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DETROIT, Mich. (January 7/8, 2007) – Ed Welburn, GM Vice President, Global Design (left) and Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman, Global Product Development, provide a sneak peek of the all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS, which will be fully revealed at Detroit’s North American International Auto Show in January. The performance luxury sedan is scheduled to begin production in late-summer of 2007, with worldwide sales to follow in the fall.

Cadillac’s first-generation CTS built a strong record of success on many levels since its inception in 2002. Cadillac sold more than 60,000 copies in the U.S. in 2005, compared to roughly 38,000 in 2002, an increase of more than 50% over that period. There are roughly 275,000 CTS owners worldwide, and industry researchers say they are among the most satisfied in the automotive market. AutoPacific rated CTS as the top Entry Luxury Car in its annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards in 2006.

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The Acura ‘Advanced Sports Car Concept’ will make its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the division announced today. The concept provides a glimpse at the next generation Acura exotic sports car.

As a part of the global commitment to the Acura brand, Honda Motor Co. Ltd.’s President and CEO Takeo Fukui will be delivering the keynote remarks at the Acura press conference.

Additional details on the Advanced Sports Car Concept will be announced on Sunday, Jan. 7th at 1:20 pm the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8

With just a few weeks to go before the big show kicks off in Detroit, our spy friends at BP & Co. caught Dodge with their proverbial pants down today with these shots of an undisguised 2008 Magnum SRT8. At first glance, one can immediately notice the much more aggressive front end. Dodge has downsized the grill intakes, and added a lower fascia reminiscent of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8. Also new is the hood scoop, which is currently exclusive to the Charger. Though we don’t have any shots of the rear end, we hear that the taillights are updated as well.

There aren’t many details on the engineering side of the fence, but we do know that SOP is August 2007 and that the interior has been updated (hopefully for the better). The 425hp, 6.1L HEMI engine remains unchanged, though the 5-speed AutoStick transmission programming has been tweaked and improved for faster and smoother shifts.

We aren’t 100% sure that this facelifted Magnum will debut in Detroit, but rest assure that we will be seeing it at one of the major auto shows this season. With the design disaster of the Sebring and Compass still fresh on our minds, we’re glad to see that the Chrysler Group hasn’t gone completely soft on us.

2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8

2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8

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DETROIT, Mich. – Chevrolet today released an advance image of the exterior of the all-new 2008 Malibu, which will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January and will arrive at Chevrolet dealerships later in 2007. The photo was released in conjunction with the announcement of a $208 million investment in the Fairfax, Kansas Assembly plant to prepare for production of the car.

The image reveals a partial shot of the front of the car featuring a dual-port grille, which is described as representing the “new face of Chevrolet.”

“The 2008 Malibu design is expressive and brings new proportions and a fresh perspective to the mid-size market,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager. “The new Malibu boasts a poised, wheels-at-the-corners stance with a longer hood and shorter deck appearance that conveys motion, agility and attitude.”

Chevrolet previously released a sneak peek of one of the car’s available two-tone interiors, which demonstrates a much more upscale look and feel with more premium materials and a new level of refinement in the extremely competitive mid-size car segment

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Prototype X and the 2008 Lancer Lead Lineup

December 17, 2006 — Cypress, Calif. — The highly anticipated Mitsubishi Motors Prototype X and its street-legal sibling, the all-new Lancer, will debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 8, 2008. Mr. Takashi Nishioka, chairman of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Hiroshi Harunari, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) will brief the media at the press conference in the Mitsubishi display in Detroit’s Cobo Hall on Monday, January 8, 2007 at 1:55 p.m. EST.

Continue reading 2007 NAIAS: Mitsubishi EVO “Prototype X” Concept

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DETROIT – Chevrolet announced the new 2008 Equinox Sport, a performance-oriented variant of the popular compact SUV.

It has an aggressive stance and a sporting nature, thanks to a lowered suspension, bold 18-inch wheels, a powerful, 263-horsepower (196 kW) DOHC engine – backed up with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual tap up/tap down control – a tuned exhaust and unique exterior appointments. Details such as body color fascias and the elimination of the roof rack contribute to the sleek design, making the Equinox Sport an uncompromising performance vehicle.

“The Equinox Sport embodies all of the value-driven performance ingredients that have made Chevrolet the brand for performance enthusiasts of all walks of life,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Better still, customers don’t have to sacrifice the versatility they expect from the Equinox – they simply get an SUV that hauls their friends and cargo with head-turning style.”

The 2008 Equinox Sport is scheduled to arrive at Chevrolet dealerships in the third quarter of 2007. Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models are available.

Continue reading 2007 NAIAS: Chevrolet announces 2008 Equinox Sport

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MINI will be unveiling a new addition to its Convertible range at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), when it presents the Sidewalk model for the first time on 6 January in Detroit.

MINI Convertibles have always combined great handling characteristics with the thrill of open-top motoring, but when the Sidewalk hits MINI dealers from April 2007, MINI fans will have the opportunity to get their hands on a fresh model boasting a raft of luxurious design enhancements.

More photos after the jump!

Continue reading 2007 NAIAS: Mini “Sidewalk” Convertible at the 2007 North American International Auto Show

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The Volvo XC60 Concept takes centre stage at the Detroit Motor Show, integrating both the unmistakable, muscular XC-versatility and the sporty charisma of a coupe.

“One might say that this could be the C30-owner’s next car. Equally sporty and exciting, but far more capable. The concept car offers a good indication of how the “real” XC60 will look,” says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO at Volvo Cars.

The new Volvo XC60 is planned to reach the showrooms at the beginning of 2009.

The concept car shows that Volvo Cars’ XC60 project is ready to challenge the competition in what is currently the toughest and fastest-growing segment in the automotive world – the Small Premium Utility segment.

More photos and information after the jump.

Continue reading 2007 NAIAS: Volvo XC60 Concept

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Mazda Roadster Mazdaspeed M’z Tune Concept (concept model)

Mazda’s Roadster has always provided “Jinba Ittai” (rider and horse as one) performance with a fun-to-drive character. This concept model has undergone a comprehensive tuning to further evolve both its Jinba Ittai attributes and quality. Mazda E&T has long been acquainted with the base model and this experience helped them to attain an even more aggressive performance while preserving its everyday practicality. This is one vehicle that raises the bar on conventional perceptions of delight.

More photos after the jump.

Continue reading 2007 Tokyo Auto Salon ~ Mazda Miata Mazdaspeed M’z Tune & KURENAI Concepts

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Popular brand KENSTYLE has enhanced the CX-7’s sense of ’styling performance’ with this exhibit model. Symbolized by the addition of simple and casual aero equipment, the tasteful styling takes the high quality sports design up another notch and will attract admiring glances on the streets.

Continue reading 2007 Tokyo Auto Salon ~ Mazda CX-7 Kenstyle, DAMD & Audio Mania