Muscle, versatility, mpg, top 2008, 2009 models in Colorado

New and redesigned 2008 and 2009 auto models are hitting the sales lots, offering buyers fuel efficiency, sporty versatility and muscle.

A number of auto makers have redesigned their best-selling passenger sedans and trucks, while others are pinning their sales hopes on crossover models, offering drivers a cross between sport utility vehicles and compact cars -- still others are focusing on the reintroduction of the American muscle car.

Chrysler

Chrysler's hot models are the Dodge Journey and the Dodge Challenger.

The Journey is Chrysler's newest crossover model that intends to offer more cabin space than competing crossovers.

"It is just starting to arrive in dealers," said Chrysler spokesman Scott Brown. "It's considered a crossover vehicle, as it blends the best attributes of an SUV, a minivan and a sedan -- sedan handling and fuel economy with the flexibility of a minivan and the capability of an SUV."

The Journey has eight interior covered storage compartments, which are intended to make the car more practical and more flexible, Brown said.

"Crossovers are one of the biggest segments in the market," he said.

The new 2008 Dodge Challenger, a reintroduction of the classic muscle car originally introduced in 1970, will begin arriving on lots this spring.

"It doesn't have a lot of unique features other than its classic styling. It's got the classic American hot rod muscle car look with all the modern updates," Brown said.

Chrysler will also be coming out with its first hybrid full-size SUVs, the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid and the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid.

General Motors

GM spokesman John McDonald said the hybrid SUVs coming out this year are the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, the GMC Yukon Hybrid and the Cadillac Escalade, all featuring the two-mode hybrid system, which offers more engine torque at low and high speeds.

Unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, but still a concept car is the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, a mid-size crossover seating up to eight people. It is slated to come out in late September.

Nissan

The newest Nissan models are the Rogue small SUV and Murano larger crossover SUVs.

"Rogue offers a number of available utility features," spokesman Tim Gallagher said, "including a fold-flat front passenger seat, a rear 60/40 split-fold bench seat, an oversize glove box with partition and a versatile, dual-level center console storage."

The cargo area features an available one-touch foldable cargo organizer, a removable tray that fits below the floor.

The Murano is in its second generation. The first generation launched four years ago as one of the first crossover models.

"Murano has a completely new exterior and interior and includes a new foldaway cargo organizer, heated front and rear seats, power lift gate, power return rear seat and Rearview Monitor," Gallagher said. "All 2009 Muranos feature a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 265 horsepower."

The new Muranos also are available in front-wheel drive or with an advanced all-wheel drive system. The 2009 Murano features a new "D" platform, first introduced on the 2007 Altima, which is intended to provide a more solid foundation and new, lighter suspension components.

Both vehicles feature Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) eliminating the 'shift shock feel' that is common to most automatic transmissions.

Sales also remain strong for smaller efficient cars such as the Sentra line of sedans and the entry level Versa compact sedan and hatchback, he said.

Toyota

Toyota spokesman Bill Kawong said the 2009 redesigned models are the Toyota Corolla, the Toyota Matrix.

The new Corolla offers an all-new body with a goal of additional interior space and luggage room, more power and more fuel efficient engines.

The body was designed to have a lower, sportier shape and the result is a car that is less than a half-inch longer than the older version, less than 2.5 inches wider, and about one inch shorter in height. It's made to have enough room for five people. It comes in five grades -- standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S and the performance- driven XRS.

The 2009 Matrix redesign has a wider, lower stance than the current model but maintains interior space. It offers the choice of two different engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmissions.

Honda

Jeff Jensen at Pikes Peak Acura said they have three new 2009 models coming in and the first one will arrive next month.

"The Acura TSX will be 100 percent redesigned and we should have it for sale in late March. It will offer Acura's first diesel engine offered in North America."

A redesigned RL, mainly a cosmetic redesign over the current car will be available in May.

"Our TL will be out in September and it will be a 100 percent redesigned car and it will be offered in all wheel drive for the first time," he said.

Still, Honda's best selling model is the Accord.

"The Honda Accord is all-new for 2008," said Sage Marie, manager Honda public relations. "It's bigger, more powerful, and more luxurious without compromising the fuel efficiency that Hondas are known for.