So, Automakers ... What's New?

NAIAS REPORTSo, Automakers ... What's New?Editor's Note: This week, we begin the first of several reports from the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). DETROIT (Jan. 7, 2007) - Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) opened its doors, and the automakers welcomed the hordes of journalists, broadcasters and photographers to show off their latest designs and technological breakthroughs. With so much to see, we thought we'd give you a taste of all we've seen at this year's show. Expect full reports on many of these new vehicles and technologies to follow in the coming weeks.

(Photo: Nissan)2008 Nissan Rogue The 2008 Nissan Rogue will be available in two models, Rogue S and Rogue SL, each with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, Nissan's advanced Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and four-wheel disc brakes with antilock braking system (ABS). An all-new all-wheel drive system with yaw moment control is also available on both S and SL models. Built on Nissan's "C" platform, the front-wheel drive Rogue features a 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are available for this vehicle. The Rogue also features high-caster front independent-strut suspension with large diameter stabilizer bar and high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs and rear multi-link independent suspension with high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs.

(Photo: Toyota)2007 Toyota Tundra Crewmax The all-new 2007 Tundra CrewMax full-size pickup, arriving at dealers in March, joins the Tundra Regular Cab and Tundra Double Cab models, which arrive in February. Toyota equipped all new-model Tundras with a four-wheel disc brake system that uses large ventilated rotors front and rear. The front rotors measure 13.9 inches in diameter and 1.26-inches thick, with four-piston calipers. The rear discs measure 13.6 x 0.71-inch and use two-piston calipers. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) are standard on all models.

(Photos: Chrysler, Dodge)2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan The all-new 2008 Dodge and Chrysler minivans include 35 new and improved features, including the new Swivel 'n Go seating system.

These seats offer second row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the floor of the second row, third-row uncovered storage and fold-in-the-floor third-row seating.

Swivel 'n Go also offers an integrated child booster seat in the second-row quad chair and an available one-touch power-folding third-row 60/40 bench seat.

(Photo: Audi)2008 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Audi is firmly convinced that the TDI diesel engine represents the powerful and economical alternative for the future of motoring, and will be delivering its Q7 3.0 TDI to U.S. showrooms in late 2008. Thanks to its partnership with Mercedes-Benz, this new Q7 will feature Bluetec technology, complying with the U.S. Tier II Bin 5 standard for nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions. At the core of the Bluetec technology is a catalytic converter known as SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction). The second system component takes the form of an auxiliary tank that contains a carbonyl diamide solution. The solution is injected in small doses into the exhaust system where it decomposes into ammonia, which then breaks down the nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water.

(Photo: General Motors)2007 Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Maxx Chevy's midsize sedans are available in a number of models, including performance-minded Malibu SS and Malibu Maxx SS. For 2007, a 3.5L 3500 V6 powerplant with variable valve timing replaces the previous 3.5L V-6 in the Malibu; it is standard on LTZ and Malibu Maxx LT, and available on sedan LT models. The 3.5L 3500 -6 is part of a new family of sophisticated overhead valve, 60-degree V-6 engines that optimize fuel economy and lower emissions. Other new features for 2007 include the addition of OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation on Malibus equipped with OnStar's Directions & Connections service package.

(Photo: Nissan)2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid: The Altima Hybrid, Nissan's first production gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, blends an advanced electric motor/generator, Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery and hybrid management system with Nissan's powerful 2.5L four-cylinder QR25DE engine. The mating of the two produces a hybrid system net power of 198 horsepower (148 kW) and results in low emissions and enhanced fuel economy of 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway (estimated) - without compromising the car's responsive acceleration and performance, says the automaker. Like all 2007 Altima models, the Altima Hybrid is build on the all-new Nissan "D" platform for large front-wheel drive sedans. It features a hybrid-specific, electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) designed to maximize fuel efficiency. The Altima Hybrid will reach dealerships in early 2007, following the 2007 Altima 2.5L four-cylinder and 3.5L V6 gasoline-powered models. The auto show opens to the public on Jan. 12, 2007 with the annual Charity Gala Preview, followed with the public admission running through Jan. 21. For more information on NAIAS, visit www.naias.com.