LUXURY CARS IN THE WORLD 2010

luxury cars in the world

luxury cars in the world

Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain 2010 pictures | insurance info |

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Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain (2011)

- Automobili Lamborghini and Blancpain are uniting their phenomenal engineering skill and honoring the huge success of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo racing series with a very special super sports car: the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition -

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LAMBORGHINI Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain (2011)

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2011 Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain

This extraordinary super sports car joins the competition spirit of the Super Trofeo race car with an exclusive design and one hundred percent road-going usability. The first Gallardo from the exclusive and limited Blancpain Edition production run has been presented by Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, and Marc A. Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain, at the final race weekend of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo on Sunday September 26, 2010 in the "Piero Taruffi" circuit, Vallelunga...........Read more >

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List of Lamborghini Models >

LAMBORGHINI Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain (2011) insurance info

List of Lamborghini Models >

LAMBORGHINI Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain (2011)

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Automobili Lamborghini and Blancpain are uniting their phenomenal engineering skill and honoring the huge success of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo racing series with a very special super sports car: the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition.

This extraordinary super sports car joins the competition spirit of the Super Trofeo race car with an exclusive design and one hundred percent road-going usability. The first Gallardo from the exclusive and limited Blancpain Edition production run has been presented by Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, and Marc A. Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain, at the final race weekend of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo on Sunday September 26, 2010 in the "Piero Taruffi" circuit, Vallelunga.

Automobili Lamborghini, the manufacturer of extreme Italian super sports cars, and Blancpain, the world's oldest luxury watchmaker, are among the very best brands in their respective sectors worldwide. Blancpain was recently voted the "Best of the Best" among the world's most exquisite watch brands by the "Luxury Institute" in New York. Now the two brands have come together to develop a unique blend of technology and design to create the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition, putting the power of the world's fastest mono-marque race series into a road-legal vehicle.

Blancpain is the title sponsor of the successful Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series. The cooperation between these two brands brings together the highest levels of engineering excellence from the automotive and chronometry industries. Blancpain has been producing innovative masterpieces of watch-making art in Switzerland's Vallée de Joux since 1735. Each timepiece is assembled by one single watchmaker, reflecting the quality and individual attention with which Lamborghini builds its super sports cars for the road, and its 570 hp Super Trofeo race cars.

Both brands share an enormous passion for racing. Blancpain is not only intensely involved with the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, but is also official timekeeper for the FIA GT1 World Championship - where Lamborghini cars also compete against other prestigious marques. In July, Lamborghini secured its first win in the newly-formed championship at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, where former Formula One driver Riccardo Zonta and Frank Kechele charged to a first-place finish.

"Lamborghini is extremely happy about its cooperation with Blancpain. In just its second year, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo has established itself in the premier league of gentlemen's racing," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "Each race is a battle of dedication and passion for every single hundredth of a second - something that characterizes both of our brands. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition demonstrates the close bond between our road-going super sports cars and the race car."

"This is a very intense and dynamic partnership between companies from highly disparate sectors, but with the same drive for innovation and mechanical excellence," says Marc A. Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain. "For me, Blancpain has always been a true revolutionary - even a little crazy - with the spirit of adventure. We have always tried to be a little different, to remain innovative and to attempt things that no-one had ever achieved before. This pursuit of excellence is a passion that is shared by Blancpain and Lamborghini," continues Hayek. "Lamborghini is indisputably a first-class manufacturer with the highest levels of engineering competence, which is why the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo offers a perfect platform for attracting even more attention to our brand around the world."

Marc A. Hayek is not only President and CEO of Blancpain, he is also a passionate and accomplished race driver. He has already claimed several victories in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, and is currently fighting for the podium in the Pro-Am Drivers' Standings.

In this special configuration, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition shows the spirit of competition - the mighty rear spoiler for maximum stability and the engine cover for optimized ventilation were derived directly from the race car featured in the world's fastest one-make series. The Edition is also equipped with Skorpius wheels with yellow-painted brake calipers and discs made, of course, from carbon-ceramic composite. One striking visual feature that fits perfectly with the matt black paintwork is the carbon-fiber used to make external components, such as the diffuser and mirror casings.

