Bartek S.
Aerodynamic Ace
BMW & MINI
There is lots of action at the German automaker's stand, since they are unveiling four Canadian premieres in Montreal. The M3 Coupe is there, with its 4.0-liter V8 that develops 414 hp at 8,300 rpm as well as 295 lb-ft of torque, and mated to a 6-speed manual. The engine is 7% lighter and 8% more efficient than the 6-cylinder it replaces.
2008 BMW 1-Series
The four-seat 1-Series will arrive this spring in coupe and convertible form. The 135i versions will get M aerodynamic add-ons as well as uplevel features such as a navigation system and leather seating. Under the hood of 128i models is a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. The 135i models get the twin-turbo version that develops 300 hp and 300 lb-ft.
Based on the X5, the X6 crossover gets a sportier appearance, thanks to a dramatically-sloping roofline. The X6 will be the base for the company's first hybrid model, to be launched later on. Two versions of the X6 will be available: the xDrive35i and its twin-turbo, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (300 hp and 300 lb-ft) and the xDrive50i and its twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V8 (400 hp and 450 lb-ft).
2008 BMW X6
Finally, a second version of the Cooper is now available, the Clubman. With 4 doors, the car's ergonomics is improved. The Cooper Clubman, in base and S trims, receive the same powertrains as the Cooper: the 118-hp 1.6-liter as well as the supercharged 172-hp engine.
Audi
The new A5 & S5 coupes are launched, and despite the S5 being already on sale, the A5 is scheduled for this spring. The latter is powered by a 265-hp, 3.2-liter V6 while the S5 gets a 354-hp, 4.2-liter V8.
2008 Audi S5
Mercedes-Benz & smart
The C-Class is all-new and the Canada-exclusive C230 makes its official debut in Montreal. The little sedan is now offered in three trim levels, the C230, the C300 and the C350, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive is an option. The C230 gets a 2.5-liter V6 that produces 201 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. The C230 will be offered at $35,800 for the base model and $39,500 for the 4MATIC.
2008 Mercedes-Benz C350
The smart fortwo is also all-new; still available in coupe and cabriolet body styles, the fortwo swapped its old diesel engine for a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder that generates 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque. The car is bigger and more refined, but its base price remains below $15,000.
Volkswagen
A small SUV arriving in Volkswagen's line-up is good news. The 2009 Tiguan is a spacious 5-door that will be available in front-drive and 4MOTION all-wheel drive versions. Under the hood is the next generation of the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4, good for 200 hp. The Tiguan will be on sale in the spring and the front-wheel drive model will start at $27,575, while the 4MOTION model with mandatory automatic will sell for $30,975.
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Jetta with the new TDI engine has also been presented. Its turbodiesel 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is as efficient as the old 1.9-liter, but cleaner. The new engine develops 140 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. The 2009 Jetta TDI will be available this fall and will cost $25,475, which is less than the 2006 model.
Finally, the Jetta wagon, which was launched in Canada at the Vancouver Auto Show last year, figures among the new models in Montreal and will also be on sale this spring. The 2.5 wagon will start at $24,975 while a TDI variant will be available in the fall for $26,975.
2009 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon
Jaguar and Land Rover
Launched at the Detroit Auto Show last year, the XF sedan now debuts in Canada. Luxurious and sporty, this Jaguar constitutes the first expression of the company's new styling direction. With three trim levels, the XF offers a choice of two powertrains: a 4,2-liter V8 that develops 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque as well as a supercharged version of the same engine, good for 420 hp and 408 lb-ft.
2008 Jaguar XF
Lexus
The first in a series of high-performance models for the Lexus division, the IS F is a more-aggressive version of the compact IS sedan, and a competitor for the BMW M3, the Audi S4/RS 4, the Cadillac CTS-V and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. The IS F rips pavement with its 5.0-liter V8 that generates 416 horsepower and 371 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic.
2008 Lexus IS F
The biggest vehicle in Lexus' line-up gets a makeover as well as a new engine; its 5.7-liter V8 produces 383 hp and 403 lb-ft of torque. Based on the Toyota Land Cruiser that isn't available in Canada, the LX 570 hosts a full-time four-wheel drive system and a two-speed transfer case. Pricing will start at $86,400, or about $15,000 less than the outgoing LX 470.
