Indholdsfortegnelse for April 2000 i MotorTrend

"Damn you, Tore," I gmmbled to myself as I staggered out of bed at midnight, after only two hours of fitful sleep, in order to make the excruciatingly early call time of 1:30 am. at the TV stage set up in BMW's display at. the L-Os Angeles Auto Show. This seemingly ridiculous call time for "talent• (supposedly, that's me) was ordered by Toro Dietrich, the president of High Impact Television, an independent news production company that specializes in live TV news reports from major trade shows. Well, I really couldn't get too upset, becawse the "crew" call time was nonexistent: Tore and his 30-pereon crew had been working around the clock from the day previous. And by 3 a.m. or so, ‘a be linking up to a satellite to transmit…

Next up for Italy’s primo supercar producer is this open-air version of the 360 Modena coupe, shown here in computer-enhanced guise. Set to replace the F355 Spider in 2001, the alfresco Modena should make its public debut this October at the Paris Auto Show. The new Modena Spider shares virtually all of its key structural and mechanical elements with its closed-top kin. Styling of the car’s Pininfa-rina-penned bodywork also carries over largely intact, although the top itself benefits from improved noise and weather sealing. An optional hard lid also is expected to be offered as an option. If rumor proves true, the throaty roar of its high-winding 3.6-liter/400-horsepower DOHC V-8 will be heard first in the North American market.…

General Motors has finally decided to compete head-on against Ford and Dodge in the heavy-duty pickup arena with its all-new 2001 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD. That decision mandated a huge reengineering effort be expended on its 3/4-and one-ton pickups, due in dealers this fall. Although still based on the light-duty pickups, these bigger trucks offer wider and stronger powertrain choices along with their substantially beefed-up chassis treatments and heavier running gear. Sheetmetal changes also give each its own distinctive styling. Two new OHV gasoline V-8 engines are on tap for the HD kin: a muscular 6.0-liter that makes 325 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque and an awesomely pumped 8.1-liter that cranks out 340 ponies and 455 pound-feet of twist. These brutes should be more than up…

Hot rodding and fer are nothing new. But, ue have these on ices changed—at the same time, they haven't. Tents that began with a bunch of guys bolting on dual carbs or chopping tops have become a multi-gazillion-dollar aftermarket industry that has caught the eye, ear, and wallet of the original-equipment manufacturers. Yet, the principles are Still the same: Take a car (or truck or sport/utility—that part's new), improve its performance, change the look, and make it into your own vision. We've rounded up one each of today’s most commonly personalized platforms: an American musclecar, a hot rod-inspired roadster, a luxury import, a full-size pickup truck, and the ever-more-popular sport/utility vehicle. Then we sent them to our test track to see what they've got. Some are available turnkey; others are…

JAGUAR F-TYPE Perhaps the most intriguing vehicle unveiled in Detroit was Jaguar’s striking F-Type concept. Unfortunately, Jag and its Ford parent didn’t share many mechanical details on this sexy-looking rear-drive roadster, because several design issues are still unresolved. However, Jaguar Managing Director Jonathan Browning did admit that, while feasibility studies are not completed, “the F-Type is a clear signal of Jaguar’s intent to return to the true sports car market.” Likely platform possibilities for the F-Type include variations on Jag’s upcoming X400 small sedan chassis, the S-Type’s DEW98-based undercarriage, or even an extruded aluminum spaceframe that borrows suspension bits from a next-generation XJ sedan. While a thoroughly modern interpretation, the F-Type’s flowing elliptical shape, with its Jagish profile and baroque curves, evokes much in terms of past two-seater cats. However,…

Road scholar You could hear them screaming, the hard core off-roaders who, at first glance, bellowed “the X5 is not, Not, NOT a real SUV!” Of course, they’re right. We agree. BMW’s outstanding new, er, whatever, is no rock-crushing off-roader. But it is arguably one of the world’s best all-roaders. If there are twisty switchbacks leading to your mountaintop chalet, the X5 will handle them with aplomb. Indeed, with vigor; it's one of the few sport, uh, things that actually enjoys attacking a curve. A little ice and snow along the way? You’ve got full time all-wheel drive and several computerized goof protectors watching over you. No pavement? No problem in most instances, as long as that unpaved road isn’t the ultra-jagged Rubicon Trail. The X5 purposely compromises maximum off-roadability…