The interior of the Blancpain Edition further reinforces the extremely sporty character of the Gallardo without sacrificing the comfort of the driver and passenger. The entire interior is finished in black Alcantara with yellow accents and visible carbon-fiber. The Blancpain logo is placed on the exterior and also featured on the seats and cockpit in yellow stitching. Propulsion for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition comes courtesy of the 570 hp V10 power unit from the series Superleggera production car - as is the case for the Super Trofeo race car. Superb traction from the all-wheel drive ensures perfect stability in every situation.

The super sports car from Sant'Agata Bolognese boasts a dry weight of no more than 1340 kilograms (2954 lb) - the lightest road-going model in Lamborghini's range.

One key factor is the exterior and interior components made from carbon-fiber. Carbon-fiber is ideal for the manufacture of sports cars as its use allows for weight reduction and improved mechanical features. The car's performance is thus enhanced thanks to a better power-to-weight ratio and reduced total mass, which means that CO2 emissions are also lower.

The V10 power unit with 5.2 liters (317.6 cu in) of displacement generates 419 kW (570 hp) in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition. This puts the power-to-weight ratio of the vehicle at only 2.35 kilograms (5.18 lb) per hp and guarantees breathtaking performance. This super sports car handles the dash from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and flies past the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark only 6.8 seconds later, ultimately exceeding 320 km/h (199 mph).

Auto insurance Information http://aarp.thehartford.com/ The AARP Automobile Insurance Program is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06115. CA License #5152. In Washington, the Program is underwritten by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company. In Texas, the Program is underwritten by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company, through Hartford Fire General Agency. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company. AARP and AARP Financial Inc. receive from The Hartford payments for AARP's license of its intellectual property for use by The Hartford and for services rendered in connection with the Program. Amounts paid by The Hartford for this license are used for the general purposes of the Association and its members. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not qualify. Specific features, credits, and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and applicable law. The program is currently unavailable in Massachusetts, Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions. = Savings amounts are based on information from The Hartford’s AARP Auto Insurance Program customers who became new auto insurance policyholders between 7/1/08 and 6/30/09 and provided data regarding their savings. Your savings may vary. = If you are age 50 or older, once you’re insured through this Program for at least 60 days, you cannot be refused renewal as long as applicable premiums are paid when due. Also, you and other customary drivers of your vehicles must retain valid licenses, remain physically and mentally capable of operating an automobile, have no convictions for driving while intoxicated and must not have obtained your policy through material misrepresentation. Benefit currently not available in Hawaii, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina and South Carolina.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon

2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon

Base Price: $57,075

As Tested: $66,890

Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; AWD, seven-speed automatic

Output: 268 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 258 lb-ft @ 2,400-5,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,213 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 19/21.8 mpg

Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid

So we already apperceive a lot about the Porsche 918 Spyder Amalgam now. According to what Autocar reports, assembly at the Pebble Beach accident acknowledge that the aggregation affairs to access both the ability and displacement of the petrol agent for the assembly archetypal of 918 Spyder. The car will appropriately be added able than its 500 bhp V8 petrol agent and electric motors that aftermath a accumulated achievement of 712 bhp.

The concept’s 22-inch alloys are absurd to accomplish to the assembly model.

Also the Porsche 918 Spyder Amalgam will get a touch-screen infotainment arrangement and ancillary mirrors will be replaced by the cameras, with the images actualization on the apparatus cluster.

Porsche appear a video of the 918 Spyder's aboriginal North American afar afore assuming it off to the chic all-embracing car set at Pebble Beach aftermost weekend.

The afresh green-lighted Spyder reportedly has a continued account of absorbed buyers will to angle over the advancing $650,000 for a 500 application 3.4-liter V-8 amalgam that gets 78 mpg.

2011 Audi Q5 Review and Photo

2011 Audi Q5 Review

For 2011 Audi leaps into the amalgam SUV affray with a new adaptation of its accepted Q5 affluence crossover. While the 2011 Q5 will still action an accomplished 3.2-liter gas agent as accepted equipment, the big account is the availability of a abounding alongside amalgam drivetrain, an Audi first. While appraisement and added capacity are bare at the moment, Audi has said the 2011 Q5 amalgam will be accessible in backward autumn 2010 and will affection a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas agent akin to an electric drive system.

