This year GM will release the Chevrolet Volt. Comparable in size to the now Colbalt, the electric battery can provide 40 miles of variable driving then resorting to a gasoline engine once it has exhausted its resources. The four door, five passenger car is what GM hopes to break into this every growing area. GM currently has several Hybrid vehicles but this will be its first electric car into production coming out late this spring. Cadillac Converj, a sporty luxury plug-in hybrid coupe is set to go into production around 2013. Even though GM will no longer produce the Hybrid Malibu, the Silverado, Sierra, Yukon, Tahoe and Escalade will still be available for the 2010 year.

Toyota will double their Hybrid production to 1 million by 2011. It took the company 10 years to sell its first 1 million Hybrids globally. Toyota will boost production of existing plus launch several new subcompacts, minivans and luxury cars including the FT-CH concept released last week at the North American Auto Show in Detroit. The FT-CH would become the company’s most affordable and highest mpg car so far. Currently Toyota with Lexus combined offers over 10 Hybrid choices ranging from the Camery to the Lexus LS600H.

Honda plans to launch the CR-Z late this summer. The two seater hatchback reminiscent of the CRX with ratings of 31-38 mph on average depending on the transmission selected will be the third car Honda offers in a Hybrid. The current Insight competes with the Prius and the ever popular Civic remain their strong sells. Word that Acura will soon have its own Hybrid lineup is in the works.

Ford continues to stay strong in the Hybrid market with the green car of the year, Fusion. The Mercury twin Milan also continues to receive strong accolades as well as rating high in customer satisfaction. The Ford Escape/Mercury Mainer along with Mazda Tribute, also continue to stay in the edgy small SUV market by providing the only Hybrids in their class. Ford continues to unveil newer, more fuel efficient cars with the release of the new long awaited, Ford Focus set for 2011 launch.

As Volkswagen has demonstrated its abilities to provide consumers with favorable clean burning diesels, they have also finally created the New Compact Coupe (NCC) with a hybrid powertrain to the TSI gasoline engine with a lithium battery and turbocharged direct inject engine. Volkswagen promises 45 mph combined city and highway with an 8.1 0-60 response too. With their ability to reintroduce the diesel back into our lives, this Hybrid should have no problem finding its niche in the always loyal Volkswagen owners heart as well as the new ones it will pick up along the way with the good looks and respectable reputation the brand is known for.

Luxury hasn’t always been associated with Hybrid but BMW has taken notice and launched the Active Hybrid X6 this December. A two mode Hybrid full electric operation up to 37mph for 1.6 miles increasing fuel economy 15-20 percent. The Active Hybrid 7 is considered a mild Hybrid that uses electric motors to boost the operation of a gasoline engine and recaptures energy in a lithium-ion battery. The 7 is set to go on sale sometime this year.

The Audi e-tron electric sports car offers just what it the title states, a two seater sports car. With 204 hp, 0-60 in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 124mph, this isn’t the golf cart commuter so many others have set out to be. Lithium-ion batteries offer realistic operating range of 155 miles possible. With a standard volt charge, it takes 11 hours to fully charge the batteries or two with a heavy current. Batter is constantly being charged not only when stationary but while in motion thanks to the electronic-mechanical brake system that enables further exploitation of the potential of electric motors for energy recovery.

Nissan’s LEAF set to go into to production this year is the first truly electric vehicle to be sold to consumers. It burns zero gas, has zero emissions and can travel up to 100 miles per charge with a top speed of 90 MPH. The batteries are fully charged within 8 hours. The five seater, five door is set to be priced around $30k. AeroVironment charging stations will be sold additional at the time of sale that way the consumer can charge their LEAF while it’s parked in their garage or wherever the vehicle will be used. Nissan hopes to have 20k reservations once it begins excepting them this Spring. More than 70 percent of the people who have contacted Nissan regarding LEAF reside in the markets where the car will be launched first. The strongest responses have been from San Diego, Tucson, Portland and Los Angeles. Ninety percent who contacted drive less than 100 miles per day while 75 percent indicate they are a two car family and this would make the ideal commuter car.

While we continue to purchase the standard more fuel efficient vehicles over the trendier Hybrids it doesn’t seem like it will be that far off to come to expect one day that all vehicles on the road will either be in a Hybrid or electric state as we move forward to the future and those possible bubble cars we once thought we would drive by now.

