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 2007 Montreal International Auto Show  HOME NEWS PHOTOS DISCUSSION January 19, 2007 2007 Montreal International Auto Show
By Greg Wilson; photos by Paul Williams and Grant Yoxon Discuss this story in the forum at CarTalkCanada Photo Gallery: 2007 Montreal International Auto Show There's lots to see at the first Canadian auto show of the year in Montreal, including many vehicles that have never been seen before in Canada. The 39th Montreal International Auto Show opens today through Sunday January 28 at the Palais des congres with approximately 650 new vehicles on display, including 35 Canadian premieres. Before you go, check out the highlights below (in alphabetical order) including our extensive photo gallery.
Canadian premieres
The new, slightly larger and less rounded Audi TT coupe features a choice of a turbocharged 200-hp 2.0-litre four cylinder engine or a 250-hp 3.2-litre V6 both available with six-speed manual or six-speed S-tronic (formerly DSG) transmissions - but only V6 models are available with quattro all-wheel drive. The TT Coupe will arrive this Spring with a price around $51,000. A cloth-top TT roadster is also on the way.
The Arnage T is the sportiest and priciest of the Arnage models. For 2007, horsepower has been raised from 456 hp to 500 hp, and from 616 lb-ft to 738 lb-ft. in its twin-turbocharged 6.8-litre V8, and the four-speed automatic transmission has been replaced with a six-speed. The 'T' features a firmer suspension and larger 19-inch performance radials and alloy wheels. Price? If you have to ask, it's $317,990.
2007 Bentley Azure
The convertible version of the Arnage sedan, the Azure features a three-layer fabric roof that retracts at the touch of a button in about 30 seconds. The Azure features a 6.8-litre V8 and six-speed automatic transmission and such luxuries as massaging heated seats, premium leather interior in choice of 21 shades, burr walnut veneer, Bluetooth hands-free telephone system, and door-fitted umbrellas. Price? $403,990.
2007 BMW 3-Series Cabriolet
Likely to be one of the stars of the show, the new BMW 3-Series Cabriolet has a lightweight, retractable steel hardtop that folds into a cavity ahead of the trunk. The 2007 3-Series also has a new line-up of six-cylinder powerplants, including a new 300-hp turbocharged motor, and a new interior design. It's scheduled to go on sale in March.
2007 BMW M6 Cabriolet
The high-performance M6 cabriolet joins the M6 coupe introduced last year.
It features a 400-hp 5.0-litre V10 with seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG). The M6 offers driver-selectable combinations of throttle response, stability control threshold, gearshift speed, suspension stiffness and engine power, which can be increased from 400 to 500 hp at the touch of a button. Exclusive M6 features include 19-inch tires and wheels, M-specific seats, shifter, and M sport suspension and steering. MSRP is $140,500.
2007 BMW X5
The redesigned, second generation X5 SUV is taller, wider, longer and more powerful than its predecessor, with a new optional third row seat that's best suited for kids. 3.0si models have a 260-hp 3.0-litre inline six cylinder motor while 4.8si models have a 350-hp 4.8-litre V8. Both use a six-speed automatic transmission, and feature xDrive all-wheel drive. For the first time, Active Steering is available on the X5.
A stylish new crossover vehicle from Buick that seats seven passengers in three rows of seats, the Buick Enclave features a 275-hp 3.6-litre V6, six-speed automatic transmission, a fully independent suspension and four-wheel drive. While some other mid-sized SUVs and crossovers emphasize sportiness, the Enclave is more of a luxury vehicle.
2007 Callaway C16
2007 Chevrolet Silverado HD
2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
The beautiful Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (Gran Turismo Berlinetta Fiorano) is a traditional front-engine/rear drive V12-powered Ferrari GT with a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds. It features an improved F1-Superfast six-speed transmission, wind-tunnel tested Pininfarina-designed body, optional carbon-ceramic disc brakes, semi-active suspension, and a top speed of over 320 km/h.
Restyled inside and out, the 2008 Ford Escape now looks like a mini Explorer or Expedition, and features a more stylish interior with increased storage and less cabin noise. The available powertrains are carried over from 2006: a 2.3-litre four cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 powertrain with a maximum 3500-lb towing capacity. There will be a restyled 2008 Escape Hybrid model as well.
2007 GMC Sierra HD
Companion to the new Chevy Silverado heavy-duty pickup, the 2007 GMC Sierra HD pickup features new styling, unique interior and available gas and diesel engines. The Sierra HD comes in 2500HD (three-quarter-ton) and 3500HD (one-ton) models in WT, SLE and SLT trim with three available cab styles, three cargo box styles and five wheelbase lengths. Maximum towing capacity is 16,700 pounds (7,575 kg), when equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch and 13,000 pounds (5,897 kg) for conventional trailers with a larger-capacity trailer hitch platform. It will go on sale in the first quarter of 2007.
