Detroit’s annual auto show is a love-it and hate-it event. The timing couldn’t be worse: the city’s settled into the bleakest trough of the winter, and though the downtown renaissance continues apace, there’s still more to recommend Motown in the middle of summer than in the earliest days of a new year. And to top off the indignity, there’s the Japanese-subway jostling for press kits and oversubscribed press conferences to boot.
But enthusiasts and industry types have to love the annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), this year open to the media from Jan. 8-11 and to the public beginning the Friday after. Like no other show, Detroit puts a huge variety of hardware on display — much of it never seen before. Concepts and production cars alike fire off almost on the hour, so rapidly that it often takes a team of reporters just to make it to the newsworthy events.
TCC’s team will be doing just that in Detroit. Starting Sunday, Jan. 8, we’ll be reporting non-stop from the show floor to bring you the very latest product introductions, concept car reveals, and newsmaking quotes from the top industry executives. Until then, stay tuned here as we update and add to this preview of what we expect to bring you from the Cobo Hall floor:
Dodge Has Challenger Coupe for

2006 Dodge Challenger

2006 Dodge Challenger
Spy Shots: '09 Dodge Challenger by Brenda Priddy (11/21/2005)
A
Imperial Concept from Chrysler

2006 Chrysler Imperial concept
'07 Dodge Caliber Bets On CVT, AWD

2005 Dodge Caliber Concept
Eric Ridenour, the Chrysler Group's executive vice president of product development and chief operating officer-designate, said the new Caliber will feature a continuously-variable transmission and all-wheel drive, as well as the new four-cylinder global engine that was designed jointly by Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai. Tests aren't anywhere near complete yet, but the combination of the CVT and new engine should raise fuel economy by 8-10 percent over the fuel economy of the Neon, the Chrysler group's current offering in the small-car segment.
The Caliber will come only in a two-box bodystyle that borrows design elements from sport-utility vehicles, the larger Dodge Magnum, and the hatchbacks of the 1970s and 1980s. Chrysler has no plans for a three-box sedan model, Ridenour said during a briefing on the powertrain for the next-generation small cars.
"The idea is for something a little more aggressive in the marketplace with those proportions," he said. "It's very, very impressive the way it has stood out at auto shows. That's what we're trying to do with our cars. We make sure they catch your eye," he said.
'07 Dodge Caliber Bets On CVT, AWD (8/7/2005)
New Dodge compact crossover takes Neon's place next year.
Mercedes Plans GL-Class for
Mercedes-Benz will show the new GL-Class sport-ute at the
The wheel base of the GL-class measures 121.1 inches; it sits 200.4 inches long, is 75.6 inches wide and 72.4 inches tall. The GL-Class can accommodate seven passengers on three rows of seats. The third row has 32 inches of leg room and 38.5 inches of head room. When that row is not in needed, one or both of the split-bench seats can be fully automatically lowered to create a flat floor. Luggage space measures 43.8 cubic feet when the third row is not in use and can be expanded to 75.1 cubic feet.
Engine choices depend on the market where the GL is sold. There are two diesel engines, the 320 CDI V-6 with 224 hp and the 420 CDI V-8. The GL 450 will be available with a 4.6-liter V8 with 340 hp and the GL 500 will come with the 388 hp V-8. AMG versions are expected. All engines are teamed with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The new Mercedes-Benz will be equipped with 4Matic full time all-wheel drive, ADS adaptive damping, standard air suspension and Airmatic automatic leveling, as well as Trailer Stability Assist (TSA). Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and off-road ABS will help the driver in rough terrain.
Just like the ML- and R-Class vehicles, the new GL-class will be built in
2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class by Bengt Halvorson (11/30/2005)
Still the king of the road, now more street-smart.
MORE PHOTOS:
Jeep Wrangler Gets Frigid Reception

2007 Jeep Wrangler

2007 Jeep Wrangler
A redesigned Wrangler will debut for the 2007 model year in both the traditional two-door configuration as shown here, as well as a new four-door variant sitting on a longer wheelbase. A pickup derivative is a likely addition sometime during the next Wrangler's lifecycle. Codenamed TK, the upcoming Wrangler may have a fixed top with removable panels, instead of the soft and/or hardtop offerings. A fold-down front windshield and removable doors, of course, are expected.
We are also expecting the new Wrangler to be powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 150 horsepower, or an optional 3.7-liter SOHC V-6. A 4.7-liter V-8 may follow a year or so after the Wrangler's launch.
Chrysler Group also is expected to show a production version of the Jeep Compass at its Detroit display.
Lincoln Takes Flight with '07 MKX

2007 Lincoln Aviator

2007 Lincoln Aviator
Spy Shots: '07 Lincoln Aviator by Brenda Priddy (10/10/2005)
The Edge gets a luxurious twin.
2007 Ford Edge 2007 Ford Edge
Ford Edge Shares Aviator Gear
Ford Division will get its own version of the Aviator crossover to sell. Called the Edge, the new crossover will also be shown at the Detroit auto show.
Codenamed U387, the Edge will be built in Oakville, Ont., alongside its sibling, Lincoln's new Aviator. The Edge will be positioned between the Escape and Explorer, and is expected to be powered by a new 3.5-liter V-6. Front-wheel drive will be standard, with an all-wheel-drive version also available. The exterior is similar to that of the Aviator. Production is scheduled to begin late next summer, with an on-sale date expected for early fall of 2006.
Ford Has New V-6 For Crossovers, More
The next-generation Lincoln Aviator and the new Ford Edge will be powered by an equally-new powertrain. Barb Samardzich, vice president of powertrain operations, said Ford's 3.5-liter V-6 will make 250 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The all-aluminum engine will be mated to a new six-speed automatic expected to yield an average seven-percent better highway mileage than a comparable four-speed, according to Samardzich. While Ford officials wouldn't discuss other plans for the powertrain package, insiders report the V-6 and six-speed will eventually show up in a wide range of products, including the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego. The new 3.5-liter V-6 will immediately meet tough ULEV-II emissions standards, and be "PZEV capable." The engine also will be part of future Ford hybrid powertrains requiring the extra kick of a V-6. -TCC Team
Spy Shots: '07 Ford Edge by Brenda Priddy (11/7/2005)
Freestylin' with Ford's crossover future.
Explorer Sport Trac Bows for '07

