ALFA ROMEO
Spider
Alfa's return to open-top motoring in Australia will arrive about October when the new Brera-based Spider goes on sale. Like its hardtop coupe kin, the two-seater soft-top Spider will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines: a front-drive 136kW/230Nm 2.2-litre and AWD Holden-built 191kW/322Nm 3.2-litre V6. Expect prices to start around $75K for the four-cylinder model.
AUDI
TT
Audi's iconic TT will be replaced with an all-new model about November with the small two-seater coupe having undergone some significant changes. The new sharper edged but still distinctive body uses Audi's aluminium Space Frame technology and under the bonnet is a choice of four-cylinder and V6 engines. The front-drive four-cylinder is a new 147kW/280Nm turbo direct injection 2.0-litre powerplant that drives through either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The all-wheel-drive quattro version uses an 184kW/320Nm 3.2-litre V6 and both versions feature a transverse-link front suspension and new rear four-link arrangement ensuring the new TT should drive as good as it looks.
S6 / S8
Audi's two performance versions of the mid-sized A6 and big A8 sedan arrive locally about November. Both sports sedans feature Audi's trademark all-wheel drive quattro system with the S6 driven by a 4.2-litre V8, while the big S8 borrows the 335kW/540Nm 5.2-litre V10 from sister firm Lamborghini.
S3
Following the S versions of the two big sedans comes the small hot hatch S3 due on sale in Australia about April 2007. Under the bonnet of the quattro three-door hatch is a worked version of the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine that generates a peak power of 195kW and maximum torque of 350Nm enabling the little S3 to sprint from standstill to 100kmh in a claimed 5.7 seconds. Drive to all four big 18-inch wheels is via a six-speed manual gearbox and as you would expect, brakes steering and suspension have all been upgraded to match the performance of the A3-based car.
RS4 Avant / Cabriolet
With the ultimate high performance A4 sedan already on sale, Audi is set to add the wagon Avant and soft-top Cabriolet versions of the RS4 with the former arriving about October and the latter due on Australian roads in January 2007. Like the sedan, both models use a 309kW/430Nm 4.2-litre direct injection V8 to drive all four wheels - with a rear bias - through a six-speed manual gearbox. The RS4 sedan kicks off the bidding at $164,500 with the Avant commanding a $3600 premium while the range-topping RS4 Cabriolet will be stickered for showrooms at $187,500.
BENTLEY
Continental GTC
No great surprise that Bentley has decided to produce a soft top convertible version of its 2+2 GT coupe and if we are lucky - or at least those with the expected $400K necessary for ownership - it might land here by the end of 2006. Under the bonnet driving all four wheels via a six-speed auto is the GT's 411kW/650Nm twin-turbo 6.0-litre W12 engine offering a top speed of more than 300kmh.
Azure
If you haven't managed to secure a GTC and still have a hankering for a Bentley convertible and you have a spare $600,000-odd, then you might want to consider the new Arnage-based Azure that is due on sale here early next year. The flagship four-seater soft-top will be powered by a 336kW/875Nm version of the Arnage's 6.75-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that drives the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
BMW
Z4 Coupe
BMW's hardtop version of the Z4 will finally arrive in Australia in October. The sleek two seater hatchback will be available with a choice of two six-cylinder petrol engines - a 195kW/315Nm 3.0-litre and in the hot M model, a 252kW/365Nm 3.2-litre powerplant - both driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox - or optional six-speed auto in the 3.0si. Prices start from $87,900 for the Z4 3.0si and $127,200 for the M Coupe.
3 Series Coupe
If you are after four seats in a BMW two-door then the 3 Series coupe range is due to land here in October. Heading the lineup priced from $108,500 will be an all-new 335i that uses a twin turbo version of the 3.0-litre straight six to put 225kW and 400Nm through the rear wheels via a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The two other models in the sleek two-door range are also both six-cylinder with the $81,500 - for the six-speed manual - 160kW/250Nm 2.5-litre 325i while later in the year a $69,900 entry level 323i will be added with a lesser-powered version of the 2.5-litre straight six engine and six-speed manual and automatic transmission choices.
