Acura RL

The RL is Acura’s flagship 4-door sedan, which was redesigned for 2009 with more aggressive styling. It continues to be a showcase for the latest advances in electronic technology, including Acura’s Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control and improved Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The RL also offers AcuraLink weather, a new Note function for XM Radio, Traffic Rerouting, Active Sound Control, Smart Entry, Bluetooth Audio and HandsFreeLink that now features more than 700 voice commands and improved voice recognition. The RL joined the Acura lineup as a replacement for the Legend in 1996 and had previously been redesigned for 1999 and 2005, when SH-AWD was added.

Volkswagen CC

The CC is Volkswagen’s new four-door coupe that Volkswagen describes as combining sports car dynamics and dimensions with sedan comfort. Wider, longer and lower than the Passat sedan with a long hood, strong shoulder line, rear-swept roofline and short trunk lid, the athletic but elegant look is accentuated by large wheels and tires, deep front air dam and bold grille. Inside the four individual sport seats sit low.

The 2009 CC is a 4-door, 4-passenger sports sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the Sport to the VR6. Upon introduction, the Sport is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The VR6 4Motion is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 280-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Named for one of the most challenging corners on the Le Mans racing circuit, the Arnage was fittingly introduced at the French circuit in April of 1998. It was 70 years prior that a Bentley, powered by a 4.5-liter engine, achieved victory at the 24 hours of Le Mans endurance race. To commemorate this achievement the Arnage was initially offered with a 4.5-liter engine developed with BMW and Cosworth, making it the first engine in nearly 60 years that was unique to the Bentley marque. In 2002, the Series Two Arnage was introduced, completely reworked and powered by a Bentley-built 6.75-liter V8 engine. The Arnage T was the first of the Series Two, and was followed a few months later by the Arnage R. The long-wheelbase Arnage RL was added for the 2003 model year.

Engine

• 6.75L V8, 16 valves, 450 hp @ 4100 rpm
• 6 speed automatic transmission
• 10 mpg city / 14 mpg hwy

Acura MDX 2009

The 2009 Acura MDX is Acura’s midsize luxury crossover SUV with seating for seven occupants. Acura was one of the first import luxury brands to offer a sport utility in 1996, with the SLX, which was a rebadged Isuzu Trooper. The MDX concept vehicle was unveiled at the 2000 North American International Auto Show and the production version debuted a few months later at the 2000 New York Auto Show. For 2007 the MDX was redesigned with a more athletic appearance, a longer and wider body, a longer wheelbase and a lower ride height. Acura’s flagship SUV was tuned on the world famous Nurburgring racetrack in Germany and is the sixth Acura project to be designed and engineered in the U.S.

The MDX has a refined and powerful 300-hp V6. It is more agile and quieter than its predecessor. The third-row seat folds easily into the floor and is a better fit for kids than adults. The dashboard is a sea of tiny, similar-looking buttons. Crash-test results are impressive.