GTPlanet's "Hot List" For 2007

[YSSMAN]

Yes, I do realize that I'm doing a "Best Car 2006" thread currently, but this is a bit different. You see, I'm asking you guys to give me your Top 10 new cars for 2007 as both some general debate, and as some research as well. For comparison, Car and Driver recently released their own personal "Hot List" for the upcomming year, and the models are as follows:

- Chrysler Sebring
- Lexus LS460L
- Infiniti G35
- Toyota Camry
- Nissan Altima
- Saturn Aura
- BMW 335i
- Mini Cooper
- Nissan Versa
- Volkswagen Eos

So how about it? What do you think? What is on your list? Discuss!

---

For me, my list is quite a bit different. As a greater mix of cars from around the world, and by speaking with those of you from different countries, you get a better idea of what is out there, and what should be here, and maybe what shouldn't.

My list:

1) The Saturn Aura: As many of you know it was my nominaton for GTPlanet's COTY, and I maintain that it may be the best "realistic car" that GM currently produces for the North American market, bar none. The combination of high quality, great performance, and a low price makes it a winner in my book, and hopefully will be for many people in this country as well.

2) The Volkswagen Rabbit: For the Europeans, this car certainly isn't very exciting, as they have had it for a few years now. But here in America, we have done without, and that is unexcuseable. But now that the car is here, we can finially get down to business. What is most important is that the car is cheap, really cheap... $14,990 base MSRP cheap. High value makes the car a winner, and as an advocate for "balance," it too succeeds in that department as well.

3) The Honda Fit: Once again, another product that Europeans have had for years, introduced in America to great fanfare. Yes, it has been here since March, but it's popularity is on the upswing. As a winner of a C/D comparo, a 10 Best Winner, and a finalist in Motor Trend's COTY competition, it is obvious that it is a great car. For $15 large, it signals that the small car is back, and that it too is the true successor to the Honda Civic.

4) The Jaguar XK: One of the more controvercial cars in recent memory, the look and drive of the car has been a bit polarizing. Presumably it is because of the very Aston-like looks and similar performance at a much lower price, and that is understandable. But, what Jaguar does right is build a car that is vastly superior to it's predecessor, one that also beats out the competition even with less power, and a somewhat lowever level of "complication." True English exelence, the British should be proud.

5) The BMW 3-series: As what is probably BMW's best-known and best-loved product, the car never ceases to change or to be changed. The 3-series comes into 2007 as a coupe and a sedan, and offers a wide variety of engines. Of course the new turbo straight-six is the winner, but the possibility of diesel power on the future as the 330d nears makes it a winner yet again. Once BMW jumps in, it is only a matter of time before America falls to the oil burners, and that is a good thing!

6) The Ford Fusion: With the highest honors place uppon it by JDPower and Associates as a top-model in quality, the ball is back in Ford's court as the Taurus leaves for another life in "The Big Garage in the Sky." Certainly the car has been around for a while now, but the updates make it a winner, and with the addition of AWD, the new 3.5L V6, and a Hybrid in the near future, things only look better for an allready popular car.

7) The Porsche Cayman: As an all-new car for 2006, the Cayman S has done it's best to shake-up the performance car market. For 2007, we will see a step-down in power to better match it's cousin the Boxster, and will make the "poor man's 911" even more affordable. With or without the big-bore flat-six, the car is still a strong performer with lighting-fast relexes, an attractive interior and exterior, and the fact that it is a Porsche.

8) The Ford Mondeo: As one of the best cars that may or may not be sold in America, it is hard to say for sure what kind of effect it will have in this country. But the sexy shape, dynamics that will impress, and superior build quality will certainly make it a winner across the pond. The question is, will we get it here? That my friends is still up in the air...

9) The Holden Commodore: Yes, everyone's favorite Aussie is here, and it is awesome. The same car will be here in America as early as the end of 2007 as a 2008 model, and most of us can't wait. The last time GM had a RWD car on sale, it was 1996, and it was the Impala SS. Superior build quality, European levels of performance, and American ideas about driving make this car a sure-fire success in Australia, and in America.

