2010 BMW 6-Series

2010 BMW 6-Series

The BMW 650i delivers stellar performance, refined handling and that unique combination of elegance and sportiness that defines BMW.
Available as a coupe or convertible, the rear-wheel drive 650i boasts a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8 engine, mated to a six-speed Sport automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles; a six-speed manual transmission is optional. The 650i is equipped with a multitude of progressive technologies, including a sport-tuned suspension with Active Roll Stabilization, 18-inch run-flat tires, adaptive brakelights, Park Distance Control and adaptive bi-xenon headlights. Inside its lush cabin, the 650i provides seating for four, with high-quality leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and aluminum trim. A voice-activated navigation system and Bluetooth wireless connectivity are also standard. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability and traction control, active anti-whiplash front head restraints and up to eight airbags, while more advanced technologies such as a lane-departure warning system and night vision are optional.
The BMW 650i carries over with minimal changes for 2010. Both the coupe and convertible are now outfitted with digital HD Radio, while the next-generation iDrive system includes a new internal hard drive-based navigation unit.

2010 Toyota Highlander

2010 Toyota Highlander

The 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranks 14 out of 31 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 63 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Highlander Hybrid offers a spacious interior, smooth ride, and refined hybrid powertrain. However, even with excellent fuel economy, many reviewers say its steep price as compared to the conventional Highlander isn't justified in fuel savings.



The Highlander Hybrid is an excellent family vehicle because of its great fuel economy and spacious third-row seat -- but that utility comes with a steep price. With a base price of nearly $35,000, the Highlander Hybrid is the most expensive non-luxury hybrid vehicle on the market. Further detracting from its value is the fact that the conventional Highlander costs nearly $9,000 less.

The hybrid's 27/25 mpg fuel economy leads the affordable midsize SUV class and is definitely an improvement over the conventional Highlander's 18/24 mpg rating. However, it would still take many years (probably even more than most people would keep the car) to make up for the cost of that $9,000 premium in gas savings -- prompting many reviewers to say the Highlander Hybrid isn't worth it unless you're a die-hard environmentalist. Several other hybrid SUVs offer even better fuel economy at lower prices.

2010 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

With components from both C-Class and E-Class (to save costs), the 2009 CLK will compete with Audi A5, BMW 3-series, and Lexus SC.

The “nice guy” attitude of the current Mercedes-Benz mid-size coupe will be completely dropped, as the next-gen CLK will want to play with the “bad boys”. In order to do that it will feature an all-new design line, with angular strokes and aggressive accents. The four front lights layout will be kept, but this time they will no longer be round. In addition to that, the fog lights will use LEDs as most of the new vehicles will.

The rest of the body will borrow the aggressive wheel arches and body creases from the C-Class, but will have them refined in an elegant manner, proper for a coupe.

The aggressive esthetics will be backed by an all revised engine range. An important novelty will be the entry level 2.2 liters diesel that will offer a highly advanced depollution system and will provide a respectable power output of up to 204 bhp. As for the gasoline engines, they will feature direct fuel injection to improve efficaciousness. All engines will be available with the optional 4Matic, all wheel drive system. Hybrid versions are also expected to be developed later.

The 2009 CLK line-up is expected to be: CLK350 powered by a 272 hp V6, CLK500 powered by a V8 engine with an output of 388 hp. Later on, there will also be a CLK63 AMG powered by a 6.2 liter V8 engien with an output of 503 hp. A hybrid version may also be available.

The new CLK will be available on showrooms starting the summer 2009, and will feature technologies like: Presafe II, night vision, Command II, and the Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control system.

Porsche

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Delivering even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous GT3s, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3 and will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 17-27, 2009.

The heart of the new, uncompromising GT3 RS is the power unit. Like the engine featured in the 911 GT3, the naturally-aspirated RS power unit now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers even more power, while revving up even faster to its 8500 rpm redline. It now delivers 450 horsepower, 15 more horsepower than its 911 GT3 counterpart. Even with a specific output of more than 118 hp per liter from the six-cylinder boxer engine, the power unit in the new GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.

