Standard SmartKey memorizes the driver's preferred settings for seat adjustment, etc. On sale in September, 2000 2002 Jaguar X-TYPE Base sticker price: not announced, but designed to compete with BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class (about $30,000 to $35,000). Best new feature: First Jaguar with all-wheel-drive as standard. Four-door compact sports sedan emphasizes sporty performance for driv- ing enthusiasts, particularly the X generation. It will be the smallest, most affordable Jaguar. Within three years, claims a Jaguar executive, the X- type will represent the majority of Jaguars worldwide. Styling is unmis- takably Jaguar, and that's cool. Interiors designed with luxury touches. Powered by a 230-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine. Expands Jaguar line- up to four models. On sale in summer 2001. BMW M3 Base price: about $46,000 Best new feature: A hot new engine. High-performance, motorsports version of BMW's 3-series of compact, sporty driving machines, always with rear-wheel-drive, inline engines and road-gripping, yet supple, independent suspensions. M3's new 333-horse- power six-cylinder engine zooms from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds. Top speed of 155 m.p.h. recommended only for the race track. Equipped with six- speed manual transmission only. 18-inch wheels and tires add to the pow- erful appearance of this five-passenger two-door sedan. Turns with agility and M3's Dynamic Stability Control keeps all that power from leading to trouble. On sale summer 2001. 2001 Lexus LS 430 Base price: 554,005 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora Base price: $31,139 (V6); $35,314 (V8). Best new feature: Nice new styling and now a V6. The last hurrah from a GM brand that's cruising slowly into the sunset. First major redesign of Olds flagship five-passenger, four-door sedan offers V6 for the first time — a 215-horsepower, 3.5-liter model. Aurora is only midsize vehicle at GM offering a V8, a 4.0-liter rated by Motor Trend magazine's 2001 Car of the Year testers as achieving 0 to 60 in a respectable 7.5 seconds. The 2001 model is sportier, with better ride and handling. Long list of standard luxury, safety and security features includes OnStar communication system. We rode in a vehicle equipped with traction control and the precision control system that is standard on the V8. Went into a spin on a skid pad and corrected instantly with no driver input required. We were impressed. On sale in spring 2000. Best new feature: Elegant interiors; rear seats like a massage parlor. No radical exterior change from the luxury standard-setting Lexus LS400 it replaces. But the five-passenger, rear-wheel-drive LS430 hits new levels of luxury and technological features for ride comfort, road feel, suspension responsiveness and handling. A new power-train control com- municates quietly with a bigger 4.3-liter V8 engine to add to the car's already amazing smoothness and acceleration. The plush interior is like a room at the Ritz, with handsome wood trim and creamy-smooth leathers that Lexus claims are the finest ever offered in a production car. On the front seats, dual lumbar controls offer comfort. Adjustable cushion length adds thigh support for tall, long-legged drivers. To top it off, rear- seat occupants can push a button and optional back massagers soothe as they vibrate up and down. How luxurious can you get? On sale in October 2000. The ultra-cool Jaguar X-Type is priced competitively with the Mercedes C-class.