Future Car Releases

2007 Alfa Romeo 159 Alfa Romeo's 156 sedan has been largely unchanged for around half a decade now. Their next-generation sport sedan, a replacement for the excellent 156, is being designed with the needs of the American public in mind, but still retains a European flavour. The chassis, based on GM's Saab 9-3, will come with FWD or AWD, and power will come from a 4.2L V8 and a GM-developed 3.2L V6.

2008 Audi A5 Stories about a coupe version the A4 keep coming and going. This time round, the coupe may actually come. Taking styling cues from various concepts, the coupe shares engines and platform with the A4, including the 2.0L turbo 4, the 3.2L V6, and even a 300 hp 3.6L V6 and an S5 version packing V8 power. The A4 convertible should become an A5 variant.

2007 Audi TT The Audi TT will get improved engines and an all-new chassis based on the new-generation Golf. Engines should include an inline-4 turbo, a VR6 and possibly even a turbo VR6 RS model. External changes amount to a simple facelift, a better integrated rear spoiler and the new corporate Audi grille. Expect FWD and AWD models.

2007 BMW M3 The next M3 will of course be based on the 2006 3-Series. The engine this time around is heavily expected to be a V8, in order to directly compete with Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Power should be around the 400 hp mark, and the gearbox options will include an SMG gearbox. The iDrive system may also be offered. Numerous body styles are expected.

2007 BMW Z4 Coupe The successor to the Z Coupe is finally set to make a comeback. The previous one did not sell well due to its ill-proportioned hatchback looks. The new one goes for a much better sloping back end. Engines should include the 2.5L and 3.0L inline-sixers that power the 3-Series. The M version will have the 3.2L 333 hp sixer, shared with the M roadster.

2007 Cadillac CTS The next generation of the BMW chaser will have a softer look reminiscent of the bigger STS. Engine choices should be the same as before, with two V6 motors and a V8 for the CTS-V. There is speculation that the next V-Series model will have a NorthStar V8 instead of the current LS6, in keeping with the upmarket image of Cadillac.

2008 Chevrolet Camaro Insider reports suggest that the Camaro may make a comeback on a new Sigma-based platform to be shared with the next GTO. Engines may include a base V6, a 5.3L V8 SS and a 6.0L 6.0L LS2. Styling is leaning towards retro. All this depends on GM untangling a legal mess involving old Quebec plant workers and the Canadian government.

2007 Dodge Caliber This tall new car will be Dodge's latest attempt at breaking into the subcompact segment. Based on the next Mitsubishi Lancer platform, thanks to a joint venture, it will replace the Neon with a choice of a 140 hp 1.8L, 150 hp 2.0L and a 170 hp 2.4L engine. It is unclear what kind of SRT model will emerge from the new platform, although an SRT-4 version is in the works.

2008 Dodge Challenger Any future Challenger will ride on a shortened version of the rear-wheel-drive Charger platform. Dodge has shown a concept packing the 6.1L V8 pumping out 425 hp and 420 lb-ft, enough to power the concept from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Heritage features include a classic two-door shape and a manual pistol-grip shifter.

2007 Honda Legend The flagship Honda luxury sedan will be sportier in its newest iteration, with an all-wheel-drive chassis and a 300 hp V6 i-VTEC engine. With tighter all round dimensions, the racy four-door large sedan will come fully loaded, with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automanual. Exterior styling borders on the conservative. Sport-tuned models may come later.

2008 Infiniti G35 Wagon/Roadster Nissan is actively designing many more variations of the BMW-chasing G35. After the sedan release, other models being shown to focus groups include a practical wagon and an AWD crossover version in the vein of Subaru and Volvo. Also expected in later is a convertible version of the 290 hp coupe.

2006 Lincoln Zephyr The demise of the Continental left a hole in Lincoln's line-up for a FWD large luxury sedan. The Zephyr is intended to fill that gap, at the same time introducing a new Mazda-sourced chassis, Duratec V6 engines, 6-speed auto gearbox and all-new corporate styling. Touted as more of a luxury cruiser, leaving the sport sedan market to the LS. AWD is optional.

2008 Mercedes Benz C-Class Undergoing hot-weather testing in Dubai, the next C-Class will be a more sporting sedan to compete better in a crowded field. The engine choices might be a 190 hp 1.8L inline-four, a 210 hp 2.5L V6 and a 270 hp 3.5L V6. The AMG version will have a 400 hp 5.4L V8. An all-wheel-drive model as well as wagon versions will come later.

2007 Mini Cooper The Mini will undergo its first radical makeover since it took on its modern new form. With wraparound headlights and a flatter grille, it mixes new design elements with classic styling cues. Engines should still all be inline fours, with the S receiving a turbo version. New variations will include the return of the Clubman wagon, maybe even a pickup.

2007 Mitsubishi Evo X The legendary Lancer Evolution will get an all-new chassis shared with Chrysler, featuring updated styling and revised engines. The standard features should remain the same, including the 6-speed manual, the turbocharged-four and the electronic active center differential. Other features include upgraded wheels and shocks.

2008 Toyota Supra These photos were Japanese interpretations of the next-gen Supra. Toyota is currently testing a supercar in the $100,000 range. Technology from this car may pass down to a future Supra, which may receive anything from a boosted V6 to a V8, or even a hybrid in its top form. Toyota has no comment, but the Supra nameplate will be back.

2008 Volkswagen Scirocco A new VW coupe will probably join the VW lineup. With styling based on the cancelled Concept R shown at auto shows, the Scirocco name might be resurrected for the new range, which will probably be front-wheel-drive and share Golf engines. Expect engine choices to include the 2.0L turbo and possibly even the 3.2 and 3.6 V6 engines.

2007 Volvo C30 Volvo is busy preparing the smallest addition to the range. The new three-door hatchback will have an unusual profile and have sporting pretensions. Most probably front-wheel-drive, with possible all-wheel-drive options, engines should include one of the current 2.5L turbo five motors, with a T5 generating beyong 250 horses.