The completely redesigned 2007 Tundra will be bigger, more powerful and will offer new body and engine configurations. The engine will be a 5.7-liter i-Force V-8 and will come in three trim levels; base, SR5 and Limited. The Tundra can tow over 10,000 pounds and you won't need an extra hand when hooking up the tow-hook. Toyota has an optional wide-screen backup camera.

"From bumper-to-bumper, under the hood and from the inside out the new Tundra is a true American truck that will set a new benchmark in the full-size truck segment," said Jim Lentz, TMS group vice president and general manager. "It will be aimed at the ‘True Trucker,' the true opinion leaders among full-size owners. True Truckers are highly credible because they use, punish, and demand the most out of the pickups they buy."

Buyers of the new Tundra will have a choice of three engines. In addition to the new 5.7-liter V8, the capable 4.0-liter V6 and the legendary 4.7-liter i-Force V8, both also built in Alabama, will be available. The new Tundra will come in three cab configurations. It will retain its three-grade strategy with the Base, SR5 and well-appointed Limited trim levels. In all, Tundra will be offered in more than 30 different models, nearly double the current generation.

DIMENSIONS (inches); Overall length: 228.7,Overall width: 79.9, Overall height: 76.4,Wheelbase: 145.7,TRUCK BED DIMENSIONS (inches):Bed length 78.7,Bed width (at wheel wells) 65.0, Bed width (between wheel wells): 50.0, Bed width (wall-to-wall): 65.0,Bed depth: 22.3

This all-new Tundra will be built in America at both Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Indiana and the new San Antonio,Texas plants. The Tundra is expected to take sales away from the Ford F150, General Motors Chevy Silverado and the Nissan Titan.

Is there any segment Toyota doesn't have a competitor for? How about the Ford Ranger?

Dual-zone automatic climate control and 10-way power front seats, with available memory, highlight the front cabin. For the first time, Lexus offers an optional panorama glass roof on the ES 350. The glass roof extends over the entire passenger cabin providing a fixed skylight for rear passengers and a sliding sunroof for front passengers. A manual interior shade is provided for the front and rear passenger compartments.

An enhanced standard premium audio system brings an in-dash, six-disc CD-changer, MP3 player, iPod connectivity and an additional speaker to the 2007 ES. The system also includes an Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) to maintain consistent sound levels at varying vehicle speeds.

The Lexus ES 350 will go on sale at the end of April, 2006 as a 2007 model starting around $32,000, representing the best value in the entry luxury segment. With the help of valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) the new ES 350 gets 21/30 mpg and gets 0-60 in 6.8 seconds all with an expected Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification..

The Chevy Avalanche was the first to combine the passenger-comfort of an SUV with the cargo capability of a truck. The 2007 model is based on GM's brand-new, full-size SUV platform, which features more power with improved, segment-leading fuel economy and flex-fuel capability on some models; a sharper, more precise driving feel; increased interior refinement and improved quietness; and world-class safety. It will go on sale in the second quarter of 2006 as a 2007 model.

And talk about flex-fuel vehicles; By the end of this year General Motors will have almost 2 million flex-fuel vehicles on the road, comprised of nine different vehicles. GM is collaborating with Shell Oil company, and Verasun to put 26 E85 filling stations in a corner gas station in Chicago. Brent Dewar, GMNA Vice President of Marketing and Advertising, used to work in Brazil where flex-fuel was a huge revenue stream for the farmers and the country.

ON-Star will be bigger and better and will include the closest E85 filling station to you.

Three models are available: Dodge Nitro, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T. Available on the Dodge Nitro and Dodge Nitro SLT is a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine. It produces 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) @ 4,000 rpm. The Dodge Nitro R/T features a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 255 hp (190 kW) @ 5,800 rpm and 275 lb.-ft. torque (360 N•m) @ 4,000 rpm. Standard on the Dodge Nitro R/T and optional on the Nitro SLT is a new performance suspension and 20-inch tires and chrome-clad aluminum wheels, providing performance-oriented drivers with fun-to-drive handling and a firm ride.

The 2007 Dodge Nitro will be built at the Toledo (Ohio) North Assembly Plant alongside the Jeep® Liberty. Dodge Nitro will arrive in U.S. dealerships later in 2006 as a 2007 model year vehicle.

Three hot new midsize sedans, Lincoln MKZ, Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan feature all-wheel-drive option for 2007 model year.

Two new crossovers, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX join the AWD lineup in fall 2006.

Taxis in Chicago will “go green” with the introduction of new hybrids, including Ford’s Escape Hybrid – the first hybrid vehicle from an American automaker.

Ford spokesman Kermit the Frog will help educate consumers in Chicago and across the country about the benefits of the Ford Escape Hybrid.

The Dodge Rampage concept is an extreme packaging statement using the Stow 'n Go™ Seating and Storage Unit in its front and rear 60/40 seating as well as offering a flat load floor, automatically-deployed side sill steps for easy entry/exit and a five-foot functional bed with dual-mode midgate.

