The eagerly anticipated Mazda CX-7 was unveiled at the Chicago and LA Auto Shows earlier this year to largely positive reviews and reactions. Now, expect pulses to race as the Mazda CX-7 is set to go on sale this spring. Offering a potent combination of style, excitement and sophistication, the Mazda CX-7 packs a mean punch in its sleek and sculpted skin.

The crossover CX-7 is described as an SUV with the soul of a sports car. To us, it doesn’t really look like one of those big, brawny SUVs. The Mazda CX-7’s sports car styling casts a more nimble and dynamic image with its aerodynamically optimized figure, prominent front fenders, A-pillars wheel arches and a curved roof. The CX-7 windshield has a 66-degreee rake angle making it far sleeker than most SUVs and more akin to sports cars.

To match the CX-7’s sleek, sporty looks is a powerful and dynamic performance produced by a turbocharged and intercooled, direct injection 2.3 liter, four cylinder engine with an output of 244 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm. The crossover SUV also has a good fuel mileage of 23 mpg in combined driving. Also, the Mazda CX-7 engine delivers 258 lb-ft. of torque (349 Nm).

The CX-7 will come in either front-wheel drive or Mazda’s Active Torque All-Wheel Drive, where a computer controlled coupling is integrated into the rear differential to provide up to 50% of the engine torque that the rear wheels might require. Other features include Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and the standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system.

Inside, the Mazda’s sports car inspired interiors include such features as a three-dial instrument cluster, high mounted shifter, form fitting bucket seats and sporty dashboard panel featuring a double-roof design. The two-tone look is classy and sophisticated, with leather used to provide a high quality look and feel. Total cargo capacity is 58.6 cubic ft with a39 inch long rear compartment offering more stowage space.

The Mazda CX-7 will be available in three trim or equipment levels. Standard features include manual air conditioning, power windows, ABS, DSC, Traction Control System (TCS), cruise control, six airbags and others. The touring edition offers leather trim on seats, steering wheel and gear shift knob as well as power seats, heated front seats and retractable cargo cover. The Grand Touring offers leather trim with a black sport seat stripe, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, front fog lamps, body-color door mirrors, chrome door handles and automatic interior climate control.

The Mazda CX-7 will be available by spring of 2006 as a 2007 model with a base price of $24,310. The Touring and Grand Touring editions will retail at $25,500 and $28,000 respectively.

Consumers have chosen the best of the best among the vehicles and exhibits at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. Voters honored the favorites in five categories for this year’s auto show. The Ford Shelby GT 500, the high-performance Shelby version of the new generation Mustang, drove away with the Best All-New Production Vehicle award garnering over 42 percent of the vote. The car was the clear winner in the field with the Porsche Cayman S and the Dodge Caliber SRT4 a far second and third respectively.

Meanwhile, the Dodge Challenger concept, still fresh from a critical success at the Detroit Auto show last month, snatched the Best Concept Vehicle Award with a 35 percent share of the votes. It bested the other hot new concept, the Chevrolet Camaro by only 3% of the votes as well as the Dodge Rampage concept. However, the Rampage concept was adjudged as the Best Chicago Auto Show World Introduction.

The Jeep display, complete with a waterfall and a test track was honored as the year’s best exhibit with over 32 percent of the vote besting other spectacular displays from Ford and Dodge, Finally, the Chevrolet Camaro continued to draw raves as it was announced as the winner in the “Vehicle I most want to see in my driveway” category.

This is the first Best of Show balloting held at the Chicago Auto Show. “This show is renowned for its consumer impact and it focuses on the buying public, who express their opinions with their dollars at dealership showrooms. Best of Show voting gives consumer another method to express their opinions on the direction in which our industry is going.”, said Arthur Kelly, 2006 Chicago Auto show Chairman.

Addicted to chrome? Better check out the new Lincoln navigator at the ongoing Chicago Auto Show. Making its world debut last Thursday as one of the last few Lincoln’s to retain its original name for the 2007 model year, the 2007 Lincoln Navigator surprised the media with a massive chrome grill up front. In fact, the grille occupies about three quarters of the vehicle’s header panel.

According to Navigator designer Peter Horbury, the new chrome grille and other new styling cues were aimed to give the vehicle a lot more attitude. Additionally, he said that the design was meant to deliver a sense of “confidence and power”. To some critics, however, the inclusion of the huge chrome grille was simply a design consideration that went overboard.

