coming up models in 2007
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Jeep
The lineup of available Jeeps will practically double for 2007 with the introduction of new vehicles designed to considerably expand the brand’s draw. One of the most important introductions is the 2007 Wrangler. With clearly recognizable styling, the new Wrangler features increased ground clearance, larger wheels and tires, available next-generation Command-Trac and Rock-Trac transfer cases, new electric axle lockers, and an electro-disconnecting front sway bar and an all-new stiffer frame. sdddfsd But even more importantly, the Wrangler is now available with four doors. The 2007 Wrangler Unlimited is the first Wrangler to offer seating for five adults. Rear seats are quite roomy with 37.2 inches of legroom. Doors that open a full 90 degrees provide plenty of rear-seat access. Add to this a dramatic increase in available cargo space: Behind the rear seat is almost three times the cargo space of the standard Wrangler. With the rear seats folded, the available cargo space practically doubles to an impressive 83 cubic feet. The new Wrangler is also available with Jeep’s new three-piece “Freedom Top, ” which incorporates three removable panels—left and right front panels and one larger panel in the rear—that can be removed separately for a variety of open-air driving configurations. The standard “Sunrider” soft-top also features a number of configurations and makes open-air motoring just 30 seconds away. In fact, Jeep claims this new Wrangler Unlimited will be the only 4-door convertible available in the U.S. market when it hits showrooms this fall. Additional Coverage: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Jeep
The legendary off-road brand is also introducing two new models that bring Jeep into new market segments—the all-new Compass and Patriot. Both these vehicles share a platform with Dodge’s new Caliber; however, they look quite different and have different capabilities and goals. Compass is the first model from Jeep that is not expected to handle the tough Rubicon trail. Instead, it’s designed to provide the functionality of a sport-utility vehicle with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car. Compass features a Jeep seven-slot grille, round headlights and trapezoidal wheel openings. The windshield is steeply raked and the side profile shows the uniquely sculpted fender shapes with standard 17-inch aluminum wheels or optional 18-inch wheels. Compass is powered by a 172-horsepower engine and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the Patriot has more traditional Jeep styling—in fact, quite reminiscent of the original Cherokee. The squared lines, signature 7-slot grille and short overhangs contribute to its style as well as its off-road capability. And unlike the Compass, the Patriot has earned the “Trail Rated” badge through a higher ground clearance and a new four-wheel-drive system called Freedom Drive II. This system features a second-generation continuously variable transmission with a low range (CVT2L) that engages when the off-road mode is activated. Patriots with Freedom Drive II feature 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, a full-size spare tire, an air-filtration system, skid plates, tow hooks, and fog lights. The off-road Patriot is also 1 inch higher and meets Jeep off-road capability requirements for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability and ground clearance including 9 inches of ground clearance, a 29-degree approach angle, a 33-degree departure angle and a 23-degree breakover angle. Additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents support the Patriot’s 19-inch water-fording capability. Both Patriot and Compass arrive in showrooms later this year. Additional Coverage: Jeep Patriot
Kia
Kia debuted its all-new 2007 Sorento in March at the 2006 New York Auto show. While it looks similar to the model it replaces, there are many improvements and upgrades under the skin. Exterior changes to the new Sorento are rather subtle, featuring redesigned front headlights, a revised front grille insert, more rounded bodyside cladding, and redesigned taillights. Inside, the center console, gauge cluster and floor console are covered in new, upscale wood and metal trim materials. Safety features have been upgraded for 2007 as well. Already a recipient of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) five-star rating for front and side crash tests, Sorento features front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, side-curtain airbags, ABS, stability control, traction control, a tire-pressure-monitoring system and active front head restraints. Under the hood is a new all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 that produces an impressive 262 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This is a 38 percent increase in power over the previous year’s engine, and has more horsepower than the Toyota 4Runner V8. The Sorento also boasts a class-leading 5,000-pound towing capacity. Truly off-road capable, Sorento is available with a full-time automatic Torque-on-Demand four-wheel-drive system with low range that detects wheel slippage 200 times per second. Four-wheel-drive Sorentos also come with an Eaton limited-slip differential that transfers up to 50 percent of torque between the rear wheels.
Lamborghini
The Lamborghini Murcielago is the ultimate example of an exotic sports car, featuring extreme styling, outrageous performance and sales in very small numbers. Now the Italian automaker is raising the bar with the all-new Murcielago LP 640. The new alphanumeric designator refers to the engine position—”longitudinale posteriore”—and its tremendous output of 640 horsepower.This is an increase of 60 horses over the outgoing generation of Murcielago—accomplished by increasing the displacement of the V12 engine to 6.5 liters, as well as a “coherent review of every engine component.” Maximum torque of 487 lb-ft is achieved at 6000 rpm. With added power comes increased performance—62 mph in just 3.4 seconds on the way to a new top speed of 211 mph. Power is directed through all four wheels via a modified 6-speed manual transmission. All that power is handled with a revised suspension system as well as 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero “Rosso” tires. Braking is also improved, with optional ceramic carbon brakes that have six-piston calipers. The bull’s skin has also been reshaped. With even more aggressive looks, the new Murcielago features new front and rear bumpers, new rear taillights, a single rearexhaust incorporated into the rear bumper and, on request, the engine cover can be made from glass.
