Luxury manufacturer BMW introduced the 2007 Alpina B7 at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. Not your run-of-the-mill 7-Series, the Alpina B7 was modified by German tuner Alpina. It features a supercharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that makes 500 horsepower. In addition it has sport-tuned suspension settings and 21-inch wheels. The limited-production Alpina B7 will be available only on the short-wheelbase version of the 7-Series and arrive in showrooms in the summer of 2007. BMW is quoting a starting price of $115,000.

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Five years have passed since Toyota entered Formula One and despite promising success at the beginning of last season, the Japanese carmaker is still waiting for its first grand prix victory.

Not surprisingly the F1 team has rung the changes since its entry into the sport in 2002, with seven of the Cologne based squad's eight top management members now Japanese. The only non-Japanese face is British president John Howett.

Tsutomu Tomita has been team principal since 2004 after taking over from Swede Ove Andersson. Technical director Mike Gascoyne left last year and that move was followed by the appointment of Tadashi Yamashina as vice president of Toyota Motorsport...more click on heading

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After a significant upgrade in 2006, BMW’s luxury flagship further refines the definition of excellence, 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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Those who appreciate the fun and exhilaration of open-air driving, will want to take a look at the new 2007 Mini Cooper Sidewalk model at the Chicago Auto Show. Available in the spring, Sidewalk is an exclusive package on both the Mini Cooper Convertible as well as the Cooper S Convertible at a cost of $4,000 in the U.S. Standard equipment on the Cooper Sidewalk includes 16-inch bridge spoke wheels and sport seats. The Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk includes 17-inch Night Spoke wheels and Xenon headlamps. Both models come with English leather sport seats in an exclusive malt brown color and Sidewalk interior surfaces and graphics. Also wrapped in special Sidewalk sport leather, is the steering wheel, with integrated multi-function controls. Dynamic Stability Control, Chrome Line interior trim, a center armrest and a Harmon/Kardon sound system round out the package options. Check back soon for more detail information.

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Saab refines its best-selling 9-3 Sedan and SportCombi 5-door wagon for 2008. Both are offered as the 2.0T with a 4-cylinder producing 210 horses and the Aero with a muscular 250 horsepower, 2.8-liter V-6. For ’07, the engines are turbocharged and available with either a 6-speed manual gearbox, a 5-speed or 6-speed automatic. The new 5-passenger interior in the 9-3 Sedan and SportCombi has been redesigned with new automatic climate control and “infotainment” systems, a larger instrument cluster with chrome details, and new interior trim. With a wedge-like profile, the close-coupled proportions of the SportCombi includes a spacious 72.3-cubic feet of cargo area with floor lifts to divide the space into two separate sections and to reveal additional storage in the recessed subfloor. The Saab 9.3 models rolls on 16-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels, and 17-inchers on Aero package, each wrapped in all-season radial tires.

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Audi has sold 1.5 million units of its successful A3 model since market launch in 1996. For 2007, the A3 2.0T comes with the new S-line Package, replacing last year’s Sport Package. Equipment content is the same, but the new S line package also receives more aggressive front and rear fascias, and S line badging on the exterior. The 200 horsepower, 2.0 T delivers remarkable performance and fuel efficiency wrapped in a sleek, sport-driven package. For 2007, Audi’s Sound Package has been renamed the Audio Package, and offers Sirius Satellite Radio. The only change to the 3.2 S line quattro model is the addition of a Technology Package.

