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More Production Previews from NAIAS '07

A few extra ideas for your automotive wish list

2007 marks not only the 100th anniversary of the Detroit Auto Show but also the 19th year that the show has held the "International" title, competing with the likes of Frankfurt, Geneva and London. There were far fewer foreign cars on the showroom floor 19 years ago than today. The open and liberal market in the United States has allowed the influx of automobiles from all over the world to be sold provided they meet required safety and emissions regulations. And that's not a bad thing.

2008 Lexus IS-F

Competition spurs innovation. That's why Lexus, the luxury division spawned from parent company Toyota, unveiled a new vehicle sporting the "F" designation designed to cater to enthusiasts. The IS-F, set to become the new sporting flagship of the IS model line, was the brainchild of chief engineer Yokihiko Yaguchi who went against company rules and broke the mold. In a bid to make the IS a competitor to its German rivals, Lexus shoehorned a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, said to produce an excess of 400 hp and more than 350 lb.-ft. torque, between wider front fenders.

But the large engine with specially engineered heads fed by a two-stage intake system clearly wasn't enough. To get all that power down, Lexus also developed the world's first eight-speed direct sport-shift transmission fitted with a torque-converter lock-up control. The car is claimed to reach 60 mph from a standstill in under 4.9 seconds.

A car this fast also needs to stop well, so engineers fitted huge Brembo-developed 14.2-inch cross-drilled discs with six-piston aluminum calipers in front and 13.6-inch two-piston cross-drilled discs at the rear. Wrapped around the brakes are BBS-designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels built to Lexus specifications and surrounded by high-performance sport tires.

Handling also being a chief concern, Lexus engineers tuned the lesser IS's double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension to ride a full inch lower to the ground than the standard car fitted with 18-inch wheels. It is expected to be in dealerships by this time next year.

2008 Cadillac CTS

Cadillac also came to the podium with a performance recipe of its own, but contrary to common practice, the redesigned 2008 Cadillac CTS didn't increase power with a larger engine but through technology. The new car can either be powered by the existing 2.8-liter V-6 or fitted with a new 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 engine, claimed to produce power levels of a V-8 but with better fuel economy. The 3.6 delivers an estimated 300 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque due largely to direct-injection technology which increases power and reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

The 2008 CTS will be available in both rear and all-wheel-drive configurations and a choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Vehicles equipped with the all-wheel-drive system and automatic transmission will also be equipped with a new active transfer case that automatically transfers torque from rear to front for optimal traction.

Cadillac's bold, taut and angular styling direction is continued in this iteration of the CTS, but much of the improvements are below the surface. Engineers implemented numerous tweaks and revisions to the suspension using extensive computer modeling, combined with development driving of prototype cars. The car's revised chassis includes a two-inch wider track and the application of all-wheel drive. The front and rear tracks have grown but the wheelbase remains identical to its predecessor. This translates into better road-holding and grip according to Bob Kotarak, lead development engineer.

The 2008 CTS represents a new design theme for Cadillac interiors, emphasizing technical precision with elegant, handcrafted details. French stitching is used throughout the interior and the integrated center stack can be specified in either a satin metallic finish or genuine Sapele wood. Strict attention to packaging, premium materials, surface development and comfort combine to meet the discriminating tastes of luxury performance sedan buyers.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

Keeping in the performance theme, Mitsubishi unveiled the all new 2008 Lancer and Lancer prototype at the show. Both cars pay homage to the original car built in 1973 and draw heavily from the sporting pedigree of the brand.

The Lancer sport sedan is derived from the Concept X and features what the company calls a "shark-nosed" front end, claimed to have been inspired by jet fighter air intakes. The car is based on a new performance-engineered global platform, which also underpins the Mitsubishi Outlander SUV, and allows for a longer wheelbase and wider track than the previous model. A highly rigid unibody upper structure that makes extensive use of high-strength steel is also conducive to the sport suspension calibration, which was refined for enhanced comfort and responsiveness.

Three levels of trim will be offered: the DE, ES and the sport-tuned GTS. All models come equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, but an optional CVT will also be available. It will be the first Mitsubishi ever to offer a CVT on the options list. The CVT-equipped GTS model will also offer magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters, a first in the segment.

The 2008 GTS model, with the standard 5-speed manual transmission or the optional CVT, features a sport-tuned suspension with 18-inch wheels and 45-series tires. Combined with 11.6-inch vented discs in front and 11.9-inch solid discs at the rear, this car should be an aggressive performer.

All-new Lancers feature seven airbags and the ES and GTS models include standard ABS with EBD. A possible deciding factor among buyers may well be Mitsubishi's 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, certain to offer added peace of mind.

2007 Hyundai Veracruz

Korean automaker Hyundai has come full force into the crossover segment launching the Veracruz, a boldly designed vehicle that takes cues from Honda's CRV and Toyota's Highlander. The Veracruz also moves Hyundai decidedly upscale, offering amenities such as rain-sensing wipers, auto dimming exterior mirrors, adjustable pedals, a backup warning system, power liftgate, and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes a DVD player and eight-inch overhead screen.

Brushed metal accents and blue backlighting for interior gauges, switches and buttons highlight the interior design and seating for seven adults is achieved from a standard third-row seat that can be accessed with the flip of a lever to slide the second row forward. There are also adjustable vents mounted in the B-pillars for rear seat comfort, rear HVAC controls and roof-mounted vents, and an available dual-zone climate control for driver and front passenger.

The Veracruz employs an aluminum block 3.8-liter DOHC V-6 engine that delivers an estimated 260 hp and 257 lb-ft. of torque. Semi-active engine mounts that consist of three passive mounts integrated with a controllable element, rpm sensor and solenoid valve harness engine vacuum to create a dynamic response that offsets engine vibrations. An Aisin six-speed gearbox with manual control is the transmission of choice, and drivers can manually select gears through a sequential feature in the box.

Three distinct trim levels will be offered for the Veracruz: The well equipped GLS, sporty SE and premium Limited. All are expected to sell for below $30,000. If Hyundai continues at this pace it will soon begin to nip at the heels of other well-established nameplates worldwide.

2008 Dodge/Chrysler Minivans

Chrysler invented the minivan back in 1983 and has seen a lot of competition from foreign rivals. Still, Chrysler and Dodge minivans have retained their top spot on the podium, and they don't intend to give it up. Tom LaSorda, with help from TV chef Bobby Flay, donned an apron at the launch of the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and called the vehicles Chrysler's "bread and butter."

There's a lot to be excited about. Many innovative new features have found their way into the minivans over the years and this fifth generation intends to pick up right where the last one left off. There are 35 new or improved features on what Chrysler like to call a "family room on wheels," including three distinct seating positions and storage systems.

The newest addition is the new "swivel and go" seating system, which offers a second row of seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row. A table can then be placed between the two rows. This system also features storage bins integrated in both the floor of the second row (covered) and on either side of the third row, which can also fold flat into the floor via a one touch power down button, another industry first.

The large center console slides forward and aft and can accommodate anything from laptops to DVDs, which can prove particularly useful considering the dual DVD multimedia entertainment system that is capable of playing different media at the same time.

Both the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan will be offered in five models with three distinct seating and storage systems and three powertrains, including a minivan-first six-speed transaxle.