Ford Mustang GT

The 2005 Mustang GT is capable of performing a quarter-mile test in 13.5 seconds, with acceleration from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Added to the rear suspension is a three-linked system which controls the vertical and lateral movements of the axle. All model years of the current Mustang retain a live axle rear suspension providing the benefits of reduced cost and weight over a heavier, more expensive and complicated independent rear suspension, at the expense of handling. Ford has drawn heavy criticism from the motoring journalism community for the decision to equip the current Mustang with the live axle system, due to the poor handling that results. At a press conference, Ford stated that to include a modern suspension system would have added $5,000 to the showroom price of the car. The current Mustang GT also comes equipped with a limited slip differential complete with the same carbon-fiber clutch discs used in the 2003 to 2004 SVT Cobra and the 2007 Shelby GT500. The differential is designed for the 31-spline axles and the 8.8 inch ring gear. The basic V6 model (without the Pony Package), unlike the V8 GT model, lacks a rear anti-sway bar to prevent severe oversteer on hard cornering. The 2007 Mustang V6 and GT chassis, suspension, and body shares many of the same construction designs as the GT500. Thicker sheetmetal support and extra welds can be found on the 2007 chassis. Re-designed strut towers on the 2007 Mustang accommodate the wider 5.4 L 32-valve V8 engine in the GT500. The rear diffuser on the 2007 GT California Special package (GT/CS) is also found on the Shelby GT and GT500.

The Pony Package for the V6 Mustang became available starting in 2006. This option includes upgraded suspension, Bullitt-style wheels (originally only available on the GT), wider tires, a unique grille design with fog lamps, a rear deck spoiler, and unique door striping and emblems. Unlike previous V6-powered Mustangs, the current V6 Mustang has drawn a large aftermarket following. A notable example is Shelby Automobile's Shelby CS6 package for the V6 Mustang, specifically the Paxton supercharger, which increases the power of the V6 up to 350 hp (261 kW).

The Mustang sports additional optional features including: MyColor (a color-configurable instrument cluster available as part of the Interior Upgrade Package), Shaker 500 (500 watts peak output) CD/MP3 6-disc audio system, Shaker 1000 (1,000 watts peak output) CD/MP3 6-disc audio system, and brushed aluminum panels (also part of the Interior Upgrade Package). In 2007, even more options were offered including a DVD-based GPS navigation system made by Pioneer (late availability), power passenger seats, heated seats, revised interior colors, and Sirius satellite radio. The GT Appearance Package made its debut in 2007 as well. This package adds a non-functional hood scoop, bright rolled exhaust tips and an engine cover featuring the pony emblem.

Ferrari Enzo

The Enzo Ferrari is a 12-cylinder Ferrari supercar named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It was built in 2003 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fibre body, F1-style sequential shift transmission, and carbon-ceramic brake discs. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics. After a downforce of 775 kg (1709 lb) is reached at 300 km/h (186 mph) the rear wing is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce.

The Enzo's V12 engine is the first of a new generation for Ferrari. It is based on the architecture of the V8 found in sister-company Maserati's Quattroporte, using the same basic architecture and 104 mm bore spacing. This design will replace the former architectures seen in V12 and V8 engines used in most other contemporary Ferraris. The 2005 F430 is the second Ferrari to get a version of this new powerplant. In 2004, Sports Car International named the Enzo Ferrari number three on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 2000s.

Motor Trend Classic named the Enzo as number four in their list of the ten "Greatest Ferraris of all time".

The Enzo Ferrari is sometimes referred to colloquially (some say incorrectly) as the Ferrari Enzo and also F60 (this gives the false impression that it was for the 60th anniversary however that would be 2007 rather than 2003 the official internal nomclemature is actually F131). The model name of the car is Enzo Ferrari, and the maker is Ferrari. When combined, this gives a full make/model name of Ferrari Enzo Ferrari. It is usually just referred to as the "Enzo" with no marque or other words attached.

The car is named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari, who died in 1988.

Bugatti Veyron

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is currently the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive street-legal full production car in the world, with in excess of 1001 horsepower, in either the metric or SAE scale (see below), though several faster or more expensive street-legal vehicles have been produced on a limited basis (though not full production), such as the Hennessey Venom 1000TT which has a claimed (and unproven) top speed of 255mph.[1] The Bugatti Veyron reached full production in September 2005. The car is built by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS in its Molsheim (Alsace, France) factory and is sold under the French Bugatti marque. It is named after French racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm.


Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron specifications
Top Speed: 406 km/h
0-100 kph: 3.0 secs.
Power: 1001 HP
Engine: 8.0 liter quad-turbo W16


This exotic supercar features a 7-speed dual clutch sequential manual gearbox. It has reached it's full production in September 2005. In four-five years, Bugatti Automobiles SAS (owned by Volkswagen AG) is predicting to have already produced and sold around 300 Veyron supercar units. Buyers are extremely interested in this powerful exotic car and orders are being taken already for this ultimate conversation beast (after all there aren't that many cars with engines that produce 1001 horsepower), priced at $1,175,000. According to Forbes magazine, Bugatti Veyron is 2006's most expensive car, that you theoretically can buy from manufacturer (auctions of old classic cars excluded), however such exotic automobiles are usually released as limited edition and only a few famous celebrities are presented with an opportunity to purchase.


