Chevrolet Aveo5 2009

Chevrolet added the Aveo subcompact in 2004 as its lowest-priced car. Offered as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback, the Aveo was based on a design by the defunct Korean automaker Daewoo. The sedan's styling was freshened inside and out for the 2007 model year, while the hatchback carried on with the same styling and a name change to Aveo5. At the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, Chevrolet announced the 2009 Aveo5 would get fresh styling to bring it in line with the sedan.

The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 will utilize the same Daewoo-derived platform of the 2004-2008 hatchback. Overall length will grow by 2.2 inches, while width and height will be up only slightly. On the inside, the Aveo5 will have seating for up to five and 42.9 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded. Chevrolet says the Aveo5 will have engine and sound-proofing enhancements to make it quieter than the last model.

The Aveo5 will come with an updated version of the 1.6-liter dual-overhead cam four-cylinder engine that powers current Aveos. With new variable valve timing, the engine will make 107 horsepower, up four horses from 2008, and 106 pound feet of torque. 

A five-speed manual transmission will be standard and a four-speed automatic will be optional. The automatic will have a Hold Control Mode that helps reduce wheel spin and traction loss on slick roads by allowing the driver to select and hold a higher gear.

Chevrolet says fuel economy will also be up 8 percent. With the manual, the Aveo5 will get 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. With the automatic, it will get 24/34.

Three trim levels will be offered, base, LS and LT. Air conditioning will come standard on the LS, while the LT will get cruise control; heated power mirrors; power windows and locks; remote keyless entry; XM satellite radio; fog lights; and alloy wheels. Front side impact airbags will be standard, and LS and LT models will be available with antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but Chevrolet claims the Aveo5 will be the lowest priced car in America when it is released. That means pricing will start at or near $10,000.

Hyundai Elantra Touring 2009

When Hyundai redesigned its compact Elantra for the 2007 model year, the company dropped the hatchback body style, keeping only a four-door sedan. At the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai announced that a hatchback is returning to the lineup in the form of the 2009 Elantra Touring.

Compared to the sedan, the Elantra Touring will be more sport oriented. It will have four doors and the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but will also feature a sportier suspension, a lowered ride height, a short-throw shifter, and larger wheels and tires.

To the MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspensions, the Elantra Touring adds 24 percent stiffer front springs, 39 percent stiffer rear springs, larger front and rear stabilizer bars, unique dampers, and more direct steering. While the sedan offers 15- and 16-inch wheels, the hatchback will have 16- and 17-inch wheels with lower profile tires.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder will send its 141 horses to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The automatic gets Hyundai's Shiftronic manual shift gate, while the manual comes with a B&M Racing short-throw shifter.

The Hyundai Elantra Touring will also come with a higher level of standard features versus the sedan: Traction control and electronic stability control will be standard, as will ABS with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. Other standard features will include air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power windows and door locks, heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, eight-way adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, a 172-watt AM/FM/XM audio system with six speakers, and fog lights. USB/iPod auxiliary inputs will also be standard. When an iPod or flash drive is plugged into the USB port, it will charge the iPod, provide access to tracks through the steering wheel audio controls or radio, and display song/artist/title information on the audio head unit. The Elantra Touring will also offer a Premium-Sport package that adds a power sunroof, heated front seats, and P215/45VR17 tires on alloy wheels.

A hatchback body style means more efficient packaging. The Elantra Touring will have a 106.3-inch wheelbase, which is 2 inches longer than the sedan's, but it will also be about one inch shorter. The sedan offers 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space. The Elantra Touring will have 24.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seats and a total 65.3 cubic feet with the 60/40 split second-row seats folded flat. There will also be a shallow storage area beneath the rear cargo floor. Hyundai says the Elantra Touring will have more interior volume than any four-door hatchback in its class.

Pricing had not been announced at press time, but we expect the Elantra Touring to start at around $17,000 when it goes on sale late this year (fall 2008).

Ford F-150 Pickup 2009

The 2009 Ford F-150 pickup will offer a slew of useful new features and technologies for towing and hauling along with fresh new styling throughout. The 2009 F-150 goes on sale fall 2008.

The 2009 F-150 boasts a tough new exterior, with a bigger and brawnier grille and fatter fenders designed to make the wheels look larger. A small spoiler-like lip on the rear tailgate gives the rear an unusual look and is designed to improve aerodynamics.

Underneath, a new chassis features a stronger frame for more torsional rigidity. Ford says it will offer improved towing and hauling capability along with increased durability and safety.

Towing is made easier with the addition of an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller along with a Trailer Sway Control system that ties into the ABS and Roll Stability Control to tame swaying trailers through application of the brakes to individual wheels. A Rearview Camera makes hitching up much easier.

A new, built-in step in the rear tailgate allows easy access to the bed from the rear. First seen on the latest Super Duty models, the step is optional on all levels of F-150 trim and features a hand hold that flips up, making climbing up even easier. When not being used, the step slides into the tailgate hiding it from sight.

A new, foot-operated side step, located just behind the cab on each side, allows easy access into the bed, important with the high-sided bed.

We tried these features out when the truck was revealed at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January and came away impressed.

