Indholdsfortegnelse for March 1997 i MotorTrend

VOLVO’S BEST-SELLER GETS A NEW LOOK AND A NEW NAME Volvo’s popular 850 lineup undergoes numerous significant changes for model-year ’98, which will commence about the time this story appears in print. Just prior to the launch of the C70 coupe and as part of a worldwide nomenclature transition, the 850 sedan becomes the S70 and its wagon counterpart gets renamed V70. Complementing the new monikers are complete interior and exterior revamps, which Volvo says entail nearly 2000 major and minor upgrades, including about 1600 new parts, or about two thirds of the vehicle. A close perusal of the exterior reveals that only the 850-Series door skins carry over for ’98. Both “S” (for “sedan”) and “V” (for “versatile”) models share a new common nose highlighted by a C70 hood,…

TESTING THE EV MARKET Falling easily under the “don’t you hate it when that happens” category is the high-stakes charging-standards battle now taking place in the electric-vehicle (EV) arena…as if this field needed more controversy. First, some clarification. Buyers of first-generation EVs won’t find their electrified wheels outmoded due to a particular charging interface falling out of favor. There will always be places to plug in—whether an EV uses either a conductive plug that transfers electrical energy via a metal-to-metal connection (the most common method) or an inductive paddle that transfers energy via a magnetic field, as in the case of GM’s EVI. For example, an EV’s home charger will remain available for charging duty, as will the stow-away “convenience” charger that all models will carry onboard for charging capability…

Confronted with the daring styling benchmarks and ever-growing market share threats of the currentgeneration Dodge and Ford full-size pickups, the all-new Chevrolet (and sister brand GMC) trucks must come bursting through the gates with a bold new look and smart engineering to match. Insiders confidently report that the General Motors truck divisions are right on track for the redesigned ’99 product. Current owners reportedly are quite pleased with the overall design of the C/K pickups and their full-size sport/utility brethren, leaving GM engineers to focus on overall refinement rather than reinventing the entire notion of what pickups and SUVs should be. The most significant changes to the eminently successful high-volume trucks are spurred by a concern for ever-evolving fuel economy regulations, creature comforts, and ride compliance. Although the essential body-on-frame…

Due for launch here in fall 1997, the sporty Mercedes-Benz CLK is based on a substantially modified version of the existing C-Class sedan platform, but it wears sheetmetal clearly reminiscent of the new E-Class. It also bears quite a striking resemblance to the Coupe Studie Mercedes displayed at the ’93 Geneva Motor Show. For the record, CLK stands for “coupe,” “light,” and “kurz”—German for short. Although it shares the same 105.9-inch wheelbase with the smallest M-B sedan, reduced front/rear overhangs make this roomy semi-fastback coupe variant several inches shorter than its four-door kin. Inside, the CLK was designed to handle a quartet of adults in comfort. Up front are a pair of well-bolstered sport buckets. The rear quarters have two individual “buckettes” with contoured seatbacks that fold flat to further…

What you’ll find Where is a snap-shot of the automotive horizon. We’ve spoken to automaker insiders, parts suppliers, persistent spies, and worldwide industry experts to offer brief sketches of the cars and trucks heading toward you from now until the turn of the century. Those vehicles that are nearer on this time-travel horizon are in crisp focus. Concept vehicles have hinted at their styling cues. And generally, carmakers and unofficial camera work have been leaking hard information about them for several years. But the vehicles beyond the near horizon are pieced together from less-official sources, and specific details are not well defined. In fact, some of the turn-of-the-century models, because of market upheavals, unpredictable fuel costs, and competitive pricing pressures, may change significantly or won’t arrive at all. But for…

