2008 Toyota Auris Preview

What it Is

New Cars: Toyota Corolla Preview – What you’re looking at here is the new Toyota Auris, as shown at the 2006 Paris Auto Show and otherwise known as the new Toyota Corolla hatchback – maybe – for the 2008 model year. Already debuted in Japan, the new Corolla promises to be bigger, more stylish and powerful than the outgoing model. There will also be an emphasis on safety. The Auris, for example, will probably come equipped with nine airbags and a slew of brake-and-motion safeguards like ABS, Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

Why it Matters

Basically, it’s all about competing with the Civic, and to do that, the Corolla must be stylish, roomy, safe and efficient. Judging from these photos, Toyota has at least got the styling correct.

What's Under the hud

Engine-wise, the current 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine doesn’t quite match up to the Civic’s 140-horsepower unit, so perhaps we’ll see an upgrade to the 2.4-liter four-banger – making around 160 horsepower, or the Corolla XRS’ 1.8-liter rev-monster. Rumors also persist about a Corolla Hybrid variant to compete with Honda’s stated intent to debut a hybrid vehicle that’s smaller and more affordable than the Civic Hybrid.

What we Think

If the new Corolla hatchback looks like this Auris, we think it's another hit for Toyota. As to the sedan, time and a flight to Detroit just may tell what Toyota has in store. Check back here for more detail if – or when – the Corolla debuts।

(www.car.com)

2008 Toyota Highlander Preview

What it Is

2008 Toyota Highlander - 2007 Chicago Auto Show Preview: Smart in, strong out. That’s a tagline Toyota is using with one of its new rides, but if you’re thinking it’s the newly-brawny Tundra, think again. It refers to the 2008 Highlander. That’s right, Toyota is aiming to associate strength with a model based on the Camry/Avalon platform, albeit one available with four-wheel drive. However, Toyota cites data which suggest that Highlander owners and prospective buyers want added size and power, so when the 2008 Highlander arrives in July it will sport 270 horsepower, added size in nearly every measurable dimension, a host of clever and desirable interior features, and a markedly muscular appearance.

Why it Matters

Since its debut for the 2001 model year, the Highlander has been a great seller for Toyota, attracting buyers with its utility, comfort, and promise of Toyota reliability. But, even so, six years is a long time for a vehicle to go without any major updates, especially when the vehicle is playing in the emerging, and hence increasingly competitive, crossover market. Couple this with Toyota’s own data indicating a need for a larger and more powerful Highlander, and its clear to understand why this rendition of one the brand’s most popular models is so important. Plus, the recently overhauled Toyota RAV4, now sporting up to three rows and nearly 270 horsepower, places the current Highlander on the border of redundancy.

What’s Under the hud

As Toyota officials tell it, previous Highlander buyers, as well as Highlander shoppers who ultimately opted for a different vehicle, have requested added size and power from the next-generation model. All should be satisfied when the 2008 model hits the streets in July. Replacing the current Highlander’s 215-horsepower 3.3-liter six-cylinder will be a 3.5-liter V6 boasting 270 horsepower and 249 lb.-ft. of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission will put the power to the pavement, and both front- and four-wheel-drive variants will be available. Each Highlander will also employ Toyota’s STAR safety system, including ABS, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic brake assistance, and stability control.

What it Looks like

Well, one thing’s obvious – the 2008 Toyota Highlander has grown. In fact, the redesign resulted in an extra three inches in the wheelbase, a one-inch higher ground clearance, four inches of added body length, and three inches of newly-developed width. On the scales, all that extra Highlander equals another 500 pounds of curb weight, though it also translates into more than 12 cubic feet of added interior volume. Outside, sculpted wheel flares and a wide, tall front grille and fascia treatment lend the new Highlander a more pronounced and aggressive appearance. Likewise, the tail has been reworked with restyled, wedged lamps and a redesigned fascia with integrated lower lenses. The interior is accented by pronounced gauges, soft shapes, and large control dials.restyled, wedged lamps and a redesigned fascia with integrated lower lenses. The interior is accented by pronounced gauges, soft shapes, and large control dials.

