Preview: 2007 Detroit Auto Show

Preview: 2007 Detroit Auto Show
Lights, cameras, Cobo – action
by TCC Team (2006-12-04)

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Car_...86.A11082.html

Sure, we know the 2006 Los Angeles auto show is over for the media, and just open to the public. (Heck, we were there for the first 2006 Los Angeles show, too.) But it's already time to start thinking about the next Detroit auto show in January - because the new cars are already leaking through the press embargoes and being hurled over the new-car walls of Detroit 's Cobo Hall.

This year's Detroit show promises to offer a bumper crop of domestics, even though the sales picture in Detroit is anything but sunny. A new Cadillac CTS and Chevrolet Malibu are coming, as are the new Chrysler minivans and some unnamed vehicles from Ford.

We're also expecting plenty of news from Japan and Germany in the form of a new Nissan Rogue, a BMW 3-Series Convertible, and the Hyundai Veracruz. And for the second year in a row, TheCarConnection will be covering the push for Chinese automakers to sell their cars in the U.S.

From General Motors, we'll see the 2008 Cadillac CTS and the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The new CTS gets a sleeker shape and a much more refined interior, while the Malibu is being hyped as a real contender in the Camry/Accord/Fusion/Altima/Sonata…well…you get the point.

Ford's plans are secret for now, but a concept Lincoln based on the Ford Fairlane concept could make its debut at the Detroit show. The Fairlane, which is expected to hit showrooms by 2008, is a replacement for the Ford Freestar, which is being discontinued next year.

At Chrysler, the 2008 Chrysler minivans are the big story. The 2008 Dodge Avenger should also be on display, along with the 2007 Chrysler Nassau concept and the 2007 Jeep Trailhawk concept. Though the 2008 Jeep Liberty is in the works, a New York show debut seems more likely.

DaimlerChrysler's 2008 Smart ForTwo will scoot on the show floor before it shows up at UnitedAutoGroup dealers nationwide.

From BMW, we'll have the 2007 BMW 3-Series Convertible and possibly the 2008 MINI Traveller as well, although we wouldn't be shocked if instead, we saw another MINI concept.

Mitsubishi was among the first to promise it will introduce new vehicles in Detroit, and the Japanese automaker says it will bring three new vehicles to the 2007 show. The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer and EVO X will be paired with an unnamed concept vehicle.

Elsewhere from Asia, we expect to see the 2007 Nissan Rogue and an Infiniti concept. A 2008 Hyundai Veracruz and a new Kia vehicle should be on the way as well.

And finally, the winners of the North American Car and Truck of the Year will be named. Jurors on the panel - including TCC publisher Paul Eisenstein - will be voting on the following for the January awards, which will be handed out at the Detroit auto show and which were dominated by the Honda Civic and Ridgeline last year:

Car of the Year Nominees

Chrysler Sebring
Dodge Caliber
Honda Fit
Infiniti G35
Jaguar XK/XKR
Lexus LS460
Mercedes S-Class
Nissan Altima
Nissan Versa
Saturn Aura
Toyota Camry

Truck of the Year nominees

Acura MDX
Acura RDX
Audi Q7
BMW X5
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
Chevrolet Silverado
Dodge Nitro
Ford Edge
GMC Acadia
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jeep Wrangler
Mazda CX-7
Saturn Vue Green Line
Toyota FJ Cruise