Auto News 5

A comprehensive upgrade sees the Land Rover LR3 tick up one notch to LR4 for 2010 (by Land Rover's count, it's the fourth generation of the Discovery, as the vehicle is known in other markets). Although there's a new grille, headlamps, and other minor tweaks outside, the bulk of the changes are inside the cabin and under the skin. A new interior uses more soft-touch materials and groups more functions in the central touch screen. The old 4.4-liter V-8 is supplanted by a new, direct-injected 5.0-liter unit, and output jumps to 375 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. Chassis upgrades include revised variable-ratio power steering and suspension geometry as well as upgraded brakes. A 360-degree-view camera, trailer sway control, and keyless ignition are some of the technology highlights. The LR4 arrives in October.

Just like you, we always want to know what's coming next from Detroit, Tokyo, Stuttgart, Munich, Los Angeles, and all the other places where automotive engineers and designers dream and scheme on our behalf. Car companies, of course, are loath to share information on new products lest their competitors try to copy them--or you decide not to buy the cars they already have on dealer lots. Car companies, though, are simply groups of people, and some of them have a hard time keeping secrets. So, we poke, we prod, we cajole, and we uncover information that becomes the basis for our annual Sneak Preview issue. As always, some of our information is educated guesswork based on hints, insinuations, hunches. Make no mistake, though, these cars are on their way, even though details may change. Ladies and gentlemen: our list of 136 cars coming over the next few years...

In the latest iteration of the aging Murciélago, the 6.5-liter V-12's output rises from 632 hp to 661 hp while the weight drops by some 220 pounds, resulting in a car that Lambo says will vault to 62 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds. Only 350 examples will be built, and buyers will choose between two rear wings: either the "Aeropack Wing" shown here, which purportedly allows a top speed of 209 mph, or the smaller, standard wing that enables you to soar to 212 mph.

Just like you, we always want to know what's coming next from Detroit, Tokyo, Stuttgart, Munich, Los Angeles, and all the other places where automotive engineers and designers dream and scheme on our behalf. Car companies, of course, are loath to share information on new products lest their competitors try to copy them--or you decide not to buy the cars they already have on dealer lots. Car companies, though, are simply groups of people, and some of them have a hard time keeping secrets. So, we poke, we prod, we cajole, and we uncover information that becomes the basis for our annual Sneak Preview issue. As always, some of our information is educated guesswork based on hints, insinuations, hunches. Make no mistake, though, these cars are on their way, even though details may change. Ladies and gentlemen: our list of 136 cars coming over the next few years...

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The first alimony check rolls in.

Just like you, we always want to know what's coming next from Detroit, Tokyo, Stuttgart, Munich, Los Angeles, and all the other places where automotive engineers and designers dream and scheme on our behalf. Car companies, of course, are loath to share information on new products lest their competitors try to copy them--or you decide not to buy the cars they already have on dealer lots. Car companies, though, are simply groups of people, and some of them have a hard time keeping secrets. So, we poke, we prod, we cajole, and we uncover information that becomes the basis for our annual Sneak Preview issue. As always, some of our information is educated guesswork based on hints, insinuations, hunches. Make no mistake, though, these cars are on their way, even though details may change. Ladies and gentlemen: our list of 136 cars coming over the next few years...

With the Evora, Lotus expands from track-day toys like the Elise and the Exige into the realm of the high-performance GT. Although the Evora follows recent Lotus practice by using an aluminum-spaceframe structure and a mid-mounted engine, the car is much larger, more luxurious, and more livable than any of the current models. The standard setup is a two-seater with a cargo deck behind the front seats, but a two-plus-two configuration is also offered, as are luxuries like navigation, a backup camera, and a full leather interior. The engine is again sourced from Toyota - this time the Camry's 3.5-liter V-6. In the hands of Lotus engineers, it makes 276 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, but an automatic eventually will be added. Lotus claims this heretofore humble engine will propel its new GT to 160 mph and provide a five-second 0-to-60-mph sprint. The Evora will be the top-model Lotus when it arrives here early next year, priced from about $70,000.