This week U.S auto manufactures reported their December sales and Annual numbers which just may spark a little notice with the fact people are in fact buying despite the tough economy.

Audi

Audi reports December U.S. sales of 9,030 luxury performance cars and SUVs, a result that ensured Audi will show the biggest 2009 U.S. market share gain of any imported luxury car brand. December 2009 ranked as the sixth-best month and the third-best December for the Audi brand in the U.S. The December 2009 sales represent a 17.1% increase from year-earlier December sales of 7,712 vehicles. “Audi clearly showed that it is the luxury brand on the move in 2009,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. December proved to be the best sales month ever for the Q5 and A5, best month of year for A3, A4, A6 and Q7 with the Clean diesel TDI models make up 53% of A3 sales, 43% of Q7 sales. Audi sold a total of 82,716 units for the entire 2009 year, 5.7% lower than the previous year.

BMW

Sales for BMW increased 11.5% in December for a total of 20,128 vehicles compared to 18,060 vehicles reported in the same month a year ago. For the year, BMW brand sales were down 21.1 percent to 196,502 vehicles compared to 249,113 vehicles sold in 2008. The top sellers were the X5 up 22.3 percent compared to December 2008. The BMW X6 was up 30.1 percent. The 5 Series gained 5.8 percent vs. December 2008 just prior to the introduction of an all-new 5 Series in the second quarter of 2010. The all-new BMW 7 Series and Z4 Roadster also had significant increases compared to last December, partially due to model cycle updates and limited inventory a year ago. “The numbers show a good month for us, but more importantly is the fact we saw traffic, shopping and sales evenly distributed throughout December,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC.

Chrysler

Chrysler Group today reported December sales increased 36 percent compared with November 2009 and 20 of 24 vehicles posted sales increases for the same time period. Inventory is down 55 percent compared with December 2008, with 178,538 units in inventory, representing a 58-day supply. Chrysler’s annual sales fell to 931,402 vehicles down from the 1.5 million sold the 2008 year. “As we kick off the new year, Chrysler Group continues to build momentum with some of the best products in the marketplace, and we are enthusiastic about the new products coming this year,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer-Ram Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our great Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram products are being recognized by opinion leaders in the industry, and consumers are responding in a positive way. In 2010 the company will continue to earn the trust of consumers with exciting, high-quality vehicles that are priced right.”

Ford

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury December sales up 33 percent versus a year ago; highest sales month since May 2008. 2009 marked the first time since 1995 that Ford announced full-year market share gain. Ford’s F-Series trucks has been the best selling truck for the past 33 years with a 16% increase this December. Ford also credits the ever so popular Fusion which had an increase of 83% for the month of December alone marking a new full-year sales record of units sold with the Escape having its second best ever sales year with an increase of 75% in December. December marks the 14th time in the last 15 months that Ford increased retail market share. Full-year sales totaled 1.62 million units still down 15% from the previous year. “People increasingly are discovering that the Ford difference is the strength of our products, particularly our leadership in quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart technologies and value,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing Sales and Service.

General Motors

GM dealers in the U.S. reported 160,996 retail deliveries in December – a 7 percent increase compared to last year, and a 50 percent increase over last month. Retail sales of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands were 146,419 – up 13 percent for the month. “The fact that our retail market share has increased two full points from the third to fourth quarters demonstrates that we are strengthening our brands,” said Susan Docherty, vice president, Sales, Service and Marketing. December also marked the lowest dealer inventory at 385,000 units nationwide on record. Chevrolet retail sales were up 14 percent – driven by strong sales of Camaro, Traverse, Malibu and Equinox. Buick retail sales were up 32 percent compared with a year ago on the continued strength of LaCrosse and Enclave. GMC retail sales were up 4 percent vs. December 2008 on strong Acadia sales. Cadillac retail sales were up 7 percent, led by the 2010 SRX, with sales 357 percent higher than a year ago. GM estimated that total vehicle sales would fall to 10.6 million in 2009, the lowest since 1982 and down from 13.2 million in 2008 and 16.1 in 2007.