First offered stateside in 2009, the Q5 has becoming aerial acclaim for its chic autogenous and accomplished active dynamics. Competing in a awash affluence crossover bazaar abounding with added pint-size entries like BMW’s X3, Mercedes’ GLK, and the anew downsized Cadillac SRX, the Q5 has succeeded in establishing itself as a hot-selling bazaar force. The Q5 3.2 Quattro (as the V6 adaptation is known) appearance accepted all-wheel drive (AWD) and a six-speed automated transmission. The Q5 shares its unit-body belvedere with Audi’s class-leading A4 sedan, benumbed on the aforementioned 110.6-inch wheelbase while jacking up the ride acme to fit the SUV profile. As mentioned, Audi’s accomplished Quattro AWD arrangement is standard, application the now accustomed TORSEN (TORque SENsing) cogwheel to seamlessly address ability to all four wheels. A array of cyberbanking adherence and absorption aids abetment the Quattro arrangement in carrying limpet-like traction.

Power is baffled through a six-speed automated gearbox, the alone manual offered. In the affluence crossover segment, abounding offerings bang a poor antithesis amid administration and ride comfort. Body angular is able-bodied managed, and the brittle variable-assist council allows for accomplished maneuverability. Three trim levels will be offered for the 2011 Q5. Premium (base) trims appear accepted with covering upholstery over ability advanced seats, 18-carat copse trim, and automated altitude control. Stepping up to the Premium Plus trim akin nets buyers Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, forth with a ample panorama sunroof and acrimonious seats. The range-topping Prestige trim gets Audi’s accomplished MMI aeronautics arrangement interface, forth with a parking camera and thermal cupholders that can accumulate your Starbucks balmy all day.

Space up advanced is generous, but the somewhat awkward rear bench alone grudgingly accommodates adults. In accession to antilock brakes and cyberbanking adherence control, Q5 Prestige trims appear able with a blind-spot admonishing system. Front, side, and blind airbags are standard, with rear-seat ancillary anatomy accoutrements alternative for 2011. The accession of an earth-friendly amalgam drive arrangement will set the Q5 added afar from the accretion basin of affluence crossovers. It’s a abashment that Audi’s artefact planners debris to acceptation a trim abiding to win over leadfoots and eco-warriors alike: the turbocharged, diesel-powered, seven-speed Q5 3.0 TDI.

The new Audi Q5 is able with a turbocharged 2.0 Liter, four butt engine. The affluence agent additionally appearance an 8 acceleration Tiptronic automated transmission. Quattro all caster drive is addition affection and Audi will affection a amalgam adaptation in 2011, as well.

The agent is calmly maneuvered with capricious abetment steering. The anti-lock braking arrangement on all four auto comes standard. This accurate archetypal additionally appearance an 8 acceleration Tiptronic manual with the four cylinder, but six acceleration Triptronic automated manual with the V6 engine.

Some of the Audi Q5’s most notable safety features are listed below for the consumer’s review:
Braking Guard
Side Impact Airbags-Standard
Side Curtain Airbags – Standard for both rows of seats
Electronic Stability System – Standard
Rear Side Impact Airbags – Optional
Blind Spot Warning System
Lane Departure Warning System
Automatic Low and High Beam Control
Swiveling Active Xenon Headlights
If the driver is approaching a vehicle or object, the device will warn the driver by flashing warning lights and emitting a sound. If no response from the driver, the automatic braking system will employ.
The body style bears resemblance to the Audi Q7. The vehicle features 19 inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights, S-line exterior trim, heated mirrors, roof rack and adaptive headlights.
The vehicle will accommodate 5 passengers.

2011 Jeep Wrangler Review

based automobile manufacturer, released the images of the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. The interiors of the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler includes a redesigned instrument panel and new storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. The increased acoustical treatment in the new models has reduced interior noise. The 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models has a body-color hard top, which the company says will provide more premium appearance. You can also go for different colors including Detonator Yellow, Deep Cherry Red, Sahara Tan, Cosmos Blue and Bright White for the new 2011 Wrangler models.

Once known for its rugged looks and Spartan interior, the Jeep Wrangler was the proletariat dream.

The 2010 Jeep Wrangler 4-dr I recently drove was actually pretty modern with its touch-screen navigation unit. The new Chrysler is slowly breaking out of its shell. (For a recap, visi our auto crisis hub.) There have been teaser shots of the new Dodge Durango, and now, the updated 2011 Jeep Wrangler makes an appearance.

