Join our host Charlie Romero as he tests the 2008 Porsche Cayman at Barber Motorsport Park outside Birmingham, AL. The mid-sized Cayman sport coupe is sized in between its siblings, the slightly smaller Boxster and the larger 911 Carrera.

The base model Cayman has the 2.7L H6 engine that produces 245 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 201 lb-ft. of torque from 4,600-6,000 rpm. The fuel economy is impressive considering the performance, getting 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The 3.4L H6 engine of the 2008 Cayman S produces 20% more horsepower, making 296 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 251 lb-ft of torque from 4,440-6,000 rpm, with a 0-60 time in 5.1 seconds. The Cayman S, like the base Cayman, also gets surprisingly good mileage with 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. For ride comfort in either model, you can opt in for Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) that lets you choose between Normal or Sport settings depending on the driving situations and conditions.

The Cayman proves that Porsche can excel at other things than performance, mixing in an appealing look and practicality. Even with the sleek, sloping styling, the rear trunk has more space than the new Honda Accord with room to hold a set of golf clubs while there is even more additional space in the front trunk. For convenience, the Cayman includes the optional Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, packaging navigation, twenty-three stages of map magnification, and a 5.8-inch color monitor paired to a multifunction steering wheel with controls for audio, navigation, and telephone features.

Discuss the 2008 Cayman model: Porsche Cayman Forums

Specs for the 2008 Porsche Cayman:
Wheels and tires: 6.5J x 17 with 205/55 ZR17 (front) 8J x 17 with 235/50 ZR17 (rear)
Engine: Water-cooled, mid-mounted, horizontally-opposed “Boxer” six-cylinder
Horsepower: 245 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 201 lb-ft. @ 4,600-6,000 rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, or Tiptronic S
Redline: 7,300 rpm
0-60 mph: 5.8 sec.
Fuel economy: 20 city mpg/29 mpg highway
Fuel: Premium unleaded
Base price: $49,400
As tested price: $52,635

There have been several cosmetic and performance improvements to the BMW 3 Series for 2009. The most noticeable design changes to the 3 Series sedans and sport wagons are the new headlight housings, the switch to LED tail lamps and turn signals, and the re-styled bumper and trunk.

But the real story with the 2009 3 Series is the diesel option. The 2009 BMW 3 Series will offer the 335d in the wagon and sedan models, featuring a 3.0-liter inline-6 cylinder diesel engine. This 6 cylinder engine produces 265 horsepower at 4,200 rpm and 425 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm, powering the vehicle to 60 mph in only 6 seconds. Even with the sportiness of the car, you won’t be sacrificing fuel economy, averaging 23 mpg city and 33 mph highway. For the 3 Series coupe and convertible, get excited for the new 7-speed sport automatic transmission with double clutch.

Stay tuned for more information on the 2009 BMW 3 Series.

When we arrived in Ibiza, Spain to drive the new Audi A4 Avant, we were a bit surprised to have six engine variations of the vehicle to drive…not surprised by the number of engine options but surprised by the fact that they did not have the variation that would be offered here in the US, come late September.

The engine options for buyers interested in the 2009 Audi A4 Avant will be sparse…and by sparse, I mean non-existent when it comes to the engine and transmission. The US market will have one choice: the 2.0T four-cylinder engine with quattro and the Tiptronic “fast shift” six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0T will produce 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. You can, however, choose your paint color, 15 choices in all, and a variety of other driving features and equipment packages.

The new styling of the A4 Avant is superb, making it the first estate-style vehicle that I would ever consider purchasing. The main “torpedo line” ties the front end of the vehicle all the way to the rear, giving the A4 Avant an almost coupe-like line, reflecting the sporty side of Audi. Overall, the 2009 Avant has been worked over and is now 12 cm longer, 6 cm wider, and almost 9% lighter than the outgoing model.

