2010 mustang cobra - Ford Racing unveiled

2010 mustang cobra - Ford Racing unveiled

PRESS RELEASE

2010 COBRA JET MUSTANG CONTINUES THE EVOLUTION OF TURNKEY RACE CAR PROGRAM

LAS VEGAS – Since its victorious introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford's Cobra Jet Mustang has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph.

The 40th Anniversary 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang lived up to the legend of the original, duplicating the NHRA Winternationals victory in 2009 and dominating drag strips across the land.

Today, Ford Racing unveiled the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which marks the continued evolution of the CJ as a factory-produced turnkey race car. In honor of the SEMA introduction, Ford Racing built and unveiled a one-of-a-kind "SEMA Special" silver Cobra Jet complete with a charcoal Cobra Jet graphics package.

"The 2008 Cobra Jet was a great car, it did everything we wanted it to do," said Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North American Motorsports. "We're really proud of the car, but then again we're always trying to make the next one better.


"With the 2010 Cobra Jet, we had the luxury of a longer development cycle and the result is absolutely stunning. Where the 2008 Cobra Jet was an extremely potent starting point for NHRA Stock competition, the 2010 will enhance the car further. We are all excited to see the new Cobra Jet in competition."

For decades, the Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing, including drag racing. The 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang added to that legacy this season with high- profile wins at the NHRA Winternationals and U.S. Nationals, and by setting numerous track records across the country.

The 2010 Cobra Jet, like its predecessor, is a factory-built race car that is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The goal for the 2010 Cobra Jet was to enhance the race features to further make its own place in NHRA history. The 2010 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2008 car with enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell.

Additionally Ford Racing engineers have developed for the 2010 Cobra Jet a factory-first launch control/rev limiter that will allow drivers to preset the rpm after they stage the car. When they are ready to leave, all they do is put the throttle pedal to the floor; they don't have the engine speed to free rev. Previously, the launch control/rev limiter was only available as an aftermarket option.

Much like Ford Racing's previous Mustang FR500S race car, the Cobra Jet Mustang will get its start at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The entire 50-car run of 2010 Cobra Jets will be built on the same production line that produces the 2010 Ford Mustang production car. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in January, with delivery of all vehicles expected in the first quarter of 2010.

All of the additional parts and pieces for the CJ can be found in the Ford Performance Parts catalog. And since the Cobra Jet is produced from a base V-6 Mustang, any consumer can turn his Mustang into a Cobra Jet by purchasing the parts from the Ford Performance Parts catalog.

The 2010 CJ car features a choice for customers between two supercharged engines or three normally aspirated engines (pending NHRA approval). These options will allow the Cobra Jet to be eligible for more classes in the NHRA, as well as competition with other sanctioning bodies, including NMRA, NMCA, PSCA and IHRA.
All 50 of the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustangs have already been ordered by Ford dealers for delivery to customers. For those customers who missed out on the limited run of 2010 Cobra Jets, Ford Racing has set a goal to provide future versions of the Cobra Jet.

2009 lexus rx 400h hybrid - luxury SUV with a green edge

2009 lexus rx 400h hybrid -luxury SUV with a green edge

The 400h is the perfect example of how you can combine new greener technology without compromising power, style and luxury. The less powerful 3.3L V6 may not be very large for a luxury SUV – but when combined with the electric motor assist the powertrain can deliver an impressive 268 horsepower. The gas engine also has Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VCVT-i) which is just a fancy way of saying that the engine can adapt to any driving condition and adjust to deliver optimal fuel efficiency but won’t sacrifice power when power is needed. And all of these fuel saving techniques work as the 400h can achieve a very impressive 35 mpg of combined highway and city driving.

2009 infiniti g37 sedan - powerful rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports sedan.

2009 infiniti g37 sedan - powerful rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports sedan.

