Audi’s first attempt at a mid-engine sports-cum-exotic car proves to be “a winner on the track” This everyday drivable sports-car spells perfection with its aggressive styling and competes with the Porsche 911 and Ferrari F430 at a far less price. The Auto Press ranks the Audi R8 4 out of 4 “Exotic Sports Cars”.

The 2009 Audi R8 is a two door mid-engine car and comes equipped with a 420 horsepower V8 engine, standard Quattro all wheel drive with six-speed automatic or manual transmission. A recorded 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds, the Audi has all the makings of the exotic Lamborghini Gallardo but, at a far lesser price, gives it a run for its money.

What make this car strikingly visible are its 12 LED bulbs under each headlamp. These can be used in the day or night. The other interesting detail is the placement of side blades behind the door on each flank which while giving the Audi R8 a revolutionary look also serves the purpose of routing air to the engine. The placement of the engine in the mid section draws attention to its exterior from a distance
Equal attention has been paid to the interior. The low comfortable seats are likened to a cockpit. Similar to racing cars, the controls are “monoposto style” placed in an arc around the driver’s seat for easy maneuvering. The head and leg room are designed for tall people. The engine noise level inside the car is amazingly non-existent due to its excellent sound damping feature.

Standard features include luxurious sporty leather seats, automatic climate control, heated front seats, auto dimming rearview mirrors, electronic cruise control, stability and traction control and a seven-speaker Audi sound system. Optionally available is a Bang & Olufsen Sound System which has an additional 5 speakers. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is no different from the other Audi sports cars.

The Audi R8 standard features for active and passive safety include dual-stage front air bags as well as side air bags. There have been issues regarding visibility in the front and rear due to its low seating. To combat this issue an optional Convenience Package is offered. This comes equipped with a parking system aided with rearview mirrors.

A veritable head turner, the Audi R8 mid-engine has been reviewed to be unique in its styling and everyday drivability.

2009 Audi R8 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Audi R8 2-door coupe
Wheelbase, in. 104.3
Overall Length, in. 174.5
Overall Width, in. 75.0
Overall Height, in. 49.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 3605
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 3.5
Standard Payload, lbs. –
Fuel Capacity, gals. 23.8
Seating Capacity 2
Front Head Room, in. –
Max. Front Leg Room, in. –
Rear Head Room, in. –
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. –

Engines dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.2 /254
Horsepower @ rpm. 420 @ 7800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 317 @ 4500
Availability Standard

EPA City / highway mpg
6-speed manual 13/20
6-speed automated manual 13/18

2009 Audi R8 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 2-door coupe, manual $109,000 $101,370 $1,000
Base 2-door coupe, automatic $118,000 $109,740 $1,000

The Chevrolet Company is famous all over the world and with the release of its 2009 Chevrolet Cruze in Europe in March 2008, this company has once again shown its hallmark is designing cars for the future that are also eco friendly and boast of multiple gear choices. This car proves that a car need not be costly in order for it to be exclusive. Though this car that boasts an arching roofline that extends right from the high windshields to the sloping rear pillars had been premiered worldwide at the Paris Motor Show held in October 2008, official sales of the same will commence in Europe and some other parts of the world from March 2009.

In this model, the traditional sedan of Chevrolet has been reinterpreted again and boasts of Chevrolet’s latest international design concept. The same is fast turning out to be a signature on all the new products that feature the gold bowtie. The amazing design of the 2009 Chevrolet Cruze, which is longer and wider than its competitors, makes this sedan look more like a coupe. Limited use of exterior trim along with tight body panel fittings gel together to give a high quality look to this car! The wheels that are located on the outer edges of the body enhance this look. This big headlight housing wraps themselves around the front corners and from there they move upwards, like an arrow towards the fenders and the sculpted hood.

The 2-tier grille and the concave shaped shoulder line are exclusive themes that can be found on this car only. The interior of the 2009 Chevrolet Cruze looks like a dual cockpit and this design was first used on the Chevrolet Corvette. When it is launched, the 2009 Chevrolet will boast of 16-valve, 1.6 liter and 1.8 liter gasoline engines that will have VVT (variable valve timing) on both inlet and exhaust sides. There shall be two choices of gearboxes, a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The new 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine can develop up to 150hp/ 110kW and 320 nM of power. As with the exterior, the interior of the 2009 Chevrolet Cruze uses grained surfaces, matt finish trim panels and soft touch upholstery that complement the exterior. The relatively low CO2 emission of this car will make it a favorite with most car lovers.