Ford will offer numerous accessories to help carry and secure stuff in the bed. These include cleats designed to withstand 600 pounds of force. A track system allows installation of movable bed dividers and storage bins. And a new bed extender snaps apart and stows to the sides and out of the way when not in use.

The 2009 F-150 interior has been improved with better finishes on surfaces yet it retains a rugged feel with decent sized spaces and knobs for people who might use the truck for work.

The crew cab model is six inches longer than before and the B-pillar has been moved back six inches giving easier access to the front seats and better sideways viewing for the driver while allowing much more room inside for rear seat passengers.

The rear seats fold up out of the way to reveal a flat floor that can hold over 57 cubic feet of cargo. This was demonstrated by sliding a new 50-inch flat-panel television behind the front seats.

All 2009 F-150 models will come with a V8 engine: a 4.6-liter 2-valve V8, a 4.6-liter 3-valve V8, and a 5.4-liter 3-valve Triton V8. The engines have been tuned to produce more power yet deliver improved fuel economy, Ford says. The 5.4-liter is capable of running E85 ethanol. A V6 will not be offered, but Ford says the base 4.6-liter V8 matches the fuel economy of the outgoing V6. All models get a six-speed automatic transmission with a deceleration fuel cut-off system for added economy.

Diesel and an EcoBoost gas turbo direct injection engines are planned for the F-150 in 2010.

High tech electronic options include Ford's highly regarded Sync audio system and Sirius satellite radio.

Safety has not been forgotten. The list reads more like that from a luxury sedan than a traditional work truck. Rollover curtain airbags as well as individual seat side airbags are standard on all models. Traction control with a trailer sway control system is standard on all models. It works in conjunction with ABS and is most effective with compatible trailer brakes, if fitted. 

There will be an even greater number of choices of bed lengths, cab size, drivetrains and engines, etc to choose from. There are 11 choices of wheels, for example. The model names start with the base XL, and progress through STX, XLT, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch to the new Platinum model. Prices are likely to start at around $19,000 for a base XL and go above $40,000 for a fully laden top-of-the line Platinum model.

The stakes are high for Ford. The Ford F-series pickup continues to be the best selling pickup in America after 31 straight years, yet the competition is closing the sales gap. The Chevy Silverado was redesigned for 2007 and is right behind the F-150 in popularity, Toyota has made inroads with its new, full-size 2008 Tundra, and Dodge is redesigning the Ram for 2009.

Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Model 2009

The Saturn Vue is getting greener every year, and a new 2009 model to be introduced in the fall of 2008 will feature a two-mode system designed to 50-percent improvement in fuel economy and a significant reduction in emissions.

Saturn added a Green Line hybrid model to the Vue lineup for the 2007 model year. That model paired a four-cylinder engine with a single-mode hybrid system. When the company redesigned its compact sport utility vehicle for 2008, the Green Line returned. For 2009, Saturn is adding a second hybrid model to the Vue lineup with the two-mode system.

The new model will be called the Vue Green Line 2 Mode. It will pair GM's "high feature" 3.6-liter V6 with an Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT). The engine has direct injection and variable valve timing, while the transmission has two electric motors and four fixed gears. One of the motors aids power at low speeds and the other helps at highway speeds. Under light throttle, the electric motors can propel the vehicle up to 30 mph. Like other systems, the gasoline engine turns off at stops and restarts when needed.

General Motors is already using its new two-mode hybrid system in its full-size trucks and SUVs, including the Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Silverado, the GMC Yukon, and the Cadillac Escalade.

Developed with Chrysler, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the two-mode system will also be used in the Dodge Durango Hybrid and Chrysler Aspen Hybrid.

The Saturn Vue will mark the first use of this system with front-wheel drive and a V6 engine.

Saturn says the 2 Mode hybrid system will deliver a 50-percent increase in fuel economy and allow the Vue Green Line 2 Mode to go 500 miles between fill-ups. Total power output has not been announced, but Saturn says 0-60 mph will take 7.3 seconds. In the standard Vue, the 3.6-liter V6 makes 257 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. We expect slightly increased overall power for the Vue 2 Mode hybrid.

The Vue Green Line 2 Mode will qualify as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in states with California emissions rules.

Unlike V8 vehicles with the two-mode hybrid system, towing capacity will not suffer. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be able to tow up to 3500 pounds, just like standard Vues powered by the V6.

The 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode hybrid will have a 300-volt battery pack located under the second-row seats. The battery pack powers the electric motors, as well as the electric power steering system. Regenerative braking will charge the batteries.

On the inside, the 2009 Vue Green Line 2 Mode will have an "efficiency gauge" in place of a tachometer. This gauge will denote when the vehicle is achieving maximum fuel economy, and when the powertrain is in electric-only mode, engine-only mode or a combination of the two. A dash-mounted touch screen will display a power flow screen to show where the power is coming from. It will also display real-time fuel economy, and when regenerative braking is charging the batteries.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but we expect the 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode hybrid will top $30,000 when it goes on sale late in 2008.

Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype

Mitsubishi's Outlander, now in its second generation, has been a big success for the company, a handsome crossover utility vehicle that blends excellent space efficiency with good road manners. And if you're wondering what the next-generation Outlander might look like, take a gander at this Outlander GT Prototype, which was just revealed at the New York auto show.

