Since the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle first appeared at the Chicago Auto Show 7-years ago, some 580,000 X5s have been produced in BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina factory. All-new for 2007, the X5 grows in size, offering 5 and 7-passenger cabins. Other changes include a revised chassis, more powerful, fuel efficient engines and more responsive transmissions. The flagship 4.8i boasts BMW’s all-aluminum Valvetronic V-8, with 350 horsepower, and the 3.0si features a new 260 horsepower aluminum/magnesium inline-6. Standard equipment on both models is a 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic. Gone is the 6-speed manual on the 6-cylinder models. The X5 offers a maximum onroad towing capacity of 6000 lbs. Distinctive 20-inch BMW wheels complement the BMW Individual 7 Series.

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Ford Motor Co. recalled about 155,000 pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles on Monday to repair a cruise control switch system that already had led to millions of recalls.

Ford said the latest recall involved 2003 versions of the F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty truck, the Ford Excursion SUV and the Lincoln Blackwood pickup.

The No. 2 U.S. automaker previously had recalled 5.8 million vehicles in the past two years because of engine fires linked to the cruise control systems in trucks, SUVs and vans. That recall, one of the largest in history, covered vehicles from the 1994-2002 model years...more click on heading

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Ford could announce the sale of its Aston Martin luxury performance cars unit for more than £450-million.

An insider said Formula 1 team Prodrive, working with Egypt's Naeem investment bank, was the frontrunner to buy the business although other bidders such as UK buyout firm Doughty Hanson were still in the process should talks fall through
Formula 1 team Prodrive, is the frontrunner to buy Aston Martin. The source added the timing of the deal could also slip.

Sources familiar with the matter said in February Doughty Hanson and Syrian-born property tycoon Simon Halabi also submitted second-round offers for Aston Martin in an auction being run by investment bank UBS...more click on heading

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Metallurgical marvels: The 2009 Audi A8, A8 L and A8 L W12 will be on display at the Chicago show. Behind the wheel, drivers find effortless power thanks to a choice of two engines. Brand new an all-aluminum 350 horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 is equipped with FSI Direct Injection. Returning is the stunning 450 horsepower, W12 that leaps from 0 to 60 mph in 5-seconds. Throughout the A8 cabin, superior materials cocoon 5-passengers, and the trunk provides 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume.

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It is no longer enough to just have a range of sedans in the luxury car field; today a manufacturer must also have sport-oriented models to attract the wide range of customers. For Lexus, that role is ably filled by the IS 250 and 350 entries. New this year for the series is the optional X Package for rear wheel drive models that combine a sport suspension, 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, bold front lip spoiler, sport pedals and illuminated door scuff plates. Three versions are available, IS 250 rear and all wheel drive and IS 350 rear wheel drive. The IS 250 comes with a 204 horsepower, 2.5-liter V-6, while the IS 350 gets a boost to 306 horses from its 3.5-liter V-6. Standard on the rear wheel drive IS 250 is a 6 speed manual gearbox, while the IS 250 all wheel drive and IS 350 get a 6 speed automatic with paddle shifting as an option.

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The 2008 MAZDA5 is a 3-row, 6-passenger multi-activity sports vehicle in a sleek and compact size. MAZDA5 is available in two configurations, Sport and Touring. Both offer the same multi-adjustable seating configuration, and lightweight sliding rear doors for easier access. MAZDA5 is equipped with a 2.3-liter, all-aluminum 4-cylinder engine, good for 157 horsepower. The power goes to the road through a short-shift, fast-moving, 5-speed manual gearbox. A sophisticated 4-speed electronically controlled automatic with manual-shift mode is optional. Attractive 17-inch alloy wheels, similar to those used on Mazda sports cars, are standard. So are a body-color sports grille, front and rear fascias and door handles. Flexible and roomy cabin offers 44.4 cubic feet of carrying capacity with the rear-most seats folded flat. The suspension is fully independent, and anti-roll bars are fitted front and rear for flat handling, and minimal body roll. Visually, the Touring model adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tilt-and-slide electric moonroof, body-color door mirrors, a rear liftgate spoiler and side sill extensions.

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Saturn stunned the world with the release of the sensational 2008 Sky roadster for driving enthusiasts. Built on GM’s new global rear-wheel drive compact performance platform, the Sky rolls on 18-inch wheels and high-performance all-season tires. The exterior combines taut, sharp lines, fluid surfaces and a pronounced fender peak. Several of the vehicle’s key body panels are produced using sheetmetal hydroforming, such as the sharply creased clamshell hood. In the engine bay is 177 horsepower, 2.4-liter, Ecotec engine with variable valve timing. The Red Line performance variant gets a power boost from a turbocharged 2.0-liter that pumps-out 260 horses, and is GM’s first direct injection offering in North America. Both 4-cylinder engines come standard with a 5-speed Aisin manual with short-throw shifter, or optional 5-speed automatic. The 2-seat cockpit features a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, metallic sill plates, stainless steel pedal covers, Red Line-specific gauges and a digital boost gauge included in the Driver Information Center.

