| New Models
Blur Lines Between Traditional Categories
- Creating New Breed of Vehicles
TAMPA, FL - The 2003-Model Tampa Bay
International Auto Show promises hundreds of 2003-model
domestic and import cars all under one roof. Set to take
place Thursday, November 14 through Sunday, November 17,
2002, at the Tampa Convention Center, the auto show provides
the perfect setting for car enthusiasts to check out what's
hot in the world of cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs for
the new model year. This year, attendees will see more crossover
vehicles than ever before, revealing a new breed of vehicles.
"The 2003-model year is making us re-think
our traditional definitions for the various car categories,"
said Kevin Smith, Motor Trend editor-in-chief. "Manufacturers
are creating action in the margins, in the gray area between
the traditional car categories to create a new category
of crossover vehicles."
"For example, the definition of an SUV is
modifying, growing and evolving," added Smith. "Manufacturers
are borrowing the best from all kinds of cars and molding
them into this new category of 'all purpose vehicles' or
'all activity vehicles,' which combine the best characteristics
from the car, truck, wagon, SUV and minivan. The Volvo XC90,
Honda Pilot and Chrysler Pacifica are all prime examples
of this new breed of vehicle and we are sure to see several
more of these model types as more manufacturers follow suit."
The following is a comprehensive list of what's
new from nearly all domestic and import manufacturers and
a sample of what visitors can see at this year's Tampa Bay
International Auto Show:
Acura - Acura's biggest news is that
the CL now offers a six-speed manual transmission on the
Type-S trim. Changes to the CL's exterior include new wheels,
updated headlights and taillights and new exhaust tips.
Interior enhancements include a new added LATCH child safety
seat attachment, a dual-stage and dual-threshold driver
front airbag and an auto-up driver window. The MDX received
significant upgrades including an increase in horsepower
from 246 to 260, a redesigned five-speed transmission and
a tuned suspension for better handling. The MDX also offers
an optional navigational system and a new DVD rear seat
entertainment system. The NSX carries over unchanged as
do the RL, RSX and TL models.
Aston Martin - Building hand-crafted,
high-performance sports cars is Aston Martin's forté. As
the mainstay of the line, the DB7 is offered in Vantage
coupe or Volante convertible models. Changes for '03 include
larger side strakes and brighter headlamps. Aston's flagship
Vanquish gets a Linn Audio system and rear parking sensors.
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Audi - Hot on the heels of the all-new
A4 last year, Audi unleashes a topless Cabrio version. Appropriately
stiffened and seating four, the front-wheel-drive only A4
Cabrio is powered by Audi's five-valve 220-horsepower, V-6
with the continuously variable automatic transmission standard.
A 170-horsepower turbo 1.8T follows midyear. The A6 models
still stand out from their German rivals with distinctive
styling and loyalty to all-wheel drive. The most impressive
in the line up is the new RS6 model that is powered by a
twin-turbo V-8 rated at 450 horsepower and sold only with
all-wheel drive. For 2003, the Audi TT models will be available
with a six-speed automatic. The Audi Allroad, which has
all the capabilities of an SUV, will add the 4.2-liter V-8
in 2003.
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BMW - The Z4 is replacing the Z3 Roadster
and incorporating exciting new designs and edgy styling
cues. The small two-seater will grow this year, adding much
needed interior and trunk space. Introduced last winter,
the 7 Series reinvented the luxury sedan - and many owners
are still mastering the newly developed iDrive control system
and console-mounted "joystick." In 2003, BMW adds the 760I,
a 400-plus-horsepower, V-12. The 3 Series, 5 Series and
$130,000 Z8 remains unchanged for 2003, while the X5 SUV
adds side airbags and brake-force display as standard features.
Buick - Buick sees no reason to tamper
with success as buyers continue to flock to the mid-size
Century. Changes for 2003 include a new grille, chrome door
header moldings, body-color fascias and side moldings. For
the past decade, the LeSabre has been the best-selling fullsize
car in the U.S. To commemorate this occasion, Buick will
build about 10,000 LeSabre Celebration Editions for 2003.