Do you see some Lancer influence in that large and bold "jet fighter" grille? Yeah, we do too, and the reshaped front bumper, side mirrors, fenders and hood clearly give this Outlander GT Prototype a fresh and sportier look, one that's enhanced by a fully polished aluminum roof. What's more, the overall shape is sleeker, leading Mitsubishi to state that this Outlander will have improved fuel economy.

Beneath the hood is Mitsu's 3.0-liter MIVEC sohc V-6, now pumping out 230 bhp, a 10 bhp gain over the currently available engine. Chalk that power increase up to a freer-flowing intake tract, bumped compression and revised camshaft timing that also helps the engine make its peak torque lower on the rev counter. Of note, fuel economy clearly is a big concern with Mitsubishi, and the Outlander GT Prototype addresses this with a revised shift program that incorporates Idle Neutral Logic, which automatically puts the transmission in neutral whenever the vehicle is at a standstill.

As a Mitsubishi, it comes as no surprise that this Outlander GT Prototype has S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) all-wheel drive, tuned to provide increased traction and stability in all driving conditions, not just ice, snow and rain. Aided by a front limited-slip differential, plus an electronically controlled center coupling, the Outlander GT can vary torque both fore and aft and side to side, to keep the vehicle safely moving. Mitsu says that data on throttle input, steering angle, yaw rate and the like is all factored in with the stability control, resulting in an Outlander that is able to turn more tightly and with added stability.

Inside, the Outlander GT Prototype has advanced voice-recognition capabilities, and an onboard nav system with 7-in. LCD screen and real-time traffic. Audiophiles will appreciate the new Rockford-Fosgate sound system, now with 710 watts.

Driving enthusiasts, however, will most appreciate the stiffer suspension, 19-in. OZ racing wheels, big Brembo brakes and wider stance, which will make the Outlander GT a surprisingly fun ally when the road starts to get twisty.

Acura ZDX prototype

The ZDX prototype unveiled at the New York auto show is almost identical to the production version set to go on sale in the U.S. this fall. Besides being the first Acura with an all-glass roof, the 5-seat ZDX is also the first Acura model designed start-to-finish at the company's new studio in Torrance, California.

Due to the ZDX's radically sloping roofline, the vehicle's designers label it as a "4-door luxury sports coupe," although we would label it a 5-door since it is a hatchback design. Acura states the "segment bending ZDX blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle," which, as with BMW's X6, sometimes leaves us wondering exactly what the vehicle is. To paraphrase Acura's description: The ZDX is designed to take two people in comfort on a driving adventure in the desert, on a ski trip to Mammoth Mountain (in California), an then a trip down the coast — all in one day!

The platform underpinning the ZDX comes from the MDX sport-utility vehicle, but the sleeker ZDX features a 3.9-in. lower roofline. Although Acura was not overly specific about the powertrain, we do know the production ZDX, which Acura says will definitely be marketed "above the MDX" in the lineup, will come standard with a V-6 (count on 3.7 liters and slightly over 300 bhp) and the company's excellent Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).

The ZDX's exterior was penned by Michelle Christensen (incidentally, this was her first project since joining Acura about four years ago) under the direction of senior designer Damon Schell. Schell says the goal was to create "suspenseful emotion" with every curve and line of the ZDX, both inside and out. Christensen used such objects as a slingshot, an Olympic volleyball building in Tokyo and a bullet passing through a fluid medium for inspiration. Although Christensen's original sketch for the ZDX was more radical than the final outcome, the pushed-rearward B-pillars do give the car a coupe-like stance. Another notable on the ZDX is the first use of a through-bumper exhaust by Acura.

The interior was built around a "dual personal structure." Interior designer Michael Wiedeman achieved this goal by applying two large strips of leather that drop down from the dash and flow into the center console, fully delineating driver and passenger space; the convex "monolith" center stack adds to this effect. An effort was also made to "give the ZDX some soul," implementing center stack lights that appear to "wake up" once you touch the car's starter button.

Acura promises the 192.4-in.-long ZDX — with a V-6, SH-AWD and new 6-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission — will perform like a sports sedan, with outstanding handling in all weather conditions. We can't wait to find out. Stay tuned for our Driving Impression this fall.

Hummer H3T 2009

Hummer released the full-size H2 SUV in 2003 and followed with a pickup version called the H2 SUT in 2005. Hummer expanded its lineup with the midsize H3 SUV in 2005 as a 2006 model.

Now the H3 gets the pickup treatment. At the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, Hummer announced the 2009 H3T pickup would be released this fall as a 2009 model.

The Hummer H3T was originally shown as a concept vehicle at the 2004 LA Auto Show. That concept had a two-passenger regular cab, a five-foot bed and a 3.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower.

The 2009 Hummer H3T production version will have a five-passenger crew cab, a five-foot bed, and five-cylinder or V8 power.

Engine choices for the 2009 Hummer H3T will mirror those of the standard H3. The base engine will be GM's Vortec 3.7-liter five-cylinder, while the H3T Alpha model will have a 5.3-liter small-block V8. With dual overhead cams and variable valve timing, the 3.7 will produce 242 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque, and come with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The overhead valve V8 will make 300 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque and come only with the automatic. With the V8, the H3T Alpha will be able tow up to 5900 pounds.

