2006 Acura MDX : Redesign.
2006 Acura RSX : Redesign. Given the 2005 updates, we suspect the new RSX will be a 2007.
2006 Aston Martin DB9 : Replacing the decade-old DB7, the new model employs an exotic, bonded-aluminum frame built like a Formula One race car. The new front-midship-mounted 5.9L/444-hp V-12 is paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. An eight-cylinder AMV8 built from the same platform is expected
2006 Audi A3 : U.S. to get five-door model with 1.8L turbo four and 3.2L V-6 engines, though numerous three-door models have been seen testing in the U.S.
2006 Audi A4 : Redesigned A4 goes on sale in February wearing the corporate trapezoidal grille.
2006 Bentley Continental GT : Sedan model introduced on a stretched version of the coupe chassis boast a 560-hp twin-turbo V-12 engine.
2006 BMW 3 Series : Redesigned. Sedan models roll out first year, with coupe and convertible to join for '07 model year. Slightly larger than the current 3, the new range edges upward, making room for the new 1 Series. Styling is a conservative take on the design language exhibited on the 5 and 7 Series. A new 3.0-liter inline six will produce 258 horsepower, while the 2.5-liter I-6 churns 218 hp. iDrive will be bundled with the optional navigation system. The 2008 M3 will be fitted with a 400-hp V-8.
2006 BMW M5 : 5.5-liter/500-horsepower V-10 engine with six-speed manual transmission. Oh baby!
2006 BMW M6 : An M model adapting the M5 powertrain (5.5L/500-hp V-10) will be offered for 2006, if not sooner. Again, oh baby!
2006 BMW X5 : Redesign. Expect the X5 to grow in size, inside and out, to further distinguish it from the X3
2006 BMW Z4 : A coupe variant is rumored.
2006 Buick LeSabre : Redesign. Like the Pontiac Bonneville, the top LeSabre engine offering will be a 4.6-liter V-8.
2006 Cadillac DeVille : Redesign, though remains front-wheel drive for at least one more generation.
2006 Cadillac STS-V : High-performance model to feature a supercharged 4.6-liter V-8 engine.
2006 Cadillac XLR : Design freshening.
2006 Chevrolet Corvette : High-performance Z06 model returns with a Gen IV 7.0-liter/500-horsepower V-8.
2006 Chevrolet Equinox : Hybrid powertrain and CVT may join range.
2006 Chevrolet HHR : A two-box, heritage-influenced vehicle inspired by both the SSR and the original 1949 Suburban. Based on the Delta platform (shared with Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion), the HHR will be powered by a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder, producing an estimated 170 hp. Like the Chrysler PT Cruiser it is gunning for, the HHR (“heritage high roof”) will have a versatile interior with seats that fold to create a flat load surface.
2006 Chevrolet Impala : Chevy will be the first GM brand to get an all-new replacement for its W-bodied sedan, the Impala, which shares its platform with the Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick LaCrosse. Despite prior speculation to the contrary, the Impala remains a front-drive car with V-6 engines.
2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo : We heard a V-8, rear-drive replacement was under development based on the Zeta platform that will be used for the next Pontiac GTO. However, that may be another car. Sources are tight lipped on this. We’re betting Monte continues as a front-driver, with the Zeta car being a Camaro or Chevelle.
2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer : Sporty SS model joins the line.
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 : Performance enthusiasts can look forward to this carÕs arrival in spring 2005 boasting 85 more horses than the hot-selling, Hemi-powered 300C. The 425-horsepower, normally aspirated 6.1-liter Hemi is the highest specific-output engine ever offered by the Chrysler Group.ÊPreliminary performance targets for the 300C SRT-8 are 0-60 mph in the low-5-second range and quarter-mile time in the high-13-second range. And bragging rights? Limitless. A complete package, the SRT-8 features dynamic and cosmetic enhancements, solidifying the return of the American muscle sedan.
2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser : Facelift with a squarer front end.
