Indholdsfortegnelse for July 2001 i MotorTrend

Cell-phones, navigation systems, real-time stock-market Internet connections, MP3 and DVD players, digital dictation recorders, onboard fax machines, and more to come: Are these merely cool new gadgets to help us pass the time while behind the wheel, or are they in actuality complicated distractions that can (and do) lead to deadly accidents? Three years ago in this column, I expressed my growing frustration with American drivers’ inattention to their primary responsibility: safely piloting their vehicles. You see them every day—cars drifting out of lanes, running red lights, abruptly turning or braking, and even having trouble performing simple tasks such as parallel parking. And when you pull alongside these “idiots,” what do you see more often than not? A totally distracted person babbling into his cell-phone, completely unaware of not only…

◼ Spied: Buick’s next Regal arrives about mid 2003 with such retro cues as front-fender portholes, a Y-Job concept car-style grille, and “Sweepspear” notch in the rear part of the shoulder line. The next Regal will be four-door only, and the Century will be dropped some time after it arrives. In ’05, the Regal gets a 3.4L engine from GM’s new line of overhead cam V-6s. ◼ Mitsubishi is likely to build the next-generation Galant at Chrysler’s Sterling Heights, Michigan, assembly plant in 2005 or 2006. That’s when Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus sedans will be built off the Galant’s platform. Prior to this plan, the Galant was due for a redesign for ’04. ◼ Ford’s next Taurus, arriving in ’04. will likely be a sportwagon—not a sedan. Plans…

Chrysler’s New York Auto Show car, the PT Cruiser Convertible, went from “strictly a study” to the automaker’s next hot model in one quick press conference. Design chief Trevor Creed says that anything’s possible at Chrysler. A few publications ran with that and called the concept a potential ’04 model. The truth is less exciting. PT Cruiser production is limited because it’s 5.0 in. too tall for Chrysler’s Belvedere, Illinois, Neon plant’s paint booth. The ragtop’s body is just 1.0 in. shorter than the Cruiser wagon (for a total of 2.0 in., including a lowered suspension), so it won’t fit in the paint booth, either. Next year, Chrysler expands the Toluca, Mexico, PT Cruiser/Neon plant’s capacity to 310,000 units per year, so there’d be room for two-door panel vans and…

You’re looking at Lincoln’s new design direction, although prospects for such a new Mark coupe are terrible, says Ford Motor Co. Design Chief J Mays. The MK 9 will set the style for Lincoln sedans, beginning with the ’04 or ’05 LS. The coupe is “thoroughly modem, contemporary, unique and distinctive, unmistakably American,” says Lincoln’s British-born design chief, Gerry McGovern. That translates into a big, chrome-vertical bar grille and thin, vertical headlamps, plus a subtle, thin chrome strip that runs the length of the shoulder line. It’s a big coupe, a whopping 207.1 in. long and built on a stretched DEW (LS, Thunderbird) platform. Front fenders have functional air vents, built into a stainless-steel ring frame that Lincoln says traces the sill and door aperture for added structural integrity. The…

1953 T-Bird development is approved and underway, as a response to Chevy’s new sports car, the Corvette. A shortened ’53 Ford sedan is used for chassis testing, with Ford’s new “sporty car” due out as a ’55 model. 1954 Production. begins in September, and the ’55 “Thunderbird officially goes on sale Oct. 22. Base price: $2944. though fully optioned ’Birds cost around $3500. 14.190 “Baby Birds” are sold the first year. 1958 Ford reinvents the Thunderbird as: a four-seat luxury coupe and convertible. Sporty car types screamed, but in just one year, the new “Square Bird” outsold the ’55. ’56. and ’57 models combined. 1961 The Thunderbird is completely redesigned for ’61 into what’s often called the^ Bullet Bird. The nose’s similarity to that of the Lincoln Continental is no…

GM has often struggled in its quest to develop new and innovative products people want. The need to differentiate its many nameplates and product lines only complicates the issue; the pending phase-out of Oldsmobile is proof enough. Product types are blurring, too, as people demand vehicles that drive like sports cars, work like trucks, go anywhere, cany lots of stuff, and offer all their favorite amenities—at an affordable price. One potential answer is the Pontiac Vibe. You know, short for vibration. As in “good vibes.” Which is what GM hopes you’ll feel for its newest joint venture with Toyota. The Vibe marks a new direction for Pontiac, a signal that forces are trying to break GM from its habit of car design by clinic and committee (maybe it’s time to…