Infiniti's G Sedan was launched in 2003 as a powerful rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports sedan. It was positioned as an alternative to the BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS and Audi A4. In contrast to the competition, the Infiniti sedan not only offered more interior space, but it also trumped the others with Nissan’s powerful VQ-series 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The second-generation G35 Sedan arrived in 2007. Compared to its predecessor, it was larger, more powerful, and even more luxurious. The V-6 engine in the new model had been refined for additional smoothness, efficiency and horsepower, but it still displaced 3.5 liters, so the model retained its “G35” moniker. Now sharing the powerful 3.7-liter V-6 engine with the Infiniti G37 Coupe, amid several other enhancements, the 4-door sedan has been re-introduced as the “G37 Sedan” for 2009. The new model will be in showrooms in September 2008.

2009 jaguar xkr - iconic British luxury car

2009 jaguar xkr - iconic British luxury car

The most recent iteration of the Jaguar XK coupe and convertible heralds a remarkable shift by iconic British luxury car maker Jaguar to the return of producing luxury sports cars with real performance potential. The Jaguar XKR, available in both soft and hard top models, features a new design that looks at home with the Aston Martins and Bentley grand tourers of the world, and better still the XKR can nearly match the best coupes from those storied performance automakers in performance potential.

Jaguar has decided, for the 2009 model year, to take the XKR model line even further, with the introduction of the 2009 Jaguar XKR-S. While it shares powertrain components with the standard XKR grand touring Jaguar model, the XKR-S adds a completely redesigned suspension with a sport-tuned Computer Active Technology Suspension (appropriately titled CATS) that handles the finer points of keeping the 2009 XKR-S on the road at the hands of a driver who may get in over his or her head. Larger anti-roll bar and stiffer spring rates round out the suspension package.

The XKR-S is a special sort of car, capable enough to be driven hard though retaining a luxurious ride. The aluminum-bodied Jaguar sports grand touring car is so much lighter than Jaguar models of old, and promises not to plow under hard cornering to the degree of XK models of old. Curiously absenent on the XKR-S is the inclusion of a limited slip differential, an important drivetrain component which is becoming standard on grand touring and sports car models at the Jaguar XKR-S price point. Don't expect to be autocrossing this cat without some significant drivetrain modifications.

2009 mercedes benz e class - the most successful midsize luxury sedans

2009 mercedes benz e class - the most successful midsize luxury sedans

For more than 20 years, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been one of the most successful midsize luxury sedans. For many, it represents the ideal middle ground between what could be seen as the plebian C-Class and the overly visible and expensive S-Class. The current-generation E-Class, introduced for the 2003 model year, has also been a successful one, and we've been impressed with its dignified presence, top-notch refinement and all-around capabilities.

For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class pretty much stands pat. As before, it's offered as a sedan or a wagon and with four different engine choices. While the Mercedes E350 and E550 have been the most popular models in years past, recent demand for better fuel efficiency just might turn buyers' attention to the E320 Bluetec -- it is, after all, the only midsize luxury sedan in the U.S. powered by a diesel-fueled engine. Shedding the stigma associated with diesel-powered cars, this V6 engine has a special urea additive that makes it run much cleaner than those old Mercedes-Benz diesels. On the other end of the spectrum, the E63 AMG's 507-horsepower V8 offers wicked speed and performance -- it goes from zero to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, quicker than most sports cars.

The E-Class ranks very highly among its competitors even though it's generally the most expensive of the bunch. The Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M35/M45, Jaguar XF and Lexus GS also offer class-worthy power, handling and feature content for less coin. Meanwhile, the E63 AMG has some serious competition in the form of its arch-rival, the BMW M5, as well as Cadillac's new-for-'09 upstart, the 556-hp CTS-V, which is expected to undercut both models by tens of thousands of dollars.

In all honesty, you're not going to go wrong with any of these cars. As a sport-themed luxury sedan, the E-Class probably isn't the best choice. But for a luxury car that blends an intoxicating mix of luxury, brand cachet and performance, the E-Class is worth every penny.