The biggest changes on the legendary and popular Wrangler happen on the interior. The Wrangler's new interior is brighter than before, thanks to bits of silver trim on the doors, the passenger's grab handle, and all four air vents. Climate controls have been updated and a "Jeep, Since 1941" inlay is mounted onto the passenger grab handle.

2011 Corvette Stingray Concept Car Video

Look at this 2011 Corvette Stingray Concept car. Mmm mmm. Everyone got their first glimpse of the 2011 Corvette Stingray Concept in the movieTransformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen portraying the Autobot Sideswipe..

SIDESWIPEThe design is influenced by the original Stingray race car, introduced in 1959, but also draws on Corvette heritage cues from other generations. So now we are all hoping that the 2011Corvette Stingray Concept will go into production. General Motors used the Chicago Auto Show to introduce the world to its latest concept vehicle, theCorvette Stingray, which will be featured in the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen movie on June 26th. In robot mode, the Corvette Stingray Concept will take the form of SIDESWIPE, who will reportedly be a skater with wheels for feet.
The Corvette; such an iconic GM vehicle. The car that can compare with rivals costing far more; that car is the Corvette. Our hardest vehicle, in the hardest lineup. Things like a swooping downward character line add drama and excitement to the car, while still retaining that unmistakable Corvette look.

2011 Mazda 2 Touring

2011 Mazda 2 Touring

Base Price: $16,985

As-Tested Price: $16,985

Drivetrain: 1.5-liter I4; FWD, four-speed automatic

Output: 100 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 98 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 2,359 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 30/29.1 mpg

Options: None

2010 Honda Accord EX Sedan

2010 Honda Accord EX Sedan Picture

2010 Honda Accord EX Sedan Front View

2010 Honda Accord EX Sedan Rear View

2010 Honda Accord EX Sedan Interior View

2010 Honda Accord EX Sedan Detail:

Base Price: $31,855

As-Tested Price: $31,855

Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; FWD, five-speed automatic

Output: 271 hp @ 6,200 rpm, 254 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,583 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 22/25.3 mpg

Options: None

2011 Honda CR-Z EX

2011 Honda CR-Z EX with Nav

Base Price: $23,310

As-Tested Price: $23,310

Drivetrain: 1.5-liter DOHC I4; FWD, six-speed manual

Output: 122 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 128 lb-ft @ 1,000-1,750 rpm

Curb Weight: 2,654 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 34/36 mpg

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

Nissan replaced its aging 350Z Roadster with the redesign 370Z in 2009. Bucking the trend of incrementally increasing size, the wheelbase is nearly four inches shorter (100.4 inches versus 104.3 inches) and overall length is reduced by 2.6 inches (167.2 inches versus 169.8 inches). The new Z Roadster features an aluminum hood, door panels and trunk for reduced weight. At the same time, the body structure was extensively revised, improving rigidity and stability. The 370Z Roadster includes additional structural reinforcement (over the 370Z Coupe), including in the A-pillars and side sills.

The base model 370Z Roadster -- complete with six-speed manual transmission -- lists from $37,690 (including destination) with the car's optional seven-speed automatic bumping that price to $38,990. The up-level Touring model carries a price tag of $40,520 with a manual box and $42,540 with the automatic gearbox.

The new Z convertible gains 26 horsepower and 2 pound-feet of torque over the previous model. It delivers 332 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 270 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm, compared with the previous 3.5-liter V6's 306 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 268 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Along with its larger displacement, the 3.7-liter engine gives better power delivery all the way to the 7,500 rpm redline, improved low-end power and more high-end torque.

The car is offered with a choice of two new transmissions: a close-ratio 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. The 6-speed manual is available with SynchroRev Match (included in the optional Sport Package), which allows drivers of any skill level to experience expert-like gear shifts. The SynchroRev Match function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially "blipping" the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. Similarly, the available 7-speed automatic includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode.

2010 Audi A6 3.0T

While the 270-hp 3.2-liter FSI V6 remains in the base A6, and the optional 340-hp 4.2-liter FSI V8 is the hot-rod of the group, there’s now a new middle-of-the-road offering. The 3.0T badge may confuse some into thinking this model is turbocharged, but the new engine is really a supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 that puts out 300-hp and 310 ft-lbs of torque.