Buick is bringing back portholes in the Park Avenue model
as a design cue to symbolize its centennial year. The crossover-style
Rendezvous adds exciting options for 2003, including XM
satellite radio, an electronic liftgate release and a DVD-based
entertainment system with a fold-down seven-inch monitor.
Cadillac - The dramatically styled
midsize CTS will replace the Catera as Cadillac's new entry-luxury
sedan for 2003. The Deville receives revised taillamps,
mirror-mounted turn signals, a tire-pressure monitor and
optional XM Satellite Radio. The Cadillac Escalade features
a redesigned instrument panel, center console and now offers
optional second-row bucket seats. The Escalade ESV's wheelbase
is stretched 22-inches longer than the base Escalade.
Chevrolet - The much-anticipated 2004
SSR convertible pick-up will look almost exactly like the
concept. It's top folds and lowers behind the front seats
at the flip of a switch. Only 10,000 will be produced at
the estimated price of $40,000. As Chevrolet's perennial
best-selling car line, the entry-level Cavalier will present
several upgrades for 2003. Coupes and sedans have new front
and rear fascias, headlamps, taillamps, hood and gold Chevy
bow-tie emblems. The LS and LS Sport gain standard 60/40-split
rear seats with LATCH safety-seat attachment points. A new
50th Anniversary Edition Corvette package includes Anniversary
Red paint, a contrasting Shale interior, champagne-painted
alloy wheels and new Magnetic Selective Ride Control. With
the departure of the Camaro, the Monte Carlo inherits the
pole position as Chevy's affordable midsize muscle coupe.
The Suburban receives key refinements, such as adjustable
gas and brake pedals, dual-stage airbags and four-wheel
steering. The Silverado receives a freshened appearance
and four-wheel-steering is available on more trim levels.
Take the Silverado 1500 Short-bed and lower it two inches,
add 20-inch wheels, all-wheel-drive and a monster 345-horsepower
V-8 and you get the new Silverado SS. A sixteen-inch longer
wheelbase and third-row seating is added to the Trailblazer
in the EXT trim. The aggressive looking Avalanche adds Stabilitrak,
adjustable pedals and a version with body cladding.
Chrysler - Big news for Chrysler is
the new turbocharged PT Cruiser. The new 2.4-liter engine
will raise the power from 150 to 215 horsepower and 245
lb-ft of torque. A convertible PT is in the works for 2004.
The Sebring Coupe is graced with a major facelift, with
all-new front and rear fascias, grille, headlamps, taillamps,
hood and trunklid designs. Due on the market by the summer
of 2003 is the Crossfire - the first true fruit of cross-pollination
between Chrysler, Mercedes and American design with German
engineering. This distinctive two-seater will feature large
19-inch wheels in back and will be about the same length
as an Audi TT, but four inches narrower with an estimated
price tag of $30,000. The segment-busting Pacifica, due
spring 2003, is an example of the latest crossover trend.
The Pacifica has its own platform and carlike handling,
three rows of seating for six people and standard all-wheel-drive.
It's not a minivan but has a standard power liftgate and
other similar conveniences. The Town & Country minivan adds
a large power sunroof, an optional DVD-based entertainment
system with wireless headphones and optional power-adjustable
pedals.
Dodge - The Viper enters its 12th year
completely redesigned from the ground-up as the Viper SRT-10
that sports 500-horsepower, 525 lb-ft of torque, side-pipes
and improved interior fitments. Dodge is competing in the
performance market with a new SXT Stratus - a midsize, five-passenger
sedan featuring 16-inch chrome wheels, keyless entry, CD
player and a powerful engine. The SXT is attractively priced
for around $18,000. Dodge honed the Stratus Coupe for 2003,
giving it chrome grille inserts, new 16-inch wheel covers
for the SE model and 17-inch aluminum wheels for the R/T.
Hood, trunk and rear fascia are new as well as a new self-dimming
mirror with compass, HomeLink and maplights. The Intrepid
R/T was dropped, but Dodge now offers the performance-driven
Intrepid STX with 244 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque
from its High Output 3.5-liter SOHC V-6. The Neon SRT-4,
the quickest to 60 mph of any Dodge other than the Viper
thanks to a new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, will have
new front and rear fascias for 2003. The Grand Caravan adds
six inches to the wheelbase, a huge sunroof and can be ordered
with or without a DVD entertainment system with a flip down
LCD screen and wireless headphones. The Dakota will now
be available in the Stampede edition, which features ground
effects and special wheels that add a better handling suspension.
