Cars We Want to Drive in 2009

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Ford

2009 Ford F-150

Base Price: $20,345

What's New: America's best-selling truck has been entirely redesigned. Ford's designers took styling cues from the larger Super Duty Series trucks.

Why We've Got to Drive It: Aside from the rough and tumble styling, Ford has improved nearly every aspect of its mainline truck. Three new V8 engines offer more horsepower and a new six-speed transmission promises a less truck-like driving experience.

2010 Toyota Prius

Toyota

Base Price: $22,000 (est.)

What's New: Little is known about the next-generation Toyota Prius, but anticipation is mounting before its widely expected debut in January 2009 at the Detroit International Auto Show. Earlier this fall this picture of its design leaked onto the Internet, and Toyota confirmed that it was indeed the third-generation Prius.

Why We've Got to Drive It: The third iteration of the world's most popular hybrid is going to face more competition than it ever has. To keep pace, Toyota is going to have to make big improvements in efficiency and trim.

2009 Volkswagen CC

Volkswagen

Base Price: $26,790

What's New: Volkswagen is testing the desire for large, four-door coupes made popular at higher price-points by luxury manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz.

Why We've Got to Drive It: The sleek lines on the CC echo those on vehicles with base prices starting at twice this. VW's rowdy VR6 280 horsepower engine is an available option on higher trim models.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford

Base Price: $27,270

What's New: A restyled Fusion receives an oversize front grill sporting Ford's trademark three-bar design. This gas-electric version of the Fusion, which uses components from Ford's popular Escape SUV, is an all-new addition to the company's hybrid lineup.

Why We've Got to Drive It: The Fusion Hybrid's gas-electric components pushes top end fuel economy to 39 miles per gallon, more than Toyota's Camry Hybrid. The Fusion Hybrid is also capable of operating in electric-only mode up to 47 miles per hour, burning no gas whatsoever.

2009 Nissan 370Z

Nissan

Base Price: $29,930

What's New: Nissan refreshes its hot little roadster even as the company tries to green up the rest of its lineup. This sixth iteration of the Z roadster features sleeker body lines, marginally reminiscent of the company's GTR super car.

Why We've Got to Drive It: The Z's new 3.7-liter V6 pumps out 332 horses, 26 more than the previous version, and a seven-speed automatic transmission is an option.

2009 Lexus IS Convertible

Toyota

Base Price: $35,000 (est.)

What's New: The convertible version of Lexus' popular IS sport sedan is all new for 2009. It arrives to replace the company's aging SC 430 coupe.

Why We've Got to Drive It: The quick-folding roof is made of ultra-light aluminum, promising to operate quietly and without negative effect on the vehicle's handling.

2009 Audi Q5

Audi

Base Price: $39,000 (est.)

What's New: Audi is late to the luxury baby-crossover party, but this Q5 is a handsome competitor to vehicles like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Infiniti EX35.

Why We've Got to Drive It: With the large Q7, Audi proved it could turn out a crossover that handles muck like its Autobahn-forged sports sedan. The Q5—with a 3.2-liter, 6-cylinder power-plant that creates 270 horses—promises to do much the same.

2010 Cadillac SRX

General Motors

Base Price: $40,000 (est.)

What's New: The all-new, next-generation Cadillac SRX crossover moves away from the long, station wagon look of the previous version. This smaller vehicles seats just five.

Why We've Got to Drive It: The SRX takes cues from the hot-selling CTS sedan and promises to wrap that vehicle's performance in an SUV-like package.

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Vella is a writer for BusinessWeek.com in New York.