Lexus
There are plenty of new and revised models coming from Lexus for the 2007 model year, ranging from SUVs to high-performance hybrid sedans. But the biggest news is the complete redesign of the flagship LS luxury sedan. The LS 460 carries on the L-finesse design style that the brand first introduced in the GS and IS sedans. Available for the first time in an extended wheelbase version, the LS 460 L provides the utmost in comfort for rear seat passengers. The rear of the car has two sculpted seats and there’s an optional ottoman package in which, rather like in a private jet, the right-hand seat reclines by up to 45 degrees with an adjustable footrest and built-in massager. Entertainment comes from a Mark Levinson audio system that promises theatre-level quality from its 19 speakers, while a hard drive can store no fewer than 4,000 songs. LS 460 gets its name from the size of its engine—a 4.6-liter V8 engine with a dual fuel-induction system that delivers 380 horsepower. This is teamed with the industry’s first eight-speed automatic transmission. The new LS comes out this fall, and will be followed sometime in 2007 with the LS 600h, a V8 hybrid version of this luxury sedan. Sporting a powerful hybrid powertrain right now is the new GS 450h. An impressive 339 horsepower is generated from teaming a powerful 3.5-liter V6 teamed with a high-output electric motor. Zero to 60 mph is reached in just 5.2 seconds, and combined city/hwy fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg.
Lexus 
Also new for 2007 is the Lexus ES 350. Moving into its fifth generation, the ES is the latest Lexus sedan to be designed with the L-finesse style. With a longer wheelbase and a wider track than the ES 330 that it replaces, the ES 350 has a long hood, a pulled-back greenhouse and a short decklid—all characteristics of L-finesse design, resulting in a sleek, modern exterior. The interior of the ES 350 reflects the brand’s luxury roots with premium wood, polished metal and leather accents throughout. Standard equipment includes Optitron gauges, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats, a sliding center console, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, illuminated front cupholders, and an interior LED soft-lighting system. Powered by a new 272-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine coupled with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with sequential shift, the ES 350 offers considerably improved performance over its predecessor. Also getting more power is the RX SUV. The RX 350 replaces the RX 330 with the new name derived from the more powerful 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine that improves both performance and fuel economy, according to Lexus. The 2007 RX 350 gets a number of upgraded features including an acoustic glass windshield, additional insulation in the door panels, instrument panel and floors for improved interior quietness.
Lincoln
Lincoln revamps practically the entire lineup for 2007 with a redesigned Navigator, the new MKX crossover and a new name and look for Zephyr. The all-new Navigator features distinctive styling, a new frame with independent suspension, and for the first time Lincoln will offer the Navigator L, which has a 12-inch-longer wheelbase and 25 cubic feet of additional cargo space. The front of the Navigator is dominated by a bold chrome grille integrated with HID headlights, with the same pattern carried over to the lower fascia. Inside, the Navigator offers premium luxury seating in all three rows, a flow-through center console, real wood trim and an available Powerfold third-row seat that folds flat into the floor. Joining the Navigator this fall is the all-new MKX. Sharing a platform with the Ford Edge, MKX is the first vehicle to use Lincoln’s new naming system. Offering the luxury, comfort, and convenience that would be expected from a luxury car, the 2007 MKX luxury crossover-utility vehicle (CUV) offers features such as adaptive front lighting, a Panoramic Vista Roof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a 14-speaker THX Certified audio system and DVD navigation. The MKX is powered by a 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It has an intelligent all-wheel-drive system tuned with an emphasis on luxury performance in all-weather driving. Following the same naming convention, the just-introduced Zephyr will be renamed MKZ for 2007. In addition to the new name, MKZ gets a 263-horsepower V6, available all-wheel drive and a restyled front grille and fascia.