What’s Inside

Inside the 2008 Toyota Highlander’s all-new and larger interior are features buyers are sure to appreciate. Among them are seven standard airbags, including side-curtains spanning all three rows and a driver’s knee airbag, a rear-view camera that can be ordered separate from the navigation system, and a keyless entry and ignition system. Other interesting items include a rear DVD system with a nine-inch monitor, a tow package pushing capacity to 5,000 pounds, and a Bluetooth-capable JBL audio system. Another neat feature is the second-row Center Stow seat – when used, it connects two bucket seats to create one bench, but when not used it can be packed under the front center console, allowing for a storage spot or walk-through area to the third row.

What Toyota Says

According to Don Esmond, Toyota’s senior vice president of automotive operations, “Highlander holds a unique distinction within the Toyota brand and within the industry. Along with the 4Runner and FJ Cruiser, it anchors one of the industry’s only three-vehicle, midsize SUV lineups.” Esmond goes on to say, “The 2008 Highlander takes the car-based SUV concept to a new level. I say that with conviction, because it’s a category we invented. As you can see, the new Highlander has raised the bar significantly.”

What We थिंक

As soon as we drove the redesigned, V6-powered, three-row RAV4, we knew the existing Highlander’s days were numbered. With the RAV4 essentially edging its big brother out of its own space, the Highlander had no choice but to move up a notch in terms of power and size. Such a move makes sense, and better positions the Highlander to compete with the myriad of crossovers that have emerged since its introduction six years ago. We’re talking about models like the Saturn Outlook, Ford Edge, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9, all of which offer more power and arguably more contemporary styling than the current Highlander. However, with added power, an aggressive look, and Toyota’s reputation, the 2008 Highlander just might stave off the competition for another six years.

Photos courtesy of Toyota and Thom Blackett

(www.car.com)

2008 Honda Accord Coupe Spy Photos

Accord Coupe – 2008 Spy Photo: Shown lightly disguised behind a flurry of white tape is the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe। Due to debut in the fall, our clearest view yet of the production version confirms that it closely resembles the Accord Coupe Concept shown at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Minor changes in front include a grille opening with more chrome and a shorter lower horizontal, while the lower grille loses its production-silly strakes in favor of a more traditional opening. The fog light recesses are covered, but may retain the show car's deep light treatment, and the headlight cluster is slightly different as well. The wheels on this test car and its single exhaust outlet (not shown) tell us that this is a four-cylinder version.

This is our clearest view yet, at all really, of the new Accord’s interior। The Honda-typical black-over-tan theme remains, and from what we can see there is nothing unconventional about the gauge layout – no two-tiered Civic stuff here. We can see chrome rings around the speedo and tachometer, which are now the same size and side by side, and the new upside-down-“A” Honda steering wheel is included. We’re curious about the big secondary hood in the middle of the dash. We can’t see what’s under it, but seeing as how it’s in the traditional navigation screen spot, we wonder if Honda’s cooking up a surprise there. A bigger screen perhaps?

From the rear, changes from the concept appear even less dramatic। The lower bumper loses its exhaust ports, and the rear brake light moves from the trunk lid to inside the rear glass, but that’s pretty much it. From the side we can see that the concept is essentially unchanged, as the swelled fenders, accent line under the door handle and rising lower sill line are all in place. It looks to us that the aggressive roofline, along with the sharp forward kick of the concept’s rear glass, also make it to production. From what we see, Honda will have a solid competitor for the sexy new Nissan Altima Coupe.

The next Accord will have some mighty big shoes to fill। It is a perennial bestseller for Honda, and is the company’s best selling single nameplate. It is also debuting into the hottest market there is. Sure, crossovers and SUVs get the attention, but the midsize family sedan (and by extension, the coupe versions) is still one of the biggest segments in the market. As some competitors move away from the coupe, Honda hopes to get a bigger share of that pie. Considering that many think that the 2007 Accord is still the best in its class, five years after its introduction, expectations are high for the replacement.