Honda

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. said Tuesday its U.S. sales jumped 24 percent in the last month of the year, but fell 19.5 percent for all of 2009. Sales in the Honda division rose 18.9 percent in December compared with 2008. But the company’s Acura division reported an 8.1 decline. Accord and CR-V increased to hit a new December record. Sales increased to 107,143 vehicles from 86,085 in December of 2008. For all of 2009, sales fell to 1,150,784 from 1,428,765.

Hyundai

Hyundai Motor America today announced December sales of 33,797, up more than 40 percent versus December 2008. For the full year, Hyundai reported 435,064 sales, up eight percent over the prior year total. Car of the Year Genesis set the tone for the month, recording an all-time, any-time, sales record in December. “We are looking forward to 2010 and have reason to be optimistic,” added Zuchowski. “Led by our strongest product lineup ever, highlighted by the all-new Tucson and all-new Sonata — and more great products in the pipeline — the ranking by the EPA as the most fuel-efficient car company in America, and the enhanced Hyundai Assurance program, it’s clear that we’re already off to a great start in 2010.” Hyundai recently announced an extension of their popular Hyundai Assurance program that permits Hyundai customers to return their new vehicle if they become unemployed. The program also adds in five years of roadside assistance and a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.

Kia

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced December sales of 21,048 units, a 43.7-percent increase over the same month last year, and total 2009 sales of 300,063 units, a 9.8-percent increase over the same period last year. Kia small cars, including Rio, Forte, Forte Koup and Soul led the way in monthly sales volume. “In the midst of our largest commitment to the U.S. market ever, we have once again prevailed against difficult economic times and a down automotive industry by increasing our market share for the 15th consecutive year,” said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. “Our new and appealing design evolution paired with our core principles of quality, safety, value and technology will continue to boost our brand into the next decade.”

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported December sales of 20,025 vehicles, its highest monthly volume of the year, bringing the company’s total 2009 volume to 190,604 and narrowing the gap versus last year to 15.3 percent. An increase of 8.2 percent compared to December 2008. Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of MBUSA said: “The strong finish to a year marked by challenges on every front, underscores the customer confidence in the Mercedes-Benz brand and the unstinting efforts we have undertaken in partnership with our retail network to provide an unparalleled ownership experience.”

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors North America said Tuesday its 2009 annual sales fell 44.5 percent, while sales for December dropped 4.7 percent even with the 49 percent increase over the month of November. Sales fell to 53,986 vehicles from 97,257 in 2008. In December, sales slid to 4,355 vehicles from 4,570 in December 2008. The Galant proved to be the top seller with 1,600 sold in December. “The improvement in December sales validates our renewed strategies and tactics,” said Shinichi Kurihara, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America. “The input provided by our dealers’ National Advisory Board has been instrumental in guiding our revised sales plans and actions, and will continue to do so as we collaborate to extend this sales momentum.”

Nissan

Nissan Division posted sales of 64,296 units in December compared with 53,829 units sold in December 2008, a 19.4 percent increase. Nissan Versa set a record month as well as huge double digit increases in the sales of Maxima, Z, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder and Armada. For calendar year 2009, combined Nissan and Infiniti sales totaled 770,103 vehicles, compared with 951,350 vehicles sold in 2008, a 19.1 percent decline. “The industry is coming out of a very tough year; it’s good to see 2009 behind us,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. “Despite the huge challenges and uncertainties of last year, combined Nissan and Infiniti market share set a record in 2009. And looking ahead, we’re encouraged by some signs of economic improvement. Showroom traffic is building and consumer confidence is rising.”

Subaru

Subaru of America, Inc announced a record breaking sales year as the company sold 216,652 units in 2009, an increase of 15-percent. This breaks the previous sales record of 200,703 units sold in 2006. This also marks a record sales month for December 2009 as the company sold 23,074 units – an increase of 33-percent – versus 17,287 units sold in December 2008. December represented yet another record month for the Japanese manufacture. “We really owe this tremendous success to both our retailers and employees, who executed the business plans we set in place,” said Thomas J. Doll, EVP and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. “Along with our vision and their belief in the Subaru brand, they helped make that vision a reality,” Doll continued.

