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| 2006 Mercedes-Benz S65 (photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
Not much to say about the styling: It's the same ol' S Class that's been around since 2000, with an ubiquitous AMG body trim. But how about that engine? As in 6.0-litres of a twin-turbo vee-twelve exploding with 604-hp and (get this!) 738-lb-ft of torque. Aye carumba! M-B claims the S65 is the "world's fastest production sedan" getting to 60 mph in a tuxedo-creasing 4.2 seconds. To slow this beast, there are huge 15.4-inch brakes up front with eight calipers
Future competitors: Embraer Legacy, Learjet 40, Bombardier Challenger 300
When can you buy it?: Now, or as soon as your credit app is approved
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| Toyota FJ Cruiser (photo: Toyota) |
With styling inspired by the FJ Land Cruiser of the Sixties, four suicide doors, and Toyota spin miesters claiming their new truck will be aimed at young males looking for a "platform for extreme sports activities," I'm smelling a Honda Element, but with balls. The FJ is based on a shorter 4Runner chassis, with the same 245-hp, 4.0-litre vee-six with either a four-speed sluchbox or five-speed stick
Future competitors: Dodge Nitro, Hummer H3, Land Rover Freelander, Jeep Liberty, Nissan Xterra,
When can you buy it?: Spring 2006
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| Dodge Nitro concept (photo: DCX) |
Chrysler claims their Nitro's styling takes cues from the 2002 Detroit show Dodge M80 pickup concept. Maybe. What I see wouldn't look out of place sitting on a Nissan lot, with some Land Rover LR3 touches thrown in for free. Built on a stretched Liberty platform, Nitro borrows the 210-hp, 3.7-litre vee-six, and four-speed automatic transmission combo as well. With cute-ute sales projected to grow 50 percent over the next three years, Dodge needs to be in this segment right now
Future competitors: Hummer H3, Land Rover Freelander, Jeep Liberty, Nissan Xterra, Toyota FJ Cruiser
When can you buy it?: Fall 2005
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