Mazda
Mazda continues on a run of introducing new products with three all-new vehicles for 2007. Described as a crossover SUV with the soul of a sports car, the CX-7 looks the part with bold fender flares, a steeply raked windshield, tapered side-window graphic and large wheels and tires. And there’s power under the hood to back up sporty claim—a new version of the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 244 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is available to help put the power down to the ground. The interior also reflects a sporty style with a three-dial instrument cluster, a console supporting the shifter within close reach, a three-spoke steering wheel and firmly contoured front bucket seats. The ventilation dials, the glove box door knob and the door armrests were all tuned to provide a high quality look and feel. With the idea of providing the same “zoom-zoom” with more room, Mazda has also introduced the larger CX-9. With room for seven passengers, the CX-9 echoes the styling of the CX-7 and is the second Mazda vehicle designed specifically for the North American market. The CX-9 is also the largest vehicle Mazda has ever sold in the U.S., however it is not just a stretched CX-7. CX-9 is built on an all-new platform that is a derivative of the Mazda6. Mazda claims its newest SUV has best-in-class legroom for all three rows, and access to the third row is made easy with a one-touch system to slide the second row out of the way. Both rows fold flat offering great cargo-carrying capability. Power comes from an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces and estimated 250 horsepower. Additional Coverage: Mazda CX-7
Mazda
Now imagine that power in a compact Mazda3. Coming this fall is the all-new MAZDASPEED3, the fourth model from Mazda to earn this high-performance brand. By joining the MAZDASPEED6, it marks the first time two MAZDASPEED vehicles will be sold in North America at the same time. Already fun to drive as the standard Mazda3, the new MAZDASPEED3 will add to the fun with more power, unique aerodynamics and a specially tuned suspension. Under the MAZDASPEED3’s hood is a 2.3-liter turbocharged direct-injection 4-cylinder engine that makes more than 250 horsepower. The high-performance engine is properly teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission. Top speed could be as high as 150 mph, making it one of the fastest front-wheel-drive cars on the market when it arrives in showrooms later this year.
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Acura enters the compact SUV market for the first time with the all-new RDX. Making its debut at the New York Auto Show in April, the RDX was designed in California and developed in Japan. The new model uses Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which is the first application of this system in an SUV. The RDX boasts an array of high-tech features designed to set it apart from the competition. These include Acura’s HandsFreeLink Bluetooth wireless system and an available DVD navigation system that can display real-time traffic in 31 major metro areas. A 410-watt 10-speaker ELS Surround System that plays DVD-Audio discs is also available. Under the hood of the RDX is Acura’s first turbocharged engine—a turbocharged 2.3-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and an impressive 260 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the RDX’s larger sibling will move into its next generation this fall. The premium MDX will be completely redesigned for 2007. Based on the low, wide design and an aggressive stance of the MD-X concept vehicle shown in New York, Acura seems to be taking the midsize SUV in a direction of higher performance. The new MD-X has been tested at the famed Nurburgring racetrack in Germany, so it’s likely that there will be power and handling to match its aggressive looks. Meanwhile, Acura has announced that 2006 will be the last year for the RSX sport coupe. 
Long known for its lineup of premium cars and wagons with the legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system, Audi had never built an SUV—until now. The all-new Q7 is loosely based on the Pikes Peak concept shown a few years ago. Built on the same basic platform as the 5-passenger Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, the Q7 is 13 inches longer to accommodate a third-row seat, while the wheelbase gets stretched nearly 6 inches and the width increases by more than 2 inches. Despite the size gains, the Q7 equipped with the V8 engine weighs in at 5,269 pounds, which is 31 pounds lighter than the Touareg V8. Extensive use of aluminum helps keep the weight down. Powering the Q7 initially will be a 4.2-liter 350-horsepower V8 engine teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Joining the Q7 in Audi showrooms this summer was the all-new RS 4. This high-performance variant of the A4 sedan boasts a 4.2-liter V8 that pumps out 420 horsepower, teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission. Not only does the RS 4 offer impressive power, it also features 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with 255/35 performance tires, a sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), massive brake rotors in front with 8-piston calipers and a 1.5-inch-wider track than the S4. A bit farther out on the horizon is an all-new TT. Redesigning a car that has such distinctive style can be a risky undertaking, but the second-generation TT builds on many attributes of the original and moves the brand forward with new styling elements. The second-generation Audi TT will initially be available as a two-plus-two coupe—a roadster version will be added later. The new TT will go on sale in Europe in the fall of 2006, followed by the U.S. in the spring of 2007. 
Bentley Motors has had a very successful run since introducing the Continental GT three years ago, and hopes to continue this with the newest member of the Continental family, the GTC convertible. The GTC carries the lines of the GT coupe with the soft-top in place. A single push of a button transforms this new Bentley into the world’s fastest open-top 4-seat automobile. With its 552-horsepower turbocharged W12 engine, the Continental GTC boasts a top speed with the top down of 190 mph, redefining the idea of “wind in your hair.” The GTC also features a full-time all-wheel-drive system for improved handling in any conditions. The convertible top is a unique seven-bow, three-layer, soft fabric roof with a heated glass rear screen that operates electro-hydraulically and provides impressive acoustic damping and exceptional refinement during use. Inside, passengers are surrounded by the finest wood and leather as expected of a Bentley. An array of luxury amenities includes a premium audio system, an available DVD entertainment system and multi-adjustable seats. The GTC is scheduled to be in showrooms worldwide at the end of 2006. Meanwhile, the hand-built Arnage gets a number of improvements for the 2007 model year, including more power and freshened styling. Both the Arnage R and Arnage T get 50 more horses, which means the Arnage T will boast 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 engine. Interior design updates include a new leather-trimmed gearlever and new Thin Film Technology driver information panel providing a clearer display.