The H3T will share styling and body components with the H3 SUV from the B-pillar forward, while the rear of the cab and the bed will be unique to the H3T. The five-foot bed will have a removable tailgate and provisions for a bed-rail accessory system. To accommodate the bed, Hummer has lengthened the H3's wheelbase almost 22 inches.

Two suspensions will be offered: the Z85 Heavy-Duty Handling and Trailering suspension with 32-inch all-terrain tires on 16-inch steel wheels, and the Off-Road Adventure suspension with 33-inch tires and locking front and rear differentials. The full-size spare tire will be mounted under the bed.

H3T will have Hummer's trademark off-road capability. It will come standard with full-time four-wheel drive with low-range gearing, four skid plates, Hill Hold Assist, and 10.2 inches of ground clearance. Off-road options will consist of two additional axle ratios, as well as the locking differentials and Off-Road suspension.

GM has said that the H3T will be offered with three trim levels, including the Alpha, but hasn't delineated the lineup. Air conditioning, power accessories, remote keyless entry and XM satellite radio will be standard. A rearview camera will be optional.

Standard safety equipment will include dual front airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, a tire-pressure monitor, antilock brakes, traction control, and GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control. GM's OnStar system with one year of service will also be standard.

Hummer will offer several factory accessories for the H3T, including removable and lockable bed-mounted storage boxes, an adjustable bike chock for mountain bikes or motorcycles, and a bed extender. In addition, Hummer has worked with several aftermarket companies to develop numerous licensed accessories.

Hummer hasn't announced pricing, but we expect the 2009 Hummer H3T to start at about $30,000 when it goes on sale this fall. It will be built at GM's plant in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2009

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will include VW's return to diesel-powered cars. The new 2009 Jetta TDI will come in sedan and wagon versions. Their clean and quiet diesel engines will have no effect on the roomy cabin or good road manners that Jetta buyers delight in.

Externally the diesel-powered models will be distinguished by blue TDI badges, in reference to Volkswagen's BlueMotion moniker for clean diesels. We expect TDI versions to be roughly $1000 more than the standard gasoline engine, and estimate EPA numbers to be 8-12 mpg ahead of the gasoline engine.

Jetta TDIs will use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged, direct-injection diesel proven in Europe and race tracks in Volkswagen's TDI cup spec-racing series. Output is 140 horsepower (around 3800-4000 rpm) and 258 pound-feet of torque, available before 2000 rpm; that's 30 hp behind the gas engine but ahead on torque by 80 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and the six-speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox, or DSG, will be available.

In some respects the diesel feels quieter at idle than the odd-frequency sound of the five-cylinder gas engine, rather like a rattlesnake's tail muted under a heavy blanket. With the car at speed or the ventilation fan or radio on you won't hear the engine except at full-throttle. It's clean too, with many emissions superior to gasoline engines. If our mileage is indicative, cruising range will better 400 miles around town, negating frequent refueling.

You'll need a few revs to put the TDI in motion, and as the tachometer climbs past 1500 rpm serious thrust is ladled on smoothly and evenly right to redline. Don't expect to win any traffic light Grands Prix but tire chirping is not unusual, especially when launching from a stop into a sharp turn. Zero to 60 mph should come in around 9 seconds, which is how long a lot of 35-mpg cars take, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Once moving, the massive midrange torque will allow you to crawl around urban environs or pull an 8-percent grade in top gear at just 50 mph. And with six gears to choose from, power is never more than a click away.

We did a few loops for rough mileage scenarios. One involved a highway out-and-back, run at 70-75 mph with a 2.5-mile leg on 7-percent grade descent and climb (where we accelerated to 85 mph in top gear) on the return. We finished the loop with the trip computer showing average speed of 72 mph and average economy of 40.7 mpg; at 90 miles the fuel gauge still read full. On a winding two-lane through rolling countryside, 50 mph average at 43.7 mpg. Driving like we stole it in city traffic still returned 23.1 mpg. That same day a 2.5 gas engine Jetta with five-speed manual over the same courses got between 15.4 and 28.1 mpg. The diesel was run with the AC on all day in 100-degree weather; there is a way to get good fuel economy and decent performance.

Diesel fuel will have to become much more expensive than gasoline before the mileage cost benefit doesn't match the fuel price penalty. But even if it does get there, would you rather be doing 20 mpg or 30?

Mini Cooper Convertible 2009

Warning! Anyone who purchases the forthcoming 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible because it?s fashionable, rather than for a genuine appreciation of open air motoring, risks being revealed as a poser.

Expected in showrooms by the end of March 2009, the next-generation Mini Convertible features something called an Openometer. Located right next to the standard odometer, the Openometer records and displays the distance the Mini has been driven with its folding soft top open. An owner who seldom lowers the roof to feel sun on the face and wind in the hair won?t be able to fake it.

The 2009 Mini Convertible is based on the second-generation Mini Cooper Hardtop, introduced in 2007. As such, the new Convertible is slightly larger than its predecessor, with a more rigid structure, revised engine-transmission combinations and more room inside.