2010 Chevrolet Cruze Specs
The Basics
Vehicle Type: compact car
Drivetrain
Drive wheels: front
Engine: 1.4-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 140 (GM estimate)
Torque: 148 lb-ft (GM estimate)
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic (CG estimates)
Dimensions (CG estimates)
Wheelbase: 104.5 inches
Length: 180.5 inches
Width: 68.3 inches
Height: 57.7 inches
Base curb weight: 2,750 lb

Model Prices:
$15,500 - $21000

The 2009 Audi S5 is a high-performance luxury coupe which is propelled by a 4.2-liter 354 horsepower direct-inject V8 engine. While the car comes with a standard Quattro all-wheel drive six-speed manual transmission, one can opt for a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. The powerful engine is an absolute delight to accelerate – zero to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.Fuel economy is 14 mpg in cities and 21 mpg on highways.

This new gorgeous eight-cylinder sports beauty from the Audi family fills the intermediate gap between the high-end RS models and the A5 coupes. Standard Audi features in the S5 include speed-sensitive steering, Multi Media Interface (MMI), 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, sunroof, automatic climate control, an 8-way power front sports seats with seat heaters, leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, 10-speaker Bang & Olufson audio system with CD changer, satellite radio, auto-dimming mirrors etc.
Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes, brake assist, stability control, traction control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags etc. Additional navigational options available are side-assist (blind-spot warning system) and cruise control. Along with its exceptional safety features, the 2009 Audi S5 scores highly on its plush and rich interiors.
The front seats offer good support and comfort, though the low seating may be a bit problematic for short people, according to some reviewers. Like all Audis, the S5 also boasts of a rich interior made from high quality materials and an equally appetizing exterior with its long wheel base and swooping roofline. Many reviewers also give the Audi’s proprietary MMI an excellent rating. While the trunk space is extraordinarily large, the rear seats appear to have truncated leg space.
Chrome accents around the side glass, brushed aluminum side-mirrors, side scalloping on the lower flanks of the doors, a large sunroof that lifts and not slides, tail lights neatly tucked in under the trunk lid and a pair of chrome exhaust pipes on either side of the car – all these and the classy colors make the new Audi S5 a beautiful sports machine.
With its sleek sporty looks and incredible performance the 2009 Audi S5 is expected to give its competitors BMW 335xi as well as Mercedes-Benz CLK 550 a run for their money. This four seat luxury coupe with its high performance engine and comfortable interiors is a great driving experience, according to some test drivers.

2009 Audi A5 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Audi A5 2-door coupe
Wheelbase, in. 108.3
Overall Length, in. 182.1
Overall Width, in. 73.0
Overall Height, in. 54.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 3737
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 16.1
Standard Payload, lbs. –
Fuel Capacity, gals. 16.9
Seating Capacity 4
Front Head Room, in. 39.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. –
Rear Head Room, in. 36.0
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. –

Engines
dohc V6 dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.2 /191 4.2 /255
Horsepower @ rpm. 265 @ 6500 354 @ 6800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 243 @ 3250 325 @ 3500
Availability Standard Standard

EPA City / highway mpg
6-speed manual 16/27 14/22
6-speed automatic 17/26 16/24

2009 Audi A5 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
A5 2-door coupe, manual $40,300 $37,481 $825
A5 2-door coupe, automatic $41,600 $38,687 $825
S5 2-door coupe, manual $50,900 $47,338 $825
S5 2-door coupe, automatic $52,200 $48,545 $825

The 2009 Audi A6 is expected to hit the roads in the first quarter of 2009 in the form of two models – Audi A6 Sedan and Audi A6 Avant wagon. The engine line-up for the 2009 A6 family is extensive ranging from entry level V6 engines to top level V8 engines and the new intermediate 3.0 liter V6 engine fitted with a supercharger. With improved suspension and new high-tech assistance systems, the A6 family is looking to make a dent in the luxury sedan market in Europe and the US.

