Appearing in Chicago for the 1st time during the February show will be the brand new BMW 3 Series convertible. Sleek styling on the 4-generation 3-Series drop top model seats 4-passengers and features a new lightweight steel retractable hardtop for open-air motoring. The 3-piece top opens within 22 seconds, as the roof elements come to rest in a compact arrangement above one another in the trunk. No folding fabric top model is offered for ‘07. Powering the 335i is a Twin Turbo straight 6-cylinder that develops 300 horses. When equipped with the 6-speed manual the topless 335i leaps from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds. A 230 horsepower, 3.0-liter is in the 328i, and both engines can be ordered with the 6-speed automatic transmission. BMW has stated that the 3-series convertible will begin arriving at dealerships in late March of ’07.

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The Land Rover Range Rover Sport, the Jaguar, Lincoln LS and Ford Thunderbird are distinctly different when it comes to design and looks. For the owner, it comes down to a matter of personal preference when it’s time to purchase any one of these luxury or sporty vehicles.

K&N Engineering has developed a Performance Gold Oil Filter (HP-1014) for the above mentioned models from 2002 through 2007. Designed for high-performance engines, they deliver outstanding filtration at high flow rates to keep your motor running clean and smooth...more click on heading

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With 36 percent share of the premier luxury SUV market, the Cadillac Escalade has upped the ante with the intro of the 2007 model. Powerful 6.2-liter all-aluminum small-block V-8 is rated at 400 horsepower and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Drive Shift Control. A myriad of luxury features include factory installed 22-inch chrome wheels, climate controlled front seats, power fold and tumble second row seats, power articulating running boards, power liftgate and IntelliBeam headlamps.

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The evolution of BMW’s 5 Series performance/luxury lineup continues with even more new features for 2007. Headlining those changes is the availability of Night Vision, a major boost for nighttime driving safety. The ‘08 5 Series lineup consists of 6-models, 5- sedans and a sports wagon with a mix of rear-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations. The 2-entry-level models, the rear-drive 525i Sedan and the all-wheel-drive 525xi Sedan, are powered by BMW’s 215 horsepower, inline-6. The 530i and AWD 530xi Sedans include additional standard equipment and the 255 horse version of the 6-cylinder. BMW’s 530xi Sport Wagon features the same drivetrain and equipment as the 530xi sedan, with the additional cargo capacity and utility of a traditional wagon. The V-8-powered 550i Sedan sports a 4.8-liter V-8 with 360 horses and an array of standard features including full leather interior and Park Distance Control.

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Jaguar eyes a package of detailed changes, including a new bumper with revised upper and lower mesh grilles and a new Jaguar Growler badge, at this year's Geneva show.

This look is complemented by new side power vents to match those introduced on the XK, lower body sills and a subtle rear aero spoiler. Above the vents, new door mirrors carry integrated indicator lights while upgraded alloy wheels are standard across the ranges...more click on heading

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Mazda MX-5 Miata has been reborn with a new 166 horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, available 6-speed transmission, lightweight chassis, advanced front-midship layout and new body shape. For the 1st time in the MX-5 Miata 16-year history, the 2-seater is offered with a power retractable hardtop that fold up or down in 12 seconds and adds less than 80 pounds to weight of the car. For traditionalists, the Z-fold convertible top with central roof latch is also available. Visually, the former “Coke bottle” contours have been modified, and the prominently flared fender arches embellish the model’s new 2-3 inch wider track. Behind the steering wheel is the “T” shaped instrument panel with 5 chrome-ringed gauges, and the twin leather appointed seats help to keep vertical movement during acceleration and braking to a minimal.

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Based on the fourth-generation Eclipse coupe introduced for 2006, the 2007 Eclipse Spyder is offered in two trim levels: the GS model is powered by a 162 horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. The Spyder GT's 3.8-liter V-6 produces 260 horses and is teamed with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic. Both the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines features valve timing and lift technology to help optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range. The Eclipse automatic transmissions feature Sportronic shifters to allow manual gearshift control. The Spyder's automatic cloth top folds completely out of sight under a flush-fitting powered tonneau cover in about 19-seconds. The waveform instrument panel houses easy-to-reach controls, and features distinctive motorcycle-inspired gauges and ice blue LED nighttime illumination.

