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AUTOWEEK < ’07 BUYERS GUIDE WHAT’S NEXT Moves to the LR3 platform for its 2010 redesign. OUR OPINION An excellently performing 5400-pound vehicle. RANGE ROVER SPORT HIGHLIGHTS Personal Telephone Integration System with Bluetooth capability and one-touch power windows standard. Satellite radio standard on the supercharged V8. BASE PRICE $57,650 WHAT’S NEXT Nothing known. OUR OPINION Stupid-fast on-road but not at the expense of trail worthiness. LEXUS Toyota Motor Sales lexus.com LS 460/460 L/600 HL HIGHLIGHTS All new, offers a long-wheelbase model for the first time, along with the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission. Also, first-ever full-hybrid V8 powering the LS 600 hL. LS 460 has a 4.6-liter V8 available with rear- and all-wheel drive. To raise its luxury game, the LS offers power rear reclining seats, power leg rests with massage functions and body-heat sensors. BASE PRICE $59,000 (est.) WHAT’S NEXT All-new now. OUR OPINION The new LS raises the benchmark for luxury sedans. ES 350 HIGHLIGHTS New for ’07, available since April. Interior space expands with more hip-, shoulder- and legroom. More power from a 3.5-liter, 272-hp V6. Keyless entry, push-button ignition, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, stability control and traction control all come standard. Backup camera available with optional navigation, along with optional adaptive front lighting. BASE PRICE $33,865 WHAT’S NEXT Nothing foreseen at the moment. OUR OPINION The baby Lexus grows up and packs lots of luxury in the nearluxury segment. GS 350/430/450H HIGHLIGHTS GS 300 is replaced by the GS 350 to symbolize the 3.5-liter, 306-hp powerplant, which also benefits from highperformance brakes and available 18-inch rims for rwd models. GS 430 now equipped with stability control system cutoff switch. The hybrid GS 450h, available since May, became the world’s first luxury hybrid sedan. BASE PRICE $44,845 WHAT’S NEXT Awaits the arrival of the new 4.6-liter V8. OUR OPINION The hidden control panel is annoying in this otherwise handsome and top-notch luxury sedan. IS 250/350 HIGHLIGHTS Shark fin antenna, fog light indicator and stability control cutoff switch now standard. Xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting now a stand-alone option. A new optional X package for IS 250 rwd and 350 models adds sport suspension, sport pedals, illuminated scuff plates, front skirt and 18-inch rims. WHAT’S NEXT Coupe is expected for 2008, with a convertible to arrive late Hybrid power may come during its mid-cycle freshening. OUR OPINION Lexus is getting closer to BMW but needs a true six-speed manual in the 350. SC 430 HIGHLIGHTS Front-passenger knee airbags standard. BASE PRICE $66,150 WHAT’S NEXT Redesign moving to IS platform and will use the 4.6-liter V8. OUR OPINION Remains attractive and sleek, but the fresh model will help it stand up to the BMW 6 Series. GX 470 HIGHLIGHTS Auxiliary audio inputs standard; rear-seat entertainment system option now equipped with larger nine-inch screen an Mark Levinson audio system option. BASE PRICE $47,330 WHAT’S NEXT Nothing expected in the immediate future. OUR OPINION A smooth and ultra-quiet SUV. LX 470 HIGHLIGHTS Carryover. BASE PRICE $68,090 WHAT’S NEXT Carries on until its Land Cruiser counterpart sees redesign. OUR OPINION Lots of space typical of a big ute, but closing in on its expiration date. RX 350/RX 400H HIGHLIGHTS New 3.5-liter, 270-hp V6 calls for the new RX 350 badge. Six-disc in-dash CD changer and acoustic glass windshield are standard. Rear-seat entertainment screens upgraded to nine-inch unit, and a Mark Levinson 11-speaker premium audio system is a new option. The hybrid adds a center console coin holder and available wood interior trim. BASE PRICE $38,095 WHAT’S NEXT A new RX arrives next year. OUR OPINION Lexus has the formula down pat for the luxury SUV, and the hybrid is the only way to go if you’re looking for a high-end hybrid SUV, for now. LINCOLN Ford Motor Co. lincoln.com MKX HIGHLIGHTS Lincoln is ready and waiting to help feed the demand for crossovers with the MKX. Power comes from a 265-hp V6 i either front- or optional all-wheel-drive variants. Sharing the Fusion/Milan/MKZ platform with four-wheel independent suspension enables the MKX to provide a car-like ride with efficient fuel economy. The roomy interior features a panoramic roof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and available THX audio system and navigation. BASE PRICE $34,155 WHAT’S NEXT Nothing planned at the moment. OUR OPINION Crossover luxury with cool panoramic roof option, but not so sure about the cheese-grater grille.
