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Luxury Vehicles
What do you get when you take the new generation Prius chassis (2010) and mate it with the hybrid drive train from the Toyota Camry, and sprinkle on a heaping helping of Lexus luxury and new technology?
Ferrari markets its brand well, but it isn't necessary. Ferrari enthusiasts arguably watch and wait for the carmaker's every move with more zest then any other manufacturers' fans. Which is particularly good for Ferrari lovers right now. The luxury Italian automobile and its Prancing Horse logo are represented in three new ways — two new cars and a new upscale retail store selling Ferrari paraphernalia.
Not too many years ago, $30,000 was the launching price point for purchasing a new luxury car. Now, that's about the average price of new car in the United States. But plenty of options abound for those who want a luxury vehicle in the $30,000 price range. But it's going to be a used car. For the past few years, I've become a regular reader of the AOL Autos. Its writers and editors seemingly have a never-ending stream of lists while approaching the automotive industry with the consumer in mind. The latest AOL Auto offering, written by Kevin Ransom, is the “baker's dozen” list of best luxury cars for under $30,000. It's a diverse selection, Porsche to Lincoln, Audi to Lexus.
It wasn't too many years ago $30,000 was the beginning price point for a luxury vehicle. Now, $40,000 is the standard, and that's where the Acura TL has been perched for the past several years. The TL debuted with the 1996 model, was redesigned in 2004 and for 2009 has its third generation. Like previous models, the current edition is all good with the vehicle's largest engine to date and a good selection of other new additions.
After a year's hiatus for a redesign, the CTS-V returns in 2009 to the Cadillac stable as a powerful midsize sedan. It's all high-performance and hi-tech and luxury options en masse for the well-heeled brand with the big tradition. There's a lot at stake for the new Cadillac, particularly since one of its siblings has claimed recent car-of-the-year honors. The new CTS-V includes GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension that monitors road conditions and adjusts the suspension as needed. Standard equipment is varied and so are the more than $10,000 in available options, Recaro seats to a navigation system, steering-linked headlamps to Alcantara (suede-like) micro- wrapped shift lever and steering wheel.
Plenty of review vehicles don't create a stir. But the 2009 Jaguar XF, which replaced the S-type, is a vehicle to cherish. The British automaker has also dumped the Jaguar X-type and is phasing it out gradually. As such, Jaguar intends to make the sleek XF part of a manufacturer's new direction — a blend of tradition, technology and styling. Although not an as
I’ve never aspired to be a limousine driver. Yet, there I was recently experiencing what it must feel like to fill that role. I was touring the hillsides around Apple Mountain, Calif., with friends on a beautiful fall day. Although I wasn’t behind the wheel of a limo, it was the first comment from friends enjoying the extensive back seat legroom of the 2008 Lexus LS460. No wonder, the wheelbase stretches nearly 203 inches bumper to bumper.
Since its debut in 1962 with the film adaptation of Ian Fleming’s book Dr. No, the James Bond movie series has included 22 major titles, all with an easily deciphered central theme that incorporates espionage, beautiful women, fine dining and fast cars. Aston Martin is the most remembered manufacturer in James Bond movies, and no one (maybe with the exception of Paul Newman) looks cooler driving than Sean Connery.
While
generally respectful of all Honda vehicles and its upscale luxury line,
a recent week behind the wheel of the 2009 Acura TSX made me
questioning the current redesign. It doesn’t match some of the
high-level competition in the premium compact class.
With interest in sport utility vehicles diminishing with every gasoline price increase, many upscale buyers are looking at luxury sedans as their
next purchase. It's a crowded field 
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