A new generation Audi TT Coupe and Roadster are arriving as 2008 models. The redesigned body retains the distinctive lines of the original TT, but is now 5.4-inches longer, and 3.1- inches wider. Even the wheelbase has been increased by 1.8 to 97.1-inches. Performance matches the new‘07 TT with either the 2.0T turbocharged 4-cylinder rated at 200 horses, or the 250 horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 engine. The 3.2L comes with quattro all-wheel drive system as standard equipment, and both engine variants can be ordered with the innovative S tronic dual-clutch gearbox as an alternative to the standard 6-speed manual Direct Shift gearbox. Tasteful 2-seat cockpit features fine Nappa leather seats and a new red interior color is available on the Coupe. An electrically powered spoiler rises up out of the truck lid when the speed reaches 75 mph. The Roadster offers an optional quick-action, fully automatic softtop, and thanks to the Z-fold, the front section of the roof lies on top of the cloth like a cover. It locks into place to lie flush with the body, dispensing with the need for a tonneau cover.

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Only a few hours separated the presentations of their new cars, but the two German firms involved in Formula One are worlds apart.

For Mercedes and partner McLaren with newcomer and double world champion Fernando Alonso, only the title counts in 2007. For BMW, anything more than a podium place remains a dream.

The Bavarian carmaker concedes that it won't be ready for a championship challenge for another two years - unlike McLaren-Mercedes which is expected to be battling Ferrari and Renault for the main honours...more click on heading

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Rendezvous, Buick’s premium crossover model lineup has been streamlined for 2007, with the CX Plus and CXL Plus packages eliminated. The change results in more options for the base CX version, including: 2nd-row removable captain’s chairs, and 3,500-lb. towing capacity. Five-passenger seating is standard on the Rendezvous CX, with a 2nd-row bench seat that can seat three across. A 3rd-row seat, which comfortably seats 2-adults, is available on both the CX and standard on CXL, expanding seating capacity to seven. With the 3rd-seat folded flush and the 2nd-row of seats removed, Rendezvous boasts a class-leading 108.9-cubic feet of cargo capacity. All Rendezvous models for 2007 are equipped with GM’s 196 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, mated to a Hydra-Matic electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission.

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Infiniti has retired the Q45 series and debuted the smaller M35/M45 for 2008. At the heart of the Infiniti M midsize sedan are two high-performance engines. The M45 comes with a 325 horsepower, 4.5-liter aluminum-alloy V-8, and the M35 is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 with 275 horses. Both the V-8 and V-6 are mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with short-throw performance shifter and manual shift mode. Both are available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations and offer a new Rear Active Steer system, which helps improve vehicle-handling performance. Also featured on he M is a new Lane Departure Warning system, which warns the driver of a pending, unintended lane departure. The handsome cabin seats 5-adults and the trunk has 14.9 cubic feet of cargo room.

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Lincoln’s first crossover utility vehicle, the MKX, (pronounced Mark X), goes on sale as a 2007 model. It features 4-wheel independent suspension; and a 265 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a 6-speed transmission. Crisp exterior styling features an egg-crate grille, pronounced wheel lips and short overhangs. New adaptive headlights move with the steering wheel, illuminating an additional 36 feet of road around a corner. Wall to wall taillights accent the rear. An exclusive AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control active safety system and intelligent all-wheel-drive are offered. An ultra-quiet and spacious 5-passenger interior has a panoramic Vista Roof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a 14-speaker THX Certified audio system with DVD navigation.

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In 1956 the 220 S Coupe fired the public’s imagination and it hasn’t cooled yet. Among the features of the CL-Class is the elimination of the B-pillar between the fully retractable side windows, much like the two-door hardtops of decades gone by. The slanting C-pillar design is also a throwback to the 1950s and 1960s. Two models are currently available, the CL 500 powered by a 382 horsepower, V-8 and the CL 600, featuring a 510 horsepower, twin turbo V-12. Standard is the Active Body Control suspension for both comfort and handling. Among the interior features are newly developed integral seats with all seat belt components incorporated directly into the seats. Outside the Intelligent Light System combines 5-lighting functions, which are activated to match weather and driving conditions.

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The handsome 2007 Pontiac's G6 retractable hardtop convertible offers open-air driving as well as the security of a coupe. Sleek styling is complimented by a 3.9-liter V-6 rated at 240 horsepower, matched to a standard 4-speed automatic with manual shift control or an available 6-speed manual transmission. The G6 GT convertible features true 2+2 seating, with long doors for easy access to the generous rear-seat room. A 2-piece clamshell-style retractable hardtop is the longest in the industry, and a double-hinged trunk lid opens to facilitate stowing the folding top. It also opens like a conventional trunk for cargo storage. A single button brings up the all-weather steel top in less than 30 seconds. When the hardtop is up, there is 5.8 cubic feet of trunk space. When the roof is stowed, there is still 2.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. Discontinued for the ’07 model year is the GTP packaged convertible.

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Scion is to launch 2-new vehicles in spring 2008 to replace the current generation xA and xB. The xA and xB was launched in California in June '03 and completed their nationwide rollout in June '04. Since their launch 72,011 xA's and 139,091 xB's have been sold nationwide through July '06. Production of the 2006 xA and xB concluded in December '06. Check back soon to see what Scion will be bringing to the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.