The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox optimized for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the transmission comes with shorter ratios than found in the 911 GT3, deliberately conceding an even higher potential top track speed.

Dynamic engine mounts are standard and serve to improve the car's handling to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under very lively conditions, yet allow for more comfortable conditions during everyday street use.

Porsche is also introducing another new option in 2010 for the GT3 RS, a lithium-ion battery. Delivered with the car and, when replacing the conventional lead-acid battery, it reduces the weight by more than 10 kg or 22 lb and is mainly intended for the track.

To further improve its sporting behavior, the new 911 GT3 RS comes with a purpose-built and specially set up PASM suspension, a wider front and rear track and corresponding bodywork.

The front axle comes with nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tires while the rear axle features twelve-inch-wide wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tires.

The new 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motorsport through its dynamic looks, in particular by its low ride height, the new, extra large carbon-fiber rear wing and titanium exhaust system.

The 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in the U.S. in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Delivering even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous GT3s, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3 and will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 17-27, 2009.

The heart of the new, uncompromising GT3 RS is the power unit. Like the engine featured in the 911 GT3, the naturally-aspirated RS power unit now displaces 3.8 liters and delivers even more power, while revving up even faster to its 8500 rpm redline. It now delivers 450 horsepower, 15 more horsepower than its 911 GT3 counterpart. Even with a specific output of more than 118 hp per liter from the six-cylinder boxer engine, the power unit in the new GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.

The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox optimized for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the transmission comes with shorter ratios than found in the 911 GT3, deliberately conceding an even higher potential top track speed.

Dynamic engine mounts are standard and serve to improve the car's handling to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under very lively conditions, yet allow for more comfortable conditions during everyday street use.

Porsche is also introducing another new option in 2010 for the GT3 RS, a lithium-ion battery. Delivered with the car and, when replacing the conventional lead-acid battery, it reduces the weight by more than 10 kg or 22 lb and is mainly intended for the track.

To further improve its sporting behavior, the new 911 GT3 RS comes with a purpose-built and specially set up PASM suspension, a wider front and rear track and corresponding bodywork.

The front axle comes with nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tires while the rear axle features twelve-inch-wide wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tires.

The new 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motorsport through its dynamic looks, in particular by its low ride height, the new, extra large carbon-fiber rear wing and titanium exhaust system.

The 2010 911 GT3 RS goes on sale in the U.S. in early spring of 2010 and will be priced at $132,800.

2010 mercedes benz GL class

The Carlsson crew is constantly striving to develop new tuning packages for every single model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. This time the German tuning house has launched a comprehensive package comprising of styling and mechanical upgrades for the GL-Class range. Starting off with the design kit, Carlsson has developed a full body kit that consists of a kitschy chrome grille (we could certainly do without that), bonnet add-ons, a front apron with integrated LED daytime running lights, side skirts and a new rear skirt attachment that houses the two oval stainless steel tailpipes.

The aerodynamic kit is priced at a hefty €8,499 (excl. VAT) while an extra €4,189 (again without VAT) will get you a set of 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 295/35 R22 high-performance Dunlop tyres.

To match the SUVs looks, Carlsson has developed performance enhancements for both petrol and diesel variants of the GL-Class. More specifically, the CK50 kit (€3,192 excl. VAT) for the GL 500 nudges the V8 petrol's output from 388HP to 435HP and torque from 530 to 600 Nm.

Carlsson also increases the performance of the diesel models, with the GL 420 CDI producing 354 HP instead of 306HP (€1,299 excl. VAT) and the CL 320 CDI 269 HP, up from 224 HP (€1,499 excl. VAT).

To top things off, the tuner has developed the C-Tronic SUSPENSION system that lowers the SUV's ride height by up to 30 mm while the control unit also recognizes the road characteristics and continually adjusts the remaining spring travel. The system that is for the GL-Class models with AIRMATIC-suspension costs €1,099 without VAT.