Porsche Panamera 2010

Vehicle Summary
While the launch of Porsche's Panamera four-door performance hatchback isn't quite as significant as when the German automaker entered the SUV segment, it's a milestone nonetheless. Available with a choice of high-power V-8 engines, the Panamera has the potential to broaden Porsche's appeal, much like the Cayenne SUV did when it debuted for the 2003 model year. The Panamera hits dealerships in fall 2009. Competitors include the Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and Audi S8.

Vehicle Overview
While the launch of Porsche's Panamera four-door performance hatchback isn't quite as significant as when the German automaker entered the SUV segment, it's a milestone nonetheless. Available with a choice of high-power V-8 engines, the Panamera has the potential to broaden Porsche's appeal, much like the Cayenne SUV did when it debuted for the 2003 model year. The Panamera hits dealerships in fall 2009. Competitors include the Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and Audi S8.

Exterior
The Panamera is an unusually styled four-door, to say the least. While it features a traditional hood with Porsche-style headlamps, when you move around to the side of the car its appearance changes significantly due to its hatchback rear styling.

Even though the Panamera is a front-engine car, it definitely takes cues from the automaker's 911 in its back end. It's the kind of design that some people will love and others will loathe.

The Panamera comes to market with three trim levels: S, 4S and Turbo. S and 4S trims have 18-inch wheels, while Turbos have 19-inch rims.

Interior
In the 911 you wonder why Porsche even bothered equipping it with its tiny rear seats, but the Panamera's backseat accommodations are much more inviting. There are two rear bucket seats just like in the first row, for a total of four seats, and a flow-through center console runs from the dashboard all the way back to the rear seats. A dual-screen entertainment system is available for backseat-passenger enjoyment.

The Panamera's instrument cluster is reminiscent of other Porsche cars, but the center console is fitted with numerous buttons around the gear selector. A dash-top stopwatch is available.

The Panamera's cargo area measures 15.7 cubic feet, but when you fold the backseat there's 44.6 cubic feet.

Under the Hood
The rear-wheel-drive Panamera S is powered by a 4.8-liter V-8 that makes 400 horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque. The engine teams with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and Porsche says S models can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 175 mph. All-wheel-drive 4S models feature the same engine and transmission, but are quicker to 60 mph (4.8 seconds, according to Porsche).

The all-wheel-drive Turbo model features a twin-turbo 4.8-liter V-8 that pumps out 500 hp and 516 pounds-feet of torque. It also uses Porsche's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and cuts the zero-to-60-mph time to 4 seconds. Its top speed increases to 188 mph.

Safety
Standard safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags, rear-seat side-impact airbags and an electronic stability system.

Lincoln MKS 2010

Vehicle Summary
The Lincoln MKS luxury sedan competes with the Acura RL, Infiniti M and Cadillac STS. Lincoln has at least one advantage going in: The MKS is based on the Ford Taurus, a car whose full-size dimensions mean more interior room than most of the midsize offerings in the luxury-sedan segment.

Vehicle Overview
The Lincoln MKS luxury sedan competes with the Acura RL, Infiniti M and Cadillac STS. Lincoln has at least one advantage going in: The MKS is based on the Ford Taurus, a car whose full-size dimensions mean more interior room than most of the midsize offerings in the luxury-sedan segment.

New for 2010
The Lincoln MKS gets Ford's newest V-6 engine: a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6. Other updates include an updated Sync system, available adaptive cruise control and a self-parking system.

Exterior
It's difficult to tell the MKS is related to the Taurus, as Lincoln has done quite a bit to differentiate its version. Styling elements include Lincoln's familiar waterfall grille, cut by a vertical strip with Lincoln's crossbar logo. The thin, horizontal headlights look a lot like the ones on an Acura TL.

Around back, the taillights flow toward a high bumper. There are chrome elements on the window frames, door sills and outlines on the lower air dam. The EcoBoost MKS features a unique grille, side rocker panels and a rear spoiler.

* Available 18-, 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels
* Keyless-entry keypad
* Capless refueling system
* Fog lamps
* Automatic high-intensity-discharge headlamps
* Dual chrome exhaust
* Optional dual-panel sunroof
* Optional adaptive headlights

Interior
Inside, the MKS' interior comes with lots of leather; it covers the seats, door panels and dashboard. The center controls flow seamlessly toward a center tunnel that supports the gearshift and two independently adjustable armrests. For 2010, an updated Sync system provides real-time traffic, turn-by-turn navigation, and news and sports updates.

The MKS' passenger volume totals 105.9 cubic feet. That beats the Cadillac STS (102.9), Acura RL (99.1) and Infiniti M (105.2). The difference is most noticeable in the backseat.

