Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz continues to roll out the new models for 2007 starting with the all-new S-Class The ninth-generation S-Class is a major leap in both comfort and safety technology, just as the previous generation was when it was introduced in 1999 for the 2000 model year. The new S-Class is a bit larger with sharper styling than its predecessor but is easily recognizable as a Mercedes. A virtual showcase of technology, the flagship sedan features such items as Night View Assist, Pre-Safe systems, Distronic radar-based cruise control and dynamic seats. Although there’s plenty of cutting-edge technology in the new S-Class, it is first and foremost a luxury sedan, so occupant comfort is a primary goal of the design. With more than 42 inches of legroom, rear-seat passengers have plenty of room to stretch out. The soft leather seats can be heated or cooled and can feature multiple power adjustments, including recline. Initially available as the V8-powered S550, the lineup will also include the bi-turbo V12 S600 and the AMG S65 with an impressive 604 horsepower. Following the new S-Class will be a revised E-Class sedan and wagon. Unveiled at the 2006 New York Auto Show, the 2007 E-Class features a new front bumper and lower air dam, as well as a restyled front grille and headlights. Side mirrors, rear bumper and taillights also have a fresh look. Inside, the E-Class has also been refreshed, featuring a new steering wheel and shift lever as well as four new interior colors. Available models will include the E350, E550 with a new 382-horsepower V8, AMG E63 with a 503-horsepower V8 and the E320 BLUETEC. The BLUETEC diesel system combines several technologies to minimize exhaust emissions from the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine. BLUETEC diesel engines depend on the use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (less than 15 parts per million) that will become available in the U.S. in the fall of 2006. Meanwhile, the SL-Class roadster gets a facelift for 2007, as well as a power upgrade with the 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8. Additional Coverage: Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Mitsubishi
At this year’s New York Auto Show, Mitsubishi took the wraps off an all-new Outlander crossover SUV. A giant leap from the last generation, the new Outlander is considerably larger and more powerful than the model it replaces. Longer, wider and taller than the outgoing version, the Outlander features a wider track that not only increases interior space but also adds vehicle stability. Large fender flares, a rear-sloping roof, a bold grille and clear-lens taillights help give this crossover SUV a sporty look which the automaker says is an indicator of the new design direction for future products. Under the hood is a new 3.0-liter 220-horsepower V6 engine teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The top-level XLS trim has steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Outlander also features Mitsubishi’s All-Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel-drive system. This combines electronically controlled 4-wheel drive with stability and traction control. The Outlander rides on a tuned suspension, and to provide better handling the roof has been made from aluminum to lower the center of gravity. The new Outlander will be available in LS and XLS trim with front- or four-wheel drive when it arrives in showrooms in November. On sale already is the 2007 Eclipse Spyder. Featuring a high-tech power convertible top that stows completely out of sight under a flush-fitting power tonneau cover, the Eclipse Spyder remains true to the Eclipse Concept car from 2004 with a taut, aggressive design. The new convertible is available as a GS or GT, the latter boasting a 260-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to either a standard six-speed manual transmission.
Nissan
It seems that every year Nissan introduces a number of new or redesigned models, and 2007 is no exception. Practically the entire car lineup is new, starting with the all-new Versa. It has been decades since Nissan sold a car the size of the new, front-wheel-drive Versa in the U.S. The five-door hatchback version of the Versa is 8 inches shorter overall than the 2006 Sentra sedan. However, due to its tall roof design, the Versa is quite roomy inside. The hatchback Versa has 38 inches of rear-seat legroom and an impressive 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. The Versa hatchback will go on sale this summer starting around $12,000, to be followed by the Versa sedan later in the year. With the introduction of the Versa, the Sentra moves upscale a bit for 2007. The new Sentra is 2.3 inches longer, 3.2 inches wider and 4 inches taller than its predecessor and promises the largest interior of any car in its compact competitive set. Exterior styling is designed to mimic the flagship Maxima, and the interior is updated and looks more substantial than before. Power in the Sentra has been increased to 135 horsepower with a new 2.0-liter engine. Moving up the line, Nissan has also introduced the next-generation Altima. Nissan describes the all-new 2007 Altima, the automaker’s best-selling car, as “evolutionary in design but revolutionary in its platform and hardware.” Shorter in length and wheelbase than the model it replaces, Altima is just as roomy inside. Utilizing Nissan’s new “D” platform with improved body rigidity and a redesigned suspension, the Altima was designed to be one of the best performing large front-wheel-drive sedans available. Power will come from either the 165-horsepower 2.5-liter engine or 3.5-liter 265-horsepower engine. Either can be teamed with Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). Meanwhile, the flagship Maxima gets a redesigned exterior, refined interior and a number of feature upgrades for 2007. And in response to some criticism that the design of the Quest minivan may have been too unusual, the 2007 Quest gets a freshened exterior and a redesigned instrument panel and dashboard.
Pontiac
After introducing the sexy new Solstice roadster for 2006, Pontiac is wasting no time in following up with a more powerful version. The 2007 Solstice GXP features unique front and rear fascias, high-polish dual exhaust, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, special GXP gauge cluster and Cobalt Red seat stitching. But its not just about style—the Solstice GXP gets a number of improvements under the skin as well. Most importantly, this high-performance roadster gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic is available, and 60 mph can be reached in around 5.5 seconds with either transmission, according to GM. In addition to the power upgrades, the Solstice GXP gets a sport suspension, ABS, limited-slip differential and Stabilitrak stability control system. The 2007 Solstice GXP will be available in fall 2006.