First shown at the 2006 Paris auto show, the sporty 2007 Tiburon has been given a facelift for 2007: a new nose and tail design with headlights, wheels and trim. Inside, there are some minor upgrades, including revised vent design and a new central instrument panel. It continues to be powered by a base 2.0-litre four cylinder engine or optional 2.7-litre V6, and offers styling and performance well above its price-tag.
2007 Hyundai Veracruz
Unveiled at the Detroit auto show earlier this month, the midsize Hyundai Veracruz features seating for seven with a hideaway third-row seat. Based on the Azera luxury car platform, the Veracruz features a 3.8-litre V6 engine that makes 260 horsepower, standard all-wheel drive, stability control, four disc brakes with ABS, and Brake Assist. A push-button AWD lock mode can be engaged for 50/50 front/rear torque split when needed. The roomy cabin features six airbags, and an optional rear-seat DVD player and eight-inch overhead screen.
Infiniti's 'entry-level' luxury sedan, the G35, has received its first major redesign. Highlights include new styling, a new interior, an improved 3.5-litre V6 engine, standard bi-Xenon headlamps, optional intelligent cruise control, and optional swivelling front headlamps. The G35 is available with rear-wheel drive as the G35 Sedan, G35 Sedan Sport, and G35 Sedan Sport M6 (with manual six-speed transmission), and with all-wheel drive as the G35x.
2007 Jeep Patriot
With an MSRP starting at $16,995 for the 4x2 and $18,995 for the 4x4 model, the new Jeep Patriot is the most affordable new Jeep in the marketplace. This all-new Jeep has the interior roominess of a compact SUV with the handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car. It includes safety features such as standard side-curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Roll Mitigation. It offers two different optional 4WD systems, one with Low Range and Hill Descent Control. The Patriot will go on sale in mid February.
A dark horse in the mid-sized family wagon category, the new Kia Rondo is a roomy 'tall wagon' based on the Kia Magentis sedan platform with five or seven passenger seating arrangements. Engine choices are a 162-hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, or a 182-hp 2.7-litre V6 with five-speed automatic and manual shift mode. Prices range from $19,995 to $25,995.
2008 Land Rover LR2
Replacing the Freelander, the new 'entry-level' Land Rover LR2 offers a brand-new 3.2-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 230 horsepower, giving it a respectable 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds. The engine is matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable sport mode and optional manual sequential gear changes. The LR2 features a new intelligent permanent all-wheel-drive system and 'Gradient Release Control' which controls acceleration and traction on steep and slippery slopes. The Canadian MSRP is $44,900.
The 2008 Lexus LS 600hL is a hybrid (gas-electric) version of Lexus' long wheelbase luxury sedan. This flagship luxury model features a 5.0-litre V8 engine coupled to high-output electric motors and a newly designed large-capacity battery pack. Lexus says its performance is on par with a V12 but offers best-in-class V8 fuel economy and a fraction of the emissions. The LS 600hL is expected to achieve a Tier 2, Bin 3 emissions rating, meaning it will generate nearly 70 per cent fewer emissions than the cleanest of its competitors. The LS 600hL is scheduled to go on sale this Spring.
The new Lotus Exige S sports car weighs just 935 kg (2057 lbs), and powered by a supercharged 218-hp four-cylinder Toyota engine, zips from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, making it the quickest Lotus production car so far. In spite of this awesome performance its average fuel economy is reported to be just 9.1 litres/100 km. The Exige is manufacturered at the Lotus Manufacturing facility at Hethel, Norfolk, England.
New for 2007, the CX-9 is a seven-passenger mid-size "crossover" SUV. The CX-9 uses a platform similar to the Mazda6 which it shares with the new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. The CX-9's three rows of seats include a 60/40 split second row with that slides fore and aft, and includes reclining backrests; and a 50/50 split third row seats. Seatbacks in both rows fold flat. The standard powertrain is a 3.5-litre V6 and six-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
Along with the Ford Escape upon which it is based, the 2008 Mazda Tribute gets a styling upgrade and interior redesign for the 2008 model year. But perhaps the most interesting news is the addition of a Tribute HEV hybrid that meets California's Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) requirements, the toughest gasoline-vehicle emission regulation. The 2008 Tribute is expected to go on sale in mid 2007.