So, you might ask, how does this new A4 Avant handle? Well, to put it frankly, with the drive select feature in the dynamic mode, I didn’t feel like I was in an Avant; I felt like I was in a sports sedan. The Audi drive select is a great feature, with the modes chosen with a push of the button. Drive select can be ordered in many different versions with dynamic steering and/or shock absorber control and integrates three systems: The engine’s throttle response, the speed-dependent servotronic power assistance, and the tiptronic/multitronic shift points. It allows the driver to choose between ‘comfort’, ‘auto’, and ‘dynamic’. Comfort mode is ideal for relaxed driving on long trips or on ill-maintained roads, while auto mode is the most balanced, and dynamic mode, my preferred mode, is the tight, firm stage where you can experience Audi’s power and sportiness. Basically, whichever mode you select, the control unit then adapts to match your driving style and the road conditions.

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Since we’re talking about things that can be done with a touch of a button, I can’t forget to mention the optional electric opening and closing tailgate. To open, you can use the button on the key, the handle at the tailgate, or the button on the driver’s door. The hatch then closes with touch of the button located on the tailgate. The opening angle is also programmable so a person with my 5’4” height could set it to their ideal reach while someone over 6′ tall could also customize it to their height. The conventional handbrake has gone the way of the dinosaur and has been replaced by the new electromechanical parking brake, giving the driver ample space to spread out.

When someone is buying the A4 Avant over the regular A4 you have to assume that they are looking for the luxury and sport associated with the namesake but with extra utility; and let me tell you, the Avant does not disappoint. The cargo space of the Avant is great, and when customizing your purchase you should definitely consider the cargo space package that includes a luggage retainer set. The package gives you two rails along the walls of the cargo area where a telescopically extendable load lock and a spring-loaded belt can be hooked. This keeps luggage stable, even if you only had a few small pieces to stow and the majority of the cargo space is empty. With your cargo securely stowed, you won’t have to worry about it moving and spilling at every turn and stop. If you’re using Audi’s quattro to take the road less traveled for outdoor adventures and have muddy and dirty equipment or clothing, the reversible luggage compartment load liner that flips to reveal a sturdy, easy-to-clean tray will be a great asset to have so you don’t ruin the quality velour carpeting. As a snowboarder, I’d not only use the reversible luggage compartment for my wet boots but I’d also upgrade to one of the various roof racks for my boards.

Other great features and options include the automatic cruise control (ACC), lane assist for risk-free lane changing, parking system advanced (APS) for tight parking in the city, the 220v socket for a laptop charger in the backseat, the panoramic glass roof, navigation, and the Bang & Olufsen sound system. So, despite only having one engine choice, you can still spend a lot of time thinking of the many ways you will customize your A4 Avant

If you want a few more choices with your A4, wait for the A4 sedan that also arrives in the Fall. With the A4 Sedan, you will be able to choose between front wheel drive or quattro, the 2.0T or 3.2L V6 engine and a manual or automatic transmission. But, look at it this way: While the Europeans are wringing their hands and pulling out their hair with the five gasoline and five TDI options before them, we’ll already be cruising in our 2009 A4 Avants.

Click here for more 2009 Audi A4 Avant photos.

We recently took the 2009 BMW X6 xDrive50i for a test drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains while visiting BMW’s Spartanburg manufacturing plant. Our Publisher, Charlie Romero, was quite impressed with this new segment, saying that the X6 could be the best-handling SUV from BMW. He even went so far as to say it handled better than a standard 5 Series.

The X6’s great handling may have something to do with BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, which is a standard feature. The 2009 X6 is also the first vehicle in the world to offer Dynamic Performance Control for unique agility, tracking stability, precision, and traction abilities. Dynamic Performance Control allows the engine to apply torque to each of the wheels as needed, with a gauge in the front dash to show how the power is being applied and distributed.

The new X6 is very quick, coming with two gasoline engine choices. The xDrive35i is powered by the inline-six cylinder with twin turbo technology that produces 300 horsepower at 5,800-6,250 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 1,400-5,000 rpm. We tested the X6 xDrive50i that has the V8 with twin turbo and direct injection. This brand-new engine produces 407 horsepower at 5,500-6,400 rpm and 442 lb-ft of torque at 1,800-4,500 rpm. Both engines are mated to the same 6-speed tranny that is in the X5. Paddle shifters, in addition to the electronic shifter, are standard in conjunction with the 6-speed automatic transmission. These shifters, however, are dual action paddle shifters, meaning that you can downshift or upshift on either side.

