New engines trigger new model names in this Lexus line during 2006-07. The GS 300 becomes a GS 350 by switching to the Lexus/Toyota 3.5-liter V6 that's already used in the hybrid GS 450h. The GS 430 becomes a GS 460 sharing a new 4.6-liter V8 with ...

Acceleration, Ride, Quietness

Rear-seat room, ,

Look for redesigned 2008 Sebring convertibles in the first half of calendar '07. They'll share running gear with the new JS-platform '07 sedans, but will have lower, sleeker styling in the mold of Volvo's C70. Interestingly, Chrysler will offer both ...

Head Room, Acceleration (with 3.5-liter V6)

Acceleration (4-cylinder), Shoulder room

The TT sits out the '07 model year pending the release next April of all-new 2008-model coupes. New-generation 2009 cabriolet convertibles are due in spring of '08. Though recognizeably TT, the redesign features crisper lines and a "faster" coupe ...

Build quality, Handling/roadholding, Interior materials, Acceleration, Available AWD

Noise, Visibility, Rear-seat room, Rear-seat entry/exit, Ride

The A8 line revives a sporty model and gets a redesigned V8 for 2007. The latter stays at 4.2 liters, but Audi's FSI direct fuel injection and other changes add 20 hp for 350 total. The high-performance S8 returns with a new 450-hp 5.2-liter V10. The ...

Acceleration, Handling/roadholding, Room and comfort, Interior materials

Control layout, Fuel economy, ,

A new-generation A8 is expected around 2010 to replace today's vintage-2002 design. It's said to be about 4 inches longer, at 200.8 overall, and to wear a crisper, more sculpted look. No word yet on U.S.-market powertrains, but we'd guess the complex ...

Acceleration, Handling/roadholding, Room and comfort, Interior materials

Control layout, Fuel economy, ,

More V8 power, a sporty V10 S6 and various detail changes are the 2007 news for the A6 line. Audi's FSI direct fuel injection and other modifications boost the 4.2-liter V8 to 350 hp, up 25 from '06. A revived S6 sedan boasts a new 450-hp 5.2-liter ...

Acceleration (4.2), Available AWD, Passenger and cargo room, Steering/handling, Build quality

Audio/climate controls, Fuel economy (4.2), , ,

The midsize Audis were last redesigned for 2005, and sources forecast another redo for model-year 2010 or '11. A modest freshening is possible for 2008 or '09

Acceleration (4.2, S6), Available AWD, Passenger and cargo room, Steering/handling, Build quality

Audio/climate controls, Fuel economy (4.2, S6), , ,

Having just introduced the hot RS4 sedan and updated Cabriolets, Audi looks ahead to a redesigned A4. Sources say it will bow in Europe at the end of 2007, which likely means a 2009-model U.S. debut 6-8 months later. The new design is said to be a bit ...

Acceleration (V6, S4), Automatic-transmission performance (CVT), Steering/handling, Ride (base suspension), Interior materials, Available AWD

Rear-seat room (Cabriolet), Fuel economy (S4), , , ,

The A3 revises option-package features for 2007, but is otherwise unchanged for its third season in America. A sporty S3 with a tuned V6 making around 280 hp is expected during the '07 model year, says a reliable Detroit-based source. It's already ...

Handling, Controls/Materials

Rear-seat room,

Having now expanded to four models, Porsche's SUV is due to get a front-end restyle and other cosmetic updates for 2008, say our sources. An uprated base model with 275-hp 3.6-liter V6 is also expected. Porsche was known to be mulling a long-wheelbase ...

Acceleration, Handling/roadholding, Cargo room, Build quality

Fuel economy, , ,