The Dodge Ram 2500/3500 receives the facelift that the Ram
1500 received a year ago. Plus, two new engine packages
are available for the Ram - a Cummins Turbo Diesel the produces
555-lb.ft. of torque and a Hemi Magnum V-8 that creates
345 horsepower. For 2003, all Durangos have standard disc
brakes with ABS and 16x7.0-inch alloy wheels.
Ferrari - The biggest news for Ferrari
is the new Enzo. Named after the man who created the company,
the $625,000 Ferrari Enzo promises to deliver world-beating
performance in a high-tech, Formula one inspired package.
Stretched to 5.75-liters and 508-horsepower, the new 575M
Maranello replaces the 550. The 575M Maranello offers F1-style
paddle shifting - a first for a V-12 grand touring Ferrari.
All Modena and 456M models remain unchanged.
Ford - The Expedition has been completely
redesigned with a new frame that has hydroformed rails and
an independent rear suspension to improve ride quality and
boost interior space. The Escape offers a new Limited model
that includes leather seats, side airbags, reverse-sensing
system and six-disc CD changer. The king-size Excursion
adds an Eddie Bauer trim level positioned between the base
XLT and top-line Limited. The Mustang has boosted performance
in an effort to attract Camaro and Firebird fans, bringing
back the Mach 1 Coupe with 17-inch magnum chrome wheels
and 300-plus-horsepower. Ford's "living-legend" Thunderbird
adds variable valve timing to increase the current 252 horsepower
to 280. Hot news is future arrival of the 2004 GT40 - a
road ready, reproduction of its fabled Le Mans-winning GT40
sports car. A bit larger than the original and fitted with
a full complement of safety features and creature comforts,
only about 100 units are projected for production the first
year. This exotic car will house a 500-horsepower supercharged
5.4-liter, V-8 and a sticker price of $120,000 or more.
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GMC - Big news includes the introduction
of the 2004 Canyon pickup truck and 2004 Envoy XUV. The
2004 GMC Canyon is new-from-the-ground-up and is larger
than today's Sonoma. The new platform is derived from GM's
mid-sized sport/utes and drawings show resemblance to the
Envoy. The 2004 Envoy XUV further blurs the lines between
vehicle classification - combining a power-retractable rear-roof
section and folding midgate with power glass to haul everything
from plywood to wet topsoil. Production on both 2004 models
will begin mid to late 2003. Also all-new for 2003 is the
Savana. This full size van will include unique features
to the segment such as 60/40 left-side entry/cargo doors,
all-wheel-drive and access panels for workers to get their
tools from outside the vehicle.
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Honda - Top news for Honda is the new
Element SUV dubbed a "mobile dorm room/base camp." The Element
features internet access, MP3 capabilities and a sliding
roof panel with foldaway seats to maximize space. In addition,
the Element sports a satellite radio along with the basic
audio package and optional DVD-based navigational system.
Also hot this year for Honda is the Pilot - a new midsize
SUV sharing much of its mechanical pedigree with the Acura
MDX. This eight-passenger hauler has a SOHC V-6 backed by
a five-speed autoshifter that drives all four wheels. Honda's
best seller, the Accord, is completely redesigned with more
style, room, performance and sophistication than ever before.
Honda is also launching the 2003 Civic Hybrid with fuel
economy reaching 47 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway.
This Civic variant offers unique front/rear-end styling
and adds alloy wheels, side airbags and many comfort and
convenience standards.
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Hummer - GM's Hummer division created
the super-capable, rock-crawling H2 by stretching and optimizing
a Taho/Suburban chassis. The H2 will also get a pickup bed
behind its passenger compartment and the name H2 SUT (sport-utility
truck). Capable of seating five-passengers, the H2 SUT has
a midgate similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche with a power
sliding window that folds forward so the covered bed is
open to the passenger compartment. The H2 SUT will be available
late 2003.
