New York Auto Show: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

For 2008, Jeep wants to change the first impression people get of the Grand Cherokee. The front end gets new, round headlights that significantly change the look of the SUV, even though it’s relatively unchanged from last year’s model in every other regard.

The company says the interior is updated as well, but it hadn’t provided any visual proof by press time. If the past is any indication, we’re guessing the interior changes won’t be immediately noticeable to the average car shopper.

Most important about the 2008 Grand Cherokee is the array of engine choices. There are five, including a diesel V-6. The rest are:

• 3.7-liter V-6 – standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
• 4.7-liter V-8 – standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
• 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi – available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, standard on Overland
• 6.1-liter V-8 Hemi – standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

The 4.7-liter V-8 is new for 2008 and makes 24% more horsepower while remaining flex-fuel capable.

We can’t get too excited about the Grand Cherokee. The SUV has been a slow seller recently, but maybe the available diesel power plant and new V-8 will make it more appealing. More pictures, including a comparison between the 2008 and the 2005 models (the last redesign), are below. 

New York Auto Show: More Infiniti G37 Images

Infiniti only gave us a few shots of the new Infiniti G37 when we first learned about the new coupe. Today we received a handful of new photos that are very stylistic and show off a bit more of the G37. We’d still like some more traditional shots, but that might have to wait until we see the G37 in New York next week. Until then, the new photos are below.

New York Auto Show: 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition

Truck buyers may not be familiar with Chip Foose. He's a custom hot rod builder who has created an empire out of his 1950s-influenced designs. Most recently he's been churning out customized Ford Mustangs. His work was good enough to catch the attention of the Blue Oval, and the company recruited Foose to develop in-house custom vehicles.

Foose's first official Ford project is the 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition. This truck isn't just for show; it packs a 450-hp supercharged V-8 engine. The plan now is for just 500 of these to be sent to dealerships this fall. There are a number of exterior changes, most noticeably custom Foose wheels and a lower stance. The hood, headlights and grille also get the custom treatment.

No price has been announced, but we'd guess it will be much more than the last go-fast F-150, the SVT Lightning, which had a sticker of $32,515 in 2003. More photos below.

New York Auto Show: 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR

This is the first of three special edition Fords debuting at the New York Auto Show. Like the recent Shelby Mustangs, the Shelby GT500KR is a throwback to the musclecar ‘60s. KR stands for King of the Road and this new version of the classic certainly has the power to back up that claim. The vanilla GT500 had exactly 500 horsepower; the GT500KR will have 540 hp and 14 inch Brembo brakes to pull in the reigns.

Ford will only produce 1,000 of the new Shelby GT500KR coupes, so go put your order in now if you need to upgrade your GT500. Of course, you'll have a long wait. The GT500KR won't hit the streets until spring 2008. No prices have been announced, but we’d have to assume the GT500KR will be more than the GT500’s $40,930 price tag. 

More photos below.

New York Auto Show: 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG

We were impressed with the base version of Mercedes’ all-new CL coupe when we got our hands on it, but have absolutely no problem with Mercedes adding a 612-hp V-12 biturbo engine. Simply stated, we’ll take the just-announced CL65 AMG any day. Surely the fact that it can hit 62 mph in a beyond-rapid 4.4 seconds has nothing to do with it.

All the power is routed through a five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted shift paddles. There’s also an adaptive driving program that allows the driver to select Sport, Comfort or Manual modes. Each one alters the accelerator response and suspensions settings.

There will also be a 40th Anniversary edition of the CL65 AMG, consisting of just 40 models for the global market. A custom paint scheme and interior will differentiate it from all those other, more pedestrian CL65s.

We’re still waiting on pricing — the outgoing model came in at $179,600 – and availability, but if you don’t have your Mercedes dealer already on speed dial, we’re guessing you’ll just be happy to enjoy the photos below.

2007 Nissan Nismo 350Z Photo Gallery

On Wednesday, Nissan dropped the veil on its upcoming performance variation of the 350Z. Already a popular sports car in its regular trim, the 350Z Nismo has quite a few exterior alterations and a few upgrades to the Z’s suspension, exhaust and more.

Below are 18 new photos of the Nismo 350Z. For more information, check out our original post here.

Infiniti's New Around View Monitor

When Infiniti announced its new EX yesterday, it mentioned it will be the first vehicle to offer a new technology they’re calling the Around View Monitor. We didn’t know all the specs then, but we do now. The system includes four cameras mounted on the front, rear and both side mirrors. A display screen on the dash actually shows a sky view of the vehicle and its surroundings. It’s a bit extreme in our mind; we'd rather perfect our own parking skills rather than rely on technology, but this might become more common place.

Click below for a video of the system in action. You won't believe where the front camera is.

2007 New York Auto Show: Chevy Trax Minicar Concept

The concept vehicle shown here — called the Chevrolet Trax — is one of three minicar concepts GM plans to unveil at next week’s New York auto show. The company will then allow the public to vote on which of the three they like best. The results may determine which of the concepts Chevy brings to market.

All three are based on GM’s Korean-built minicars, which are sold outside the U.S. These would be smaller than the current Chevy Aveo, sold domestically. The Trax is powered by a 1-liter — yes, that’s 1.0 — gasoline engine. Power will probably be in the two-digit range, but fuel economy would probably be excellent. Think of it as Chevy’s version of the Smart ForTwo.

We’re not sure if the U.S. market is ready for the Smart or one of GM’s minicars, but there seems to be a trend developing.

Click here for a larger image.

More on the Hyundai Genesis Concept

We learned about Hyundai’s all-new, large rear-wheel-drive Genesis sedan earlier this week, but today we have more photos for you that show the car up close. It looks ready to roll into dealerships, for the most part. Check out more photos below. 

The Highlights:

• Hyundai says the price will start under $30,000
• Arrives in 2008
• 300+ hp V-8 engine
• Rear-wheel drive with stability control
• Zero to 60 in less than 6 seconds

Related:
New York Auto Show: Hyundai Genesis Concept

In Your Grille: New 2008 Cadillac STS Gets Braces

The lead-up to the New York Auto Show is heating up. After all the action yesterday and last night, Cadillac just released the first images of and information on the 2008 Cadillac STS. In most ways, it’s not that different from the outgoing model. The major change revolves around the huge new grille and side vent. The STS’ look is now more in line with the new Cadillac Escalade and the upcoming CTS, which debuted at the Detroit auto show.

There are some changes with the engine options, as well. There’s a new direct-injection V-6 engine. This is the standard engine, and it gets an impressive 298 hp mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive remains an option on the 2008 STS. A lane departure warning system will also be available for the first time.

V-8 equipped models and AWD V-6s will get an electronic stability system, although we think it should be standard throughout the lineup. We’re also disappointed with the mostly unaltered interior.

Prices aren’t available at this time, but will be released closer to the midsummer on-sale date.

More photos below.