On the outside, both new AMG models feature bolder front and rear aprons, an AMG front grille and flared fenders as well as tinted taillights and two sets of chromed twin exhaust pipes. Inside, they are fitted with AMG sport seats, a leather AMG sport steering wheel and a special instrument cluster.

The new powerplant is a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 that produces 503 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque for zero to 60 mph test track times in about five seconds. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the new 6.3-liter features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket tappets (rather than rocker arms) and a variable intake manifold.

The new AMG vehicles come with a seven-speed automatic transmission that’s controlled by a Direct Select electronic lever on the steering column and by Formula-1-style manual-shift buttons on the steering wheel. Three different shift modes – “S” for sport, “C” for comfort and “M” for manual – can be selected via a switch on the center console.

Primary markets for AMG are Southern California and Florida.

distinctive design: Lincoln Navigator’s fresh look combines power and refinement for the American sized luxury-SUV customer. The Navigator and Navigator L share basic design cues, and are powered by a 300-horsepower, 24-valve, 5.4-liter V-8. It’s mated with a 6-speed automatic overdrive transmission.

Comfortable, capable interior: All-new seating offers exceptional comfort, craftsmanship and convenience. PowerFold™ third-row seat provides segment-exclusive flexibility and ease of cargo storage

Quiet, confident driving experience: All-new frame and independent suspension deliver superior ride and handling. Acoustic windshield, thicker glass and tuned mirrors contribute to Navigator’s "whisper quiet" interior

New Lincoln Navigator L: Provides an additional 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and is 14.7 inches longer than the regular model and 12 inches have been added to the wheelbase. 18 inch wheels are standard.

All Accents come standard with six airbags, including side air curtains protecting both front and rear seat outboard passengers.

The new 2007 three-door GS and SE models are scheduled for arrival this spring.

The production Civic Si Sedan will serve as another performance leader for the Civic line-up with a 197-horsepower, 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC engine with an 8,000 rpm redline, mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission. The helical-type limited-slip differential will be standard on the sedan with the coupe-like performance.

According to Andy Shaffer, Product Manager North America, Ferrari has been expanding their customization options for the past few years, about twenty options more per year. The number one option people choose are the Scuderia shields. "We offer an array of paints and upholsteries and thirteen different stitching colors," said Shaffer.

This Ferrari F430's custom two-toned paint job is an example of the customization that Ferrari clients have come to love.

The high-performance 2007 Galant Ralliart has a 258 horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 with 258lb.-ft of torque. The car features 18-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. The Galant Ralliart comes standard with a 5-speed transmission. A concept version was shown with a six-speed transmission, which may speak of things to come.

The car will be built at Mitsubishi's assembly plant in Normal, Illinois.

Nissan is going through a corporate transition. They have moved their headquarters from California to Tennessee, due mainly to the cost of living in California and tax incentives from Tennessee. There were two world debuts at the Windy City's 2006 Chicago Auto show. Brad Bradshaw, the new Vice President and General Manager, Nissan Division, and the newly redesigned 2007 Nissan Quest.

Assistant Chief Vehicle Engineer Carla Bale unveiled the world introduction of the Nissan Quest. The 2007 Nissan Quest is a mid-product-cycle redesign, improving on the original 2004 model. The new Quest emphasizes a focus on high performance, safety and quality.

The 2007 Nissan Quest redesign features a new grille and front bumper fascia, chrome door handles and new combination lights. Under the hood is a 240-horsepower 3.5 liter V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2007 Nissan Quest redesign features a new interior layout and sky-view glass paneled roof. The interior boosts a relocated gauge panel, larger glove box and smoother knobs and handles. Standard on the redesign are newly articulated second-row headrests and automatic folding rear headrests.

Hyundai's Entourage will be competing with the Honda Odyseey and the Toyota Sienna. The new 2007 Entourage offers power dual rear sliding doors with power windows, adjustable conversation mirror and a foldaway center tray table with four cupholders standard.

Standard on the Entourage are six standard airbags, including side and curtain airbags, as well as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and anti-whiplash active front head restraints. The engine is a 3.8-liter twin-cam V-6 that gets 242 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft of torque, coupled to a five-speed automatic with Shiftronic manual control.

Andretti, considered by many to be the world’s most accomplished racer, was on hand to announce the Safety Scholars program, an important new component to Firestone’s comprehensive safety education project. Beginning in April, students across the country will be invited to visit the www.safetyscholars.com Web site to download safety information, but just as important, submit their ideas about the best way to educate young drivers about tire and driving safety. Students submitting the top ideas will win $2,500 college scholarships and laptop computers. Andretti is currently featured in a series of Firestone television commercials regarding tire safety and has been traveling the country on behalf of the company urging students to learn their “M.A.R.I.O.S.” (Mario Andretti’s Real Information on Safety).

“We can think of no better person than Mario Andretti to spread the message of tire and driver safety,” said John Gamauf, president of consumer tire replacement sales, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT). “We are proud that he is joining us in our effort to tap into the ideas and experiences of new drivers to help spread our safety message.”