DE LOREAN DMC 12

The De Lorean DMC-12 was manufactured from 1981 through 1983 by the De Lorean Motor Company in Northern Ireland. Known as the De Lorean, the DMC-12 featured gull-wing doors with a brushed stainless steel body. The DMC-12s were primarily intended for the American market. Therefore, all of the production models were left-hand drive

Lorean DMC 12 Specifications:

Make and Model:
De Lorean DMC-12

Year:
1981

Engine Type:
2.8 Liter V6

Torque:
153.4lb-ft@2750rpm

Acceleration 0-60:
10.5 s

Wheel Base:
94.8 inches

List Price:
$25,000

Horsepower:
140.9bhp@5500rpm

Top Speed:
109.0 mph

Brakes:
Discs

Transmission:
5-Spd Manual or 3 Spd Auto

Weight:
2840 lbs

MERCEDES BENZ G55 AMG

The G-Wagen, short for Gel?ndewagen (or Cross-Country Vehicle), The G-Wagen was first offered for sale in 1979 and redesigned in 1990 and updated in 1997. Designed to be the most durable, reliable, and rugged machine with four wheels. Used by many countries for military use.

Mercedes Benz G55 AMG Specifications:

Make and Model:
Mercedes Benz G55 AMG

Year:
2001

Engine Type:
5.5 Liter V8

Torque:
387lb-ft@2800rpm

Acceleration 0-60:
6.9 s

Suspension:
Front and rear rigid axles with longitudinal and transverse links, coil springs.

Wheel Base:
112.201 inches

List Price:
$160,000

Horsepower:
360bhp@5500rpm

Top Speed:
132 mph

Brakes:
Dual-circuit power-assisted 4-wheel disc. 13.8" slotted and internally ventilated front discs. 13.0"

Transmission:
5 Speed Automatic

Weight:
2459.9 lbs

ROLLS ROYCE DROPHEAD COUPE

Sleek and rakish, yet instantly recognisable, the Phantom Drophead Coupé’s new face embodies its modern, dynamic spirit while retaining the confidence and grandeur that has characterisedRolls-Royce for more than a century.Smaller and reclined at a more streamlined angle than that of the Phantom, the Phantom Drophead Coupé’s grille is made entirely from stainless steel: the central element of which is polished, while the outer shell is brushed to match that of the bonnet, windscreen surround and other exterior brightwork.

ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM

The Rolls-Royce Phantom was launched in 2003, it is an ultra-luxury sedan automobile made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Great Britain, a BMW subsidiary. The engine is derived from BMW's existing V12 powerplant. It is the first Rolls-Royce branded car made under the ownership of BMW. An extended wheelbase Phantom was presented in March 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show, which is 250 mm longer than the standard Phantom.

HENNESSEY VIPER VENOM 1000

The Hennessey Venom 1000 Twin Tubro is a normal SRT-10 Viper tuned by Hennessey. It is the fastest limited edition street car in the world. In the September 2005 issue of Road & Track magazine, 14 of the world's fastest vehicles including the Hennessey Venom 1000 Twin Turbo were tested. The vehicles were subjected to a number of performance tests including a standing mile test of speed on the 13,000 ft. runway at Lemoore Naval Air Station. The Hennessey Venom Twin Turbo posted the highest speed of the day running the standing mile in 25.6 seconds. The Hennessey Venom also posted the quickest 0-200 mph run with a time of 21.3 seconds

Hennessey Viper Venom 1000 Specifications:

Make and Model:
Dodge Hennessey Viper Venom 1000 Coupe

Year:
2006

Engine Type:
V10, Twin Turbo

Torque:
1100lb-ft@3800rpm

Acceleration 0-60:
2.9 s

Wheel Base:
inches

List Price:
$225,000

Horsepower:
1000bhp@5000rpm

Top Speed:
255 mph

Brakes:
ABS, vented disc/vented disc

Weight:
lbs

LEXUS LS460

The Lexus LS is the flagship of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. The LS is recognized as having one of the quietest automobile cabins in the world and is regarded as one of the most reliable luxury vehicles ever built. Lexus unveiled the fourth generation LS Series in 2006, featuring standard wheelbase, long wheelbase, four-wheel drive, and hybrid versions. It also features the world's First Eight-Speed Transmission.

