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Luxury Car Links
For luxury cars, most land well above the $40,000 mark, although we include a few lower-priced models in this report. If the cars discussed here are beyond your budget, or you like something with a sportier edge, consider some of the cars featured in our report on
The Acura RL is revamped for 2009 with new style and more features, although it remains an all-wheel-drive sedan powered by a V6 engine that gets a boost to 300 hp.
Hyundai enters the lower-priced luxury segment with its new 2009 Genesis sedan, equipped with rear-wheel drive and a choice of 290-hp or 375-hp V8 engine. Priced like an entry-level Lexus, but equipped like a more expensive GS model, the new Hyundai is sure to stir up the entry-luxury market, many auto writers say.
BMW's most significant introduction for 2009 is the new 7 Series. Elegant styling, more power, a refined iDrive system and better fuel efficiency accompany the new package, which is offered as a 400-hp turbocharged, V8-only model in the US. The V12 model has been dropped. The new 750i and 750Li will certainly continue the 7 Series tradition of carrying BMW's latest and greatest technological features.
Automobile magazine suggests BMW may introduce a sleek "Gran Turismo" sedan that is even larger than the 7 Series. Styling could be based on the CS concept car now appearing on the auto show circuit. The long, low and sleek four-door may debut as a 2011 model, showing the "four-door coupe" styling that seems to be gaining popularity.
The current Jaguar XJ gets some criticism for its aging styling. Sources say a more modern replacement could come as a 2011 model, utilizing the current high-tech aluminum chassis along with a new small-yet-powerful V8 engine.
Lincoln is trying hard to get back into the game with its new MKS luxury sedan, according to those tuned into the auto industry. Bigger and more expensive than the mid-size MKZ, the 2009 MKS is elegantly styled and well equipped, aimed at competitors like the Cadillac STS. Lincoln is also expected to redesign and improve the MKZ, possibly to debut as a 2010 model. Surprisingly, the current rear-wheel-drive version of the Lincoln Town Car will continue at least through 2009, contrary to earlier reports that it would be revamped by 2008.
Mercedes has shown a hybrid version of the S-Class at some auto shows. Called the S400 BlueHYBRID, the luxury sedan is powered by a gasoline V6 engine matched with a hybrid system that charges lithium-ion batteries. Mercedes says it will be the world's most economical luxury car when it debuts in Europe in 2009. U.S. introduction is expected in 2010.
FuelEconomy.gov is a government site where the Environmental Protection Agency releases fuel-efficiency information for vehicles. The site has statistics for past model years as well.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a nonprofit organization that tests vehicles and assigns safety ratings in an attempt to reduce the number of annual losses due to car crashes. This is the place to visit when it comes to finding information on a car's safety rating.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website is the federal government's source for safety information, including results from frontal, side and rollover crash tests, summary of various vehicles' safety equipment and articles on safety topics. It is also possible to search a specific car model for any potential safety recalls.
