2009 FORD FLEX Get ready for this new full-size crossover that offers seating for up to seven with flexible cargo capability. The shape is unique in its class and in the marketplace, reminiscent of older-style station wagons, and some have said it is set to redefine the people-mover market.

The Flex will be powered by a 262-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive, or an optional all-wheel-drive system. Some of the cooler features include a roof option with four glass panels to provide natural light to all three rows-the front panel also opens like a sunroof. Available features will include voice-activated navigation, capless fuel filler, a refrigerated console between the second-row captain’s chairs, and programmable ambient lighting.

2009 HYUNDAI GENESIS
This is a great car with a great story. Ten years ago, Hyundai relied on producing efficient, inexpensive economy cars. Now, in 2009, the Korean automaker will come to market with the Genesis, a new sports sedan that will go head-to-head with the likes of BMW and Mercedes. Changing the reputation of a brand does not happen overnight, but Hyundai has come a long way in re-defining itself as a manufacturer, as well as its cars!

A luxurious rear-wheel-drive sedan, the all-new Genesis is available with a choice between a 375-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 and two V6 engines: a 264-horsepower 3.3-liter or a 290-horsepower 3.8-liter unit driving through a ZF six-speed automatic transmission. The Genesis will feature such amenities as XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Smart Cruise Control, a 17-speaker Lexicon Audio System, electronic active head restraints and heated/cooled seats. The sedan will be joined by the Genesis coupe, early next year, as a 2010 model.

2009 DODGE CHALLENGER
Every young man wants a muscle-car in his heart-of-hearts, and Dodge is banking on their baby boomer counterparts falling in love with this honey of a car. In fact, when it was rolled out at the Chicago Auto Show, the Challenger SRT8 had everyone buzzing about putting it to the test.

Although three decades have come and gone since the last Challenger rolled out of Detroit, this new model picks up style points from the original, while successfully mixing in smart interpretations from this era.

The SRT8 touts a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter V8. This is the highest output of any normally aspirated V8 engine ever offered by Chrysler. Dodge will also offer the Challenger R/T and Challenger SE. The R/T gets the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 making 375 horsepower, while the SE is powered by a 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6.

2009 KIA BORREGO
The new Borrego represents Kia’s entry into the midsize SUV market. The Korea-based automaker stuck with the traditional SUV shape for the Borrego, but the new SUV is quite stylish with a bold grille and large headlights and tail lights. It will also be powered by Kia’s first V8 engine-a 4.6-liter unit producing 300 horsepower-good enough to tow up to 7,000 pounds. Seating is available for seven, and sliding second-row seats provide easy access to the third row.

A number of options are available on the Borrego, including a six-disc in-dash CD changer, satellite radio, power-adjustable pedals, a DVD-based navigation system and a back-up camera. And then there’s that warranty package. As with all Kias, the Borrego is covered by a five-year/60,000-mile warranty and roadside assistance package, plus a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

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