The 2009 Audi A6 engine line-up offers several options - 3.0 liter 220 horsepower V6 engine with front wheel drive, 4.2-liter 350 horsepower V8 engine with Quattro all-wheel drive and a six speed automatic transmission, and the new 3.0-liter V6 engine fitted with a supercharger that can deliver 300 horsepower and a 310 pound feet of torque. All Avant wagon models come with this new supercharged engine. The supercharged V6 is expected to give a total upper level performance – zero to 62 in 5.9 seconds. The new supercharged engine is expected to give a mileage of 18 mpg in cities and 27 mpg on highways.

All the models come equipped with the third-generation of Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI). Better graphics, two control units (instead of five) and a joystick for navigation renders the MMI a very intuitive system. Other standard features include fade-in, fade-out interior lighting, power seats, large trunk, xenon headlights, leather interiors, LED daytime running lights, vanadium steel gear shifts, standard climate control, head light washing system and satellite radio etc.

There are no compromises when it comes to safety measures in the Audi family. Both the 2009 A6 sedan and avant models come with standard safety features like electronic stability system, brake assist, anti-lock brakes with an electronic brake force distribution, regular impact airbags, safety locks, fog lights, four-link suspension etc. The new models also have the excellent state-of-the-art lane-assist system and side-assist system, which though annoying at times can be extremely useful, according to reviewers.

The 2009 Audi A6 sedan or wagon is a five seat luxury vehicle which is supposed to offer 15 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. With its new turbo charging and direct-inject engine, a sensational road grip and decent acceleration Audi A6 sedans and wagons makes for a smooth, comfortable and dreamy ride.

2008 Audi A6 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Audi A6 4-door sedan Audi A6 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in. 111.9 111.9
Overall Length, in. 193.5 194.2
Overall Width, in. 79.2 79.2
Overall Height, in. 57.5 58.2
Curb Weight, lbs. 3858 4211
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 15.9 58.6
Standard Payload, lbs. – –
Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.1 21.1
Seating Capacity 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.7 37.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 37.8 38
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.9 36.9

Engines
dohc V6 dohc V8 dohc V10
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.2 /191 4.2 /254 5.2 /318
Horsepower @ rpm. 255 @ 6500 350 @ 6600 435 @ 6800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 243 @ 3250 325 @ 3500 398 @ 3000
Availability Standard Standard Standard

EPA City / highway mpg
6-speed automatic 17/25 16/23 14/19
CVT automatic 18/27 –/– –/–

Model Prices
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
FWD 3.2 4-door sedan $42,950 $39,943 $775
AWD 3.2 quattro 4-door sedan $46,100 $42,873 $775
AWD 3.2 Avant quattro 4-door wagon $49,000 $45,570 $775
4.2 quattro 4-door sedan $56,300 $52,361 $775
S6 quattro 4-door sedan $72,350 $67,285 $775

The 2009 BMW Z4 series is a sophisticated pure roadster whose advent is eagerly awaited by sport car lovers the world over. This classic two-seater roadster from the BMW family comes in two trims – the Z4 Roadster 2.5i 2009 with a 184-horsepower, 2.5liter, 24-valve 6-cylinder engine and the Z4 Roadster 3.0i with a 225 horsepower, 3.0 liter, 24-valve 6-cylinder engine. These engines boast of a 20 mpg mileage in cities and 29 mpg on highways. These impressive machines are expected to be one of the fastest in the consumer market.

Sporting the legendary design and engineering of the BMW, the 2009 Z4 series comes equipped with impressive state-of-the-art technology and some reviewers have gone to the extent of calling the automobile “poetry in motion”. The accessories and special features include heated windshield washer jets, remote entry with multifunction remote control, heated outside mirrors, individual reading lights etc.

These beautiful sports models come standard with 17-inch twin spoke cast-alloy wheels and 225/45R-17 tires, dynamic stability control, all-speed traction control, antilock braking, electronic brake proportioning, dynamic brake control and they are built on roadster bodies with aluminum hoods. This extraordinary car with its long sweeping body lines, curving wheel shoulders and slightly tilting rear end is to some reviewers an “embodiment of a passionate love for mobility”.

Some of the other standard features available for both the trims are: 6-way manually adjustable sports seats, leather wrapped telescopic sport steering wheels, mostly leather interiors, 4-function onboard computers, manual climate control with micro-filter ventilation technology, standard sound system, dual airbags and supplementary safety bags to protect the knees of the driver and the passenger.