Slightly larger, the 2007 CL-Class luxury coupe has been redesigned for 2007. But now there are only two models: the CL550 and CL600. The CL550 uses a new 382-hp 5.5-litre V8 replacing the CL500's 302-hp 5.0-litre V8, while the CL600 offers an upgraded version of the 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 used in 2006 developing 510 horsepower, up from 493. The V12 engines offered in 2006 have been dropped.
Though completely redesigned, there's no mistaking the new 2007 Mini Cooper and Cooper S. Slightly longer and more robust to improve crash protection for occupants and pedestrians, the new models feature a revised interior with a larger central speedometer and revised controls. The Cooper has a normally-aspirated 118-hp 1.6 litre four-cylinder which now features fully variable valve control and provides a zero to 60 mph time of 8.5 seconds. The new Cooper S is powered by a new 172-hp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine (vs last year's supercharged engine) providing acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.
Bigger and more powerful than the last model, the 2007 Outlander is longer, wider and taller with a wider track for better handling and stability - and more cabin space. Power comes from a new 3.0-litre V6 engine with 220 horsepower matched with a new six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode - uplevel models have and steering wheel paddle shifters. Like some other notable compact SUVs, the Outlander abandoned its compact dimensions for something bigger and roomier.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi's compact sedan, the Lancer, offers new styling, an upgraded engine and a new automatic transmission for the 2008 model year. Power comes from an all-new 152-hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that offers an improved 0-60 mph time of under 8 seconds with the standard five-speed manual transmission. A new optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) replaces the previous four-speed automatic, and uplevel Lancer's offer a six-step manual shift mode with steering wheel paddle shifters.
The stylish new Altima Coupe, the first two-door Altima, features a shorter wheelbase and lower height to make it look sportier than the Altima sedan. The shorter wheelbase should also make it more manoeuvrable. Powertrain options are the same as the sedan: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder or 3.5-litre V6 with six-speed manual or optional continuously variable transmission (CVT).
2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid sedan
Scheduled to go on sale early in 2007, the Nissan Altima Hybrid will provide competition for the recently released Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Altima Hybrid offers a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and CVT transmission mated to an electric motor and battery system licensed from Toyota.
2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R, SE-R Spec V
The new high-performance Sentra models, Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V, now with the new Sentra body style, offer more power and performance than the previous models. Offered in two versions, Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V, each features a standard 200-hp 2.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine. The SE-R uses Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) while the SE-R Spec V comes only with a six-speed manual transmission. Both will be available in dealerships across Canada this Spring.
2007 Nissan Versa sedan
Nicknamed 'The Quebec bomb', this supercar prototype from HTT Locus Technologies was designed by Quebec stylist Luc Chartrand. It is made of carbon fibre with a central driver position and room for three people up to six feet six inches in height. A 750 horsepower engine is standard and a 1,300 horsepower engine is optional, and top speed is reported to be 330 km/h.
This World Rally Championship contender is a based on the new Suzuki SX4 compact hatchback and features a new turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that reportedly develops 320 horsepower. It also offers a specially developed all-wheel drive system with three differentials.
2007 Toyota Tundra
2007 VW GTI Fahrenheit
2007 Volvo C30
2007 Volvo S80
The first Volvo sedan with a V8 engine, the redesigned S80 full-size sedan features more room and more luxury than its predecessor. The S80 is available with a 4.4-litre V8 or a 3.2-litre inline six-cylinder, both mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard.
Concept cars
A modern interpretation of the classic Camaro, the Camaro Concept features a 400-hp 6.0-litre V8 engine with cylinder deactivation technology that shuts off four cylinders under light load to save fuel. A fully independent suspension, four wheel disc brakes and low profile 21-inch front and 22-inch rear tires provide the ride, braking and handling of a modern performance car.
Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell
This Canadian-built tuner Solstice features custom bodywork, 20-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels, a 500 horsepower supercharged motor and multiple video screens for entertainment. It also features an incredible audio system with Pioneer Premier amplifiers, subwoofers and speakers.
Other displays
7th Heaven (on the 7th floor)
Bentley
Aston Martin
Lamborghini
Lotus
Maserati
Porsche
Michel Barrette's car collection
Michel Barrette, the popular Quebec humorist, will unveil several vehicles from his prestigious collection, including a 1955 replica of actor James Dean's Porsche Spyder. The Michel Barrette Collection: the Sequel is sponsored by Gold Series Pre-Owned (Mr. Barrette is Gold Series Pre-Owned spokesperson). The Barrette collection will be on display with other exotic vehicles on a part of Level 7.
The Fever of Tuning
Back for 2007, this exhibit will show 11 modified tuner cars as selected by Team SCP. The modified vehicles include:
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