You're watching the first tentative steps of a courtship. Both parties are saying, “I find you attractive, too, but we're from such different worlds, let’s not rush things.” I got an exclusive opportunity to stand on the gas of auto racing’s version of the lunch date: Van Cleef Racing Goodys Dash Series Toyota Celica Coupe, the first NASCAR stocker powered by a multicam, multivalve engine. A quarter-century ago, when I first covered a NASCAR race, foreign cars were a threatened species in spectator parking lots. Today, those same infields are well peppered with Nissans built in Tennessee, Toyotas constructed in Kentucky, Mercedes from Alabama, and BMWs assembled in South Carolina. Just like fans’ domestic-branded vehicles, many carry a NASCAR logo and a decal of a little boy urinating on a…

For fans of affordable performance, Chevrolet recently showed a Cavalier Z24 Sedan concept we expect to see in production soon. Based on the successful two-door Cavalier Z24, the sedan is aimed at those who require more passenger space. The concept features new front and rear fascia extensions, rocker moldings, foglamps, rear spoiler, Webasto sunroof, and body-color mirrors and badging. Under the hood resides a 2.4-liter/150-horsepower twin-cam four-cylinder pumped up with a cat-back stainless-steel exhaust system. Riding 1.5 inches lower, the Z24 Sedan rolls on 17-inch tires and wheels and uses four-wheel Baer Racing disc brakes. Toss in such interior upgrades as carbon-fiber-look shift knob and dash panel, six-speaker audio system, and OnStar on-board safety service, and you’ve got much more than the average daily-driver.…

Intent on broadening market reach in the U.S., Volvo has added a new starter-level offering to its 2000 lineup. Available as either sedan or station wagon, the compact-size 40-Series is a neatly scaled-down version of its bigger brothers that brings a more youthful flair to the corporate mix, along with a more affordable pricetag. The S40 sedan bases at $22,900, while its V40 wagon counterpart opens at $23,900. Powering all 40-Series models is a 1.9-liter DOHC four fitted with Volvo's low-pressure turbo package and an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. With 160 horses on call and 170 pound-feet of torque from 1800-4800 rpm, this T-charged twincammer zipped our $40 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and through the quarter mile in 15.9 at 86.1 mph. Its bountiful mid-range punch is…

While we're used to seeing radar detectors prominently mounted on a car’s windshield, there are several advantages to having a permanently mounted hidden detector system in your vehicle. First, if you often use a detector in the same car, it eliminates the necessity of having to set up the dashtop unit every time you drive, as well as the theft concerns if you leave it mounted on the glass while you're out of the vehicle. Secondly, it allows you to maintain full detection in a fully stealth mode, without the telltale unit on the windshield or wire hanging down from the visor. It provides more reliable rear laser protection, without the worry of a head or headrest blocking the signal from reaching the detector. Plus, it allows you to put…

The MOTOR TREND Electronic Reprint Service The MT Electronic Reprint Service gives you anytime access to many of our most popular reviews through an automated, 24-hour computerized system. With a touch-tone phone and a Visa or Mastercard, you can order up to five reviews, for delivery by mail or fax. Single reviews cost $4.95 each, and comparison reviews (marked by a “c” next to the issue date) cost $9.95 each. (Body copy and tech data are included. Photos do not appear.) 1. Note the four-digit ID numbers of one or more of the reviews you’d like to order from the ROAD TEST REVIEW list on the following pages. Have your Visa or Mastercard handy. 2. Using a touch-tone phone, dial 1-800-549-0682. Follow the instructions of the friendly automated voice. 3.…

