2008 Cars

A first look

by Benjamin Bannister

Car guys and gals, wake up and look! There are some cool new cars for sale in 2008 that will take us back to the muscle car wars of the late '60s and early '70s.

Who's in?

Chrysler is putting the Dodge Challenger into production, and it's expected to have a V8 with a hemi option that would make Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor break into a string of manly grunts. Chevrolet's Camaro is still on the drawing board but look for Mustangs and Challengers to be testing each other soon.

Volkswagen has waited four years to produce the next generation of the R32, so with only 5000 being manufactured in 2008, these little hotrods will be very hot items indeed. The new R32 features a 3.2-liter, 6-cylinder engine that generates 250 horsepower. Each of the R32s is numbered right on the steering wheel, so each 6-speed, all-wheel-drive roadster automatically qualifies as a collector's item.

What to expect

New autos in 2008 aren't all about going fast. Each trip to the gas pump reminds us that Hybrid vehicles are here to stay. Mercury Mariner is offering an upgraded gas / electric hybrid Mariner in 2008 that is receiving good reviews. The Mariner is a small SUV, but still offers a spacious interior and excellent gas mileage. It gets about 32 miles per gallon on the highway and 27 mpg around town. The Mariner offers both comfort and economical operation.

If gas mileage is not important, the new Porsche 911 GT2 is another tasty choice for 2008. This Porsche is expected to be the first 911 to exceed 200 mph. Since the currently available turbo has 480 hp, this new 911 is anticipated to produce +500 hp.

Drivers of all persuasions should find something they like in 2008!

It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!

If you love your car, you’ve got treat it right – stock will never do for your hot wheels! Whether it’s for performance or just for the look, aftermarket parts can turn that car you just brought home into your own pimp ride.