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Sports Sedan Links
Some sporty two-door cars can carry four adults and compete with the models in our chart in acceleration, braking and cornering. Though these vehicles lack the convenience of four doors, they provide most of the functionality of the cars covered here, plus a sportier style in the eyes of many enthusiasts. For instance, the BMW 3-Series is also available as a two-door coupe. See our report on
With the line separating specific types of vehicles growing blurrier by the day, it is not surprising that there are some vehicles sharing many traits of sports sedans while not being technically classified as such. To run toe-to-toe with the sport sedans, a sedan must generally be at least a near-luxury sedan with sporty characteristics. You can read our report on
If cost is a large consideration as far as a sports sedan is concerned, there are two options. The first option would be to look at used sports sedans. If well maintained, a used sports sedan can still be competition for the vehicles currently on the street. The other option would be to look for a family sedan, which may not perform quite as well, but will cost less and be comfortable for at least four people. ConsumerSearch has a separate report on
For 2009, the Cadillac CTS line will once again include an ultra-performance CTS-V model, powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged version of the Chevrolet Corvette LS9 V-8 engine. Rated at 550 hp, this will be the most powerful and fastest production model Cadillac has ever built. It will compete head-to-head with European supercars such as the BMW M3, Audi RS4 and Mercedes C63 AMG.
The 2009 Audi A4 goes on sale in mid-year 2008, featuring an all-new platform that adds almost five inches in length and two inches in width to the outgoing model, but overall weight is expected to be lighter. Styling will retain the familiar Audi family look, with a sportier flair. Engine line-up will be similar to current offerings, but with slight increases in power and fuel efficiency. A diesel engine is a possibility.
Nissan's Maxima gets a redesign for 2009, but will actually be a bit shorter in wheelbase and overall length than the current model. It returns more to its sports sedan roots, leaving the Altima to fulfill the family car role in the Nissan line-up. The new Maxima will be a bit wider, which should add to its stability on the road. Power increases to 290 hp, and a host of new luxury features will be available.
The Acura TL is scheduled for a complete redesign for 2009, which will likely include a more powerful V-6 engine. AWD is possible, which might change the landscape completely since one of the primary concerns for the Acura TL is that it's driven by the front wheels.
A long-overdue replacement for the Saab 9-5 is expected in 2010, based on a new global front-drive platform engineered by GM's Opel division in Germany. It will likely be a bit larger than the current model, and will continue to offer an all-turbocharged 4-cylinder and V-6 engine line-up. A hybrid powertrain and AWD are possibilities.
Aside from the sources listed in our All Reviews section, we found the following sources especially helpful:
Edmunds.com is a helpful site for finding out about any given vehicle on the market today. A number of specs, reviews and helpful links make the site a complete tool in itself for finding the perfect car. There are a number of ways to search for cars -- through make, model and year, for example. The site also includes an active car enthusiasts' discussion forum.
Autobytel.com is a valuable site for vehicle research. There are a number of search methods, and the reviews are often in-depth. Also, this site has special sections for future vehicles, auto shows and editorials, so it's possible to read more than specs.
The Car Connection has a good number of well-written new-car reviews, based on the editors' research along with actual driving experience. Editors clearly communicate their likes and dislikes, along with a general article, plus news and buying tips for each model. Not every car is reviewed, but each model has a listing of specs, photos and related news.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a non-profit 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.