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For 2008, Volvo’s S-range premium compact sedan continues to be offered in 3 versions: There is the value-leading S40 2.4i, the performance-oriented S40 T5 and the all-weather S40 T5 AWD. All models are now fitted with Volvo’s Dynamic Stability Traction Control as standard equipment. Other changes include new features such as auxiliary input and MP3 playback capability and Sirius Satellite Radio. A choice of powertrains gives each S40 model a distinct character. Standard on the 2.4i is a normally aspirated 5-cylinder engine that produces 168-horsepower and can be geared up with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission. Increasing the fun factor for the T5 is a 218-horsepower, 2.5-liter, inline turbocharged 5-cylinder engine. All T5s come stock with the 5 - Speed Geartronic microprocessor controlled automatic shifter with Auto – Stick function. Those who crave an even more dynamic driving experience can equip the electronically controlled all-wheel drive T5 AWD with Volvo’s 6-speed close-ratio manual gearbox. All models are 5-seaters and the trunk capacity is 12.6 cu ft.

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An American tradition, the Ford Crown Victoria, continues into 2007, much to the delight of traditionalists, law enforcement agencies and big city taxi operators. The V-8 powered, body-on-frame rear wheel drive four-door sedans have basically stayed the same for a decade and a half and the chassis dates back to the 1979 models. For 2007 the lineup and option lists available to the general public have been simplified with standard and LX trim levels. A new Premium Sport Handling and Performance package is available on LX models it includes dual exhausts and a 239 horsepower rating, a boost over the standard 224. Standard on all models is an AM/FM audio system with CD player and a remote keyless Smartlock entry system. A perimeter alarm system and daytime running lights are available on all models. The flexible fuel option, added for 2006, is continued.

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Ever since its debut in 2003, the Infiniti FX premium crossover model has been rated as one of the most stunning sport utility vehicles in the world. For 2007, the FX45 all-wheel drive features a standard 320 horsepower, 4.5-liter DOHC V-8. The FX45 rides on 20-inch wheels and tires, offers a sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension, and leather-appointed seating. Standard engine on the FX35 is a 3.5-liter V-6 that develops 275 horses, and is available in all-wheel or rear-wheel drive configurations. All FX models come with a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Well-trimmed interior presents 5-passenger seating, and with seatbacks down, 64.5 cubic feet of cargo room. Maximum towing capacity for the FX is 3,500 pounds.

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The realm of hybrid technology is rapidly spreading and Lexus is giving it an entry into the luxury field with its 2007 450h, billed as the ‘world’s first hybrid-powered performance luxury sport sedan.’ Based on the second-year GS platform, it uses a combination of a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engines and a pair of electric motor-generators. The combination is rated at 340 horsepower and can propel the 450h from 0-to-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The luxury sedan gets a 25 mpg city/28 mpg highway rating and is certified as a super-low emissions vehicle. Power from both sources is transmitted to the rear wheels via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission in seamless fashion. The top model in the 2007 GS line, the 450h features the highest level of standard luxury equipment including power moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, rear side airbags, rain-sensing wipers, rear back-up camera, headlight washers and the adaptive front lighting system which illuminates a curve when the driver steers into it.

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Two years ago, the Mariner became Mercury’s entry-level sport utility, and for 2007 there are only minor enhancements. The compact SUV is available in 3-trim levels: Convenience, Luxury and Premier. Engine choices include a 2.3-liter, Duratec 4-cylinder, and an optional 3.0-liter, Duratec V-6. Both power plants come with a standard 4-speed automatic transaxle, and Mariner can be ordered with front-wheel or 4-wheel drive arrangement. An available Moon and Tune Package for ’07 combines some of the most popular Mariner features, plus, a side-impact air bag package is now standard on Premier models, as is the Reverse Sensing System. With rear seat folded, the Mariner provides 66.4 cubic foot of cargo room, and the tailored 5-passenger interior is highlighted with wood-grain, satin-aluminum and chrome accents.

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All 2007 Saturn Ions are front-wheel drive, and available in 5-models: the Ion 2 and Ion 3 sedans and quad coupes, as well as the performance-oriented Ion Red Line. The Ion sedan seat 5-passengers, while the quad coupe, with dual rear-access doors, carries 4 travelers. Three engine options are available, ranging from the standard 145 horsepower, 2.2-liter 4-cylinder to the 2.0-liter supercharged and intercooled version of the Ecotec inline 4 on the Red Line that generates 205 horsepower. Equipped with a heavy-duty 5-speed short-throw manual shifter, the Ion Red Line is capable of achieving 0-to-60 mph in 6.2 seconds. All models except the Red Line can be ordered with the Hydra-Matic electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. Minor exterior color adjustment for ’07, Deep Blue replaces Laser Blue.

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First introduced as a 2005 model, the 2007 Buick LaCrosse front-wheel-drive midsize sedan continues to come in three premium editions: the well-equipped CX, elegantly appointed CXL and performance-oriented CXS. . New standard equipment includes OnStar’s Directions & Connections Plan with Turn-by-Turn Navigation, and tire-pressure monitoring systems. The CX and CXL come with the 200 horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6, now in Series III form. Stock engine on the CXS is the all-aluminum block 3.6-liter V-6 VVT (variable valve timing) that delivers 240 horses. Both power plants are linked to GM’s Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic. LaCrosse is available in either 5-or 6-passenger seating configurations, and for ’07, the cabin features heated front seats, new, sportier cluster graphics with red pointer gauges, tasteful chrome accents and Harvest Burl wood trim. The trunk on the LaCrosse offers 16-cu. ft. of cargo volume.

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