Hyundai - Hyundai launches the all-new
2003 Tiburon - adding new punch and pizzazz but retaining
an attractive price point. New features include a new engine,
sport suspension option, leather, an Infinity stereo and
more. Hyundai is also incorporating a new look for the Accent
with new fenders, fascias and lamp assemblies. In addition,
the Elantra adds a new GT four-door sedan to compliment
the existing GT five-door hatchback and GLS.
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Infiniti - Melding the best attributes
of a high-performance sport machine and a luxury SUV, the
completely new 2004 FX45 vehicle will go on sale in early
2003. Featuring a 300-plus-horsepower, V-8 engine with manual
shift mode, all-wheel-drive and rich leather, brushed metal
and an LCD display on the interior, the estimated price
is only $39,000 to $44,000. Another significant vehicle
is the all-new M45 model that offers strong performance
in a high-value package. Standard features include a massive
array of comfort and convenience touches, traction and stability-control
systems and 18-inch wheels for a starting price in the low
$40,000 range. Complimenting the G35 family, Infiniti is
adding a new coupe variant with two-doors to the existing
line-up. This stylish two-door G35 coupe has more horsepower
than its four-door counterpart (280 horsepower) and offers
a six-speed manual gearbox.
Isuzu - Replacing the Trooper this
year is the Ascender - an Isuzu-tuned version of the Chevrolet
Trailblazer. Longer than the Trooper, the Ascender has a
third-row seat and accommodates seven passengers. The Ascender
is 500 pounds heavier than the Trooper and can tow more
than 5,000 lbs. The two-year old Axiom is unchanged and
the Rodeo gets automatic-transmission ratio refinements.
Jaguar - Austin Power's favorite ride,
the XK8, receives more power under the hood for 2003 as
does the S-Type which added a new R model with a supercharged
V-8 engine. The XJ8's base 290-horsepower 4.0-liter gets
a new value-oriented package for 2003 that includes heated
leather seats, premium sound system, wood/leather steering
wheel and more. Look for a completely new XJ series for
2004.
Jeep - The new Wrangler Rubicon, named
after the famous Rubicon trail, will hit dealer showrooms
this year. The Rubicon has rock-crunching features including
31-inch tires and special panels that protect from rock
damage.
Kia - Kia broadens its SUV line-up
for 2003 with the new, midsize Sorento. Offering room for
five, the Sorento will have front-wheel-drive or part-time
four-wheel-drive and comfort/convenience standards for an
estimated price of $19,950 to $24,000. A major mid-generation
upgrade emboldens Kia's entry-level Rio, with both sedan
and Cinco wagon models getting major facelifts and more
powerful engines. The interiors also enjoy revisions, adding
rear-seat heater ducts, door-panel storage pockets and LATCH
child-seat anchors.
Lamborghini - The new Murciélago, named
after a famous fighting bull, is exciting news for Lamborghini.
Continuing the heritage of a longitudinal engine, the Murciélago
has the gearbox placed forward. This Lamborghini also has
all-wheel drive to help harness the 370-ft torque at 2000
rpm. Lamorghini says top speed is over 200 mph, with a 3.7-second
0-60 time. The Murciélago also features scissor doors, six-speed
manual transmission and moveable cooling ducts.
Land Rover - The all-new Range Rover
is already in dealer showrooms and on the streets. Co-engineered
with BMW prior to Ford's purchase of Land Rover, the 2003
Range Rover sports a new body, four-wheel independent suspension,
adjustable airsprings and a new 282-horsepower, 4.4-liter,
V-8 engine. The elegant cabin offers many high-tech features
including heated steering wheel, LCD display, navigation
system and six-disc CD changer. The Discovery receives nearly
700 modifications for 2003. Revised headlights and grille
mimic the look of the new Range Rover and the 4.6-liter
engine replaces the 4.0 liter. Standard on all models is
a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with hill decent
and traction control.
Lexus - The all-new 2003 GX 470 is
a full-featured, full-luxury on/off roader that further
confuses the definition of an SUV. Smaller than the LX 470
but larger than the RX 300, the new GX 470 features full-time
all-wheel-drive system, automatic climate control, leather
and a full array of power assists. The 2003 LX 470 receives
a mid-generation interior/exterior facelift this year with
numerous mechanical upgrades including front-side/side-curtain
airbags, rain-sensing wipers and rear-seat audio controls.
