automatic transmission. The chassis, jointly engineered by Lotus and Tesla, is made of bonded extruded aluminum, with double wishbones at all four corners. Tesla, whose corporate motto is "Burn Rubber, Not Gasoline," is making some extravagant claims for the Roadster, not the least of which is that the two-seater is "more than twice as efficient as the best hybrid car on the road." The company says the Roadster can jet from zero to 60 mph in about 4 seconds supercar territory and achieves the equivalent of 135 mpg. Top speed is estimated at more than 130 mph. More significantly, Tesla claims the car can run up to roughly 200 a huge leap over earlier electrics such as General Motors' EV1. The Roadster comes with a soft top; a body-color hardtop is an extra-cost option. Tesla plans to install a charging station in each owner's garage, but the company will offer an optional portable charging unit so the car basically can plug into any 110V or 220V outlet. A full charge takes as little as three and a half hours. Tesla estimates the life of the battery pack at around 100,000 miles. The company says it is setting up customer-care centers in five major markets Northern California, Southern California, New York, Florida and Chicago and will charge an extra $10,000 fee for customers who live outside those areas. Although the Tesla Roadser was supposed to be ready for a 2007 launch, problems with the transmission supplier have pushed the first deliveries to the spring of 2008.

Toyotas big reveal for NAIAS was the new Venza crossver, a tall Camry wagon exclusively for the United States (and presumably Canada). It has a slab-sided look, not unlike the Prius; the Venza is sleeker than most crossovers, looking more car-like. Indeed, in profile, the Venza looks more like a Dodge Magnum wagon, in proportions, than most SUVs; but it has better headroom and an airier interior. The door sills are fairly high, giving an impression of safety, though visibility is still good. The slanted rear window is stylish and may help aerodynamics, though it cuts into the cargo space. Overall, the Venza looks quite slippery, which should help to keep noise down and gas mileage up, while the interior looks fairly spacious for four or five people and some cargo; it will be a good replacement for the long-lost and sometimes-lamented Camry wagons, and hopefully will attract some of those who are now driving body-on-frame SUVs (like the ?why are people still buying these? Ford Explorer) to a lighter, more comfortable, and more fuel-efficient vehicle.

At the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, Volvo unveiled the XC60 concept. Although it featured an interior that was unique to the concept, much of its overall design is headed for production. Designed to slot into the growing premium compact SUV segment alongside vehicles like the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Land Rover LR2, the XC60 is part SUV and part sports coupe according to Volvo's designers. Below the beltline, its high ground clearance and 20-inch wheels were designed to mimic the more SUV-like traits of Volvo's larger XC90 sport-ute, while the sharply raked roof line was inspired by the new C30 sport coupe. Expect to see a much less agressive set of wheels and tires on the production model. As you would expect in a concept, the interior of the XC60 is more high-tech fantasy than showroom reality. It features a floating center console like Volvo's current S40 sedan, but this one is even thinner to free up more space. Its smooth, white surface is an obvious nod to the iPod look, although Volvo dressed it up with an outline of chrome trim. The instrument panel has a central speedometer flanked by video screens that remain black until the driver needs to access information. The production version of the five-passenger XC60 will share its platform and drivetrain with the Land Rover LR2. Like the Land Rover, the XC60 will be offered in a four-door configuration only and it'll be sized to compete with the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and the soon-to-appear Mercedes-Benz GLK. Its mechanical sibling, the LR2 measures 177.2 inches from tip to tail, some 2.7 inches shorter than a BMW X3, and offers 59 cubic feet of cargo volume when the rear seat is folded flat. Under the hood will be a transversely mounted double-overhead-cam 3.2.-liter inline-6 derived from the latest version of the inline-6 recently introduced in the Volvo S80. In the LR2 the six-cylinder develops 230 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 234 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm, and it's designed to deliver a broad power band thanks to variable valve timing. As is the case on the larger Volvo XC90, front-wheel drive will be standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Sleek styling and a solid set of hardware could make this Volvo's most popular SUV yet.