Suzuki

American Suzuki reported Tuesday that the automaker’s 2009 sales dropped 54 percent as December sales fell 48 percent. December sales dropped to 1,885, compared to 3,650 in 2008. For all of 2009, sales fell to 38,689 from 84,862 in 2008. The SX4 was the company’s top-selling model with 1,116 sold in December. Sales fell to 1,885 in December from 3,650 a year earlier. For all of 2009, sales fell to 38,689 from 84,862 in 2008.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported December 2009 sales of 20,387 total units, representing a 16 percent increase over December 2008. December marks Volkswagen’s sixth consecutive sales month above last year. The Jetta, Volkswagen of America’s top selling nameplate, posted strong December results with 10,233 units, a 26.9 percent increase over December 2008. Volkswagen’s clean diesel TDI models continue to perform especially well and accounted for over 20 percent of the brands total December sales. Volkswagen sold 213,454 total units for 2009, a decrease of 4.3 percent of the 223,128 units sold in 2008. “December’s performance was encouraging, as was the six consecutive months of sales growth that we have experienced. During those six months, Volkswagen sales increased 8.2 percent over the same period of last year,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “2009 proved to be another extremely challenging year for the Automotive Industry. We are encouraged by the fact that we were able to continue to grow our market share throughout 2009 despite the extremely challenging market conditions,” added Barnes.

Volvo

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) December sales were up 13.8 percent in the United States, marking the seventh straight month of a year-over-year increase. In the United States, VCNA sold a total of 5,638 vehicles in December. Another major contributor to Volvo’s recent sales success Safe + Sound coverage plan which provides best-in-class coverage, provides the lowest cost of luxury ownership (according to IntelliChoice). Overall in North America (United States and Canada), Volvo has sold 67,975 units in 2009, which represents a 14.6 percent decrease for the same period of 2008.

Toyota Avalon receives “Excellent” scores by Consumer Reports.

The Toyota Avalon earned an overall road test score of 87. Avalon remains of one of CR’s top rated sedans thanks to its quiet, spacious cabin; comfortable ride; strong performance; and good fuel economy. Tranquil motoring helps the Toyota Avalon pass for a luxury car that costs twice as much money. The Toyota Avalon XLS as tested (with a suggested retail price of $34,974) is powered by a 265-hp 3.5 liter 6-cylinder engine that provides smooth and strong performance while maintaining a 24mpg in CR’s own fuel economy tests.

Toyota America reported an 11.5 percent increase last month in sales up from last November with a total of 133,700 units being sold.

Hyundai

Hyundai received notification from the 2009 annual Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ), that it is the most fuel efficient auto manufacturer in the U.S. Overall fuel economy averages over 30mpg with Hyundai providing 30.1mpg knocking the traditional leaders of Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen out of the top spot.

Mazda

Mazda eager to join in on the American success of small cars announced that in their 2011 line up they would debut the Mazda 2 that is already doing well in other markets. The Mazda 2 is a genuinely attractive option to the every growing small car segment. Exact details have not been released yet as to the U.S. version will vary from the Japan and Europe options since Mazda is forgoing the 1.3 and 1.5 liter engines.

General Motors

General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson resigned December 1 effective immediately. The resignation was described as equal between Henderson and the GM board as both decided changes needed to be made. Which comes down to the once GM go to man getting the boot right when GM reported a 2.2 percent decrease in sales the previous month. Chairman Ed Whitacre, will fill the CEO role until a new CEO/President can be found which is anticipated to take months, not weeks.

Chevrolet continues on with the launch next year with the Volt. Chevy plans to release the first 100 copies to the state of California along with rolling out 500 electric-car charging stations throughout the state. OnStar technologies will provide GM performance monitoring to ensure proper mass release here in the states. The Volt will be launched nationwide once GM can partner with other utility companies.

Volkswagen

The “New Beetle” will make an appearance in 2011. The current model has been on sale since 1998 with variations in models offered. The new version is expected to keep its cute retro appeal but with an edge to appeal to a broader base. It is not known if it will continue to carry the Beetle name. Further details on the upcoming models are due out over the next couple months.

Ford

The Ford Fusion Hybrid finishes out the remainder of 2009 with several honors. Car and Driver named it a “10 Best”, Motor Trend “Car of the Year” and the EPA announced it’s the most fuel efficient midsize car with 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg highway ratings. All conclude why the Fusion is the number one selling domestic car.