Lincoln - The all-new 2003 Aviator
is a smaller version of the Navigator and similar in size
to the Ford Explorer. The new 2003 Navigator shares its
redesigned frame and independent rear suspension with Ford's
Expedition. Lincoln has redesigned the Town Car for 2003
in an effort to better meet the needs of traditional luxury-car
buyers. Changes include upright, formal styling, expanded
storage space inside the plush cabin, and easier access
to the large trunk. This flagship vehicle also gains a new
frame, redesigned front suspension and enhanced brakes.
More power and luxury are the big news for the 2003 LS.
Variable valve timing ups the output of the engine to a
3.9-liter, V-8 engine that generates 280 horsepower. Inside,
models receive an ebony gloss look, optional heated/cooled
seats and Lucasfilm-THX sound system.
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Maserati - The Spyder offers a power
convertible top and a starting price of $84,000. The hard-top
Coupe is 8.5-inches longer than its counterpart and includes
a back seat capable of holding two adults. Both models share
the same 390-horsepower twin-cam all-aluminum V-8 and offer
the same choice or rear-mounted transmission, fully manual
or hydraulically actuated Cambiocorsa and Skyhook automatic-damping
suspension.
Mazda - Mazda is producing an all-new
midsize lineup to replace the 626 and Millenia dubbed the
Mazda 6. Offered in four-door sedan, hatchback and wagon
body styles, the Mazda 6 wears bold styling and rides on
a completely new platform. The spacious interior includes
a single-touch folding rear seat on the hatchback. The MPV
adds optional power-sliding rear doors for LX and ES models.
The Protegé and Protegé5 receive minor appearance changes.
Mercedes-Benz - Making headlines for
Mercedes is the new E-Class. Two new-generation sedans,
the E320 and E500 will make debuts in 2003 with cutting-edge
safety airbags that deploy according to crash severity.
Estimated price range - $49,000 to $65,000. Also big news
for Mercedes is the all-new SL-500, which debuted in 2002
with its fast acting retractable aluminum roof. This convertible
is much lighter and stunningly sleek. The S-Class receives
new front and rear fascias, headlights and tailights, as
well as new technologies - if sensors and onboard computers
anticipate an unavoidable collision, the seats and seatbelts
are adjusted to best absorb the impact, and the sunroof
closes if the car skids. Still catching attention on the
streets is the G-Class, an SUV that combines the rugged
durability of military transportation with luxuries including
heated steering wheel, multi-contour seats and rear-parking
assist.
Mercury - The most anticipated addition
to the lineup has been the release of the 300-horsepower,
rear-drive Grand Marquis-based Marauder. The Marauder gains
stealthy black paint, a 4.6-liter/320-horsepower, DOHC,
V-8 with dual exhaust, 18-inch wheels, leather-trimmed front
buckets and a floor-mounted shifter for the automatic transmission.
The Mountaineer adds more standard equipment, including
power-adjustable pedals and heated front seats.
Mini - Part of the BMW Group, Mini
is the brand and Cooper and Cooper S are the models. The
Cooper S offers an impressive 163-horsepower engine. Based
on the original 1959-2000 Mini, these retro-inspired two-door,
front-drive coupes are winning friends with performance,
style and affordable price point - $16,300 to $19,300.
Mitsubishi - Mitsubishi busts a new
market segment with the Outlander, an entry-level SUV based
on the Lancer subcompact chasis. It has truck-like looks,
with full-time, all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. Competitors
include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester
and estimated price range is $18,000 to $24,000. Set to
arrive in Spring 2003 is the Lancer Evolution VIII - a street
legal pro-rally car with close to 250-horsepower, all-wheel
drive and monster brakes - and a price under $30,000.