Like a 7.3-magnitude earthquake centered on Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, the original Lexus LS 400 uprooted the foundations and toppled longstanding icons of the high-end luxury car segment when it debuted as an ’89 model. Although the Infiniti Q45 enjoyed critical acclaim when it arrived soon after, its sales volume was but a light, dish-rattling aftershock. The original LS 400’s success was based on a compelling combination of Mercedes-like styling and solidity, American-mellow suspension and steering, plus renowned Toyota ergonomics and reliability, all topped by a Blue Light Special introductory price. The result prompted extensive rebuilding programs (after some extensive rethinking programs) at every luxury carmaker, especially those on the far side of the Atlantic. Meanwhile, auto reviewers widely praised the Infiniti for its aggressive styling and enthusiast-tuned handling. Some…

Infiniti’s new QX4 may share its structure, engine, transmission, and most of its bodywork with the Nissan Pathfinder, but there are enough subtle creature-comfort differences to satisfy upscale buyers, and a major drivetrain revision should have tech fiends grinning. Is that enough to ensure success? Most of the QX4’s visual distinction derives from plastic panels that integrate the bumpers into the side step rails. Integrated foglamps stacked beneath the headlights contribute to the QX4’s unified appearance. The QX4’s hood and tail hatch also are new, and the Infiniti’s three-spoke alloy wheels are 16 inches in diameter as compared with the Nissan’s 15-inchers. The QX4’s 245/70R16 all-season radials split the difference between the Pathfinder LE’s 235/70SR15 and the SE’s 265/70SR15 tires in section width. Inside, the QX4’s Pathfinder origins are apparent…

’96 FORD TAURUS LX The ford laurus is maintaining its title ot the bestselling sedan in America due to its strong 3.0-liter/200-horsepower V-6, statement-making styling, decent interior room, and, of course, aggressive pricing. Criticism continues regarding the comfort of the leather-wrapped front buckets and the unusual stereo and climate-control layout. Specifically, the center pod buttons have a good feel, but their positioning makes it challenging to memorize their placement. There’s no argument, however, over the smooth ride, brawny engine, and numerous well-conceived features. Troubles persist with the ashtray, which has again shut itself closed like a clam, preventing power-point access. The first scheduled servicing at 5000 miles cost a wallet-denting $115 for the basic oil change, filter replacement, and tire rotation. While at the dealership, a safety recall (potential transaxle…

Just when it seemed every conceivable supercharger system for the Ford Mustang GT had been built, along comes Allen Engine Development with yet another variation on the theme. With cutbacks in the defense industry, all that engineering talent has to do something. The basis for the $3500 Allen kit is the Eaton M90 Roots-style blower—a supercharger known for OEM-qualified dependability and quiet operation—once used on the Thunderbird Super Coupe. The supercharger sits in the valley between the SOHC 4.6-liter V-8’s cylinder banks and is driven by an elongated version of the stock accessory drive belt. Grabbing air from the stock throttle body, the huffer blows up through an air-to-water intercooler and then down through a tunnel ram-style manifold with individual runners for every cylinder. The intercooler routes water through a…

EXTREME SEDANS Your latest tuner-car roundup (“Extreme Sedans,” Dec. ’961 hit closer to home than any of the previous megahorsepower, rear-drive-ponycar shootouts ever did. These so-called extreme sedans are the very vehicles people drive every day, and I, for one, appreciate being shown ways to improve my car. While I may not go to the “extreme,” this type of article illustrates the possibilities and gives great feedback on the actual bang for the buck. Ed Mangus Hendersonville, N.C. The “Extreme Sedans” article was an excellent introduction to the world of aftermarket performance parts. I’ve made numerous performance upgrades to my Mazda Protege, and I agree that such additions can be quite impressive provided the low cash outlay involved. It was mentioned that the Stillen SMX Maxima can be purchased from…

GMC DENALI—STRETCHING THE LUXO TRUCK ENVELOPE GMC is forging ahead with plans to distinguish its vehicles from those of sister division Chevrolet and establish itself as the luxury truck division of General Motors. As part of this effort, the organization is exploring new approaches to existing vehicles that would help them more closely parallel the wants and needs of upscale buyers. The first public display of that rethinking process came at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, in the form of the Yukonbased Denali. A pure one-off at the moment, this feature-laden hauler is loaded with production potential. The most obvious differences between a plain-vanilla Yukon and the Denali are the latter’s unique hood, fenders, grille, headlamps, and foglamps. Another Denali exclusive is specific body cladding that integrates…