The X6 has the same wheelbase as the X5, though the exterior design is a bit deceiving, giving the illusion that the X6 is shorter than the X5. This wheelbase has a very sharp turning radius making ingress and egress from parking spaces an easy task. The exterior design of the new X6 is meant to maximize on aerodynamics but that design does not hinder the very aggressive styling. The X6 has a sporty stance thanks to the muscular wheel arches and bulging fenders at the front and rear of the vehicle, making up some of the unique proportions and lines that are clearly visible from the side view of this SAC. Function, in addition to aggressive styling, was also taken into consideration when designing the X6. Numerous air intakes are built into the front fascia, with every styling feature having a purpose like cooling the turbochargers.

The interior of the X6 is clean and futuristic, leaving out unnecessary fluff. It is crafted with high-quality materials like the dark wood-grain in our tester and double-stitched leather on the dash. The cockpit of the X6 has a seating position more like that found in a sports coupe while the rest of the vehicle keeps the unique utility features of a SUV. Like most SUVs today, the rear hatch closes with the touch of a button. The storage area is already outfitted with hooks to secure cargo, giving the driver typical trunk capacity by today’s standards. The backseat passengers each have separate seats and climate controls, unlike the X5’s SAV’s bench seating. Even Charlie, at 6’3”, fit in the back with enough space for comfort during a day’s-long road trip.

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For those who are looking to customize their purchase, the X6 has numerous upgrade options from HD radio, Satellite radio, Nappa leather, dark wood or bamboo trim, navigation, and running boards to name a few. The package options include: rear climate, premium sound, cold weather, active ventilated seats, sport, and technology. However, be prepared for those options to add up. Base price will start around $63,900, hopefully topping out in the ballpark of $75,000 with the addition various options.

If the estimated fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg in the city and18 mpg on the highway is not that appealing you can wait for the hybrid drive, which will be available in 2009.

Click here for more 2009 BMW X6 photos.
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We’ve been covering the X6 since it was just a concept but we recently traveled to the BMW Spartanburg, SC plant to get seat time in the all-new 2009 X6.

For those who aren’t familiar with the 2009 X6, the Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) is the latest offering from BMW, a brand new vehicle fitted with new technologies. BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive technology comes standard and is the first vehicle to offer Dynamic Performance Control for unique agility, tracking stability, precision and traction in every situation by distributing drive power between the two rear wheels, left and right, in addition to xDrive’s movement between front and rear axle.

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The newly-developed V8 with Twin Turbo technology and High Precision Injection is the world’s first 8-cylinder gasoline engine with the turbo-charger and catalytic converters housed in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders. Powering the X6 xDrive50i, the V8 produces a maximum 400 horsepower from 5,500-6,400 rpm and max torque of 450 lb-ft from 1,750-4,500 rpm. The inline-six with Twin Turbo technology is in the X6 xDrive35i, producing 300 horsepower at 5,800-6,250 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque from 1,400-5,000 rpm. Top speed for both models are limited to 130 mph, unless you opt for the sport package that knocks the top speed up to 150 mph for the xDrive35i and 155 mph for the xDrive50i.

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Stay tuned for the 2009 BMW X6 First Drive Video for driving and styling impressions!

Fuel Economy Stats for the xDrive35i (EPA Estimates):
City: 15 mpg
Highway: 20 mpg
Combined: 17 mpg
Approximate range: 450
Fuel Type: Premium

Base Price:
X6 xDrive35i: $53,275
X6 xDrive50i: $63,775

The A4 family represents 50% of Audi’s volume, with 10% of the sales mix coming from the Avant. That being said, the 5th generation, 2009 Audi A4 Avant proudly carries on the family’s moniker. The A4 Avant is loaded with features like Audi Side Assist lane change assist, Intelligent Key with advanced keyless entry and starting, a rear parking system with review camera, standard panoramic glass roof, an electromechanical parking break, a Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker sound system, an optional electro-mechanically operated tailgate, and Audi Drive Select.

Dynamically, a lot has changed in the A4 Avant. The asymmetrical rear-biased torque split quattro AWD now puts 60% to rear wheels. The B8 A4 Avant is longer, wider, and lower but lighter than its predecessor. In the USA, the Avant will only be offered with the new 2.0 TFSI four cylinder with the new Tiptronic fast-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission that produces 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,500-4,200 rpm. For the fuel-frugal buyer, the 2.0 TFSI boasts a 15% reduction of fuel consumption. However, worldwide, the A4 Avant will be launched with a total of 10 engine options, 5 gasoline engines with FSI technology and 5 TDI units.