M6 Convertible
BMW's ultimate soft top performance machine, the four-seater M6 Convertible is due in showrooms in December priced somewhere north of $280,000.Under the bonnet driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed SMG transmission is a 5.0-litre V10 that produces 373kW and 520Nm enabling you to hit the ton in just 4.8 seconds. Electronic dampers, a diff lock, performance brakes and sports suspension all make the M6 Convertible a car to be driven as well as looked at.
X3
A mid-life upgrade for the small 3 Series-based soft roader sees the introduction of new engines, a new six-speed automatic transmission, cosmetic changes inside and out and an upgraded four-wheel drive/chassis management system for the X3 which goes on sale in December. Three drivetrains will be on offer - a 160kW/250Nm 2.5-litre straight six with either manual or six-speed auto in the 2.5si; a 200kW/315Nm auto-only 3.0-litre straight six for the 3.0si; and the 160kW/480Nm six-speed automatic 3.0-litre six cylinder turbo diesel in the 3.0d.
X5
BMW was one of the driving forces in the luxury SUV market and the second generation X5 is expected to arrive in Australia about June 2007. The new model promises significantly improved driving dynamics, more power and torque for all three engines, a new six-speed automatic transmission, stronger body with more interior space that can now accommodate up to seven people and an improved all-wheel-drive system. The new X5 arrives with a more powerful 4.8-litre V8 petrol engine that now develops 261kW and 475Nm, a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine with a maximum output of 200kW/315Nm, and a 3.0-litre straight-six all aluminium diesel with peak power of 170kW and maximum torque of 520Nm. The X5 will also be available with both active steering and AdaptiveDrive (a combination of anti-roll stabilisation and adaptive dampers to ensure its on road and off-road performance meet the expectations of BMW customers.
CITROEN
C6
Citroen will have a new flagship model when the distinctive mid-sized prestige C6 arrives in October. Priced from $97,500 for the petrol and $103,500 for the turbo diesel, it will be offered with two V6 engines and six-speed autos only. The petrol V6 is the same 155kW/290Nm 3.0-litre unit that is available in the smaller C5 while the diesel is the excellent 150kW/440Nm 2.7-litre twin-turbo HDi V6 shared with the new 407 range and the Jaguar S-type.
C4 Picasso
Citroen has been talking about bringing the mini-people mover Picasso to Australia for years but with an all new generation based on the C4 small car now on offer it has committed to it with the car due to arrive here early in 2007. With a capacity of up to seven people, the Picasso is available in Europe with two diesel and two petrol engines with Australian spec likely to include the higher output versions of each. These include a 103kW/200Nm 2.0-litre petrol four and the 100kW/270Nm four-cylinder turbo diesel. Expect prices to start about $30,000.
CHRYSLER
300C SRT-8 Touring
Chrysler has had huge success with its dramatically styled 300C large sedan and wagon and following the launch of the hi-po SRT-8 sedan, comes the similarly specced wagon for those that like to carry a bit more and get there really fast. Come November the 300C range will be complete with the release of the SRT8 wagon version priced about $75,000. The 300C SRT8 - which stands for 'Street and Race Technology' - ups the outputs of its HEMI V8 with its enlarged 6.1-litre capacity generating 317kW/570Nm and adds retuned suspension, 20-inch wheels and Brembo brakes.
DODGE
Nitro
Dodge - now part of the DaimlerChrysler stable - has already relaunched into Australia with the small five-door Caliber hatch with the second model - the Nitro - due to arrive here about May 2007. Based on sister firm Jeep's five-seater SUV Cherokee, the rebodied Nitro shares that vehicle's 3.7-litre V6. Prices likely to start about $40K.
.
FERRARI
599 GTB Fiorano
For those to whom money is no object, Ferrari has a new object of desire - the front-mid engined two-seater 599 GTB Fiorano - to replace the 575M Maranello. Billed as the most powerful production car ever built by the Italian maker, the 599 boasts a 6.0-litre V12 developed from the Enzo supercar that generates a prodigious 460kW of power and 608Nm of torque. Combined with its lightweight all aluminium chassis and body, the powerful engine can propel the 599 to 100kmh in just 3.7 seconds. It's due here about October but you will need at least $574,000 to secure a place on the list and for orders being taken now, you won't get behind the wheel until at least mid 2007.
