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| 2008 Model Year Preview |
| by Perry Stern |
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| Calendar 2007 is almost over, and auto manufacturers are well on their way to the 2008 model year. More than forty models are either completely new or redesigned for the 2008 model year, and a steady stream of new sheet metal is now rolling into showrooms. Take a first look at the road ahead . . . |
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Acura
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With the oldest models in the Acura lineup introduced just four years ago, the automaker is not making many changes for the 2008 model year. Surprisingly, the model that gets the most new content is the brand’s newest model, the RDX. Introduced last year, the RDX is Acura’s compact SUV powered by the brand’s first-ever turbocharged engine. For 2008, the RDX gets a number of new features, including HandsFreeLink® with steering-wheel mounted controls, an 8-inch multifunction display, dual-memory driver’s power seat and a new exterior color called Polished Metal Metallic. All Acuras equipped with the real-time traffic feature will get coverage of 32 more metropolitan markets for a total of 76 markets. In addition, Acura’s navigation system will now be available in Hawaii. Meanwhile, the TL gets an updated vehicle security system, and the both the RDX and MDX receive an automatic function day/night rearview mirror. Rumors of the next-generation NSX continue to circulate, but no concrete details have been released at this time.
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Aston Martin
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The biggest news from this legendary British marque may be that it is no longer part of the Ford Motor Company. Earlier this year Ford sold Aston Martin for around $900 million to a consortium comprised of David Richards, founder and chairman of Prodrive, a world-leading motorsport and automotive technology company; John Sinders, an avid Aston Martin collector and a backer of Aston Martin Racing; and Investment Dar and Adeem Investment Co, international investment companies headquartered in Kuwait. It’s too early to tell what changes, if any, may occur in Aston’s product lineup. Meanwhile the company debuted a racing version of its V8 Vantage called the N24, based on the V8 Vantage that competed in the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race—hence the name.Also joining the Aston Martin lineup is the new DBS which made its debut as the latest ride for the legendary spy James Bond. Not much has been released on this new model, but the limited-edition sports car will likely sport a V12 powerplant under its hood.
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Audi
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The 2008 model year began with a bang when the German automaker revealed its first-ever supercar at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. The all-new 2008 R8 sports a 420-horsepower 4.2-liter aluminum V8 engine located just behind the driver. The R8 reaches 62 mph in less than five seconds. And it's no surprise that power goes to all four wheels via the company’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system. The R8 arrives later this year, priced around $130,000. For something a little more down to earth, later this year Audi will come to market with the all-new A5 coupe and its more powerful sibling, the S5. With Audi's signature trapezoidal grille, the new 4-seat coupes fit into the lineup between the A4 / S4 and the A6 / S6. Audi has also redesigned its iconic TT coupe and roadster. A difficult vehicle to redesign given its unique styling, Audi has done an excellent job evolving the look while keeping the TT completely recognizable. Available, of course, with quattro all-wheel drive, the TT gets its motivation from either a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter engine or a 250-horsepower V6. Meanwhile, Audi has announced that a few lucky souls will have the opportunity to purchase an RS4 Cabriolet this fall. Sporting the same 420-horsepower V8 as that found in the RS4 sedan, the new high-performance convertible will be sold in very limited numbers—only 300 are expected to be sold in the U.S.
•Additional Coverage: Audi R8
•Additional Coverage: Audi TT
•Audi Photo Gallery
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Bentley
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A surprising number of new vehicles have come from this time-honored British marque over the last few years—all based on the sleek, powerful Continental GT. These models include the Flying Spur sedan and GTC Convertible. But earlier this year at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show Bentley took the wraps off a new model that feels more like a true Bentley. The Brooklands—named for the British racetrack that celebrates its 100th anniversary this year—is a traditional Bentley touring coupe. Under this impressive vehicle's very long hood resides the most powerful V8 engine ever from Bentley. The twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 pumps out 530 horsepower and an amazing 775 lb-ft of torque which should move this car along at an exhilarating pace. As expected, the Brooklands boasts a sumptuous interior with the highest quality leather and wood trim. Priced at $340,990, only 550 will ever be built. Meanwhile, a higher-performance “Speed” version of the Continental GT will go on sale this fall. With its 12-cylinder engine producing 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, the Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production car to ever come from Bentley. The added power gives the sexy coupe a top speed in excess of 200 mph. The standard Continental GT, Continental GTC and Flying Spur all receive minor trim and feature updates for 2008.
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Buick
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Buick is updating its luxury crossover offering for 2008 with the introduction of the all-new Enclave. Sharing a platform with the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook, the Enclave is the most luxurious of the trio. Extensive standard equipment includes xenon HID headlights, tri-zone climate control, multiple airbags and Stabilitrak electronic stability control. Enclave can be configured to carry as many as eight passengers, and access to the third row is made easy via the sliding second row seats. Available with front or all-wheel drive, Enclave is arriving in showrooms now. In other news, Buick is bringing back the Super name, as well as introducing a revised LaCrosse sedan. For 2008, both the LaCrosse and Lucerne will be offered as Supers. The LaCrosse Super gets a unique waterfall-style grille, a new front fascia, larger exhaust tips, and unique interior trim accents and features. The Lucerne gets similar treatment, and both models receive suspension upgrades for improved handling. The LaCrosse Super houses a 300-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 that uses GM’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) system to improve fuel-efficiency. The Lucerne Super carries a version of GM’s 4.6-liter Northstar V8 that produces 292 horsepower. Meanwhile, the entire LaCrosse lineup gets a facelift for 2008, with a front end design that better reflects its position in the rest of the Buick family.
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Cadillac
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Just as it defined a new style for Cadillac when it debuted in 2002, the CTS continues to advance the design language for GM’s premium brand into the 2008 model year. With smoothed edges and a sculpted hood, the new CTS gets a larger grille inspired by the Cadillac Sixteen concept from a few years ago. The 2008 CTS is two inches wider, which gives the new model a more planted look as well as making room for an all-wheel drive version. The interior has been completely redone with a new center stack, instrument panel and seats that incorporate a “thin seat” technology that provides more usable space. Additional use of LED for ambient lighting provides a dramatic effect. Also new for 2008 is the larger STS sedan. Similar styling to the CTS can be found on the new STS, and a number of new features have been added including Intellibeam headlights that automatically switch from high beams to low beams if an approaching vehicle is detected. STS will also be the first model to use GM’s new 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 engine, which produces an impressive 298 horsepower.
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