In 1947, Volkswagen accepted a Dutch U.S. importer’s sketches suggesting it build a voluminous, loaf-shaped body atop the already existing Type 1 (Beetle) platform. Two years later, the Transporter, or Type 2, was born. In Europe, the popular Transporter was offered in six configurations: Delivery Van, Kombi (for passengers and cargo both), an extended-cab, four-door Pickup Truck, Micro Bus, Micro Bus DeLuxe, and Ambulance. Despite its small 1.2L/36-hp flat-four, it had relatively low gearing that enabled the little Transporter to earn the distinction of being able to carry its own weight (about 1800 lb) in cargo. Though that impressive rating came at a price, the original VW buses were good for about 50 mph—tops. This useful, practical vehicle made it to our shores in 1950, and the original marketing campaign…

There aren’t many American cars today with nameplates that have been around as long as several Cadillac models. The Seville, however, dates back to ’56, although not continuously in production since. Cadillac’s ’01 Seville has nothing in common with the hardtop Eldorado Seville of more than 40 years ago, save its name. What remains is Cad’s modern-day take on a front-drive midsize luxo/sport sedan, which was most recently redesigned for the ’98 model year. Whether in SLS (Seville Luxury Sedan) or STS (Seville Touring Sedan) trim, it appears leaner than the full-size De Ville, while retaining the muscular cues more indicative of a driver’s car. With slightly higher horsepower, a firmer suspension, and new 17-in. rolling stock, the STS is the more performance-oriented version. The 300-hp Northstar V-8 is subtle…

Lexus has never been a company to rest on its laurels. The all-new LS 430 is a case in point. As good as the previous LS was, and as well as it continued to sell, Toyota’s uptown brand has advanced its full-size sedan in about every way possible. Slip behind the wheel, and it’s evident the LS 430 was designed from the inside out. Its acre of buttery-smooth leather is beautifully installed, with nary a stitch out of place, and is nicely accented by furniture-quality wood trim. The 14-way power driver seat is far more comfortable than what’s found in most homes, and outside noise stays outside. Our tester had a base price of $54,550 and was optioned up to $68,681—including a $12,505 mega-option package encompassing a nav system, Mark…

NOBODY NEEDS A $52,500 pickup—especially one that doesn’t offer four-wheel drive comes with a smallish bed, and is only available in one color: gunslinger black. It could also be said that nobody needs a $10,000 wristwatch. But a ton of people buy them. Because they want them. And because they can. That’s all that counts. Lincoln’s new Blackwood lux truck isn’t about needs either. It, too, is about wants. Because of that, it falls into the quirky, limited-edition big-dollar purchase zone that isn’t about tow ratings, cargo capacity, or price/value ratio. Only 10,000 Blackwoods will be built this year, and we expect they’ll go to cattle moguls in Oklahoma, big-oil dudes in Texas (or Washington), and a certain number of professional athletes. And you’re not likely to see their carpet-and-stainless-steel…

2000 Jaguar S-Type 4.0 Nothing new to report as our S-Type nears the home stretch of its One-Year Test. We didn’t think it was worth taking the car back in for service just for a slightly balky turn-signal indicator, as the lights themselves operate fine. There’s also a growing gap at one of the places on the steering wheel where the wood and leather come together. Otherwise, the Jag continues to be a pleasure to travel and be seen in. Though the tires have started to issue a bit of road noise at higher speeds, that’s to be expected with performance-oriented rubber as it wears out. The staff is still less than pleased with the interior design, which is woefully short of storage and puts the CD player in the…

Kia continues its assault on the North American market this summer with its Sedona minivan. Sized between the Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan and powered by a 3.5L/195-hp twin-cam V-6 coupled to a five-speed automatic, the Sedona will be the most sophisticated Kia sold here. And it’ll be the most expensive, but maintaining the make’s high-value image with lots of goodies for the money. The South Korean automaker hasn’t announced prices, but expect the base LX to begin under $20,000 and the well-equipped EX to begin in the low $20s. How well equipped? The standard model gets two sliding doors, a storage box on the instrument panel, two glove-boxes, dual air conditioning, an overhead console storage bin, reclining and removable second-row seats, AM/FM/CD with six speakers, four power points, and…

