The year 2008 has been filled with many important car launches from auto majors around the world and there was a noticeable appreciation in car production levels of major manufacturers. Almost every car company came up with its own set of wheels. Some of the major car models that were launched in 2008 and are being produced in significant numbers include:
• Nissan Altima Hybrid: Getting fired up by the Hybrid rush, Nissan also choose to unleash its dragon the Altima Hybrid. This 4 door family sedan has a capability of seating 5 people and does not have any variants. Equipped with 2.5 litre I4 hybrid engine that gives a mileage of 33 35 mpg with 158 Hp, Altima comes with a variable speed automatic transmission as standard.
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• BMW 5 series: An already powerful, sophisticated and technologically advanced vehicle got a face lift in the year 2008. The major changes in the BMW 5 series happened in the exterior design and engine power area. BMW 5 series is available in six variants and caters to everything from super luxury sedan, luxury sports sedan to luxury wagon. The basic variant of this car starts with 528i sedan and has a 3.0 litre 16 valve engine that gives 230 Hp with 18 28 mpg in city and highway; this has a 6 speed manual transmission. The 550i sedan is the top end model of the 5 series line up and comes in 4.8 litres, V8 engine which churns a 380 Hp with 15 22 mpg in city and highway; this variant also has a 6 speed manual transmission as standard and an optional 6 speed automatic transmission.
• Audi A4: 2008 came with another striking performer – the Audi A4. Sharing the visual appeal of the Audi A5, the Audi A4 is a visual masterpiece created to work wonders both inside and out. One of the major features of the Audi A4 is the presence of Daytime running lights and Drive select which make it distinct from the tough competition form BMW 3 series and the Mercedes C class. With the press of just one button, the drive select feature can adjust the suspension, steering ratio and related knick knacks for a comfortable or sporty ride. Available with 10 variants, the Audi A4 2.0 litre 2.0T SE Avant Quattro Tiptronic gives a mileage of 19 27 with 200Hp and comes with 6 speed automatic transmission as standard.
• Honda Accord Coupe: Being one of the flagship models of the Honda brand, it was necessary to upgrade the Honda Accord Coupe to meet the likes of Nissan Altima. Honda Accord Coupe is a 2 door family coupe which has a 5 passenger seating capability. It is also available as a sports coupe. With a 5 speed manual transmission as standard, the basic LX S 5 Spd MT has a 2.4 Litre I4 engine that gives 190 Hp and has a mileage of 22 31 mpg in city and highway. The top end EX L V 6 5 Spd AT w/ Navigation System comes with a 3.5 Litre V6 engine that can cruise with 268 Hp while achieving a mileage of 19mpg on city roads and 28mpg on highways, it has a 5 speed automatic transmission as standard.
Overall car production in 2008 has remained on expected lines however some companies did experience a slowdown in demand owing to the economic slowdown in many countries.
