Audi is launching a new A5 coupe at the Geneva Motor Show, throwing the gauntlet at two competitors in the segment dominated by the two-door BMW 3-Series and Mercedes CLK.

Together with a special S5 sports version the A5 will be available for delivery to dealers in Germany from June this year, according to the car maker which has so far not released prices.

Built on the platform of the next generation of the A4 the two- door coupe comes with powerful FSI and TDI engines in a range of 125 to 195 kW/170 to 265 hp...more click on heading

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The cladding-laden, high-riding Volvo XC70 outsells the standard V70 wagon on which it is based by an almost 3-to-1 margin. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that the company has kept secret its new version of the butch XC until its unveiling in Geneva, while it released news of the standard V70 months in advance of the show, hoping the model would get some attention...more click on heading

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Distinct visual changes on the 2007 BMW X3 includes slightly larger twin kidney grilles, relocated side marker lights and repositioned foglights. At the rear, reconfigured taillights incorporate LED lamps for the Adaptive Brake Lights. Carried over from last year, the ‘07 BMW X3 lineup consists of a single model, designated the X3 3.0si. The name indicates an upgrade 260 horsepower, 3.0-liter aluminum/magnesium inline-6, coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission. A new 6-speed StepTronic automatic transmission is a no-cost option. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system enables the X3 to have genuine all-road capability. New for ‘07 are stock Star Spoke 17-inch wheels, available V-Spoke 19-inch hubs, enhanced stability control system, and optional Xenon headlights with cornering lights. The X3 luxury-compact sport-utility cabin features new instrument panel, seats five, and with seatbacks folded, accommodates up to 71 cubic feet of “stuff."

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Even if Ford Motor Co. loses only a day or two of production of 2008 F-Series Super Duty trucks, March sales will be hurt, the automaker said.

Orders from dealerships for the Louisville-built truck have been stronger than expected and the vehicles that were on lots last month didn’t stay longer than six days on average.

At the end of the month Ford had only 12,000 of the trucks available for sale...more click on heading

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If driving is your passion, there is no substitute for the sheer inspiration of a sports car like the 2008 Porsche Boxster and Boxster S. Within an open-top, 2-seater layout sits a mid-mounted, 6-cylinder “boxer” engine, with a low center of gravity helping to instill driving confidence through the corners. Equipped with the latest Motronic ME 7.8 engine management system, results in a maximum of 295 horsepower on the Boxster S and 245 hp on the standard Boxster model. Boxster comes equipped with a lightweight 5-speed manual gearbox. An optional Sport package uses a high-performance, 6-speed manual gearbox with the Porsche Active Suspension Management. Boxster S comes standard with this revised six-speed unit. Top track speed is 169 miles per hour on the Boxster S, and 9-miles less on the Boxster.

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Entering the 2007 model year, the mid-size, 5-passenger Camry Solara receives one of Toyota's most extensive mid-life cycle changes to date. Refreshed, the ’07 Camry Solara is distinguished by a redesigned front fascia, grille, headlights, bumper with sporty mesh inserts, and fog lamps. Around back, a new rear bumper, trunk lid spoiler, back up lamps and eye-catching LED taillights has been adopted. All Solara Coupe grades come with a double overhead cam 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower. The ’07 Solara Convertible is powered exclusively by a 210 horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 engine, which is also available on Solara coupe models. A 5-speed manual is stock with the 4-cylinder, while a 5-speed automatic transmission is optional, but standard on the V-6. A power retractable roof on the Convertible features a headliner, glass rear window and lowers in just 10-seconds. All ’07 Solara models are equipped with a direct tire pressure monitor system and standard side airbags.

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The GMC Canyon delivers more than expected for 2007, with 2-new, larger-displacement and more powerful engines. A 185 horsepower, 2.9-liter 4-cylinder has variable valve timing, and replaces the previous 2.8-liter 4-banger. The 3.7-liter 5-cylinder with VVT replaces the previous 3.5 engine, is rated at 242 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines feature a 5-speed manual transmission and a smooth-shifting Hydra-matic 4-speed automatic transmission, and now have a transmission input speed sensor to improve shift quality. For ’07, the Canyon offers a more powerful 125-amp alternator, replacing previous 100-amp unit. GM’s tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models. Canyon can be ordered with 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive systems and provides flexible hauling capabilities with a 6-foot cargo box, or a 5-foot bed on crew cabs, along with 2-tier loading.

