The 2008 Cadillac DTS large luxury sedan receives more standard equipment, revised interior and five new exterior colors. The DTS features Cadillac-signature exterior styling, and powerful, refined ride characteristics. For ‘07, the front-wheel drive DTS comes equipped with the Northstar 4.6-liter V-8 engine in two configurations: the higher revving 292 horsepower version for more peak power, and the 275 horsepower V-8 that offers quick launch and peak torque. Each comes mated to a GM Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission. The OnStar-equipped DTS models will feature Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Inside, the five-and six passenger-configured cabins are tailored in a Cocoa hue, and the center stack color changed from Ebony Mica to Dark Argent metallic. Generous size trunk offers 18.8-cu ft of cargo room. The DTS replaces the DeVille, a longtime symbol of Cadillac luxury.

Read

The new Mustang, which made its debut in the fall of 2004, has been a bright spot for Ford at a time when bright spots have been few. So when Mustang sales fell by 19 percent in January and February compared with the same months in 2006, Ford executives became a little concerned.

"It's gotten our attention because when a high-volume product like that declines as much as that, we want to see what we might want to do," said George Pipas, Ford Motor Co.'s top sales analyst.

A drop in Mustang sales should be a concern for Ford: Overall U.S. sales slipped 8 percent last year. The company sold 160,975 Mustangs in 2005 and 166,530 in 2006, big numbers in the midsize sports coupe market...more click on heading

Read

A coupe worthy of the GT name, the 2007 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.

Read

DaimlerChrysler and BMW are already cooperating with General Motors on developing the well-documented two-mode full hybrid system for a variety of vehicles scheduled to go into production starting early 2008. The Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon and Dodge Dakota Durango will be the first recipients. Today the two Germans in the trio announced plans to work together on a mild hybrid system to be used in rear-wheel drive luxury cars from Stuttgart and Munich. The system is expected to go into production in about three years. It sounds like the technology will probably be used as more of a performance enhancer that doesn't degrade efficiency...more click on heading

Read

Kia Motors has announced that it will unveil the Rio Hybrid concept at the upcoming Geneva auto show.

The brand's first-ever gas-electric hybrid, developed in conjunction with Korean parent company Hyundai, employs a 90-horsepower 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine mated to a compact 12-kilowatt electric motor.

Kia said it is working with the Korean Ministry of the Environment on an ambitious R&D exercise that will see nearly 4,000 Rio Hybrids on local roads as part of the company's "real world" test program...more click on heading

Read

Maxima continues a 27-year tradition of being the flagship sedan in the Nissan passenger car lineup. Introduced as a 1981 model, the 6th-generation Maxima offers exterior and interior upgrades to freshen its appeal in the sports sedan market. New are grille, hood, headlights (with cornering lights), bumpers and more aggressive side sills. A peek inside reveals a new instrument panel with easier readability and a revised center stack. Standard seating is for 5, with a 4-passenger layout optional. A pair of models, 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL, gives the buyers a choice of equipment. For 2007 the Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) is assigned the chore of getting the 255 horses from the 3.5-liter V-6 to the front wheels with help from the standard traction control system. A Vehicle Dynamic Control is optional.

Read

Subtle changes distinguish the 2008 BMW premium performance 650i Coupe, and 650i Convertible from last year’s model. Both editions come with a 360 horsepower, 4.8-liter Valvetronic V-8, backed by one of three heavy-duty 6-speed transmissions: conventional manual, STEPTRONIC automatic or Sequential Manual Gearbox. New for ’07 is an even softer, more supple Pearl leather upholstery for the 2+2 cockpit. Standard 6 Series wheel/tire equipment encompasses 18-inch cast-alloy hubs and run-flat performance tires. Included in the Sport Package are 19-inch wheels and run-flat W-rated performance-type, sometimes referred to as “summer” tires. Without a need for a spare, the Series’ generous trunk capacity offers 13.0 cubic feet for the Coupe; 12.4 cu ft. for the Convertible with top up, and 10.6 cu ft. lowered. Two mechanically deployable rollbars are concealed by the head restraints on the droptop model. A new standard feature on the 6-Series is Real Time Traffic Information, and the BMW Assist Safety Plan includes a 4-year membership instead of the previous 1-year.

Read

Powered by the Street and Racing Technology-engineered, 425-horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi V-8, the 2007 Chrysler 300C SRT8 offers the ultimate in American sedan performance. The V-8 comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and the 300C SRT8 provides ride and handling characteristics suitable for everyday traffic at a very attractive price. Engineered for the customer who wants 0-to-60 mph performance in the low 5-second range, the 300C SRT8 also presents performance tuned ride, world-class braking and premium 5-passenger appointments. Minor modifications for the ‘07 models include 2 new colors: Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat and Inferno, plus an optional rear-seat video system with Kicker Mobile Surround Sound. Trunk can handle 15.6 cu. ft. of cargo volume.

