Best of 2007
BMW 3 series coupe
The latest sports coupe from BMW does not disappoint. Available in 328i and 335i guise, the latter brings twin turbocharging to the venerable inline six format, pumping out 300 horsepower. That’s 60 more horsepower than the 1995-1999 M3 had. The “base” 328i offers all wheel drive for the first time in a BMW coupe. The styling, while familiar, is a definite departure from the 3 series sedan, more so than in previous generations. Once again, the “Ultimate Driving Machine” lives.
Base Price - $35,300
BMW Z4 Coupe
Shown as a concept at last year’s Frankfurt Auto Show, BMW realized that it had a winner on its hands and decided to give the green light to the Z4 Coupe and Z4 M Coupe. Continuing on the theme the previous generation Z3 and M Coupes set, the Z4 and M Coupes will be strong competition for the Porsche Caymans of the world. The linear power of the BMW inline six, smooth 6 speed gearboxes and the typical road holding one has come to expect from the Munich automaker will satisfy those looking for a pure driving experience in a world of electronic gadgetry and artificial driving aides.
Base Price - $40,400
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Proof again that nothing has the cache quite like a front engined V12 Ferrari. The F575 Maranello was quite an act to follow up, but Ferrari has succeeded with the wild new 599. A 5.9 liter, 620 horsepower V12 is the motivating factor behind the legendary Ferrari performance this time around. Based around an all aluminum chassis, the 599’s aggressive lines no doubt will make it a hit. Close to 6,000 F550 and F575M models, the 599’s predecessor, were sold since 1996, quite a lot for Ferrari. The new 599 GTB Fiorano should have no problem living up to those figures.
Base Price - $240,000
Infiniti G37 Sedan
The car that put BMW on alert gets a rework for 2007. A new platform and V6 that provides over 300 horsepower should delight, as well as the availability of a 6 speed manual, something rare in this class of vehicle. A new G35 coupe will arrive later. All wheel drive is available, as well as a sport package for the more enthusiast minded driver. The G35 looks set to capitalize on the success of the original model introduced in for 2003.
Base Price - $31,450
Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe
The pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz lineup is all new for 2007. Much of the advancements introduced on the 2007 Mercedes S class sedan carry over, including the new V8 and V12 powerplants. Active Body Control, Pre Safe occupant protection system and radar assisted brakes are among some of the technical advancements that will appear on the new CL, in addition to a host of interior niceties will keep buyers of this exclusive luxury coupe satisfied.
Base Price - $95,000 (estimated)
Mini Cooper/Cooper S
A mere five years after its introduction, the MINI Cooper is getting a makeover; however, it’s not as drastic as one might think. It is still recognizably a MINI on the outside, but grows a few inches which translates into added interior room. Both engines are new 1.6 liter units made by BMW, not Chrysler as in the old version. The Cooper S is now turbocharged, replacing the supercharged version of the 2002-2006 version. The convertible soldiers on for another year until the new body style is introduced.
Base Price - $18,050
Saturn Aura
It took a massive drop in share price and seemingly impossible union complications for GM to rethink its product offerings. Be thankful for small favors, because the new Saturn Aura is a thinly disguised and not so watered down Opel Astra, part of a range of fabulous, German built sedans that have been sold in Europe for many years.
Currently available in two trim levels with a 3.5 liter and 3.6 liter V6, a four cylinder hybrid version will be added to the lineup later in 2007. Vibrant interior colors, a panoramic sunroof and a comprehensive list of safety features bring the Aura on par with its Japanese counterparts. More importantly, the Aura’s styling is a refreshing change from the sybaritic eastern styling that we’ve come to accept as par for the course in mid sized sedans. Thank you Saturn for bringing Opels back stateside, first in the form of the Sky roadster (Opel GT) and now the Aura.
Base Price - $20,595
Volkswagen Eos
For years, Volkswagen convertibles have been labeled as chick cars. With the introduction of the hardtop convertible Eos, the line is becoming a bit more blurred, bringing upscale features to a new segment of the convertible market. We have all seen folding hardtops before, first popularized during this generation by the Mercedes SLK in 1997 and to some extent the Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder of 1995. However, the Eos takes the formula one step further with a built in sunroof in the folding roof.
A 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder or a 3.2 liter V6 are the motivating forces behind the Eos’ performance. Volkswagen is pricing the Eos competitively in hopes that it might turn around their somewhat less than satisfactory sales as of late. Eos is the Greek Goddess of Dawn. This just might be a new dawn for VW.
Base Price - $27,990
Volvo C30
The Volvo C30 is based around the S40 sedan architecture and features styling cues that pay homage to the P1800ES hatchback of 1973. Meant to compete with the Volkswagen GTI and Audi A3 crowd, the S30 offers a 2.5 liter turbocharged five cylinder engine, six speed manual and ESP. It is strictly a four seater due to the styling constraints, but the rear end is quite unique. The C30 is slated for U.S. sale starting in July 2007.
Base Price - $23,500