Seven for '07
November 27, 2006 - By John LeBlanc

Dizziness and confusion are legitimate symptoms when reviewing the overabundance of new cars being introduced for the 2007 model year. I've managed to cull through this year's clutter of new machines to recommend seven rides dreamed of and developed for those who love to drive:

AUDI TT COUPE/ROADSTER
A design icon since its 1998 debut, the second-generation TT has been improved with a new aluminum and steel space frame resulting in better weight distribution. A 200-horsepower, 2.0-litre turbo four or 250-hp, 3.2L six will be available for both the 2+2 coupe and the two-seat, cloth-top convertible. It's not yet confirmed, but plan on front-drive 2.0 TTs with either the six-speed manual or optional S-tronic dual-clutch manumatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive 3.2s with the S-tronic. Base price $55,000/ $70,000 est. Why buy? Looks, AWD, delicious steering, newfound handling balance. On sale Spring '07.

FERRARI 599 GTB
Replacing the 575M Maranello, Ferrari's newest two-passenger berlinetta carries on Ferrari's tradition of lusty front-engine V12 GTs. The 599 badge is a virtual reading of the mill's 5,999-cubic-centimetre displacement. The 620-hp powerplant -- a derivative of the engine in the Ferrari Enzo supercar and shared with the 612 Scaglietti two-plus-two coupe -- is the most powerful production V12 ever. Base price $360,000 est. Why buy? Mamma mia! looks penned by Pininfarina rival Sophia Loren as the definition of Italian beauty. On sale Now.

JAGUAR XKR COUPE/CONVERTIBLE
Want a faster XK? Try the R version's supercharged 4.2L V8 with 120 more hp now topping out at 420 hp. With that, you now have a Jaguar coupe that can get to 96 km/h from naught in less than five seconds. The R badge also adds a more buttoned-down suspension and extroverted exterior styling touches such as aluminum side power vents, new front and rear fascias with integrated fog lamps, quad exhaust tips, black brake calipers and exclusive-to-the-R 19-inch wheels with 20-inch dubs optional. Base price $117,000/$127,000 Why buy? An XK for drivers. On sale February '07.

LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO LP640
In Italian, the LP stands for how Lamborghini places the V12 engine into the Murcielago: longitudinale posteriore. By increasing the bore and lengthening the stroke, the cooking Murcielago's 6.2L mill gets bumped to 6.5. Throw in a redesigned cylinder head, intake and engine management system and you have the definition of the second half of the alphanumeric badge: 640 hp. With a nice and useful 60 hp increase on the regular supercar, the extra urge also forced Lamborghini to strengthen the rear differential, modify the six-speed transmission and design new axle shafts. Its efforts are well worthwhile, with a claimed zero-to- 96-km/h time of 3.4 seconds, a reduction of 0.4 seconds. Base price $415,000. Why buy? With this latest raging bull, you're 20 ponies up on your neighbour who just bought a 599 GTB. On sale Now.

MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 63 AMG
Literally a synthesis of beauty and beast, the gorgeous CLS boasts the new, ground-pounding, naturally aspirated 503-hp, 6.2L V8. It's the first AMG engine not based on an existing Mercedes-Benz unit. With a claimed zero-to-100-km/h time of just 4.5 seconds, the new AMG powerplant may be the focal point but a revised sport air suspension and a high-performance braking system with composite brake discs have been added as well. Base price $128,000. Why buy? Arguably the sexiest-looking Benz ever is now one of the swiftest. On sale Now.

MINI COOPER S
With a turbocharger -- instead of the previous model's supercharger -- the higher-performing Cooper S's 1.6L engine can now brag about 175 hp. Softer-sidewall 17-inch Dunlop run-flats make the Cooper S less sensitive to lift-throttle oversteer. In addition to retaining the original's unique proportions, modern Mini Part Deux retains its imitation of a go-kart as well. Maximum torque is delivered earlier, so it's even easier to get the better of cars costing three times as much on a twisty back road. Base price $31,000 est. Why buy? Still a supercar killer. On sale Spring '07.

PORSCHE 911 GT3
With 415 hp on tap from its 3.6L flat-six, das neue GT3 is the most powerful non-turbo 911 road car in Porsche's history. The revised six-speed transmission's shorter ratios (in the top five gears) and a shifter with shorter throws backs up Porsche's claim of a zero-to-100-km/h time in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 311 km/h (that's on a track, by the way). With no stability control, a mechanical limited-slip differential and traction control are the only things keeping you from turning the huge 19-inch rubber into billows of smoke. Base price $147,300 Why buy? The 911 for track dogs. On sale Now.

- John LeBlanc, Publisher, www.straight-six.com

© National Post 2006. This article originally appeared in The National Post's Driving.