Price Range: $26,490 - $36,195

The Ford Explorer 2008 ’s five-door SUV styling is clean and uncluttered, while the interior is one of the finest Ford’s put in a truck yet.  Although engine performance is mediocre, the midsize 2008 Ford Explorer deserves consideration from anyone shopping for a traditional SUV with substantial towing and hauling capabilities. But for those who just need a family cruiser, newer seven-passenger crossovers provide more space, superior driving dynamics and slightly better gas mileage.

Performance

Two underhood options are available on the 2008 Ford Explorer: a “revised 4.0-liter V6 engine” that Kelley Blue Book says makes “210 horsepower” and “254 lb.-ft. of torque,” while those in need of more power can turn to a “4.6-liter V8 engine with 292 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque,” according to Edmunds. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that neither engine is particularly impressive in terms of acceleration, with ForbesAutos describing the V-6 as “barely adequate.” Edmunds calls the engine performance on the Ford Explorer “mediocre” and says that the engines are “weak” when “compared to competing SUVs,” thanks in part to the fact that “a 4WD Explorer equipped with the V8 takes a mediocre 9 seconds to reach 60 mph.”

Read more »

“Just look at the thing!” That’s about the only selling line the 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will ever need. If you’ve seen a V8 Vantage on the road, you know what we’re talking about. Few other cars look this, well, sexy. Thankfully, this baby Aston has impressive talent lurking beneath its gorgeous face. The 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage coupe and roadster are not just exceedingly pretty faces. Although it can’t quite keep pace with Porsche’s 911, this baby Aston has the performance and handling cojones to make it the envy of not only the neighbors, but driving aficionados as well.

Read more »

Mazda has gone GREEN! The 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid has flipped the idea of “going green” on its backside. With a wealth of incredible features and superior exterior styling, the Tribute Hybrid blows all other comparables away. It’s gotten some styling tweaks, including a new grille and interior, plus a rear window that now looks more like the Escape’s. Not only is it one of the most agile Hybrid SUVs on the market, competing with hardliners like the Ford Escape, it is also available with a towing package. The Mazda Tribute Hybrid both saves on gas and can tow a boat or ATV. With three different trim levels available, buyers can find exactly what they want with ease. Not only that, this hybrid offers two engine sizes as well. Also, the Tribute Hybrid can be purchased as a 4WD SUV.

Read more »

The 2008 Smart ForTwo is dynamically excellent in almost all respects compared to its predecessor. It rides well, it holds the road, it maneuvers as if it’s controlled by a video-game joystick, and its performance is quite respectable. The U.S.-spec model we drove in Madrid is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 70 hp and 68 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to push the 1654-pound featherweight from 0 to 60 mph in about 13 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 90 mph. Smart expects the car to earn EPA combined fuel-economy ratings of about 40 mpg. Read more »

The 2008 Nissan Frontier has a great off-road and hauling capabilities, in addition to its ample power and attractive exterior. Though, it doesn’t have the quality materials or interior space of some of its competitors.

The 2008 Frontier is available with two engines. The King Cab’s XE engine is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder with 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. The SE, NISMO and LE trims for both King and Crew Cab have a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet. Drivetrains also vary dependent on trims. The base model has a five-speed manual transmission, but Frontiers also come with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.
MSRP:
$16,530 - 28,330

Read more »

The 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranks in the top half of its class because of its tight, balanced handling and zippy acceleration. What’s more, reviewers see its soft top and new power-folding hardtop as the best in their class, though the MX-5 falls short of competitors on interior room. As the highest-ranking Affordable Sports Car by US News, the Miata proves to be a smart choice for anyone in the market for a great performer at a bargain price.

With its balanced handling, quick and precise steering, and crisp-shifting six-speed manual transmission, the 2008 Mazda MX-5 is a true sports car. It virtually tied the Porsche Boxster other site’s test scoring, but at about $27,000, it’s roughly half the price. The manual top can easily be lowered or raised with one hand from the driver’s seat. 

All Mazda Miatas are powered by a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine good for 166 horsepower – not much less than the previous-generation’s turbocharged Mazdaspeed high-performance model. Depending on trim levels you’ll find this power routed to the rear wheels through a five- or six-speed manual transmission, or an available six-speed automatic for shiftless types — though with the automatic, hp drops to 158.

MSRP: $27,000

Read more »

The new Ferrari 430 Scuderia will join the road-going V8 line-up alongside the F430 coupe and the F430 Spider.The 2008 Ferrari 430 Scuderia is designed for those sports car enthusiasts who happily give up some comfort to obtain the ultimate driving experience. Ferrari took off 220 lbs. over the standard F430 while increasing horsepower from 483 to 510.

Superb performance both on and off the track is assured by a series of cutting-edge solutions. There is the latest software - F1 Superfast - which reduces gearchange times to just 60 milliseconds, and new traction control which, for the first time, combines the E-Diff electronic differential and the F1-Trac traction and stability control in a single integrated system.

Vehicle dynamics, control and performance thus represent the zenith of Ferrari’s achievements in terms of developing road-certified sports cars.

Check out the unveiling of the  2008 Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

MSRP: $262, 306

Read more »

Undisguised prototypes of Porsche’s 2008 Boxster and Cayman have been seen by spy cameras undergoing final testing ahead of the car’s reveal planned for later this year. Just like the facelifted 911, also due by the end of the year, Porsche’s updated Boxster and Cayman will only receive a few subtle changes to the bodywork, namely new LED taillights, reshaped headlamps and new bumpers.

Here are some of the cars features:

VEHICLE TYPE: mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door roadster or 3-door hatchback

ENGINES: DOHC 24-valve 2.7-liter flat-6, 245 hp, 201 lb-ft; DOHC 24-valve 3.4-liter flat-6, 295 hp, 251 lb-ft

TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed auto with manumatic shifting, 5- or 6-speed manual

Read more »

The new 2008 Audi R8 is the first ever sports car mid range engine from Audi. This coupe sports a very sporty interior and very glossy and stylish exterior.  It has a 420 horsepower high-revving V8 engine and all-wheel-drive. The Audi r8 makes use of the mid-engine Lamborghini Gallardo platform. Standard and manual transmission to suit your preference.

The Audi  R8 sports a choice of LED or Xenon headlamps surrounded by LED running lights and indicators. Numbers show that it can run from 0 to 62 mph time is 4.6 seconds. At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-litre engine delivers 309 kW (420 bhp) of power output. Peak torque is 430 Newton-metres from 4.500 to 6,000 rpm.

MSRP: $118,000

Read more »

Rolls Royce’s 2008 Phantom Drophead Coupe convertible is a two-door, four-seat convertible, a less formal interpretation of classic Rolls-Royce design. Using the lightweight rigidity of an all-aluminium spaceframe, it combines modern technology to a sleek, streamlined convertible body.

The Phantom Drophead Convertible is a complete innovation of RR’s 100EX concept car, which was shown at 2004’s Geneva show. The key elements of the 100EX stays on this model: the thin LED headlamps, rear-opening “suicide” doors, brushed steel hood and A-pillar, and teak decking aft of the passenger compartment.

Read more »

A super sized luxury liner???

The 2008 Lexus LX 570 luxury sport utilty vehicle holds up to 8 occupants comfortably with three rows of seating.

 The soft ride is enhanced by the plush seats and luxury accomadations.

A power lift gate to the cargo section facilitates carrying and unloading items too big for a breadbox. Read more »