Read

Like its H2 sibling, the 2007 H2 SUT carries people and cargo with comfort and ease. With driver and 4-passengers on board, the bulkhead at the rear of the SUT’s passenger compartment remains upright, providing ample cargo-carrying capacity. For more payload space, a 4-foot by 6-foot pickup bed is created when rear seats are folded, and the rear window is lowered into the Midgate. The H2 SUT has short overhangs and exceptional ground clearance to travel through streams 20-inches deep, climb 16-inch steps and scale rocks and paddle through deep sand. The 17-inch wheels, heavy-duty independent front suspension and five-link rear suspension provide superior handling, carrying and towing capability.

Read

Continuing with distinctive styling, longer wheelbase, and wider track, the 2007 Kia Optima receives only minor visual changes and an increase of 1-horsepower from last year. Model selection includes LX and EX, with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine standard. The engine now offers a solid 162 horses and comes linked to a 5-speed manual box, or optional Sportmatic 5-speed automatic. Top power train on the Optimal is the 185 horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6 coupled to a standard equipped 5-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic with overdrive. Other features include front and rear independent suspension, power-assisted front and rear disc brakes and an optional four-wheel antilock braking system. Interior seats 5-adults, and is capable of hauling 13.6 cubic feet of cargo. For ’07, all engines have modified engine covers, 16-inch wheels and chrome front grille. Dress-up items included optional 17-inch hubs and tires along with blacked-out grille.

Read

Maybach may not be a common brand in the ultra-luxury field, but that is just the way Mercedes-Benz likes it, as only a relative handful are available each year. The 133.5-inch wheelbase 57 is the driver’s Maybach and for 2007 there is a new S (for Special) model featuring a 6-liter biturbo V-12 producing 612 horsepower. The AMG-sourced power plant combined with a tauter suspension configuration and gives the driver a combination of lavish luxury and dynamic handling that will more than stand up to lesser performance and sports models. A 0-100 km (62 mph) time of 5 seconds is claimed. Features of the 57 S include 20-inch spoked wheels, single tone paint in black or silver, modified rear apron, trapezoidal tailpipes and discreet lettering. Four years ago, the Maybach name was revived by M-B for its most luxurious cars. Maybach was a German prestige car of the 1920s and 30s.

Read

For 2007, the sensational Nissan 350Z continues to be offered in Coupe and Roadster 2-passenger body styles. However, under the hood of the ’07 models now whirrs a more powerful V-6. The new 3.5-liter engine creates a healthy 313 horses and 269 lbs-ft of torque to the rear wheels. That’s an additional 13 horsepower over last year’s edition, which helps cut 0.2 seconds off the 0-to-60 mph time to 5.4 seconds. Other goodies include 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels, increased brake rotor size for non-Brembo models, standard bi-xenon headlights and MP3-CD capability for the available Bose audio system. Nissan may also display the rumored limited edition GT-S model that features a supercharged engine with a dash-mounted on and off switch. Check back soon for update data and photos on the ’07 350Z sports car.

Read

Avalon, Toyota’s premium full-size sedan, was named for an island paradise from Celtic mythology. From its inception, Avalon has combined impressive interior room, comfort and impressive performance in a trim, contemporary package. For 2007, Avalon exudes a powerful presents in 4-grades, the XL, Touring, XLS and the Limited. This is the 3rd-generation Avalon, and was designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S. All ’07 Avalon models feature the 268 horsepower, 3.5-liter, V-6 with dual VVT-i system and teamed to a 5-speed sequential-shift automatic tranny. This power train hauls the 4-door Avalon from 0-to-60 mph in just 6.6-seconds, yet is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). Contemporary and elegant interior accommodates 5-passengers, while the trunk carries 14.4 cu. ft. of cargo.

Read

Coming to dealerships in late 2007, but on view at the February Chicago Auto Show will be the 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid. This vehicle features the world's first two-mode hybrid propulsion system in an SUV. Consumers will realize a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy. More information and images coming, so check back soon.

Read

Developed by Audi’s performance tuning division, the 2007 RS 4 sport sedan comes equipped with a 4.2-liter direct injection V-8 that produces an astounding 420 horsepower, and 317 ft.-lbs. of torque. This high-revving V-8, in conjunction with the standard 6-speed manual transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, allows the RS 4 to run from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.8-seconds, and reach 120 mph in 16.6 seconds. Standard 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, a sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), and a 1.5-inch wider track than S4 ensure that the RS 4 has high levels of grip for every situation. Massive brake rotors easily bring the RS 4 to a halt from any speed. Standard equipment on the RS 4 include power glass sunroof, Silk Nappa leather sport seats, and carbon fiber or brushed aluminum interior trim.

Read