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For those in need of a full-size 4-door pickup truck with all the glitter and trappings of a luxury sedan, the list is a short one. Meet the Lincoln Mark LT. It gets even bigger for 2007 with the availability of an extended wheelbase version (a foot longer than the regular 138.5 inch stretch) with a 6.5-foot long bed. Also new this season is a bolder grille and headlamp design, more chrome around the taillights, available 20-inch chrome aluminum wheels and chrome Lincoln star on seatbacks, all falling under the glitter category. For those not so inclined, there is a new monochromatic appearance package with body color grille surround, bumpers, mirror caps and chrome step bars. Ebony wood trim has been added to the steering wheel and to accents to the new door handle bezel. Underneath it all is a standard 300 horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8, 6-speed automatic and the capability to tow 8,900 pounds or haul 1,680 pounds of what must be hauled. Both 2- and 4-wheel drive versions are available. Lastly, the Mark LT is the last current Lincoln to use the traditional name Mark. Several other models are designated MK, but to be pronounced M-K, not Mark.

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Fun in the sun is at the heart of the 2007 Mini Convertibles. A fully automatic top with a heated glass rear window comes standard on the Mini Convertibles. However a truly innovative feature of the convertible top is an integrated power sliding sunroof feature. The sunroof allows for open-air motoring and can be opened or closed while traveling at speeds of up to 75 miles-per-hour. From completely closed to fully open, the top operation takes only 15-seconds...more click on heading 

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Subaru revealed the enhanced 2007 B9 Tribeca sport utility vehicle at the 2006 Chicago show. The Tribeca is the first-ever Subaru SUV with seating for 7-passengers and a standard 245 horsepower, 6-cylinder Boxer engine. The driveline also includes a five-speed automatic transmission and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The 2007 B9 Tribeca is distinguished by a new black grille that emphasizes the silhouette of the aircraft- inspired design. A new B9 Tribeca Special Edition package combines an exclusive mesh grille, chrome-finish wheels and a standard XM Satellite radio package

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Brand new member of the Hyundai model lineup is the 2007 Veracruz upper midsize crossover vehicle. The Hyundai Veracruz comes in three distinct trim levels: the well equipped GLS, sporty SE and premium Limited. Fluid lines combined with the integrated headlights and taillights envelop Veracruz to create a unified aesthetic. The prominent wheel arches house 17- or 18-inch wheels and tires...more click on heading

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Aggressive and elegant, expressive and sophisticated is how people are describing the thoroughly new and contemporary 2008 Cadillac CTS luxury sedan. On the exterior, there’s no mistaking the 5-passenger midsize sedan’s stronger stance, and the faster profile with more rake, coupled with surfaces that add elegance and grace. The vertically shaped headlights and taillights on the ’08 CTS are signature Cadillac characteristics. Buyers have the choice of standard-equipped rear-wheel and optional all-wheel drive. The CTS comes with a 2-inch wider track as a result of the all-wheel-drive configuration. Three V-6 engines are available, including the 210 horsepower, 2.8-liter, the 3.6-liter with 258 ponies, and 300 horsepower, 3.6-liter with variable valve timing. Thinking young, Cadillac offers a fully synchronized 6-speed manual with single overdrive on the CTS, as well as 6-speed automatic. Dramatically different from the original, the interior design is decidedly more upscale, with added ornamentation, luxury and attention to detail.

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The big news for the revised 2008 Nissan Pathfinder lies within the cabin and under the hood. Powering the updated Pathfinder is an optional 300-plus-hp, 5.6-liter V-8 engine that will be offered in addition to the standard 266-hp V-6 that currently sees duty in so many of Nissan’s vehicles...more click on heading

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Things are finally progressing on the Viper Wrangler. A Fabtec Crawler coilover suspension is being fitted with the Tera CRD 60 axles. The rear suspension uses a wishbone for the rear upper arm. As always the exhaust will be a challenge with the lack of space but will get done nonetheless. We refabbed the front coilover mounts to work in conjunction with the Tera axle and also beefed up the front hoop mounts to the frame. We will be using the new Rubicon Express super extreme duty front track bar that uses half inch bolts. The Tera axles are going to be outfitted with Wilwood polished 4 piston calipers front and rear with 13" rotors on the front. This upgrade will require the use of 18" wheels.

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The Mazda Hakaze is a four-seat coupe-style compact crossover SUV designed at Mazda's European Design Centre and aimed at people in their thirties and forties who lead active, adventurous lifestyles. Hakaze is the third design concept of the series created around the 'Nagare' design language, joining the Mazda Nagare and Mazda Ryuga which were revealed earlier this motor show season.

Even when standing still, Hakaze seems to be effortlessly cutting through the air. Outside, the side body panels are textured to give the impression of sand dunes rippled by the wind and the body shape creates a muscular and taut look. The rear part of its roof is removable which gives it a feel similar to a roadster. The interior seat layout is unique, as the rear seats slide forward with their lower cushions under the front seats to produce a spacious luggage compartment.

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