When we first saw the Accord Coupe concept at the Detroit auto show in January, we thought there was a lot of Hyundai Tiburon in its design। As the car moves toward production, we’re seeing less Hyundai, but a little more Scion tC. Either way, it’s an improvement over the inoffensive but dull styling of the current Accord coupe. At the concept’s introduction, John Mendel, Honda’s senior vice president of auto operations, said that “with a powerful stance, long hood, deeply sculpted lower body, and a fast roofline, we think what you see here today represents a bold new styling direction for the entire Accord lineup.” With our clearest look yet at the production coupe, we think he may be right.

(www.car.com)

2008 Honda Accord Sedan Spy Photos

Accord Sedan – 2008 Spy Photo: Barely disguised under a few strips of duct tape, the 2008 Honda Accord Sedan has been captured in the wild undergoing testing. While we’ve seen the coupe numerous times in both show car form and in spy photography, the sedan has heretofore been unseen. Not surprisingly, the sedan appears to be a taller and less aggressively styled version of its coupe cousin while still sharing the overall styling language. Changes are everywhere, with a completely fresh design that corrects some of the current car’s somewhat unfortunate styling distinctions. The headlights and grille on the 2008 sedan are larger and more upright than those of the coupe, but are a distinct improvement over the current model’s, with just a hint of the previous-generation Lexus IS 300.

From the rear, it’s clear that the 2008 Accord won’t be blazing new styling trails, but the cleaned up rear end is a welcome improvement. While not as stylish as the coupe, the car exhibits some definite cribbing from vehicles such as the BMW 3 Series, especially around the rear pillar, door handles and the character line along the side. From the smallish wheels and single exhaust outlet we can assume that this is a four-cylinder model; the V6 will likely have two outlets and bigger wheels. Note that this prototype also has the large center-dash hood we spied in the coupe, increasing our speculation of a new navigation system, possibly with a larger screen than we’ve previously seen.

It’s hard to find anything bad to say about the Accord, be it a coupe or a sedan. The current-generation model has been Honda’s biggest seller, with a roomy interior, excellent seats, and driving dynamics to keep enthusiasts satisfied, if not thrilled. The fact that the current car is still widely regarded as at or near the top of its class a full five years after its introduction speaks volumes for the fundamental goodness of the vehicle. It also means that the new car has some big shoes to fill. It’s not a slam-dunk, either. Remember that Honda miscalculated dramatically with the 1994-1997 Accord, going smaller and sticking with four-cylinder engines when the rest of the competition went larger and adopted powerful V6s. The company is unlikely to make the same mistake twice, though.

The other factor in the Accord’s success is competition। We don’t just mean from the Camry, although the Accord’s longtime rival is enjoying unprecedented success at this time. However, a resurgent General Motors is also in the hunt with its Saturn Aura, which was crowned North American Car of the Year. At the same time the new Accord is introduced, Chevrolet will introduce the 2008 Malibu, shown here. While previously an also-ran in the segment, the new ‘Bu promises more power and sophistication than we’ve ever seen in a mid-grade GM sedan before. With so many good sedans headed our way, 2008 promises to be a horn of plenty for family sedan buyers.
(www.car.com)

2007 Lincoln MKZ Review

A good car competing in a field of great ones by Christian Wardlaw
Introduction

Lincoln MKZ – 2007 Review: Lincoln’s historic Zephyr moniker blew in for 2006 and right back out again for 2007 when marketers decided to switch from memorable, iconic nameplates to forgettable alphabet soup badges like MKR, MKS, MKX, and MKZ. The only one spared was Navigator, which apparently still has brand equity in the eyes of Harvard MBAs. Based on the Ford Fusion, the Lincoln MKZ receives significant upgrades after just one year on the market, including a new 3.5-liter V6 engine and optional all-wheel drive. While Lincoln’s marketing morass is terrific fodder for poking fun at the MKZ, the truth is that there’s a decent car here. The trouble is that decent doesn’t quite cut it in a field littered with standouts.

