Eric Peters2010 may or may not prove be a good year for the car industry - but it's a great year for high-end sedans. Just for openers -
* 2010 Porsche Panamera (base price $89,800)
In 2003, Porsche took the bold - and at the time, hugely controversial - step of adding a four-wheel-drive SUV (the Cayenne) to its previously sports car-only model lineup. Purists gasped, but Porsche felt it had to broaden its appeal, that some buyers needed more than two doors as much as they wanted access to the prestige and elite performance capabilities that come with the keys to a Porsche.
* 2010 Aston Martin Rapide (Base price $197,850)
The last four-door Aston Martin was the 1976-1991 Lagonda - a striking car that was acutely angular and provocatively futuristic. It featured the first-ever LED digital dash as well as a computer controlled engine management system.
* 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 hybrid (base price $110,350)
People who buy six figure cars probably don't care that much about fuel economy - but Mercedes-Benz (like all other automakers) is well aware how much the government cares about the fuel efficiency of the cars it builds.
* 2010 Jaguar XJ (Base price $71,650)
How do you update an icon without losing the iconic look - and the buyers who revere the icon?
The first toe in the proverbial water was last year's XF - which replaced the very traditional-looking "Old School" S-Type mid-sized sedan. It was a n extremely risky move. Would Jaguar purists object - and abandon the marque? And even more importantly, would Lexus, BMW and Mercedes buyers like the new XF enough to cross shop? The Motor Gods smiled upon Jaguar. Current Jaguar owners did not curl their lips at the XF's sportier, younger-looking (but still "Jaguar") silhouette. And potential prospects who hadn't even considered a Jag in years were showing definite interest.
*2010 BMW 335D (Base price $43,900)
American drivers who have never been to Europe have no clue how far diesel engine technology has advanced since the '70s and '80s - the last time a significant number of diesel-powered passenger cars were available over here. Memories linger of feeble acceleration, horrendous clatter and ugly black clouds of soot pouring out of the tailpipe. Only a few diehards were willing to accept these drawbacks in return for the higher fuel efficiency and superior durability of diesel power. Understandably so.
See the USA This Summer
Whether you're taking an educational trip with your family or just looking for a peaceful getaway, ArcaMax's United States Travel Guide will give you great ideas for fun ways to spend your summer.
If you're looking for a different location, thinking ahead to later this year, or just looking for quick and easy travel tips, start reading the ArcaMax Travel ezine. You can also submit your own photos to the photo gallery and see other reader pictures. Vote on your favorites, and encourage your friends and family to vote to make yours the most popular of the month!