Mustang will be pumping up the ponies for 2011 in both the base and GT models. The base muscle car will now come with a 305 horsepower engine. A 45 percent increase over the long used 4.0 liter V6 that only spits out 210-hp. The new 3.7 liter will come equipped with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions that along with the fuel sipping 2:73 gears will allow this muscle car to earn 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The GT version will bring back the 5.0 status with over 400 horsepower helping to scoot this heavy beast down the road and in better chance of outperforming its competitors. As it stands if the new V6 was released now, there would only be a 10-hp difference between the new 3.7 and the current 4.6 liter used in the GT so this will provide a noticeable difference between the two when they are both released next year.

Audi

Audi’s Q7 TDI was awarded the most “Environmentally Progressive Truck of the year” by Earth, Wind and Power. The TDI clean diesel delivers 30 percent better fuel economy and reduces carbon emissions by 20 percent over gasoline. TDI allows you to travel range up to 600 miles with 12 percent more power in each drop of diesel. Audi introduced the Q7 TDI this summer with a public awareness campaign about the positive effects clean diesel can have on America’s dependency on foreign oil. A U.S. EPA study found that if one-third of Americans fueled their vehicles with clean diesel instead of gasoline, the United States could send back 1.5 million barrels of foreign oil per day.

Kelley Blue Book awarded the A5 as 2010 “Best resale value” in both Top 10 and Best Luxury class. These awards recognize projected retained value by 2015 demonstrating the Audi value of their engineering years after the initial sale.

Audi showed record sales for the month of November with 8.5 percent of the imported luxury vehicle sales in the U.S.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, frontal impacts accounted for 52 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2008. Side impacts accounted for another 28 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths and an additional 16 percent account for rollover crashes.

The Honda Civic and Element, Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, Volkswagen Golf, Tiguan and Jetta, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Volvo C30 and Jeep Patriot round out the best for the under $25,000. This broad range can satisfy several tastes. Unfortunately, most consumers do not solely base their purchase on the IIHS safety rating because there are several other factors to consider. It does make knowing that the amount of money spent will determine just how safe your most precious cargo will remain just in case that day ever comes.

The Autonomous Audi TTS is a car that can safely operate without direct input from the driver though not aimed at removing the thrill of driving but to offer new possibilities of both today and future drivers. Burkhard Huhnke, executive director of the Electronics Research Laboratory, has noted that the technology found in the Autonomous Audi TTS could help drastically reduce the number of fatalities worldwide. The Autonomous Audi TTS will help ease road congestion and help the driver respond more effectively to safety hazards. Huhnke also noted that car would be able to return time to owners by performing routine chores such as parking itself in an assigned spot.

No release date as this is still clearly in testing stages but it doesn’t seem that too far off to think this will be considered the norm way before 2035.

Models affected by the recall include the Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI, and Eos built between September 2008 and August 2009.

According to VW, the recall applies to 2009 model year vehicles along with a few of the 2010 model year vehicles.

A faulty temperature sensor on the transmission may trigger false-positive warning lights on the cars, or in some cases the fault may cause the transmission to shift into neutral.

Volkswagen said it will contact owners of affected vehicles. Owners can schedule a free appointment with their dealer to check for and fix the problem.

Customers who have questions or concerns should call the Volkswagen Loyalty Center at 1-800-444-8982.

We also asked him about a local racer, Theresa Condict, of Lexington, who’s taking part in the series.

BLAST: So what brings VW to Boston? When are the events in the Boston area?

CLARK CAMPBELL: We’re partnering with Boston’s F1 Outdoors to host a karting qualifier competition that will serve as a method of entry to the series for 2010. There will be six events: Aug. 3 & 17; Sept. 21 and another September date TBD; and October 12 and another October date TBD. The standouts from this competition will qualify for our 2010 driver selection event, and one competitor from the karting events will even have his or her ride funded for 2010, which is a value of $45,000.

BLAST: Why Boston?

CC: The F1 Outdoor facility is one of the best karting locations anywhere, and their leaders have been very supportive of our program. They want to help us grow and also have a place to have their talented drivers to advance to. Fortunately, we’re able to help each other accomplish our goals.

BLAST: Tell us about local girl Theresa Condict! What kind of a racer is she? Are you starting to see more and more women in the sport?

CC: Theresa is quite the competitor. She doesn’t have the racing experience that some of our drivers do, but you wouldn’t know that by talking to her. She’s really jumped in with two feet this year, and tried to learn everything she can, and I think that’s showing each weekend at the race track. It’s been fun to watch her progress.

