Photos: New car debuts

Although we frequently see car models get updated at car shows, it's uncommon to see a completely new model. We've gathered new cars that debuted at the recent batch of auto shows here, so you can see what to expect in showrooms.

CNET Reviews staff

May 12, 2008 5:12 p.m. PT

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Lincoln, in a recent effort to remake itself, launched this new sedan. The cabin showcases Lincoln's latest infotainment technology, including the Ford Sync system and a satellite radio connection that brings in weather and movie times information. The engine is a new 3.7-liter turbocharged V-6.

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Although the name is old, this debut is not an update of the old Passat. Rather, it's a completely new design. It uses Volkswagen's next generation hard drive-based navigation system and gets power from either a 2-liter turbocharged four cylinder putting out 197 horsepower or a 3.6-liter V-6 making 276 horsepower.

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Hyundai makes a significant leap to luxury with the Genesis, its first V-8 powered rear wheel drive sedan. The powerful 4.6-liter V-8 produces 375 horsepower, while the interior of the car uses luxury materials and cabin gadgets previously unseen in a Hyundai.

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Hyundai got more bang for its marketing dollar by introducing the Genesis Coupe. Although it gets a smaller, V-6 engine than the Genesis sedan, it also shows off cabin quality that should greatly improve the Hyundai brand.

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Although the model was previously released in Europe, BMW's new 1 series comes to the U.S. in a number of variations. The 135i gets a twin turbocharged 3-liter six cylinder, while the 128i's 3-liter six cylinder breathes naturally. Both the 135i and the 128i can be purchased as coupes or convertibles.

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Keeping to its history, Mini offers the Clubman version of its Cooper in S and standard models. The Clubman is basically a Mini Cooper with an extra foot of cargo room. Engine choices and cabin electronics remain the same.

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The newish crossover segment provided automakers with a chance to launch new models, and Toyota came out with the Venza. This car can be had with a four- or six-cylinder engine, plus a good set of cabin electronics, including a JBL stereo system and navigation.

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Similar to Toyota, Volkswagen also entered the crossover market. Its Tiguan is a small SUV powered by a turbocharged four cylinder driving all wheels. Built for 28 degree ascents, the Tiguan can be had with off-roading gear to handle slippery surfaces and hills.

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BMW's X6 is like a sportier version of its X5. The design is certainly different, although rear head room is very limited. The X6 is being used to launch some new technologies, such as BMW's first direct injection engine, a 4.4-liter V-8 with twin turbochargers, and a variable steering system which increases the steering ratio the more the wheels are turned.

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Volvo calls the new XC60 crossover its safest car ever, and to back up the claim, it points to the model's new active safety technology called City Safety. The radar-based system is designed to mitigate the effects of front impacts at low speeds by monitoring the distance to the car ahead and intervening with the brakes if it detects that a collision is imminent.

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Dodge's crossover entrant, the Journey, combines the space and practicality of a minivan with the ruggedness of an SUV. Its MyGig entertainment system offers a drive to store music in the car and a navigation system.

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Unlike past iterations of the GT-R, which were sport versions of the Skyline (known as the Infiniti G35 in the U.S.), the 2009 GT-R is a different car. It gets an astonishing 473 horsepower from a 3.8-liter twin turbo V-6, while its dual-clutch transmission was developed specifically for this car.