Bugatti originally planned to build 300 Veyrons over five years. In March 2006, Bugatti president Bscher claimed to have 70 firm orders, selling out 14 months of production. In response, the company is reportedly speeding up production, with all 70 cars expected to be built in 2006. Bscher also reported that 14 cars have been completed. It is not clear how many are in the hands of customers. Recent media reports indicate that over one half of the 300 cars to be produced have been sold.

Maintenance will be possible at Bentley dealerships, but repair service will require a flown-in mechanic, whom the company promises will be available 24 hours a day.

Aston Martin DB9

"Aston Martins have a highly distinctive form language. The lines are beautiful and harmonious, giving our cars the appearance of motion even while stationary", explains Director of Design Marek Reichman.

Great design, however, is not just about form; it is also about function. An Aston Martin is by definition very fast, so it needs to be aerodynamically efficient. It must be superbly stable at high speed - even the exhaust silencer is aerodynamically shaped to help achieve this.

The result is that DB9 drives arrow-straight at high speed yet, like all great Aston Martins, it does so with supreme elegance and grace.

DB9 is new from the ground up. Every feature has been tailored to make the world's finest sports GT. The starting point was to define the ideal dimensions, proportions and materials for the chassis. Aston Martin did not use an adapted platform from an existing family or luxury saloon - the most common starting point for GT cars. This approach can lead to compromise in styling and weight and loss of character.

Aston Martin developed its own incredibly light and strong aerospace-specification bonded aluminium structure. This 'VH' (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture, which is unique to Aston Martin, has given DB9 one of the most structurally efficient body frames in the car industry. Its enormous rigidity aids handling, driver feedback and safety. More than any other single component, the advanced aluminium structure is the reason for DB9's extraordinary nimbleness, responsiveness and overall character.

DB9 is a luxurious sports car. It is supremely comfortable, with a cabin hand-trimmed in beautiful, natural materials - primarily wood and leather. There is the latest in modern technology, yet there are no superfluous controls or displays. There is a minimum of distraction. Even the satellite navigation screen motors seamlessly away when not in use.

Yet the car has very high equipment levels, as you would expect in a thoroughbred sports car with GT levels of comfort and refinement.

BMW Z4 Coupe

The Z4 Coupe 3.0si is a 3.0-Liter Engine. Powerful inline-six engine delivers 255-hp of dynamic performance with Double VANOS valve regulation. 6-speed manual gearbox is carefully tuned to engine torque.

Active Knee Protection is a special airbag designed to protect front-seat occupants knees in the event of a severe impact. It also reduces the amount of dash space that would have been taken up by a knee-protection system using dash-padding only.

All Season Traction (AST), part of Dynamic Stability Control, provides better stability and control in slippery road conditions all year long - packed snow, ice, rain- or oil-slicked roads, and sandy or rough surfaces. The system continually processes data from the anti-lock braking wheelspeed sensors. Any time a rear "drive" wheel begins to lose traction, the system modifies the engine's electronic throttle and ignition timing to reduce torque. It also can act on each rear brake individually or simultaneously, as needed, to bring wheelspin under control. Dynamic Traction Control aids driving in deep snow or sand.

BMW Ultimate Service is included at no charge with all new 2007 BMWs for the first four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. It includes the BMW Maintenance Program, which covers all factory-recommended maintenance and items that need replacement due to normal wear and tear; a New Vehicle Limited Warranty; four-year, unlimited-mileage Roadside Assistance, and, if the vehicle is equipped, a four-year, unlimited mileage subscription to the BMW Assist™ Safety Plan. The BMW Assist and Bluetooth® system is standard in the 5, 6 and 7 Series; optional and included in the Premium Package in all other models.

Double VANOS allows the engine to "steplessly" choose valve timing for both intake and exhaust camshafts. Electronically controlled in response to engine speed, load and temperature, Double VANOS maximizes engine response, efficiency and emission control. The benefit: more low- to medium-speed torque for strong acceleration and added flexibility for better highway performance, plus quieter, smoother engine at idle.

Dynamic Driving Control (Sports Button) activates the Sport driving mode, for crisper handling and quicker engine response on demand.

BMW is the first automaker to offer HD Radio as a factory installed option across its entire product line. Now you can tune into clear, free, CD-like sound quality on stations that are “between” the stations now broadcasting in digital FM. The system can also stream data, such as artist and song information, from radio stations that provide it.

Run-flat tires allow speeds of up to 50 mph and travel up to 90 miles after a loss of air pressure. In situations that would normally result in a flat, reinforced sidewalls help prevent the tires from collapsing or loosening from the rim.