2006 Dodge Charger : Rear-drive sedan will replace the cab-forward Intrepid, complementing the Magnum. Mechanical twin to the Chrysler 300, the Charger will feature a base 3.5L/250-hp V-6, with the Charger R/T featuring a 5.7L/340-hp Hemi V-8. Just as the Chrysler 300C received the SRT-8 treatment, it is safe to expect the Charger will follow suit for 2007 with a comprehensive, 425-hp model.
2006 Dodge Dakota SUT : Model range expanded with a “sport/utility truck.”
2006 Dodge Neon : Next-generation Neon is built on the front-drive Mitsubishi Lancer platform and offered in sport wagon configuration.
2006 Dodge SUV : Built on the same Mitsu Lancer platform as the Jeep Scout, Dodge will offer a five-door, light-duty sport/ute for 2006. Engine will be the corporate 2.4L I-4 shared by Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai.
2006 Ferrari 600 Imola : 575M Maranello replacement, this V-12 two seater is based on the front-engine/rear-drive platform used for the 612 Scaglietti. Horsepower is projected to be in the 580-600 range. A roadster version will debut a year or two after the coupe.
2006 Ford Explorer : Minor update.
2006 Ford F-150 : High-performance Lightning model added to wage horsepower war on the Chevrolet Silverado SS and the Dodge Ram SRT-10.
2006 Ford Fairlane : Fairlane is the working name for this rear-drive sedan conjuring nostalgic images, though Galaxy has been mentioned, too. To be based on the DEW Lite platform, the Fairlane is rumored to fit in above the Taurus, making it the likely Crown Vic replacement.
2006 Ford Fusion : Midsize sedan derived from the Mazda 6 (CD3 platform) to slot between the Focus and Five Hundred. Will be offered with a 2.3-liter four cylinder, 3.0-liter V-6, and a hybrid drivetrain shared with the Escape. The original “Futura” name was scrapped after a trademark conflict with Pep Boys, who applies the name to a tire line.
2006 Ford Mustang Cobra : SVT returns with a high-performance Mustang Cobra for the history books.
2006 Ford Thunderbird : The retro-flavored T-bird is expected to be retired in 2005 due to declining sales, with no replacement on the drawing boards.
2006 GMC Envoy Denali : Envoy Denali models will come standard with 18-inch wheels and be available with a vehicle stability system.
2006 Honda Civic : New generation on current platform.
2006 Honda Pilot : Exterior styling update.
2006 Honda SUT : The long-rumored SUT (sport/utility truck) is a family-focused vehicle that emphasizes car-like characteristics yet boasts truck-grade toughness for weekend adventuring with seating for five, along with a five-foot cargo bed for toys like ATVs. The unibody truck will be powered by a VTEC V-6, with output estimated to be in the 240- to 260-horsepower range, and it will wear billet-machined aluminum for bling. Ride and handling are aided by a fully independent suspension. On the safety front, the SUT concept features vehicle stability assist, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and four-wheel ABS. Bonus points awarded for exterior bed speakers and the four-panel skylight treatment. Test mules caught on the road look just like the concept truck. Honda projects SUT production will begin at the Alliston, Ontario, plant in 2005.
2006 Hummer H1 : The original Hummer will be even more extreme for '06 when the Alpha model becomes available, offering the ultimate off-road package and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo diesel at long last.
2006 Hummer H3 : Riding on a 118.6-inch wheelbase and measuring 74.5 inches wide, the H3T concept embodies the classic Hummer proportions - wide stance, low roofline, and wheels at the corners. Pushed outward, the 34-inch tires and 11.5 inches of ground clearance give the H3T a staggering 51-degree approach angle and a 50-degree departure angle. Although the H3 will launch in a five-door “wagon” configuration, the design team explores the potential for a pickup variant with this concept. The original Hummer was once offered in pickup form, and is still used in the military as a two-door, setting the precedence. Insiders confide there is great interest in offering an H3 pickup, but the final sign-off has not yet occurred to our knowledge. The production H3 SUV will be powered by a 3.5L/225-hp I-5 shared with the Colorado. Due to the significant stiffening to adapt the compact pickup chassis to Hummer duty, the H3 is not expected to be a screamer.