THE TROPHY STAND It was six years ago when a small group gathered at Christmas to celebrate the news: Lincoln had the go-ahead to design an all-new car. With a new process of co-locating marketing, engineering, purchasing, and assembly personnel on the same team, the DEW98 (Lincoln LS) program was unlike anything else at Ford. What took months, now took hours. Working barriers were eliminated. Dress codes were discontinued. When Jaguar was added, personnel from England joined the team, and so began the Friday evening meetings at the pub to unwind. So, what’s different about this? Not only did the team work together, they played together. A true synergy developed that stripped away the walls that had developed between the different departments and divisions of Ford. At the time, we…

As this slightly enhanced and decidedly unauthorized photo shows, Mercedes-Benz plans to add a new variation on its entry-level offering. Expect to see the next-generation C-Class sedan bow in publically at the Geneva Auto Show this spring. By fall, this sporty hatchback variant could also join the U.S. lineup, providing the slightly less well-heeled a more affordable alternative to the CLK. In both cases, powertrains are expected to carry over fairly intact from the existing C-Class 230K/280 motivators, although some minor upgrades may be rolled in for 2002. Along with more upscale sheetmetal, the next generation of C-types will exhibit styling cues from several current M-B models as well as a headlight treatment somewhat reminiscent of that on the Vision SLR concept vehicle. By 2002, American buyers may finally see…

After a year of polling journalists and members of the public worldwide, the Ford Model T was chosen “Car of the Century” by a panel of 126 judges. Trailing the venerable Tin Lizzie for top car honors were the Mini, Citroén DS, VW’s original Beetle, and the Porsche 911. In the culmination of a three-year ballotting process, four key industry individuals also were singled out for similar adulation. Henry Ford, father of the Ford Motor Company, was voted Entrepreneur of the Century. ItalDesign founder Giorgetto Giugiaro was tabbed as Designer of the Century. Dr. Ferdinand Porsche received Car Engineer of the Century kudos. And finally, Porsche’s grandson and the visionary boss of Volkswagen AG, Ferdinand Piéch, earned Car Executive of the Century accolades for his phenomenal success in turning around…

By the third run down the test track, I was getting a little too giggly. Perhaps it little was from the Viper RT/10-like acceleration of the nitrous oxide-boosted Hennessey Prowler GTX. Or maybe it was the whiff of the laughing gas I got when the system was purged prior to testing. Either way, I was having loads of fun, which is the sole reason for owning John Hennessey’s latest creation. “The whole essence of a hot rod is to go fast and look good,” says Hennessey. With the GTX, Hennessey improved the Plymouth Prowler’s already audacious appearance a little bit and made it a whole bunch faster. From its introduction, the Prowler’s emphasis was on “show,” with “go” an afterthought. Even after a 98 upgrade to a 3.5-liter/253-horsepower SOHC V-6,…

YOU DON'T NEED A RICHTER SCALE TO KNOW THE all-mew BMW X5 has sent a tremor through the sport/utility landscape. The traditional thinking throughout the novalike SUV phenomenon has been to build sport/utes that are more and more “carlike.” This has typically focused on building vehicles that are plush riding, comfortable, and refined. Now, BMW’s rewritten the SUV formula. Yes, the X5 delivers the all-weather capability and cargo-carrying versatility that have made SUVs popular. It’s also comfort-able and refined in its own right. But, it’s been injected with a level of razor-sharp handling and eye-opening performance we have yet to see in this class. In BMW’s eyes, “carlike” doesn’t mean soft and pampering; it means quick, agile, and edgy—ijust like its cars. How does this innovative “sport activity vehicle” (as…

WE’RE SKEPTICAL WHEN SOMEbody tells us less is more. Less is usually just less. But not here. Redesigned for 2001, the Oldsmobile Aurora rolls into showrooms this month half a foot shorter and significantly lighter than the Aurora it replaces. It’s also lost a cubic foot of trunk space and has a smaller standard engine. And yet powertrain choice, appearance, comfort, agility, and load convenience gains are large. Best of all, instrumented track work on a 4.0-liter V-8 Aurora and hard, open-road drives of both the V-8 and the new V-6 models revealed a more entertaining and athletic flagship. The big news underhood is that Aurora buyers can now select between 8 two all-aluminum engines: a quiet, S powerful 4.0-liter/250-horsepower DOHC V-8 or a gutsy, efficient 3.5-liter/215-horsepower DOHC V-6. The…

