We check out some of the latest models from the top car makers

The new 2007 cars are hitting the dealer showrooms, so we took a look at the latest vehicles from the major manufacturers, with an eye toward safety features.

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GENERAL MOTORS
Each of the company’s 2007 line of cars and lightduty trucks will now carry a five-year, 100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty that covers over 900 components. GM is extending its existing roadside assistance plan to match the new warranty, as well as providing courtesy transportation for a covered warranty repair. Remaining in effect is the normal Bumper-to-Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which covers non-powertrain parts. Buicks, Cadillacs, Hummers and Saabs are covered for four years or
50,000 miles, while Chevrolets, GMCs, Pontiacs and Saturns are covered for three years or 36,000 miles.

All-new in GM’s Saturn division is the 2007 Sky, indicative of the direction of Saturn automobiles. “As we build on our reputation for great customer care, Saturn is
introducing a bold new design and level of refinement with Sky,” says Saturn general manager Jill Lajdziak.

The 2007 Chevy Avalanche is available in LS, LT and LTZ models, with 2WD and 4WD. The standard powertrain includes an efficient 5.3L V-8 with Active Fuel Management technology that seamlessly switches from eight-cylinder to four-cylinder operation to save fuel. Later in the model year, an allaluminum 6.0L V-8 with Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing (VVT) will be available. Several available engines allow Avalanche to run on E85, a renewable fuel made of 85 percent ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and 15 percent gasoline.

The new Pontiac Solstice GXP model featuring Ecotec 2.0L Direct Injection Turbo with Variable Valve Timing DOHC 4-cylinder aluminum engine with 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque**, 4-wheel independent sporttuned suspension, StabiliTrak vehicle enhancement system, P245/45R18-96W blackwall performance tires, high-polished stainless-steel dual exhaust outlets, front and rear fascia extensions, embroidered GXP seats.

The services of a personal trip guide are standard on the 2007 Buick LaCrosse with the addition of OnStar‚s Directions & Connections Plan with Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Buick‚s premium midsize sedan also includes a tire-pressure monitoring system standard on all trim levels. Inside the ‘07 LaCrosse, front occupants will ride in luxury
on heated seats now available with cloth and leather upholstery. The vehicle also features new, sportier cluster graphics with red pointer gauges, Harvest Burl wood trim, steering wheel with trishield emblem and gray and neutral as the two new choices for cloth seat fabric.

The 2007 GMC Sierra LT models feature a luxuryinspired interior with a unique instrument panel, door panels, larger-capacity center console and other distinct trim. Heated, 12-way power-adjustable (driver seat) leather seating is standard, along with a six-disc CD/MP3-capable audio system, Bose speaker system and heated windshield washer system.

Less than a year after the H3‚s debut, HUMMER expands the line with a new model called the H3X, based on the H3 Street concept shown at the 2005 Specialty
Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. The 2007 H3X injects new energy into the HUMMER lineup, appealing to buyers with an interest in a customized
appearance available directly from the factory . The H3X begins with an H3 equipped with leather seats and a sixdisc changer with Monsoon sound system, chrome tube
steps, chrome appearance package with bright roof crossbows and chrome fuel door.

The Cadillac SRX crossover vehicle was also redesigned for 2007, with a new interior that features flush-mounted switches and controls along with enhanced storage.

HONDA
First released as a mid-2006 model, the Honda Civic GX returns in 2007 as the only dedicated natural gas-powered car available to customers in the United States. In addition to the production of “near zero emissions,” natural gas is approximately 35 percent cheaper than gasoline, and can run at about half the cost of gasoline when using the Phill home refueling appliance.

Phill is a small unit that attaches to your home natural gas line, and will top off a GX tank overnight. The unit is now available in the United States in select parts of California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin, though roadside fueling stations are not yet present in most locations.

Owners of the Civic DX may also be eligible for a $4,000 Federal tax credit.

For the hybrid version of the 2007 Civic, Honda has developed a new generation of Integrated Motor Assist technology, which plays an integral part in the EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 49/51 miles per gallon. This denotes a 63 percent increase in fuel economy over the traditional Civic. It also features Advanced-Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle equipment, which helped in its winning campaign for “Greenest Car” from the 2006 World Car of the Year jury.

The traditional Civic, named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 2006, returns with all of the safety features of the Civic GX and the Hybrid Civic, while boasting an impressive city/highway fuel economy of 30/38 miles per gallon.

Honda’s most popular vehicle, the Accord, is available as either a Sedan or Coupe for 2007, both of which come with a 4- or 6-cylinder option. Rather than reinventing the model, Honda has simply tweaked interior and exterior aesthetics and provides a more powerful engine.

New for 2007 is Honda’s exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, designed to maximize occupant safety during a collision.

MAZDA
The Mazda CX-7 has a full complement of standard safety equipment, including dual front airbags, front seat mounted side air bags, roof mounted curtain air bags with rollover protection, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control and tire pressure monitors. CX-7 also features a rigid unibody utilizing Mazda’s Advanced Impact Energy Distribution and Absorption System to realize high levels of collision safety and help protect occupants in various accident situations, including front-, side and rear-impact collisions.

MERCEDES-BENZ
The CL-Class Coupe, a new-generation V8-powered CL550 coupe (382 hp, 391 lb.-ft.), debuts in late 2006. A V12-powered CL600 model (510 hp, 612 lb.-ft.) follows shortly thereafter.

The GL-Class Sport Utility is the first full-size sport utility from Mercedes-Benz. The V8-powered GL450 (335 hp, 339 lb.-ft.) made spring 2006 debut. The vehicle offers Luxurious seating for up to seven adults, with standard power folding third row seats.

Mercedes-Benz’s SL-Class Coupe/Roadster was redesigned to include more direct steering, deeper front air dam, new wheel designs, new 3-bar grille, clear taillights and new interior colors. The SL550 (382 hp, 391 lb.-ft) replaces the 302-hp SL500 and joins the SL55 AMG, the SL600 and the SL65 AMG.

The redesign of the E-Class Sedan and Wagon features new front bumper, lower air dam, grille, headlights and taillights and enhancements to standard equipment, including sunroof, 6CD changer and Harman/Kardon sound system.

NISSAN
The comprehensive lineup of Nissan cars, trucks, and SUVs expands in the 2007 model year with the introduction of the all-new entry-level Versa, which will be available in sedan and hatchback body styles. In addition, two of Nissan’s most successful models, Altima and Sentra, are offered in new generations for the 2007 model year. Rounding out the significant updates are Quest and Maxima, both of which have received extensive interior and exterior restyling.

The all-new 2007 Nissan Versa represents an alternative to current entry-level hatchbacks and sedans. Built on Nissan’s proven B-platform, the stylish new front-wheel drive Versa will be available in two body styles, a 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan.

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