2008 Lexus LX 570
Nissan & Infiniti
The all-new Murano retains the same basic shape as the old model, but the sheetmetal has been totally redesigned. The grille is more prominent than before, and 20-inch wheels are now available. The cockpit has also been entirely rethought. The 3.5-liter V6 is still on duty in the Murano and develops 265 horsepower. All-wheel drive is now standard on all models.
2009 Nissan Murano
The EX35 arrives in the form of a 5-door crossover, powered by the venerable 3.5-liter V6 that, in this application, produces 297 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard. With its numerous options groups, a sunroof, 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, an upgraded sound system with hard drive as well as a navigation system can all be chosen.
2008 Infiniti EX35
Volvo
The V70 and XC70 wagons are all-new. Both models are powered by a 3.2-liter V6 that produces 235 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The V70 is front-wheel drive while the XC70 benefits from an all-wheel drive system and higher ground clearance.
2008 Volvo XC70
Subaru
The new version of the famous STI is officially launched on Canadian soil, and it will soon find its way into dealerships. Now offered in the 5-door body style, the Impreza WRX STI is motivated by a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-4 that develops 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. Obviously, all-wheel drive is standard, and the suspension can be adjusted by the driver in a multitude of configurations. Starting price: $44,995.
Mitsubishi
Version X of the mighty Lancer Evo will finally be on sale in Canada. It will be offered in three versions, the GSR ($41,495), the MR ($47,495) and the MR Premium ($51,495). They will rely on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that produces 291 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The GSR gets a 5-speed manual while the MRs receive a 6-speed sequential gearbox with wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Evolution promises to give the Subaru STI a hard time.
Toyota
The company's bestsellers get a much-deserved redesign. Bigger, more refined, the 2009 Corolla and Matrix will soon be on sale.
The base models keep their 1.8-liter inline-4 that develops 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices remain a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The sporty XRS models return this year, and are powered by a 2.4-liter engine that produces 158 hp and 162 lb-ft, mated to 5-speed gearboxes, manual or automatic.
Toyota's current full-size SUV is big, but the next-generation version is even bigger. Based on the new Tundra pickup truck, the new 2008 Sequoia offers a choice of two V8 engines: a 276-hp 4.7-liter and a 381-hp 5.7-liter. Maximum towing capacity is 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs).
2008 Toyota Sequoia
Ferrari & Maserati
The Granturismo is officially launched. Under the hood is a 4.2-liter V8 that generates 405 horsepower and 339 ft-lb of torque, et mated to a 6-speed automatic with manual mode. The four-seat Granturismo replaces the aging Coupe and Spyder, and a convertible version should also be produced later on.
Ford & Lincoln
Another special edition of the Mustang, the Bullitt celebrates the 40th anniversary of the cult movie Bullitt in which one of the most exciting car chase scenes was ever filmed. Actor Steve McQueen performed his own stunts in the streets of San Francisco behind the wheel of a green Mustang, on which the 2008 Mustang Bullitt is based on.
Ford Mustang Bullitt
In this variation, the 4.6-liter V8 will produce 315 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The suspension and the chassis have been modified for sportier handling, and Ford's engineers recreated the same exhaust sound as the original car in the movie. Visually, the car is painted dark green and is devoid of all badging and aerodynamic add-ons, just like McQueen's Mustang.
Lincoln's new sedan is named MKS and will soon be on sale. It will be powered by a 270-hp, 3.5-liter V6, and all-wheel drive will optional. More powerful engines are promised later on, including a turbocharged 3.7-liter V6 that should develop about 340 horsepower.
Lincoln MKS
General Motors
The big news at Pontiac are the redesigned 2009 Vibe and the all-new rear-wheel drive G8 sedan, which will be available with a 261-hp 3.6-liter V6 or a 362-hp 6.0-liter V8 engine. The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 and Pontiac Wave 5-door twins are also presented. Saab introduced its Turbo X model, a more-powerful version of the 9-3 sedan and wagon, which are equipped with a 280-hp turbo 2.8-liter V6 and all-wheel drive. The hybrid version of the Chevrolet Malibu is also on display.
Truck fans can check out the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs, which host GM's two-mode hybrid propulsion system.
