The Hottest Sedan of 2008

Pontiac G8

Trying to recapture Pontiac's long-advertised "driving excitement," General Motors has tapped Holden, its Australian subsidiary, for the new full-size G8 sedan, which will premiere in 2008 as a 2009 model.

Available with a choice of a V6 or V8 engines, early reviews for the rear-drive G8 are favorable, though Pontiac had zero sales success when it imported an Aussie coupe and called it the new GTO. If the sedan is successful, expect assorted variants on the same platform, which have been rumored to include an updated version of the El Camino that combines a car's front end with the rear of a pickup truck.

The Hottest Hybrid of 2008

Ford Escape Hybrid

The Escape Hybrid and its equivalents at Mazda and Mercury are the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the road. The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner got makeovers for 2008.

Each combines a 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor/generator to deliver robust acceleration and 34 mpg city/30 mpg highway.

The Hottest Coupes of 2008

Bentley Continental GT Speed

The new GT Speed version of the stately Continental coupe includes a 600-hp V12 engine, along with a lowered ride height, sportier suspension and steering systems, and high-performance tires.

It's the first Bentley to be able to hit 200 mph. The Bentley Continental GT Speed also includes subtle styling modifications, and the ultra-exclusive Mulliner Driving Specification option package as standard equipment.

A new "Sport Traction" mode moderates stability control intervention at low speeds to afford tire-squealing launches.