I think we’re definitely starting to see more women in all forms of motorsports. The gender barriers have definitely been broken, and racing is something that’s being thought of as a women’s activity, even in the karting ranks today. A series like the SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup is a perfect stepping stone for a young female driver to move from karting into full bodied race cars, and gain some valuable exposure with a focus aimed towards a professional driving career.

BLAST: What is the goal of the VW TDI Cup Series?

CC: There are two main goals of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series. One is to showcase the power and benefits of Volkswagen’s clean diesel engine technology. Our race cars are achieving more than 20 mpg on the racetrack, and that’s unheard of in motorsports. Plus, these cars can get up and go because of the high torque characteristics of diesel engines. Our lap speeds generally average between 70-80 mph. Secondly, we’re hoping to advance the careers of young drivers. When drivers enter our series, they’re amateurs, but at the end of one season, they earn their pro license. This definitely allows the drivers to start looking more into the professional arena. Our top two drivers from the 2008 season both found professional-level rides in more advanced series, and we’re really proud of that. Our Champion, Josh Hurley is racing in the Grand-Am Koni Challenge series, and our runner up, Liam Kenney is racing in the ADAC Formula Masters Series in Europe.

BLAST: Has publicity and media coverage grown with the series?

CC: Yes, the amount of attention we receive when in a race market has definitely grown as we’re able to race at new tracks and expose new markets to the unique qualities of our racing. People can’t believe that we’re racing mostly stock Jettas and that we’re able to run an entire race weekend on only four gallons of fuel.

BLAST: A few years ago you made the move into the racing division of VW full time. So this series is like your baby? Are you happy with its development so far?

CC: Well, the series is still in it’s infancy really, so I guess you could say that. It has taken a tremendous effort from a very dedicated crew to get it where is it today in less then 2 years. But when we get to the race track and get to witness the excitement of the competition, it’s definitely worth it. Plus, our ultimate goal is to sell cars, and Volkswagen’s diesel sales in June were the best that they’ve ever been since we reintroduced diesel cars into the market. So, when you can see that there’s a direct connection between your work and the company achieving its goals, that’s always a good thing. We are very happy so far, but looking for even better things in the coming seasons.

Theresa Condict, 22, began racing on the local and regional autocross scene in 2004. Since then, she’s continued to compete in these events and won an SCCA solo national championships in her class in 2008. Last year, she also began competing in local karting events. She graduated from McGill University in 2008 with a degree in physics, which she believes helps her better understand vehicle dynamics. In the future, Condict hopes to follow in the footsteps of her racing hero, Lyn St. James, and compete in the IndyCar Series.

I had the opportunity to spend some time with the 3.2L, 250 horsepower R32 last month, and it left me checking price quotes and option packages.

By the way, $32,990 unless you start stripping out the navigation system. You may be asking “can’t I get a smaller engine for cheaper?” Not on the R32 – if you want a four-cylinder model, you need to look at the GTI.

The R32 is named after its engine — the Racing 3.2 L naturally aspirated VR6 engine with 236 ft. lbs. of torque.

The package is completed by the VW 4Motion All-wheel-drive system and Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission, which takes the jolt out of changing gears. It’s an automatic transmission with optional Tiptronic shift-paddles for a “virtual manual” experience. DSG is a dual-clutch system that gives you racing-tuned shifting without a clutch pedal and shifter – like what I discussed in the Eos.

It does 0-60 in 6.5 seconds.

This car is fast, and it has a good roar to it when you rev the engine — this is not supposed to be the case with a small car. You expect a Fast and the Furious-inspired high-pitched squeal out of a small car’s engine, not something more suited to a Mustang.

It’s like this: when you’re in the left lane on I95 and someone is going 70 in front of you. If you let off the gas and then give it a good rev, they’ll get the picture and get out of the way.

Not that I did that or anything…

This is a hot car. In the $30,000 range, it’s priced between affordability and luxury, but it gives you a ton of the luxury features you’d expect on a $50,000 car.

I’m a satellite radio skeptic. But with the integrated system on the R32, (and many other cars starting to follow the trend) I liked being able to switch between my favorite AM, FM and newly found Sirius channels.

