For several years, Audi's bread-and-butter car in the United States has been the A4. The company sells roughly 40,000 a year, with Avants making up roughly 10 percent of the mix. It's no surprise that, with such a small number of Avant sales, Audi isn't concerned about providing a huge amount of product diversity. With the launch of its new A4 Avant, Audi has announced that the only driveline combination for the North American market in the Avant will be a six-speed automatic 2.0T with the new rear-biased Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

I've never owned an SUV, or had any desire to. To me, they're gas-guzzling bricks hauling spoiled, DVD-watching kids, while being accident-safe by crushing the other car. But then I got in a BMW X6.

You may have first seen the new Mercedes-Benz GLK appear as a fun trolley for those fashionistas in the Sex and the City movie, bringing oohs and ahs to the theater from car guys and gals alike. Or maybe you saw the concept in January at the North American International Auto Show and you were surprised to see it in production already for 2010. Whichever culture you choose to tap info from, Mercedes' reach is all encompassing. They've been making four-wheel-drive vehicles for more than 100 years, so they're fairly confident there's nothing to prove with this newbie to the line. What we get with the GLK is a classic beauty made more comfortable.

The '09 John Cooper Works is the driving enthusiast's MINI--with more power, more torque, and an overall more sporting demeanor. An optimized air supply, new exhaust tract, and modified turbocharger push overall output to 208 hp (SAE) and 192 lb-ft of peak torque. With the "Overboost" function engaged, the torque figure is increased to a maximum of 207 lb-ft. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The gearbox features identical gear ratios to that of the MINI Cooper S, but the gears themselves have been strengthened to cope with the augmented power output in the John Cooper Works application.

Audi has realized that no matter how good the Q7 is, the gargantuan size just sit well with some buyers, especially in light of recent gas prices. To still satisfy their customers who require a bit more ground clearance than what their Avants offer Audi is releasing the Q5. A five seat SUV that supplies nearly the same amount of passenger room with superior performance, driving dynamics and fuel mileage than its big brother.

Pedal Pusher
BMW has developed a children's foot-powered pushbike that converts easily into a traditional pedal-and-chain-operated bike once the child has developed a strong sense of balance-all without the aid of training wheels. The Kid's Bike features an easy-to-install pedal system and an adjustable seat designed to grow with children from the initial stages of learning to big-kid pedaling.
$300
www.bmwusa.com

The second generation all-wheel-drive 911 is here, featuring a raft of new technologies on its key components: power unit, gearbox, and power distribution system. First on the list is a pair of brand-new engines retooled from the ground up. The standard C4 still uses a 3.6-liter flat six and the C4S a 3.8, but thanks to new direct fuel injection each offers improved power, torque, and fuel economy. The 3.6 is up 20 hp over its predecessor with a maximum output of 345, while the 3.8 in the S iteration has been improved by 30 hp, peaking at 385 hp.

Maserati has unleashed a high performance "S" iteration of the Quattroporte sport sedan for the 2009. Chief among the revisions is a V8 power unit with increased displacement, 4.7 liters over the standard version's 4.3, which pushes peak output to 425 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque and improves the zero-to-60 elapsed time to 5.3 seconds. The also S uses a revised "Skyhook" suspension with new damper settings, springs and valves to optimize suspension frequency response. Brakes developed jointly with Brembo are also standard, featuring six-piston monobloc calipers and 14.2-inch perforated rotors.

More than 50 years ago, Volkswagen introduced its Type II, aka the Microbus or Transporter. Originally billed as the Station Wagon in the United States, it was a roomy box of a vehicle loosely based on the Type I (Beetle) platform with one key difference: it could haul around a lot more people and stuff.

*Quick change chuck
Forget the fact that the Porsche Design P'7911 Multihammer Power Drill can drill through stone, concrete, wood and metal. Or that is has the power and torque to make any of these tasks feel like cutting through warm butter. Never mind the patented handgrip that ensures a favorable center of gravity, the power transmission or the safety clutch, quick-change chuck and 'variospeed' electronics. We would buy it on looks alone.
$645
www.porsche-design.com

The new Scirocco might be the coolest-looking production car Volkswagen has built in 13 years. That is, since it stopped building the Corrado in 1995-which was an obvious successor to the original Scirocco in the first place. Historically, Americans paid a premium to own the Scirocco and the Corrado alike. They sold in limited numbers compared to the more popular GTI and that was fine, thanks to a powerful dollar. This time around, Volkswagen has confirmed that Americans won't even get the chance to pay too much. Call it a combination of a euro that gains in power daily, a pathetic dollar, and the company's desire not to upset GTI sales.

Wagons, if you didn't already know, are a hit overseas. Free from the soccer-mom stigma of wood-clad, road-going Americana circa 1980, European drivers can appreciate the added utility of a wagon. This one has been the most highly anticipated in Europe for at least a couple of generations. For now, Audi isn't bringing the 2.0- or 3.0-liter TDIs to America, but Audi brass unofficially claimed the new 2.0-liter turbo engine "could very well" have close to 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Keeping in mind the V6 FSI with AVS (Audi Valvelift System) is up 10 hp to 265 hp but retains the current torque of 243 lb-ft, the updated 2.0 TFSI will be an ass-kicker. As in the upcoming A4 sedan, the driver will be able to fine-tune the suspension, throttle and steering settings from the wheel using Audi's Drive Select. At 185 inches, the wagon is six inches longer than the sedan. Despite that extra length, it still looks neat and compact, thanks to short overhangs, big wheels and the aggressive, flat-faced front fascia. Now, how about an RS4 Avant?

