Mini Traveler
BMW reportedly is having trouble securing the names "Clubman" and "Traveler" for use in all markets, but for the present time, it's planning on using the Traveler identification. The third model of the Mini is stretched from the new, second-generation hatchback, as was last year's Traveler concept, but with the addition of smaller side/rear-access doors. It's on sale this fall with the new normally aspirated and supercharged 1.6-liter aluminum engines developed with Peugeot, as seen in the 2007 Mini Cooper and Cooper S hatchback. That's ahead of the second-generation convertible; the old model ragtop soldiers on until spring of 2008.
TO SUM UP: BMW looks to extend a brand that the Americans weren't supposed to understand.
Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Cloth, vinyl, or folding steel top? Chrysler offers a choice of all three on the 2008 Sebring convertible, which is bigger than the rent-a-ragtop it replaces and three inches longer overall than the new Sebring sedan to provide trunk space for two sets of golf clubs. Engine choices are the 2.4-liter global four and 2.7-liter V-6, both hooked up to an ancient four-speed auto, or 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed auto. It features seatbelts integrated into the seats and an optional 20-gigabyte hard-drive within the infotainment/nav system, and it also sports the Sebring sedan's hood strakes.
TO SUM UP: Struggling not to go straight to rental.
Honda Accord Coupe
The eighth-generation Accord will feature world-class technology. Can it have world-class style as well? The 2008 Accord coupe, previewed here in concept form, makes a good leap for the model. The 2008 coupe and sedan are bigger inside and out, and V-6 versions get Honda's next-generation Variable Cylinder Management cylinder shutoff, the only production system so far for overhead-cam engines. Thus Honda promises better fuel mileage as well as more power and lower emissions for the V-6.
TO SUM UP: Could set a new standard, competing against Altima and G6 coupes, and with the Toyota Solara going away.
Saturn Astra
The next plank in Saturn's reinvention is this rebadged Opel Astra three- and five-door hatchback. It's 16 inches shorter overall than the Ion it replaces for 2008, and it rides on a 102.9-inch wheelbase. Expect the 147-horsepower, 2.2-liter Ecotec as its only engine, coupled either with a manual or automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter turbo Ecotec four would make a nice Astra Redline powerplant, but GM has no plans for its import, so far.
TO SUM UP: A major step in making Saturn a serious Toyota/Honda competitor.
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