2009 mercedes suv - 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class - passenger luxury sport

2009 mercedes suv - 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class - passenger luxury sport

The 2009 R-Class is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in two trims, the R350 4MATIC... read more and the R320 BlueTEC.

Upon introduction, the R350 4MATIC is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 268-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. The R320 BlueTEC is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, V6, 210-horsepower, turbo, diesel engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2009 R-Class is a carryover from 2008.

2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class - 5-passenger luxury sport

2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class - 5-passenger luxury sport

The 2009 G-Class is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in two trims, the G550 4WD .Upon introduction, the G550 4WD is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V8, 382-horsepower engine that achieves 11-mpg in the city and 15-mpg on the highway. A 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The G55 AMG 4WD is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V8, 500-horsepower, supercharged engine that achieves 11-mpg in the city and 15-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

2009 bmw 7 series - of the new luxury sedan champion pentathlete

2009 bmw 7 series - of the new luxury sedan champion pentathlete

BMW has officially announced the details pertaining to the 5th generation 7 Series, so let's cut right to the chase. In Europe, there are five models arriving on the market in November of this year: the 730d; the 740i and Li; and the 750i and Li. The latter two are powered by the same twin-turbo 4.4L V8 that debuted in the X6. In the U.S.-market 7 Series, the turbo eight is rated at 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, and it is the sole engine option being made available. If you want a BMW 7 Series in America, it will be a 750.

Europeans get more choices. The 730d's 3.0L diesel I6 pumps out 245 horses with nearly 400 lb-ft of torque. Despite the grunt, it boasts a combined fuel economy number of 32.6 U.S. miles per gallon (39.2 Imperial). The 740 models are powered by the now-familiar 3.0L twin-turbo gasoline engine. In the 7, the 3.0TT's power output is 326 horses and 332 lb-ft -- enough to hustle the 740Li from 0 to 62 mph in six seconds flat. All the engines are connected to a six-speed automatic. Follow the jump for more details and BMW's official press release.

2009 BMW 3 Series - favorite entry-level luxury car

2009 BMW 3 Series - favorite entry-level luxury car

The 2009 BMW 3 Series sedan and wagon variants receive a variety of mild styling updates as well as a slight increase in rear track width. A redesigned iDrive controller debuts for the optional navigation system, which is now hard-drive-based and features real-time traffic. Later in the model year, the 3 Series sedan gets an optional twin-turbocharged clean-diesel engine. Finally, all-wheel-drive models are now badged xDrive, and a handful of features are new or revised.

2009 bmw 5 series - the most athletic of the large luxury cars

2009 bmw 5 series - the most athletic of the large luxury cars

The BMW 5-Series is the most athletic of the large luxury cars. A driver's car, it is capable of cruising comfortably with five adults inside - but this car was built for a solitary drive down a winding road.

Inside, the accommodations are in line with its price tag, but sparse compared to the best interiors in its class. Well-equipped, a 5-Series can also cost thousands more than some very competent rivals. But if you buy a car for the sheer joy of driving it, this may be the best large luxury car you could find.

Buyers might want to test drive a supercharged Jaguar XF or Audi A6 before committing. Both of those cars offer excellent pure acceleration, and handling balance that approaches the BMW's.

The 5-Series also holds its value well, and is surprisingly fuel-efficient for a large car built for driving excitement. It requires premium fuel.

The 2010 BMW 5-Series comes in four-door sedan or wagon body styles. Sedan trims include the 528i, 535i, and 550i. A performance-oriented M5 trim is also available. Later in the year, a Grand Touring version similar to the BMW X6 will appear.

2009 audi a8 - luxury sedan, more progressive, less traditional than a BMW or Mercedes.

2009 audi a8 - luxury sedan, more progressive, less traditional than a BMW or Mercedes.