10) The Audi R8: How often is it that a production car still manages to look like a concept? The Audi R8 is art for the road, and if the looks aren't good enough, the name should be. As the "cheap" Lamborghini, the R8 looks to upset the 911 on it's home turf, and to change the market as we see it. With all signs pointing towards a V12 TDI version in the comming years, the R8 may become the most popular sports car ever with The Sierra Club and "Greenies" around the world.

 

[Sage]

Make sure you clarify that this doesn’t mean “10 best”, but rather “10 most significant”.

Anyway, here goes:

1 Saturn Aura. Easy choice, because this is vital for Saturn’s (and in part, GM’s) future.

2 Ford Edge. Absolutely vital for Ford’s future, since they want to ride on the CUV wave.

3 Chrysler Sebring. Not everybody wants something as big as the glorious 300 – they need to get people looking at this midsizer. I think it’ll prove to be much less of a hit than the 300 though.

4 Honda Fit. One can only hope that this little gem makes small cars cool again (I’m sick of trying to look at stoplights behind Escalades).

5 Toyota Camry. Well, for obvious reasons – not any reason that I particularly care about, but a huge portion of the driving populace does.

6 Toyota Tundra. Wholly hell this is important for Toyota – they’ve been sitting on their laurels for a long time in the full-size truck biz, but now they’re launching an all-out attack that should really stir up the pot. The Nissan Titan was the first serious step by the Japanese, and now the new Tundra might be the clincher, the one that people still talk about fifty years from now as being the first part of the “Japanese truck invasion”.

7 Kia Ronda. The Koreans take a risk and aim for a market that is more accepted in Europe than here. We’ll have to see. I have to say though that I’d feel much more confident if, say, Honda was taking a stab at this.

8 Ford Focus (upcoming). If Ford drops the ball on the new Ford Focus, expect all hell to break loose.

9 The pony cars. Ford did a great job with bringing retro-cool back with the Mustang – will Chevy and Dodge do the same?

10 GM’s future “green” cars. GM announced at the LA Auto Show that they are working on a plug-in hybrid for the Saturn Vue – this could be big, and could really upset Toyota’s dominance amongst the greenies.

 

[toyomatt84]

While I wouldn't call the Honda Fit, the Honda Civic's replacement, I do agree that it was a pivotal switch in Honda's lineup for the new millennium. With just minor work, the car could perform well on the track, and with a serious suspension platform, was quite the maneuverable piece of equipment.

To be technical in the overall year of 2007, for automotive production (even though the model date will be considered 2008, but production will start in 2007), I think the latest retro-muscle cars will bring a serious impact on the current automotive realm. Cars like the Nissan Skyline (first model available in the USA), Dodge Daytona, and Chevrolet Camaro, will all put a spin on the current car market and create some new-age car fans (in my opinion). It should prove to be a pivotal year for many auto manufacturers, especially with Toyota finally making it into the NASCAR circuit, and possibly changing the views of some V-8 Muscleheads, bound on domestic muscle. But, who knows, it could just turn out to be another boring year in cars as well, if the Concept cars don't make the deadline, and push over into 2009.

 

[Dave A]

The TVR Cerbera mk2, it's coming and it's due next year all being well. I don't think I need to explain my passion for TVR's. Hell any of the next lineup of TVR's is at the top of my most anticipated list, but it's the Cerbera mk2 at the top of that list.

 

[Poverty]

Audi A5. Should take away the Beemer 3er coupes blitz and thunder.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> Here's my 10 Hot List for 2007:

1. Honda Fit - Finally, after a long wait its here. This car is undeniably aces the competition here in US (but elsewhere, the Swift Sport, Boon SX, Fiesta ST, and the Colt Ralliart gave the Fit/Jazz some tough competition). It handles perfectly for its tall nature, ultra-flexible cargo configuration, and its ease of use makes this car seems like a toy.

