New Cars 2009

2009 Saab 9-7x
2009 Ferrari 599 Gtb

2009 Honda Small Hybrid Sports

2009 Jaguar XJ

2009 Lotus Esprit

GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia--sibling to the Saturn Outlook and the Buick Enclave--has broken cover. Like those vehicles, the nearly Chevrolet Tahoe-sized Acadia seats up to eight people in three rows and is powered by a 267-hp, 3.6-liter V-6. Available features include audio controls inside the rear hatch for tailgating, a power liftgate, dual sunroofs, a sliding second row, and a head-up display. The crossover hauls up to 117 cubic feet of cargo. Sharing few panels with the Saturn and none with the Buick, the Acadia hits dealers late this year.

NISSAN ALTIMA

Right as the new, gasoline-powered Altima is hitting showrooms, Nissan is showing its hybrid version of the new sedan. Like the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Nissan's electric motor can propel the Altima at low speeds with the gas engine switched off. Of course, it also provides additional assistance under hard acceleration and regenerative braking.
The hybrid version uses the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder as in the regular Altima, rated at 158 hp. The sealed nickel-metal hydride battery pack operates at just under 250 volts, and will provide up to 40 hp of assist. Estimated EPA fuel economy for the CVT-only Altima Hybrid is 41 city/36 highway. As with most hybrids, the biggest economy gains occur under urban conditions--the gas-only, CVT-equipped four-cylinder Altima sedan gets 34 mpg on the highway, but just 26 mpg in the city.
Unfortunately, when the Tennessee-built Altima Hybrid hits dealerships early in 2007, it will only be available in the eight so-called "California emissions" states: California (of course), Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. If you happen to live somewhere else and just have to own one, keep in mind that there's nothing stopping you from buying one and registering it wherever you please.

kia amanti

In 2004, Kia wanted to slip a foot into the crowded and competitive near-luxury segment, so it dressed up Hyundai's XG350 flagship (since replaced by the Azera) with an assortment of Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz cues. The result was unconvincing to those with discerning eyes, but the Amanti had a certain appeal to those interested in a large, well-equipped sedan at a reasonable price. This year, the Amanti has been face-lifted and the overall design is a little more cohesive than last year's car. A new interior and larger-diameter wheels are also part of the package. The standard engine has been beefed up for 2007, with an additional 64 hp and, at the same time, an increase in fuel economy. It should handle better, too, with a modified suspension that helps to lighten the car by a few pounds. No, it's still not a Mercedes-Benz E-class, or even a Chrysler 300, which is comparable in price. But Kia continues to move in the right direction and is on schedule to unveil the Amanti flagship's successor in a year or two.

hyundai veracruz

Hyundai has chosen the 2007 Detroit Auto Show to debut its new large SUV, the Veracruz. Think of the Veracruz as a Sante Fe that has been inflated to Honda Pilot size and gained a standard third-row in the process. While Hyundai says it used "fluid and organic forms to create a refined, and luxurious exterior appearance," we'd say designers put a Lexus RX350, a Nissan Murano, and a Mazda CX-9 in a blender and pulsed for two minutes until lumpy.
Targeting premium brands like Lexus isn't all bad, however. The Veracruz has many of the features that one would find in a Lexus or Mercedes SUV; features like rear park assist, keyless go, optional big shiny wheels, and a powerful Infinity sound system. Under the hood is a 3.8-liter V-6 with 250 horsepower mated to a 6-speed automatic, both sourced from the full-size Azera sedan. In the name of safety, stability control and side curtain airbags covering all three rows are standard. The Veracruz goes on sale later this spring as a 2007 model.