Latest Cars Reviews Blog: forecast

You’re a smart consumer. You read a bunch of car blogs, research new models on sites like Cars.com and you’re meticulously planning that next car purchase. There’s just one problem: You don’t know when the heck the cool new car you heard about last week, last month or last year is arriving at a dealership near you. This is our first attempt at keeping tabs on new or redesigned models, and when the automakers say they’ll be available for sale. Some timeframes are vague, but as we get closer to the vehicles’ release, we’ll be able to provide more specific details. If you have a car you’re interested in adding to our list, tell us in the comments.

Acura

2007 Acura MDX: On sale now

Audi

2008 Audi TT: Spring 2007

BMW

2007 X5: On sale now
2007 3 Series Hardtop Convertible: March

Buick

2007 Buick Enclave: Summer

Cadillac

2008 CTS: Late summer 2007

Chevrolet

2008 Chevy Malibu: Fall 2007

Chrysler

2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible: Late summer 2007

Dodge

2008 Dodge Avenger: Early spring to summer 2007 for all models
2008 Dodge Caravan: Fall 2007

Ford

2007 Ford Edge: On sale now
2008 Ford Escape/Escape Hybrid: Late February, early March 2007
2008 Ford Five Hundred: Summer 2007
2008 Ford Focus: Fall 2007

GMC

2007 GMC Acadia: On sale now

Hyundai

2007 Hyundai Veracruz: Spring

Jeep

2007 Jeep Patriot: Late January

Land Rover

2007 Land Rover LR2: Early spring

Lexus

2007 LS 460: On sale now

Lincoln

2007 Lincoln MKX: On sale now

Mazda

2007 Mazda CX-9: Late January
2008 Mazda Tribute: End of January 2007
2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid: Spring 2007

Mini

2007 Mini Cooper, Cooper S: On sale February

Mitsubishi

2008 Lancer: March 2007

Nissan

2007 Nissan Altima Coupe: Summer
2007 Nissan Rogue: Fall
2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R: March

Saturn

2008 Saturn Astra: On sale late 2007
2008 Saturn Vue: On sale early summer
2007 Outlook: On sale now

Toyota

2007 Tundra: On sale late January

Read More!

BMW has been launching variants of its all-new 3 Series for the past year, and today the latest 3 to debut is the all-new convertible. For the first time, a BMW will feature a retractable hardtop — to keep up with Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Mazda — that can open or close in 22 seconds.

Updated: There will be two convertible models — the 328i and the 335i. The 328i is made for the buyer who just wants the convertible, as the base engine has a conservative 230 hp. The 335i features BMW’s superb 300-hp inline turbo six-cylinder, which we recently tested in a 335i coupe. It can hit 62 mph in 5.8 seconds. There are more power plants planned for the future, but it’s unclear if all the models will make it to the United States.

The styling — like most recent BMWs — will take some getting usedto. When the top is up, the convertible looks much more sedate than thenew coupe’s design. When down, the convertible shows off considerablymore sex appeal.

There’s also some cool technology packed into the new 3convertibles, like new leather upholstery that can sit in the sun for along period of time without burning occupants’ buns when they enter thecar. Supposedly the special, treated leather stays 20 degrees coolerthan the old-fashioned cowhide. The rear seats of the 3 Seriesconvertible also fold flat for more storage space into the trunk. And,from the press photos, it looks like the top can be lowered and raisedvia the key fob, although the press release doesn’t mention thatinteresting feature.

U.S. prices haven’t been announced yet, but expect them to besimilar to the price difference between the previous 3 Series sedan andconvertible.

We’re a bit surprised BMW is holding off on an American debut untilthe Detroit auto show in January, since the Los Angeles Auto Show iscoming up next month and takes place in a sunnier locale. Expect theconvertible to go on sale in the spring of 2007.

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