Don’t forget to check back here at midnight EST to see three new models from Dodge. We were a little disappointed Dodge didn’t debut a surprise concept today at the Detroit auto show but we’ll let it slide this time. We can’t say what the three debuts will be, but they’ll all be going on sale in calendar year 2007. See you at midnight.
OK, here’s a case of us just having tons of new photos to show you and not much new information over what we said earlier in the afternoon. We apologize for the lack of new information, but think you’ll find these photos of interest.
We saw the first photos of the new Mitsubishi Lancer sedan a few weeks back, when we learned all about its 152-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, standard five-speed manual and optional CVT.
Now — besides the bounty of photos below — we learn that all trims come with side-impact and side curtain airbags. A tire pressure monitoring system is standard, but antilock brakes are standard only on ES and GTS trims; they’re available as an option on the base, DE trim level.
It also seems that an electronic stability system and traction control aren’t offered, even as options. Another negative is the mileage with 2007 ratings (the company provides 2008 ratings as well) of 25/31 mpg city/highway for both the manual and the CVT. The Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic rate 41 and 40 mpg highway respectively.
Mitsubishi also announced plans to bring a diesel Lancer to the U.S. by 2010.
The Kia Kue may look like just another two-door hatchback concept, but it actually packs a muscular 400-hp, 4.6-liter supercharged V-8 engine underneath the hood. This concept is mostly a design study to highlight the company’s new head of design. That doesn’t mean much on its face, but officials said we can expect to see the Kue’s looks pop up in future Kia products.
During the press conference for the new Kue concept — which we’ll have up in minutes — Kia announced it will bring a concept it showed at last year’s Detroit auto show to life in 2008 as a 2009 model. The Soul is a small SUV with a four-cylinder engine that is a bit oddly shaped, but could benefit from a love-it-or-hate-it design. Check out our report on the Soul from last year’s show for more photos and information.
After seeing it in person and receiving the official press release, we can fill in a bit more information about Hyundai’s first three-row crossover. The Veracruz comes in three trims: base GLS, SE and top-of-the-line Limited. All three come with the same 260-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 engine standard, with varying amounts of options differentiating each trim. Highway mileage is rated at a very respectable 25 mpg. Because the Veracruz is a 2007 model, we’re assuming the mileage rating reflects the current, rosier numbers, as opposed to what will take effect for 2008 models when the EPA starts imposing stricter testing standards.
Standard on all trims are steering-wheel audio controls, heated power side mirrors, a tire pressure monitoring system, active front head restraints, side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats, stability control and antilock brakes.
Pricing hasn’t been announced, but to stay competitive with Honda, Mazda and GM, the Veracruz would have to be priced around $30,000.
We’re just going to cut to the chase: Mitsubishi’s Prototype X is the next Lancer Evolution. No, we don’t understand why Mitsubishi didn’t call it the “Evo Concept” either, but the company is all hung up on this being the 10th generation of the popular street racer.
The Prototype X is based on the new Lancer compact sedan. The engine will be a turbocharged version of the base car’s new four-cylinder. There is NO official word on the final horsepower rating of the 2.0-liter. We’d guess it will be more than 300 hp. Mitsubishi did reveal the next Evo will have a new version of the company’s all-wheel-drive system, called Super All-Wheel Control. We’ve heard a name like that before…hmmm…where have we heard that?
What else might interest you besides the gigantic gaping mouth on the front? The car will feature a new automated manual transmission with shift paddles instead of a standard manual stick shift.
Here we go again. Lexus first showed an LF-A concept back at the 2005 Detroit auto show. Now it seems that, with Acura planning a new supercar, Lexus had to answer the call with a further-along LF-A Sports Car Concept.
Plans are for the LF-A to be powered by a mid-engine V-10 with more than 500 hp going to the rear wheels, unlike the Acura concept’s front-engine, all-wheel-drive setup. There’s obviously not a lot more we know about the LF-A, but Lexus is using it to gauge interest in a semi-exotic sports car. Check out the pictures below and let us know if you would buy one.
Lexus finally joins the high-performance luxury car fray today with the introduction of the 2008 Lexus IS-F. The car is based on a regular IS sedan but is beefed up significantly with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that pumps out over 400 hp and 350 pounds-feet of torque, paired to the same eight-speed transmission found in Lexus’ LS 460 flagship sedan. The new car will hit 60 mph in less than 4.9 seconds.
The styling has also gotten the high-performance treatment, most noticeably on the side, where there’s a huge scoop behind the front wheels. The front and rear get more bodywork than before, and paired with the car’s larger wheels and lower stance it makes an aggressive statement. We also love the off arrangement of the quad tailpipes. For Lexus’ first leap into the ultra-performance arena, there doesn’t seem to be much missing. We are bummed that we won't see one on the road until early 2008.
The most anticipated unveiling today is yet another GM product. Cadillac’s CTS sedan has been the brand’s biggest seller, and the all-new 2008 CTS is sure to maintain that trend. While we anticipated a radically different design, the new CTS is actually a smooth evolution in Cadillac’s edgy look.
The base engine will be the outgoing model’s 210-hp V-6, with the option of the company’s new 3.6-liter V-6, which makes 258 hp. Best of all is a new V-6 power plant producing 300 hp at the top of the lineup — that is, until the company introduces a high-performance CTS-V variant. A six-speed automatic and, for the first time, a six-speed manual transmission will be offered.
All-wheel drive will also be available for the first time when the car goes on sale later this year. Rear-wheel drive is still the standard drivetrain setup.
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