After a significant upgrade in 2006, BMW’s luxury flagship further refines the definition of excellence for 2007, with more standard equipment and a new degree of luxury. The 7 Series lineup includes the regular wheelbase 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li. Both of these models are powered by BMW’s cutting-edge 360 horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8. The long-wheelbase 760Li boasts the company’s exemplary 438 horsepower, 6.0-liter V-12.

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BMW M3 has embodied the athletic heart of the brand in its most fundamental and succinct form. Now BMW has given us an inkling of the future of this lineage with the presentation of the new BMW M3 Concept Car. The concept study being presented to the public for the first time at the 77th International Motor Show in Geneva (8th to 18th of March, 2007) gives a first impression of what a future BMW M3 might look like. At the core of this concept study is an M3-typical V8 engine tuned to the high revving M concept.

The basic form for the BMW M3 Concept Car is a derivative of the new BMW 3 Series Coupé. The few components adopted directly from the series model are the headlamps and taillamps and, as the only body elements, the two doors and the luggage compartment lid...more click on heading

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Since its launch in 2004, the Audi S6 has offer sporting luxury and dynamic driving qualities. The 2008 Audi S6 continues that custom. The S6 comes powered by a new 5.2-liter V-10 engine with FSI gasoline direct injection, coupled to a 6-speed Tiptronic. The 10-cylinder engine develops 435 horsepower, 398 ft.-lbs. of torque, and sprints from 0-to-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed at 155 mph. Featured on all 2007 S6 is the latest generation of the quattro IV permanent all-wheel drive system with asymmetric torque distribution. Luxurious 5-passenger interior is upholstered in Silk Nappa leather, and the 3-spoke steering wheel has shift paddles. Trunk on the S6 offers 15.9 cu. ft. of luggage capacity.

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Audi A6, A6 Avant, S6 premium midsize sedan and Allroad wagon come in either front wheel or all-wheel drive. Sleekly packaged, the A6 has an ergonomic 5-passenger cabin, and impressive engines. A host of available features including quattro all-wheel drive, an advanced parking system with rearview camera, the MMI multimedia interface control system, and the Advanced Key entry system. Audi announced that the S6 equipped with the 435 horsepower, 5.2-liter V-10, and 6-speed Tiptronic transmission, accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. All Audi models have anti-lock braking and an Electronic Stabilization Program. The A6 4-door wagon offers 58.6 cu. ft. of cargo capacity.

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Lincoln’s flagship is the rear-wheel drive Town Car sedan, available in 3-series: Signature Limited, Designer Series and Signature L. Standard on all models is the 239 horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 engine with dual exhaust and four-speed automatic transmission. The Town Car has a trunk capacity of 21.0 cu. ft, and for increased cabin space, you can choose the Signature L with a wheelbase that’s 6 inches longer than other Town Car models. Quad-beam halogen headlamps are standard, and High-Intensity Discharge headlamps are available for maximum illumination. Town Car’s well-appointed six-passenger interior features glove-soft leather-trim and satin-nickel accents, plus, a leather-wrapped tilt-steering wheel with speed, secondary audio and climate controls.

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Lamborghini will unveil this lighter, faster and more powerful Gallardo at the Geneva motor show next week.

At 1330kg, the Superleggera is 240kg lighter than a standard Gallardo, and is 10bhp more powerful. This reduces the 0-62mph time to just 3.8sec - 0.4sec faster than before. Top speed remains unchanged at 196mph.

The electrically adjustable seats are replaced by lightweight manually adjustable versions, while the stereo, sat-nav and armrests are also stripped from the cabin...more click on heading

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A major announcement from Nissan vis-à-vis the full-size, light duty 2008 Armada sport utility vehicle, is that the 5.6-liter V-8 now includes Flexible Fuel Vehicle technology. This enable drivers’ the option of using an alternative fuel such as E85, a mix containing 85- percent renewable ethanol and 15-percent gasoline. Engine enhancements allow for better air intake, resulting in an increase to 317 horsepower from 305 hp. Armada is available in SE and LE models, and in 4-wheel and rear-wheel drive configurations. Matched to a standard 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with tow/haul modes, Armada’s maximum towing capacity is 9,100 pounds. Armada’s versatile interior includes fold-flat 2nd and 60/40 split fold-flat 3rd row seats, a choice of 8-passenger or 7-passenger seating, and 96.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. Overhead a full-length console houses 6-map lights, vents and available DVD Family Entertainment System. The Armada is assembled at the Nissan North America manufacturing plant in Canton, Mississippi.

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Saturn has upgraded the 7-passenger Relay crossover sport van for 2008 by making the GM 3.9-liter V-6 standard on all models. This refined 6-cylinder has variable valve timing (VVT), delivers 240 horsepower, and comes with a 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic overdrive transaxle. All Relay models are front-wheel drive, available in Relay 1, 2 and 3 trim lines. New 17-inch painted aluminum wheels are standard, and new colors for 2007 are Silver Plum, Polar Blue Metallic, Gold Mist and Cocoa. With rear seatbacks folded flat, Relay hauls 136.5 cubic feet of goods. When properly equipped, the Relay will tow up to 3,500 pounds, including such items as a 20-foot boat and trailer or a pop-up camper. Also, standard on the ’07 Relay 3 is a dual-zone manual climate control with individual settings for driver and right-front passenger.