* Leather seating surfaces, shifter and steering wheel
* Powered tilt/telescoping steering wheel
* Dual-zone automatic climate control
* Ford Sync system
* Heated front and rear seats
* Ventilated/cooled front seats
* Optional voice-activated navigation
* Optional THX 14-speaker surround-sound stereo
* Optional adaptive cruise control and self-parking system

Under the Hood
The MKS' 3.7-liter V-6 is a unique engine, not found on the Ford Taurus. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission. For 2010, the MKS gets a new EcoBoost, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6 powertrain. The engine has the power output of a 4.6-liter V-8, but with V-6 fuel economy. According to Ford, the EcoBoost V-6 will achieve 16/25 mpg city/highway. The EcoBoost powertrain comes standard with all-wheel drive.

* 273-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 with 270 pounds-feet of torque
* 355-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 with 350 pounds-feet of torque
* Six-speed automatic transmission
* Available front- or all-wheel drive

Safety
Ford's Sync system also features a 911-assist feature that connects the vehicle's occupants to an emergency operator when an airbag deploys.

* Side curtain airbags
* Traction control
* Antilock brakes
* Electronic stability system
* Reverse-sensing system
* Optional rearview camera

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2010

Vehicle Summary
With the most dramatically changed face since its adoption of circular headlights 15 years ago, Mercedes-Benz's redesigned E-Class sedan boasts a long list of new safety technologies and luxury features. Once all variants hit the showroom, the E-Class will be available with four engines, rear- or all-wheel drive, three suspensions and two luxury orientations.

Vehicle Overview
With the most dramatically changed face since its adoption of circular headlights 15 years ago, Mercedes-Benz's redesigned E-Class sedan boasts a long list of new safety technologies and luxury features. Once all variants hit the showroom, the E-Class will be available with four engines, rear- or all-wheel drive, three suspensions and two luxury orientations.

Major variants include the V-6 E350 and the V-8 E550. All-wheel-drive 4Matic versions of all three will be available before the end of 2009, as will be a high-performance E63 AMG. Expect an E-Class wagon to arrive as well. In 2010, Mercedes will build an E350 Bluetec with a high-mileage diesel engine.

Competitors include the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Infiniti M.

Exterior
Though it retains certain basics — namely the quad headlights, lined-and-split grille and hood ornament — the new E-Class charts as radical a departure from its predecessor as Mercedes' entry-level C-Class did two years ago. The headlights have slot-like inboard bezels not unlike Lexus' competing GS sedan, while the outboard portions resemble those on the C-Class. Eyebrow-like fog lights sit in the three-piece lower air dam. In comparison, the taillights seem much more reserved.

Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are standard. The E350 has oval exhaust pipes; a Sport package adds 18-inch wheels and trapezoidal pipes, among other things. Trapezoidal pipes come standard on the E550. Mercedes says the car's aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient 4 percent better than the old E-Class, trump all other luxury sedans in the world.

Interior
The dashboard's layout mirrors that of Mercedes' GLK SUV, with an attached housing connecting the gauges to a center information display. Mercedes' knob-based Comand interface includes primary controls at hip level, ahead of the center armrest, like the systems in the C-Class and flagship S-Class.

Uplevel options include massaging, bolster-adjustable seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped dash and a panoramic moonroof. Mercedes says the new car's trunk is roughly the same size as its predecessor's — an impressive 15.9 cubic feet, which ties the A6 and beats the 5 Series, M and most other contenders. Optional folding rear seats no longer require you to flip the cushions forward first, a necessary step in the previous E-Class.

Under the Hood
The E350 carries a 268-horsepower V-6, while the E550 has a 382-hp V-8; both engines carry over from last year. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. Mercedes' E63 AMG uses a larger 507-hp V-8. In 2010, expect a diesel-powered E350 Bluetec to deliver the lineup's best gas mileage.

All four engines use a seven-speed automatic transmission. Last year's floor-mounted shifter has been replaced with a column shifter, much like in the S-Class and several Mercedes SUVs.

The standard adaptive suspension alters shock-absorber settings to react to changing road conditions. A sport-tuned version with more dynamic settings is optional. All-wheel-drive models include Mercedes' Airmatic air suspension with driver-adjustable comfort and sport settings.

Safety
Besides antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system, the E-Class has nine standard airbags. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, also standard, cinches up seat belts, repositions seats and attempts to close the windows and moonroof if it senses an imminent accident. A standard Attention Assist system measures steering behavior and other parameters to intuit driver fatigue. If it does, it emits audible and visual warnings.

Optional automatic high-beam headlights can vary their angle to illuminate 220 to 984 feet of pavement, depending on whether an onboard camera senses any cars ahead. Other options include blind-spot and lane departure warning systems, night vision assist with specific provisions to highlight pedestrians, and automatic emergency braking if forward radar detects an unheeded obstruction.

E63 AMG
Hot on the heels of Mercedes' launch of its new E-Class sedan, the automaker's high-performance division, AMG, has produced its own variant of the midsize luxury sedan. Dubbed E63 AMG, it features a high-powered V-8 engine, chassis modifications and revised styling inside and out. It hits dealerships in fall 2009.

