Speed Racer

One of my greatest passions is something that has rolled off numerous assembly lines worldwide for centuries now. Yes, automobiles have been a love of mine since at least the age of 2, when my parents finally translated my muffled, really fast statement from the backseat of our 1983 Nissan Maxima, ” luka-dat-bad-cah”. He’s saying, “Look at that bad car!” yelled my dad…after months of trying to figure it out. Since then, I’ve known everything there is to know about every car, truck, van & SUV that’s roamed the roads of America & abroad.

Therefore, I find it my civic duty to inform our Obvious family about everything I know on the subject! In this issue however, we’ll just highlight a couple of my personal all-time favorites. There’s no better vehicle to start with than the benchmark of excellence in entry-level luxury cars. That’s right people… the BMW 3 series. Updated for 2010, the 3 series remains the car other automakers strive to achieve compatibility to. As to be expected, it’s offered in a sedan, wagon, coupe and hardtop convertible. Also a first for BMW this year, the automaker will, introduce to the US market the 335d. This diesel -powered car will be the most fuel efficient of the 3 series family. Just in time considering the economy, it offers a great amount of torque.

The 3 series sedan and coupe models this year are offered in the 328i and 335i, in rear-wheel drive. The 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive editions are all-wheel drive. As an owner of my now third 3 series, it’s safe to say this year’s car still gives the Mercedes C class, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, and Lexus IS something to aspire to.

As we move up in size and price range, Jaguar finally offers a noticeably different vehicle to join the mid size luxury sports sedan lineup. The XF is a strikingly bold expression of Jaguar’s commitment to change, and moving in an upward and forward- thinking direction. It boasts luxurious materials both inside and out, while given strict attention to detail. The XF joins the likes of Mercedes’ CLS, and Porsche’s Panamera in the trend of the ‘four-door coupe’ segment. For those looking for more power, there’s the supercharged 5.0 liter V8 XF-R. This is the car that Jaguar will use to aim for the likes of the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, and the Audi S6. The XF-R sports a body kit, four huge exhaust tips, 20-inch wheels, and a new and different front bumper than the original.

In the XF demo I was given to test for a month, I noticed first… (after I carefully fit it into the garage) the uniqueness of the interior. The controls are pretty easy to find, and fairly simple to understand and use. My favorite interior features were the ‘disappearing effect’ of the air conditioner vents. When they’re not in use, the vents are covered and have a smooth, solid brushed nickel look that blends into the rest of the dashboard. I also liked the one of a kind shifter. It rises from the center console after you press the start button to turn the car on. I was quite surprised at the handling of the XF, since Jaguar in my opinion has historically been more about fluff and less sport. Also, the XF was surprisingly quick on its feet as I sped up the Dallas North Tollway. I didn’t know what to expect from such a large car (at least, in my opinion), but the XF was quite impressive. With Jaguar’s new relationship with Tata Motors, the Mumbai, India based car automobile company who acquired the subsidiary in March, 2008… I’m looking forward to seeing what Jaguar brings to the sport luxury car segment in the near future.

Finally, for the SUV lovers… I must admit, one of my favorite automobile companies has done it again. The 2010 Audi Q5 derives from the platform of the current A4…and I’ll just say it. It’s hot! This also happens to be the crossover that will lead the segment of all-wheel-drive, gasoline powered crossover vehicles in the US. Topping in its category, the Q5 achieves 18 mpg city, and 23 mpg highway. As usual with Audi, the Q5 is offered in three different options. The black, which is the standard, the S-Line which will offer a slightly sporty appearance, as well as an off-road package with underbody protection and 19-inch wheels.

This is the only vehicle of the today’s three that I haven’t had the pleasure of driving. However, after owning an Audi previously I know to expect only great performance in true European sporty style from the Q5. Considering its size (and the fact that it’s the younger cousin of the butt ugly Q7), I was surprised at how roomy the Q5′s interior is. The slope in the roofline is just … well, sexy! Maybe I’m the only person that’s into LED tail-lights right now… but, this year I think we’ll see them on anything that’s considered remotely decent in the luxury car/crossover market. The LED tail-lights of the Q5 have an upward sweeping motion that gives it a really smooth and modern appearance. Audi has also beefed up their navigation in the Q5 with the Audi Navigation Plus that features a 7 inch LCD screen with a 40 gigabyte hard drive and digitally enhanced graphics.

There are so many more vehicles I’d like to talk about… but, Obviously… there’s always another issue to come. Remember, to speed and not get caught!

Story by J. Keri Ward