But while the enormous chrome grille is the most noticeable modification for the new Lincoln Navigator, it is not the only new feature for the luxury SUV. In fact, a lot of other exterior features are new, like the newly designed HID headlights on both sides of the grille, the spruced-up taillights with a genuine Lincoln look, and the optional 20-inch chrome wheels. The vehicle’s interior also received a couple of modifications, the most noticeable of which are the extensive use of wood for the dash area, higher-grade leather for the seats, new set of gauges for the instrument panel, and a reshaped steering wheel.

Aside from new interior and exterior features, the 2007 Lincoln Explorer also comes with a new trim: the Lincoln Navigator L. Compared to the base Navigator, the L is 14.7 inches longer and rides on a wheelbase that is 12 inches longer. This provides the new trim level with an additional 25 cubic feet of storage behind the third row of seats, and even more with the third row seats folded down.

Both the regular Navigator and the Navigator L will be equipped with a 300 hp, 5.4-liter V8 engine mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. This is actually the same configuration used for the 2006 model, which puts the new vehicles in a bit of disadvantage because both are heavier. On the good side of things, the 2007 models are stiffer, thanks to the adoption of the Ford F-150’s front frame stub. Interiors are also expected to be quieter with the vehicle’s acoustic windshield, thicker glass and tuned mirrors.

According to Lincoln, the 2007 Lincoln Navigator would be on showrooms starting September this year while the Lincoln Navigator L will be available by January 2007.

The continuous rise in oil prices have made SUV sales drop lower and lower in the last few years. But just when many people have agreed that major SUV manufacturers should now start producing smaller cars, Subaru says just not yet.

Last Thursday, Subaru of America, Inc. unveiled to the world the Special Edition model of the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca, which is touted as the company’s flagship vehicle for the 2007 model year. Among other things, the Special Edition B9 Tribeca boasted of an exclusive mesh grille and chrome-finish wheels for its exterior and a standard XM Satellite radio package for its interior. These are apart from all the other new features that all other 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca model shares.

Along with the introduction of the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca Special Edition model, the company also gave further details about vehicle’s standard version, which is also on display at the Chicago Auto Show. Details given by the company were centered mainly on the SUVs 3.0-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine that outputs 245 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of peak torque. Another feature that was given much attention was the vehicle’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

The surprises for B9 Tribeca lovers, however, do not end on those two performance features because the new SUV has more to offer both inside and out. The vehicle’s exterior, for example, features a revamped front fascia highlighted by a new black grille that made it look more aggressive and aerodynamic. There are also a lot of surprises inside the vehicle, with an interior that is considered by many as the most lovable among the many SUVs presented in the auto show.

The 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca also showcases new features on the safety department. One of the new safety features is the Rollover sensor system that deploys the side curtain air bags whenever a possible rollover is sensed. Another is the new Brake Assist which further enhances the performance of the vehicle’s ABS brakes, Vehicle Dynamics Control and four-wheel traction control.

The entire line-up of the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV, including the Special Edition model, will appear in dealers’ showrooms sometime in June this year. Prices for the different trim levels are yet to be unveiled by the company, although the additional Special Edition package has already been priced at an extra $1,295.

The Lincoln Zephyr, the entry level luxury sedan from the Ford Motors brand is set to receive significant upgrades and new features and will be reintroduced as the new MKZ. The new name is part of Lincoln’s controversial new strategy in naming their vehicle lineup. Ford’s luxury brand will drop the traditional nameplates of most of its cars except the Navigator. Lincoln will start using the Mark nameplate with the letters MK (pronounced as Mark) as a prefix to all its vehicles’ names. Lincoln’s next generation flagship sedan will be named the MKS while the successor to the Aviator is dubbed the MKX crossover.

Meanwhile, the erstwhile Lincoln Zephyr now called the Lincoln MKZ will see more than just a change in its nameplate. The new Lincoln MKZ gets a major upgrade through a more powerful 3.5 liter V6 engine, all wheel drive, more traction and a redesigned front fascia. The Lincoln MKZ will draw its power from Ford’s new 35 Duratec V6 engine mated with a six speed transmission that will provide 250 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The new engine is expected to improve the car’s fuel efficiency, refinement, and power.

