Jaguar XF
Powertrain: Naturally aspirated or supercharged 4.2-liter, dual-overhead cam V8 with variable valve timing; six-speed automatic with manual shifting; rear-wheel drive.
Horsepower: 300 at 6,000 rpm (n.a.); 420 at 6,250 (s.c.)
Torque: 310 pound-feet at 4,100 rpm (n.a.); 408 pound-feet at 3,500 (s.c.)
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Jaguar XKR
Type: Rear-drive roadster.
Where built: Castle Bromwich, England.
Key rivals: BMW Z8; Mercedes-Benz SLK; Audi TT.
Power: 4.2-liter, 420-horsepower, supercharged V8; six-speed auto transmission with manual shift mode.
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BMW 328i Sedan
Complaints: None about the car.
Ride, acceleration and handling: Superior compact sports sedan in all three categories. If I had $30,000 to spare, I’d buy and drive it without having a single moment of guilt.
Head-turning quotient: It is a work of understated sensuality — sinewy and attractive, yet practical and purposeful.
Body style/layout: The BMW 328i is a compact, entry-level luxury, front-engine (longitudinally mounted), rear-wheel-drive sports sedan with a traditional notchback trunk.
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BMW X5
Powertrain: 4.8-liter, DOHC, 32-valve V8; six-speed automatic with manual shift mode; multi-plate center differential; all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 350 at 6,300 rpm
Torque: 350 pound-feet at 3,400-3,800 rpm
Curb weight: 5,335 pounds (est.)
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BMW 550i keeps its classic lines.
Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, five-passenger sedan
Engine: 4.8-liter V-8; 360-hp; 360 pound-foot torque
EPA fuel economy: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
Where built: Germany
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The Saturn Astra is known as the Opel Astra in Europe. This stiff, flat-cornering little road racer is hugely entertaining to drive.
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Dodge Challenger SRT8
Type: Five-passenger rear-wheel drive coupe
Engine: 6.1-liter Hemi V-8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with Autostick
Power: 425-hp @ 6,200 rpm; 420-pound-feet torque @ 4,800 rpm
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