2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
2006 Ford by Jim Gorzelany (9/21/2005)
Shelby GT500 Gets Convertible Companion

2007 Ford Shleby GT500 Mustang Convertible

2007 Ford Shleby GT500 Mustang Convertible
Preview: 2007 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 by TCC Team (3/28/2005)
Fast and furious, SVT, like Mustang, reborn.

2007 Toyota Camry

2007 Toyota Camry

2007 Toyota Camry

2007 Toyota Camry
Saturn Outlook Set; Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia Too

2007 Saturn crossover
Spy Shots: '07 Saturn Crossover by Brenda Priddy (7/25/2005)
Mary had a little Lambda.
Mazda's Detroit Concept Splits RX-8, Miata
Two's company and three is… very exciting news from Mazda. The Japanese firm has revealed it will add to its sportscar range with the addition of a third model to sit alongside the RX-8 and MX-5.
The car will be unveiled at January's Detroit auto show, and though it will be styled and badged as a concept, insiders say the two-seater hints very strongly at a production model that will go on sale around 2008. We've been told it's a mini RX-8 with a hint of MX-3, but crucially won't use the former car's rotary engine.
It will be designed and developed by Mazda North America, based in
The designer emphasized that the car would be aimed at North American buyers. However, he admitted it has been designed so that it is "conceptually possible" for it to made right-hand-drive for fans in countries such as
Weekly Car Guide: Oct. 28, 2005 by TCC Team (10/31/2005)
New Mazdaspeed6, Sherpa carriers, and new Aviator.
![]() 2007 Mazda CX-7 |
Mazda CX-7

2007 Mazda CX-7

2007 Mazda CX-7

2007 Mazda CX-7
Based on the MX-Crossport concept, the production CX-7 crossover keeps the bold wheel arches, the upsweeping beltline, the steeply sloping windshield, in fact the entire style of the MX-Crossport intact. The only changes to be seen are minor ones like the absence of a clear plastic panel over the rear license plate. Mazda promises the CX-7 will have the utility of an SUV, but the handling dynamics of a sports sedan.
The size of the CX-7 will likely be similar to the MX-Crossport concept vehicle, which is 182.3 inches in length, 76.0 inches wide, and 64.2 inches high, riding on a wheelbase of 110.0 inches. The engine will likely be a 3.0- to 3.5-liter V-6. A late 2006 or early 2007 introduction is expected.
Nissan Drops Curtain on Versa

2007 Nissan Versa

2007 Nissan Versa
The new entry will boast a 1.8-liter four delivering an estimated 38 mpg in the EPA's combined city/highway driving cycle, and 120 horsepower, which the company said should provide plenty of performance in the lightweight model. The base Versa will feature a four-speed automatic, but an optional CVT will be offered, and with it delivering as much as ten-percent better mileage, Nissan planners expect a high "take rate."
Nissan officials made it clear, during a Wednesday briefing, that Versa is not intended to be a stripped-down econobox. By going with a tall roofline and using higher seating, Versa will boast the same, useable interior space of a class larger vehicle. Even the base vehicle, expected to come in around $12,000, will carry a reasonable level of content, with a focus on material refinement, especially in the unexpectedly spacious interior. "If you make a $12,000 to $14,000 car," explained product planning chief Jack Collins, "it has to be fundamentally appealing because people can also buy a (well-equipped) two-year-old used car" for the same price.
Right now, the minicar segment is relatively empty, U.S. sales running barely 300,000 annually, but the Versa is likely to be followed by a range of competitive offerings. Manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota, and Mazda have all shown prototypes for the segment, and Collins suggested that interest levels will grow with fuel prices running at or near record levels. In fact, the Versa may be just one of several B-Segment offerings Nissan could bring to market. The Japanese automaker has shown a variety of high-style prototypes in recent years, including the Azeal, which debuted at the Detroit Auto Show last January. "We believe we may have several opportunities," hinted Collins, adding that Versa was just the one most ready for market. -TCC Team
2006 Nissan by Jim Gorzelany (9/21/2005)
Nissan Has Urge for

2006 Nissan Urge concept

2006 Nissan Urge concept

2006 Nissan Urge concept

2006 Nissan Urge concept
Sales Down Modestly in Nov. by Joseph Szczesny (12/5/2005)
Big Three drop; Japanese brands pick up, except Nissan.
Mitsu Has Eclipse Spyder, Concept-CT for
The Mitsu Eclipse coupe is being joined by a convertible version set to show up at the
Alongside the Eclipse Spyder on the show floor will be a new concept from Mitsubishi, the Concept-CT. A B-car concept conceived as a city vehicle with green technology, the vehicle will sport a hybrid powertrain that uses electric motors at each wheel to deliver all-wheel drive. The concept was penned at the company's
Hyundai HCD-9 Talus Concept

2006 Hyundai HCD-9 concept

2006 Hyundai HCD-9 concept
Kia "Soul" Concept for

2006 Kia Soul concept

2006 Kia Soul concept
Isuzu Says No Thanks to
Isuzu has dropped out of the annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), citing their poor display space and low sales in the
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