A KEY ASPECT OF TODAY’S NEW BREED OF four-door trucks is versatility. Theyre designed to function as some combination of car, truck, and sport/utility. Among them, we’re quite fond of Dodge’s Dakota Quad Cab. It’s great looking, offers V-8 power, and, like Baby Bear’s bed, the size is “just right.” So, with multiple goals in mind, we rounded one up and attacked. We wanted a truck that performed better, but wasn't finicky. It had to have improved handling, without a complete degradation of ride quality. It had to look better, but not sacrifice one iota of practicality. Finally, increased comfort, luxury, and 100-percent reliability had to be part of the mix. In other words, we were looking for a well-balanced approach to performance, much as BMW takes with its M…

Oldsmobile recently showed off the pace car for the 84th running of the Indianapolis 500—a modified Aurora. For the tenth time since 1949, an Olds will lead the pack out of turn four for the start of the annual Memorial Day classic. Is the recently redesigned Aurora up to the task? According to John Gatt, Aurora brand manager, it is. “We’ve improved on everything that defines the Aurora’s heritage—exhilarating power and performance, precise ride and handling, and an overall presence that’s incredibly distinctive.” Olds has more than a casual interest in the Indy Racing League due to its ongoing commitment to the open-wheel series. Olds has just introduced an all-new 3.5-liter methanol-burning V-8 engine for the IRL cars that comes on the heels of its dominant 4.0-liter version. The Aurora…

Let’s ride along with our British sister publication, CAR, for this pavement-ripping test of all-out automotive athleticism. FEW AUTOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS enjoy the cache of the hallowed 0-100-0-mph scramble. Although you won't find it formally listed in any FIA record book, that specific sprint-and-stop exercise has remained at the heart of countless bench racing debates for decades. Some credit Carroll Shelby as the first to formally throw down the gauntlet with his awesome Cobra contingent. Shelby’s best efforts netted a claimed 13.8-second clocking. That often-disputed figure has since been lowered considerably, with the most recently documented record time being a 12.41-second clocking turned in by a Caterham Seven JPE, a blisteringly quick and agile spiritual successor to Colin Chapman's Original Lotus of the like numerical designation. But records are meant…

This is a car with an attitude attempting to change an attitude. Currently, the Dodge Neon is seriously dissed by the slammed-Asian-tuner-compact contingent. According to Dodge, this one-off—for the moment—Neon SRT, recently displayed at both SEMA and the Los Angeles Auto Show, is a first effort to turn heads and change minds. By almost any critic’s standards, the SRT captures the movement's essence: outrageous race-bred styling, lowered suspen- sion, big wheels fitted with super-low-profile tires, more power, booming exhaust, and windown-thumping audio. We had a chance to sample the STR and, unlike most concept cars, this pocket-rocket really had plenty of go to match its show. How quick is it? Dodge claims to have run 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds flat with the SRT, 1.5 seconds quicker than the last…

With sporty wagons currently enjoying a minor worldwide renaissance, Volvo has revealed its latest offering in the genre, a new V70. Due at dealers this spring and dimensionally similar to the current V70, it’s substantially sleeker, stronger, safer, better equipped, and more refined. We recently ventured to Sweden’s frigid clime to check out some preproduction models at Volvo's test facility near Gothenberg. Despite maintaining numerous family styling cues—including several from the recently introduced S80—this new V70 cuts a far more contemporary figure than the vehicle it replaces. A pronounced wedge shape, owing primarily to its lower nose and more steeply raked A-pillars, not only brings greater visual sophistication, but pays off aero dividends, as well, in the form of a tidy 0.30 Cd. Technically a midsize offering, the V70 benefits…