FIAT
Panda
Italian brand Fiat relaunched its passenger car lineup in Australia earlier this year with the small Punto hatch and although yet to be confirmed, its second model line, expected early in 2007 is likely to be the Panda. Panda is a small boxy five-door hatch that in Europe competes with the likes of the Hyundai Getz so will come to Australia with a price between about $16,000 and $20,000. Engine choices are likely to be either a 45kW/101Nm 1.2-litre petrol engine or a lesser-powered 52kW/145Nm version of the 1.3-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that is available in the bigger Punto.
FORD
BF Mk II Falcon
With Holden hogging the limelight with the new Commodore, Ford will introduce a Mk II version of the BF Falcon range in October. Cosmetically, the changes are minimal with a new bonnet and front bumper and headlight treatments for all models bar the XR versions and some minor interior cosmetic changes. The main mechanical changes have been driven by fuel economy and include the availability of the six-speed automatic transmission across the petrol sedan range and some minor improvements in fuel consumption for the four-speed auto XT. Safety has also been on the radar with Dynamic Stability Control - Ford's version of ESP - now also offered across the range where it was previously limited to XR6 Turbo, XR8 and Fairmont Ghia models. It won't be offered on XT, Futura, XR6 and Fairmont models as a standalone option however, but as part of a "sports pack" that also includes the six-speed auto, sports rear suspension and 17-inch alloys.
Courier
One of the few segments to keep growing is the light commercial market and with plenty of new product this year, that is likely to continue. Ford's offering will be the new Courier due in the second half of the year that boasts a bigger more macho aesthetic, stronger body and suspension and two new turbodiesel four-cylinder engines - a 107kW/330Nm 2.5-litre and 116kW/380Nm 3.0-litre.
HOLDEN
Captiva
Holden will at long last have an SUV to sell when the mid-sized Captiva arrives here about November priced between $36K and $43K. Offered as a five or seven seater, the Daewoo-built all wheel drive will be powered by a Holden-sourced 169kW/279Nm 3.2-litre V6 with a choice of four trim levels. All models drive through a five-speed automatic transmission and feature a range of electronic assistance in the form of ABS, ESP, traction control and hill descent control.
Epica
Like the smaller Barina and Viva, Holden will look to its Korean partner in Daewoo for a new model to replace the expensive and slow selling European-sourced Vectra when the Epica arrives here. Holden has yet to confirm it will introduce the mid-sized sedan but it is expected on sale locally either late this year or early 2007. Engine choices in Europe, where it is sold under the Chevy brand include two small transversely-mounted straight six engines - a 104kW 2.0-litre or 115kW 2.5-litre - that drive the front wheels through either five-speed manual or five-speed auto transmissions.
HONDA
CR-V
Honda's CR-V has long been one of the favourites in the compact SUV market and early in 2007, the all-new third generation is due to land Down Under. Wider and lower than the current car, the new CR-V boasts a number of changes to the steering and suspension that are claimed to improve driving dynamics. A new "Real Time" all-wheel-drive system should improve its soft-road capabilities and it will be offered with at least the new 110kW/190Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine and possibly the 2.2-litre turbo diesel unit as well. Drive to all four wheels is via six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.
HSV
VXR Turbo
HSV will stretch beyond its V8 roots and add the Astra-based VXR Turbo to its lineup about October with a sticker starting under $43K. For that you get a three-door Astra tuned by HSV's German equivalent - Opel's OPC arm - packed with a 176kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo four. Drive is through the front via a close ratio six-speed box and the suspension and brakes have been appropriately tuned.
HYUNDAI
Santa Fe CRDi turbodiesel / 3.3 V6
In October, Hyundai will add a second engine to its mid-sized Santa Fe SUV lineup in the form of an 114kW/335Nm 2.2-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder unit that is expected to be mated to a new five-speed automatic transmission. The bigger SUV - now with the option of seven seats - will also gain a third engine option about May 2007 with the arrival of a 173kW/304Nm 3.3-litre petrol V6 - the same that powers the Sonata sedan - also expected to drive through a five-speed automatic.
Tiburon
Hyundai's small two-door coupe Tiburon gets a mild cosmetic makeover about February 2007. The facelifted car features minor changes to the front and rear ends and expect some interior upgrades as well. Unveiled at the recent Chinese motor show, the car will retain its 127kW/245Nm 2.7-litre V6 that drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox or four speed automatic transmission.