Lexus LS460 Specifications:

Make and Model:
Lexus LS460

Year:
2006

Engine Type:
4.6 Liter V8

Torque:
367lb-ft@4100rpm

Acceleration 0-60:
5.4 s

Suspension:
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Wheel Base:
inches

List Price:
$71,000

Horsepower:
380bhp@6400rpm

Top Speed:
103 mph

Brakes:
Ventilated Disc

Transmission:
8 Speed Automatic/Sequential Shift

Weight:
4244 lbs

FORD MUSTANG

Ford introduced the completely redesigned Mustang at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. Since its dramatic 1964 introduction, Ford Mustang has been the icon of American performance and style, capturing hearts worldwide. Exterior styling was designed by Sid Ramnarace, drawing inspiration from 1960s Mustangs. The car featured an aesthetic that Senior Vice President of Design J Mays referred to as "retro-futurism."

Ford Mustang Specifications:

Make and Model:
Ford Mustang

Year:
2005

Engine Type:
4.6 Liter V8

Torque:
320lb-ft@4500rpm

Acceleration 0-60:
5.5 s

Suspension:
Front:Reverse L MacPherson Struts w/Stabilizer Bar, Coil Springs, Tube Shocks Rear:Live Axle w/Stabi

Wheel Base:
107.1 inches

List Price:
$24,995

Horsepower:
300bhp@5750rpm

Top Speed:
140 mph

Brakes:
Vented Discs w/Twin-Piston Calipers, ABS / Vented Discs w/Single-Piston Calipers, ABS

Transmission:
Tremec 3650 5-Speed Manual or Automatic

Weight:
3500 lbs

ACURA NSX

The Acura NSX is an exotic among exotics. Turn the key to this mid-engine, aluminum based masterwork, and 40 years of racing heritige roar to life. The 2003 model remains relatively unchanged from the 2002. The 290 peak horsepower and 8000-rpm redline are the product of a 3.2-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, 90-degree V-6 engine. Unlike mose exotics, this care is a pleasure in stop-and-go city traffic due to the VTEC system. A sophisticated Traction Control System helps limit wheel-spin and enhances control. Standard equiptment includes automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, cruise control, and an Acura/BOSE 165-watt, four-speaker sound system.

Acura NSX Specifications:

Make and Model:
Honda NSX

Year:
1991

Engine Type:
3.2 Liter, DOHC VTEC V-6

Torque:
224lb-ft@5500rpm

Acceleration 0-60:
5.0 s

Suspension:
4-wheel independent

Wheel Base:
99.6 inches

List Price:
$89,000

Horsepower:
290bhp@7100rpm

Top Speed:
175 mph

Brakes:
4-wheel vent. disc

Transmission:
6-speed manual

Weight:
3153 lbs

LS 460 / LS 460 L

The fourth generation Lexus LS, introduced for the 2007 model year, is the first Lexus model produced in both standard and long wheelbase versions. The LS 460 (USF40) uses the standard 116.9 in. (2969 mm) wheelbase, while the LS 460 L (USF41) features a stretched 121.7 in. (3091 mm) wheelbase.[92] Based on the LF-Sh concept vehicle and using an all-new platform,[39][93] the LS 460 and LS 460 L are equipped with a brand-new 4.6 L 1UR-FSE V8 producing 380 hp (283 kW) and 367 lb·ft (498 N·m) of torque.[92][94] The LS 460 also contains the first production eight-speed automatic transmission (AA80E).[2] Acceleration from 0–60 occurs in 5.4 seconds.[92] Despite an added 250 lb (110 kg) of curb weight, the LS 460 L matches the acceleration of the lighter LS 460.[95] In 2008, an all-wheel drive option was announced for the 2009 model year LS 460 and LS 460 L.

The LS 460 and its variants were designed as Lexus was shifting its design strategy towards a more diversified product lineup,[96] with new vehicle launches increasingly aimed at global markets.[96] Plans called for the next generation LS to differentiate itself further beyond previous models in terms of design and technology.[94] A "Super LS" model, priced above the $100,000 ultra-luxury category,[97] was also considered.[96] The development effort for all fourth generation models was led by chief engineer Moritaka Yoshida.[98] Externally, the Lexus LS received the styling cues of Lexus' new design direction, called L-finesse.[99] The vehicle gained body forms running the length of the car, wheel arches, arrow-shaped chrome trim, a lower-set grille, and crystalline adaptive headlamps.[99] The long wheelbase LS 460 L possessed a similar profile as the LS 460, with identical overhangs in both front and rear, and longer rear doors. Aerodynamic drag remained the same.

The Lexus LS interior gained a push-button start, TFT instrument display, and numerous luxury options ranging from a hard disk drive-based GPS navigation system and song library to a heated steering wheel and XM NavTraffic.[92] The climate control offered the first infrared body temperature sensors and ceiling air diffusers in an automobile.[101] An "Executive" seating package on the LS 460 L included a rear seat DVD entertainment system, swivel tray table, and a shiatsu massaging ottoman seat.