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For 2008, the 4th-generation Toyota 4Runner mid-size sport utility vehicle, is offered in 3-grade levels: the SR5, the Sport Edition, and the top-of-the-line Limited. Two engines choices include the 236 horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 or available 4.7-liter i-Force V-8 that produces 260 horses. Both power plants have variable value timing (VVT), and come fitted to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission with Artificial Intelligence shift control. Towing capacity is 5,000 lbs. for V-6 models, 7,000 lbs. for V-8 4WD models and 7,300 lbs. for V-8 2WD models. All 4Runner models are equipped with skid plates for the engine and fuel tank, and 4WD models add one for the transfer case, as well. Sporty design and spacious interior have two-tone dashboard and orange illuminated three-pod instrument cluster. Models equipped with the available third row seats can accommodate 7-passengers. When rear seatbacks are folded flat, there is 75.1 cu. ft. of room to haul stuff.

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Acura’s popular TSX luxury sedan for 2008, has crisp lines, dynamic curves, signature 5-sided grille, and taillights that slope to meet a short, high trunk lid. Tasteful 17-inch, nine-spoke alloy wheels and Michelin all-season high-performance tires finish the TSX's sporty appearance. Generating 205 horsepower, the 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine is equipped with a drive-by-wire throttle control system, platinum-tipped spark plugs and a self-adjusting cam chain. The TSX comes standard with either a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox or a compact 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic. Complementing the power train is an extremely rigid unit body structure and a race-bred, 4-wheel-independent double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. New for ’07 is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Tasteful five-passenger cabin has deeply bolstered, perforated leather seating surfaces, and a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with audio, cruise control, voice recognition and HandFreeLink switches. To provide superb stopping power, the TSX is fitted with 4-wheel disc, 4-channel ABS brakes.

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For the 22nd year in a row, the Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan was the U.S. minivan market segment sales leader. The 2008 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan continues the 7-passenger minivan formula with modern enhancements. Standard engine on the Caravan SE consists of the 150 horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. The Dodge Caravan SXT and Grand Caravan SE adds the 3.3-liter V-6 engine with 170 hp, and the Grand Caravan SXT (Long Wheelbase) gets the 3.8-liter V-6 engine with 200 horses. All engines are linked to 4-speed automatic transmission built in Kokomo, Ind. Interiors are highlighted by the innovative fold-in-the-floor 2nd- and 3rd-row Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system. Depending on model, there is 142.3 to 160.7 cubic foot of storage available with both sets of rear seatbacks flowed flat. Approximately one of every 15 vehicles sold in the United States today is a minivan.

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Hyundai’s Accent lineup for 2007 adds sporty GS and SE 3-door models to existing 4-door GLS. Both 3-door models have a 110 horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing performance and standard 5-speed manual gearbox. An optional 4-speed automatic transmission has overdrive lock-up torque converter to maximize fuel economy at highway speeds. Tricked-out factory accessories for the 3-door include a ground effects kit, cold air intake system, Kenwood MP3 satellite-ready radio, aluminum pedals and chrome exhaust tip. Hyundai offers Accent’s 1st factory-installed power sunroof and the 3-door’s larger silhouette provides 5-passenger seating, or when seatbacks are folded flat a maximum of 15.9 cubic feet of cargo room.

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Available in Coupe and Spyder (convertible) forms, the 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo is an exotic 2-seat Italian super car, smaller and lighter than the V-12 Murciélago. High performance motoring comes by way of the 520 horsepower, 5.0-liter V-10 engine. The V-10 is linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox, or optional 6-speed automatic, and permanent 4-wheel drive with viscous traction. Optional robotized sequential shift paddles are located on the steering column. From a standing start, the Gallardo hits 62 miles per hour in a mere 4.2-seconds, and achieves a top speed of 196 miles per hour. Fabrizo Giugiaro, son of legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, is credited with the car’s striking body shape.

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Mazda introduces the 2008 CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle, a new 5-seat model that blends sports car verve and SUV practicality. Matching the sporty appearance, the Mazda CX-7’s performance is supplied by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that produces 244 horsepower. Prominent front fenders, A-pillars rooted at the body’s leading edge and signature 5-pointed grille, clearly register this new model as a Mazda. Inside, the 3-dial instrument cluster, sports car inspired high-mounted shifter and form-fitting front bucket seats are configured for spirited motoring.

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New for 2007, the front wheel drive Pontiac G5 coupe is built on GM’s global small car platform, and available in base and GT designations. The base G5 features an Ecotec 2.2-liter I-4 that produces 148 horses, while the 173 horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-banger is stock on the pepper GT. A Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox is standard, and an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission is optional. All G5 models have spacious, 5-passenger interiors, and available in 9 different exterior colors. Standard goodies on the GT includes ABS, 17-inch aluminum wheels, sport rocker moldings; chrome exhaust tip; fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob and cargo net. With rear seat backs folded, the G5 offers 13.9 cu. ft. of cargo space.

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If you would like a peep at the next-generation Honda Accord Coupe, then attend the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. On review will be the Accord Coupe Concept that reveals a totally new look that’s beyond any Accord to date, along with key technologies. Powerful styling is conveyed through the Coupe Concept’s long hood, deeply sculpted lower body and fastback roofline. A more powerful and lower-emissions i-VTEC V-6 engine will provide higher fuel efficiency with the incorporation of Honda’s next-generation Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology. All 8-generation Accords will include Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body Structure that helps absorb and disperse crash energy over a large area in a frontal impact.

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