A FIRST LOOK AT THE NEW FACES OF TOMORROW Once again, the time has come for us to peer down the long and winding automotive road. Our mission: to bring you the inside scoop on what lies ahead in the world of wheels. This comprehensive special section showcases an exceptional blend of fact and fantasy, where high-tech and high style come face-to-face with high excitement. Some of the vehicles presented here are nascent production models, destined to appear in dealer showrooms during the next 12-36 months. Others, for the moment at least, fall into the pure concept car category. But in this fast-paced, highly fluid era, when the likes of the Plymouth Prowler, Acura CL-X, and Porsche Boxster have successfully crossed over from one side of the line to the…

ground camshafts, an increased-diameter throttle body, hypereutectic pistons, and a lighter flywheel. Air is drawn through a large-capacity conical air cleaner and routed through a 2.25-inch stainless-steel exhaust system split into two mufflers with polished tips. The sound is delightfully devilish at wide-open throttle, yet not obnoxious at highway cruising speeds. To ensure optimum engine performance, SVT adapted the cooling system used by platformmate Ford Mondeo in Europe, and installed an oil cooler to further help keep temperatures under control. Torque remains at 165 pound-feet, but it’s available under an improved power curve. Floored from a stop, the Contour SVT launches with vigor similar to a regular SE model; however, the SVT comes alive at about 4500 rpm, delivering a punch of acceleration that remains strong right to the 6750-rpm…

This fall, Toyota will introduce the Sienna—an all-new, made-in-America minivan that replaces the current Previa—into its U.S. lineup. Unlike the Previa, which was designed and marketed in both America and Japan, the Sienna was developed strictly for this country. The sole build site for this front-engine, front-drive, four-door people-hauler is the firm’s Georgetown, Kentucky, plant. Referred to internally as “the Camry of minivans,” the six-passenger Sienna is based on a stretched and modified Camry platform (the wheelbase increases from 105.2 to 114.0 inches). Longer and lower than the Previa, the Sienna has virtually the same head-, shoulder-, and legroom as the frontengine, rear-drive Previa but affords far easier entry and exit. Toyota’s best-selling sedan also contributes its powertrain—the potent 3.0-liter DOHC V-6 that makes 194 horses and 209 pound-feet of…

A TIRE TESTER’S DICTIONARY What do you get when you cross a wine critic with a race driver? Answer: A tire tester. Tire company engineers must wring the last ounce of performance from both car and tire, and then accurately describe the tire’s behavior at the edge of the envelope. A more significant and arguably more difficult portion of their job, however, is determining subtle differences in noise levels, ride quality, and steering feel. Using a single vehicle, a tire tester samples a half-dozen experimental versions of a single tire model in a rapid-fire sequence and records the differences. Just as wine critics have their own language to describe the fruit of the vine, tire testers have an array of terms that describe various handling responses, noise qualities, and ride…

Power, It’s what separates the winners from the wannabes. And while BMW’s luscious Z3 is an indisputable sales and image-building success, those among us who like to burn rubber, thwart Porsches, and hit 90 mph by the top of the freeway onramp were left having to make a few excuses for the underpowered Janies Bond—mobile. That all changes as of today. With their new concoction called the Z3 2.8, BMW engineers have taken the Carroll Shelby approach to roadster design: Stuff in a high-performance powerplant, plaster on some beefy rubber, and let the action begin. The motive force comes from the same 2.8-liter DOHC inline-six used in BMW’s 3 and 5 Series, pumping out 189 horses at 5300 rpm and a bawdy 203 pound-feet of torque at 3950 rpm (down…

