Foreign Cars

Audi is jumping feet first into what it calls a “highly emotionally charged segment” of the automotive market by introducing two new vehicles for 2008. Those vehicles are the Audi A5 and the S5, and the emotionally charged segment to which Audi refers is the specialized realm of the Luxury Coupe, which is becoming more competitive and is certainly a highly prestigious segment for automakers. And a quick glance at Audi’s two new luxury coupes will tell you that “emotional” is exactly what the German automaker was aiming for in designing these vehicles.

Just check out that deep grille (a definite design trend for 2008 vehicles), those sweptback headlights, the stunning wheels, the wide stance, sporty overhangs, and flowing lines of the A5 and S5, and you’ll see what we mean. Who wouldn’t want to drive this car from one end of the country to the other and back? A car like this would certainly be an emotional buy, with the primary emotion being happiness.

The A5 and S5 luxury coupes are scheduled for their official unveiling in early March at the Geneva Auto Show, so details on the two cars are still limited, but this much we know. The A5 will be the grand touring model (read super-luxurious), while the S5 will be a sportier version of the same car.

Both models are designed to comfortably seat four passengers, and will be powered by FSI (direct injection) engines — a 3.2-liter V6 for the A5 and a 4.2-liter V8 for the S5, with horsepower for the A5 at around 260 and around 350 for the S5. Audi will push the vehicles’ front axle forward just a bit, with the engines riding behind it to improve balance and handling. Transmissions will be a six-speed manual or a continuously variable multitronic automatic gearbox, also called a continuously variable transmission or CVT.

Audi also notes that the A5 and S5 will feature a completely redesigned suspension with a new rack-and-pinion steering system, as well as Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, 17-inch alloy wheels, an automatically opening trunk, a keyless entry system, an electromechanical parking brake, and a comfort key. A three-zone air conditioning system, a panoramic tilting roof, navigation and audio systems, and Audi’s parking system with a rearview camera are also part of the package.

All in all, it sounds like an impressive package. So get your emotions ready — the Audi luxury coupes will be rolling into U.S. showrooms later this year.

The Mitsubishi Lancer used its recent hiatus to undergo a makeover. The previously none-too-exciting compact sedan skips the 2007 model year and re-emerges for 2008 showing more of an edge, although you’ll still know it’s a Lancer. Think of that wallflower kid back in high school who came back after summer vacation with a cool haircut and a new wardrobe.

While I wouldn’t exactly call it bold, as some reviewers are doing, I admit that it’s nothing if not cute, the kind of thing your little sister would be all over. Its spoiler and spoked wheels give it a contemporary look, and the word sporty does suit it – as long as it’s not parked between two Spyders.

The car’s face has a fierce look, somewhat reminiscent of a fighter jet (don’t forget – it was Mitsubishi who gave the world the legendary Zero). The hood, air intake, and bumper present a cohesive front, united by body color.

The interior is a bit edgy, with a somewhat unconventional design that has the shifter coming forward from the dash rather than up out the floor. It saves a bit of space and looks clean. The instrument panel is uncomplicated, yet modern-looking. But don’t expect to set too much down on the dash, as it is steeply sloped.

This new Lancer is built on the same platform as the Outlander crossover, which has also been redesigned. Although the wheelbase is longer than the previous generation’s, this Lancer is a tad shorter overall. The compact sport-sedan will be fully outfitted with safety equipment, from ABS to air bags.

All trim levels of this little buggy will have a 2.0-liter engine that kicks out 152 horses, except for models sold in California, where the special PZEV-certified engine will produce 143 horsepower. The ’08 Lancer will become the first Mitsubishi sold in the U.S. to offer a continuously variable transmission.

Check your local Mitsubishi dealership for the new Lancer, which will come in three trim levels, starting in March 2007. If you prefer the higher-powered Lancer Evolution X, you’ll have to wait an additional year.

You’ve probably seen the commercials for the recent Kia clearance sale where the sales reps do a little dance and sing “So Long, Farewell” as their vehicles roll out of the dealership. The same song may apply to Kia’s budget-conscious reputation if you suspend your disbelief after seeing the Kue crossover concept at the Detroit Auto Show.

The Korean carmaker certainly turned some heads with the Kue’s streamlined design and 4.6 L, 400 hp V8 engine with 5 speed automatic transmission that you can switch to manual. The 2 door hatchback seats 4 and measures 186 inches from grille to tail. In addition, the hatch in the back has 2 hinged doors that open outward for easy access to storage.

The interior features gray and red trim on the seats with LCD displays on the back of each front seat headrest. Touch pads and motion sensors help passengers control the climate and settings.

Expect the Kue to come out in some form sometime next year. Until then, Kia will need to figure out how to bridge the gap in its automotive evolution.

To learn more about the Kue, check the following links:

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame.php?file=car.php&carnum=3033

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=119137#2

– Posted by Taeho Lim