The exterior of the Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ will see a newly designed front end. Lincoln’s traditional waterfall grille is refined and improved in the MKZ with additional bright work and distinctive lighting added for a more distinct and stand-out look. The MKZ will also offer other new features such as Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth compatibility and an Ipod jack. All these new features are intended to increase customer demand for the luxury carmaker. “We have taken a brand-new, well-received car and significantly improved it to draw a new generation of customers to the Lincoln brand”, explained Al Giombetti, Marketing and Sales President of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury.

The new Lincoln MKZ will be introduced at the ongoing Chicago Auto Show. It still remains to be seen, though, whether the shift in nomenclature will get positive results. The erstwhile Zephyr has sold reasonably well in the short run it had at showrooms despite being widely considered as underpowered and overpriced compared to rivals in the sporty luxury sedan segment such as the BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35 and Cadillac CTS.

Mercedes-Benz AMG has once again displayed its expertise in creating and designing exceptional high-performance cars. This year, Chicago will witness the world premiere of another exciting car from the high performance division of Mercedes-Benz. The new Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG is scheduled for a big debut at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, the largest auto show in North America.

The R63 AMG is described as a dynamic interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class. The six-passenger, all wheel drive R-Class luxury vehicle has already gained wide acclaim. Now, the R63 AMG will add high performance to the model’s long list of virtues. The R63 AMG offers the advantages of several vehicles all in one package: the luxury and high performance of a sports sedan, the stability and handling of four wheel drive SUV and the versatility and passenger capacity of a wagon.

But what makes the R63 AMG special is its engine – a 6.3 liter naturally aspirated V8 with an output of 503 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. This is the first engine developed entirely by Mercedes-Benz high performance division and one of the most powerful production V8s ever made.

Built out of high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the R63 AMG’s engine features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket tappets instead of rocker arms, and a variable intake manifold. The R63 AMG also features a high performance seven speed automatic transmission.

The R63 AMG’s exterior and interior demonstrate AMG’s exclusive design. Sleekly designed, the car features a newly-designed front and rear apron as well as two twin chrome-plated tailpipes, sporty dark-tinted rear lights, and 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Inside, the R63 AMG continues to impress with its luxury and spaciousness combined with highly-appointed interior amenities. Black aluminum and nappa leather details abound, lending a truly luxurious and sporty feel.

The Mercedes Benz R63 AMG is truly a breathtaking car. Without a doubt, this car is one of the most highly anticipated cars for release this year. It is expected to go on sale by the third quarter of 2006 in the United States.

The Volkswagen Golf hatchback, Europe’s top selling car has crossed the Atlantic and is scheduled to make its debut in the US at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. Renowned for its superior automotive engineering, high build quality, top-notch materials, comfort, versatility and safety as well as attention to detail in design, the Golf has become one of the world’s most popular cars. It’s all time sales record stands at 24 million, making it the second best-selling car in the history of the automotive world.

The new VW Golf that will be introduced at the auto show is a completely revamped version of the Golf from previous years. It will feature major changes including the use of high strength body panels and advanced laser-welding systems. The new Golf boasts of substantial improvements including a fully independent suspension system that uses a multi-link rear and optimized front axle.

The US-bound Golf also has a new powerful 2.5 liter, five cylinder base engine generating 150 horsepower as well as a new optional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic (five-speed manual standard). Other new features include a standard high-tech electro-mechanical steering system, an optional advanced electronic stability program (ESP), and new-generation ABS all-disc brakes.

Volkswagen will offer 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years as well as new vehicle warranties. The Volkswagen Golf is slated to arrive at US showrooms this summer in two-door and four-door versions.

When the 2007 Chevy Avalanche was unveiled in the Chicago Auto Show last Thursday, it once again proved that it is the most flexible utility vehicle in the automotive world. Just like the previous edition of the truck, the new Avalanche again combines the passenger-comfort characteristics of an SUV with the cargo-carrying capabilities of a truck. The vehicle also comes back with its Mid-gate—an ingenious contraption that can turn the vehicle into a six-seater SUV at one setting and a pickup truck with a long bed at another.

But all of these are typical Chevy Avalanche features and most of us already know these facts. So what’s new with the truck for its 2007 edition?

