New Entry-Level, Ultra-Exclusive Luxury Cars Debut

The Cadillac CTS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are strong sellers for their respective brands, and both models have been extensively redesigned for 2008. The CTS gets a much improved interior, can have a 300-horsepower V-6 engine and is now offered with all-wheel drive. The C-Class is also available with rear- or all-wheel drive and gets a version of Mercedes' knob-based Comand control system. Volvo has a new C30 two-door hatchback.

Land Rover has a new entry-level luxury SUV called the LR2. A replacement for the Freelander, the LR2 features a 3.2-liter inline-six-cylinder engine and Land Rover's Terrain Response four-wheel-drive system, which lets the driver change drivetrain characteristics depending on road conditions.

Audi and Infiniti both have new luxury performance coupes, the A5 and G37, respectively. Both models have V-6 engines, though the G37's makes significantly more power — 330 hp as opposed to 265 hp. Audi offers a high-performance version of its coupe called the S5, which comes with a 354-hp V-8.

For those with serious money to spend, Bentley has a new Brooklands coupe. The automaker is restricting Brooklands production to 550 units, and buyers can customize the interior to their liking. Rolls-Royce is launching its new Phantom Drophead Coupe convertible, featuring unusual design elements like suicide doors and a teak tonneau cover.