The automaker plans to introduce the BMW 740d in the fall, which will feature a brand new straight-six diesel engine. The all-aluminum engine features BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, and produces a maximum 306 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. BMW reports a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds, with a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Although powerful, fuel consumption is far from terrible. The engine uses 6.9 liters of fuel per 100 km, translating to roughly 41 miles per imperial gallon (34 mpg in the States). CO2 emissions are rated at 181 grams per kilometer.In a press release, BMW claims these figures to be best in class. This latest engine means the 7-Series may be purchased with one of either three petrol units or two diesel engines. The other diesel engine is a 245 hp six cylinder, available on the 730d. BMW says they will retune this engine to provide better fuel economy by 2010.The company is also making their all-wheel xDrive system available on the 7er for the 2010 model year. Already available on the 3er, 5er, and X models, xDrive will be mounted to the V8 powered 750i and 750Li. xDrive is an electronically controlled system that will spread out 407 horsepower across each wheel at appropriate points. Front-to-rear power will be split at 40:60, but in turns the xDrive sends as much as 80% of available power to the rear axle.If you really want to show off your 7-series, you will be able to purchase the M Sports Package as an option. When buying this option, customers will be able to choose between the new Carbon Black Metallic exterior paint, or the already-offered six other paint options. Aside from the aero kit, the M Sports Paackage includes double-spoke, light alloy, 19-inch M wheels, with the option to move up to 20-inchers. BMW Dynamic Drive, leather sports seats, a M-badged multi-function leather steering wheel, and anthracite roof liner are also included. The interior of these cars will be lined with aluminum, except in the case of the 760i and 760Li. These two cars receive an alcantara anthracite roof liner with wood trim.It is unclear if the M Sports Package is available now, or only upon delivery of 2010 models. The new diesel engine, and the xDrive system, become available for the 2010 model year BMW 7-Series.

The automaker plans to introduce the BMW 740d in the fall, which will feature a brand new straight-six diesel engine. The all-aluminum engine features BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, and produces a maximum 306 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. BMW reports a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds, with a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Although powerful, fuel consumption is far from terrible. The engine uses 6.9 liters of fuel per 100 km, translating to roughly 41 miles per imperial gallon (34 mpg in the States). CO2 emissions are rated at 181 grams per kilometer.In a press release, BMW claims these figures to be best in class. This latest engine means the 7-Series may be purchased with one of either three petrol units or two diesel engines. The other diesel engine is a 245 hp six cylinder, available on the 730d. BMW says they will retune this engine to provide better fuel economy by 2010.The company is also making their all-wheel xDrive system available on the 7er for the 2010 model year. Already available on the 3er, 5er, and X models, xDrive will be mounted to the V8 powered 750i and 750Li. xDrive is an electronically controlled system that will spread out 407 horsepower across each wheel at appropriate points. Front-to-rear power will be split at 40:60, but in turns the xDrive sends as much as 80% of available power to the rear axle.If you really want to show off your 7-series, you will be able to purchase the M Sports Package as an option. When buying this option, customers will be able to choose between the new Carbon Black Metallic exterior paint, or the already-offered six other paint options. Aside from the aero kit, the M Sports Paackage includes double-spoke, light alloy, 19-inch M wheels, with the option to move up to 20-inchers. BMW Dynamic Drive, leather sports seats, a M-badged multi-function leather steering wheel, and anthracite roof liner are also included. The interior of these cars will be lined with aluminum, except in the case of the 760i and 760Li. These two cars receive an alcantara anthracite roof liner with wood trim.It is unclear if the M Sports Package is available now, or only upon delivery of 2010 models. The new diesel engine, and the xDrive system, become available for the 2010 model year BMW 7-Series.

The 2010 Armada is a 4-door, up to 8-passenger sport-utility, available in 6 trims, ranging from the SE 4X2... read more to the Platinum 4X4.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 5.6-liter, V8, 317-horsepower engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2010 Armada is a 4-door, up to 8-passenger sport-utility, available in 6 trims, ranging from the SE 4X2... read more to the Platinum 4X4.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 5.6-liter, V8, 317-horsepower engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2010 Town Car is a 4-door, 6-passenger luxury sedan, available in two trims, the Signature Limited and the Signature L.
Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 4.6-liter, V8, 239-horsepower engine. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2010 Town Car is a 4-door, 6-passenger luxury sedan, available in two trims, the Signature Limited and the Signature L.
Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 4.6-liter, V8, 239-horsepower engine. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Well well well, Opel has actually started to make cars that look very interesting! Although I do see a lot of Mazda styling thrown in to this Astra.

Well well well, Opel has actually started to make cars that look very interesting! Although I do see a lot of Mazda styling thrown in to this Astra.

Toyota Matrix is a near-twin of the Pontiac Vibe. Both have easy cabin access, a roomy rear seat, and good cargo versatility. Both available four-cylinder engines provide impressive fuel economy. Engine and road noise levels are high. The Matrix isn't engaging to drive, but handling and ride are competent. ESC is standard for 2010. The driving position is awkward, and fit and finish is unimpressive.