First, the new Chevy Avalanche is based on a brand-new, full-size SUV platform that boasts of, among others, more power, refined interiors, and world-class safety. At the heart of the new Avalanche is a 5.3-liter V8 engine that outputs 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque, while an aluminum-block version of the same engine, rated at 310 horsepower, is used for 4WD models. Later in the model year, an all-aluminum 6.0-liter V8 engine rated at 355 hp will also be introduced. All engine options will feature the Active Fuel Managementâ„¢ technology while two would be capable of running on E85 fuel.

On the convenience avenue, the 2007 Chevy Avalanche has three new features to showcase. The first is a central-locking tailgate, which may be controlled via interior lock switches or from the Remote Keyless Entry fob. Another new feature is remote vehicle starting, which may come as a standard or optional feature depending on the vehicle trim. Then, there’s the cargo cover retaining straps that allow the cargo cover to be held in place securely.

With a whole bunch of new performance and convenience features, plus the lovable characteristics that the pickup truck has been known for, the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche is really a vehicle to watch out for. The new pickup truck is expected to hit the showrooms at the second quarter of this year and will be available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels and in 2WD and 4WD versions. A Z71 off-road package is also expected to be introduced later in the model year.

Getting lost while driving a car is now becoming an impossibility with another innovation on navigation systems from GM. General Motors Corp is set to announce an updated version of its OnStar safety and navigation system this week at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. The new version will allow users to get real-time directions while they are driving. Called Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the system will appear first on the new Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS but will gradually be introduced in other GM cars.

The new Turn-by-Turn Navigation system is a fully-integrated GPS navigation system that allows the user to request complete step-by-step directions to any destination from the live Advisor at a simple press of a button. The system adds a new measure of safety since drivers can keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road as the step-by-step directions are automatically played through the vehicle’s audio system. The system will alert the driver in case he leaves the route or misses a turn; it will then recalculate new directions based on the new location. Drivers can tape the directions and play them back when needed.

OnStar is a safety and security system exclusively for GM vehicles that feature 24 hours access to a live specially trained Advisor to help users with various safety and security issues such as air bag deployment. It also provides a connection to emergency assistance. Access to OnStar hands-free calling is also provided. Some of OnStar’s current features include tracking a stolen car, unlocking a car whenever the keys are lost or left inside and summoning emergency services in case of an accident. Currently, four million vehicles from GM are equipped with OnStar. The system will be available in 50 vehicles from GM this 2006.

The updated version is the seventh generation of the hardware in ten years. The OnStar Turn-by-Turn navigation system will be available in approximately 1 million GM cars and trucks by 2007. It will be available at a lower cost than other competitive navigation systems.

Now you can’t bully me anymore,” that seems to be the threat of the new Toyota Tundra to its competitors as it was unveiled in the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. Now bigger and bolder, the new Japanese full-size pickup truck has indeed become a worthy competitor to the large Detroit-born pickups like the Ford F-150, the Chevy Silverado, and the Dodge Ram. The question now is, will it be able to last long competing with the large American pickups?

When the 2007 Toyota Tundra was unveiled last Thursday, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) President Jim Press was all praise for the truck, referring to it as the “biggest, boldest bad-ass truck in Toyota history.” Well, it indeed is. For one, the new pickup truck is some 10 inches longer than the current Toyota Tundra. Further, the truck now has that bolder stance, shouting that it is no longer an underdog in the full-size pickup truck segment. Providing the vehicle this bolder stance is its heavily chrome-laden grille, taller doors and thicker body.

But the 2007 Toyota Tundra is not only about size and appearance. It is also about power. While the same 4.0-liter V6 and 4.7-liter V8 engines will be used for the base and mid-level versions of the vehicle, upper-level Toyota Tundras will be equipped with a new 5.7-liter V8 engine. Power specs for the engine were not yet revealed by Toyota, but based on the new vehicle’s towing capacity (10,000 lbs maximum), we can say that the new engine is indeed more powerful. Another feature of the new engine is its capability to meet ULEV specifications.

The 2007 Toyota Tundra is expected to feature a lot of other innovations when it goes on sale early next year. Unluckily for us, Toyota has been very cautious in giving out a lot of details. In paper, the Toyota Tundra promises to be a real threat to the local pickup truck industry. But whether it can really outclass the current leaders in the full-size pickup truck segment, we’ll only be able to tell when it finally goes on sale.