The end of wait
Saud Bahwan Group and Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled the all-new 2007 Camry sedan at a recent press conference in Muscat. The new Camry is athletic and modern, with a long, high-visibility cabin set on a horizontal underbody with strong, rounded planes and elongated structures. The wheelbase is longer than before, and track is wider, with the wheels pushed out toward each of the car's four corners. The interior is completely redesigned with an emphasis on stylish design with increase in space, comfort and convenience for front and rear passengers. Interior upgrades include redesigned seats, rear-seat personal reading lamps, a multi-information display, more storage compartments, improved ease of use of door and instrument panel features, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, reclining rear passenger seats (XLE only), and much more.

Ferrari Enzo effect
Ferrari has announced its 575 Maranello replacement, the 599GTB, at the Detroit auto show. The name refers to the 5.99-litre capacity of the V-12 engine, which is a reworked version of the storming Enzo's engine that develops 620 horsepower. Like the 612 Scaglietti, the 599GTB's body is largely aluminum. It weighs about 260 pounds less than the 575 Maranello, and with at least 112 more horses under the hood, the 599GTB's weight-to-power ratio of 5.7 pounds per horsepower is almost 25 per cent better.

revamped crossover
Cadillac has redesigned the interior of its SRX crossover. The most drastic changes are found on the centre console, where a mess of square climate control buttons are replaced by two cleaner, more elegant dials. Chrome surrounds are added to the centre console as well as the air vents, contributing to a more upscale look. Many sharp edges have been smoothed out as well, and the dashboard now flows smoothly into the door panels. A new Bose surround sound audio system make this fine new interior even more enjoyable.

Volvo goes sporty
Responding to numerous requests for a sportier XC90, Volvo has released a new model, aptly named Sport. Mechanical changes for this more aggressive XC90 include stiffer anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, and speed-dependent steering. Exclusive to the Sport is passion red paint, as are five-spoke, 19-inch wheels and more cont-oured front seats. Minor interior changes include a sport steering wheel and beautiful blue gauges, borrowed from the S60 and V70 R models. Both a 235-horsepower I-6 and a 311-horsepower V8 are offered.

Brief Drives
Ford rolls out fumes-to-fuel system
Ford Motor Co. is preparing to roll out a system to capture toxic paint fumes and convert them into electrical power after testing it at two of its Detroit-area plants. Priming, painting and clear coating millions of new cars and trucks every year creates millions of pounds of waste at plants around the world. "We're very pleased with the results so far," says Mark Wherrett, Ford's principal environmental engineer. "It's a pollution-control system that uses less energy than the old system." Ford has been working with its suppliers to develop a fumes-to-fuel system that converts the volatile organic compounds given off by paint fumes into fuel that generates power. The technology was developed in conjunction with DTE Energy. Currently, paint fumes at auto plants are collected and burned in incinerators.

Geoff Upex to retire
Land Rover announced that its highly regarded design director, Geoff Upex, is to retire from the company at the end of 2006 after 23 years of service. He will be succeeded by Gerry McGovern, currently director, advanced design. To ensure a smooth handover, Upex will stay with the company until the end of the year and will continue to play a key role in the launch of new products. "These have been some of the best years of my life and it has been a privilege to lead the Land Rover design team through such an exciting time," says Upex. "In particular the last six years must have been some of the most rewarding anyone in our business could hope to have. We have completely revitalised Land Rover and now have a world class model line-up."