We’ve just returned from the New York Auto Show and as is our custom, have chosen the top vehicles with you in mind.
Infiniti G37
Newly gay-friendly Infiniti introduced a beautiful successor to their popular coupe. The new name, G37, reflects the larger 330 hp version of their glorious VQ engine and the new design does what many thought was impossible – makes the old coupe look boring. This baby looks HOT sitting still. If they improved the driving dynamics as much as the design, it is sure to please. The G37 will be available with either a 5-speed automtatic or a 6-speed manual and goes on sale in August of this year. We can hear that beautiful exhaust note already.
Audi S5
Audi followed up the Geneva debut of their A5 with the S5 debut in New York. The S5 offers the same gorgeous styling as the A5 coupe along with a 354 hp V8 FSI engine and Audi’s legendary Quattro AWD system. We can’t wait to get behind the wheel, rev the V8 and work through the 6-speed manual transmission. The interior is classic Audi minimalist and same say “perfect”. Folding rear seats offer utility for those times you need it but everything else about the car says “DRIVE ME NOW”. The S5 goes on sale along with the A5 in June of 2007.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz introduced their new C-Class in NY. There will be three V6-powered models – the C350 Sport, the C300 Luxury and the C300 Sport. In addition, the C300 Sport and Luxury models will be available with an all new 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission which brings the baby Benz on par with its competitors in the segment. New standard equipment includes a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch wheels.
Jeep Liberty
The Jeep Liberty has been a strong seller for the brand but there were many loyalist that lost faith when the bulbous Liberty replaced the “utility-drives-the-design” Cherokee. The new Liberty may just make attract the old Cherokee buyers back to the brand and their theme song could be “Bringing Boxy Back”. The design is all new with a strong familial resemblance and the same off-road prowess that makes a Jeep a Jeep. Coolest new feature: an industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-open canvas roof that brings “Only in a Jeep” open-air experience to mid-size SUV market Now if they can only get JT to sing in their commercials….
Volvo XC70
What you say? A wagon included in the Top 5? Despite what many think, we don’t all drive convertibles and for those of us that want luxury and utility without driving a large SUV, luxury crossovers are the answer. The all-new XC70 from Volvo may just be the perfect solution for those that want the rugged look and all-season capability of an SUV with the convenience and driving dynamics of a wagon. Based on the new S80, Volvo has powered their crossover with a a 3.2-liter in-line six cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower. The new design is very appealing and all the safety features that made Volvo famous help land the XC70 in our Top 5.