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There was a time when the sedate, broad shouldered shape of a Mercedes-Benz sedan was synonymous with quality, durability and superior engineering. Nowadays, customers are more likely to associate reliability with the shape of a Toyota Camry, while Mercedes has pursued ever sleeker and more swooping body forms. Until now. As the brand finally emerges from its build-quality funk (it was the only European automaker to win quality awards from J.D. Power & Associates in 2008), it clearly intends to help customers recall its tank-like sedans of yore. Meet the 2010 Mercedes E-class.

Sleek and sexy are words that are rarely associated with Volvos. Rather, the name Volvo generally conjures up adjectives such as safe and secure. Yet, the 2009 Volvo S60 concept seeks to change that notion and instead prove that a Volvo can be both safe and sexy.

We hadn't much hope for Buick's reinvention, seeing as most concept cars from the stodgy division were either pie-in-the-sky convertibles or coupes with gullwing doors. That changed last year, when the General unveiled a concept at the 2008 Shanghai auto show. Called Invicta, it was a mid-size sedan that was both clean and contemporary - adjectives not used on a Buick since the 1995 Riviera. Better yet? We were told it was close to production.

Those of you who read our magazine religiously might recall the time columnist Ezra Dyer raced - and beat - a FedEx truck from New York City to Miami. In a Bentley Continental GTC. It was, he concluded, "a car that fell out of the awesome tree and hit every branch on the way down." It appears the awesome tree has since grown a few more branches: meet the Bentley Continental GTC Speed.

Enthusiasts across the land depressed by the ever increasing curb weight and dimensions of new vehicles can breathe easy today. The 2010 Cadillac SRX is actually a little smaller than the car it replaces, and it boasts some impressive new technology under the hood.