2007 Montreal Auto Show Preview

2007 Montréal Auto Show

Another edition of the Montreal is upon us. This year's show promises to be interesting with the return of Volvo with their much heralded C30 as well as a number sporty driver's cars such as the 2008 Audi TT, the 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB and 2007 Lotus Exige "S". Here is a sample of what we will see at the 2007 Montreal Auto Show.

Audi:
The 2008 Audi TT Coupe is a good looking machine. Audi wisely chose to evolve the styling of the original TT instead of revamping it. Powering the new TT will be the now familiar 200 hp 2.0T and the 3.2L V6. Transmission choice will hover between a 6-speed manual and a new S Tronic 6-speed automated manual gearbox. For the first time, Audi will offer a magnetic suspension. This revolutionary getup will automatically adjust itself to driving conditions. It will also have two modes, Normal and Sport.

BMW:
What is hotter than a BMW 3-Serie Coupe? A 2007 BMW 3-Series Convertible. For the first time, a BMW Convertible will be equipped with a retractable hard top. It will be available as a 328i sporting the 230 hp 3.0L 6-cylinder or as a very potent 335i with the twin-turbocharged 300 hp 3.0L 6.  Also onhand is the drop top version of the M6.  The marvellous 500 hp 5.0L V10 is stillunderneath the bonnet and sounds sweeter than ever.

Dodge:
The 2008 Dodge Avenger arrives after the all-new Chrysler Sebring. Looking more than ever like a Dodge, the Avenger shares its new attitude with the Charger. Three engines will be on the menu; a 173 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder, a 189 hp 2.7L V6 and a 235 hp 3.5L V6. The Avenger will be available as a FWD and the R/T will optionally be driven by all four wheels.

Those that lamented the departure of the original SRT4 will be happy to see the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4. Dodge promises incredible performance from the turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder. It will have the highest output of any FWD compact performance vehicle with 300 hp and 260 lb/ft of torque. Spoilers, large wheels, a skirt kit and a large tailpipe complete the look.

Ferrari:
Replacing the 575M, the 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano hits all the right notes. Under the long sexy bonnet is an Enzo-derived 6.0L V12 which spits out 620 hp and 448 lb/ft of torque. These numbers are good for a sprint to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and 200 km/h shows up in 11 seconds. There is no sense in describing the car, it is absolutely fabulous.