The interior looks as plush as all the cars from the BMW family. The black dashboard with its white colored instrument panel appears very smart. Besides looking smashing this is a great help to the driver. While getting in and out may prove to be a little difficult for a tall person, once inside, it promises to be a great and comfortable ride with luxurious seats and more than ample room space. Boot capacity is also large, though the driver may have to shift around a little bit to keep little knick-knacks.

One of the added features in the 2009 BMW Z4 series is the hill holder which prevents the car from sliding backwards on a slope. A sporty and racy model worth waiting for!

2009 BMW Z4 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification BMW Z4 2-door coupe BMW Z4 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 98.3 98.2
Overall Length, in. 161.1 161.1
Overall Width, in. 70.1 70.1
Overall Height, in. 49.9 51.1
Curb Weight, lbs. 3108 3020
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 12 9.2
Standard Payload, lbs. – –
Fuel Capacity, gals. 14.5 14.5
Seating Capacity 2 2
Front Head Room, in. 37.3 37.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42 42
Rear Head Room, in. – –
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. – –

Engines
dohc I6 dohc I6 dohc I6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.0 /183 3.0 /183 3.2 /198
Horsepower @ rpm. 215 @ 6250 255 @ 6600 330 @ 7900
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 185 @ 2750 220 @ 2750 262 @ 4900
Availability Standard Standard Standard

EPA City / highway mpg
6-speed manual 18/28 18/28 15/22
6-speed automatic 19/28 19/28 –/–

2009 BMW Z4 Prices & Equipment
Prices Updated: 03/12/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
3.0i 2-door convertible $36,400 $33,490 $775
3.0si 2-door coupe $40,400 $37,170 $775
3.0si 2-door convertible $42,400 $39,010 $775
M 2-door coupe $50,100 $46,090 $775
M 2-door convertible $52,100 $47,930 $775

Considered a valuable addition to the BMW family line-up, this totally upscale luxury car is offered in two trims – 2009 BMW M6 Base Coupe and 2009 BMW M6 Base Convertible. The fabulous engine specification is mind-blowing – 5.0 liter V-10 engine pumping out 500 horsepower and 383 pound-foot of torque, along with enhanced suspension and brakes. The models come with a 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox, but the conventional 6-speed SMG is also available.

Both the coupe and the convertible are built using light weight aluminum and come equipped with some outstanding features like leather wrapped adjustable steering wheel with tilt and telescopic functions, carbon fiber roof panel, climate control with automatic dual control and micron filter, rain-sensing wipers, 6-disc remote changer CD player, AM/FM/satellite-capable radio, electrically adjustable driver and passenger seat with height adjustment, lumbar adjustment, thigh support and tilt adjustment etc. Other distinguishing features include 19-inch forged alloy wheels, heated leather sport front seats and BMW’s M Drive button on the steering wheel to access driving settings.

Standard safety features include 4 wheel ABS, dynamic stability control, dual two-stage airbags, side curtain airbag active knee protection airbag, electronic brake distribution, four disc brakes including four ventilated discs, in-vehicle BMW assist, remote keyless entry, theft deterrent radio and ignition disable, seat belt pre-tensioners, height adjustable safety belts etc.

Like all the BMW’s both the new M6 models will be sporting LED illumination, high intensity bi-xenon headlights, delay off headlamps and daytime running lights etc. This prestigious model has fully automatic exterior light control, window grid antenna, illuminated vanity mirrors, auto-dimming rear view mirror, a 2 v DC power outlet, standard Bluetooth compatibility and a navigation system with voice activation.

The power output of the new M6s is adjustable to three different power levels using the iDrive controls. Steering preferences and suspension can be combined and all sorts of these combinations can be manipulated with a twist of the iDrive knob. The electronically controlled gas-strut shocks and aluminum suspension bits combined with a superb engine allows for confident driving to achieve an acceleration of zero to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. However, the sexy M6s are borderline gas-guzzlers with a mileage of 11 mpg in cities and 17 mpg on highways.

The latest in a long line of luxury high performance coupes, the 2009 BMW M6 models have competitors in Porsche 911 Turbo, Jaguar XKR, and Maserati GranTurismo S etc.