Suzuki’s New York concept turned out to be a surprise. Not because the SX (for Sport Crossover) is a thinly disguised production car headed for North America early next year: Suzuki has done that before, most recently with the XL-7. It’s a surprise because it looks like a Japanese minicar, only larger, and because minicar-averse Americans reacted favorably. SX (not the production model’s name) is only 165.4 in. long, with a 97.6-in. wheelbase and a 62.2-in. overall height. While the concept is powered by a 2.0L/220-hp supercharged aluminum 1-4, the production version will get a normally aspirated version of the engine, probably making no more than 150 horses. It’ll come with front or all-wheel drive, a clamshell hatchback tailgate, folding rear seats, and a driver-oriented five-passenger interior. Styling, especially…

Carroll Shelby is a big star. Yes, we all know that, but now Hollywood has discovered the legendary race-car driver/builder. 01’ Shel and his cars appear in the remake of the 1975 sci-fi thriller “Rollerball,” screening in theaters this summer. Director John McTiernan used two Shelby Series 1 roadsters and Shelby’s personal continuation version of the Cobra Daytona Coupe for the filming. Even 77-year-old Shelby himself makes a cameo appearance. Star Chris Klein’s character drives a Series 1 in the movie, which is about a bloody renegade sport that pits roilerskaters against motorcyclists. MGM’s press release says the Series 1 is destroyed in an explosion (thus the need for two copies), and Klein’s character goes on to drive Shel’s nouveau Daytona.…

Ford’s newest ’Bird is based on the sporting yet luxurious DEW98 platform used under the Lincoln LS (MTs 2000 Car of the Year) and the Jaguar S-Type sedans. Engineers told us that roughly 60 percent of the Thunderbird chassis is LS derived, and the rear floorpan is from the S-Type. That means the goals were premium steering, ride, and handling behavior. But sawing off the unibody’s top raised some structural-stiffness challenges. Most of these torsional and beaming problems were addressed with the use of up-gauged steel, lower rocker reinforcements, tube-steel brackets, X-braces, and extra crosscar beams. And for the sake of low tooling costs and easier style freshening, the roadster’s front fenders, hood, hardtop, and rear decklid are fashioned out of high-tech composite plastic instead of heavy steel or costly…

2003 TOYOTA MATRIX While Toyota’s upcoming Matrix is clearly related to the Pontiac Vibe, the two are not identical. As noted, most of the underpinnings are shared, as are powerplants. Yet, the Matrix’s exterior styling is substantively different, and it will be offered in three trim levels, as opposed to two for the Vibe. The Matrix concept shown here, with its 17-In. wheels plus aggressive rocker panel and front spoiler treatment, represents how the sportiest version will probably appear. Though much of the greenhouse looks the same, the Matrix’s beltline is an inch lower. Besides the obvious need for a more Toyota-like front end, it offers differently sculpted side panels and wheel arches. Toyota has yet to announce final pricing for the Matrix, but we expect it to be close…

In spite of ever-escalating price points, the demand for luxury cars—indeed luxury goods as a whole—continues to increase. And why not? Life’s short, be comfy. When we last evaluated five full-size luxury offerings (“Luxurious Maximus,” Oct. 2000), the Mercedes-Benz S500 Sport was the winner. But the new-for-’01 Lexus LS 430 made big points in creature features and value. Now, Infiniti reenters the fray with a new-from-the-ground-up flagship offering, the ’02 Q45, promising to raise the technology and performance bar again. Does it? We invited this trio, plus another three, to square off and go at it again. Jaguar has now bolted a supercharger onto its top-of-the-line Vanden Plas sedan’s V-8. and we brought a Cadillac Seville STS along to see how a domestic leader fares in this class. Yes, based…

