Dodge Nitro – Advertised as Dodge's first midsize SUV, the Nitro features bold styling, V6 power, 20-inch wheels and a ton of attitude. It shares many of its components with the Jeep Liberty, but there's no mistaking Dodge's signature crosshair grille, mated to wide fender flares, chunky interior appointments and a rugged stance that makes you want to take it off the beaten path. Still, it'll be available with all the comforts expected in a modern hauler, including available navigation system, rear-seat DVD and satellite radio. It shares the stage with another new Dodge addition, the compact Caliber, which is expected to do very well for itself when it reaches dealer showrooms within the next few weeks.
Photo: Jil McIntosh. Click image to enlarge
Chevrolet Camaro – This was one of the biggest hits of the Detroit show, and should have Chevy fans crowding the massive GM display. This isn't actually the concept that drove out in Motown – that one's busy wowing folks at the Chicago Auto Show right now – but is a non-operational model that was used as the styling basis for the functional concept. Still, it's the same sensuous, swoopy car that has muscle car aficionados begging GM to build it. And unlike the silver model at Detroit, this one is finished in a luscious shade of fire engine red that really sets off those sexy curves.
Photo: Grant Yoxon. Click image to enlarge
Mazda CX-7 – Going on sale this spring, the Mazda CX-7 is a combination of practicality mated to incredible styling, inspired by the 2005 MX-Crossport concept and the RX-8. It's powered by a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder and will be available with optional all-wheel-drive. Inside, enjoy the form-fitting bucket seats, high-mounted shifter and three-dial instrument cluster with twin hoods over top. The CX-7 is attractive from every angle, with a stylized belt line and perfect proportions. While you're there, take some time to see the Senku Concept, making its North American debut in Toronto; Mazda says this beautifully flowing car gives a glimpse of the direction the company may go with its four-seater, rotary-powered sports cars.
Photo: Jil McIntosh. Click image to enlarge
Honda Fit – Fresh off sweeping the Canadian Car and Truck of the Year Awards with its Civic and Ridgeline, Honda introduces the all-new Fit. Sized and priced under the Civic, the Fit is a five-seater hatchback with 1.5-litre engine, five-speed manual or automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, and on the Sport model, paddle shifters and 15-inch wheels. But it's the Magic Seat that makes Fit special. The rear 60/40 seat not only folds, it flips up completely out of the way for Tall Mode, with 1.2 metres (4 ft) of space from floor to ceiling – enough to carry a bicycle. When you're at your destination, recline the front seats completely, sit in the back seat, and stretch out in Refresh Mode. When you've got bulky cargo, lay the Magic Seat down into Utility Mode, for 1186 litres (41.9 cu. ft.) of space. And should you need to get your surfboard home, fold the front and rear passenger seats into Long Mode. Trust us – it'll Fit.
Photo: Grant Yoxon. Click image to enlarge
Acura RDX – The Toronto show marks the Canadian premiere of the RDX Concept, which the company calls a “near-production prototype” that provides an advance preview of the all-new Acura RDX SUV that will go on sale this summer. We'd be happy if it stayed like this; the RDX features delightful styling, especially at the rear, which is highlighted by “wings” of lights set into a chiseled liftgate. The RDX will be built on an all-new global light truck platform and incorporate an all-new turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, five-passenger seating and second-row seats that split and fold flat into the floor.
Photo: Jil McIntosh. Click image to enlarge
Suzuki PX – Cross a minivan with a classic Airstream trailer, and you'll get the Suzuki PX, one of the best concept vehicles at the show. Its streamlined exterior looks like vintage Art Deco, but it's thoroughly modern, using a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, 20-inch alloy wheels and three rows of plush Recaro seats. Access to those is through any of the three doors on each side: two that open conventionally, and a third that slides back like a minivan's, for extra-wide access to the PX's spacious interior. The third-row seating features a hidden table in the centre console with champagne glass holders. The dual-cowl instrument cluster would be right at home in a vintage Corvette, except that PX uses a liquid crystal control panel with flip-down LCD monitor. While you're in Suzuki's booth, don't miss the Grand Vitara fitted with a slot car track running little miniature versions back and forth through the full-size vehicle's windows.
Photo: Grant Yoxon. Click image to enlarge
Nissan Sentra – Completely redesigned for 2007, the Nissan Sentra is now larger, wider, more powerful and more luxurious than the model it replaces. There's a 2.0-litre engine with available continuously variable transmission (CVT), but that's just the start. It's crammed with numerous features you'd expect on much higher-level cars, including a removable headliner-mounted CD holder, hidden trunk storage compartment, drive computer, and available Intelligent Key system, Bluetooth hands-free telephone, Rockford Fosgate audio system and satellite radio. This upscale Sentra doesn't mean the company has forgotten entry level; Nissan is also showcasing its all-new Versa compact hatchback, as well as its redesigned 2007 Quest minivan.
Photo: Grant Yoxon. Click image to enlarge
Toyota Camry Hybrid – Not only is the Camry redesigned for 2007, but it's joined by the all-new Camry Hybrid, combining outstanding driving performance with low emissions and fuel consumption. The Camry Hybrid uses Toyota's proven Hybrid Synergy Drive; because its powerful electric motor is able to deliver maximum torque instantly, unlike a conventional gasoline engine, the Camry Hybrid responds to throttle input instantly and seamlessly. It delivers the V6-equivalent performance of 192 hp from its 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. But it's not all just about technology: the new Camry, both conventional and hybrid, offers updated aerodynamic styling, exceptional roominess, and a beautifully-designed interior that coddles driver and passenger with comfortable seats and upscale appointments.
Photo: Jil McIntosh. Click image to enlarge
BMW Alpina B7 – The top-of-the-line BMW 7 Series takes on a whole new dimension with the Alpina B7, a limited-edition high-performance version. It's built in conjunction with Alpina, the German performance firm that's the only “tuner” company fully endorsed by BMW. Alpina vehicles rarely make it to North America, which makes this one even better. The B7 uses a 4.4-litre V8 equipped with a Nautilus-type supercharger, beefing it up to 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The B7 rides on exquisite 21-inch Alpina Classic alloy wheels, and features large circular instruments and Alpina steering wheel. It's luxury and performance for a privileged few, but that doesn't stop the rest of us from looking … and dreaming.
Photo: Grant Yoxon. Click image to enlarge
Aston Martin V8 Vantage – Is there a lovelier car than the Aston Martin? The drop-dead-gorgeous V8 Vantage has finally arrived, having first been shown as a concept car in Detroit in 2003. It was worth the wait, with a lightweight aluminum underframe bonded with aerospace adhesives and rivets, alloy and magnesium body composites, a 4.3-litre all-aluminum V8 that makes 380 hp, a dry-sump lubrication system borrowed from racing cars, and a six-speed manual transmission. Oh, and did we mention that it's lovely?
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