Summer is upon us, and dozens of 2009 models are already arriving in showrooms or on their way. The diversity of vehicles continues to grow as groundbreaking models such as the Ford Flex and Hyundai Genesis provide additional choices for consumers looking to find vehicles that best meet their needs. Here’s a first look at what’s coming for the 2009 model year.
Acura: The 2009 model year is looking to be a big one for Acura, with all three of the brand’s sedans getting fresh styling and feature upgrades. The flagship RL and entry-level TSX both get new satin-finish grilles similar to those on the MDX and RDX, a defining trademark for Acura. The TL will likely feature similar styling when revealed later this year. The 2009 RL has a roomier rear seat, softer armrests, redesigned vents and easier-to-use climate controls. Additional sound insulation and an Active Sound Control (ASC) noise abatement system help make the cabin even quieter. The RL also gets a larger 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower, the most powerful ever available in a production Acura. Meanwhile, the TSX still retains the basic shape of the previous generation, but it has a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase and a 2.6-inch wider track, which should make for improved handling and ride comfort. Bold fender flares and taillights provide an updated look. A new 2.4-liter DOHC VTEC engine gives the TSX more torque over a wider range for better midrange acceleration.
Aston Martin: Less than a year after being sold by Ford Motor Company to a group of investors, Aston Martin seems to be continuing down its successful path. For 2009 the marque’s flagship gets a number of updates. The DB9 gets new 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels, new door mirrors and a revised, anodized aluminum five-bar grille. Inside is a new center console made from die-cast zinc with an iridium-silver finish and the “Emotion Control Unit” (ECU) that was initially introduced in the DBS. The ECU — constructed from glass, polished stainless steel and polycarbonate — replaces the DB9’s key. The DB9 also gets an upgrade under the hood. The already-powerful 6.0-liter V12 gets 20 more horses for a total of 470 horsepower. Top speed is now 190 mph, and 60 mph comes up slightly faster than the previous model. The suspension has also been revised to improve ride quality as well as handling. Meanwhile, the V8 Vantage gets a number of enhancements, most which occur beneath its sexy skin. The Aston’s V8 grows to 4.7 liters, fuel economy and emissions are improved, and the displacement bump provides a 40-horsepower increase to 420. The 0-60 mph time drops to just 4.7 seconds, and top speed is now 180 mph. Other improvements include a revised interior, upgraded suspension and standard new 20-inch wheels.
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Audi: Already on sale in Europe, an all-new Audi A4 and A4 Avant will arrive stateside later this year. Longer, wider and slightly lower than the outgoing model, the new A4 features evolutionary styling that makes it clearly an Audi, yet shows the latest iteration of Audi’s design language. The longer wheelbase should provide a roomier interior as well as a smooth, responsive ride, which will be further enhanced by the all-new suspension. The headlights are the most striking styling cue, with a look similar to that of the recently introduced A5/S5, along with LED running lights that were first found on the exotic R8. The A4 will be launched in America with the 3.2-liter V6, available shortly after with an all-new turbocharged and direct-injected (TFSI) 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Not only is this engine expected to have the power and torque of a V6, it will likely be quite fuel-efficient. Joining the new A4 next spring will be Audi’s first compact SUV, the new Q5. Having made its world debut at the Beijing Motor Show in China, the Q5 has a sporty appearance, with a wide stance, bold fender flares and the trademark Audi grille with the LED running lights. The Q5 will be available exclusively with the 270-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 when it goes on sale in North America, and all Q5s will be equipped with Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Bentley: The famed British marque came to market last year with a high-performance version of the Continental GT coupe called the GT Speed. For 2009, the Flying Spur sedan gets the “speed” treatment. Motivated by the same 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine as the standard Flying Spur, output has been increased to 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful sedan ever produced by Bentley, the Flying Spur Speed will reach 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 200 mph. In addition to the power boost, the new, faster Spur rides lower, has upgraded anti-roll bars, unique 20-inch wheels and distinctive exterior treatment. The standard Flying Spur also gets updated, including new front-end styling, a bright chrome grille, new 19-inch wheels, a “sport traction” system and a host of new interior features.
BMW: With fuel-efficiency and alternative fuels so important to today’s automotive market, BMW will join the fray this fall when it brings diesels back to the U.S. Known as Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance, the 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder with Variable Twin Turbo Technology and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system will produce 265 horsepower and will be clean enough to be sold in all 50 states. The first BMWs in the U.S. to use this new engine will be the X5 and 3-Series. BMW claims the engine is the cleanest diesel with the sportiest performance in the world. Also joining the BMW lineup is the all-new X6. Designed as a crossover between an SUV and a sport coupe, the X6 is being referred to by the company as a “sport activity coupe.” Sharing BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system with the X5, the X6 will feature BMW's Dynamic Performance Control, which distributes power between the rear wheels depending on the driving conditions, and should improve handling, especially in slippery conditions. The X6 will be available with a new 407-horsepower twin-turbo V8 that delivers 450 lb-ft of torque from 1700 to 4500 rpm.
Cadillac: Cadillac continues to introduce new products for the luxury/performance set. For 2009 Cadillac will further drive the point home with the arrival of the new CTS-V, which is scheduled to go on sale this fall. Designed to take on the ultimate sports sedan, BMW’s M5, the CTS-V will be the most powerful production Cadillac ever. The heart of the new CTS-V comes from Chevrolet’s Corvette ZR1. The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 produces 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. Although the CTS-V is still in the development phase, General Motors claims it will reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and should exceed 180 mph if not restricted. The CTS-V also includes a comprehensive suite of technical and design enhancements including Magnetic Ride Control, a Performance Traction Management program and the addition of a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift control; a 6-speed manual transmission will also be available. Joining the CTS-V is the first hybrid to wear a Cadillac badge — the 2009 Escalade Hybrid. Utilizing the same dual-mode hybrid system used in the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, the Escalade Hybrid should see as much as a 40 percent improvement in fuel economy.
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