What We Drove

Vivid Red Clearcoat Metallic paint on a Lincoln MKZ helps to hide the largeness of the taillights, but also makes the sedan look like a 55-year-old female realtor with a penchant for knock-off jewelry might drive it. Our all-wheel-drive test car’s base price of $31,765 including the $715 destination charge was inflated to a final sticker of $35,640 by a navigation system (at $2,495, local maps and a national atlas look like bargains), cooled front seats ($495), high-intensity discharge headlights ($495), an interior satin and aluminum package ($195), and Sirius satellite radio ($195). Our test car did not have a power sunroof, and neither parking sensors nor stability control are available on the MKZ.

Performance

Equipped with just what the doctor, and the public, ordered, the Lincoln MKZ has a powerful and responsive 3.5-liter V6 good for 263 horsepower under its hood. Not as refined or gutsy sounding as some competitors’ engines, Lincoln’s new V6 nevertheless produces quick acceleration. Fuel economy could be better; we averaged 19 mpg during a week of mixed driving. The new six-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four of the MKZ’s wheels, shifts smoothly and responds dutifully, but needs a manual shift mode instead of a rudimentary overdrive-off button. Also, on more than one occasion during a rolling stop in traffic the transmission kicked down harshly when getting off the brake and onto the accelerator at speeds less than 10 mph.

Handling

Few auto reviewers may admit it, but the Lincoln MKZ is equipped with a perfectly tuned suspension that deftly blends capable handling and a supple ride quality without filtering communication from the road. L.A.’s Latigo Canyon Road is not the first byway one might think of trying in the MKZ, but we thought the Lincoln managed that kinky, bumpy, pockmarked piece of pavement with grace. The brake pedal is quick to respond and easy to modulate, the Michelin 225/50R17 tires remain quiet under pressure, and the steering provides good feedback. Still, the steering isn’t particularly quick and the transmission lacks a manual shift mode, dulling the MKZ’s fun factor. Around town, this car desperately needs a tighter turning circle for greater maneuverability.

Visibility

Equipped with a tall rear deck and rakish back window, visibility to the rear isn’t terrific. Parking on city streets is particularly difficult because the car behind the Lincoln MKZ disappears from view, making the lack of a park sensing system obvious. Plus, at the bottom of the rear glass, distortions skew the driver’s world view. Large, rectangular side mirrors and a good view forward make it easy to see around corners and change lanes on the freeway. Sun glare frequently makes the lower third of the gauge cluster invisible to the driver.

Fun to Drive

Outright good times elude the Lincoln MKZ’s driver because, at the end of the day, this is a luxury sedan and not a sport sedan. However, the MKZ’s capable suspension, willing engine, substantial brakes, and good road feel give it a European dynamic heretofore lacking in many American luxury cars. With different tires, stiffer anti-roll bars, a manual shift mode for the automatic, and faster steering, the MKZ would definitely be fun to drive.

Front Comfort

Lincoln nailed front seat comfort in the MKZ. The leather upholstered chairs offer a tall seating position, supportive cushions, and a wide range of adjustment to accommodate various body types. Plus, there’s optional heating and cooling. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel, wide upper door panel sills covered in soft material, and a padded center armrest that slides forward for shorter drivers are standard. The driver and front passenger also get plenty of leg and head room. Additionally, the shape of the steering wheel spokes and center airbag pad make for a terrific hand rest during long-distance cruising. If there’s room for improvement, steering effort could be lighter at low speeds to assist parking.

Comfort

It’s too bad that Lincoln didn’t pay as much attention to detail with regard to rear passenger comfort as it did in front. Leg room is fine for this size sedan, and while the rear cushion could be taller for better thigh support, occupants won’t feel like they’re sitting on the floor. The comfort complaints arise with the details. For instance, lumpy wiring and a seat structure bar impede foot room, the rear head restraints are bumps at the top of the backrest that don’t adjust and probably provide little protection in a rear impact accident, and there’s a plastic cupholder insert in the center armrest right where the passenger’s elbow falls.

