Named for one of the most challenging corners on the Le Mans racing circuit, the Arnage was fittingly introduced at the French circuit in April of 1998. It was 70 years prior that a Bentley, powered by a 4.5-liter engine, achieved victory at the 24 hours of Le Mans endurance race. To commemorate this achievement the Arnage was initially offered with a 4.5-liter engine developed with BMW and Cosworth, making it the first engine in nearly 60 years that was unique to the Bentley marque. In 2002, the Series Two Arnage was introduced, completely reworked and powered by a Bentley-built 6.75-liter V8 engine. The Arnage T was the first of the Series Two, and was followed a few months later by the Arnage R. The long-wheelbase Arnage RL was added for the 2003 model year.

Engine

• 6.75L V8, 16 valves, 450 hp @ 4100 rpm
• 6 speed automatic transmission
• 10 mpg city / 14 mpg hwy

Acura MDX 2009

The 2009 Acura MDX is Acura’s midsize luxury crossover SUV with seating for seven occupants. Acura was one of the first import luxury brands to offer a sport utility in 1996, with the SLX, which was a rebadged Isuzu Trooper. The MDX concept vehicle was unveiled at the 2000 North American International Auto Show and the production version debuted a few months later at the 2000 New York Auto Show. For 2007 the MDX was redesigned with a more athletic appearance, a longer and wider body, a longer wheelbase and a lower ride height. Acura’s flagship SUV was tuned on the world famous Nurburgring racetrack in Germany and is the sixth Acura project to be designed and engineered in the U.S.

The MDX has a refined and powerful 300-hp V6. It is more agile and quieter than its predecessor. The third-row seat folds easily into the floor and is a better fit for kids than adults. The dashboard is a sea of tiny, similar-looking buttons. Crash-test results are impressive.

2011 Honda CR-Z Concept

This spiritual successor to the venerable Honda CR-X originally made its debut as a concept car two years ago at the Tokyo Motor Show. And now, at this year’s show, Honda has revealed a new CR-Z, a 2-seat hybrid sports coupe that looks very much like the final production version scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in the second half of 2010.

"Beyond great styling and features, the CR-Z will bring new levels of engagement and fun to customers interested in a small car or a hybrid vehicle," says Eric Berkman, Honda’s vice president of planning.

Fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission and sport-tuned suspension, the upcoming CR-Z certainly will be engaging for the driver, the first hybrid sports coupe on the market. Although the car on display at Tokyo has a tiny back seat, the production CR-Z (which makes its worldwide debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January) is a sporty 2-seater, one with the added practicality of a hatchback.