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Three letters—G-T-I—is forever linked to the Volkswagen that earlier generations affectionately called the “pocket rocket.” Introduced in the U.S. in 1983, the GTI was heralded as the original truly affordable German engineered sports sedan. In 2007, the compact GTI continues in that spirit, offered as 2-door hatchback, and for the first time ever in the U.S. market, a 4-door GTI is available. Sporty performance is what the GTI was – and is – all about. The 2007 GTI is equipped with the 200 horsepower, 2.0-liter FSI turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that incorporates drive-by-wire throttle control. Combined with optional DSG transmission, the GTI charges from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 6.9 seconds and to a top speed electronically limited to 130 mph. Known for being a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” the exterior design of the GTI is distinguishable by its large, black honeycomb grille with a defining red strip outlining, striking roof spoiler, jewel-like round taillights and standard 17-inch or optional 18-inch alloy wheels. Distinct red brake calipers nestle tastefully behind each wheel choice. The GTI cockpit is accented with aluminum trim, and offers 5-passenger comfort with side bolster seating.

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The 2008 Dodge Nitro is the first mid-size sport-utility vehicle for Dodge, and comes in three models: Dodge Nitro, Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T. Engines include a 3.7-liter V-6 that produces 210 horses, and a new 255 horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6. Nitro comes with a 6-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic, and a 5-speed auto gearbox is stock on the Nitro R/T. Standard on the SLT and R/T is the Load ‘N’Go’ cargo floor. Nitro has room for 5-passengers, and with seats folded, can carry an impressive 75.6 cubic feet of cargo.

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Completely redesigned last year and significantly larger than its predecessors, the Hyundai Accent 4-door receives only minor modifications for 2007. Available in a single GLS trim level; the 5-passenger Accent has a peppy 1.6-liter engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), connected to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This is the 3rd generation GLS, and for ’07, the 4-door compact comes with standard 172-watt 6-speaker audio system, air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, illuminated vanity mirrors and 12.4 cubic feet of cargo room. The Premium Package includes ABS, power windows with illuminated switches, driver’s window auto-down feature, power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert and heated power-adjustable exterior mirrors. The Premium Sport Package adds 15-inch alloy wheels and tires.

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The 2007 Range Rover gets an all-new turbocharged 272 horsepower, TDV-8 diesel that is 54 per cent more powerful, delivers 64 per cent more torque, and yet has the same fuel economy of the 6-cylinder diesel it replaces. Offered in HSE and new Supercharged trim, both models come with standard all-wheel drive, and a host of technical upgrades including Land Rover’s patented Terrain Response system that allows the driver to choose one of 5-terrain settings is standard. Other power sources available are a 396 horsepower, 4.2-litre supercharged V-8, and a 4.4-liter V-8 that is normally aspirated and produces 306 horses. All engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Competition-bred Brembo front brakes are standard, and improved 5-passenger cabin gains extra stowage, enhanced finishes and more effective air-conditioning – plus the option of cooled front seats. With rear seatbacks folded flat, there is a maximum of 74.1-cubic feet of cargo room.

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Mercedes-Benz has announced that it intends to offer three new BLUETEC models the R, ML and GL Class– meeting the even more stringent BIN 5 standard – in all 50 US states by as early as 2008. But BLUETEC vehicles are more than just the cleanest diesel models in the world. They also consume 20 to 40 per cent less fuel than comparable vehicles with spark-ignition engines. For example, the E 320 BLUETEC, which is already on the market, consumes just 35 mpg or 6.7 l/100 km, making it by far the most economical vehicle in its class in the USA.

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Porsche’s 911 super car comes in 4-flavors for the 2007 model year: Carrera, Carrera S, GT3 and Turbo. Both the Carrera and Carrera S are available in coupe and convertible body styles, as well as rear or all-wheel drive. For the ‘07 model year, changes include standard tire pressure monitoring technology and the availability of new optional wheels. A 325-horsepower, 3.6-liter flat six-cylinder engine propels the Carrera Coupe to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds, while the Carrera Cabriolet needs 5.0 seconds to achieve the same speed. Both models are capable of reaching 177 mph...more click on heading

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People attending the 2007 Chicago Auto Show will get a glimpse of the next Volvo XC - and of the future of Volvo's design. With imposing 20-inch wheels, accentuated wheel housings, aluminum scuff-plates, the muscular XC is resplendent in a dashing Tin Bronze color. The contours of the tall taillights highlight the muscular shoulders and the tailgate’s trapezoidal shape is a further development of the glass tailgate. The roof is also transparent, with dark-tinted glass attached on top of a Y-shaped bearing structure...more click on heading

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