In 1927, the very first series-produced Volvo car, the OV4, nicknamed the 'Jakob,' left the factory. Fast forward to 2005 and in a rural area south of Sweden, automotive artisan Leif Tufvesson and his company, Caresto, began work on injecting modern craftsmanship into this classic. The result is the Hot Rod Jakob.

To spearhead its EfficientDynamics strategy, BMW has introduced a new high-performance diesel engine and will be bringing it to the United States in two vehicles, the 335d and X5 xDrive35d. The power unit is a 3.0-liter inline six cylinder with Variable Twin Turbo Technology. It develops a lusty 425 lb-ft of torque at 1750 rpm and a maximum of 265 hp at the top of the rev range. Better yet, it meets stringent emissions control measures in all 50 states.

The TTS uses an upgraded 2.0-liter turbocharged engine to produce 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed manual transmission won't be making the trip Stateside, but it's OK because we'll be wholly satisfied with a six-speed S-tronic sequential manual. Along with 18-inch wheels, Audi's magnetic ride damping system will be standard equipment and will give the driver the option of using either Standard or Sport modes. The car also incorporates hybrid body construction-steel at the rear, aluminum for the front and center sections to keep weight down. Visual cues include bi-xenon headlamps with daytime running LEDs and a speed-sensitive rear wing that raises into position at 75 mph. The TTS will be available in both Coupe and Roadster form and goes on sale late November this year.

Three years after it showed the Birdcage 75th, Pininfarina returned to Geneva with a new concept car that 'explores ideas and solutions for the car of the future.' The Sintesi has been designed according to what Pininfarina calls a 'liquid packaging' philosophy. Rather than draping a body over mechanical components, Pininfarina instead styled the Sintesi to give shape to the mechanical. This was reportedly made possible through collaboration with Nuvera, which developed the Quadrivium fuel cells positioned near the wheels. One result is generous passenger space in proportion to the car's total volume, without detracting from the sporty profile (0.27 Cd).

Set the way-back machine to 1996 and we find Mercedes-Benz introducing its SLK roadster, Swabian foil to the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3. The SLK looks the part, a smaller version of its SL sibling. Although from the same family, the SLK sometimes felt like it was living in the shadow of its more refined brother, riding his coat tails to get into parties. The SLK needed to earn its stripes, live on its own. The SLK had to grow up.

The first Mercedes-Benz fuel cell car was a wagon that had to drag around over 1500 pounds of fuel cell paraphernalia, compromising performance (56 mph top speed) and range (limited to 80 miles). As is the way with technology, things have become smaller and better. Currently, M-B has 100 fuel cell vehicles being tested around the world, from which a team of 150 scientists and engineers extract valuable information to prepare a true car of the future.

In recent years, the term sports car has become diluted from over use. Everything from four-door sedans to visually warmed over econo-boxes have been given the title. Luckily for enthusiasts everywhere, Lotus is still building products that deserve the term sports car. The new Elise SC is basically the definition of the term. Lightweight, the perfect amount of power, responsive and focused. Essentially a supercharged Elise, the SC isn't so much about the extra peak power as it is expanding the powerband. The car never feels like you're in the wrong gear. New wheels, seats and interior trim round out the upgrades. Look for a full driving review in the September 08 issue of european car magazine.

No one would have necessarily called the first one underpowered, but the Vantage is back for 2009 with even more grunt. The next-generation car sees engine displacement increased from 4.3 to 4.7 liters and now throws down 420 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque-increases of 11 and 15 percent, respectively. Both the six-speed manual and optional Sportshift transmissions benefit from a modified clutch and flywheel to increase engine response, and improvements have been made to the suspension, including new steering geometry for more direct input and low-friction Bilstein dampers for both improved ride quality and dynamic capability. A new Sports Pack has also been made available, which comprises lightweight forged alloy wheels, re-tuned dampers, uprated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar.

Volkswagen is just in time to meet rising gas prices with a smaller more efficient SUV. Powered initially by the 2.0T that has become legendary in the GTI and GLI it offers twice the mileage of some of the larger competition. Small outside does not necessarily mean less space inside. Through efficient use of space, VW has managed to stretch interior space well beyond that of your average sedan. The smaller Tiguan also doesn't require the same amount of compromise in handling as the large gas guzzlers. Billed as the GTI of SUVs, it is surprising how fast it can be hustled through twisty roads.

The new Gallardo has arrived. Featuring an all-new V10 powerplant pushing 552 hp, signature permanent four-wheel drive and an updated E-gear sequential manual transmission featuring 40-percent faster gear changes, this car pushes the Gallardo's performance envelope ever further into the extreme. The Gallardo LP560 also features a 40-pound reduction in weight, a revised suspension setup for improved handling, and aggressive new aerodynamics loosely derived from the ultra-limited, million-euro Reventn. Check out the October 2008 issue of european car for a full review and driving impression.

The new Gallardo has arrived. Featuring an all-new V10 powerplant pushing 552 hp, signature permanent four-wheel drive and an updated E-gear sequential manual transmission featuring 40-percent faster gear changes, this car pushes the Gallardo's performance envelope ever further into the extreme. The Gallardo LP560 also features a 40-pound reduction in weight, a revised suspension setup for improved handling, and aggressive new aerodynamics loosely derived from the ultra-limited, million-euro Reventn. Check out the October 2008 issue of european car for a full review and driving impression.