Strangely, both the V8 and 3.0T do the 0-60 mph run in almost identical times, with the supercharged six posting 5.9 seconds and the V8 a 5.8 second run.

In reality, the new engine is significantly lighter than the old V8 – helping the middle model to weigh in some 200 lbs. less. Not only does that aid acceleration, but fuel mileage as well, with the 3.0T averaging 21 mpg to the V8’s 18. Audi rates the car at 18-mpg city and 26-mpg highway. Otherwise, both share the same six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic, and quattro all-wheel drive hardware

2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic

The 2009 S-Class is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, or luxury sports sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the S550 to the S600. Without a doubt one of the most amazing cars ever to roll out of a Mercedes dealership. Drives great, extremely comfortable and roomy and performs like a dream. and the 4MATIC is amazing in the snow and I am totally comfortable driving in any weather. I have 2 young kids as well and they are totally comfortably riding in the back for hours and we can take a road trip with no problems whatsoever. Also, plenty of trunk space. The steering can be a little bit wobbly sometimes but for a car that size it drives unbelievably anyways so just a few steering issues is really nothing. The cold weather package is sometimes a pain in the neck to try and sync up all the seats to heat and to get the inside a right temperature but compared to our other cars it's really not so bad! It's also an extremely safe car, although fortunately we haven't had to see that side of it yet. As for the low reliability rating I gave it, we had a few general problems with the car as soon as we hit 40,000 miles, just problems with the engine cooling systems and the air conditioner, but they were under warranty and didn't cost us anything to repair, but it was kind of annoying having a $100,000 car not be 100% working. Anyways, overall it's an unbelievable car and I would recommend it to anybody

Upon introduction, the S550 is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V8, 382-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The S600 is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V12, 510-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 11-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Pros
Absolutely everything
Cons

Steering can be a little iffy and the cold weather package is kind of complicated to warm the car up Purchased As New

2011 Scion tC

Scion fell into a sales funk last year, with the teensy xD and the bloated new-generation xB falling prey to the likes of Kia and Hyundai. The Scion tC? The same story. The Celica-ish coupe was in dire need of a replacement--and a personality infusion.

It's nearly a mission accomplished for the new 2011 tC, which we drove earlier this week in San Diego. The tC wears new lines that might remind you of a helmet--or a Nissan GT-R--and more room's been scooped out of its cabin. It's still four-cylinder only, though power's up to 180 hp and all the drivetrain bits have been massaged for something very nearly sporty in feel.

We're not huge fans of the collision of hard plastics on the dash, or the floppy vinyl that shades the sunroof--but we're sure you can get over them by choosing something from the big Scion accessories catalog, something like TRD stabilizer bars or Bluetooth or an Alpine navigation and audio system with a touchscreen interface and iPod controls. (That turbocharger you've been longing for? It's a ways off, Scion execs say.)

It's no longer a great value, compared to the Kia Forte Koup or even a heavily discounted, end-of-life Ford Focus two-door. The 2011 tC is priced from $18,995 including destination; with the automatic it's $19,995. Toss on all those add-on features and you could be looking at $24,000--which sounds a lot like a much faster base 2011 Mustang V-6 to us.

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI Two-Door

Volkswagen actually re-christened the car "Rabbit" from 2006-'09, evoking the original U.S.-market Rabbit hatchback of a few decades ago, but for 2010 the Golf is back -- and if you'll forgive the cliché, it's better than ever. Perhaps the biggest news is under the hood, where the carryover 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine is joined by the excellent "TDI" turbodiesel four-cylinder from the Jetta sedan. Paired with one of two six-speed manuals -- a conventional unit or a dual-clutch automated version (DSG) -- the TDI delivers a punchy 236 pound-feet of torque and an estimated 34 mpg in mixed driving. The sixth-generation Golf also features a redesigned interior with even nicer materials than before, along with subtly altered sheet metal that clearly conveys the car's sophisticated character.

Underneath, the two- or four-door Golf shares its 101.5-inch wheelbase and basic suspension layout with the previous-generation car, but that's fine with us. The Rabbit already had some of the most sophisticated driving dynamics of any compact car, thanks to a stiff body structure, a multilink rear suspension and autobahn-bred confidence on the highway. The Golf TDI enjoys an edge in this department thanks to its standard sport suspension, which improves the base Golf's rather soft stateside tuning. Inside, the TDI also offers a few exclusive optional luxuries, including xenon headlamps, a Dynaudio sound system and a navigation system.

