2007 Detroit Auto Show Top 10 wrap up

By Rod Cleaver

The latest North American International Auto Show in Detroit marked the 100th Anniversary of the event. Of all the new cars debuted, we have picked our top 10 in terms of appeal and significance, listed in alphabetical order:

BMW unwrapped the convertible version of its highly regarded 3 series. The biggest difference in the BMW alfresco driving experience is that the folding roof is now a steel hardtop unit. I’m still amazed at the engineering involved with getting a solid roof to separate into 3 parts and tuck neatly into the trunk within 30 seconds. The Cabriolet option will be offered in 335i (300HP) and 328i (230HP) models and each is available with manual or automatic transmissions. No pricing has been released as yet.

General Motors dominated the show with many significant reveals.

The Chevrolet division showed a completely redesigned 2008 Malibu with a more Euro-look. A bold split grille design that flows back to a raised trunk lid adds to the attractive sedan’s big visual improvement. Look for the 2.4L four-cylinder engine or the wonderful 3.6L VVT engine as an option, mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. In the family car segment, safety is key and GM has made ABS, side and curtain airbags and tire pressure monitors standard on all models. Pricing is pending.

Cadillac showed the 2008 CTS. Its wider stance and bulging fenders add an extra dimension to the angular and dramatic sheet metal. The changes give the CTS a very pleasing appearance, perhaps more integrated than the outgoing model.
GM also explained the efforts to reduce tolerances on the vehicle emphasizing the gains in production quality. The wonderful 3.6L VVT V6 engine, rated at 258HP, will be the base in North America and the optional Direct Fuel Injection system raises its output to 300HP. Showing beauty is more than skin deep, the engineers at Cadillac - and GM for that matter - appear focused on interior design as diligently as the exterior element. The result is a refined and pleasing cabin that befits this upscale intermediate sized sedan. Prices to be revealed.

DaimlerChrysler introduced several significant models with the re-styled minivans heading the list. Celebrity chef Bobby Flay was on hand to debut the boxy designs. Among the features were the use of the new 280HP 4.0L V6 and the introduction of “Swivel N Go�? seating. The middle seats swivel around to face the rear row and a removal table completes the rolling card game venue. The regular wheelbase Caravan is gone and only the long wheelbase versions will be sold as the Grand Caravan and Town and Country. While Chrysler continues to dominate the minivan market, GM and Ford have left DCX as the sole domestic brand servicing this segment. Prices to be disclosed later.

Dodge unveiled the Avenger. Looking very much the part of Charger’s kid brother, the muscular looking mid-sized model is built on the Chrysler Sebring platform. The Avenger will come in 3 trim levels; SE, SXT and R/T with optional 4-wheel drive on the R/T trim level. Engine choices will include the 2.4L four-cylinder "World Engine" rated at 173HP, a 2.7-litre flex-fuel E85 V6 generating 189HP, and the 235HP 3.5L V6. A 4-speed auto transmission is standard except on the 3.5L models where a 6-speed unit is installed. Prices will start at $21,995 for the SE.

Hyundai has long been teasing at the prospects of a larger SUV and finally made good by using the Detroit show to introduce its Veracruz. Looking like a Santa Fe on steroids, the Veracruz was designed in its California studio. Featuring three rows of seating with interior room greater than that of a Mercedes GL SUV, Hyundai refers to this truck as a mid-sized Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV). The Veracruz has standard Electronic Stability control with ABS and is fitted with a 260HP, 3.8L V6 mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission, a Hyundai first. Hyundai’s wheel drive system features an automatic torque splitting system with a manual 50/50 override lock. No pricing details have been released.

Mitsubishi hopes to build market share in the mid-sized sedan field with its all-new 2008 Lancer sedan. The Lancer has a solid reputation amongst the tuning crowd and the styling reflects a look sportier than most in this market segment. Under the hood, the Lancer sports a 2.0L inline 4 cylinder MIVEC engine producing 152HP compared to the less than stirring 120HP of the outgoing engine. While a 5-speed manual is still standard, a CVT transmission is now optional as opposed to the auto gearbox offered previously. While this engine reportedly produces 0-100 Km/Hr times under eight seconds, performance enthusiasts can expect the long awaited EVO to land on Canadian soil by next year. All prices are to be announced.

Lexus appears to have gone through puberty and emerged with a heaping load of testosterone. Look no further than the IS-F, a reworked IS sedan fitted with a 400 HP 5.0L V8 engine, 8-speed direct shift auto gearbox with paddle shifters, mammoth 14.2 inch drilled front brake rotors with six piston calipers and 13.6 rear discs, unique fender treatments and a cool stacked quad exhaust arrangement. The F has been given lofty performance figures of 0-100Km/hr in 4.9 seconds and will likely be a limited production model. While prices have not been announced, start saving your pennies and get to know your local dealer.

Nissan is putting the X-Trail to bed and replacing it with the 2008 Rogue. The styling certainly resembles Nissan’s other truck, the Murano, more so than the outgoing model. Look for the 2.5L, 4-cylinder engine to be paired with a CVT transmission. The Sentra based platform promises a car-like ride with compact truck utility. Prices have not been announced.

Porsche did some subtle tweaking to the styling of its love-it-or-hate-it Cayenne SUV. The evolutionary approach concentrates on streamlining the front end, most notably the headlight design, resulting in a more refined look. Under the hood, a new and larger 3.6L base engine produces 290 HP and 283 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne S gets a new 4.8L V8 that cranks out 385 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo Cayenne adds twin turbochargers to this potent V8 and the result is 500HP and 516 lb-ft of torque.

The base Cayenne starts at $58,900, the Turbo S weighs in at $124,300.

Toyota revealed its new Tundra CrewMax pick up truck. With an oversized cab, the Tundra now offers a sliding, reclining rear seat that gives the most rear seat legroom in the segment. Given the 145.7-inch wheelbase of the CrewMax, I think Toyota can now be considered among the big boys in this category.

If you want larger, consider the 164.6-inch wheelbase of the double cab, long bed version of the Tundra shown last year. Although a V6 engine is available on other Tundra’s, the CrewMax only offers the Toyota iForce V8 engines, a 4.7L unit (271HP) or 5.7L (381HP) power plant. An optional towing package on the V8 Tundra’s raises the pulling capacity to a whopping 10,800 pounds and buyers should have a choice of 2 or 4-wheel-drive systems. Prices have yet to be announced.