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Porsche's family of rear-engine 911 sport cars is now available in three power levels for 2008-standard, S, and Turbo-and in three body styles-Coupe, Targa, and Cabriolet.
The standard engine on the 911 is a 325-horsepower, 3.6L horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. S models get a 355-horsepower, 3.8L flat-six. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, but a five-speed automatic transmission is ..... |
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The Pontiac Solstice continues as two trims for 2008, with the base convertible sporting a five-speed manual transmission and a 2.4L DOHC aluminum four-cylinder engine that produces 173 horsepower. Four-wheel disc brakes, 18-inch aluminum wheels, traction control, a CD player with an auxiliary input jack, and XM satellite radio are all standard.
The performance-oriented GXP trades the 2.4L Ecotec ..... |
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BMW pioneered the "sports sedan" in the mid-1960s when it gave the world the 2002, and the Munich-based carmaker has built a strong reputation on furthering its pursuit of performance and practicality. The 1-Series is its newest offering, and the stylish coupe gives first-time buyers easy access to a great tradition.
The 1-Series comes in two basic flavors-128i and 135i-with variation through opti..... |
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Constructed mostly of aluminum, the 2008 Jaguar XK is significantly stiffer than prior generations. The 4.2L V8 engine is refined and powerful, and is mated to a six-speed sequential transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. Underneath, the eCATS system actively adjusts the suspension to keep the ride smooth yet sporty. Traction control and dynamic stability control are standard, and the r..... |
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The Mercedes-Benz CLK Class is offered in three different models (CLK350, CLK550, and CLK63 AMG), and in two different body styles (coupe and convertible). The CLK350 comes with a 268-horsepower, 3.5L V6, while the CLK550 includes a 382-horsepower, 5.5L V8. The entire CLK line uses a seven-speed automatic transmission, and all CLKs have rear-wheel drive.
The CLK63 AMG convertible and CLK63 AMG Bla..... |
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The Dodge Viper gets some significant mechanical improvements for 2008 that bring its performance up to a new level. Its aluminum-block V10 engine has been increased to 8.4 liters and now includes variable valve timing, along with a new two-piece intake manifold and dual electronic throttle control. The engine now gets an oil system adapted from competition engines, for improved oil pressure durin..... |
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In its shape and substance, the 2008 Ford Mustang recalls the popular pony car of 1967-69. The Mustang relies on simple architecture to achieve its impressive results-rear-wheel drive, a solid rear axle, and a big engine up front. This proven formula has worked well for the car for more than 40 years, and in GT form, the 300-horsepower V8 returns 0-60 times in the low 5-second range, which is fast..... |
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Three different variants of the Mercedes SLK roadster are again offered for 2008, each with progressively more powerful engines: there's the SLK280, with a 228-horsepower, 3.0L V6; the SLK350, with a 268-horsepower, 3.5L V6; and the high-performance SLK55 AMG, with a 355-horsepower V8.
Both of the V6 models have all-aluminum engines with variable valve timing, so there's plenty of torque available..... |
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Toyota's Solara coupe models come with either an inline four-cylinder or V6 engine for 2008, while the convertible comes only with a V6. Both are offered in SE, Sport, or SLE variants. The four-cylinder engine is the familiar 2.4L that powers many other vehicles in the Toyota line; here it makes 155 horsepower and can be paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic transm..... |
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