Interior Noise

Up to 65 mph, the Lincoln MKZ’s cabin is impressively quiet. Above that speed, wind noise erupts around the mirrors and windshield pillars. The Michelin Energy MXV4 tires on our test car contributed to the sense of solitude, and during an abusive mountain run they remained remarkably silent even as we dove into corners hard enough to scrub the sidewalls. Rough pavement added road and suspension noise to the ambience, but not enough to be bothersome.

Loading Cargo

Here again, when it comes to the trunk Lincoln skips the details that could make MKZ ownership more appealing, though we’ll be the first to note that the seatback releases are among the best in the business – just pull the handy lever and the seatbacks flop right down. The amount and shape of the space is not the problem. Rather, it’s the ill-fitting and cheap liner Lincoln uses to finish the luggage compartment, and the lack of a handle or grip to assist with closing the stiff, strut-supported trunk lid. The result is filthy hands if the MKZ’s decklid is dirty. You’d think designers and engineers based in rainy and snowy Michigan would have addressed this problem.

Build Quality

Before Lincoln has any chance of reviving sales in the face of luxury powerhouses from Asia and Europe, it must focus on build quality. Yes, the MKZ gets favorable ratings from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power for first-year durability, but based on sloppy execution found in our media fleet vehicle – such as a passenger airbag panel that didn’t line up with the right outboard vent panel, an ill-fitting lower dash panel on the driver’s side and inconsistent gap tolerances for the navigation radio – line workers in Mexico need to improve attention to detail. Ditto for the exterior, where gaps are wide, frequently inconsistent, and sometimes obviously misaligned.

Materials Quality

Last year, the Lincoln Zephyr (the MKZ is the same car with a different name for 2007) won an award for interior design and materials. With its clean appearance, liberal use of soft-touch surfaces, woven cloth headliner, and optional genuine aluminum trim, the Lincoln impresses. However, the dash vents look cheap, the plastic on the center console emits a whiff of cost-cutting, the carpeting is nothing special, and the liberally used sparkly silver plastic doesn’t convince observers of the MKZ’s luxury status. Add to this seat leather that is no better than acceptable, and we’d summarize by saying you get what you pay for with the Lincoln MKZ.

Styling

Lincoln’s MKZ is a handsome if rather staid design. It’s differentiated enough from the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan with which it shares a platform and architecture, but except for the chrome-dipped grille, attractive 17-inch spoked alloy wheels, and rather gaudy taillights there’s nothing here to express character. Inside, the MKZ’s identity is more apparent. Lincoln installs a retro-themed dashboard and art-deco gauge markings to give the MKZ a splash of heritage. The chrome-ringed round vents, pilfered from the Ford parts bin and looking like they belong in a $20,000 vehicle, are out of place in the MKZ. Otherwise, this cabin works.

Storage

Bring the essentials with you on a journey in the Lincoln MKZ, and you’ll be well served by the four cupholders, the good-sized glove box, the overhead sunglasses holder, and the decent front and rear door panel bins. Lincoln also offers twin seatback storage pockets and a small tray integrated into the back of the center console for people riding in the rear seat. The center console bin is on the small side, with a removable tray installed in place of the more common two-tiered storage solutions in the class. Also, there aren’t any rubber-lined trays or cubbies, felt-lined coin storage or cell phone holders, or webbed pockets on the leading edges of the front seats. Most people would appreciate such features.

Infotainment Controls

Lincoln’s touch-screen navigation system is bundled with Sirius satellite radio and a THX-certified audio system. It works well, even if some menus are crowded with information. Programming a destination is a snap, getting a map and zooming the screen is easy to do, setting radio stations is a breeze, and moving through the system’s various functions is almost as simple as a Lexus. A larger screen and function keys that are more spread out on the dashboard would be a big help, and a tuning knob is always on our list of nice-to-haves, but otherwise we have no complaints about the MKZ’s infotainment controls.

