This car boasts a 250-horsepower six-cylinder engine, and the latest generation of Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive. In normal driving, 85% of the torque goes to the front wheels. But in heavy acceleration or extreme maneuvering, it can transfer up to 100%, front or rear. Competing all-wheel-drive systems, and even some other Audis, have a more limited range
BMW 335i Sedan: $39,675
The 335i Sedan is the first turbocharged BMW since the 1970s. It has many siblings with the same twin-turbocharged, 300-horsepower, six-cylinder engine: the all-wheel-drive 335xi Sedan, the 335i Coupe and Convertible, plus the larger 535i and 535xi Sedans, and the 535xi Sports Wagon. BMW says its high-tech engines produce more power and lower emissions than in the past, while reducing fuel consumption.
Cadillac CTS: $32,500 (Estimated)
The CTS is an all-new 2008 model, with a 304-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine. Sales start in September. The car can play music from an iPod, a memory stick, a CD, satellite radio or terrestrial radio, and play DVDs when parked. Some redundancy is inevitable, while the marketplace decides which digital formats win out, said J. Ferron, automotive partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Detroit.
Ferrari 430 Scuderia: (No pricing available)
Ferrari will unveil the 510-horsepower, V8-powered 430 Scuderia at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. That implies sales start in late 2007 or early 2008 . "Scuderia" means "a place where racehorses are kept," referring to Ferrari's prancing horse logo. The Formula One racing-style transmission in the 430 Scuderia changes gears in 60 milliseconds--in case 150 milliseconds in the "standard" F430 is too slow.
Infiniti G37: $32,000 (Estimated)
The Infiniti G37 replaces the G35 in August. High-tech options include four-wheel active steering, where the rear wheels help steer the car. For most drivers, the practical advantages of four-wheel steering are negligible. However, the G37's 3.7-liter, 330-horsepower V6 engine is a noticeable improvement over the 3.5-liter, 306-hp engine in the G35. Optional Intelligent Cruise Control maintains a set distance to the vehicle ahead.
Lexus LS600h L: $104,765
The LS600h L is a high-tech platform which, incidentally, you can drive. It even drives you, with an optional package for robotically parallel-parking itself. The car has just about every gizmo there is, including all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain. Lexus says the car produces the torque of a V12 (which is impressive), with the gas mileage of a V8 (not so much).
Land Rover LR3: $49,300
The LR3, formerly the Discovery, may look retro, but it has high-tech features that allow ordinary drivers to off-road like a pro, even in fairly extreme conditions. The base LR3 V6 SE model generates 216 horsepower. Features include electronically controlled traction control and hill-descent control, to prevent skidding. Drivers can also select settings for different surfaces: Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand and Rock Crawling.
Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport: $37,275
The C350 Sport has a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Sales are expected to start Aug. 7. The suspension in the new C-Class gets harder in spirited driving or softer on smooth, straight roads. A valve inside each damper opens and closes, depending on how hard it gets bumped. Some competing models allow the driver to select one mode or the other, but the C-Class does it automatically
Porsche 911 GT2; (Pricing not available)
Porsche will introduce the 530-horsepower, turbocharged 911 GT2 at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. The most powerful production 911 ever, it produces 50 hp more than the previous 911 GT2, yet the high-tech turbocharger in the new model also helps it achieve better gas mileage. The new GT2 also has a muffler and tailpipes made of titanium, to save weight.
Volvo XC70; (Pricing not available; sales start in October)
The redesigned XC70, with a 3.2-liter, six-cylinder engine, has safety features expected from a Volvo. The carmaker won a safety award at the New York International Auto Show this spring, for the (optional) integrated, height-adjustable booster seat in the XC70's back seat. Higher-tech solutions include more high-strength steel to protect occupants and disperse energy in a side impact, plus bigger side-curtain airbags.
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