Chevrolet Aveo5 2009
Chrysler
The Dodge Journey is a crossover vehicle that offers 5- or 7-passenger seating, and will be available at a starting price of $19,995 and in three trim levels: SE, SXT and R/T. All-wheel drive is optional. There will be three engine choices: a 2.4-liter inline-4 (173 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque), a 2.7-liter V6 (186 hp and 191 lb-ft) as well as a 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 (235 hp and 232 lb-ft).
2008 Dodge Journey
There is lots of action at the German automaker's stand, since they are unveiling four Canadian premieres in Montreal. The M3 Coupe is there, with its 4.0-liter V8 that develops 414 hp at 8,300 rpm as well as 295 lb-ft of torque, and mated to a 6-speed manual. The engine is 7% lighter and 8% more efficient than the 6-cylinder it replaces.
The four-seat 1-Series will arrive this spring in coupe and convertible form. The 135i versions will get M aerodynamic add-ons as well as uplevel features such as a navigation system and leather seating. Under the hood of 128i models is a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. The 135i models get the twin-turbo version that develops 300 hp and 300 lb-ft.
Based on the X5, the X6 crossover gets a sportier appearance, thanks to a dramatically-sloping roofline. The X6 will be the base for the company's first hybrid model, to be launched later on. Two versions of the X6 will be available: the xDrive35i and its twin-turbo, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (300 hp and 300 lb-ft) and the xDrive50i and its twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V8 (400 hp and 450 lb-ft).
Finally, a second version of the Cooper is now available, the Clubman. With 4 doors, the car's ergonomics is improved. The Cooper Clubman, in base and S trims, receive the same powertrains as the Cooper: the 118-hp 1.6-liter as well as the supercharged 172-hp engine.
Audi
The new A5 & S5 coupes are launched, and despite the S5 being already on sale, the A5 is scheduled for this spring. The latter is powered by a 265-hp, 3.2-liter V6 while the S5 gets a 354-hp, 4.2-liter V8.
Mercedes-Benz & smart
The C-Class is all-new and the Canada-exclusive C230 makes its official debut in Montreal. The little sedan is now offered in three trim levels, the C230, the C300 and the C350, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive is an option. The C230 gets a 2.5-liter V6 that produces 201 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. The C230 will be offered at $35,800 for the base model and $39,500 for the 4MATIC.
The smart fortwo is also all-new; still available in coupe and cabriolet body styles, the fortwo swapped its old diesel engine for a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder that generates 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque. The car is bigger and more refined, but its base price remains below $15,000.
Volkswagen
A small SUV arriving in Volkswagen's line-up is good news. The 2009 Tiguan is a spacious 5-door that will be available in front-drive and 4MOTION all-wheel drive versions. Under the hood is the next generation of the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4, good for 200 hp. The Tiguan will be on sale in the spring and the front-wheel drive model will start at $27,575, while the 4MOTION model with mandatory automatic will sell for $30,975.
The Jetta with the new TDI engine has also been presented. Its turbodiesel 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is as efficient as the old 1.9-liter, but cleaner. The new engine develops 140 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. The 2009 Jetta TDI will be available this fall and will cost $25,475, which is less than the 2006 model.
Finally, the Jetta wagon, which was launched in Canada at the Vancouver Auto Show last year, figures among the new models in Montreal and will also be on sale this spring. The 2.5 wagon will start at $24,975 while a TDI variant will be available in the fall for $26,975.
Jaguar and Land Rover
Launched at the Detroit Auto Show last year, the XF sedan now debuts in Canada. Luxurious and sporty, this Jaguar constitutes the first expression of the company's new styling direction. With three trim levels, the XF offers a choice of two powertrains: a 4,2-liter V8 that develops 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque as well as a supercharged version of the same engine, good for 420 hp and 408 lb-ft.
Lexus
The first in a series of high-performance models for the Lexus division, the IS F is a more-aggressive version of the compact IS sedan, and a competitor for the BMW M3, the Audi S4/RS 4, the Cadillac CTS-V and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. The IS F rips pavement with its 5.0-liter V8 that generates 416 horsepower and 371 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic.
The biggest vehicle in Lexus' line-up gets a makeover as well as a new engine; its 5.7-liter V8 produces 383 hp and 403 lb-ft of torque. Based on the Toyota Land Cruiser that isn't available in Canada, the LX 570 hosts a full-time four-wheel drive system and a two-speed transfer case. Pricing will start at $86,400, or about $15,000 less than the outgoing LX 470.