It’s been a long, but we think forgivable, wait for the Q45’s return to competitiveness in this ultra-lux market. When it first debuted in ’90, the 4.5L/278-hp Q45 was at the forefront of the wave of a new breed of Asian performance/luxury sedans threatening the Anglo, Teutonic, and American traditionalists. A few years later, the 4.1L/266-hp Q-ship (Q41?) had lost a lot of the first generation’s enthusiast verve in favor of efficiency and added comfort. Now, for the ’02 model year, Infiniti has combined the performance of the original with the feature content (and then some) of the more recent Q45t, but now there are five option packages available. Performance, technology, and luxury abound in the new Q, from a highly engineered 4.5L/340-hp V-8 to voice-activated systems, industry-leading safety equipment,…

To people who haven’t the largess to afford a topline luxury car, the notion of anyone searching for the best buy among such products seems ridiculous. “When you have that much money, what does a couple thousand dollars matter?” is the common response we hear. Well, that may have been true in the ’90s NAS-DAQ heyday, but it’s far less the case in 2001. We know several very wealthy people who feel consider-ably less prone to wasting a single dime today—and that translates to their new car purchase as well. Fortunately for those of you in a similar economic situation, there’s the Mer-cedes-Benz S430. It looks to all the world like a fully loaded $90,000 S500, but choose the (base $71,445) S430’s options smartly, and your bottom line can be…

Dude… are you ready for a pop quiz in four-wheeling economics? PROBLEM: Sport/utility vehicles costing $30,000 are everywhere. But do you really have to spend that much, putting your portfolio and grad-school funds at risk, to get into a useful SUV? MULTIPLE CHOICE: If you can’t spent a ton, but you still want the load capacity and all-weather capability of an SUV, there are rationally priced solutions. But before we turn our papers over and get started, ask yourself a few questions. Is “oil-road” just a hard-packed dirt path to your favorite fishing spot? Will you be driving mostly cleared winter highways and not steep, unplowed grades? Is a. lighter-duty, unibody vehicle tough enough for your needs? Can you live without a full frame and big-bore torque for towing giant,…

ROOTS: Typically composed of two two- or three-lobed rotors (identical in size and shape) that rotate symmetrically. As rotation occurs, suction takes place on one side of the rotors while discharge* of compressed air takes place on the other side. A compression cycle begins only when the rotor lobes align during each rotary phase (in theory, the more rotor lobes, the more frequently compression occurs). SCREW: Most often j involves two helical ’ screw-shaped rotors that operate in x symmetry, in a rotary action. As they rotate, three phases (suction, compression, and discharge) occur in progression, as the air is moved through the supercharger and to a discharge* port. With screw-type rotors, compression is continually occurring. CENTRIFUGAL: Basically a belt-driven (rather than exhaust-driven) turbocharger. An internal impeller has specially shaped…

OVER THE LAST 30 YEARS, HONDA HAS built a solid reputation for making reliable, eco-nomical small cars. The current Odyssey mini-van debuted in ’99 as the largest Honda ever: a new full-size minivan—longer, wider, and more powerful than its previous Accord-based offering. Overall cargo volume, length, and towing capacity technically place it in the minivan category, but consider it from the head-on view. The Odyssey’s track width is only an inch and a half narrower than a full-size truck-based GMC Savana van. Other features caught our attention: a 210-hp SOHC V-6 equipped with Honda’s VTEC variable-valve timing system promising new levels of minivan performance and the “magic” third-row seat that folds into a flat load floor without having to be removed were just two of them. We felt the Odyssey…

’01 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN • Base engine: 3.3L/180-hp OHV V-6 • Opt engine: 3.80215-hp OHV V-6 • 0-60 mph, sec: 9.7 (3.8L V-6) • Fuel economy: 18/24 • Price range: $21,785-$37,515 Whafs hot: Power rear liftgate What’s not: Past quality issues What’s new: All new for ’01 ’01 TOYOTA SIENNA • Base engine: 3.00210-hp DOHC V-6 • Opt engine: None • 0-60 mph, sec: 9.4 • Fuel economy: 19/24 • Price range: S23.905-S38.196 What’s hot: Video entertainment system Whafs not: Small for its price What’s new: 50/50-split third-row seat ’01 FORD WINDSTAR • Base engine: 3.8U200-hp OHV V-6 • Opt engine: None • 0-60 mph, sec: 9 1 (’99 SEL) • Fuel economy: 18’23 • Price range: S22 085-S35.350 What’s hot: Adjustable accelerator and brake pedals What’s not: Removeable third-row…