Porsche
When Porsche introduced the 997—the latest generation of 911—two years ago, the first models to arrive were the Carrera and Carrera S. Last year, Porsche added the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S. So for 2007, Porsche has introduced the pinnacle of the legendary 911 lineup—the 911 Turbo. A considerable increase in power output is due in part to the exhaust gas turbochargers with the latest evolution of variable turbine geometry (VTG) that provides control of the exhaust gas flow throughout the entire range of engine speed. Despite the fact that engine capacity has remained unchanged at 3.6 liters, power has been increased from 420 horsepower to 480 horsepower. Maximum torque, in turn, is up from 383 to 457 lb-ft and starts in at a very low 1950 rpm. While the 2007 911 Turbo can reach 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds with a 6-speed manual transmission, the all-new Tiptronic S 5-speed automatic actually does the job in 3.4 seconds. Top speed with either transmission is 193 mph. Brakes, suspension and all-wheel-drive systems have all been upgraded to handle the added power. The 2007 911 Turbo goes on sale this summer in North America with pricing expected to start at $122,900. Later this year, the German automaker will bring the 2007 911 GT3 to America. The most powerful non-turbo 911 in history, the GT3’s 3.6-liter flat-six engine produces 415 horsepower. Sixty mph is reached from a standstill in just 4.1 seconds. To properly put this power to the road, the GT3 is equipped with a comprehensive traction package, including new electronic traction control adapted from the Carrera GT, standard-equipment 19-inch sports tires, and a mechanical limited-slip differential. The GT3 will be priced at $106,000 when it arrives in North America in August.
Saturn
Saturn has not had a lot to cheer about in the last few years, but General Motors is obviously investing in the brand for 2007. Three all-new Saturn products will hit the streets by the end of the year. Joining in the rush to create new crossover SUVs, Saturn will introduce the stylish new Outlook. With seating for up to eight passengers, Outlook features an articulated Smart Slide second-row seat that makes access to the third row easy. In addition to hauling passengers, the Outlook can carry plenty of cargo. Almost 20 cubic feet of space is available behind the third row, and with both rear rows folded, space expands to an impressive 117 cubic feet. Power comes from a new 265-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. The Outlook will be available in front- or four-wheel drive when it arrives in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2006. Joining the Outlook will be the new Aura sedan. Shown initially as a concept vehicle at last year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Aura has lost almost nothing in translation from concept to production. Sharing a platform with the Pontiac G6, the Aura takes the front-wheel-drive platform and wraps it in an elegant, European-influenced design. Two engines will be available on the Aura when it goes on sale in late summer. The base-level XE will feature a 3.5-liter V6, while the up-level XR will get the new 3.6-liter V6 producing 252 horsepower. Later in the 2007 model year Saturn will offer the Aura Green Line, which will use a powertrain system similar to the Vue Green Line. This will be the first GM passenger car to feature a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Meanwhile, the sexy Sky roadster just went on sale earlier this year, and Saturn has wasted no time in adding a high-performance Red Line version. The Red Line is distinguished with unique exterior and interior treatment and, of course, the most important part of what makes this Sky a Red Line is what’s under the hood. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Ecotec engine rated at 260 horsepower. The Sky Red Line goes on sale this fall.
Subaru
When Subaru finally brought the much-anticipated Impreza WRX STi to America a few years ago, auto enthusiasts rejoiced. The STi is a race car for the street, with stiff racing seats, a large rear spoiler and minimal interior amenities to save weight. This car is all about performance, and nothing else really matters. For 2007, Subaru is building a version of the STi for the performance-car buyers that still like the finer things in life. The WRX STi Limited features soft leather trim, heated front seats, a power moonroof, improved sound insulation and a 120-watt stereo system with a 6-disc CD changer. The rear spoiler is much more subdued, and the Brembo brake calipers are painted black rather than the flashy red on the standard STi. Although the driver will be sitting in more comfortable surroundings, under that less-flashy skin still lurks that racing car for the street. The hood scoop remains to drive air into the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 293 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission. And, of course, this power put to the pavement through an advanced all-wheel-drive system. Only 800 of these STi Limited sedans will be sold—400 in Satin White Pearl and 400 in Urban Gray Metallic. Each will feature a sequential numbered plaque.
Subaru
Joining the newest STi is the 2007 Legacy GT spec.B. First offered in 2006, the latest spec.B gets a modified version of the 6-speed manual transmission from the Impreza WRX STi plus the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system and a Tire- Pressure- Monitoring System. The spec.B gets its power from a 2.5-liter intercooled turbo boxer engine producing 243 horsepower. The spec.B also introduces a new technology called Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive). SI-Drive controls the electronic throttle system’s response and allows the driver to choose, via a selector on the center console, one of three modes—Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp—depending on the desired driving result. Intelligent mode reduces engine torque and maximum power for smoother response when driving in traffic. This mode also improves fuel economy by as much as 10 percent. In Sport mode, throttle response is quicker with powerful, linear acceleration. In the ultimate Sport Sharp mode response is the quickest, delivering more power sooner. In vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the shift pattern is also affected by the selected mode.
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