No matter what you think of vehicles, weather you think of them as being completely utilitarian - as basic as possible; or to get you from point A to point B or weather you think of them as sexy beasts that exude almost as much personality as the people who drive them. The following ten cars are for those people who believe getting from point A to point B doesn't have to be dull and unattractive. The following ten vehicles are just a few of the cars that for this year are BOI magazine's 'it' cars to have.
10. Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible
Now even though this car isn't brand new for this year, it still is one you shouldn't over look if you're looking to go topless. The company that started out making Swedish airplanes really knows how to make a car that makes you want to fly. They are known for their safety and unique styling and none of that is lost in this car. Saab is a car that if you haven't driven one, you really don't know what you are missing. Although Saab has gone more mainstream in their styling, their cars still won't get mistaken for anything other than a Saab. You gotta love that about them. For 2006, Saab finally realized that even the Swedes might enjoy a navigation system. This quirky Swedish safety-mobile has all kinds of little nuances that keep it versatile and comfortable, no matter what your needs. The Saab has a very aggressive styled 5-spoke wheel, with thin spokes that make the brakes extremely visible, top that with a spoiler and Xenons, and you have a very unique looking versatile convertible9. Infiniti G35 Coupe
This to me is what defines a truly fun sports car! When this car came out it received the 2003 Motor Trend car of the year award. Then about the onlybad thing I could say about it was it didn't have memory power seats. They changed that for 2006 and also added steering wheel memory, new re-designed taillamps, intelligent key system, and new premium package that includes a Bluetooth hands free phone. Ok I stand corrected. This car is truly a fun Luxury Sports Car! If you just want the sports car you can look at the Nissan 350Z but I think this car more than deserves the extra $$.
8. Jaguar XKR Coupe/Convertible
It's pronounced Jag-You-Are. Although this car will be redesigned for 2007, it's still a hot car. Inside the cabin, 12-way power-adjustable heated front sport seats, and a standard Alpine® DVD-based navigation system are standard. On the outside you have Xenon headlamps, striking 18-in. Hydra wheels, distinctive hood louvers and new quad exhaust tailpipe finishers. That with 390 horsepower delivered through the six-speed ZF automatic transmission, incredible stopping power, and the superb handling and ride comfort make this a car that defines personality. It's fast, it's good looking, but it's not cheap!7. Ford GT
Ok, I felt as though I was neglecting our domestic brands, and this is one not to go without mention. Ford plans to make approximately 1500 annually for two or three years, depending on demand. Powered by a 550-horsepowerV8, fitted with a six-speed manual transmission and capable of speeds in excess of three times the legal maximum in most states, the two-seat GT is an exotic car in everything but price, although its manufacturer's suggested retail price of $150,000 puts it in exclusive company. It's worth every penny. Although light in amenities, it's surprisingly comfortable and accommodating for a high-performance sports car
Still, it's not intended for weekend getaways, as there's really no trunk to speak of. Think of it as an occasional escape from the everyday, not as an alternative way of life.
Put another way, it can't be the only car in the garage, but it'll be the car you'll want to drive.
6. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
I know, the name sounds like a tongue twister, and with the way this SUV looks I wouldn't mind wrapping my tongue around parts of it myself. Think of this as the SUV with a perfectly toned torso. Land Rover didn't just slap a spoiler and some larger tires on the Range Rover and put a 'sport' sticker next to its name, they actually made an attempt to make this sport utility vehicle live up to the 'sport' in its name. The 2006 Supercharged Range Rover Sport balances a highly efficient 4.2-litre (it's British so its not liter) supercharged V8 that creates 390 horsepower. Put that with a six-speed electronic transmission and you have yourself an engine that means business. Other touches that set this apart from its base Range Rover are perforated leather seats, unique bright-finish front grille design, prominent side power vents enhanced with bright-finish mesh inserts and stainless steel exhaust tips.5. Volkswagen Passat
This car is perennial best selling German Midsize Sedan in the US. What makes this car cool, in my opinion is all the small attention to detail that the German manufacturer put into this car. From the optical illusion that iscreated from the LED tail lamps when the turn signal is activated, to the plush sophisticated look of the interior this car has it going on. The front of the vehicle touts bi-Xenon headlamps with heated washers (a must for those of you who aren't religious about washing you car in the winter) with a system that gives the driver the ability to aim the headlights to follow the car through corners. Other notable features on this include a tire pressure monitoring system and park distance control (great for city parallel parking!)
4. Infiniti M45
The first time I saw this car in person was at the Chicago auto show, and I remember thinking, this is an incredible looking car. Infiniti is known for dropping all kinds of technological goodies in their cars. Then one day, I saw one on the road, and I honestly was shocked how small it looked when compared to everything else on the road. I honestly thought to myself, is Nissan trying to say that M is supposed to stand for Maxima? (What does Q stand for thenha!) I digress, by no means is it an economy car, but it is no longer has the girth the M45 of a couple years ago had (built off the 97-01 Q45 chassis.) What makes this car is the outstanding combination of performance and features. Some of the features include intelligent cruise control which adjusts the vehicle speed and keeps a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. It also has a rear view monitor system which uses the navigation screen when the car is in reverse to show you what your rear view mirror may miss. And the list goes on and on!3. Lexus GS 430
Hello Sexy-Lex! This V8 powered machine combines style and elegance once only found in European cars with the reliability and quality of Japanese engineering. The new generation GS has more aggressive sheet metal andstyling that give it a more edgy look. Doing 0-60 in 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 149mph make this more than a nicely dressed Toyota. The interior is beautiful throughout. Nice touches or wood, leather, and chrome dress the cabin and make you feel as though you are sitting in a cockpit designed by Giorgio Armani himself. One of the many things that makes this car stand out from all the rest, is a little almost unnoticed panel to the left of the steering wheel that flips down to reveal all kinds of buttons. You can adjust your mirrors, raise and lower the rear sunshade, wash your headlights, and open the door to the Batcave. (Probably not the last one but you get the picture, right?)
1. 2007 Mercedes Benz S Class
I don't know where I should begin with this. Mercedes Benz coming out with a new S Class is like Rock & Roll being re-defined in a new generation. It's the coming of a new era. It raises the bar and sets goals for all other cars to reach. The 2007 S-Class will not disappoint.
The new S-Class set to arrive in the US early in 2006 emerges with a stronger presence and a significantly evolved design. Sharper angles and cleaner lines frame a sedan that is longer and wider than its predecessor. Hmm Longer, Wider? Bigger is better!
The S600 is powered by a V12 engine with more than 500hp. This comes with the world's first 7 speed driver adaptive smooth shifting automatic transmission. Other cool features include Optional Radar System the next generation of Distronic cruise, Infra-Red Night Vision that can extend the drivers visibility to nearly 500 feet, and more Pre-Safe features that closes windows & sunroof and adjusts seats for optimum position just moments before an impact.Watch for it on the street you'll know it when you see it & the person inside will know you're looking!