The primary difference between the Hardtop and Convertible, of course, is the convertible?s folding top. Yet that feature requires some serious re-engineering, so while the two models are identical from the windshield forward, the Convertible body is different from the windshield back. Most of the changes are aimed at limiting vibration and twisting in the absence of a fixed steel roof, and the Convertible therefore adds weight. Still, Mini says the new Convertible is only about 60 pounds heavier than the Hardtop, and its body is nearly as resistant to flexing. This Mini Convertible is also 22 pounds lighter than its predecessor.

Its insulated soft top folds automatically, stowing behind the rear seat in about 15 seconds. In the event of a sudden rain squall, it can be closed again when the car is traveling up to 20 miles per hour.

The new convertible shares its engines with the Mini Hardtop. The standard model is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder delivering 118 horsepower and 114-lb-ft of torque. The upgrade Mini Cooper S Convertible gets a turbocharged version of the 1.6-liter engine, pumping output to 172-horsepower and 177-lb-ft. These engines deliver a bit more power than those in the previous convertible. As significantly, they do so while consuming less fuel.

Both Mini Convertible models will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic with steering-wheel shift levers is optional. Mini claims that the Cooper S Convertible with manual goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, and it?s expected to be rated at 26 mph City, 34 Highway by the EPA.

Inside, from the front seats forward, the Convertible is identical to the Hardtop (except for the Openometer). The soft-top Mini loses about two inches of legroom in the back seat (tight to begin with in the Hardtop), but it doesn?t give up a substantial amount of cargo space. For the first time, the Convertible?s rear seatbacks can be folded to expand trunk space. An optional cargo package will add the folding seat backs, an expanded luggage opening and a pivoting, two-position shelf for packages.

A new automatic, one-piece roll bar replaces the twin, fixed roll hoops on the previous Mini Convertible. When the new model?s electronic brain senses an impending crash or roll-over, the pop-up roll bar extends almost instantaneously of its own accord. Run-flat tires will come standard on all convertible models.

When it hits dealerships this spring, the standard Cooper Convertible model will retail at $24,550, while the Cooper S Convertible starts at $27,450. A wide range of options, from HD radio to graphics packages to performance items such as a limited slip differential and sport suspension could raise those prices another $10,000 or so.

Expect a John Cooper Works Convertible model, with similar performance enhancements to the 211-hp JCW Hardtop, by the end of calendar 2009. It should sell at about $32,000, Openometer included.

Toyota Prius 2010

An all-new 2010 Toyota Prius should reach showrooms in the United States by May 2009.

The 2010 Prius has been redesigned top to bottom, with more family space inside and more Lexus-style luxury technology. We can expect this next evolution of America's best selling hybrid car to be roomier, faster and more fuel-efficient than the current model.

At first glance, the 2010 Prius may not look like an all-new car, meaning a ground-up redesign and a complete re-engineering. The 2010 Prius is nearly identical in shape to the current version, with a wedge nose, arcing roof and sheer, flat rear end. Yet close inspection reveals that the highest point in its curved roof has moved rearward, somewhere over the rear seat. The grille-and-headlight design is much less bland, and lenses over the LED taillights are white.

We think the new Prius is more handsome, more stylish, than its predecessor, and the changes have further improved its aerodynamics. Toyota reports a remarkable, wind-cheating drag coefficient of just 0.25 Cd.

The new 2010 Toyota Prius looks a lot like the new 2010 Honda Insight, another hybrid-powered, five-passenger car with which it will compete.

Engineers have minimized weight gain in the Prius by forming its hood, rear hatch and many suspension components from lightweight aluminum. The new car has the same wheelbase as the old car, and length and width have increased only a fraction of an inch. Yet passenger space increases five cubic feet, and the Prius is classified by the federal government as a mid-size car, the same class that includes the larger Toyota Camry sedan.

Contrary to conventional wisdom about smaller engines saving fuel, Toyota has given the new Prius a larger gasoline engine. The four-cylinder's displacement increases from 1.5 to 1.8 liters, and peak horsepower increases by 22 to 98 hp. Factor in the electric motor, and there's a total of 134 hp on tap. The larger engine provides substantially more torque, which means quicker acceleration. Yet, according to Toyota, the new powertrain delivers better gas mileage on the highway. The extra torque allows the Prius to maintain freeway speeds with the engine operating at lower rpm, using less fuel.

Virtually all of the hybrid drive system has been redesigned to reduce weight. The power inverter, electric motor and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) are 20 percent lighter than before, as a package.

The new Prius will have disc brakes at all four wheels, rather than rear drums, and Toyota claims the car is better at capturing energy lost as it slows, then turning it into electricity stored in the battery pack.

The 2010 Prius lets its driver choose among three performance modes. EV-Drive uses only battery power for low speed motoring up to a mile. Eco mode optimizes fuel economy. Power mode delivers the best acceleration and the most immediate response when the driver steps on the gas.

Toyota claims the 2010 Prius will deliver the highest fuel economy ratings of any car, regardless of size, with a EPA-estimated Combined City/Highway rating expected to be about 50 mpg.

