2008 MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMG

What it is: A high-performance version of the recently introduced C-class with a large V-8 stuffed under the hood.

Why it's important:it will be the most affordable car in mercedes-Benz's extensive AMG lineup of performance vehicles.
Powertrain:Likely to get the same 475-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 and seven-speed automatic you'll find in the CLK 63 AMG convertible.
Competition:Audi RS4,BMW M3, Cadillac CTS-V,jaguar S-type R.
What might go wrong: Mercedes will probably make the stability control undefeatble,and the C64 AMG just might understeer liks its forebear.
Estimated costs and arrival:Look for the C63 AMG this fall at the Frankfurt auto-show-it could go on sale soon after,in the $60,000 ballpark.

2011 AUDI A7

What it is:Audi new four-door will slot into the lineup between the A6 and A8.
Why it's important:The very elegant A7 is designed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Platform:It's based on the next generation Audi A6,which will have its longitudinally mounted engine set farther back to improve weight distribution.
Powetrain:The A7 will shareits engines with the upcoming A6.That means a 3.2-liter naturally aspired direct-injection V-6 with at least 265 horsepower and a new turbocharged 3.0-liter powerplant making 300 horsepower.Later,as S7 is planned with a 5.2 V-10 FSI engine and 460 horses.A six-speed automatic as well as the DSG will mate with Audi;s Quatttro system.
Competition:BMW6-series,Mercedes-Benz CLS-class.
What might go wrong:The four-door "coupe" segment is growing rapidly,so by the time the A7 arrives,it could face heady competition.Even the upcoming VW Passat four-door coupe might eat into sales of the A7.
Estimated arrival and costs:The A7s first auto show will be Frankfurt in the fall of 2009.It should go on sale in 2010 as a 2011 model,costing between $50,000 and $65,000.

2009 PORSCHE PANAMERA

What it is: Porsche's long-awaited front engine luxury sport sedan will add fifth model to the lineup.
Why it's important:Once exclusively a sport-car outfit,Porsche is fats becoming s highly rpofitable full-line luxury band.As such,the Panamera four-door is a crucial link in continuing the company's hot streak.
Platform:Ostensibly an all-new platform wholly developed by Porsche,the new front-engine,rear drive arhitecture may underpin future sedans in the Volkswagen/Audi family.
Powertrain:We're expecting tha Panamera to share its engines with Cayenne sport-utility.Tham means a 4.8 liter direct-injection V-8 with at least 385 horsepower an a twin-turbocharged version of the same engine with 500 horsepower.A six speed automatic might be the only transmission offered;a manual is belived to be unlikely.Europeans might get a base V-6 version making 290 horsepower.
Noteworthy technology: A gas-electric hybrid could debut in 2010 or 2011.
Competition: Aston martin rapide,Audi A8,BMW 7-series,Mercedes-Benz S-class,Jaguar XJ,Lexus LS460
What might go wrong: The Panamera is smaller than its competitors,which might turn off some buyers,And as Porsche continues to widen its reach into other car segments,the brand could lose the focus that was once devoted to sport cars.
Estimated arrival and costs:Should be unveiled at the 2008 Detroit show and then go on sale that year as 2009 model,with a price range of $70,000 to $100,000.

2008 JAGUAR XF

What it is:The XF replaces the poor-selling Jaguar S-type,which went on sale in the U.S in 1999.
Why it's important:Jaguar is up to its neck in hot water,especially in the U.S,where its grand sales plan failed to materialize-at current rates,the company could conceivably sell fewer than 20,000 vehicles in 2007,down from 54,655 in 2003.
Platform:The current S-type sits on the DEW98 arhitecture that was shared with the dearly departed Lincoln LS.The XF will use a further updated version of this platform,whish was heavily reworked for the 2003 model year.
Powertrain:The S-type currently comes with a 235-hp,3,0-liter V-6, a naturally aspired 300-hp V-8,or a supercharged 400-hp,4.2-liter V-8-all mated to six-speed automatics.The XF will be fitted with midly updated versions of the existing V-8,a3,5-liter V-6,and a supercharged 5,0-liter direct-injection V-8 in the range-topping supercharged R model.Expect it to make about 500 horsepower.
Noteworthy technology:The 5.0 liter V-8 is new but based loosely on the AJ-V8 engine tht also used on Land Rovers.
Competition:Audi A6 and A7,BMW 5-series,Infiniti M35/45,Lexus GS,Mercedes E-class and CLS-class.
What might go wrong:THe XF's dramatically edgy styling might alienate traditional jaguar owners.But as sales demonstrate,those buyers are dwindling lot anyway.
Estimated arrival and costs:Production is to begon later this year for sale next spring.Expect prices to start in the high $40,000s ad top out in the mid-$70,000s for the R.

2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI

What it is:This turbocharged,roadgoing rally car returns with a controbersial new look and a better interior.
Why it's important:The STI established itself as a performance icon,and Subaru plans to distance it even further from its mode sedate WRX brother.
Platform:Same as that recently introduced WRX.
Powertrain:In a move that seems motivatede by cost considerations,the STI employs a revamped version of the curent 2,5 liter boxer turbo that is expected to develop upwards of 300 horsepower and about 295 pound-feet of torque.A carry-over six-speed manual transmission in the cards
Competition:Audi S4,BMW 335i,Mitsubishi lancer evolution X,Volkswagen R32.
What might go wrong:The Impreza's new look,no matter how much STI cosmetic makeup gets tacked on,might turn off buyers.
Estimated arrival and cost:Expect to see the STI in showrooms early in 2008 for about $34,000 after a debut at this fall's Tokyoshow.

2009 CHEVROLET CAMARO

What it is:GM's much-hyped return of beloved played-muscle car it discontinued in 2002.
Why it's important:The succes of the 2005 Ford Mustang showed there is money to be made in the segment.
Platform:The reanimation of the Camaro doubled as an admission that engineering of the Global RWD Arhitecture,nee Zeta,never really ceased in Australia.
Powertrain: we're expecting two V-8s-a400-hp 6,0-liter and a high-po 500-plus-horse B-8-and an entry model with a 3,6-liter V-6.Buyers can choose a six speed manual or a six speed automatic.
Competition:Ford Mustang,Dodge challenger
What might go wrong:GM elder Bob Lutz has said proposed CAFE standards may prove too tough for rear-wheel-drive vehicles to meet.At the moment,the Camarois still a go,but there's a chance the convertible may not follow a year later.
Estimated arrival and costs:The Camaro is due in early 2009,the convertible in 2010.Look for prices to run from $25,000 to $35,000.