Vehicles That Are Worth The Wait

Anthony Fontanelle
February 8, 2007

Mediocre vehicles would not tickle your fancy. They are just there to carry you from one place to another - nothing more. However, there are some that capture your soft spot. The aficionado in you long to have them but they are not available yet - so you wait. But in due time your craving would be satisfied.

One of the much-awaited cars is the Chevrolet Malibu which is scheduled to be released in fall this year. The car was introduced at the North American International Auto Show last month. The all-new Malibu, built on a revised long-wheelbase Epsilon platform, is said to be bigger and better. The car also offers redesigned roomy interior and powerful engines to match the efficient brakes. It is equipped with a 2.4 L inline-4 base engine that produces 164 horsepower. As an option, it is also offering the 3.6 L V6 that generates 252 horsepower.

Optional features include a panoramic sunroof that stretches over both front and back seats. The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu will be offered in 3 trim levels - LS, LT and LTZ. General Motors has finally put emotion into its sedans to compete with boring sedans from rivals. The improved looks improved the quality and appeal of the new Malibu.

In the large luxury crossover segment, the Buick Enclave is the most awaited. The crossover, based on GM’s new three-row platform, is expected to be released early this summer. The Buick Enclave comes with a bunch of promises that include cutting-edge amenities, Buick’s trademarks and an even quieter ride. Buick’s façade is muscular but highlighted by the stylish fender vents. Its interior is designed to offer a taste of elegance and sophistication. According to Karl Brauer of Edmunds.com, "I'd suggest that it's a less expensive Audi Q7." The crossover will be powered by a 275-horsepower V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

When full-size truck is made the subject of an inquiry, the Toyota Tundra would not keep enthusiasts waiting for long. The truck will be released in the coming weeks.

Big truck segment is a segment ruled by Detroit automakers but Toyota, a potent Japanese auto manufacturer, strives to steal a fraction of the market. Toyota boasts its powerful engines that include a 260-horsepower V6 and a 271-horsepower V8. The largest powerplant for the Toyota Tundra is a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter aluminum block V8 engine that comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For the hybrid sedan segment, the Nissan Altima is one of the hottest. The hybrid is now on sale in some states. The Altima hybrid is powered by 158-horsepower 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine, same as its base non-hybrid. However, the engine is assisted by a 40-horsepower electric motor. The hybrid is a good alternative for the Camry and the Aura hybrids.

The Land Rover LR2 is pretty much anticipated in the small luxury sport utility vehicle segment. The vehicle will be released this spring. The Terrain Response technology gives the LR2 the ability to tramp off into the deep, dark forest and bumpy ground. It is also given the Gradient Release Control to help drivers manage a steep grade in improbable driving situations. The LR2 will be powered by a 230-horsepower, 3.2-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. "People who have them love them," said Jack Nerad of Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, "but you've got to put up with stuff."

In the luxury convertible segment, the BMW 3-series delight aficionados’ frenzy to keep them waiting until March. The convertible uses same auto body but offers a breath-taking three-piece steel hard convertible top. BMW said that the hard top operates in about 20 seconds. The BMW 3-series convertible uses the trademark cue of the automaker blended to modern styling philosophy to attract customers.

Source: Amazines.com