Elantra wagon and hatch
The new Elantra sedan has just been launched and is due to hit showrooms next month but about June 2007, the range will be rounded out with the arrival of the five-door hatch and wagon versions. Like the sedan, these will be powered by Elantra's familiar 105kW/186Nm 2.0-litre engine that drives the front wheels through either a manual or automatic transmissions.
JEEP
Grand Cherokee SRT-8
If you feel the 5.7-litre HEMI V8 in the Grand Cherokee is still a little underpowered, Jeep is set to go one better with the SRT-8 version due on sale about November priced around $75K. Like the 300C SRT-8 sedan, the Grand Cherokee SUV version uses a bigger 6.1-litre capacity V8 to produce 313kW/569Nm while its all-wheel drive system has been calibrated for much greater rear-drive bias.
KIA
Sorento
As with Magentis, the Sorento shares the bulk of its components with Hyundai, in this case the Santa Fe, so expect similar changes to the mechanicals when it arrives here later this year. The aged 3.5-litre V6 is likely to be replaced with the Sonata's 173kW/304Nm 3.3-litre V6 and a diesel four is also likely.
LEXUS
LS460
The new Lexus flagship is set to outdo the current LS430 with a mass of technology that includes an eight-speed automatic transmission, rear seat massager and heated steering wheel when the car is launched here about November. Mated to the transmission is a 280kW/500Nm 4.6-litre V8 that drives the rear wheels.
RX400h
Lexus' second hybrid model, the RX400h SUV is expected on sale about October. This soft roader five-seater SUV uses a 157kW 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine combined with two electric motors - one for each axle. On road it is a front driver but head into slippery conditions and the rear electric motor kicks in to make it all-wheel drive. Expect to pay a reasonable premium over the standard petrol $73K RX330.
MAZDA
Mazda6 diesel
Mazda will become the first Japanese carmaker to offer a new generation diesel passenger car when the Mazda6 goes on sale about September 06. The 2.0-litre common rail turbo diesel generates 105kW of power and 360Nm of torque from a low 2000rpm and drives through a six-speed manual gearbox with an official combined fuel consumption of just 6l/100km. Mazda has yet to decide whether the diesel will be offered in the sedan, hatch or wagon and you can expect to pay about a $3000 premium over the equivalent petrol model.
CX-7
Set to go up against the likes of Nissan's Murano, Mazda's crossover SUV CX-7 is due to arrive in Australia late this year priced from under $50K. The five-seat high riding wagon shares its all-wheel drive system and powertrain with the Mazda6 MPS sports sedan with power coming from a 170kW/350Nm 2.3-litre turbo four cylinder.
B series ute/cab chassis
The Ford Courier twin has just been released in its home market of Thailand and is due on sale here in the second half of the year. Like the Ford, the Mazda BT-50 boasts a bigger more macho aesthetic, stronger body and suspension and two new turbodiesel four-cylinder engines - a 107kW/330Nm 2.5-litre and 116kW/380Nm 3.0-litre.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL-Class
To complement its recently launched five-seat M-Class, Mercedes will add the bigger GL-class to its SUV lineup about October. Based on an extended platform of the M-Class, the seven-seat luxury offroader will likely be offered with a choice of 3.0-litre V6 and 4.0-litre V8 latest generation turbo diesels and 4.6-litre and 5.5-litre petrol V8s all driving through a seven-speed automatic transmission. This will be Mercedes' first full seven-seat SUV and like the new five seat M-Class it will feature every imaginable electronic assistance to ensure that should you venture beyond the tarmac, you will get back.
CLS 63 / CLK63
AMG, Mercedes' performance arm, has a new flagship 6.3-litre V8 engine that is set to slot under the bonnet of a range of the company's vehicles. First off the block for Australia - due to arrive in the second half of the year - will be the big CLS 63 AMG and the smaller CLK 63 AMG coupe and convertible. In the CLS, the new V8 generates a massive 378kW, while it has been slightly detuned for the CLK producing only 354kW. Both feature Merc's new seven-speed auto and the usual array of brake and suspension tuning.