Basic Results: (vs. wagons)
Retail Price (MSRP): $16,550 (average: $29,166)
Fuel Economy (City): 26 mpg. (average: 18.91 mpg.)
Cargo Volume: 19.8 cu. ft. (average: 27.42 cu. ft.)
Standout Results: (vs. wagons)
Fuel Economy (Highway): 32 mpg. (average: 26.34 mpg.)
Front Headroom: 40.5 in. (average: 39.26 in.)
Power to Weight Ratio: 21 lb/hp (average: 17.26 lb/hp)
NHTSA Rear Side Crash Test: 4 star(s) (average: 4.51 star(s))

Toyota Matrix is a near-twin of the Pontiac Vibe. Both have easy cabin access, a roomy rear seat, and good cargo versatility. Both available four-cylinder engines provide impressive fuel economy. Engine and road noise levels are high. The Matrix isn't engaging to drive, but handling and ride are competent. ESC is standard for 2010. The driving position is awkward, and fit and finish is unimpressive.

Basic Results: (vs. wagons)
Retail Price (MSRP): $16,550 (average: $29,166)
Fuel Economy (City): 26 mpg. (average: 18.91 mpg.)
Cargo Volume: 19.8 cu. ft. (average: 27.42 cu. ft.)
Standout Results: (vs. wagons)
Fuel Economy (Highway): 32 mpg. (average: 26.34 mpg.)
Front Headroom: 40.5 in. (average: 39.26 in.)
Power to Weight Ratio: 21 lb/hp (average: 17.26 lb/hp)
NHTSA Rear Side Crash Test: 4 star(s) (average: 4.51 star(s))

These cars with an electric AND a petrol engine are hybrids really not pure electric cars... are they really the most efficient solution- they are dragging around a heavy petrol engine .The Jeep Patriot electric sport-utility vehicle demonstrates Chrysler's ability to be diversified, while appealing to a wide range of consumers. Adding an electric SUV to their lineup would no doubt appeal to a swath of Americans wanting to drive a big vehicle, but increasingly unwilling to pay the associated gas bills.A Jeep Patriot EV would likely fit under Chrysler's extended-range vehicle scheme. Those vehicles would travel 40 miles (64 km) on battery power alone, with the ability to motor for 400 miles (643 km) on a single tank of gas.

These cars with an electric AND a petrol engine are hybrids really not pure electric cars... are they really the most efficient solution- they are dragging around a heavy petrol engine .The Jeep Patriot electric sport-utility vehicle demonstrates Chrysler's ability to be diversified, while appealing to a wide range of consumers. Adding an electric SUV to their lineup would no doubt appeal to a swath of Americans wanting to drive a big vehicle, but increasingly unwilling to pay the associated gas bills.A Jeep Patriot EV would likely fit under Chrysler's extended-range vehicle scheme. Those vehicles would travel 40 miles (64 km) on battery power alone, with the ability to motor for 400 miles (643 km) on a single tank of gas.

wwoooowww is it just me or for the first time in history someone actually copied a design from kia!? (numbet 3 concept) the side looks the same!

wwoooowww is it just me or for the first time in history someone actually copied a design from kia!? (numbet 3 concept) the side looks the same!

facelift spotted during photoshoot, good job, volvo... looks better, fresher and sexier... but still looks like a volvo. looks well proportionate too, while the current generation seems to have a bit of a short chin... maybe it's just me, but the c70 looks too big from the back for such a short c30 front end, doesnt it? I like the front better. The back reminds me of an Oldsmobile Intrigue, not necessarily a positive association. While I've owned and enjoyed Volvos in the past, this one looks pretty portly. With FWD and no sunroof, I think I prefer the Eos, which will probably get a facelift too before too long.

facelift spotted during photoshoot, good job, volvo... looks better, fresher and sexier... but still looks like a volvo. looks well proportionate too, while the current generation seems to have a bit of a short chin... maybe it's just me, but the c70 looks too big from the back for such a short c30 front end, doesnt it? I like the front better. The back reminds me of an Oldsmobile Intrigue, not necessarily a positive association. While I've owned and enjoyed Volvos in the past, this one looks pretty portly. With FWD and no sunroof, I think I prefer the Eos, which will probably get a facelift too before too long.

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS

I thought I liked it at first glance, but now I am not so sure. The profile shows a very pronounced droop from front to back which I don't like. And whereas I can understand the need to taper the roofline at the back (aerodynamics) it seems to produce an unnaceptably small rear hatch opening and rear window -- these cars are meant to be practical and that would seriously compromise loading and rear visibility/parking, a big mistake for a city car.

I thought I liked it at first glance, but now I am not so sure. The profile shows a very pronounced droop from front to back which I don't like. And whereas I can understand the need to taper the roofline at the back (aerodynamics) it seems to produce an unnaceptably small rear hatch opening and rear window -- these cars are meant to be practical and that would seriously compromise loading and rear visibility/parking, a big mistake for a city car.