24 Hot Cars to Wait For

Still struggling to interpret Nostradamus's predictions? Relax. We've done all the work.

by Ray Hutton, Tony Quiroga, and Juergen Zoellter

Posted: Jun, 20 2008

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2009 Acura TL || Research the Acura TL

What it is: The TL remains a very powerful front-drive, Accord-based sports sedan from Acura.

Why it's important: Acura's player in 3-series territory offers value, practicality, and front-wheel drive, for those who want it.

Estimated arrival and cost: When the TL goes on sale this fall, it will start at $35,000.

2010 Audi R8 Roadster || Research the Audi R8

What it is: Audi will launch two variations of the two-seat supercar. First up is a more powerful 5.2-liter V-10, followed by a roadster R8.

Why it's important: A powerful V-10 moves the R8 into the stratosphere where the other big mid-engined players, the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430, reside. As far as the roadster version goes, most of the R8's competition already offer an open-air option.

Estimated arrival and cost: Production of the V-10-powered R8 begins in March 2009. The R8 roadster will debut that fall at the Frankfurt auto show and will go on sale in the spring of 2010. The V-10 should command $150,000, and the roadster will come in at $130,000.

2010 BMW 7-series || Research the BMW 7-series

What it is: BMW's big sedan undergoes a complete redesign that may put to rest the controversial styling of the current model. Much of the new look is inspired by the CS concept from last year and features sportier lines and proportions. A new M7 with the M5's V-10 powerplant is a strong possibility for 2011. Such a car would compete with the Audi S8 and Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG.

Why it's important: The 7-series will usher in a design direction and advanced technology that will trickle down to lesser BMWs.

Estimated arrival and cost: Production starts this fall with sales soon after. Expect a small price increase over the current car.

2010 BMW 'Gran Turismo' || Research BMWs

What it is: The CS concept car first seen at the Shanghai show in 2007 will be the inspiration for a four-door "Gran Turismo." It may even be called the 8-series because it will slot into the lineup above the 7-series, but we're guessing at this point.

Why it's important: This model will give BMW a competitor to the Mercedes CL-class and will be BMW's new flagship.

Estimated arrival and cost: We're expecting the production version to see the light of day in 2009.

2010 Cadillac CTS coupe || Research the Cadillac CTS

What it is: A production version of the CTS coupe concept shown at the '08 Detroit auto show. Like the CTS-V sedan, a V-series coupe will put out the most power in the segment, 550 horses. Non-V-series will get the direct-injection 304-hp V-6 from the CTS sedan; the 258-hp V-6 doesn't make it into the coupe.

Why it's important: Gives Cadillac a much-needed sports coupe to go against the German and Japanese competition.

Estimated arrival and cost: Promised for the end of 2009. Expect to pay $40,000 for a V-6 model, $50,000 for a CTS-V.

2010 Dodge Challenger Convertible || Research the Dodge Challenger

What it is: The recently introduced Challenger loses its top in 2009.

Why it's important: Gives people mourning the loss of the Prowler a nostalgic alternative.

Estimated arrival and cost: Arrives in the spring of 2009. Expect a $5000 premium over the hardtop.

2010 Ferrari 'California' || Research Ferraris

What it is: As the next generation F430 surges into $200,000-plus turf, the need arises for an "affordable"-haha-entry-level two-plus-two Ferrari. Enter the so-called California. To keep costs in check, it will share technology with fellow Italians Maserati and Alfa Romeo and will feature a retractable hardtop. Since Ferrari's production capacity is maxed out, the California will likely be assembled by Pininfarina.

Why it's important: Ferrari isn't having much trouble selling every car it can build, but a more affordable Ferrari will bolster production and profits especially if the world economy takes a dump.

Estimated arrival and cost: Debuts this fall at Paris show. Ferrari might produce a few thousand a year. The price should be between $120,000 and $150,000.

2010 Ferrari 'Millechili' || Research Ferraris

What it is: A lightweight twoseater (2200 pounds or even less) loaded with Formula 1 technology. In many ways it will be a successor to the Enzo, but instead of adding power, Ferrari will add lightness. Don't worry-the Millechili name won't be making it to production.

Why it's important: F1 goodies make their way onto a road car. The technology and light weight will make this car spectacularly quick but also fuel efficient.

Estimated arrival and cost: Production is set to begin in 2010. An estimated 300 cars will be built over a couple years. Start saving your Benjamin Franklins as the successor to the Ferrari Enzo will be at least $500,000.

2010 Ford Mustang || Research the Ford Mustang

What it is: The latest installment in Ford's pony-car story. In this chapter the current Mustang that borrows heavily from the 1965-67 version gets restyled to look like the 1970 Mustang-how original. A mid-'70s Mustang II can't be far behind. An all-new interior purported to be far richer and more attractive will also debut.

Why it's important: Big V-8, rear-wheel drive, affordable, attractive -- you like that, right?

Estimated arrival and cost: The new Mustang is set to debut at the Los Angeles auto show this fall. Production and sales should begin next spring. Prices will start in the low-$20,000 range for a basic V-6 version and rise well over $30,000 for a loaded-up GT.

2010 Honda CR-Z Hybrid || Research Hondas

What it is: The spiritual successor to the CRX we loved so much when Reagan and George the First were in the Oval Office.

Why it's important: Honda brings back an affordable, sporty two-seater to its lineup. Although it's not an overt sports car, the front-drive CR-Z will offer hatchback practicality, sports-car thrills, and a hybrid system to boost fuel efficiency.

Estimated arrival and cost: If approved, expect it in 2010 for less than $20,000.

2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe || Research Hyundais

What it is: A rear-wheel-drive coupe at a front-wheel-drive coupe price.

Why it's important: Hyundai believes the Genesis will rival the BMW 3-series and Infiniti G37 at a Mustang price. We'll suspend judgment until we drive it.

Estimated arrival and cost: Look for the coupe to join Hyundai's roster in spring 2009. Pricing will be close to Mustang numbers, starting in the low-20s and running to $30,000 for a loaded V-6 version.

2010 Jaguar XJ || Research the Jaguar XJ

What it is: Jaguar's restyled version of the slow-selling sedan. In this chapter, long-running Brit traditions are tossed in the dustbin and replaced with a design inspired

by the company's new style indicator, the XF.

Why it's important: Sales in the U.S. are circling the loo. Now that Indian conglomerate Tata owns Jag, the company will need fresh models to spice up the brand.

Estimated arrival and cost: Production is to begin at the end of 2009 with an on-sale date at the start of 2010. Pricing should remain in line with the current XJ's, at $65,000 to $90,000.

Next Page: See the remaining 12 Hot Cars