MITSUBISHI
Colt CC
Mitsubishi is set to add some sex appeal to its small five-door hatch with the arrival of two new variants about September. Following the Ralliart Colt the Colt coupe cabriolet enters, based on the bread and butter five-door hatch but offers a folding hard top roof for closed or open top motoring. To make way for the folding roof, seating is reduced to a 2+2 and the car will be offered with a choice of either naturally aspirated or turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines.
Pajero
Mitsubishi's favourite mum's taxi gets a generational makeover about November 06. Don't expect a major departure on the styling front despite a fair proportion of the car being new metal but there should be plenty of improvements underneath. The 3.8-litre petrol V6 will gain the Mivec variable valve timing system with the 3.2-litre turbodiesel also on offer.
NISSAN
Patrol / X-Trail
After a huge 2005 onslaught of new product, Nissan's offerings for 2006 are likely to comprise minor upgrades for its two SUVs at either end of the market, the big Patrol and the compact X-trail.
PEUGEOT
1007
Peugeot's innovative new baby city car with its sliding side doors is on the local distributor's wishlist and if it gets the green light should arrive in the second half of 2006 priced in the low $20K region.
207
Being bigger than the original 306, Peugeot's new 207 will sit alongside rather than replace the current 206 when it arrives here late this year or early 2007. The 206 is, for the foreseeable future, still being built and is likely to remain the price leader for Peugeot in the small car class while the bigger better appointed 207 will bridge the gap to the 307. Engine choices are likely to include new 85kW/160Nm variable valve timing-equipped 1.6-litre and 110kW/240Nm low pressure turbo version of the same 1.6 petrol fours jointly developed with BMW and a latest generation particulate filter-equipped 80kW/240Nm 1.6-litre turbodiesel HDi.
RENAULT
Grand Scenic
Renault will add the bigger seven-seat version of its Scenic people mover towards the end of 2006. Power comes from a 2.0-litre four driving the front wheels.
Megane/ Laguna diesel
Renault, like the bulk of the industry, is expected to get on the diesel bandwagon with the possible launch of oil burner versions of the small Megane hatch and mid sized Laguna around October. The Megane uses a 1.9-litre turbo diesel while the Laguna uses a larger 2.2-litre turbo diesel four. The upgraded petrol versions of Laguna II were never sold here and the launch of the diesel marks the return of the badge to Australia.
SUBARU
B9 Tribeca
Subaru's new soft-roader proper, the distinctively styled B9 Tribeca, is due on Australian roads about October 2006 priced from about $55K. Two models will be on offer in both five seat and seven seat versions with power supplied by Subaru's trademark 180kW/297Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine driving all four wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. Up front, the B9 shares the Outback's independent strut suspension with a new double wishbone arrangement at the rear.
TOYOTA
Aurion
With the Avalon having failed to generate the sort of excitement, not to mention sales, that Toyota first envisioned, the new generation large sedan to be called Aurion, is due late in the second half of 2006. Under the bonnet will be a new 3.5-litre V6 - delivering more than 190kW and 330Nm - driving the front wheels through a five-speed auto. Unlike the new Camry, the Toyota large car will be pitched at the upmarket Commodores and Falcons so expect pricing to start around the mid-high $30K. Early in 2007, a supercharged performance version - still front drive - will be added to the lineup.
VOLVO
C70
Forget the abysmal offering that was the last rubbery C70, this new folding hardtop coupe/cabriolet is based on the Volvo 40/50 platform - also shared with Mazda3 and Ford Focus - and is set to arrive in Australia in time for Summer. But the C70 is a bigger car than its S40/V50 kin and still offers full seating for four adults, a decent boot and enough room for the folding roof to slot into. Two front-drive five-cylinder petrol engines are on offer - a 125kW/230Nm 2.4-litre naturally aspirated unit and 162kW/320Nm 2.5-litre turbo. Expect pricing to start in the mid-high $60K range. S80
Volvo's new flagship sedan has moved up significantly from the current model with a new AWD V8 version to head the lineup when it arrives here about September. Under the bonnet is a 235kW/440Nm 4.4-litre V8 driving all four wheels through a six-speed automatic. Also in the lineup will be a front-drive petrol model using a new 172kW/320Nm in-line six-cylinder engine and a 136kW/400Nm five-cylinder turbo diesel.