Climate Controls

Dual-zone climate controls are mounted low in the center stack where they aren’t so easy to see and reach. Good thing the symmetrical layout is simple, with large temperature buttons flanking smaller functions and the display screen. Under the main display sits a row of thin but wide buttons which control the optional heated and cooled seats and other secondary features. The Lincoln MKZ also has redundant steering wheel controls for fan speed and temperature.

Secondary Controls

Like most American cars, the Lincoln MKZ’s secondary functions make themselves plainly evident in locations where people have come to expect them. Black on gray markings create slight legibility problems, but at night everything is lit up in bright white light. We’re not fans of turn signal stalks that also operate the wipers, as in the MKZ, but inputs using the Lincoln’s setup must be deliberate, which makes accidental activation of the wipers or bright lights less of a problem.

Competitors

Given the MKZ’s mission, we’d limit the list of direct competitors to the Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne, Chrysler 300 (pictured), Jaguar X-Type, Lexus ES 350, Saab 9-3 and 9-5, Toyota Avalon, and Volvo S60. Of these, only the Chrysler, Jag, and Volvo can be equipped with AWD like the Lincoln. We think consumers may also cross-shop loaded mainstream sedans like the Honda Accord EX-L and Toyota Camry XLE as well as luxury sport sedans such as the Acura TL and BMW 328i.

Second Opinion – Keith Buglewicz

Lincoln MKZ – Buglewicz's Opinion
What a nicely done Ford. Such a high content level, a good nav system, well sorted suspension and powerful engine, and at only $28,000. What? It’s a Lincoln? And it costs $35,600? In that case, the engine drones too much, the tires and suspension make too much noise, the interior quality is decidedly un-luxurious, and the styling is commonplace. Acura’s TL or a Lexus ES 350 cost more and don’t have all-wheel drive, but I’d take either before this Lincoln. If you shop on a strictly stuff-for-the-dollar basis, the MKZ makes a certain amount of sense. But if you want to feel like you bought an actual luxury car, and not just an optioned out Ford, shop elsewhere.
Keith Buglewicz
Second Opinion – Brian Chee

Lincoln MKZ – Chee's Opinion
I really want to like the Lincoln MKZ, and I do, in some ways. It has an attractive design, save for the toothy grille, and offers a driving experience that’s good enough for most people, thanks to a polite 3.5-liter V6 engine and all-wheel-drive. That’s not all: The MKZ offers plenty of features for a mid-30s price tag. Yet, despite this, every time I think that Lincoln has a hit on its hands – whether it’s named Zephyr, Mark Z or M-K-Z – the car betrays itself with poor quality fit and finish and, ultimately, a translucent veneer of luxury over its inherent Fordness. Like I said, I really want to like the MKZ. But all it makes me want to do is drive an old Lincoln LS.
Brian Chee
Photography courtesy Ron Perry
(www.car.com)

2007 Cadillac DTS-L Brief

When a yellow Crown Vic just won't do by Thom Blackett
Intro

2007 Cadillac DTS-L – Brief: Over the past few years, several automakers have released stretched versions of their full-size sedans designed either for private individuals who prefer to be chauffeured in spacious comfort, or in the case of models like the 2007 Cadillac DTS-L, specifically for the high-end taxi services. There are stretched Jags and Lexus sedans, and with any trip to the airport you'll undoubtedly see countless elongated black Lincoln Town Cars, but not so many Cadillacs. Well, GM obviously wants its share of this lucrative pie, so the Cadillac DTS-L will provide these buyers, many who roll on countless miles and depend on these vehicles for their livelihood, an attractive new alternative.