Inside, the new Prius looks futuristic. A large, center-mounted LED screen displays virtually all information, including feedback on powertrain efficiency to help the driver maximize fuel economy. The cantilevered center console raises the gear selector high above the floor, and leaves storage space in the pass-through underneath. Some panels inside are formed from carbon-neutral plastics made from plant material rather than petroleum.

Toyota promises a smoother, quieter driving experience, thanks to better sound insulation and vibration dampening.

Measured by features and available options, the Prius is moving upscale. A solar panel moonroof powers a fan that will ventilate the interior on warm, sunny days. A remote-operated air conditioning system will also be available, allowing the driver to warm or cool the car on battery power before anyone gets inside. The new Prius can also be quipped with Lexus-style features such as LED headlights, radar-guided cruise control and a self-parking guidance feature.

Passive safety features include a driver's knee airbag in addition to the standard complement of front, front-passenger side-impact and curtain-style head protection airbags. Active headrests, intended to reduce whiplash injuries in rear impacts, are standard.

Retail prices for the 2010 Prius won't be set until the car goes on sale. We predict an increase of 4 percent over the previous model's $22,700 base price. Factor in all the trick new options, and a loaded 2010 Prius will easily run into the low- to mid-$30,000 range.

The Prius was a hot seller when gas prices were high in the first half of 2008, sometimes accounting for a third of all Toyota sales in some areas, such as San Francisco. Prius sales slipped plummeted when gas prices dropped. They fell further in the last half of 2008 when the home mortgage crisis hit. Now many buyers are likely waiting for this next generation Prius. It's almost here. And everything about the new one suggests its leadership among hybrid-powered cars will continue.


On Sale: May 2009
Expected Pricing: $23,900-$35,000

Jaguar XFR 2010

The new Jaguar XFR sedan is so powerful that, slightly modified to improve aerodynamics, it reached 225.675 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats. That makes the 2010 XFR the fastest production Jaguar in history, surpassing even the exotic XJ220 mid-engine supercar, named in the early 1990s for its target top speed.

The XFR is the ultra-high performance version of Jaguar's standard XF sedan, which was widely greeted as the best all-new Jaguar in years when it debuted in 2008. The 2010 XF retails for $52,000 or $57,000 for the XF Premium model. Jaguar says the 2010 XFR will have an MSRP of $80,000 when it hits the roads this summer.

The 2010 XFR will be available for order in February 2009, with the first deliveries expected this summer. Its purpose is straightforward: To give Jaguar a true luxury sedan with the performance of an exotic sports car and a no-excuses competitor for sedans such as the Audi RS6, BMW M5, and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

The primary distinctions between the XFR and other XF sedans are mechanical, and largely under the hood:

The XFR will be powered by a new engine displacing 5.0 liters and sharing nothing with its 4.2-liter predecessor except its V8 configuration. Jaguar's AJ-V8 Gen III engine employs a host of updated technologies to improve fuel efficiency and decrease emissions, including high-pressure direct fuel injection. The company claims that, as the new V8 is rolled out across its lineup, it will deliver more power and performance in all models but also better fuel economy.

In the 2010 XFR, the 5.0-liter V8 is also supercharged, generating an impressive 510 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

The XF's standard six-speed automatic transmission, one of the best currently available in luxury sedans, is beefed up to handle the XFR's mega-torque. It's also tuned for sportier shift response, and equipped with steering-wheel levers for manual shifting. An electronically controlled limited-slip differential completes the XFR's power-delivery package.

The results, according to Jaguar, are impressive. The XFR will travel from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, or the same acceleration time Porsche reports for its 911 sports car. Perhaps more impressively, the XFR will accelerate from 50 to 70 miles per hour in 1.9 seconds, useful when entering an interstate highway, among other things. Jaguar predicts combined City/Highway mileage of 23 mpg. Top speed is governed at 155 mph.

The XFR suspension will be tuned for sharper handling than that of other XF models, with rock-solid high-speed stability. Yet thanks to Jaguar's new Adaptive Dynamics suspension system, ride quality should not suffer substantially. Jaguar claims Adaptive Dynamics has more computing power and considerably quicker response time than its previous CATS adaptive suspension system. The XFR will come standard with 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires.

As you might anticipate, the XFR will be styled to look more blatantly racy than the other XFs. Changes include hood louvers, door-sill extensions, twin-dual tailpipe outlets and a trunk-lid spoiler. Yet the R's most visible distinction is its bolder, heavier chrome mesh grille.

Inside, the XFR will come standard with heavily bolstered sport seats that are adjustable 18 ways and embossed with an R logo. The leather interior will be offered in Warm Charcoal, Warm Charcoal/Red, Warm Charcoal/London Tan, and Ivory. The standard trim is Dark Oak. New safety options include a radar-based Blind Spot Monitor and a back-up camera with guidance lines.

The XF Premium and Portfolio models will be powered by the new 5.0-liter V8 minus the supercharger, delivering 379 horsepower with combined City/Highway mileage projected at 25 mpg. The standard XF continues with the previous generation, 300-hp 4.2-liter V8.


On Sale: Summer 2009
Expected Pricing: $80,000

Bentley Continental GTC Speed 2010

The fastest, most luxurious Bentley convertible ever produced goes on sale this summer with the introduction of the Bentley Continental GTC Speed.

