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.