Price Range: $60,668 - $70,869

The 2009 BMW M5 is being touted as probably one of the fastest and powerful luxury sedans in the world – achieving zero to 60 mph acceleration in just 4.8 seconds. Incredible performance from the 5.0 liter V-8 engine with a horse power of 394 harnessed with a 6-speed manual transmission rear wheel drive and a heavy duty clutch. The powerful 4 door 5 passenger driving machine “redefines fast and smooth” say test drivers.

Some of the distinguishing features of the 2009 BMW M5 series are its leather upholstered 16-way power front seats with adjustable lumbar support, cruise control speed-proportional power steering, dual zone climate controls, 18-inch polished alloy wheels, four chrome exhaust pipes, 6-CD changer connected to a 14 speaker digital sound system, xenon high intensity discharge headlights, halogen fog lights, sunroof etc.

Standard safety features include dual stage driver air bag, side airbags for each door, reinforced passenger cage, front and rear ventilated disc brakes 4-wheel ABS emergency braking, rear door child safety locks, tire pressure warning message which shows as a digital display, onboard navigation system, two front and three back head rests, intermittent rain sensing wipers, antitheft alarm system, etc. Some of the power features include remote power door locks, one-touch power windows, automatic dimming electro-chromatic mirrors, reverse tilt passenger mirror etc.

Another factor which makes the 2009 BMW M5 a powerful unique machine is the innovative state-of-art technologies developed for the new model. It uses double-Vanos variable valve timing to improve power output and fuel efficiency, while reducing harmful emissions. The new M5 also comes with an optional 19-inch polished alloy wheels and tires.

Known for its valuable offering of power and performance and smooth aerodynamic style, BMW maintains its image in the new M5 model. The sloping front and the stable rear give the automobile a sleek and elegant look, while hugging the road to produce an exhilarating and light driving experience. With its luxurious exterior as well as the interior, the 2009 BMW M5 sedan looks incredible and drives like a dream, feel some of the test drivers.

Most comfortable suspension, incredible road grip, precise and smooth steering and strong and steady brakes make 2009 BMW M5 a unique car. The limited edition 2009 BMW M5 can outperform and out drive most of its competitors, some reviewers feel. Its competitors in the market are Mercedes AMG E55 and Jaguar XJR.

2009 BMW M5 Specs and Safety
Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 191.5 in.
Height: 57.8 in.
Curb Weight: 4012 lbs.
Width: 72.7 in.
Wheel Base: 113.7 in.
Gross Weight: 5071 lbs.

Interior
Front Head Room: 37.7 in.
Rear Head Room: 37.8 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.5 in.
Luggage Capacity: 14 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5
Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 111.7 ft.
Front Shoulder Room: 57.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 57.2 in.
Rear Leg Room: 36 in.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 14 cu. ft.

Performance Data
Performance
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.8 sec.
Base Number of Cylinders: 10
Base Engine Type: V10
Max Horsepower: 7750 rpm
Max Torque: 6100 rpm
Turning Circle: 40.7 ft.
Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 11 mpg / 17 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 203.5 mi. / 314.5 mi.

MSRP:
From $83,900

Viewed from any angle the mid-size 2009 Audi A5 has a very distinctive shape and the 2009 mid-size coupe introduces rear seat which structurally forms the basis for the next A-4 genre series. This luxury sport coupe though muscular and heavy can take the corners with relative ease. Reviewers have mixed feelings regarding the price even though they compliment the looks and easy handling of the car.

The Audi A5 is available in one trim and is powered by a FSI direct-injected 3.2-liter V6 that pumps out a healthy 265 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Choice of transmissions includes six speeds manual or automatic with manual shift control. The car can zip from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. The Audi A5 is estimated to give 16 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for manual-shift models whereas the automatic is estimated to give 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system is similar to the A4 sedan.

The interiors are plush, expensive and stylish. Perforated Alcantara/leather upholstered seats with aluminum trim are elegantly designed and the seats have adjustable lumbar support. The MMI (Multi Media Interface) has many features and is controlled by a central knob on the console. The cargo space is decent with the added ability of storing more cargo by folding the rear seats. The front seats are very low while the back seats are a bit cramped for taller persons.

Standard features for the 2009 Audi A5 include 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system and bi-xenon headlights. Rearview cameras with park assist, auto dimming mirrors, heated seats, navigation system are all incorporated in the new Audi A5.