The fourth generation Lexus LS parallel parking assist feature, the Advanced Parking Guidance System, became the first of its kind in the U.S.[100] Other drive assist features varied from a brake hold feature to radar cruise control.[92] The suite of new safety features extended from a Driver Monitoring System to Lane Keeping Assist systems.

The LS 460 and LS 460 L arrived at dealerships in Japan, the U.S., and Europe in late 2006,[105] and the vehicle reached Australia, East Asia, and the Middle East in 2007.[106] The U.S. base price for the 2007 LS 460 and LS 460 L was $61,000 and $71,000, respectively.[102] From 2006–2007, the average price paid for a LS 460 L in the U.S. exceeded $80,000, due largely to added options packages.[102] The price premiums for the long wheelbase model put the Lexus LS in the same average price range as its long wheelbase Audi, BMW, and Jaguar rivals for the first time.

LS 400 (UCF10)

The Lexus LS 400 (UCF10 I), which debuted for the 1990 model year, came equipped with a brand-new 4.0 L 1UZ-FE 32-valve V8 engine producing 250 horsepower (190 kW) and 260 lb·ft (353 N·m) of torque.[43] Its chassis utilized an independent, double-wishbone suspension setup,[44] while an air suspension (used to raise or lower the vehicle) was optional.[45] The LS 400 could accelerate from 0-60 in 7.9 seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).[46] The vehicle's exterior used a three box design with a two-tone body, squared front end, and large rectangular grille.

Intended to compete head-to-head with world's top luxury cars, the original LS 400 was designed to meet each of chief engineer Ichiro Suzuki's benchmark targets. Compared to flagship sedans such as the BMW 735i and Mercedes-Benz 420 SE, the LS 400 had a higher top speed, lower drag coefficient, and lower curb weight.[47][48] The LS 400 was also designed to have a more silent cabin, with lower levels of vibration and 58 dB of cabin noise at cruising speeds.[47] Unlike its older rivals, the LS 400 avoided the U.S. gas-guzzler tax, levied on any vehicle with 1990 EPA fuel efficiency ratings of 22.5 miles per gallon or less.[49] In all, the LS 400 further contained some 300 technological innovations to aid smooth operation and silence, including vibration-insulating rubber mounts, airflow fairings, and fluid-damped cabin fixtures.

The LS 400 was among the first luxury sedans to feature an automatic tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with SRS airbag, power adjustable shoulder seat belts, and an electrochromic rear-view mirror.[51][52] The five-passenger cabin also included California walnut and leather trim, power-adjustable seats, and soft-touch controls. A back-lit electroluminescent gauge cluster featured a holographic visual effect, with indicator lights projected onto the instrument panel.[51][53] The memory system stored the driver's seat, side mirror, steering wheel, and seat belt positions. Available luxury options included a Nakamichi premium sound system and an integrated cellular telephone with hands-free capabilities.

Adding incentive for early LS 400 sales was a bargain U.S. base price of $35,000, which undercut competitors by thousands of dollars.[56] This initial price brought accusations of selling below cost from rival BMW.[19] In September 1989, shortly after the LS 400's launch, Lexus ordered a recall of the 8,000 vehicles sold so far, based upon two customer complaints over defective wiring and an overheated brake light. By sending technicians to the owner's residence, the Lexus U.S. dealership network completed parts replacement on all affected vehicles free of charge within 20 days, and the incident helped establish Lexus' reputation for customer service.

Sales were unaffected and the issue was subsequently corrected on the LS 400 production line. By 1990, U.S. sales of the LS 400 had surpassed those of competing Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Jaguar models.[59] Production of the first generation LS 400 totaled over 165,000 units.[60][61][62][63][64] Years after its introduction, the LS 400 remained a reliable choice for a used car, making Consumer Reports' 2007 list of recommended vehicles which regularly last 200,000 miles (320,000 km) or more with proper maintenance.

The third generation LS 430 debuted in 2001.

In January 1989, the Lexus LS 400 (chassis code UCF10), made its debut as the first flagship of the Lexus line at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.[28] The first Lexus dealerships in the U.S. began sales of the LS 400 in September 1989. Limited exports to Europe began in 1990.[29] Although the LS 400 was initially conceived as a standalone model, in the U.S. and other markets it was ultimately sold alongside the ES 250, an entry-level luxury sedan that was produced to give dealers a second product offering.[30] In Japan, the launch of Lexus was complicated by Toyota's existing five domestic dealership networks,[31] several of which sold Japan-only Toyota luxury models.[32] As the design of the Lexus flagship advanced, domestic dealers' requests for a Japanese market version grew,[5] and a right-hand drive, Toyota Celsior-badged version was introduced shortly after the LS 400's U.S. debut.

