Best of 2008
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
All hail the return of Alfa Romeo to the United States. However, don’t get too excited, as only 90 copies of the car above are earmarked for sale in this country. Nevertheless, the 8C is a landmark Italian sports car in the classic tradition. Motivated by a 4.7 liter V8 pumping out 450 horsepower, this coupe can rocket to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. This kind of performance and aesthetics does not come cheap, as the 8C arrives with a price tag north of $200,000. Still, for that price you get possibly one of the most beautiful cars on the road with an impressive exhaust note and rarity that not even a Ferrari could rival.
BMW 1 series
Available in Europe as a hatchback since 2004, the new 1 series coupe and convertible are meant to bring an affordable option to those aspiring to the BMW brand. Arriving stateside in 128i and 135i form, the 1 series packs the same normally aspirated and turbocharged inline six engines that grace the 3 series lineup. Expect even better performance than the legendary 3, along with a comprehensive list of features. Prices for the 128i coupe are slated to start in the high $20,000 range, with the powerful 135i starting at $35,675.
Cadillac CTS
“Tipping point” is a term that refers to moment when something unusual becomes common. Consider this Cadillac the tipping point for the brand. Cadillac introduced their new “art and science” styling language earlier in the decade, and the subsequent CTS, STS, XLR and SRX models have followed this design mantra. However, the CTS didn’t just set the bar for this styling higher. It completely knocked the bar into the stratosphere. While the first CTS was a bit homely, this new CTS is one of the most cohesive looking car designs to debut this year, if not this decade.
The excitement doesn’t stop there because you have a choice of two new V6 engines, one of which is direct injected good for 304 horsepower. These engines are mated to either a 6 speed manual or automatic with rear or all wheel drive. The fit and finish inside and out rivals the German competition, as does performance. Finally, a car we as Americans can be proud of. Bravo Cadillac, bravo!
Maserati Gran Turismo
Just when you thought a Maserati couldn’t get any sexier, along comes the Gran Turismo. Intended to replace the Coupe and Spyder, the Gran Turismo offers a dry sump V8 offering a tad over 400 horsepower which is mated to a 6 speed automatic. Sharing many components with the Alfa Romeo 8C and Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, the Maserati offers its own unique combination of performance and luxury, whereas the Ferrari and Alfa are more all out supercars.
Offered in a bevy of interior and exterior colors, you are almost assured you won’t see another one of these coming down the street at you. Prices start at around $130,000. You can explore the car configurator at www.granturismoisback.com.
Mercedes C Class
The third generation C class ups the ante once again for the compact luxury sedan segment. Available in three trim levels (C300 Sport and luxury sedans and C350 sport sedan), Mercedes-Benz is playing to several different crowds with their reengineered bread and butter sedan. Some new features on the table are a built in hard drive that can store your digital music files, a new COMAND multimedia interface and agility control suspension. The C300 Sport Sedan starts at $31,975.
MINI Clubman
An interesting variant of the original new MINI, the Clubman adds a bit of versatility to the mix. The Clubman is a 5 door vehicle, but not in the traditional fashion. Out back, there are two doors that swing out to the side and one small third door on the passenger side which aids rear entry. For those looking for a small wagon or who might have liked the idea of a MINI but it was just a tad bit too small, your car has arrived. Available in Cooper and Cooper S trim, MSRP starts at $20,600.
Saturn Astra
The Saturn Astra is further evidence that General Motors is taking steps to regain market share and respectability in the eyes of the consumer. First introduced to Europe and Australia in 2004 as the Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra, GM has decided to replace the hideous Ion subcompact with this Belgian built 3 and 5 door hatchback.
Power comes from a 1.8 liter four cylinder with variable valve timing. Two trim levels are available with options such as leather seating, 17” wheels and heated seats. On sale date is early January 2008 and pricing starts at $15,535. If you were considering a Volkswagen Jetta, Golf or Honda Civic, you’d be wise to kick the tires on this one.
Suzuki SX4 hatchback
Interested in buying a new Fiat but hampered by the fact they are no longer sold in the United States? Then buy the Fiat Sedici’s sister, the Suzuki SX4 hatchback, which is currently the lowest priced all wheel drive vehicle for sale in the U.S. market. The SX4 is a joint venture between Fiat and Suzuki designed by renowned vehicle stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro. Originally intended solely for the European market, the SX4 arrived in the United States this year in sedan form as well as a rather handsome all wheel drive four door hatchback.
A 2.0 liter, 143 horsepower inline four backed by either a 5 speed manual or four speed automatic is the motivation for this compact vehicle. The all wheel drive system is electronically controlled, alternating between front drive, automatic all wheel drive and permanent 50:50 all wheel drive. For those wanting the versatility of all wheel drive but seek good fuel economy, the SX4 could be an excellent solution.