The S line sports package is available with 18-inch or an option of 19-inch alloy wheel and sport suspension.

Distinctive front and rear bumpers and side ventilation grilles at the front are its characteristic feature. Safety features include front and rear side bags with paddle shifter automatic transmissions, stability control and antilock brakes. The Audi Drive Select package adds adjustable dampers and variable-ratio steering. The driver can vary transmission, suspension calibrations, steering and throttle with this package at the push of a button.

This luxury sports car is a highly capable car, handles competently and boasts of an enviable curb appeal.

2009 Audi A5 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Audi A5 2-door coupe
Wheelbase, in. 108.3
Overall Length, in. 182.1
Overall Width, in. 73.0
Overall Height, in. 54.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 3737
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 16.1
Standard Payload, lbs. –
Fuel Capacity, gals. 16.9
Seating Capacity 4
Front Head Room, in. 39.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. –
Rear Head Room, in. 36.0
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. –

Engines dohc V6 dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.2 /191 4.2 /255
Horsepower @ rpm. 265 @ 6500 354 @ 6800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 243 @ 3250 325 @ 3500
Availability Standard Standard

EPA City / highway mpg
6-speed manual 16/27 14/21
6-speed automatic 18/27 16/22

2009 Audi A5 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
A5 2-door coupe, manual $39,900 $37,108 $775
A5 2-door coupe, automatic $41,200 $38,315 $775
S5 2-door coupe, manual $50,500 $46,966 $775
S5 2-door coupe, automatic $51,800 $48,175 $775

The 2009 Ford Edge is a crossover, also called an XUV, CUV, or crossover utility vehicle. It utilizes features originating in cars and also features derived from SUVs. The Edge first appeared in at the North American International Auto Show in 2006. The edge is the best-selling mid-size to large crossover in its class.

The Edge has either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and it has very large wheels too! Its standard wheel size is 20 inches, but it comes with optional 22 inches. The Edge Sport is its proper name, but the Sport does not refer to a sports car, but rather the trim and appearance of a sports car. It functions distinctly like an SUV or crossover, not a sports car. It’s a five door SUV with a front engine built on the Ford CD3 platform. It has a 3.5L (213 CID) Duratec 35 V6 engine. Its transmission is 6-speed 6F automatic. Its wheelbase of 111.2 inches; its length of 185.7 inches; its width of 75.8 inches; its height is 67 inches.

The Edge is similar to the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Mazda 6, Lincoln MKX, Mazda CX-9, and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ, alongside other similar crossover vehicles. It stands out above the aforementioned ones though.

It has an MSRP from $26,130 to $35,095. It has an invoice from $24,665 to $32,562.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests conclusively proved that the Edge rated 4/5 stars in frontal passenger and rollover tests, and it rated 5/5 in frontal driver and side impact metrics.

Because of the popularity of the Edge, it was granted dozens of awards. A few of them include the ‘Best Car for Families’ in 2007 and that was awarded by AAA and Parents Magazine mutually. It was given IIHS’s honor of ‘Top Safety Pick’. Its potent 3.5L Duratec 35 V6 was called one of the world’s ’10 best engines’ from Ward. On Wheels, a company endowed it with the prestigious title, ‘2007 Urban Truck of the Year’. Finally, J.D. Power and Associates 2007 gave it the awesome title of the ‘APEAL Award’. That’s not to discount the thousands of personal testimonials from drivers and customers that love the car not only for its safety, but also for its smooth driving and features. On Consumer Guide Automotive, it ranked 1.6 points above the average mid-size crossover in total categories combined. It has an overall 5 for customer satisfaction on Yahoo! Autos.