The Celsior, named after the Latin word for 'supreme', was largely identical to the LS, but offered additional trim specifications.[33] By 1991, on the strength of the LS 400's sales success, Lexus became the top-selling luxury import in the U.S.,[34] and subsequently the top luxury make in the country overall.

In 1993, a mid-cycle refresh was introduced to the LS 400,[36] and a similar practice of updates was adopted for following generations. In 1995, Lexus unveiled the redesigned, second generation LS 400 (UCF20), featuring a longer wheelbase with similar styling and specifications as the original model.[37] Production of the second LS 400 followed the same cycle as the original, lasting from 1995 to 2000, with a mid-cycle refresh in 1998.

The third generation LS 430 (UCF30) premiered in 2001 at the North American International Auto Show, introducing a new body design and a host of new interior and technological features.[38] Production of the LS 430 lasted until 2006, marking the last occasion the Lexus flagship was produced in a single body style. The same year also saw the end of Toyota Celsior sales with the long-awaited introduction of Lexus Japan and the arrival of new generation Lexus models.

Lexus LS

The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of Lexus. The original Lexus LS 400, the first Lexus to be developed, was introduced as the luxury marque's debut model in 1989. Four generations of the vehicle have been produced, all equipped with V8 engines and rear-wheel drive. In 2006, the fourth generation Lexus LS introduced all-wheel drive, hybrid, and long wheelbase variants. Each successive iteration of the vehicle has ranked as the best-selling flagship luxury sedan in the United States.

The Lexus LS began development in 1983 as the F1 project, the code name for a secret flagship sedan effort.[3] Following an extended five-year design process, the resulting sedan premiered with a brand-new V8 engine and multiple luxury features. At the time, development for the first Lexus flagship cost over US$1 billion.[4] The Lexus LS was intended for export markets from its inception,[5] and the Lexus division was formed to market and service the vehicle worldwide.[5] The original LS 400 debuted to strong sales, and was largely responsible for the establishment of Lexus as a luxury marque.

Following the first generation LS 400, subsequent redesigns included the second generation LS 400 in 1995, LS 430 in 2001, and the LS 460/600h series in 2006. A domestic market version of the LS 400/430, badged the Toyota Celsior, was sold in Japan until the launch of the LS 460 in 2006.[7] The fourth generation Lexus LS debuted the first production eight-speed automatic transmission,[2] an automatic parking system, and on the LS 600h, a V8 hybrid powertrain.[8]
Since the start of production, each generation of the Lexus LS has been produced in the city of Tahara, Aichi, in Japan.[9] Lexus' flagship model is recognized as one of the most reliable vehicles ever built,[10] having held the top ranking in J.D. Power and Associates' Vehicle Dependability Survey for over ten consecutive years, and receiving Consumer Reports' highest rankings for vehicle dependability.

1998 BMW 750iL

A full-size car is a marketing term used in North America for an automobile larger than a mid-size car. In the United States, the EPA uses "large car" to denote full-size cars.

Full-size is defined in measurement as greater than 120 ft³ (3,300 L) of interior volume.[1] Previously, a wheelbase greater than 110 inches (2.79 metres) was the criterion. The term first appeared in the early 1960s to define what also became known as "standard" size cars from the new compact and intermediate models then being introduced.[citation needed]
A "large family car," the equivalent of a full-size car class in Australian terms[citation needed], often denoted by width[citation needed]. Therefore, the Ford Falcon, Toyota Aurion and Holden Commodore are considered large cars in the Australian and New Zealand markets. These cars are sometimes referred to as "family cars" in Australia, and are typically 4.8 meters (about 15 ft, 9 in) or more in length.

In Europe, the terms "executive car" and "luxury car" may refer to cars of this size (which are mostly luxury cars), such as the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Volkswagen Phaeton and Jaguar XJ.

