Aramation Auto

Unlike my previous prediction, 2009 BMW 535xi (535i xDrive Sedan) did not receive a complete overhaul, instead receiving a minor spec boosts and even less noticeable exterior changes. How does it fare against other 2009 model-year competitors? Surprisingly well.

Looking at the fellow German competitors, Mercedes-Benz still hasn’t replaced its incredibly aging E-Class (due for replacement next year, hopefully), 2009 Audi A6 is still not out and it won’t be a redesign. Even the Japanese competition on this level is virtually still, with 2009 Lexus GS won’t change the fundamentals of the car (or the pretty ugly dash design)and Infiniti won’t be redesigning their M35 until probably 2010, which leaves us with Acura’s 2009 TL.

2009 Acura TL
For the first time, TL is available with Honda’s SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, making it a veritable contender against 2009 BMW 535xi. The new design is even reminiscent of the 5-Series sedan. 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD features a 3.7-liter engine making 305hp (5hp more than 535i’s 3-liter engine) that will at least bridge the performance gap that has always plagued Acura (and Honda) vehicles. Fun to drive or connecting with the road is an all-together different question as Acura hasn’t managed to engineer a vehicle on the same level as BMW on that front. At least on specs they are pretty comparable… Expect the new Acura TL SH-AWD in October 2008, with a price tag slightly smaller than 2009 BMW 535i xDrive.

When it comes to American luxury labels, Cadillac’s STS hasn’t been changed in awhile and doesn’t really offer much fight against BMW. Lincoln does have a new weapon in the form of MKS which promises to revitalize the brand and bring new customers.

2009 Lincoln MKS
Also featuring a 3.7-liter engine, MKS only makes 273hp – Lincoln does have a long way to catch up in building a high-spec engine – and Lincoln curiously doesn’t think 5-Series is a competitor (their website lists the Cadillac STS, Lexus GS350 and Infiniti G35). Lincolns are notoriously known for their slushy handling, and it’s debatable whether the completely new model MKS makes enough progress on that front. Spending over $40,000.00 (the base price for AWD model) on an unproven platform and model from a brand that’s on the verge of death is not really a message young up-and-comers want to send. At least it looks much, much better than Acura’s ill-fated attempt to make their cars look edgier and stylish.

Conclusion
If you’re perfectly fine with spending a bit more, and if you insist on a luxury label, then 2009 BMW 535i xDrive is the ultimate all-wheel drive sedan that’s practical and fun to drive at the same time. The fight may turn out different when other competitors release new models either in 2009 or 2010.

The redesigned TL gives up the sporty version, and instead opts for SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) as the top of the line. Base model has its specs bumped up to 285hp with its 3.5L engine. Read more for the full press release.

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Now the 7 Series looks even more mainstream according to the latest leaked pictures of 2009 BMW 7 Series. Most prominent change is the taillight and the entire rear that finally gets rid of the “Bangle” butt. Both the exterior and interior are further refined, and the most-hated iDrive controller is getting updates as well with new hardware and software improvements.

Also new is the in-car internet system, and the rear entertainment system that has 2 screens behind the driver and passenger seats.

2009 BMW 7 Series gallery:

Spectra-replacement Forte has been finally unveiled by Kia with the release of official pictures. Much better looking than the outgoing Spectra featuring cleaner lines and the new corporate grille, Forte will go on sale in August in South Korea and will arrive in North America in 2009.

2009 Kia Forte gallery:

Dodge’s muscle car revival effort continues with the long-awaited release of Dodge Challenger. The base model SE will start at just $21,995 USD and will be equipped with a V6 producing 250 hp. If you want the Hemi, you need to upgrade to R/T and that will cost you $29,995. 5.7L powerplant will give you 370 hp to play around with.

Full press release after the jump:

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Hyundai has finally announced the prices for its first attempt at a luxury-sport full-size car. Attempting to offer the size of BMW 7-Series with the performance of the 5-Series at a price of a 3-Series, the Genesis sedan will start at $33,000 for the V6 version, and $38,000 for the V8 version.

Press release after the jump:

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BMW’s newest vehicle X6 is labeled as Sport Activity Coupe (or SAC) or Sport Activity Vehicle (or SAV) depending on which press release it is… 2009 BMW X6 finally has a price, and its base will be $53,275 for the xDrive35i model, and $63,775 for the xDrive50i. It will arrive to your local dealers this summer. Read the (lengthy) full press release after the jump, and discover why BMW thinks this vehicle is the best thing since the sliced bread:

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Set to be unveiled in just a few months, someone from autoweek.nl has managed to take a few pictures of the second-generation Infiniti FX. Virtually unchanged since the introduction, the new redesign doesn’t look like it’ll change the overall dimension. FX55 moniker could indicate it will be powered by a 5.5 liter V8 which will definitely make it one of the fastest SUVs in the market.

[Read full story in Dutch at AutoWeek.nl]

Lincoln finally builds a car that’s worthy of being called luxury. It may not offer the performance of many of its rivals (for example, my 2007 Infiniti G35x comes to mind which offers over 300hp in a smaller engine), but it still remains a viable choice if what you really want is an American luxury vehicle.

Some of the announced features include:

• 3.7L V6 rated at 272hp
• SYNC system
• THX certified 5.1 surround sound audio system
• Voice-activated navigation system with real time traffic updates, movie listing, Doppler radar weather forecasts
• EasyFuel capless fuel-filler system
• Adaptive cruise control
• Intelligent access with push button start
• Adaptive headlights with automatic high beams
• Rearview camera system

More pics after the jump:

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