The Golf's principal competitor is the Mazda 3, the only other compact car that offers comparable performance, four doors and a hatchback body style. This race is too close to call -- the Mazda has more responsive handling and a nice interior in its own right, but the Golf counters with its excellent diesel option and superior solidity and refinement. Also of note are the Mini Cooper and its Clubman variant, both stout rivals to the two-door Golf. Other compact sedans may merit consideration due to the Golf's steep price, particularly in TDI trim. But like the sport, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf offers a unique array of virtues that justify its added expense.

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWD

Mitsubishi has announced the addition of a new model to their Outlander line-up: the new 2011 Outlander Sport. On the US market the new model will be offered in two trim levels: ES and SE, and both in 2WD and 4WD versions.

The 2011 Outlander Sport is powered by a 2.0-Liter inline-4 engine that delivers a total of 148 hp @ 6000 rpm and 143 lb.-ft. of torque at a lower 4200 rpm. The SE model comes with a Sportronic ® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and the ES version gets a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The list of standard equipment includes air conditioning with pollen filter, cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, and a 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with steering wheel controls and 4 speakers. Adding to the stereo components are the digital signal processor, equalization control, and speed compensated volume.

2010 New Audi S4

The new Audi S4 arrives in the midst of a global economic slump. It was unveiled at the Paris show, where hybrids and electric vehicles stole the limelight, and it unashamedly advertises the brand motto Vorsprung durch Technik when everybody is talking CO2 and mpg and $$.

Look closer, though, and the new S4 emerges as a surprisingly sensible proposition. It costs less than the car it replaces, it's 27 percent more frugal in the combined European Union cycle, and in format and appearance it is still perfectly socially acceptable both in sedan and wagon form. The truth is, the fastest version of the new A4 offers the best of two worlds. It's an instant-torque fuel-miser that will return 39 mpg in extra-urban mode (on the European test cycle) to reward pussy-footed drivers. At the same time, it doubles up as high-tech tearaway that employs trick steering, chassis, and differential to beam you quicker from point A to point B than most of its rivals.

But who exactly are these rivals? At BMW, the 333-hp S4 splits the 306-hp 335i and the 420-hp M3. At Mercedes, it aims at the gap between the 272-hp C350 and the 457-hp C63AMG. The car has not yet been priced for the United States, but in Germany the S4 is about ten percent more expensive than the 335ix and about five percent dearer than the C350 4Matic. But in both cases, the Audi has a power, torque, and performance advantage over the competition. Late next year, we expect to see the new RS4/RS5, which is rated at 450 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, sources claim. For the top-of-the-line version, the Quattro division will stick to the high-revving, direct-injection 4.2-liter V-8. It is in this context worth noting that BMW and Mercedes plan to embark on a different strategy. While the next M3 will switch from a normally aspirated V-8 to a twin-turbo in-line six, the C63 replacement is expected to shed its normally aspirated V-8 for a twin-turbo eight-ender with a displacement of only 4.6 liters.

2010 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL Hatchback

The bright blue hue and upright profile of this Versa reminded me of our Four Seasons Honda Fit Sport, but I'd argue that the similarities end there. Both cars run roughly $19,000 and include navigation, but the Versa has the little Honda outclassed. At this price point, Nissan adds other features like a sunroof, satellite radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and keyless entry/ignition.

Not found on a spec chart, however, is the Versa's ability to feel like a much more mature automobile. Wind noise is relatively well insulated, the suspension isn't rock-hard, and the CVT does a commendable job of pairing the 1.8-liter I-4 with a drive ratio that keeps it from buzzing endlessly on the highway. There's also the matter of the cabin-no, it doesn't have the Fit's nifty flip-and-fold seating, but Nissan imbues the Versa with much classier materials throughout. The seating has a really nice three-dimensional weave pattern, while plastics on the upper door panels and armrests are soft and very nicely grained.

There are many ways one can spend $19,000 on a subcompact hatchback these days, but it's hard to argue that the Versa isn't the best way to do so. It will be interesting, however, to see if that remains the case once Ford brings its new Fiesta to North American showrooms.