The E63 AMG is powered by a 6.3-liter V-8 engine that produces 518 hp and 465 pounds-feet of torque. The V-8 teams with a seven-speed automatic transmission, and Mercedes says the sedan can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

The sport sedan features an adaptive suspension called AMG Ride Control. The suspension uses front steel springs and rear air springs, and the dampers are varied automatically based on the driving situation. The suspension also includes three modes — Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus — to suit the driver's preference. Additional changes include a quicker steering ratio and an AMG brake kit.

Exterior styling changes include wider front fenders, more aggressive front and rear aprons, larger rocker panels, tinted headlights, unique chrome tailpipes and 18-inch alloy wheels. Cabin enhancements include AMG sport seats, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, an AMG-specific instrument panel and stainless steel pedals. Attention Assist, a system designed to tell when the driver is tired, is standard.

The optional AMG Performance Package increases the top speed to 186 mph and equips the car with a firmer suspension, a locking rear differential, a three-spoke steering wheel and 19-inch rims. Back to top

Scion tC 2010

Vehicle Summary
While other cars in Scion's lineup have funky, boxy designs, the tC coupe has always been the most conventional. It competes with small cars like the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus and Nissan Sentra. The tC uses a 161-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A wide variety of safety features are standard.

Vehicle Overview
While other cars in Scion's lineup have funky, boxy designs, the tC coupe has always been the most conventional. It competes with small cars like the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus and Nissan Sentra. The tC uses a 161-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A wide variety of safety features are standard.

New for 2010
There are no significant changes for the 2010 model year.

Exterior
The tC looks more aggressive than its Toyota siblings, bearing more resemblance to an Audi coupe than any of its competitors. It's 174 inches long, making it shorter than the Cobalt, Focus and Sentra, and is roughly the same height as the Cobalt. It's 3 or 4 inches shorter than the Focus and Sentra.

* Hatchback body style
* Sunroof covers first and second rows
* Automatic headlamps
* Optional front and rear spoilers
* 17-inch wheels standard, 18-inch wheels optional
* Nautical Blue Metallic replaces Blue Ribbon Metallic

Interior
Overall, the Scion tC's interior has a nice mix of textures and a rich appearance for its price.

* 160-watt Pioneer audio system with iPod connectivity and auxiliary port
* 60/40-split rear seat has three-point seat belts and head restraints for three occupants
* Standard air conditioning
* Standard cruise control
* Standard power locks, windows and keyless entry

Under the Hood
The tC is powered by an all-aluminum, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 161 hp and has variable valve timing.

* Standard five-speed manual transmission
* Optional four-speed automatic

Safety
The tC has a wide variety of standard safety features, including:

* Four-wheel antilock brakes
* Seat-mounted side-impact airbags
* Side curtain airbags for first and second rows
* Driver's knee airbag
* Electronic brake-assist

Subaru Forester 2010

Vehicle Summary
The Subaru Forester, a successful small SUV/wagon since 1998, was redesigned last year. This generation is larger and more similar to all the other car-based compact SUVs out there, including the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. It seats five people and has standard all-wheel drive.

Vehicle Overview
The Subaru Forester, a successful small SUV/wagon since 1998, was redesigned last year. This generation is larger and more similar to all the other car-based compact SUVs out there, including the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. It seats five people and has standard all-wheel drive.

New for 2010
There are no significant changes to the 2010 Forester.

Exterior
Where previous Forester models looked more like tall wagons than SUVs, the newer Forester more closely resembles a traditional SUV. The Forester is 179.5 inches long and 70.1 inches wide.

Ground clearance is 8.9 inches. Fog lights are optional, and turbo versions are distinguished by a hood scoop that funnels cooling air into the intercooler just under the hood.

* Roof rails standard
* Chrome exhaust tips on Limited and Premium
* 16-inch wheels standard on 2.5 X models
* 17-inch wheels standard on all other trims
* Rear spoiler on 2.5 XT Premium and Limited
* Standard rear-window wiper

Interior
The door openings are large, and the rear window is larger than on the previous Forester. A center armrest is standard for the backseat, and a retractable center tray is optional.

* Standard MP3 jack
* Standard sliding armrest
* Standard 60/40-split folding rear seats
* Standard tilt steering column (telescoping added to 2.5 XT Limited and Premium)

Under the Hood
Foresters are powered by a choice of 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engines and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

The transmissions come with different all-wheel-drive systems. According to Subaru, the automatic comes with Variable Torque Management, which shifts power to the front and rear axles by monitoring throttle position, battery voltage, generator rpm, wheel speed, brake status, lateral g-force and automatic transmission fluid temperature. The manual Forester has a simple viscous coupling that's reactive rather than proactive.

* 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 170 pounds-feet of torque
* 224-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 226 pounds-feet of torque
* Hill start assist for manual transmission

Safety
A rollover sensor can deploy the side curtain airbags to protect occupants and prevent their ejection in the case of a rollover.

Safety equipment includes:

* Side-impact torso airbags for front occupants
* Side curtain airbags that protect front and backseat occupants against head injury
* Active head restraints standard for front seats
* Antilock brakes and an electronic stability system with traction control standard on all trim levels