High-tech equipment, all-new looks showcase European models

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a series featuring new cars for 2011. The new model year starts Oct 1.

Today, the spotlight is on vehicles from Germany, England, Italy and Sweden.

BMW: The new BMW X3 has noticeable improvements in the technology area including engines, handling and ride. Previous X3s were produced in Graz, Austria. Good news: The X3 will now be assembled in our own Spartanburg BMW plant. It is said the new model will be 50 pounds lighter and resembles the X5, which is an excellent recommendation. It’s a four-wheel drive job with the engine in front and rated a true five-passenger wagon.

Isn’t it nice to have a "wagon" again in the vehicle vocabulary? Prices have not been announced, but look for the $40,000 and up sticker. EPA: 18 city; 26 highway.

And now, courtesy of Motor Trend: Here is more news on “What’s New,” from other European carmakers.

ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE/V12: “The V12 Vantage deserves the credit: The big news for 2011.” Its 510 hp engine helps the vehicle achieve 190 mph. Unusual fact: the paint on a V12 Vantage Carbon Black Edition takes nearly 50 hours of prep work to complete.

AUDI A7: The incoming A7 coupe-style four-door will function as a flagship alternative in the United States for those who find the new A8 too staid. An A7 will likely sport a pop-up spoiler that deploys at certain speeds to improve aerodynamics.

AUDI A8: We depart from Motor Trend for a moment to bring you significant “firsts” on the A8 from Automotive News:

• The steering wheel vibrates when the car leaves its lane or gets too close to another vehicle.

• Night vision detects and highlights pedestrians.

• A brake guard warns when the vehicle in front is too close by sounding a chime, then tapping the brakes. If the driver doesn’t reduce speed, the car will slow.

• Shift-by-wire gearshift.

• Navigation system with a touch pad that recognizes hand writing.

• Google maps, streaming news.

I like the feature that “highlights pedestrians.” Excellent for downtown Charleston.

JAGUAR XJ: What’s new? Everything above the aluminum frame: modern styling is matched with much-improved handling and powerful new engines. Inside, a stylish new cockpit with high-tech digital gauges and supple leather. It’s poised to save Jaguar — again!

LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO: Now that you are in the buying mood, check this base price: $200,100 to $230,500. The company is also unveiling a special edition 562 hp Superleggera, which means “superlight.”

LOTUS EVORA: Now, we get down to a workingperson’s price: $74,265. As the brand’s only four-seat and V-6 powered offering, the Evora necessitated fresh sheetmetal and a more luxurious interior.

MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS COUPE/CABRIOLET: The soft-top convertible, which seats four, is new and comes with the same engines as the sedan. It is designed to keep passengers warm and noise levels down in open-air driving, even when it’s cold out there.

MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG: The newest super car from Mercedes is all-new. There are 120 redesigned engine parts in the 6.2 liter V-8. Top speed is said the be 197 mph. Try that in stepped up patrols on I-26.

SAAB 9-5: Yes, under new owners, the 9-5 is new from the ground up, riding on a new chassis with all-new bodywork and interior. Adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition are now both offered. “It’s a car that could save Saab,” priced from $38,000 to $49,990.

SMART FORTWO: Offered in coupe and convertible styles with base price ranges of $12,700 to $21,700. Smart now offers a Kenwood nav-system integrated into the dash. The droptop is cheaper than anything else offered in the U.S. market.

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA: It has been completely redesigned for 2011. Four power trains will be offered including three gas-powered versions and the carryover diesel. Quick reading: European style; bargain prices from $16,800 to $25,000.

VOLVO S60: The list of standard equipment is lengthy: a 7-inch, color high-definition entertainment system, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned Dynamic Chassis, driver-selectable speed-sensitive steering, HD radio and an automated-braking system. The 300 hp turbo V-6 is the most powerful six-cylinder ever offered by Volvo.

Next Saturday, we start a three-week session on the Detroit Three: Chrysler, General Motors and Ford.

Dr. George G. Spaulding is a retired General Motors executive and distinguished executive-in-residence emeritus at the School of Business at the College of Charleston. He can be reached at 2 Wharfside St. 2A Charleston, S.C., 29401.