2009 Ford Edge Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Ford Edge 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 111.2
Overall Length, in. 185.7
Overall Width, in. 75.8
Overall Height, in. 67.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 4288
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 69.0
Standard Payload, lbs. –
Fuel Capacity, gals. 20.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.7
Rear Head Room, in. 39.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 39.6

Engines dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.5 /213
Horsepower @ rpm. 265 @ 6250
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 250 @ 4500
Availability Standard

EPA City / highway mpg
6-speed automatic 15/22

2009 Ford Edge Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD SE 4-door wagon $26,130 $24,665 $775
2WD SEL 4-door wagon $29,035 $27,047 $775
AWD SEL 4-door wagon $30,085 $28,731 $775
2WD Limited 4-door wagon $31,790 $29,554 $775
AWD Limited 4-door wagon $33,640 $31,237 $775
2WD Sport 4-door wagon $33,245 $30,878 $775
AWD Sport 4-door wagon $35,095 $32,562 $775

Van or wagon, whatever the category, the Ford E-350 is definitely a tough contender for favorite truck. The E-350 Super Duty truck is massive, and quite impressive. Rugged exteriors and spacious interiors are the hallmark of this big cargo van or wagon. Cargo space extends up to 275 cubic feet and the vehicle can comfortably seat 15 occupants, so there is no doubt left about the passenger or cargo carrying capacity of this giant on wheels. Edmunds.com sums up the general view quite correctly: “Tough, roomy, rugged and reliable, Ford’s Econoline has a favorable, well-earned reputation.” Indeed, with good scores in most aspects, the E-350 cannot be ignored.

The trims are Commercial Cargo Van, Recreational Cargo Van, Commercial Extended Cargo Van, Recreational Extended Cargo Van, XL Wagon, XLT Wagon, XL Extended Wagon, and the XLT Extended Wagon. These are quite attractively priced at MSRP ranging from $28,885 to $34,695. The standard engine for all trims is the 5.4-liter Triton V8 that offers 255 horsepower. This engine works with a 4-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking differently, there are two interesting engine options: a 6.0 liter Powerstroke diesel engine offering 235 hp and another Triton V8 6.8 liter engine offering an amazing 305 hp. These options are mated to a TorqShift 5-speed automatic transmission.

While performance is certainly far from unsatisfactory, the wheelbase is narrow and the high center of gravity does not impose rollover safety, even with the roll-over mitigation system in place. Subsequently, the NHTSA rollover rating says “poor”. But otherwise, the 2009 Ford E-350 Super Duty truck has 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. The passenger wagon trims come with standard electronic stability and traction control. Interiors are nice and roomy. The Super Duty comes with a lovely new instrument panel which snugly incorporates a glove box.

The 2009 E-350 comes as a regular length truck as well as an extended length vehicle. Competition is strong today, with many companies focusing on this segment. But the Ford F-350 somehow survives and thrives. After all, the Ford stamp of quality still stands strong. Reliable performance, vast interiors and immense cargo space, together with classic good looks on a rugged base must work well for this E-350 Duper Duty vehicle. We like the new styling, engines and three duty ratings. Handling and fuel economy can be improved to a great extent. With a little redesign here and there, it should definitely beat most of the competitors.

2009 Ford Econoline Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification E-350 Passenger E-350 Passenger extended length
Wheelbase, in. 138 138
Overall Length, in. 212 232
Overall Width, in. 79.3 79.3
Overall Height, in. 83.7 84.6
Curb Weight, lbs. 5621 6143
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 236.5 275.1
Standard Payload, lbs. 2979 3157
Fuel Capacity, gals. 35 35
Seating Capacity 12 15
Front Head Room, in. 43.8 42.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40 40
Rear Head Room, in. 40.2 40.2
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.9 36.9

Engines sohc V8 sohc V8 sohc V10 Turbodiesel ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.6 /281 5.4 /330 6.8 /415 6.0 /363
Horsepower @ rpm. 225 @ 4800 255 @ 4500 305 @ 4250 235 @ 3300
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 286 @ 3500 350 @ 2500 420 @ 3250 440 @ 2000
Availability Standard Standard Optional Optional

EPA City / highway mpg
4-speed automatic 14/18 13/17 NA/NA –/–
5-speed automatic –/– –/– –/– NA/NA

Model Prices
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
E-350 Cargo regular-length 3-door van $28,885 $25,630 $980
E-350 Cargo Super extended 3-door van $29,815 $26,439 $980
E-350 XL Super Duty regular-length 3-door van $30,525 $27,057 $980
E-350 XL Super Duty extended 3-door van $32,915 $29,136 $980
E-150 XLT regular-length 3-door van $30,115 $26,700 $980
E-350 XLT Super Duty regular-length 3-door van $33,350 $29,515 $980
E-350 XLT Super Duty extended 3-door van $34,695 $30,685 $980