Nissan - The 350Z car is now a reality
for car lovers. Viewed as a concept car for the past few
years, the fabled Z-car enters into the market in the summer
of 2003. Melding classic design with innovative touches,
this rear-drive, two-seater is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6
engine with 287 horsepower and runs up to 60 mph in six
seconds. Estimated price range - $26,269 to $34,079. The
bold styling and high-tech touches on the all-new Murano,
gives Nissan a unique entrée into the burgeoning SUV/crossover
market. Derived from the Altima, the four-passenger Murano
will come with a 3.5-liter, 245-horsepower, V-6 and will
be priced at $30,000. The Nissan Frontier debuts three first-in-class
options: dynamic traction control, an onboard tire pressure
monitoring system and a power sunroof for the Crew Cab.
Oldsmobile - Since the announced phase-out
of the entire Oldsmobile division, small improvements to
the line-up are seen in 2003. The Bravada now features DVD
passenger entertainment, the Alero will offer XM Satellite
Radio for 2003 and the Silhouette makes traction control
standard on the two-wheel-drive.
Pontiac -The Grand AM, Pontiac's best-selling
compact sedans and coupes receive a host of changes for
2003. The base SE sedan gains smooth-surfaced front and
rear fascias and deletes body-side cladding for a cleaner
look. The SE2 sedan is equipped with the V-6, 15-inch alloy
wheels, air-conditioning, center console, cruise control
and power locks. The Sunfire gets and updated front and
rear fascias, a more powerful engine with more standard
features on entry-level models. Grand Prix coupes are discontinued
for 2003. The Montana minivan expands its offerings with
a long-wheelbase version of its standard-wheelbase Special
Value model. With the loss of the Firebird, Pontiac is making
plans to fill the gaping hole in its lineup with the introduction
of the 2004 GTO.
Porsche - Porsche introduces the second-generation
Boxster for 2003. Revised front and rear styling improves
aerodynamics, while new side scoops direct more air to the
mid-mounted engine. The Boxter's convertible top receives
a glass window with defroster. The biggest news for Porsche
will happen next year as they introduce their first SUV
in 2004 - the Cayenne. Powered by a front-mounted V8 engine,
the four-door Cayenne will have new Porsche Traction Management
and full-time, all-wheel-drive that can send up to 100 percent
of torque to either end of the vehicle. Air suspension,
optional on the S and standard on the Turbo, drops for loading
and has low settings for the road or can be raised to provide
ground clearance for off-roading. The estimated price is
currently $50,000 to $65,000.
Saab - The completely new 93 premium
compact sport sedan fitted with Saab's new 2.0-liter, 175-horsepower
DOHC turbo will be released this year. Early 2003 will bring
the mid-level Arc and top-line Vector with added horsepower
and turbo. Standard safety features include an Electronic
Stability Program, traction control, active head restraints,
dual-stage front airbags and side curtain airbags. Midyear,
the 93 convertible will be launched followed by conventional
and crossover wagons a year later. Saab's 95 midsize luxury
sedans and wagons enter '03 with minor changes.
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Saturn - The new Ion compact sedan
and quad coupe replace Saturn's S-Series for 2003. Both
are taller and longer and still feature polymer side body
panels and a center-mounted instrument cluster. Saturn's
L-Series midsize vehicles now feature wraparound headlamps,
a larger grille with chrome trim, a raised hood and new
taillights and rear fascia on sedans. Interiors feature
brushed nickel trim, silver instruments and "European-style"
upholstery. Standard equipment includes head-curtain airbags,
16-inch wheels and ABS. Key options are DVD entertainment
system and OnStar. For 2003, Saturn's Grand Cherokee-size
SUV the VUE will now offer a front-wheel-drive powered V-6.
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Subaru - Spun from the Legacy/Outback,
Subaru's all-new Baja combines the best attributes of a
pickup and an SUV. Offering seating for four, this compact
crossover can be easily reconfigured via a Switchback system
featuring a fold-down lower-rear bulkhead panel. Forester
received a makeover as well, both inside and out. It now
includes a 2.5-liter, 165-horsepower F-4 engine, a well-sorted
suspension and full-time, all-wheel-drive plus all the standards
including keyless remote entry, ABS and front/side airbags.