MKZ HIGHLIGHTS MKZ replaces Zephyr badge. New 3.5-liter, 263-hp V6 provides power, and awd becomes available. Grille, front fascia and 17-inch, eight-spoke wheels are new. BASE PRICE $29,890 WHAT’S NEXT Hybrid variant may arrive next year. OUR OPINION An entry-level Lincoln with a welcome increase in thrust from the new V6. TOWN CAR HIGHLIGHTS Power open-and-close trunk standard on Signature Limited, Designer and L models. BASE PRICE $42,900 WHAT’S NEXT It appears 2007 is the end of the road for the Town Car, with the MKS coming in for 2008. OUR OPINION We like the smooth and comfortable ride that has always characterized the big Town Car. MARK LT HIGHLIGHTS New grille, headlamp design, chrome rear tail lamp surrounds and standard auto-dimming rearview mirror. Options include navigation, 6.5-foot cargo box, 20-inch chrome wheels, and power folding and heated exterior mirrors. Elite package adds chrome step rails, navigation, moonroof, reverse sensing system and tow package. BASE PRICE $38,995 WHAT’S NEXT Next edition in 2009? OUR OPINION This workman masquerading as a high-power CEO doesn’t fool us. NAVIGATOR HIGHLIGHTS Like Ford Expedition, Navigator boasts a long version. Improved interior with real wood trim, chrome accents and quieter ride, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and frame. Available power folding third-row seats provide 54.5 cubic feet of cargo area with the touch of a button. BASE PRICE $46,505 WHAT’S NEXT More power may come next year in the form of a 6.2-liter V8. OUR OPINION The new model reaffirms the Navigator as an elite luxury SUV, but the front grille needs work. LOTUS Lotus Cars USA lotuscars.com ELISE HIGHLIGHTS Limited Elise Sport edition with adjustable Ohlins shocks, front adjustable antiroll bar, stainless-steel brake lines, competition clutch, roll hoop and harness bar. Production is limited to 50 units. BASE PRICE $43,915 WHAT’S NEXT More power is foreseen. Esprit returns next year. OUR OPINION Stealing the hearts of drivers the world over. ’07 BUYERS GUIDE > AUTOWEEK EXIGE HIGHLIGHTS Carryover for 2007. A limited, track-only Cup version came i 2006 with 243 supercharged horsepower. A performance exhaust, race shocks, upgraded brakes, adjustable front antiroll bars, roll cage and limited-slip differential complete th package. Unfortunately, all 15 cars are spoken for. BASE PRICE $50,990 WHAT’S NEXT A second wave of Cup models if demand warrants it, so lobby hard. OUR OPINION The weapon of choice for every weekend track-day warrior. MASERATI Maserati North America www.maserati.com QUATTROPORTE HIGHLIGHTS Enhancements include a passenger detection sensor for airbag activation, recalibrated shock absorbers all-around, an a more powerful a/c system. A Sport GT model gets 20-inch rims, carbon trim and race pedals, while Executive GT mode have folding rear tables. BASE PRICE $108,350 WHAT’S NEXT Expect a true automatic transmission as an alternative to the current paddle-shifted gearbox. OUR OPINION A spectacular luxury sport sedan that is powerful, balanced and a thrill to drive. COUPE/SPYDER/ GRANSPORT/SPORT SPYDER HIGHLIGHTS Unchanged for ’07. The “Contemporary Classic” shown at Paris is just an appearance package for the GranSport. BASE PRICE $84,550 WHAT’S NEXT Redesign in near future. OUR OPINION A legitimate alternative to some of the world’s more expensive exotics. MAYBACH DaimlerChrysler AG maybachusa.com 57/57 S/62 HIGHLIGHTS Business Package includes a wireless Internet router, color printer and Bluetooth. A pumped-up 57 S model gets a 604-hp twin-turbocharged V12 and firmer suspension. BASE PRICE $338,250 WHAT’S NEXT Disappointing sales mean the Maybach brand’s future is uncertain. OUR OPINION Provides the opulence demanded by discriminating CEOs.
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