Luxury

There's no mistaking the 2011 XK as anything other than a Jaguar. With its new more "performance oriented" nose, revamped sleek rear quarters and rear end, the XK is a beautiful machine that, especially with the top down, drew many approving glances. While the Jaguar XK's predecessors are sometimes accused of looking like an out-of-date sports car for the older set, the 2011 model has struck back with a dramatic new look. Jaguar changed the front, added chrome grilles inside the bumpers and – a neat detail – placed a serious set of louvers on the hood. The new side profile looks as good as the artfully executed rear end and it all comes together to give the XK a sleek, powerful look.

My metallic blue XK had a light beige interior that was quintessential Jaguar: An abundance of fine leather and beautiful wood trim. It's not only beautiful to look at, but that quality British leather smells…well, it just smells great.

The XK convertible has a standard 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. This engine is smooth, fast and superb in every way – including its sound. While you can always hear the XK's powerful voice rumbling out of those big rear tailpipes, Jaguar has done a fine job of noise control; the cabin's quiet with the top up and there's little wind buffeting with the top down.Read more

Few vehicles can lay claim to as many "Car of the Year" honors as BMW's best-selling 3-series, renowned for its superb performance and handling. Even better, BMW's M (Motorsport) division, the company's special projects and racing operation, fine-tunes and modifies some of these cars into flat-out luxury-sports cars: the M3 series.

There are three M3 models available: a sedan, a coupe, and hardtop convertible, and all share the same body style – a "macho" variation of the standard 3-series design. The M3 tested was a beautifully finished red convertible, and it was easy to spot the changes that distinguish this as an M3. A generous hood bulge to accommodate the larger engine and very noticeable additional air intakes located on the left and right of the hood to help cool the big V8. A more aggressive front bumper gives the car a sportier look while also allowing it to take in more air, and four exhaust pipes on the rear let everyone know this isn’t your standard 3-series. There are a few changes to the body that won't be noticed by the casual observer; many body panels are made from aluminum to save weight while still retaining strength. However, most BMW styling cues – such as the iconic double-kidney grille and the high-intensity Xenon lights with the angel eye rings – remain.Read more

Long recognized as one of the best mid-range luxury cars on the market, the BMW 5 Series has earned countless "Car of the Year" awards. The rich history of BMW's "bread and butter" model gives new generations much to live up to – and the sixth generation 5 Series rises to the challenge.

Its body stays true to BMW's classy, yet modern, design. No over-the-top flares, arches, or air vents on this sedan; it's all business. It is sure to turn heads with its aggressive styling curves and bold front, even as it carries traces of Chris Bangle's original hump-in-the-trunk. Rather than diverging drastically from the proven luxury sedan design, BMW relies on subtlety: Click "unlock" and "angel eye" rings glow above the headlights; tiny LED lights in the exterior door handles illuminate. Read more

Last week Lexus released two photos of the LF-Gh Hybrid Concept with the promise of details and more photos to come. That time is now.

Making its debut at 2011 New York International Auto Show next week, the LF-Gh Hybrid Concept features an elegant design, but with an assertive presence. All you have to do is look at the front grille to know that this grand-touring sedan means business!

Viewed from the front, you'll find a bold, spindle-shaped grille, unique LED fog lamps and slim rear outlets that follow the curve of the tail lamps from the rear quarter panel. The grille aids in airflow control and enhances the stability of the vehicle, and is a design feature you can expect to see in future Lexus models. Read more

Hyundai has made amazing progress as an automobile manufacturer. In just a few short years, the company has gone from being the punch line of jokes to the maker of well-respected, high quality, award-winning vehicles. It took the Japanese auto manufacturers many years to accomplish what Hyundai has achieved in relatively few.

The 2011 Hyundai Equus is one of the most interesting cars I have driven in quite a while. Hyundai's goal is to emulate what Toyota did with its Lexus brand: build a car that can compete with the likes of Audi, Mercedes, Lexus, Jaguar, etc., yet cost considerably less upon introduction. Toyota succeeded with this formula in 1990 with Lexus, which is now often considered the benchmark of quality. Now it's Hyundai's turn to try to duplicate Toyota's feat.Read more

Who says you can't buy LOVE? Live like a celebrity this Valentine's Day with The Mirage LOVE Starts Here Mega package now available for $41,000. Indulge your partner for a week of ultimate luxury and decadence. From high roller suites to Rolls Royce transportation, from assisting a Vegas headliner on stage to igniting the world famous Mirage Volcano, this package is sure to impress and provide bragging rights for years to come! Read more