Alfa Romeo 159

The Alfa 159 expresses all the safety and strength of Alfa Romeo, a brand that has always been a symbol of tremendous performance and quality in the field of sporting saloons.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the Alfa 159 has a fascinating, aggressive, sporty style. The front features the classic vertical 'shield' that shapes the design of the entire care, and a new circular lights; the rear, aggressive and solid, features a broad pillar joining the rear window, a twin exhaust and a small spoiler, which gives the car a sense of style and practicality.

Chevrolet Volt

The concept car Chevy Volt had some tough competition: Jaguar's C-XF, Ford's Airstream and the Toyota FT-HS hybrid sports car were all impressive, but none of them are likely to have the impact of the Chevy Volt. Here's why:

Design
While most concepts look like they belong on another planet, the Chevy Volt's styling is futuristic but achievable. Its low stance and light, airy interior give it a sporty flavor that actually looks fun to drive. Many of the materials are prototypes, but you can easily imagine this car on the road in your lifetime.

Technology
Using a technology dubbed "E-Flex," the Volt is a true electric vehicle that can go up to 40 miles on a charge and can be "refilled" from an existing power grid (i.e., the plug in your garage). Consider that 78 percent of Americans have a daily commute of 40 miles or less, and GM claims a majority of Volt owners will never use fuel again. Bravo.

GM went a step further and added an additional 3-cylinder turbo engine that kicks in as a superefficient generator to recharge the batteries when they get low. So if you forget to charge it or go away for the weekend, you'll still get 50 mpg with the engine converting gas to electricity.

The genius behind the Volt is that the engine can be altered to meet the global market. For example, the battery and electric motor can be paired with a turbo-diesel that runs on biodiesel in Europe, an engine that runs on pure ethanol in Brazil, or an engine that runs on E85 in the United States.

Sound too good to be true? Well, it's still a concept car. The battery technology doesn't exist, but we don't think GM would be playing these cards if they didn't have something in their deck.

Impact
Potentially staggering. The Volt is the first significant salvo fired from an American car company in the race for the next generation of propulsion. Sure, hydrogen fuel cells may be the future, but it's a distant future. The technology in the Volt is attainable, flexible and sellable.

Cadillac CTS 2008

When originally introduced in 2002, the luxury car Cadillac CTS was the first example of the new design direction at Cadillac. Over the next six years, other models in Cadillac's lineup (Escalade, XLR, STS and DTS) would adopt the same sharp-edged, aggressive and bold look, while the CTS was left to bask in its old glory. Finally, the CTS has had a makeover worthy of attention.

Design
The first-generation CTS was a radical departure for Cadillac, and the effect was polarizing. While it sold better than expected, many thought the styling wasn't up to par for a global luxury brand. The 2008 CTS silences its critics, as it is simply stunning. It is longer, roomier and more luxurious than its predecessor with thoughtful touches like metal, wood and stitching paired with a soft leather interior, recessed LED lighting and an aggressive grill and front fascia. The latest CTS is clearly a Cadillac -- albeit one that has gone to finishing school.

Technology
The 2008 CTS will launch with two versions of GM's V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 features direct injection and produces 300 horsepower. The basic V6 pumps out 258 horsepower; the higher-end version features direct injection (a highly efficient method of delivering fuel) and produces an additional 42 horsepower. Both engines can be matched with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Impact
GM dominated the Detroit Auto Show, and the CTS was their pièce de résistance. Cadillac is the maker's aspirational brand, though not long ago there wasn't much to aspire to. A good entry-level Cadillac is very important because, it attracts more people to the brand. An excellent entry-level Cadillac keeps them coming back for more.

Smart Fortwo

Whether you read "The Da Vinci Code" or just saw the less-than-perfect film adaptation, you're familiar with the Smart Fortwo. On the road in Europe for years, this cute, affordable, and efficient urban mobile is finally coming to the U.S. With Daimler-Chrysler as its parent company, we think this little car is destined for big things.

Design
Unlike anything on the road here in the U.S., the Smart Fortwo is perfect for the attention-seeker on a budget. Its design was optimized for the tight Euro streets, and as a result two Smart Fortwos can fit side by side in a traditional parking space.

Technology
Smart has created a small two-seater that's fun to drive and safe. According to the company, the Tridion safety cell, an oval-shape frame surrounding the passenger compartment, keeps occupants protected as if they were surrounded by "the shell of a nut." And a three-cylinder engine delivers 40 mpg. It's a zippy ride -- just don't expect to be hauling a lot of stuff.

Impact
Fact is, most of us drive solo in cars built for more than five people. Image what driving would be if even a fraction of Americans traded in their Cayennes for Smart Fortwos: more room on the road, more parking spaces, less demand for the evil that is petrol. And with a starting price under $15,000, it's easy to understand why the Fortwo is smart.