Models Coming in 2007 (Part One)
There are at least one hundred 2007 vehicles on sale in the U.S., and many more will be arriving in showrooms through the fall. Take a look at what we know now, and at what automakers have planned for the road ahead . . .
Acura
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.
Aston Martin The legendary British marque will be adding to the sportiness of the beautiful DB9 with the introduction of the DB9 Sports Pack.
Designed to improve both high-speed body control as well as steering response, the Sports Pack is for the DB9 owner that really likes to drive enthusiastically. The Sports Pack replaces the standard wheels with new five-spoke forged-aluminum wheels that not only give the DB9 an even more unique look (there aren’t a lot of DB9s on the road) but reduce the unsprung weight of the car—the new wheels weigh about 1 kg less than standard wheels. Aston Martin also claims that there is “a small but significant additional saving from the use of titanium wheel nuts.” The DB9 Sports Pack’s spring rates are increased by 68 percent at the front of the car and 64 percent at the rear. The front anti-roll bar is modified, and the dampers are revised to support the new spring and anti-roll bar characteristics. Together, the changes are designed to optimize body control and front-end grip without compromising ride quality or adding weight. The ride height is reduced by 6mm, lowering the car’s center of gravity and further reducing body roll. Looking a little further into the future, Aston Martin is close to announcing a decision to build the stunning Rapide 4-door coupe. Built on a stretched DB9 platform, the Rapide concept’s rear doors are so well-integrated into the design that they are almost unnoticed. Inside are four individual seats set in elegant surroundings. A 480-horsepower V12 resides under the hood. If the Rapide does get built, it would likely be a 2008 or 2009 model. Aston Martin has also announced a new model that will debut as the latest ride for James Bond 007. Called the DBS, the new model combines the elegance of the DB9 with the performance of the DBR9 racecar. The DBS will debut in the movie “Casino Royale” later this year.
Audi
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
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.
BMW
Having just introduced the next-generation 3-Series sedan last year, BMW is following up this fall with the all-new 3-Series Coupe. While the new 2-door shares many of the design cues of its 4-door sibling, it features a number of unique elements as well. The contours of the hood and the front fascia are designed to give the coupe a low and sporty look. A power dome on the hood indicates performance, and BMW has given this new 3-Series coupe power to back it up. For the first time the German automaker is matching its legendary inline 6-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers. Standard in the new 335i coupe is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. This is the most powerful engine BMW offers in a non-‘M’ car, and should get the new coupe to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, according to BMW. Also available will be the 328i, powered by a 230-horsepower non-turbo version of the same smooth engine. If more performance is needed, BMW will introduce three new ‘M’ models this year. Although the automaker is still referring to these as 2006 models, they are new to the U.S. market. The M Coupe and M Roadster, based on the Z4, should provide plenty of entertaining driving with their powerful 330-horsepower engines and balanced chassis. In addition, BMW is bringing back the M6 after a nearly 20-year hiatus. Changed quite a bit from that 1988 model, the new M6 boasts a 500-horsepower V10 engine teamed with a 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG). Meanwhile, the next-generation X5 “sport-activity vehicle” will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, arriving in showrooms shortly afterwards. In addition to its updated styling, the 2007 X5 is 7.4 inches longer than its predecessor and for the first time will be available with seating for seven. BMW’s full-time xDrive all-wheel drive system has been updated, and two more powerful engines will be available. A new 6-speed automatic transmission will also be standard. The X5’s smaller sibling, the X3, also gets a freshened look for 2007. Power in the X3 has also been increased with the availablility of a 260-horsepower 6-cylinder engine. X3 will arrive in showrooms this fall.
Cadillac
The resurrection of the Cadillac brand has been most impressive, with new models such as the STS, CTS and high-performance ‘V’series completely redefining the brand. Continuing this trend is the all-new 2007 Escalade. Already on sale, this behemoth has bold styling, a stronger frame, coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering for improved ride and handling. The interior offers a luxury-car level of refinement and includes a Bose 5.1 Digital Surround audio system and an available navigation radio with touch-screen controls. Standard features include a power liftgate, a remote starter and side-curtain airbags, while optional equipment includes 22-inch chrome wheels, climate-controlled front seats, power fold-and-tumble second-row seats, power articulating running boards and IntelliBeam headlights. Also available as the extended-length ESV or pickup-like EXT, the Escalades boast a new 6.2-liter all-aluminum V8 engine that produces an impressive 403 horsepower. Meanwhile, the SRX crossover SuV gets a redesigned interior for 2007 with a new instrument panel and upgraded trim throughout. SRX also gets a new 6-speed automatic transmission designed to increase performance and fuel efficiency.