Your Gaywheels.com reporters suffered the weather, glamor and overall fabulousness of Los Angeles to bring you the 411 on the new cars and trucks introduced by gay-friendly brands at the Los Angeles International Auto show. We did our best not to be distracted by the hot male talent employed to accentuate the vehicles and compiled a Top 5 list of new introductions. They are, in no particular order:
2008 Land Rover LR2
Land Rover’s fourth new introduction in as many years is the new compact LR2 sport utility. With styling that clearly identifies it as a blood relative, the LR2 aims to deliver the same amount of capability and luxury as its elder siblings in a price range that is more attainable. Replacing the disappointing Freelander, it has a lot to make up for. Powered by a new 230 bhp inline 6-cylinder coupled with a 6-speed automatic, acceleration should be brisk. Standard AWD and Land Rover’s exclusive Terrain Response™ System make it off-road capable, even if your version of off road is the parking deck at the Beverly Center. First impressions indicate that this petite version of the LR3 will deliver on its promise of (relatively) affordable rugged luxury. On sale in early 2007.
2008 Nissan Altima Coupe
Our newest member to the gay-friendly ranks has come out swinging with the introduction of a gorgeous coupe version of the Altima. This 2-door shares little more than its name and front end with the more passenger-oriented sedan. Building on a proven platform, it is shorter, lighter and more curvaceous and allows the adjective “sexy” to be associated with the Altima brand for the first time. We’ll just nickname this the JT mobile, ‘cause it is bringing sexy back to Nissan. Available with either a 4 or 6-cylinder matched to a manual or automatic.
2008 Saturn Vue
Saturn continues its new model introduction with the European-sourced Vue. Like the Aura, GM tapped their German subsidiary Opel for the basis of their newest compact SUV. With a pleasing design and the promise of a more athletic driving experience, the Vue should be on your shopping list if you are in the market for a small, versatile SUV. The 2008 Vue is available with either a 2.4L four or one of two 6-cylinder engines. A affordable hybrid option will also be offered. Available the second quarter of 2007.
Audi TT Convertible
Audi chose to introduce the next TT convertible with two celebrities inside as it rolled on stage. I used that term loosely as most wondered whom the two incredibly attractive people were sitting in the bright red roadster. Audi need not have bothered as the TT Roadster can hold its own with the best of Tinseltown. An evolutionary design, it continues the TT’s reputation as attractive, engaging roadster that begs you to drive it. At least some jaded automotive journalists have been introduced to hunky plumber from Desperate Housewives and the leggy blond from the show Las Vegas. Available in the summer of 2007.
2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Chrysler used four models to introduce the new Sebring Convertible and this intrepid reporter has to admit that the hot bald gymnast hanging “Cirque-du-Soleil” style over the droptop garnered a large percentage of my attention. That doesn’t mean that the new Sebring Convertible isn’t worth your attention. A long-favorite of the Palm Springs set, the new Sebring drop top will appeal to those who put tanning, passenger room and value high on their priority list. With a choice of three tops (hardtop, canvas and vinyl), and three engines, Chrysler has broadened the apeal of the new Sebring Convertible. While not likely to get the boys out of their European convertibles, it should be a solid seller and worthy replacement for the current best-selling convertible. Room for four adults. Available for summer 2007.