Subaru Liberty

BMW X6

Audi RS6

Porsche Cayenne

2008 Subaru Liberty

The details of the 2008 Subaru Liberty are slowly being released to the excitement of fans of Subaru's larger sedan. The 2008 model will continue to retain the 4th generation look that has been with us for some time now. News has it that the 2 litre base version of the Liberty will no longer be available for reasons of less consumer interest in that model. This is interesting as it shows consumers of the Liberty were willing in the old model to pay more for the 2.5 litre engine which offers more torque compared with the 2 litre.

The base model will now have the 2.5 litre engine. Compared to the previous model 2.5 it will be a few grand cheaper. Extra features are to be packed into the 2008 version with changes with vehicle dynamics control being added to all sport shift automatic models. There will be 22 different models in the Liberty line-up and will include the turbo-charged performance versions also.

The 2008 version is expected to go on sale towards the end of the year. The big news for Subaru this year is the release of the new impreza which is a vast departure from previous models. One of the most surprising decisions has been to make it available only as a hatchback. The previous model Impreza sold heavily as a sedan with far less sales from the hatch version.

BMW 2008

BMW has done well in manufacturing limited series of models, which are the odd numbered and even numbered series. Among these you will be able to find the saloon sedan and the estate wagon on one hand and the coupes and cabriolets on the other. Examples of such limited series of cars are the 6 Series and the 8 Series of BMWs, the later being launched in 1989. More recent examples include the Z3 and the Z4. The Z3 and the Z4 are roadsters available in two door convertible and two door coupe models. If you are wondering where you have seen the Z3 before, the answer is simple: in the James Bond movie Golden Eye. The 5 Series BMWs are the most recent examples of limited series cars. These are mid sized luxury cars or executive cars and can be bought in sedan and touring body styles. The model has been around ever since 1972, but each year BMW has added a plus of technique and charm making them sturdy and attractive at the same time.

Some of the future models for BMW include the Z10. The Z10 is meant to be an improvement of the Z8, which is presently a two seat, two door convertible car. The Z10 was announced to appear in 2008 and will feature a V10 engine of 550 horse power.

In case you love the sports cars, BMW has a surprise in stock for you: it is called the BMW V/F3 and will be a sports tourer or the V/F5.

Another future model of BMW is the Z2, which will be a roadster and coupe with a 4 cylinder engine and it is out 2009. The F01 and F02 Series are for those that like the 7-series BMWs and will be around starting from 2008. Are you a Rolls fan? Then you must be aware that a Baby Roller is coming up from BMW and this will be a miniature Rolls Royce.

Audi 2008

The latest Audi models are numerous, including the A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, Q7, Allroad Quattro, RS4, R8, S4, S5, S6, S8 or the TT. The Audi A8 is one of the current full size luxury models made by this famous subsidiary of Volkswagen. The model was launched in 1994 and has been a great success. It was meant to replace the V8 and one of the most amazing features is the all wheel drive. Ever since its launch, the A8 has been improved and the Second Generation of A8 appeared in 2004. It is available in a 4 door sedan as well as in the coupe model.

The Audi S8 resembles the Mercedes Benz AMG models, but shares many common features with the Audi V8 engine and some A8 features. The S8 was introduced in 2001, while the Second Generation came in 2006. The Second Generation S8s feature a Volkswagen D3 platform, have a 6 speed transmission and have a four wheel drive layout. The magazine reviews of the S8 have praised this model

The newest racing models include the Sport Quattro, R8 and the R10. The R10 is the trendiest racing car launched by Audi. It was presented to the audience in late 2005 and has won many races in 2006 such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of le Mans, followed by many other races in 2007. The car is diesel powered and had a TDI turbo diesel engine. The R10 has a more developed technology so as to make the car more suitable for a competition and to make it a sure winner. It surpasses the possibilities and of the R8, while the size of the engine is smaller. The aerodynamic style makes this racing car more up to date with the latest racing trends. And did you know that it is said that the R10 can reach the speed of 354 kilometers per hour?

The prototypes and concept cars from Audi encounter for the A7, the Allroad Quattro Concept, the Avantissimo, the Avus Quatro, the Le Mans Quattro, Nuvolari Quattro, Pikes Peak Quattro, Q3, Q5, the Roadjet, the RSQ, the Shooting Brake and last but not least the Audi R Zero. Audi has the ambition to surpass BMW and Mercedes Benz in terms of luxury and safety and hopes to achieve this by 2015

Porsche 2008 Cayenne line

Porsche has released a refined Cayenne line-up for 2008. These include the base, S, and the Turbo. Two of the considered significant changes include the angrier looking, more slated VW headlights and a revised front fascia with ribs cutting across larger vents.

The turbo model keeps its signature hood bulges. It will also be differentiated from the other two models by larger turn indicators that resemble the LED strips found on the front of the new 911 Turbo. Base and S models on the other hand, will have smaller, round indicators. It was recently announced that a refined Boxster with increases of five horsepower for each model will go along with the vehicle. With this, some automotive journalists think Porsche will give a similar increase to the Cayenne.

All three Cayennes, the base, S, and the Turbo, have the trade mark of larger gill-like front fascias. They also all have new engines and suspension options. The new line of V-6 and V-8 engines all feature direct fuel injection, as Porsche calls it the DFI, for greater power and efficiency. As an option, all three models will also have a new electronic suspension system called Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC).

Despite of its impressive performance and record-setting sales, some critics have (and are still) complaining that the first-generation Porsche Cayenne lack in character, and that misfortune continues with the 2008 Cayenne. It has a new face, mildly reworked interiors, and revised engines, but little else feels or looks different.

On a brighter side, the Cayenne S and Turbo are even more muscle-bound than before, with power increasing from 340 and 450 hp to 385 and 500 hp, respectively. Porsche says that highway fuel economy is up 15 percent for the Cayenne S and 11 percent for the Turbo - thanks to the new and improved direct injection or the DFI. The base Cayenne was supplied by VW with V-6 power manual-transmission which has been enlarged from 3.2 to 3.6 liters for an additional 43 hp and 44 lb-ft of torque. Active anti roll bars are now available on air-suspended models.

Coming standard on all Cayenne models is Porsche's Stability Management (PSM), with its brake assist function, advanced trailer stabilization system and off-road ABS. These functions improve the brakes' reaction speed, significantly reduce the yawing which can affect vehicles when towing, and optimize braking performance on loose ground. The static and, for the first time, dynamic bend lighting that come with the bi-xenon headlamps fitted as standard to the Cayenne Turbo likewise increase active safety. The system, which can also be ordered for the Cayenne and Cayenne S, is activated as soon a speed of three kilometers per hour is reached.