2010 Lexus IS

The 2010 Lexus IS ranks 11 out of 17 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 60 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus IS, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Lexus produces two midsize luxury cars - the comfort-oriented ES, and this, the more performance-oriented IS. Available as a sedan and a convertible, it's intended to do battle with sport sedans like the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. It can't keep up with those cars in track testing, but its exceptional interior and sexy looks make it a decent alternative for many buyers.

The IS comes in two trim levels, the IS 250 and IS 350. A high-performance F-type, reviewed separately, is also available. The primary difference between the two other trims is power - both are nimble handlers, though not at the top of their class, but only the 350 has the straight-line acceleration most buyers expect of a sport sedan. The IS 250 is available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, while the IS 350 comes only in a rear-wheel-drive layout. Link......

2009 Lamborghini Murcielago

he 2009 Lamborghini Murcielago ranks 1 out of 8 Exotic Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 8 published reviews and test drives of the Lamborghini Murcielago, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Lamborghini Murcielago flies like a bat out of hell. While other supercars may offer more comfortable accommodations, few can match its lustful design and superior performance dynamics.

Introduced in 2001, the Murcielago LP640 is the successor to Lamborghini's much celebrated Diablo. It is named for a legendary nineteenth-century Spanish bull that withstood an unprecedented 24 thrusts of a matador's sword. True to its namesake, the Murcielago combines a muscular and aggressive design with knock'em dead performance capabilities. "Snake-belly low and reverse-cowgirl sexy, this car ... is the most heinously irresponsible, developmentally arrested, awesomely cool sports car the world has ever known," writes the Los Angeles Times. "This $405,000 hypercar is, in short, a great big booger flicked in the face of respectability." Indeed, the Murcielago's 631-horsepower V12 engine wasn't engineered for the faint of heart.Link......

2009 Lamborghini Gallardo

The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo ranks 3 out of 8 Exotic Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 20 published reviews and test drives of the Lamborghini Gallardo, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Lamborghini Gallardo is lust on wheels -- combining sexy, look-at-me styling with mind-numbing performance capabilities.

For 2009, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 undergoes a series of changes that lead Automobile Magazine to describe it as lying "between a 'face-lift' and an 'all new car." To start with, its new acronym -- LP560-4 -- stands for its engine's position (Longitudinale Posteriore, or longitudinally-mid mounted), horsepower output (560), and standard four-wheel drivetrain. Add to that a more powerful engine, reworked E-gear transmission, lighter weight, refreshed sheet metal, and reconfigured interior ergonomics and its easy to see why some describe the 2009 Gallardo as an entirely new car.Link.......

2009 Infiniti FX

The 2009 Infiniti FX ranks 6 out of 15 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 16 published reviews and test drives of the Infiniti FX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The FX is redesigned for 2009 with two powerful new engines, a stylish exterior and lots of hi-tech features. Its sporty handling and innovative safety features shine in the familiar sea of crossover SUVs. For a more comfortable ride, consider the Lexus RX 350 or Acura MDX.

Test drivers find the FX incredibly fun to drive, if a bit uncomfortable at times. "FX stands out from the pack for its combination of unique styling, sporty handling, and relative utility," says Consumer Guide. "It does, however, makes some sacrifices in the ride and rear visibility departments. Competitors such as Acura MDX and Lexus RX exhibit a more comfortable, conventional blend of luxury and convenience, with less edgy styling and a more composed ride." Despite a hefty base price, the FX can be considered a value due to its high level of standard features. In addition, it costs several thousand dollars less than the similar 2009 BMW X6.Link......

Eco Bimmer--The M1 lives

BMW is exploring plans for placing what one high-ranking insider describes as "a breakthrough green supercar" into limited production by the end of 2012.

Described as "a puristic two-seater that draws on all the very latest BMW technology and lightweight build processes," the new supercar has been conceived to showcase the German carmaker's "EfficientDynamics" program. The effort has ushered in a raft of fuel-saving technologies, including direct injection, brake energy regeneration and stop/start features, applied to its volume-selling 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-series models.

Details remain scarce, but a source privy to early design proposals said that the new BMW supercar would be a modern-day M1, with high levels of performance, lively dynamics and fuel consumption and emissions ratings on par with or better than those of a 5-series. "The idea is to take the supercar to a whole new level of environmental compatibility using technology and materials already in wide use today," the source said.Link......

Ford Capri

he Capri is back – as a hatch! These are the best pictures yet of the compact family car that looks set to be the must-have model of 2010 – it’s a new three- door version of the Ford Focus.

Just as Volkswagen has done with the stunning Scirocco, Ford is seeking to reinvent one of its most famous sports cars. And it’s this dramatic evolution of the next Focus that will do it.

Boasting a stylish but practical body, it will target the Scirocco and the Renault Mégane Coupé, providing a glamorous sister car to the standard five-door hatch – revealed in Issue 1,057. Appealing to young, style-conscious buyers, the new Coupé should be a big hit.Link...

Ferrari’s new 458 Italia revealed!

With a top speed of 203mph and a 0-60mph sprint of less than 3.5 seconds, this is the fastest car Ferrari has ever built.

So say hello to the F458 Italia - officially revealed in these first pictures.

Offering a staggering 570bhp at 9,000rpm it's also fitted with an advanced engine, and a new double-clutch, seven-speed gearbox.

Like all Ferraris, the new name references the engine - in this case a 4.5-litre V8. But what's equally important is important is the bit that comes next. Called Italia, this is the car Ferrari hopes will be the new pride of Italy.Link.....