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For the 2008 model year, Saab refines the popular 9-3 Convertible with a redesigned wedge-like profile, and since the 9-3 Convertible structure was concurrently developed alongside the Sport Sedan and SportCombi, it incorporates the demanding requirements for an open-top car from the very start. White paint is a new exterior color on the Convertible, as is a tan ragtop roof color. Performance is supplied by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder on the 9-3 Convertible, and a 250horsepower, 2.8-liter V-6 on the 9.3 Aero convertible. Transmission selection includes both 5-speed and 6-speed automatics, plus a 6-speed manual gearbox. Other refinements include twin 5-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, a power driver’s seat, body color rocker panels and bumper skirts, and an infotainment/audio system with 150 watts and seven speakers

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A coupé worthy of the GT name, the 2009 Bentley Continental GT is a luxurious supercar for a 21st century audience. Offering class-leading performance and contemporary design, the Continental GT is handcraftsmanship in true Crewe tradition. Courtesy of its twin-turbocharged 500 horsepower, 6-liter W12 engine driving all 4-wheels, the ‘07 Continental GT has a top speed in excess of 180 miles per hour. All that power is channeled through a paddle-operated, full electronic control 6-speed automatic gearbox. The handcrafted cockpit is a 4-passenger sanctuary, and the impressive luggage space has room for 2-sets of golf clubs.

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Visitors to the 2006 Chicago Auto Show got the first look in the country at the all-new second generation Chevrolet Avalanche. The combination SUV-pickup truck featured was capable of using E85 fuel, which uses 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Three models of the 2007 Avalanche include the LS, LT and LTZ models, which are available with both rear and four wheel drive. A 5.3L V-8 with Active Fuel Management that can switch from eight to four cylinder operation is standard. A 6.0L V-8 with the setup and variable valve timing is on the way...more click on heading

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The midsize Accord has long been Honda's best selling model. Since receiving interior and exterior improvements last year, the 2007 Accord line-up gain minor upgrades. In addition to the innovative 253 horsepower Hybrid, the Accord is available in various trim levels of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder Coupes and Sedans. All 4-cylinder models come standard with a 5-speed manual shifter, but a 5-speed automatic transmission is available. Accord V6 models come stock with a 5-speed automatic, while the EX V6 offers a sporty, short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox. All Accord models seat 5-passengers, feature standard tilt and telescoping steering wheel, AM/FM stereo with CD player, power windows, and LED instrumentation. For ‘07, a new Accord Special Edition V-6 Sedan provides 17-inch Alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, steering wheel audio controls, 6-disc CD changer, an anti-theft alarm system, and Vehicle Stability Assist.

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Calling it English luxury with an 'S', is just one way to describe the Jaguar S-Type 4-door sedan. For 2007, the midsize S-Type is powered by either the 3.0-liter V-6, or 4.2-liter V-8. Both offer athletic performance. An even bigger adrenaline rush is the ’07 Jaguar S-Type R edition, which combines luxury with a supercharged 400 horsepower V-8. All S-Types are rear-wheel drive, and fitted with 6-speed automatic transmissions. Luxurious 5-passenger cabin now come with soft-grained leather-trimmed seats with contrast piping, Burl walnut veneers, and electronically adjustable pedals. Tailored trunk will accommodate up to 14.1-cubic feet of luggage.

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The 2007 Jeep Compass is the brand’s first front-wheel-drive-based product with a fully independent suspension. This new Jeep is available in both Compass and Compass Limited models, with front- wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive systems. Compass has 60.7-cubic feet of cargo space with the front passenger seat back and rear seats folded flat. Compass features a standard 172 horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with standard 5-speed manual transaxle, or available Continuously Variable Transaxle with 6-speed AutoStick. Eight exterior colors are available, with 2-tone interior color themes of dark and lighter shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige. Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and available 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels explore Compass’ dual nature: off-road capable and on-road sophistication.

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With aggressive body design, the 2007 Maserati GranSport’s backs up the boldness with a 400 horsepower engine, and 6-speed Cambiocorsa transmission. Gear changes are done via the paddles mounted on the back of the steering wheel, and the car features a drive-by-wire electronic accelerator. Visually different than the Coupe, the GranSport body enhancements include side skirting, front spoiler and all-new rear end. Handsome 19-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in ZR-rated tires. With an athletic ambience, the cockpit features leather and BrighTex technical cloth, along with a carbon and leather-trim adjustable steering wheel, front wraparound sports seats, and aluminum pedals. There is a ’Start’ button for ignition, and a 'Sport' button electronically controls the exhaust system tone.

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Altima is Nissan’s best selling nameplate, and the all-new 2007 model builds on previous generation’s successful reputation in the midsize car class. The wheelbase on the ’07 Altima has been shorten by 0.9-inches (109.3-inches) for maneuverability, and the overall length is 2.5 inches shorter (189.8 inches), but the 5-passenger interior retains the same ample spaciousness. Moving the cowl forward and the rear glass back retained roominess...more click on heading

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