For those that like to customize their vehicles, the new A4 Avant will come off of the production line with three equipment versions. Attractive is the line with personality, Ambition for the sporty enthusiasts, and Ambiente for the style lover. Audi drive select gives the driver even more options, allowing for a variety of driving styles. Comfort mode is perfect for the road trip or poorly-maintained roads while the dynamic mode is the tight, sporty stage where the chassis can demonstrate its power. The auto setting of Audi drive select is a perfect balance of the comfort and dynamic mode.

If you can’t wait to get your hands on this Audi wagon, you’ll be waiting until Fall, when the A4 Avant is expected to arrive in late September. There’s no set pricing yet, but we’ve been told that the Avant cost will be comparable, if only marginally higher than the outgoing model.

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Check back for more information on the 2009 Audi A4 Avant and photos of A4 Avant on the Spanish Island, Ibiza.

For years, the BMW M3 has reigned supreme when speaking of small European performance, but times are changing. Does it still wear the crown? Not if the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG has anything to do with it.

AMG has been the performance wing of Mercedes for almost 40 years. Their models have been legendary, including the fire-breathing, 604-horsepower, twin turbo
CL65 AMG. But, if you don’t have $200K (cost of the CL65) burning a hole in your pocket, the C63 AMG also offers brute-force performance. The C63’s V8 engine develops 451-horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque and according to Mercedes, accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The C63 AMG’s high-performance engine is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with the AMG steering wheel shift paddles and three driving modes, the seven-speed automatic transmission allows a sporty or more comfort-oriented style of driving according to the driver’s preference. The different modes – “S” (Sport), “C” (Comfort) and “M” (Manual) differ in their shift characteristics and speed. Gearshifts in “S” mode are 30 percent faster than in “C”, and 50 percent faster in “M” mode.

The C63 AMG is the very first AMG car to have a new double declutching feature during downshifts, which maintains vehicle balance during cornering. This ensures more dynamic handling and enhanced safety thanks to more rapid downshifting and reduced braking torque on the drive axle. And it sounds way cool, with the downshifting throttle “blip” amplified through the C63 AMG’s true dual exhaust system.

The C63 AMG features speed-sensitive AMG sports steering and a new, three-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The ESP system gives you the option of switching the system “off,” should the desire to hang the C63’s tail out on a racetrack come in to play, and I did just that at the Firebird Raceway in Arizona. With CLK63 AMG Black Series cars with pro drivers pacing us, groups of five in C63s put the cars through the paces. I was incredibly impressed with the C63’s power, but more so with the monstrous brakes that slowed our fast track pace. Mercedes uses rotors that are the circumference of wheels found on many compact cars. These 14.2” rotors are clamped by six-piston fixed calipers to anchor the front braking system. Four-piston calipers and 13” rotors handle rear braking duties.

And speaking of racing, the AMG main menu in the central gauge cluster display allows numerous settings, with “Warm Up”, “Set Up” and “RACE” modes activated via buttons on the AMG performance steering wheel. “Warm Up” displays the engine oil and coolant temperature, “Set Up” the current ESP mode and the transmission mode “S”, “C” or “M”. “RACE” mode makes the RACETIMER available, with which the driver is able to measure lap times on a racetrack.

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The C63 AMG styling departs from past AMG C-Class models with a unique hood, with two power domes, widened front fenders and other unique body components. The rear features standard LED lights, along with a black diffuser insert and the AMG sport exhaust system. The AMG spoiler on the trunk reduces dangerous lift at high speeds.

Inside, deeply bolstered special AMG sport seats feature a new design with cross-piping and AMG lettering, and an adaptive backrest with adjustments for the side bolsters and lumbar support. If you are a 737, you will fit comfortably. Wide body 747 types will not enjoy the super tight seating. The AMG instrument cluster features newly styled dials (with red needles), AMG-specific lettering, and a new night-time design.

The 2008 C63 AMG is a car for those who want ultimate performance at a bargain price. Base price is set at $54,625, including destination charges.