2. Lexus LS600h L - I'd really like a V8 luxury car that sips gas like a V6 Camry, and this is the car. I really love its clean and simple design, not outlandish like the 7-series. Also no stupid gimmickry like the MMI/I-Drive systems, plus its the first Lexus that you can disable its traction control system. And this car still stays its Lexus' philosophy, traditional but ever evolving.

3. Audi RS4 series - This car follows the same mantra as the Lexus above but in a more sport-oriented kind of way. With a wide range of body styles (in Europe), this car is perfect for every lifestyle (I'll pick the Avant). Plus with a high-performing V8 in a compact body like this, who needs a techno-laden M5 with its frustrating I-Drive? And last but not the least, it's one of the last uber-sedans that have three pedals and a stick (most have flappy-paddles now).

4. Porsche 997 Turbo - This is the closest Porsche to my dream car when I was 9 yrs. old, the 959. All-weather practicality, supercar performance, and jaw-dropping looks in one package (the RS4 has only the first two). The revolutionary Variable-geometry turbo, almost replicates the response of any NA-powered Carrera. The only thing I would like to add on the Turbo is the 997 Targa 4S-like panoramic roof, but its not necessary due to its center of gravity. Every generation of Porsche Turbos released to the market (since the 930) makes me want one even more.

5. BMW (Z4) M Coupe - If any one asks if theres any brand-new BMW that still lives its true core heritage. What you say? I mean a BMW that features the venerable naturally-aspirated straight/inline 6 engine, no I-Drive system, and lightweight body. Sure you can easily say the E46 M3 that are remaining on the dealer lots right now, but thats not the case here. To me the last true Bimmer would be the latest generation M Coupe, why you say? I know, I know, it has that Bangle styling. But get this, NA Inline-6, lightweight body, no I-Drive, and best of all (in my part) its a hatchback (actually a fastback-type hatch)! Until the 130i or an M-Spec 1-series arrives here in the US, this is my primary Bimmer to get.

6. Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe [JDM name] - Also known as the MX-5 Miata Power Retractable Hardtop here in the US, or MX-5 Hardtop Cabriolet in Europe (??). This is the hardtop convertible that I've been waiting for, the one that won't interfere your cargo belongings while the top is down, bravo idea, Wesbato (the people who designed the ingenius top). Now all it needs is a Mazdaspeed version.

7. Toyota Tundra - This is the truck that Detroit is worried about (sort of). Toyota brings out all the guns here, NASCAR, engines, configurations, engineering, and presentation before its first quarter launch next year. After seeing the truck at the LA Auto Show, I was highly convinced that Toyota did a remarkable job on this one. They resolved most of the common problems of domestic full size pickups are facing (wait, this truck is made in Texas; and while the Titan is made in Mississippi, oh well) in the past. I can't wait next year on how will the Tundra stacks up compared to the competition.

8. BMW 335i Coupe - Hmm, a regular 3-series almost performs as fast as the M3? Nah, not the highly anticipated hi-po German coupe V8-powered M3 coupe, but the E46 M3 coupe. Car and Driver magazine thinks and they figures to show it to you, read their article and check it out. As I saw this coupe at the LA Auto Show, the car is nicely done, very neat touches here and there, and unlike the E46 330Ci the car hugs you right away. It gives you the authority to spool those twin-turbos at your disposal. The only gripe, on this coupe was the shifter felt "cheap" compared to the past-gen model, but thats just me.

9. Tesla Roadster - I was shocked that nobody ever mentioned this car. This is only electric powered sports car, and maybe one of the fastest EV-cars this side of the Venturi Fetish. Ok, its a EV-car, but heres the package, its based on the excellent track-proven Lotus Elise so you know this car handles like one and all you do is plug (while sleeping during the night) and play (whenever you're awake). The 100K price tag is the only let-down of this eco-friendly exotic. Who says that electric cars are dead?

10. Porsche 997 GT3 RS - Obviously I'm a Porsche fan, and I can't leave this car out! If the Turbo is too soft for you, and the regular GT3 feels like its missing something, then here's your car. This is the GT3 that brings you closer to its related brother, the the RS-R. Rollcage, race-spec seats, extreme color variations and lighter frame makes this the hardestcore street-legal 997 ever to set foot in the US. Nuff said.