Nissan & Infiniti
The all-new Murano retains the same basic shape as the old model, but the sheetmetal has been totally redesigned. The grille is more prominent than before, and 20-inch wheels are now available. The cockpit has also been entirely rethought. The 3.5-liter V6 is still on duty in the Murano and develops 265 horsepower. All-wheel drive is now standard on all models.
The EX35 arrives in the form of a 5-door crossover, powered by the venerable 3.5-liter V6 that, in this application, produces 297 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard. With its numerous options groups, a sunroof, 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, an upgraded sound system with hard drive as well as a navigation system can all be chosen.
Volvo
The V70 and XC70 wagons are all-new. Both models are powered by a 3.2-liter V6 that produces 235 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The V70 is front-wheel drive while the XC70 benefits from an all-wheel drive system and higher ground clearance.
Subaru
The new version of the famous STI is officially launched on Canadian soil, and it will soon find its way into dealerships. Now offered in the 5-door body style, the Impreza WRX STI is motivated by a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-4 that develops 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. Obviously, all-wheel drive is standard, and the suspension can be adjusted by the driver in a multitude of configurations. Starting price: $44,995.
Mitsubishi
Version X of the mighty Lancer Evo will finally be on sale in Canada. It will be offered in three versions, the GSR ($41,495), the MR ($47,495) and the MR Premium ($51,495). They will rely on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that produces 291 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The GSR gets a 5-speed manual while the MRs receive a 6-speed sequential gearbox with wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Evolution promises to give the Subaru STI a hard time.
Toyota
The company's bestsellers get a much-deserved redesign. Bigger, more refined, the 2009 Corolla and Matrix will soon be on sale.
The base models keep their 1.8-liter inline-4 that develops 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices remain a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The sporty XRS models return this year, and are powered by a 2.4-liter engine that produces 158 hp and 162 lb-ft, mated to 5-speed gearboxes, manual or automatic.
Toyota's current full-size SUV is big, but the next-generation version is even bigger. Based on the new Tundra pickup truck, the new 2008 Sequoia offers a choice of two V8 engines: a 276-hp 4.7-liter and a 381-hp 5.7-liter. Maximum towing capacity is 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs).
Ferrari & Maserati
The Granturismo is officially launched. Under the hood is a 4.2-liter V8 that generates 405 horsepower and 339 ft-lb of torque, et mated to a 6-speed automatic with manual mode. The four-seat Granturismo replaces the aging Coupe and Spyder, and a convertible version should also be produced later on.
Ford & Lincoln
Another special edition of the Mustang, the Bullitt celebrates the 40th anniversary of the cult movie Bullitt in which one of the most exciting car chase scenes was ever filmed. Actor Steve McQueen performed his own stunts in the streets of San Francisco behind the wheel of a green Mustang, on which the 2008 Mustang Bullitt is based on.
In this variation, the 4.6-liter V8 will produce 315 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The suspension and the chassis have been modified for sportier handling, and Ford's engineers recreated the same exhaust sound as the original car in the movie. Visually, the car is painted dark green and is devoid of all badging and aerodynamic add-ons, just like McQueen's Mustang.
Lincoln's new sedan is named MKS and will soon be on sale. It will be powered by a 270-hp, 3.5-liter V6, and all-wheel drive will optional. More powerful engines are promised later on, including a turbocharged 3.7-liter V6 that should develop about 340 horsepower.
General Motors
The big news at Pontiac are the redesigned 2009 Vibe and the all-new rear-wheel drive G8 sedan, which will be available with a 261-hp 3.6-liter V6 or a 362-hp 6.0-liter V8 engine. The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 and Pontiac Wave 5-door twins are also presented. Saab introduced its Turbo X model, a more-powerful version of the 9-3 sedan and wagon, which are equipped with a 280-hp turbo 2.8-liter V6 and all-wheel drive. The hybrid version of the Chevrolet Malibu is also on display.
Truck fans can check out the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs, which host GM's two-mode hybrid propulsion system.
Chrysler
The Dodge Journey is a crossover vehicle that offers 5- or 7-passenger seating, and will be available at a starting price of $19,995 and in three trim levels: SE, SXT and R/T. All-wheel drive is optional. There will be three engine choices: a 2.4-liter inline-4 (173 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque), a 2.7-liter V6 (186 hp and 191 lb-ft) as well as a 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 (235 hp and 232 lb-ft).