For 2003, all 2.5 models - the RS sedans and TS/Outback
Sport wagons have added LATCH child-seat anchors and an
illuminated ignition switch. The TS wagon gets cruise control
and the Outback Sport a remote keyless entry. The WRX packs
a turbo 2.0-liter, 227-horsepower motivator. Legacy and
Outback, Subaru's all-wheel-drive, all-weather vehicles
now have revamped front suspension tuning to improve ride
and handling and freshened front fascias on sedan and wagon
models.
Suzuki - Suzuki Aerio/Aerio SX adds
and optional four-wheel-drive package but no other changes.
Available in conventional sedan or Aerio SX crossover sport
wagon. The five-seater Grand Vitara and the seven-seater
Grand Vitara XL-7 SUVs benefit from a bounty of detail upgrades.
Both of these on/off roaders receive new dash/console trim
treatments, steering wheel controls and alloy wheels on
all models. The more petite and scaled-down Vitara offers
a two- or four-door model.
Toyota - The Celica adds a bolder look
with a more aggressive front fascia, new taillamps and optional
HID headlamps. The Corolla is larger and more sophisticated,
resembling a scaled-down Camry. The Matrix crossover wagon,
introduced late last year, combines the best of both the
Corolla sedan and the Celica GT-S. The Echo, priced at $10,100-$11,500
received new fascias, lamp assemblies, front quarters and
decklid. The MR2 Spyder, mid-engine two-seater receives
new front/rear fascias and lamp assemblies, foglamps and
restyled instruments and interior. 4Runner steps up both
in size and features for 2003. Sharing the body-on-frame
design with the new Lexus GX 470, this well-equipped five-passenger
SUV gains 4.5 inches in wheel base length and front shoulder
room. All 4Runners get stability/traction control, ABS and
Hill Start Control. Mild front/rear restyling pops the profile
of the 2003 Avalon, plus a revamped instrument cluster and
dual-stage airbags. The top-line Avalon XLS now includes
rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming driver-side mirror and
optional DVD-based navigation system. Despite the updgrades,
pricing levels remain -- $25,845-$30,405. The Prius, Toyota's
hybrid, carries over and continues to boast 52-city/45-highway
EPA mileage and meets SULEV emissions and now has an optional
navigation system.
Volkswagen - Gone after 23 years is
the VW (Rabbit/Golf) Cabrio, now replaced by the New Beetle
Cabrio. This new power drop-top Beetle will have pop-up
rollover protection, a new 2.0-liter engine and will be
priced at $16,500. The New Beetle Turbo adds pep to the
lineup with new masculine front and rear bumpers, 17-inch
sport wheels and tires and 180 horsepower to attract a more
manly clientele. Summer of 2003 will bring the launch of
the Touareg, a 4.2-liter, 306-horsepower V-8 four-door off-roader
with standard 17-inch wheels and variable-height air suspension.
EuroVan Camper continues to dwarf Windstars and Caravans
with its 208 cubic-feet of cargo capacity and optional sink,
built-in refrigerator, stove and two-person bed. 2004 Phaeton
will arrive in May 2003 as a 2004 model. The Phaeton will
boldly top the $50K line with an estimated price of $55,000-$65,000
price tag. Powered by either a V-8 or an optional W-12 engine,
the Phaeton will have a five-speed Tiptronic differential,
air suspension, 18-way adjustable power front seats with
cool and massage, navigation system and a power-operated
trunklid.
Volvo - Like the Lexus RX300 and Infiniti
FX45, the all-new XC90 is a crossover SUV based on a passenger-car
platform. The XC90 seats up to seven passengers and offers
85.1 cubic-feet of cargo space. Volvo safety features include
an anti-roll gyro-based stability system, side-curtain airbags,
a roof reinforced with strong Boron steel and will be priced
at $39,975 to $40,800. The entry-level S40 sedan and V40
wagon receive minor changes including a sporty new black
egg-crate grille, redesigned headlights and body color bumpers
and side moldings and a new three-spoke steering wheel and
instrument panel. The Volvo S70 Convertible includes all
of the standard safety features Volvo has made famous plus
luxurious comforts like more power, optional turbo, heated
leather bucket seats and a 240-watt sound system. V70 wagon
now offers a choice of front or all-wheel drive. V70 XC
(Cross Country) offers SUV-like styling cues and adjustable
height suspension for moderate off-road travel. |