Bentley calls the GTC Speed the ultimate in performance and refinement. This 2+2 convertible will complete the Bentley Speed lineup when it debuts in the summer of 2009, joining the Continental Flying Spur Speed sedan and the GT Speed coupe. The Speed lineup, inspired by the Bentleys that established the company's reputation racing at Le Mans in the late 1920s, is aimed at younger buyers than those loyal to the stately Bentley Arnage sedan.

It isn't clear exactly how young a buyer might be able to afford the Continental GTC Speed, which should retail at $230,000 or so, but enthusiasts have been known to form groups to buy these cars. In any case, Bentley has always been oriented around speed and it's worth noting that the organization devoted to the marquee is known as the Bentley Drivers Club.

The Bentley Continental GTC Speed will be distinguished from the standard GTC convertible by its dark tinted grille and 20-inch wheels, featuring a unique dual-thin spoke design and ultra high-performance Pirelli PZero tires. The Speed has a lower ride height, larger dual exhaust tips and a rear lip spoiler. Both GTCs will feature a revised nose for 2010, with a squarer, more upright grille in the classic Bentley mode, as well as larger lower air intakes and chrome headlight bezels.

Like the other Speed models, the GTC Speed will be equipped with an upgraded version of Bentley's twin-turbo, 6.0-liter W12 engine. This W configuration uses four banks of three cylinders, as opposed to two banks of six in a V12. It generates 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, or 48 hp and 74 lb-ft more than the standard GTC. The Speed shares the GTC's six-speed ZF automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive.

The result of the horsepower upgrade is Bentley's most powerful (and fastest) convertible to date. The company promises 0-60 mph sprints in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 195 mph with the retracting roof open. If that isn't fast enough, the GTC Speed will reach 200 mph with its roof closed.

The GTC Speed's body will sit lower to the ground than the standard convertible's will, by a fraction of an inch. It's electronically controlled automatic suspension will be tuned to more aggressively dampen body movement, usually referred to as roll and pitch. Its stability control system will allow the tires to slide a bit more before the electronics intervene in an effort to straighten the car's trajectory, just in case the Speed owner wants to try his or her car on a track.

Inside, the GTC Speed's machined aluminum trim and diamond-quilted leather ooze magnificence, as one expects in all Bentleys. Yet in the Speed, the bespoke quality is less overtly luxurious, perhaps more purposeful. The Speed also adds drilled alloy pedals and polished, model-specific door sills.

2010 Bentley Continental convertibles will be offered with two new options. Carbon-ceramic brakes trim weight and improve fade resistance, and Bentley claims they are the largest on any passenger car in the world. A new Adaptive Cruise Control system will use long-range radar to manage speed, controlling both brakes and throttle to maintain a driver-determined time gap between the GTC and cars ahead.

In the stratosphere of automobile prices, $20,000 or so may not mean much. The Continental GT Speed, introduced in 2007, quickly began outselling the less expensive, standard GT coupe. The same may apply with the convertibles.

The 2009 Continental GTC retails at $204,000, including destination and gas-guzzler tax. Factoring in the price increase from the standard GT coupe to the GT Speed, we're guessing about $230,000 for the 2010 GTC Speed. That's our guess. Actual retail prices are expected be announced closer to the on-sale date.


On Sale: Summer 2009
Expected Pricing: $230,000

Buick LaCrosse 2010

When the all-new 2010 Buick LaCrosse goes on sale this summer it will be more stylish and luxurious.

The LaCrosse, you may or may not recall, is a midsize sedan. Launched as a 2005 model, we liked it. And the new design is part of a plan by General Motors to revamp the Buick lineup much as it successfully did with the Cadillac lineup. The change to the Buick line started with the Enclave midsize crossover SUV, a vehicle that impressed us greatly.

Part of the GM's goal is to win younger, more affluent buyers for the Buick brand. The new LaCrosse was created with great attention to detail, craftsmanship and advanced technology, says Buick, and it builds on the success of Enclave and serves as the next step in Buick's renaissance.

The 2010 LaCrosse is built on the next generation of GM's global midsize car architecture, formerly known as Epsilon. The Buick LaCrosse is the first domestic car on the new platform, so it doesn't share with the Saturn Aura or Chevrolet Malibu, as you might suspect. Overseas, the Opel Insignia, which recently won the European Car of the Year award, uses the same architecture.

The new LaCrosse was developed globally. The architecture was designed in Europe, the interior styled in China, and the body design and vehicle integration completed in the United States. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2010 LaCrosse is about an inch shorter with a wheelbase that is 1.2 inches longer. This moves the wheels farther to the corners and results in a more athletic stance. The exterior styling employs cues of the Buick Invicta concept car shown at the Beijing auto show in China in 2008. The sculpted sides and waterfall grille are influenced by the Enclave.

Buick says the new LaCrosse will be the quietest Buick yet thanks to Quiet Tuning, which involves acoustic laminated glass, triple-sealed doors, liquid-sealed sound deadening, and special designs for the suspension bushings, engine cradle and mounts, and steering and induction systems.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be offered in CX, CXL, and sporty CXS models. The V8-powered Super model will not return.