2006 Hyundai Getz Hybrid : Hyundai may offer a gasoline-electric hybrid version of its Getz mini car for fleet use in the United States.
2006 Hyundai Luxury Sedan
2006 Hyundai Luxury Sedan : Hyundai’s new 2006 luxury car will look much like the HCD-7 concept from the 2002 Chicago Auto Show. The automakerÕs brass is deciding if the car will launch a new luxury sales channel. With a Rolls-Royce-like C-pillar and tail end, the HCD-7 could be a fitting replacement for either the XG350 sedan, HyundaiÕs current North American flagship, or as a replacement for the Equus, a home-market front-drive V-8 limo with Soviet-like styling.
2006 Hyundai Sante Fe : Redesigned, larger SUV to be built at the new Montgomery, Alabama, plant. Engine choices to include a 2.7L and 3.8L V-6. Growing to compete in the midsize category, the Sante Fe will offer three seating rows.
2006 Hyundai Sonata : Redesign. Based on a platform shared with the Kia Optima, the Sonata is expected to be slightly larger. Both I-4 and V-6 engines will be offered, with the latter producing up to 230 hp.
2006 Hyundai XG350 : Redesign. Larger engine will bring a revised name. Car is expected to grow in size and mature in refinement.
2006 Jaguar XK : All-new, aluminum-bodied XK returns as a 2+2. Codenamed X150, the new coupe and convertible wil adapt powertrain and suspension from the XJ sedan. Production delays may bump this to a 2007 model.
2006 Jeep Commander : Jeep has long sought to offer a vehicle larger than the current Grand Cherokee, like the classic Wagoneer. The three-row Commander is developed from the Grand Cherokee. It may be competing most directly with the Hummer H2, looking to preserve Jeep’s reputation as the ultimate off-roader while addressing consumer demands for large, family-hauling vehicles. The 4.7-liter V-8 will likely provide base power, but expect the larger 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine to be available.
2006 Jeep Scout : Entry-level, three-door model reaches out to new customers based on the Compass concept vehicle. Platform and powertrain expected to be shared with the Liberty.
2006 Jeep Wrangler : Redesigned. Expect styling cues to draw heavily from Jeepster and Willys concepts.
2006 Kia Optima : Redesign. Exterior shows European influence. Engines at launch will be a 2.4L I-4 and 2.7 V-6.
2006 Kia Rio : Redesigned on platform shared with the Hyundai Accent. The new Rio will again be offered in four- and five-door models.
2006 Kia Sedona : Redesign. Short- and long-wheelbase models will be offered eventually, with the Sedona launching in the short version. Power to come from a 3.8L V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
2006 Kia Sorento : Engine upgrade.
2006 Kia Sportage : A unibody design on a platform shared with the Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage is expected to offer a choice of 2.0-liter I-4 and 2.7-liter V-6. The Sportage is scheduled to go on sale December 2004, technically as a 2005 model.
2006 Lamborghini Gallardo : Like the Murcielago, the Gallardo will be offered in roadster form.
2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
2006 Land Rover Freelander : Redesigned on Volvo platform.
2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport : A production version of the Range Stormer concept, the RR Sport targets the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5, powered by a supercharged 4.4L V-8.
2006 Lexus GS : This new GS demonstrates the more dramatic exterior and interior styling that will be reflected in future Lexus products. More specifically, it shows the next GS will have a two-inch longer wheelbase and measure a half-inch longer overall. Powerplant choices will include an all-new 3.3L/245-hp V-6 and a 4.3-liter V-8, each paired with an all-new close-ratio, sequential six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. The V-6 models will be offered in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configuration, though V-8 cars will be strictly rear-drivers. The GS will be offered with Vehicle Dynamic Management, a stability enhancement system designed to anticipate handling problems. Expected to be on sale May 2005.
