2009 Cadillac CTS-V

The hot-rod version of the new-for-2008 CTS is powered by a supercharged 6.2 liter V8 putting out 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque. While the previous CTS-V was only available with a manual transmission, the new CTS-V offers the buyer a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. The specially-tuned suspension features Magnetic Ride Control, a brilliant technology (already in use on the Chevrolet Corvette and Buick Lucerne) that allows near-instant changes in shock absorber behavior.

2009 BMW X6

BMW is calling the 2009 X6 a Sports Activity Coupe, and calling it the first vehicle of its kind. (Some might argue that the X6 is a four-door sedan, and that it looks an awful lot like now-defunct Subaru's Outback SUS (Sport Utility Sedan)). Semantics aside, the X6 will be available in two versions, the X6 xDrive35i (3.0 liter twin-turbo inline six, 300 hp, 300 lb-ft) and the X6 xDrive50i (4.4 liter V8, 400 hp, 450 lb-ft), both with a six-speed automatic and all wheel drive.

2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed

The Continental Flying Spur (sedan) gets mild tweaks to its front and rear fascias, revised suspension settings, optional carbon-ceramic brakes and a new dynamic cruise control system. An exclusive Naim stereo joins the options list, as does a full-width back seat with electrically adjustable outer sections. The new Flying Spur Speed model gets the same treatment as last year's Continental GT (coupe) Speed model, with a 600 horsepower 12-cylinder engine.

2009 Bentley Brooklands

The all-new Bentley Brooklands is scheduled to go on sale in early 2008 as a 2009 model. Did you get yours? If not, I'm afraid you're out of luck -- the 550 examples that Bentley will build are already spoken for. Among the features of the $340,990 four-seat Brooklands: All-leather interior, special 20" wheels, and a 6.75 liter V8 (530 horsepower and 774 lb-ft of torque; the latter is, according to Bentley, the highest torque rating of any automotive engine ever produced) that whisks the Brooklands to 60 MPH in five seconds flat.

2009 Bentley Arnage Final Series

Bentley will commemorate the end of Arnage production with the Arnage Final Series, of which 150 will be built. The Arnage Final Series features the Arnage T's 500 horsepower twin-turbo engine, dark-tinted radiator grille, 20" wheels, body-color trim, upgraded interior, and "Final Series" badging inside and out.

2008 Audi TTS Cabriolet

The TTS is the new high-performance version of the TT. It will be available as a coupe or a convertible. It features a special high-performance version of the turbocharged 2.0T engine, with output raised to 265 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Audi's S-Tronic transmission (also known as the direct-shift gearbox) and Quattro all-wheel-drive are standard.

2009 Audi A6

The A6 gets new front and rear styling and a new engine, a 3.0 liter supercharged V6 that puts out 300 horsepower. This new engine will be optional in the sedan and the sole powerplant for the A6 Avant (wagon).

2009 Audi A4

Audi will introduce the new version of the A4 compact sedan in fall 2008 as a 2009 model. The new A4 features updated styling similar to the 2008 Audi A5. The new model makes extensive use of lightweight steel and features chassis and suspension improvements designed to make the A4 more involving to drive. The US version will be launched with a 265 horsepower 3.2 liter V6; a second engine will follow, but Audi is keeping quiet on the details for now.

2009 Acura TSX

Acura's smallest car is all-new for 2009, but you can expect more of the same: though slightly larger than the current TSX, it will use the same 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine. A diesel version is expected for calendar year 2009; it will be powered by Honda's 2.2 liter i-DTEC diesel.

Acura tl 2009

Acura's best-selling sedan gets a complete re-do for 2009. Base models get a 3.5 liter V6 and front-wheel-drive, while the SH-AWD model features a 3.7 liter V6 and all-wheel-drive. Bolder styling and an updated navigation system -- complete with real-time traffic and weather radar -- are among the TL's new features.

Acura 2009

Acura's largest car gets a makeover for 2009. No, the RL still doesn't have a V8, but it does get a bigger V6 (3.7 liters and 300 horsepower) coupled to a standard all-wheel-drive system. The exterior has been updated and the interior gets a once-over, with more room for back seat passengers and -- I'm quoting from the press release -- "easier-to-use front seat belts".

Chrysler cars: What's new for 2009

The optional 5.7 liter V8 has been revised to produce more power. All-wheel-drive 300s get a new center differential that can completely disconnect the front axle, increasing fuel economy. Limited and 300C models have been retuned for a softer ride, and all versions get more standard equipment.