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Completely redesigned last year, the big news for the sleek 2007 Honda Civic is the addition of the Civic Si Sedan. The Si Sedan includes a 197 horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, and sport suspension. Exterior additions include Si emblems, rear deck spoiler wing, and dark silver 17-inch cast aluminum alloy wheels. High-performance summer tires, and Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Activation are Si options. 2007 will be the first time a Civic Si is available in both coupe and sedan body styles. Also of note, the release of the Civic GX with a 113 horsepower, 1.8-liter dedicated natural gas 4-cylinder engine, connected to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

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Whether at the auto show or on the highway, the 2008 International CXT doesn't just command attention; it demands it. Crowds gather to look up in awe at the 9-foot high cab, and at 21-feet long, the CXT creates the biggest production pickup in the world. The CXT has an 8-foot dualie pickup bed, and is born out of a 20-ton hauler. Power train consists of an International 6-cylinder diesel engine that generates 310 horsepower, and comes united to an Allison 5-speed automatic gearbox. Its core stems from International WorkStar Series trucks, designed for the most demanding of applications such as construction, refuse and snowplow...more click on heading

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Hand-crafted in small numbers, the 2007 Lotus Elise features an epoxy-bonded aluminum chassis, finely tuned independent suspension, RTM composite fiberglass body and a 1.8-liter engine that produces 190 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The Toyota supplied 4-cylinder engine has Variable Valve Timing (VVT), and comes mated to a 6-speed close ratio manual gearbox. Weighing in at a mere 1,984-pounds, the Elise can sprint from 0-to-60 mph in under 5-seconds. Top speed is a governed 150 mph. The 2-seat sports car rides on silver finished 8-spoke cast alloy 18-inch wheels, wrapped in Yokohama sport tires. Available in 20 different colors, Elise features a rear diffuser with central twin exhaust pipes.

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Since the 4th-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was launched as a 2006 model, the 2007 lineup receives mild upgrades. Eclipse is offered in two trim and performance levels. A 162 horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, propels the GS model, while the GT comes fitted with a 263 horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6. Both engines project a deep note through the oversize tailpipes. With the standard 6-speed manual gearbox, the GT accelerates from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 5.8-seconds...more click on heading

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Superformance is the leader in the industry, with a large customer base comprising of thousands of satisfied owners. The Shelby Daytona Coupe and MKIII are licensed by Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc. The GT40 is licensed by Safir GT40 Spares LLC as a continuation GT40 which is eligible for the GT40 Registry. Superformance offers complete Turn Key Minus Component Vehicles. NOT A Kit, this affords the customer amazing resale value due to the continuity and consistancy in build. All new, high quality components are used in construction. Superformance delivers component vehicles for discerning enthusiasts who prefer the aunthenticity and quality of superbly crafted, factory built products.

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Hummer’s H2 model was originally created as an extended, refined and civilized H1. Offering more creature comforts, the 2007 H2 adds a limited edition model with a Glacier Blue exterior, rear vision camera system, carbon fiber interior accents, and rear-seat entertainment with DVD. The rear-vision camera system also is an option on all H2 models for ‘07. H2's power is derived from the standard Vortec 6.0-liter V-8 that generates 325 horsepower, 365 lb.-ft. of torque, and comes mated to a heavy-duty Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Capable of traveling through streams 20 inches deep, climbing 16 inch steps and rocks, paddling through deep sand and outdistancing competitors in high-speed desert runs, the H2 can do just about anything.

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In Kia's lexicon of trim levels, SX means sporty. Accordingly, the Rondo SX concept is a race-prepped version of its recently introduced compact crossover. The Rondo SX's 2.7-liter V-6 packs 10 more horsepower, for 192 total, thanks to revised intake and exhaust systems. Typical of SX cars, cosmetic changes are here in force...more click on heading

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Subaru restyled its two midsize cars, the Legacy and Outback, for 2007. The Outback's makeover is milder than that of the Legacy, as it doesn't affect much beyond the front. Tweaks include a slightly modified interior, as well as an upgraded automatic transmission with steering-wheel paddle shifters for six-cylinder Outbacks. Subaru's SI-Drive feature, which allows drivers to choose from three preset levels of accelerator and transmission response, becomes available on six-cylinder Outbacks...more click on heading

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The new BMW Hydrogen 7, the world's first hydrogen-drive luxury performance automobile is planned to be on display at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. Built in a limited series, the Hydrogen 7 is based on BMW's familiar 7 Series model and is equipped with an internal combustion engine capable of running either on hydrogen or on gasoline

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