2006 Lincoln LS : Performance sedan introduced.
2006 Lincoln Mark LT : Lincoln floundered with the Blackwood, its first attempt to place a companion full-size truck alongside the popular Navigator. With the Mark LT, it is clear that Lincoln is taking a more conservative approach with its straightforward F-150 rebadging. Both the exterior and interior are given the obligatory branding treatment, drawing heavily from the Aviator and Navigator to create a truck that will fit very naturally in the product line. The Mark LT will be available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations and will offer four full-size doors and a 5.5-foot box. It will powered by a 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton V-8 engine that produces 300 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 365 foot-pounds of torque at 3750 rpm when production begins early in 2006 at Ford’s Flint Rock Truck Plant.
2006 Lincoln Town Car : Freshening.
2006 Lincoln Zephyr : Slotting beneath the LS, the Zephyr’s mission is to bring younger buyers into Lincoln showrooms, with a product targeting Acura TL and Lexus ES 330 buyers. Clean, refined styling on the concept car reveals the near-future Lincoln design language and structure, notably tight bumpers, vertical grille, clean sides, defined beltline, and integrated bright work. The interior is also chic, with smooth, simple surfaces dressed with wood, leather, and chrome taking the themes in the polished Aviator SUV interior to the next level. Based on the Mazda 6 platform, the production Zephyr will be offered in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, powered by a 3.0-liter V-6, when it goes on sale in late 2005.
2006 Maserati Coupe Cabrio : Redesign. The new coupe and convertible models will ride on the Quattroporte platform. Penned by Pininfarina, the new car will sport longer, lower, and wider lines with less girth in the middle of the body. The Coupe Cabrio will have a folding metal hardtop, like those of the Mercedes’ SL and SLK models. The 4.2L/385-hp V-8 is expected to see an increase in displacement, pushing output to 400 horsepower. Maserati is said to be turning to Audi for technical assistance in fitting the car with all-wheel drive.
2006 Mazda 6 : Mazda may join the rally sedan fray alongside Mitsubishi and Subaru by offering a MazdaSpeed-enhanced 6. All-wheel drive and 276-hp, turbocharged I-4 give this sedan the zoom, zoom.
2006 Mazda Tribute : Redesign.
2006 Mazda MPV : Minivan redesigned on the Mazda 6 platform.
2006 Mazda RX-7 : With the success of the RX-8. Mazda is banking on, a two-door RX-7 to follow for 2006. On the drawing board is a shortened, lighter car boasting 280-330 hp.
2006 Mercedes-Benz B-Class : All-new B-Class offered in U.S., based on a stretched A-Class. This five-door will supplant the C-Class coupe as the Mercedes entry point.
2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class : Mercedes takes on the BMW M5 with the CLS55 AMG.
2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class : Redesigned on platform to be shared with the M-Class.
2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class : Redesigned on platform to be shared with the military-serious Galaendewagen and R-Class. M-Class will be unibody and offered in standard and long-wheelbase forms. Engines to include 3.5L V-6 and 4.6L V-8. After launch, the M-Class is expected to become available with diesel engine and eventually a 6.3L V-8.
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class : Filling the narrow gap between a wagon and the M-Class sport/ute is the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, a six-passenger crossover in the same spirit as the Chrysler Pacifica. The GST concept vehicle is rippling with Mercedes safety, performance, entertainment, and comfort technology, though we’re most entranced with the 5.5-liter/360-horsepower AMG engine. On- and off-road adventures are aided by the electronically controlled 4-ETS four-wheel-drive system used in the M-Class and G-Class, Airmatic air suspension system, and high-pressure brake system.
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class : Redesigned. Bigger than the current car, the new S will be available with all-wheel drive and a 6.3L V-8 with at least 500 hp. A twin-turbo 6.0L V-12 model will follow with full AMG treatment and 600+ horsepower.
2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK : Hot AMG model tops range with supercharged power reaching a reported 375 horses.
2006 Mercury Grand Marquis : Freshening.
2006 Mercury Milan : Developed from the Mazda 6, and twin to the Lincoln Zephyr, the midsize Milan sedan will serve as entry point into Mercury’s car range.
2006 Mercury Sport Wagon : Mercury will offer its own variant of the Ford Freestyle.
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