If you like to follow car trends as much as I do you are interested in the latest models as well as what is coming down the pike in future years. Automakers like to generate future car excitement as they think consumers will more than likely trade up to a newer model as our "older" cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs gracefully age. Well, I wouldn't hold my breath if I were them, but at the very least many of the models coming down the pike in 2007 and beyond are certain to spark a lot of enthusiasm.

Jaguar XK - The most luxurious cat gets a major make over for the 2007 model year. The coupe is scheduled to be released by Spring 2006, while the convertible will be released one year later. The new XK will still retain its 4.2L V8, but a 6 speed automatic transmission will be all new. A new braking system with enhanced ABS and Bosch steering will be make its debut in addition to Sirius Satellite Radio and an Alpine Dolby surround sound stereo system. Retail price is expected to start around $85,000.

Saturn Sky - Sharing many of the same components as the all new 2006 Pontiac Solstice, the Sky is poised to bring the Saturn brand up market with this sexy two seat convertible. Early pictures of the Sky give it a sportier look than the Solstice and at $25,000 it is priced about $5,000 higher than its Pontiac cousin. Look for the Sky to hit Saturn showrooms in the early part of 2006.

Toyota FJ Cruiser - With the FJ Cruiser, Toyota has created a smaller, more rugged version of the bulky Land Cruiser. With a 4.0L V6 engine, the SUV will be paired with a 5 speed automatic or with a 6 speed manual transmission. Built on a shortened version of the 4Runner platform, the FJ seats five passengers and takes styling cues from the FJ40, the SUV that strengthened the Toyota name during the 1960s. List price is expected to be in the $20-25,000 range.

Land Rover Freelander - Land Rover's entry level SUV gets a fresh makeover for 2007 as the Freelander will now share the same platform as Volvo's XC50. Both lines of vehicles are owned by Ford Motor Company, thus certain major components will be shared including an inline six cylinder engine supplied by Volvo. No word yet on its price, but a bottomline figure in the neighborhood of $30,000 seems reasonable.

Dodge Nitro - Twenty years after the acquisition of the American Motor Company {AMC} by Chrysler, Jeep components will finally underpin a new Dodge model. Based on the Jeep Liberty, the Dodge Nitro is a five passenger SUV with customarily large Dodge fender flares and the ubiquitous Dodge grille. The same 3.7L V6 engine found in the Liberty will power the Dodge. Prices are expected to start below $25,000.

Other models expected to make their debut or come under some serious reworking for model year 2007 include the Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi Q7 {SUV}, BMW X5, all GM large trucks and SUVs, as well as the introduction of the first hybrid gas-electric vehicles from Nissan, GM, and Chrysler.

The future car horizon looks very bright and enthusiasts are waiting with eager anticipation for what lies ahead. Whether any of the hype translates into sales remains to be seen, but consumer interest will certainly be sparked nonetheless.