Mazda MX-5 Miata

The MX-5 Miata is Mazda’s two-seat, rear-wheel-drive convertible sports car. Completely redesigned for 2006, the third-generation MX-5 Miata features bold fender flares, a large grille, standard 16-inch alloy wheels and dual chrome exhaust pipes for a more aggressive look. For the first time, a power retractable hardtop was added for 2007. The best-selling two-seat roadster in the world was first introduced in the summer of 1989 and was redesigned for the 1999 model year.

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 2.0L I4

Standard Transmission 5 Speed Manual

Cylinders 4

Horsepower @ RPM 166@6700

Torque @ RPM 140@5000 (foot-lbs)

The 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata adds a driver’s seat height adjuster in the Touring and Grand Touring, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer and a tire-pressure-monitoring system.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The V8 Vantage is Aston Martin’s newest two-seat sports car that bears a strong family resemblance to the DB9 and the Vanquish. The Roadster joined the Coupe for 2007. The interior is all Aston Martin, with much of the styling for the switches and instruments derived from exclusive watches and premium audio gear. The interior makes extensive use of leather and anodized aluminum, and the V8 Vantage features a full complement of custom-fitted luggage. The front-engine rear-wheel-drive V8 Vantage is aimed squarely at the Porsche 911.

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 4.3L V8

Standard Transmission 6 Speed Manual

Cylinders 8

Horsepower @ RPM 380@7000

Torque @ RPM 302@5000 (foot-lbs)

For 2008 Aston Martin offers the special edition V8 Vantage N400 to commemorate Aston Martin’s success at the Nurburgring 24 Rennen 24-hour race with the V8 Vantage N24 production race car. Available as either a coupe or a roadster, the V8 Vantage N400 is powered by a 400-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 with either a 6-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission. Sport suspension, lightweight alloy wheels with a graphite and diamond-turned finish, new rocker design, rear-light trim and Magnum Silver mesh grilles differentiate the N400. Interior enhancements include micro-spin alloy trim, perforated leather seats, available contrast stitching and a Nurburgring track diagram embroidered in the armrest.

Bentley Arnage

The sumptuous Bentley Arnage sedan provides nearly everything a driver could ask for:

plenty of horsepower, an opulent interior and almost unmatched exclusivity. Of all the current models, it is the closest to Bentley's roots in terms of styling and overall character.

The Arnage comes in three variants: the high-performance Arnage T, the comfort-oriented Arnage R and the extended-length Arnage RL limousine. The Arnage T appeals to driving enthusiasts with a tauter suspension and an extra 50 hp from the 6.75-liter V8 engine it shares with the R and RL models. Recent updates include a six-speed automatic transmission, plus assorted functional and cosmetic changes. Each car is hand-built, allowing the ultimate in customization for those who prefer to order a car. 2009 is the final year of Arnage production, and Bentley is commemorating the event with the limited-edition Arnage Final Series.

Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro unveiled ahead of Detroit

For those who still have sufficient cash-flow to purchase high end sports cars, the latest and greatest remains a must. In keeping with that reality, Audi is cranking up the juice on its flagship R8 sports car with the introduction of the R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro, which got an early reveal on the web today. The R8 shares some less visible bits with its corporate cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo, but until now the Lambo's V10 engine has remained exclusive to the Italian side of the family.

The R8 V10 will be the street going version of the R8 LMS that debuted a couple of weeks ago at the Essen Motor Show in Germany. It's 5.2L V10 is rated at 525 horsepower and 390.91 lb-ft of torque in European spec form. Those numbers fall a bit shy of the latest Gallardo LP560-4 even with the same displacement, which ensures that the Lamborghini can still command a price premium over the German machine. The U.S. version of the R8 V10 should remain pretty close to these numbers. That will be enough to push the 0-62 sprint under four seconds to 3.9 seconds. Unfortunately, the R8 is still saddled with the same craptastic 6-speed R-tronic as the only alternative to its proper manual gearbox. The R8 V10 now also inches closer to the magical 200 mph mark with a terminal velocity of 196 mph. The V10 version gets a new set of all-LED headlights for both high and low beams and the scoops on the side blades now bulge out to suck in the extra air needed to feed and cool the larger engine. A new rear diffuser also helps keep the rear end planted where a set of twin oval tailpipes replace the quad exhausts on the standard model. The R8 V10 will be available in Germany starting next spring with a base price of EUR 142,400 (approx $180,000) and will make its official debut in January at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Follow the jump for Audi's official press release and check out the high-res images in our gallery below.

Suzuki SX4 Crossover

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 2.0L I4

Standard Transmission 5 Speed Manual

Cylinders 4

Horsepower @ RPM 143@5800

Torque @ RPM 136@3500 (foot-lbs)

The SX4 Crossover is Suzuki’s compact five-door front- or all-wheel drive hatchback. The SX4 name is derived from (S)port (X)-over for (4) seasons and is the lowest priced all-wheel-drive vehicle sold in the U.S. The body and chassis of the SX4 have evolved from the Suzuki Swift that has earned many awards in Europe and Asia. The SX4 was designed to capture the style and presence of an SUV in a compact, efficient package. Earlier in 2008, the SX4 Crossover, along with its sedan sibling, became the least-expensive vehicle on the market to feature a standard satellite navigation system.

The 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover gets a number of upgrades for the new model year, most notably a standard navigation system. The nav system was developed with Garmin and features TRIP (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play). In addition to the Bluetooth connectivity, the system provides a number of available MSN Direct-enabled features, including real-time traffic, weather forecasts, news reports, stock quotes, local event listings and a gas station finder capable of locating the lowest priced fuel in your area. Also new for 2009 is the addition of Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard equipment on all models.