I wasn’t overly impressed with the navigation system. I would have much preferred a touch-screen to the dial and knob operation on the R32. I know you’re not supposed to touch your GPS while driving, but sometimes you just have to make an adjustment, and it’s a lot more complicated to make on-the-fly changes with the built in nav system than with a Garmin or TomTom. They charge you enough for it; it might as well be touch-sensitive.

The seating, on the other hand, is the picture of comfort for the driver. The racing seats hug you in, resulting in a quite comfortable driving experience. The car easily fits four and can do five if you need to.

I was amazed by how much headroom the car gives. It’s low to the ground, but once you get in it’s very roomy. There is also good cargo room in the hatchback trunk.

Overall, it’s a wonderful car to drive that’s packed with features. It’s fun on long journeys and decent on gas mileage (18 city, 23 highway).

Picture a car that can satisfy all three: the view of a moon roof, the breeze of a sunroof and the sheer satisfaction of a convertible.

Enter the 2007 Volkswagen Eos.

The Eos is the first hardtop convertible with a sunroof. While it may sound well overdue, this car has arrived right on time to usher in a new bar height for others to crawl under.

The secret is the coupe-sunroof-convertible (CSC).

“The CSC is a revolutionary five-panel roof that transforms the coup’es hardtop, with integrated sunroof and heated-glass rear window, into an open-air convertible,” said Kristin Lambert, spokeswoman for Volkswagen. According to Lambert (and first-hand experience) the whole transformation happens in 25 seconds.

Your editor spent a grueling work week between Miami and the Florida Keys in March with other members of the media. While there, we had a chance to check in on this German-engineered powerhouse and see what it can do.

The Florida Keys didn’t know what they were in for when the 3.2L turbocharged V6’s roared to life.

To be honest, I was a bit skeptical at first, not sure what the land of Bugs and Jettas was putting out in the Eos.

The Eos seemed strangely at home in Key West (which features the end of U.S. Rt. 1 and the southernmost point in the continental United States) enroute to Key Largo.

The 3.2L package I drove includes a double clutch automatic transmission system. You simply don’t feel the gears shift. It’s a computerized system that’s so smart, it could out-shift a professional racer, according to one Volkswagen spokesman.

While I tested the better engine package, the Eos comes standard with a four-cylinder engine and manual transmission also.

The convertible mechanism is a thing of beauty. As long as the Eos is stopped, one lever raises or lowers the top, sunroof and all, and folds it into the trunk in less than 30 seconds.

The Eos is also fast. 0-60 mph is well covered and (shh) so are 60-80 and beyond. The turbocharged engine performs amazingly well; stick your hand out the window in a Cali-style sloped motion if you need any visual help in that area. The car is just a pleasure to drive.

An onboard GPS navigation system is available to make sure your road trips don’t involve any more gas station stops than necessary. It’s built into the LCD on the dash and powered by DVD (by the way, there’s DVD too) so the system is constantly upgradeable.

One such upgrade-a partnership with Google Earth-is on the way, according to a VW press release.

Of course, AM/FM radio is included and satellite radio is an option that’s growing in popularity. This is powered by a 10-speaker Dynaudio sound system. A six-disc CD player in the armrest rounds off the audio/visual elements.

So those are the specifications and specifics. What makes the Eos better than any other sports car?

More importantly, what was it about the Eos that impressed an otherwise not easily-impressed media type?

As soon as I stepped into the driver’s seat, the Eos felt like it was mine.

It’s a hard feeling to describe. The smaller racing-style wheel and sleek racing pedals give the car an exciting edge. The side mirrors can be adjusted without looking away. The top comes up with a flick of the wrist. It comes in a variety of sexy colors. The seat was adjustable in a dozen different ways, including spinal support inward and outward; something swoon-worthy.

Basically, this car is actually comfortable to sit in and drive for several hours.

Think about that.

The whole concept of stretching legs was invented as a break in the otherwise uncomfortable long-form driving scenario. Here, it’s just not necessary.

The Volkswagen Eos is the ultimate cruising vehicle. It will seat four on your way to New England, Florida or California, no matter what season.

Skepticism resided, the Eos pleased me. It delivers. I just wish it was included in the “Three V-dubs for under $17,000″ campaign.

It starts around $27,000. The 3.2L is nicely equipped at $38,000.