In the Lap of Luxury

GM's most expensive car, the two-seat XLR convertible adds a performance version in the 2006 model year. The XLR-V will have a 440-horsepower 4.4-liter supercharged V8.

The current luxury car market includes sedans, coupes and convertibles—most of them offered by traditional luxury brands. Some rank as flagship models with the latest in automotive technology, power and luxury. Others are lower-priced vehicles that include a comfortable number of amenities.

 

 

Lexus Leads in Total Sales
Lexus has become the top luxury brand in the U.S. and offers five luxury car nameplates. The revamped, third-generation GS—a 2006 model that went on sale early in calendar 2005—became the first Lexus car offered with all-wheel drive. Also noteworthy are the sleeker styling, increased safety features and a new 245-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. Come calendar 2006, Lexus promises to offer a gasoline-electric hybrid version of the GS called the GS 450h. It will be the world's first luxury hybrid sedan.

Lexus is the only luxury marque that offers two nameplates in the lower-priced luxury car segment, with its front-wheel-drive ES 330 and rear-wheel-drive IS 300. Both cars have starting MSRPs around $29,000. The ES 330 is the top-selling Lexus auto. Meantime, in the 2006 model year the IS will debut as a new-generation larger family of sedans offering rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive models starting in fall of 2005.

Lexus SC 430

The large flagship Lexus LS 430 sedan ranks second in the brand's car sales and includes an impressive list of features including a climate control system that monitors sunlight intensity on each side of the car. It automatically delivers more cool air to the sunny side for more efficient cooling. Meantime, Lexus' convertible, the two-seat SC 430, has a power-operated retractable hardtop.

BMW Ranks Second in U.S. Sales
In recent years, BMW has been adding new models to its stable of luxury cars. Besides the flagship 7-Series sedan, the German automaker sells a 6-Series coupe and convertible that have 2+2 seating.

The lowest priced BMW in the U.S. market, the 3-Series arrives in the States about mid-year as a new-generation 2006 model with new 6-cylinder inline engines, new 5-link rear suspension and high-tech features such as Brake Standby and Start Off Assistant. The former can detect when a driver lets off the accelerator pedal abruptly, thereby indicating a likely cornering maneuver or sudden stop. The system automatically applies enough pressure in the brake system to snug the brake pads closer to the rotors for immediate slowing and stopping power. Meantime, Start Off Assistant helps a driver move smoothly into a startup when the car is stopped on a hill. By the fourth quarter of this year, BMW's all-wheel-drive 3-Series versions will begin to arrive in showrooms.

Not to be missed on several BMW models, including the 5- and 6-Series: the high-tech active steering that senses, based on the car's speed, turning input and automatically adjusts the steering ratio for quick response.

Cadillac Gets to Top Three
Cadillac bested Mercedes-Benz in the past year and is the only U.S.-based brand to rank in the top three luxury makes.

Cadillac offers four luxury car nameplates. The entry-level CTS was the first car to wear Cadillac's "new edge" styling and has been adding sportier handling and engine offerings over the years. For example, the high-performance CTS-V model is powered by a 400-horse V8 and includes performance-tuned shock absorbers, springs and stabilizer bars.

Cadillac introduced a new flagship sedan for 2005. The STS is a 5-passenger, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan with styling similar to the CTS's. The STS has two engine choices: a 255-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and a 320-horsepower 4.6-liter Northstar V8.

Cadillac XLR-V

Cadillac's largest car, the DeVille, is a full-size sedan with V8 and more than 43 inches of legroom in the back seat. A new-generation DeVille, to be called the DTS, is coming as a 2006 model and will be in showrooms in fall 2005. It has new styling, inside and out, and a trunk with 18.8 cubic feet of space. The 2006 DTS is a front-wheel-drive car, like its predecessor. There's a choice of Northstar V8s: a 290-horsepower L37 version and a 275-horse LD8. Television's top businessman, Donald Trump, was on the list early to receive an executive limousine version of the new DTS.

Cadillac's highest priced car is the two-seat convertible XLR, which starts at more than $75,000. The sleek model has a retractable hardtop, sophisticated suspension management and 4.6-liter Northstar V8 with 320 horsepower. In the 2006 model year, a performance version arrives as the XLR-V. Its power plant is a 440-horsepower 4.4-liter supercharged Northstar V8.

Domestic Luxury Brands
Ford Motor Co.'s luxury brand, Lincoln, typically slots in fifth or sixth spot among luxury brand sales in the U.S. It continues with its large, flagship Town Car sedan, now available with optional THX-certified premium audio system. THX is used for great sound in commercial theaters and multimedia productions. Lincoln also updated its smaller LS sedan, adding curtain airbags and rear park assist as options on all trim levels and improving transmission shifts.

Lincoln Town Car

New Model Showcase

 

2008 Nissan Rogue

 

Quick Facts:

MSRP Price Range:	$19,250 - $21,870
Invoice Price Range:	Not released
Rebates/Incentives:	Not available
Expert Rating:	Not Rated

 

The Rogue is a new compact crossover utility vehicle aimed at young family buyers. Built on the Nissan "C" platform, which provides high body stiffness, the Rogue is a front engine, front-wheel-drive vehicle with optional all-wheel drive. The standard 4-wheel independent suspension gives a balance of ride comfort and driving stability and all Rogues come standard with power-assisted front and rear vented disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist. With styling that resembles the Murano crossover SUV, the Rogue's performance-oriented exterior has sleek, masculine styling with powerful rear shoulder lines. Inside, the Rogue is a driver-oriented cockpit that offers excellent visibility and a number of standard safety features for protection.

The 2008 Nissan Rogue is an all-new SUV that's available in two trims: S and SL. Powered by a standard 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 175 lb-ft of torque, the Rogue is mated with a standard Nissan Xtronic CVT. Some standard features include an AM/FM/CD 2DIN audio system, rear 60/40 split-fold bench seat, dual-level center console storage with two cupholders and a 12V power port, oversized glove compartment with partition and a keyless entry system. The Rogue is equipped with a number of standard safety features including an Advanced Airbag System, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental airbags, roof-mounted curtain supplemental airbags with rollover detection, front-seat Active Head Restraints, 3-point seatbelts and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. A number of optional features are available including leather-appointed seats, steering wheel and shifter knob, fold-flat front passenger seat, heated front seats and outside mirrors, multi-display trip computer and Bluetooth Hands-Free phone system.

Based on the Sentra sedan and bearing a resemblance to the larger Murano SUV, the small Nissan Rogue SUV is available with front or all-wheel drive. Power comes from a 170-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine shared with the Altima. Like many recent new Nissan models, the Rogue uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Electronic stability control, curtain air bags, active head restraints, and antilock brakes are standard.