By FRANK A. AUKOFER, Scripps Howard News Service

Specifications for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 two-seat hard top convertible.Engine: 5.5-liter V8, 382 horsepower.Transmission: Seven-speed automatic with manual-shift mode.Overall length: 14 feet 11 inches.EPA passenger volume: 58 cubic feet.EPA trunk volume top up/top down: 10/7 cubic feet.Weight: 4,220 pounds.

Specifications for the 2008 BMW X6 xDrive 35i four-door sport activity coupe.Engine: 3-liter six-cylinder, turbocharged, 300 horsepower.Transmission: Six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode.Overall length: 16 feet.EPA passenger/cargo volume: 98/26 cubic feet.Weight: 4,894 pounds.EPA city/highway fuel consumption: 15/20 miles per gallon.

The all-new X6 from the Bavarian Motor Works is unquestionably a fine performer. It is, after all, a BMW, with all that entails: superb handling, two powerful engines, supple ride and, of course, high prices.What is questionable is the concept.

Specifications for the 2009 Nissan GT-R Premium two-door sports coupe.Engine: 3.8-liter V6, turbocharged, 480 horsepower.Transmission: Six-speed automated manual with all-wheel drive.Overall length: 15 feet 3 inches.EPA passenger/trunk volume: 86/9 cubic feet.Weight: 3,918 pounds.EPA city/highway fuel consumption: 17/21 miles per gallon.

Nissan is crashing an exclusive party in the United States.With the introduction of the 2009 GT-R, the Japanese manufacturer becomes a member of the super car club, which is mostly limited to high-performance machinery with prices well into six figures.

These are times that try the Jaguar soul.Just as the iconic British manufacturer introduced its all-new sports sedan, the XF, it also came under new ownership.Ford Motor Co. sold the Jaguar and Land Rover brands, which it had acquired for $5.3 billion, to Tata Motors of India for $2.5 billion.

If Subaru didn't invent the crossover sport utility vehicle, it was right there at the category's dawn.In the 1970s, the Japanese manufacturer made a discovery: It's engines lent themselves to four-wheel drive cars.

It's the Second Coming! Relax. It doesn't have anything to do with religion. It's BMW's way of describing the 2008 1-Series coupe and convertible. They are all-new additions to the Bavarian manufacturer's lineup of high-performance luxury vehicles.