The sales of full-size vehicles in the United States declined after the early 1970s fuel crisis. By that time, full-size cars had grown to wheelbases of 3.07 to 3.23 m (121 to 127 in), and overall lengths of around 5.72 m (225 in). In the 1970s due to the fuel crisis and the resulting rise in fuel costs, many people traded in their full-size cars for smaller models such as the Chevrolet Nova, Ford Maverick, and Plymouth Valiant, also it was during this time Japanese cars such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic gained popularity. American Motors discontinued its full-size AMC Ambassador in 1974; starting in the late 1970s, the other American automakers began selling full-size cars with smaller exterior dimensions and relatively smaller, more fuel efficient engines. That, combined with gas being cheap once again in the 1980s, full-size cars regained popularity.

Chrysler discontinued its full size cars (Dodge Diplomat, Chrysler Fifth Avenue, and Plymouth Gran Fury) in 1989. General Motors discontinued its full size cars (Chevrolet Impala/Caprice, Buick Roadmaster, and Cadillac Fleetwood) in 1996. As of 2008, Ford still sells its full size Panther platform cars (the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car), retaining the 1978 dimensions, as the scion of the traditional Ford full-size line.
SUVs have supplanted full-size car sales through the 1990s, due to the fact they maintained rear wheel drive and many had optional V8 engines, and that full-size station wagons have been all but discontinued.

Now that fuel costs are high once again, people are looking towards today's efficient vehicles as V6 mid-size Honda Accord for their primary family car. "American-brand" full size sedans such as Buicks, and luxury full-size Deville DTS are still best-selling in the full-size. This, obviously, due to a large price difference with full-size imports. However, there is a serious attack on full size from promoting agencies, trying to replace the size with price range. Thus, for instance, a review like the one from USA News, named "Best luxury large cars of 2008" (see a link below) has included only one large car (Cadillac DTS) and all others are really mid-size cars.

This is mostly due to the fact that, in Europe, full-size cars have only recently gained in popularity. During the 1980s, full-size cars were rare in Europe, but now they have become a common sight. In Germany, full-size cars make up 15% of the total number of cars (VDA annual report), however, this number includes likely mid-size cars as well.

These vehicles combine car-like handling and SUV-worthy cargo space.

When buyers once again return to dealer lots, they might be smart to spend on a crossover. These autos--built on a car platform with SUV-like traits--offer drivers car-like handling and high gas mileage but don't sacrifice space.

Three models from Toyota ( TM - news - people ) (two from its luxury line Lexus) and two from Ford Motor ( F - news - people ) exemplify the best the crossover segment has to offer. The $36,800 Lexus RX and $42,080 RX hybrid offer a combined 20 mpg and 25 mpg, respectively, while Ford's $28,550 Flex and $26,635 Edge each offer more than 260 horsepower and enough cargo space for any carpooling soccer mom.

But the Subaru Forester is most popular among last month's car buyers. Its sales last month were up 47.4% over March 2007, with 6,802 models rolling off lots. It's no wonder: At $19,995, it's among the least expensive of its class and offers comparable gas mileage.

Behind the Numbers These and four other models made our list of the best crossovers of 2009. To compile it, we evaluated base prices, fuel efficiency, safety ratings, horsepower and total cargo space (with seats folded flat when available) in an equally weighted system, with merit points awarded against the competition. Winners in each category received one point; runners-up received two points. The top are the 10 crossovers with the least amount of points--the cars with the lowest MSRPs but the highest fuel efficiency, safety ratings, horsepower and interior space.

Industry experts have thrown around the term "crossover" for a decade or so. The term denotes anything on a spectrum of vehicles with a unibody frame on a car platform but that maintain SUV-like traits including extra cargo space, a higher seating position and sometimes an extra seat or two in the back.

The vehicles themselves have sold well: Sales were down 36.7% last month over last year, but that percentage soundly beat declines in the mid-size sedan, pickup and mid-size, large and luxury SUV categories. Last year crossovers sold 2.1 million units--more than 100,000 units more than the closest truck or SUV segment. The name, however, has been slow to catch on, in part because of its ambiguity in marketing efforts.

"I think there're plenty of companies and ad agencies that would be nervous about that term, because I think there would be something unclear about what it means," says Karl Brauer, editor in chief of Edmunds.com, an auto research Web site. "I think what's really funny is there are people who have already gone past it, and there are other various companies who don't want to use the term crossover--they say 'SUV' or 'wagon.' It's definitely a term that's kind of caught up in all the good and bad aspects of marketing."

Still, that hasn't stopped several carmakers from creating their own labels. BMW calls its X6 a "sport activity coupe" and new 5-Series hatchback a "grand turismo." On its Web site, Toyota describes the wagon-like Venza as "more than one thing," Volvo labels its crossovers with an "XC" prefix, and Subaru says its Tribeca, based on the Legacy sedan, offers "the best of all worlds."