Spy
Shots: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

2009 Cadillac CTS-V
TheCarConnection's team of spies has snagged the hot
version of the next CTS-a 2009 CTS-V prototype. This is not the run-of-the-mill
(future) CTS. This prototype has a huge bubble in the hood, performance wheels
and wide
tires, unique (larger) exhaust pipes and-the photographer
swears-an obvious supercharger sound.
Spy
Shots: 2008 HUMMER H3 SUT

2008 HUMMER H3 SUT

2008 HUMMER H3 SUT
TheCarConnection has reported in the past that HUMMER
has been planning a pickup based on the H3
SUV and on the H3 SUT concept that's made the auto show
circuit. but here's the proof: Judging by this prototype, it looks like GM is
poised to expand its HUMMER model range with an H3-based pickup.
Side Airbags Save Lives, IIHS Says
Curtain-style side airbags can cut deaths in
accidents by more than half in sport-utility vehicles and by more than a third
in all vehicles, according to a new study of data presented by the Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS, an insurance industry-funded
research group, says that curtain-style bags are far more effective even than
body-protecting side airbags alone, but those side airbags themselves can cut
the risk of death in an accident by more than 25 percent. Today, more than 80
percent of vehicles sold in theU.S. have
curtain airbags standard or available for order. Automakers are phasing in
standard side curtain airbags and have until September of 2009 to install them
in all vehicles. Once standard, the IIHS estimates that 2000 deaths per year
will be prevented.
Neiman Marcus Offers Xmas Bimmer Tidings

2007 BMW M6 Convertible Neiman Marcus

2007 BMW M6 Convertible Neiman Marcus
What
would you like to find stuffed in your stocking this year? It's a loaded
question for sure, but it's good to ponder now that Neiman Marcus has teased its
annual holiday catalog with a special-edition BMW M6 Convertible. The latest in
a string of special-edition vehicles to grace the department store's annual
Christmas Book, the 2007 M6 Convertible Limited Edition will come in a Ruby
Black exterior paint with Piano Black trim, power leather seats and an
11-speaker sound system. Some 50 copies will be produced and sold through Neiman
Marcus for $139,000 each. The cars will come with the chance to pick them up at
the factory in
Germany and meet with some of its
designers, along with business-class tickets for the trip. Interested? Mark your
calendar for Oct. 18
th and on that day, call 866-303-2696.
Oh, and bring that American Express card.
We
test drive the M6
MINI Traveller Next Year?

2006 MINI Traveller Detroit concept

2006 MINI Traveller Detroit concept
A
production version of the MINI Traveller concept, shown last January in
Detroit, could
come as soon as next year. MINI execs on hand at last week's Paris auto show say
the production version of the Traveller will arrive in showrooms before the next
version of the Cooper Convertible. The Convertible, introduced in 2004, is about
halfway through its life cycle, execs indicate, which could mean a 2008
model-year introduction for a revamped ragtop. Until then, the existing
Convertible will share a production line with the new MINI Cooper being
introduced in Europe shortly and in the
U.S., just after the new year.
Spied!
MINI Traveller and more
Hyundai Bringing Veracruz to Detroit
The new
mid-size crossover from Hyundai will arrive in production form at the Detroit auto show in
January. The Veracruz-which TheCarConnection showed you first last year, and
confirmed as the Veracruz this summer-will be the ninth vehicle to join
Hyundai's 2007 lineup, the company said in a release. Standard stuff on the
Honda Pilot-sized vehicle will be a stowaway third-row seat, a 3.8-liter V-6
engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, as well as staility control and
side curtain airbags. Hyundai promises official photos of the new Veracruz will be released
this month.
See
spy photos of the new Veracruz
Hyundai Tuning in XM
Meanwhile, Hyundai's now junior crossover vehicle, the Santa Fe, is tuning in XM
Satellite Radio for the 2007 model year. The redesigned Santa Fe-in production now at the new Hyundai plant in
Montgomery, Ala.-will be one of four Hyundais for 2007 to
offer the subscription audio service. Other vehicles that will offer XM include
the Sonata, Azera and Elantra. Each Hyundai outfitted with the service comes
with three months of service for free.
Nissan Altima Hybrid Bows at OC Auto Show
Nissan's Altima Hybrid has broken cover at the Orange County
auto show in Anaheim,
Calif. And Nissan says the hybrid
four-cylinder-powered sedan will get close to 41 miles per gallon in city
driving by EPA rating methods. The new sedan uses Nissan's 2.5-liter
four-cylinder engine and Xtronic CVT coupled to battery and motor technology
licensed from Toyota for a combined output of 198 hp.
The Altima Hybrid will be marketed from early next year in the eight
states that have the most potential for sales, Nissan says, including
California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine
and New Jersey. Non-hybrid versions of the new Altima go on sale this month.
VW Spins Four Remixed Editions
Volkswagen's 2007 lineup will bring a new Eos hardtop convertible-and
joining it, VW says, will be four new special edition vehicles based on current
models in the fahrvergnuegen lineup. The Wolfsburg Edition Jetta is a
2.5-liter-powered Jetta that gets 16-inch wheels, a sunroof, and a pricetag
starting from $19,360. A "Fahrenheit GTI" comes in a shocking orange paint job
and new badging, along with 18-inch wheels, orange interior stitching and a
sticker price of $27,665. The similar Jetta GLI model uses yellow paint and trim
on its way to a sticker price of $27,880. And the fourth special edition, a
Triple White New Beetle convertible, features white paint, interior trim and
convertible top along with 17-inch wheels, an automatic transmission and Sirius
service for $25,990.
Ride
along in the other new VW, the 2007 Eos
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