If you’re plumbed into the Internet, you have at your fingertips the perfect opportunity to employ the scads of Web sites useful in planning a truck-or SUV-based vacation. It’s a big country, but using the Internet’s virtual reality can help keep your adventures from becoming virtual disasters. As always, the best place to start any Internet journey is at Motor Trend Online (http://www.motortrend.com). where you’ll find links to these popular vacation planning sites. Off-Road.com http://www.off-road.com Whether you’re a seasoned off-pavement trailblazer or a trepid tenderfoot, “Off-Road.com” is a comprehensive site from which to harvest information about every conceivable off-road sport and activity. Especially helpful are sections on how and where to get off-road, off-roading stories, safety clinics, and off-road schools. Trip reports, trail descriptions, trail etiquette, equipment reviews, and advice…

A cura’s new Integra Type-R was born to rev. Provided you’re driver enough to play the close-ratio gearbox like a virtuoso to keep the forged crankshaft spooled up, this white-hot sports missile will give you a double shot of Honda/Acura race-car energy. Maximum horsepower hits at 8000 rpm, and maximum torque arrives at a dizzy 7500 rpm. You’d best be ready to rev. This isn’t a driving experience for everyone, of course. Nor could it be for everyone, since just 500 copies of the Championship White Type-R have been allotted for the U.S. this year. Sitting atop the Integra coupe line (RS, LS, GS, GS-R), the Type-R most assuredly is aimed at the lunatic fringe. The fringe certainly will appreciate the gesture on Acura’s part. With an estimated base price…

Chrysler has stirred up another snake-bite cocktail with this riveting show car, the Dodge Copperhead. The key question still rattling around is whether the company will actually strike with a production version of this more contemporary variation on the Viper theme. Insiders maintain that the rear-drive Copperhead is a completely viable program, even going so far as to hint at price positioning. If the Copperhead does see volume build, its competition in terms of size, price, and power levels would be other new roadsters like the Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, and Mercedes SLK. “If the Dodge Viper is credited for reinventing the Shelby Cobra, then the Dodge Copperhead should be credited for reinventing a car in the tradition of the Austin Healey 3000,” said John E. Herlitz, Chrysler Corporation’s vice…

ROAD RAGE CREATES HIGHWAY BERSERKERS Aggressive drivers who morph into berserkers under traffic stress are multiplying by seven percent every year, according to a study requested by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The study analyzed 10,000 police reports and newspaper stories about traffic incidents that led to violence and concluded that, while many of these enraged road warriors are young men with criminal records, a good portion are just average citizens who explode under stress. Combing records from 1990 to 1996, the study found 12,610 drivers were injured and 218 killed as a result of aggressive driving attitudes. The events that lead to violence are often incredibly trivial—arguments over parking spaces, cutting off another vehicle, or tailgating. David K. Willis, president of the AAA Foundation, said, “Violent traffic disputes…

If ever there were a magic name in the world of automobiles, it belongs to Carroll Shelby. From the original Cobra and competition Mustangs to his more recent involvement with the Dodge Viper, Shelby’s touch has remained golden. What you see here is the latest offering from this made-in-America performance genius, the Shelby Series 1. Customer versions of this limited-production two-seater aren’t due to start rolling off the Shelby Automobiles production line in Las Vegas, Nevada, until late this year, but the public got its first look at this raging roadster at the recent Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Shows. Shelby has always been a fire-and-brimstone preacher of high horsepower, low weight, and absolute performance, and though the lanky Texan is now well into his seventies, that inner fire continues…

MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS The flagship of the M-B fleet gets a complete makeover for the end of the 20th century. Due to arrive in the U.S. in spring 1999, the firm’s senior sedan will be roughly the same size as the current car, but appear trimmer and leaner thanks to sleeker, more stylish sheetmetal and shorter front and rear overhangs. This computer-enhanced image shows the vehicle’s basic contours, though the front end will be more like that of the F200 concept car Mercedes spotlighted at the Paris Auto Show last year, with greater contouring in the fenders; a lower-profile, more V-shaped grille; and trick headlamps. WILL THIS BE THE ULTIMATE LUXURY SEDAN? Complementing a roomier passenger compartment and an upgraded roster of comfort and convenience features, the new S-Class reportedly will…