The five-passenger Audi A8 comes in three variations: 4.2, 4.2 long wheelbase, and W12 long wheelbase. The 4.2L V8 produces 350 horsepower, while the twelve cylinder 6.0L W12 makes 450 horsepower. A full leather upgrade is available on A8L models, while W12 models get the option of 20-inch wheels. Anti-lock brakes, electronic stability system, and ten airbags are standard on the A8.

Changes for 2009 include making the contents of last years Premium Package standard on the A8 and A8L.

2009 audi tts - power, focus and weight reduction

2009 audi tts - power, focus and weight reduction

Audi has deemed the Detroit auto show just the place to unveil its latest sporting creation -- or should we say "modification?" See, the Audi {{{TTS}}} isn't an entirely new car, but rather the creme de la creme of the TT sport coupe and convertible line. Yes, it will be available in both coupe and roadster forms, and to put things simply, transforms the already-willing TT into something even more fun to drive.

Audi's philosophy is "advancement through technology" and that's not something found lacking in the TTS. The engine is based on the highly-revered 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged TSFI unit. Featuring direct injection, the powerplant contains a host of modifications over the standard motor (as installed the Volkswagen GTI, among other vehicles), including a beefier engine block, cylinder heads, and connecting rods. The turbocharger is new too - able to produce up to 1.2 bar of air pressure -- and intake and exhaust systems have been optimized for both increased performance and increased aural delight. A revised intercooler lowers the temperature of the intake charge to maximize the amount of air flowing into the engine.

2009 audi q7 - luxury features, excellent build quality and a smart-looking interior

2009 audi q7 - luxury features, excellent build quality and a smart-looking interior

Easily the best-looking of a trio of SUVs from Germany—including the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne—that share a common set of pieces, the 2009 Audi Q7 has a classy, stylish appearance that hints at ruggedness, yet is decidedly urbane. Sharp cutlines give athletic definition to the profile, and the body curvature on the rear end around the taillamps manages to look clean and simple when it's really a complex set of shapes.

2009 audi q5 - stylish luxury crossover for those who don't need a big SUV

2009 audi q5 - stylish luxury crossover for those who don't need a big SUV

Things are getting smaller: cell phones, houses, attention spans. Automobiles have also been hit with this downsizing trend, particularly sport-utility vehicles. Luxury divisions aren't immune, as an increasing number of premium compact crossovers have popped up over the past few years. The latest is the 2009 Audi Q5, a handsome little luxury SUV that takes its looks from big brother Q7, but borrows most of its mechanicals from the A4 sport sedan. The result is a stylish and capable entry in this growing segment.

The Q5 shares its wheelbase with the A4, and it employs essentially the same 3.2-liter V6 engine, Quattro all-wheel-drive system and interior design. Not surprisingly, it feels remarkably like the A4 from behind the wheel. However, the Q5 is 3 inches shorter, 3 inches wider and of course endowed with additional ground clearance. Compared to the A4 Avant wagon, the Q5 features 5 more cubic feet of maximum trunk space. This, along with a bigger back seat may be enough to offset the Avant's fuel economy, price and handling advantage.

While its underpinnings are all A4, the Q5 bears more of a styling resemblance to Audi's Q7 SUV. The Q7 is a three-row luxury cruiser hailed for its highway performance and impeccable cabin, but lamented for its pavement-crushing weight and unimpressive interior space. The Q5 shares the Q7's strong suits while doing a better job in the size department compared to its segment rivals. If you want a crossover from Audi, the Q5 might just hit the sweet spot.

The 2009 Audi Q5 is definitely worth a look, but the competition is fierce in this category. There's no clear leader, but there are a few stand-outs. The Volvo XC60 is the go-to choice for families, but folks without kids may find the Mercedes-Benz GLK350 and Q5 equally appealing. The Acura RDX, BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, and Cadillac SRX are also worth a look. You've certainly got solid options amongst these many choices, as each offers distinctive styling, features and driving dynamics, so we recommend checking out the lot before making your decision.