2007 Cadillac DTS-L

The 2007 Cadillac DTS-L has been modified by a the brand's “Professional Vehicles conversion specialists” and now extends to 215.6 inches in length (an increase of eight inches). Those extra eight inches are added behind the rear doors, which have allowed engineers to move the second row seat back, thus providing extra foot and leg room while also allowing passengers some privacy behind the wide rear pillar. Rear passengers also enjoy heated and power seats, as well as a rear DVD entertainment system.
Photos courtesy of Cadillac
(www.car.com)

2008 Cadillac CTS Preview

Way better than it once was, inside and out by Brian Chee
What it Is

Cadillac CTS Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Note to BMW dealers: That grille filling up your rearview mirror may not carry a Lexus badge after all. Shocker of shockers, if you look closely you will see a crest, a Cadillac crest, followed by the unmistakably angled snout of the 2008 Cadillac CTS. Redesigned on the inside, touched up on the outside and strategically improved in its road manners, the CTS is joining the luxury sedan party – and this time, it’s not wearing blue hair, bifocals or a clown nose

Why it Matters

Known as a beautifully flawed sedan, the existing Cadillac CTS offered the style but lacked the refinement to put a real scare into foreign luxury sedan automakers. Add to that a somewhat sedate road manner, and the CTS, while a remarkable success in terms of making Cadillac relevant to young luxury shoppers and introducing the new face of Cadillac to the world, remained a tick or two off the pace. True, there was the CTS-V in all its 400-horsepower glory, but for those unable to reach up to the “V,” the CTS fell short. This will likely change in 2008, as the new CTS offers strategic improvements in areas such as handling, interior refinement and overall performance.

What’s Under the Hood

The 2008 Cadillac CTS is powerful enough to blow that blue hair right off Auntie Millie’s head. The bad news is that you’ll have to wait until the 2008 model year to get your hands on GM’s new 3.6-liter direct injection V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, delivering a projected 300 hp and 270 lb.-ft of torque. That’ll be enough to compete side-by-side with the Lexus IS 350 and the BMW 3 Series, so fly the Stars and Stripes and give a salute. Also included for the first time is a choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, but the best news of all may well be the upgrade in transmission: Starting with the 2008 model, all Cadillac CTS sedans get either a six-speed auto or a six-speed manual transmission.

What it Looks Like

In case you thought it wasn’t possible to make it more angular, rest assured that you’re wrong – and that it actually looks bigger, broader and bolder than before. Most of all, however, the 2008 Cadillac CTS has a more grown up look. No matter how funny it is to write that about a Cadillac, it’s true: the CTS looks good with a little age on it, thanks to a wider track, lower hood and smoother fenders. Also new are 17-inch wheels or available nine-spoke, 18-inch wheels, with larger brake calipers and rotors.

What’s Inside

OK– let’s face it. The current Cadillac CTS has an interior only a Chevy could love. While the materials were mostly luxury level, the fit and finish and the plastics left some buyers wanting more for their luxury dollar. That changes in 2008, starting with hand-stitched leather seating and door panel surfaces. A quick inspection inside showed close gaps and much better interior materials, from leather to soft surfaces and plastics. Highlights include a unique Sapele wood grain, more supportive seat bolsters and white ambient lighting. If you’ve heard this before from a GM preview only to be disappointed on the dealership lot, consider this: GM has backed up all this talk with the insides of cabins from the Saturn Aura to the Chevrolet Silverado.

What Cadillac Says

In a tender moment at an otherwise raucous Auto Show, General Motors showed what it takes to build a car by asking the design and engineering teams responsible for the 2008 CTS to come up and talk about what they did to improve the sedan. For about 10 minutes, one team leader after another stood on stage, flanked by his or her people, and spoke with pride about the team's role in developing what GM hopes will be a landmark revision. In this cynical world of cars and marketing metal, it was inspiring to see on stage the very reason why we are here and what makes all this madness worthwhile.

What We Think

General Motors is showing that the company is serious about quality, from inside the cabin to under the hood and in the sheet metal, so competitors best be taking note. Judging by what we saw at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, the end of the 2008 model year could very well bring the start of a strong Cadillac revival on the shoulders of the sexy CTS sedan. Then again, the luxury market is not for fools or weak-kneed automakers, and that BMW 3 Series Coupe is perhaps the sweetest affordable ride on the road. Gentlemen, start your engines!