Porsche 911 Turbo

Like the existing car, the new Turbo features four-wheel-drive sharing its transmission with the recently announced Carrera 4 and 4S models. Like those cars expect the Turbo’s four-wheel-drive system to be able to transfer up to 40 per cent of drive to the front wheels to provide amazing traction - useful when the Turbo is expected to be punching out in excess of 450bhp. It will also feature the slightly wider rear arches of its Carrera 4 relatives, though they feature large intakes behind the doors to feed cooling air into the engine bay. Twin turbos boost the output of a modified version of the Carrera S’s 3.8-litre engine, the likely result a 200+mph capable flagship 911. Improved underbody aerodynamics help ensure the 911 Turbo is stable at such high speeds, though true to form it’ll also feature a ‘whale-tail’ rear spoiler to not only improve downforce but also aid engine cooling. The Porsche’s ceramic

brakes is another standard feature.

With the extra power of the Turbo channelled through it the 911 Turbo is certain to offer performance to equal and better rivals like the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo.

Power for the new 911 Turbo, transferred through either the manual six-speed or optional five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine. The 911 Turbo incorporates three large front air intake cooling scoops, intercooler air intakes in the rear side panels, and a rear spoiler that deploys at 75mph (120 km/h) and retracts at 55mph (80 km/h). As found on all current 911 Cabriolets, the Turbo 911 is equipped with a power convertible top that raises or lowers in just 20 seconds.

Cadillac CTS sedan

Stylists took quite a leap when they developed the Cadillac CTS sedan, whose appearance has drawn both high praise and bewildered consternation. Available engines include a 255-horsepower, 3.6-litre V-6, and a 2.8-litre V-6 for the new entry-level model. Cadillac’s performance CTS-V model, which features a Corvette V-8 engine, is meant to rival specialty machines from the German automakers. A new six-speed manual is the standard transmission, but a five-speed automatic is available. The instrument cluster is also new, and the 16-inch wheels are restyled. Launched as an early 2003, the Cadillac Touring Sedan was built on a new rear-wheel-drive platform and featured square-edge styling. Suspension revisions and interior were changed for 2004 to soften the ride and reduce noise. Cadillac’s 3.6-litre V-6 produces 255 hp, and the new 2.8-litre V-6 generates 210 hp. Both engines work with a Aisin six-speed-manual transmission, and a five-speed automatic is optional. A button for the automatic selects sport, winter and economy modes. Six airbags like dual-stage front, seat-mounted side-thorax and roof-mounted side curtain-type are installed. Antilock brakes and all-speed traction control are standard.

M-Class ML500

The M-Class was a noteworthy introduction when Mercedes-Benz entered the luxury sport-utility market in 1997 with the 1998 ML320. Built exclusively in a new, state-of-the-art plant in Alabama, the M-Class boasts a fully independent suspension and sophisticated 4-wheel-drive system. According to the automaker, the main goal for the M-Class was to combine superior off-road capability with the ride and handling expected from a Mercedes-Benz. The M-Class Special Edition replaces the inspiration edition for 2005 and includes unique 17-inch wheels, power dome hood, silver grille, aluminum roof rails, choice of matte birch burl or dark burl walnut interior trim, and metallic paint. All-disc antilock brakes, door-mounted side-impact airbags for the front and rear seats, and side curtain-type airbags are standard. The company’s Tele Aid emergency communication system can summon help, and it kicks in automatically to call Mercedes’ roadside assistance centre if an airbag deploys. The system can also be used to track a stolen vehicle.