‘Much of the distinct personas of our three V-8-powered, Euro-labeled SUVs are cast by how they send power to the ground. Although each does it differently, all employ a full-time system and four-wheel traction control that, unlike more conventional 4WD setups, will keep the vehicle moving even if only one wheel has traction. The Discovery Series H’s is a full-time 4WD system, offering high and low ranges. The transfer case is managed by a good old-fashioned mechanical lever on the console, just ahead of the transmission's shifter; still the method favored by the grittiest rock crawlers. While many SUVs might stop here, the Discovery’s 4WD is supplemented with a four-wheel electronic traction control 4ETC) system that’s fully active up to 31 mph and partially active up to 62 mph. Should…

Conventional thinking tells us “if it's got a cargo box on the back, it must be a truck.” Ford’s attempting to blow away this notion with the 2001 Explorer Sport Trac, a fresh, four-door something-or-other that, in spite of the 01 model designation, will be available in showrooms about the time you read this. Explorer label or no, the Sport Trac shares wheelbase, drivetrain, and much of its basic structure with the Ranger SuperCab—a truck, right? But as you can see, most of the body panels are different—and bursting with attitude. While Dodge and Nissan took a more conventional styling approach to their four-door pickups, Ford employs the Sport Trac’s edgy look as one way to differentiate it from existing products. Of particular interest is the 50-inch-long cargo box itself,…

The fruits of Warren Mosler’s unconventional thinking range from the composite-chassised Consulier GTP and Intruder sports cars, to his theories that a federal budget surplus is a bad thing and the trade deficit is desirable. (Check out his economic essays at www.warrenmosler.com.) The latest product from Mosler’s fertile mind is a twin-engine Cadillac Eldorado he calls the Mosler TwinStar. Imagine a 16-cylinder, 575-horsepower all-wheel-drive American luxury coupe that can outaccelerate a Corvette. And has absolutely zero trunk space. That's the Mosler TwinStar. The Eldo’s trunk compartment is modified with a square-tube subframe similar to those on Mosier sports cars to accept a complete Eldorado engine and transaxle. This lengthens the wheelbase by 18 inches, giving the TwinStar a look reminiscent of the Pontiac Fiero. Radiators for the rear engine go…

If today’s computer-controlled engines make you feel powerless to diagnose and repair your car's driveability problems, the new EZ-Link Scanner could be just what you're looking for. Fully compatible with all OBD-II vehicles, this engine diagnostic scanner can help you pinpoint problems with any 96 or later model, domestic or import. The EZ-Link simply plugs into the car’s standard diagnostics link to retrieve trouble codes (displayed in plain English) and other data from the engine computer, monitor sen-Sor readings, perform oxygen sensor tests, and reset an engine warning light. Suggested retail price: $299.99. An EZ-Link Pro Pack ($449.99; under $400 street price) can also be used on ’82-'95 GM models and 83-95 Ford and Chrysler vehicles, and includes OBD-I and-Il cables, user manual, and carrying case. With optional PC-Link ($89.99),…

Intent on competing head-to-head with the Big 3 in the high-volume minivan arena, Toyota designed the Sienna with all the core segment virtues, standard V-6 engine, seven-place seating, and the expected reliability the company is known for. Having previously erred on the radical side with the rolling Easter egg Previa, Toyota took a conservative approach with the Sienna. Designed for and built in America, the conventionally shaped Sienna borrows g proven features from the leading 5 competitors and faithfully reproduces them with Toyota sensibilities. Destined to be an important entry in the popular minivan market, the Sienna drew our attention on early drives due to overall smoothness exhibited in the engine, suspension, and mechanical action of most elements. Looking to evaluate the Sienna over the course of a year, we…

’99 FORD WINDSTAR SEL Just as relationships take time to mature and develop, the Windstar continues to woo our staff with its myriad talents and refinement. Generous interior space, strong powertrain, and effective interior design have inspired the most logbook applause. However, the power doors have drawn criticism for being less responsive to electric commands and operating less fluidly than competitors’ systems. Another gripe: The not-so-magic rear bench “weighs as much as a cast-iron engine block,” writes one burly staffer. All agree, it’s a two-person operation to remove. The sliding third row presents a compromise, motivating us leave it forward to increase rear cargo space. We’re divided on the front seats, with some staffers finding them neither supportive nor firm enough. As the miles climb, the once-boisterous engine has become…