Special Mention
+ Honda Stream - Yes I know, this vehicle is not on the US Buyers Guide, but I hope American Honda should notice this growing trend of mini-minivans (first the Mazda 5 then the Kia Rondo) here in the stateside. Due to the lack of Honda wagons on the US, the hugely successful Fit is a small step towards of bringing more Honda's more diverse vehicles to the US market (Edix/FR-V or TSX Touring/Accord Wagon anyone?). This wagon seats seven, same powertrain as the 2007 CR-V, Acura-like styling, and the US-spec Odyssey keep on growing bigger (ie. expensive) you can't go wrong! And also one of the finalist at Japan's COTY.

(:

 

[Azuremen]

1 - Lexus IS350
It is simply gorgeous, and has all the Toyota/Lexus goodness I could want. New models can have the driving aids disabled, and on the first years, you can still disable them with some trickery. Great performance, great looks, modern Lexus goodness. It is the car I want. Period.

2 - Lexus LS460L/600h L
Because I love Lexus, and I love the look of the car. And if I wanted a super nice luxurary boat, that would be the one. That, and the hybrid option just makes it more appealing for a guy like me that has a thing for eletric power.

3 - Saturn Sky Redline
GM had yet to make a car I really wanted from them. And the Sky Redline is making me like it, whether I really want to or not. Its on my list of "must test drive" cars, and it works for me from its looks to its performance. The only reason I am not all for it is its GM, and GM I still feel lacks in quality control. Though Saturn has managed to pull a little better than the rest it seems with quality. Plus the price point is appealing for the numbers you get.

4 - 2007 Infiniti G35
Brand new, and I don't much about it yet. I just know what it looks like and what the numbers are on paper, and I have to say I like them. Given Nissan's history of making excellent sport sedans, I have to say this will score well in everyone's books. And the price before options is very appealing, though if you load it up to be similar to the IS, prices start to get close it seems.

5 - Lotus Exige S
Its down here cause its fairless practical than any of the others, and I already own an MR sports car. Aside from the absurd lack of anything but performance on this car, its awesome. And thats the whole point. Toyota powered goodness, supercharged, with great looks, and the true ideal for performance - lightweight. And 0-mph in 4.1 seconds, while still getting about 30 MPG; just brillent.

6 - Toyota Camry
If I wanted an affordable sedan for hauling around a small family, this would be the car. Undeniable good looks (IMO), more packages than you can shake a stick at, improved EVERYTHING it seems. Just a great bread and butter car I would say.

7 - Honda Fit
No matter how many times I think about it, I like this small car. Its odd looks, good performance (for what it is) and no doubt you could autocross it to death. The US needed smaller imports again, with the Civic and Corolla getting so big, and this meets that, and I think a bit better than the Yaris, though I am torn.

8 - Honda Civic Si
A vast upgrade from the EP-3 series Si, going from 160 Hp and to 200 HP (Yes, its 197 by SAE, but its the same 200 HP k20 from the RSX, just the EPA changed how it rates stuff). Good looks, much better than the last hatch, LSD from the factory, 6 speed, and just about everything else work for this. More importantly would be the Sedan though, giving Honda a chance to nudge in on WRX sales and such, with a lower price, better gas milage, and now 4 doors. Still not nearly as fast of the line, though it probably handles better on tarmac.

I'll add more as I go, and I might change the rankings around a bit depending on how I feel.

And Vanishing, the Telsa is neat, but nothing new, sorry. In fact, it annoies me how much more attention it is getting because its being touted as a sports car. And it is, I am just saying there is a faster all electric car (I'm fairly sure its faster) than the Telsa - the Tango. 1000 ft/lbs of torque, extremely low center of gravity (batteries on the bottom), racing roll cage, etc etc. It just doesn't have the looks going for it, but its been around alot longer, and I know it handles well. I know the designers and I've seen it autocross. So the Telsa to me is just a fancy looking eletric car, and thats it.