Square can be good. In fact, long-lived designs like cereal cartons, packing crates, and tractor trailers are boxes for several reasons: They’re simple, inexpensive, and, most important, functional. If being rounded would make them more effective and less expensive, they’d be rounded. The same is true for the definitively angular Jeep Cherokee. For ’97, the Cherokee gets a friendly new interior with dual airbags, noise-reduction and customer-satisfaction tweaks, build-quality improvements, a cleaner-looking front end, and a fresh rear-hatch design. The Cherokee’s rear view now slightly resembles that of the likewise boxy Volvo 850 wagon. At first glance, the changes look subtle. Jeep engineers admit no babies could possibly have been thrown out with this low-budget program’s bath water. Chrysler Corp, claims it 1 spent just $215 million on the ’97…

Extremist truck and sport/utility owners mount low-profile sports-car tires around 20-inch rims at one end and monster-truck mudders at the other. Extremists have it easy; for the rest of us, finding the right tire amid the subtle variations in between is hard. BFGoodrich supplied three sets of tires for MT’s 5.4-liter V-8-powered, two-wheel-drive ’97 Ford F-150: Sport Truck T/As for on-road performance; All-Terrain T/As for off-road ability; and Long Trail T/As, which, like the F-150’s standard P255/70SR16 Goodyear Wrangler APs, blend the two. Neither the All-Terrain nor Sport Truck T/As represents the outer limits; they’re daily-use tires with biases toward on-or off-road proficiency. All tires were mounted on 16x8.0-inch Center Line billet wheels (an inch wider than the standard 16x7.0-inch rims), which employ the F-150’s hubcentric mounting system and were…

With the introduction of the thoughtfully executed ’96 Caravan, it was immediately apparent Dodge was poised to maintain its enviable claim of producing the world’s best-selling minivan. Developed over a 32-month period at a cost of $2.6 billion, the all-new Caravan marked the first vehicle redesigned under “The New Dodge” corporate strategy, which dictated going beyond mere replacement to reinvention. Tapping in to the vast database of two million Chrysler minivan owners, designers were able to clinic all key elements considered for the new vehicles and allow customers to direct development. Facing off against the Ford Windstar in an early comparison test {MT, May ’95), the Caravan reclaimed the honor of being crowned the best full-size minivan. As such, the Dodge Caravan stole our hearts and went on to win…

NEWS OLDS LEADS INDY 500 To almost no one’s surprise, Oldsmobile’s Aurora sport sedan will pace the 1997 Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend. Since its inception last year, the official pace car of the Indy Racing League (IRL) has been the Aurora, and Oldsmobile is one of only two manufacturers (Nissan, through its Infiniti division, is the other) supplying engines under the new rules conjured by the nascent sanctioning body. The Aurora’s adoption as the Official Pace Car for the 81st running of the 500 was almost a foregone conclusion. According to Olds, the pace-car Aurora will be mechanically identical to production ’97 Auroras, except for the addition of safety and visibility equipment. The exterior will be painted White Diamond Metallic with gold and black graphics, while the 4.0-liter/250-horsepower…

With its light feel and instantaneous reflexes, BMW’s least expensive car, the 318ti compact, deserves more power. AC Schnitzer went well beyond that with its S3 3.0 Compact, adding almost a whole catalog’s worth of tuning parts to a U.S.-spec 318ti, producing a car capable of 5.8-second 0-60 times and blistering MTs 600-foot slalom at over 70 mph. This is more of everything (including money). Starting with the 325i’s 24-valve, iron-block inline-six, Schnitzer essentially cloned the abilities and displacement of the ’95 M3’s powerplant. The 3.0-liter displacement results from an 85.5-millimeter bore and 86.0-millimeter stroke crank, while power emerges from forged pistons, a revised cam profile, porting and polishing the head, a crushing 10.5:1 compression ratio, a stainless steel exhaust header, and a Motronic computer instructed to account for all…