All models will use direct-injected V6 engines. Standard in the CX and CXL will be a new 3.0-liter V6 that will find its way into several other GM vehicles. In the LaCrosse, it will make 255 horsepower and 211 pound-feet of torque, and Buick estimates fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

The CXS model will come with GM's proven 3.6-liter V6, which will produce 280 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque in the 2010 LaCrosse. Buick estimates fuel economy numbers of 17/26 mpg for the CXS and says it will be capable of reaching 60 mph in less than seven seconds. Both engines will use a six-speed automatic transmission, and the CXS will have a manual shiftgate.

Front-wheel drive will be standard. The CXL model will also be available with an all-wheel-drive system with an electronic rear limited-slip differential that can send power side-to-side along the rear axle, which is a sophisticated setup.

CX models will have cloth seats and 17-inch wheels, while CXLs will be get leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control and fog lights. The CXS will heated and cooled seats and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels with optional 19s. Also standard on CXS will be a real-time damping system with three settings to adjust ride quality, as well as steering, throttle, and all-wheel-drive system calibrations.

That sounds all sounds very good. We loved the handling of the outgoing LaCrosse but thought the ride quality was a little choppy on rough metro freeways.

Inside, the 2010 LaCrosse will be more pleasant than the outgoing model, with real wood trim, blue-lit instrumentation and ambient lighting, and stitched leather trim on the dash. Other available features will include Bluetooth connectivity, a USB audio interface, a rearview camera, adaptive headlights, a head's up display, and GM's new Side Blind Zone alert system.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but we expect the LaCrosse to increase from its mid $20,000s starting price given the added features and interior quality.


On Sale: Summer 2009
Expected Pricing: Low $30,000s

Jaguar XK 2010

If there's a car that defines the Jaguar brand, it is the Jaguar XK. The next generation of the XK coupe and convertible is expected to arrive this summer. Jaguar says the XK coupe will retail for $83,000, while the convertible will have an MSRP of $89,000. The high-performance Jaguar XKR coupe will retail for $96,000, while the XKR convertible will be priced at $102,000.

Jaguar is calling the 2010 XK all-new, but in spirit and execution it looks familiar. And that's a good thing. Rather than a hard-edged sports car, the Jaguar XK has been more of a beautiful, lush, well-appointed grand touring car. The new XK coupes and convertibles don't change that but appear to be a bit faster, more polished, more efficient, and better looking than ever.

Nothing defines the XK more readily than its slinky styling, and the new ones should not disappoint. The 2010 XK models are clearly an evolution of the current car, with familiar proportions and similar profiles. Changes are most obvious in front, with a larger mesh grille below the bumper and a more prominently defined front lip spoiler. In back, the jewel-like LED taillights and rear bumper spoiler have bit more pizzazz. In total, the new XK is a hint flashier than the current car but just as pretty, and it still looks fast even when it's sitting still.

The XK features aluminum construction. Its body/chassis combination is formed from aluminum tubes and panels, glued and welded together like a commercial jet. Jaguar claims the XK has the lightest shell and the most torsional stiffness in its class. That means that it requires less energy to move, yet remains more resistant to bending or twisting over big bumps and bad surfaces, even in open-top form. Those are the ingredients of better handling, a smoother ride, and a more refined road feel.

Inside, the next XK features the disappearing, radial gear selector introduced in the Jaguar XF sedan. It'll come standard with keyless starting and an array of trim choices: wool carpet, Rich Oak, Burr Walnut, Dark Oak, Knurled Aluminum, Dark Mesh Aluminum.

Under the hood, the XK models get a new generation of V8s that are considerably more powerful than those they replace. Jaguar's so-called AJ-V8 Gen III applies a host of updated technologies to decrease both emissions and fuel consumption and to extend maintenance intervals. The 5.0-liter V8 in the XK Portfolio delivers 385 horsepower, or 85 more than the 4.2-liter V8 its replaces. The supercharged version in the 2010 XKR produces 510 horsepower, up 90 compared to the current model.

The 2010 Jaguar XKs will continue with ZF's six-speed automatic transmission, which is widely used by luxury car builders for its pleasing operation and excellent performance. All will be equipped with steering-wheel levers for manual shifting, though the transmission in the sport-oriented XKR will be tuned for faster, more aggressive shifts.

Jaguar claims 0 to 60-mph times of 4.6 seconds for the XKR and 5.2 seconds for the XK Portfolio. Jaguar also predicts a slight increase in EPA mileage rating for both cars.

The 2010 XKs will be equipped with a new adaptive suspension system that Jaguar calls Adaptive Dynamics. Such suspensions are intended to better balance sharp, precise handling with a smooth, comfortable ride by electronically varying the rate at which the shock absorbers dampen road shocks, depending on conditions and the driver's demands. Jaguar says its Adaptive Dynamics has more computing power and considerably quicker response time than its previous CATS adaptive suspension system.

Neither the new XK Portfolio nor the XKR are expected in showrooms before June, but Jaguar dealers will gladly take your order now. Both models will come standard with 19-inch wheels: The Portfolio with all-season rubber and the XKR with summer performance tires.


On Sale: Summer 2009
Expected Pricing: $83,000-$102,000