future forecast BMW is absolutely abuzz with future product. Along with the 1 Series we showed you in last month’s “News,” BMW will add a 6 Series coupe in late 2003. A cabrio version arrives a year later. The four-passenger coupe (code-named E63) and cabrio (E64) will be based on components from the next-generation 5 and 7 Series. Since an even-numbered BMW series connotes low volume, don’t expect a big selection at your local dealer. Evoking the rakish 3.0 CSi coupe of the 70s, the 640 CSi will get the 540i’s 4.4L/282-hp V-8. A version with the 3.0L inline-six won’t be offered in North America, and an M6 remains questionable because the low-volume 5.0L/400-hp V-8’s production is devoted to the M5 sedan and ultra-rare Z8. Expect transmission choices for…

Nissan was on its deathbed when Renault’s Carlos Ghosn became its caregiver in 1999. While he had nothing to do with the new Altima’s design, his revival of the Japanese automaker was capped with journalists cheering the ’02 Altima sedan at the New York show. Journalists never cheer. But the Altima has leapfrogged from the little old sedan to something far more expressive than its Toyota Camry/Honda Accord targets. The Altima’s new engines are worth cheering, too. The base I-4 is a new twin-cam 2.5L rated at 180 hp and 180 ft-lb of torque. The optional V-6 is a new version of the legendary VQ series (Maxima engine), rated at 240 hp and 246 Ib-ft of torque. Both will be available this September with a five-speed-manual or four-speed-automatic transmission. The…

After years of keeping their hot World Rally Championship-based production cars out of North America, Subaru and Mitsubishi now are rushing them to our market. Mitsubishi claims it’s studying a potential market for its all-wheel-drive 280-hp-plus Lancer Evo VII here, but an exec admits the car wall arrive “probably in late 2002.” An official with Subaru’s in-house tuner, STI, says the 276-hp all-wheeldrive Impreza WRX STI will, in fact, be imported to the U.S. within a year. Credit overwhelming praise for the garden-variety 227-hp turbo WRX, the popularity of rally games on Sony’s PlayStation and coverage of Euro-style rallying on Speedvision. The rivalry between these cars already is touted as the modem equivalent of the Camaro Z28 versus Mustang Cobra wars. Surely that’s heresy to supporters of the rear-drive, American…

IT’S FINALLY HERE: FORD’S REBORN two-seater Thunderbird. After several years of development, concept-car reveals, speculation, and prelaunch buildup, the new T-Bird is ready for flight. We’ve driven it, track-tested it, photographed it, and crawled over every inch of it in order to give you a feel for what ’02’s version of America’s Favorite Classic Car is really all about. Brave, crazy, inspired, or stupid? Should we celebrate—or run for cover? These are among the thoughts that coursed through our minds about five years ago, when word seeped out that Ford was again planning to build a two-seat Thunderbird. Our experience is that reborn classics are a double-edged sword. If the product genuinely delivers what today’s breed of marketing whizzes call “the brand promise” of the original, it could be the…

J Mays, vice president, Ford Design MT. Is “retro” a word you’d mind being attached to the Thunderbird? Mays: If it makes you feel good about the car, I really don’t care what you call it. I, though, don’t really think it’s retro. But if it is retro, it’s retro to a different extent. I mean, if the PT Cruiser is 75 percent retro, and the New Beetle is 70 percent retro, we’re about 40 percent retro on the T-Bird. When I look at it, it’s pretty darn modern. It’s very clean with little detailing. Ornate is retro. MT: What’s your favorite detail? Mays: It would have to be the afterburner taillamps, although I really like the entire rear end of the car. I’m very proud of it. It has…

An alternative title for this article could have been, “The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same.” What today’s automakers now tout as the next Big Thing has been around for at least 50 years: so-called “crossover” or multiple-use vehicles. Similarly, while most people credit Chrysler Corporation for inventing the modem, multitasking minivan in 1984, there were many that predated the original Caravan/Voyager—but only one that started it all. “The More Things Change…” certainly worked for Volks wagen with the New Beetle a few years back. Could there be more mileage left in this whole Retro/Heritage Design thing? The answer appears to be yes. VW’s Microbus Concept stole the hearts of everyone who attended the North American International Auto Show in Detroit—not an easy task, as nearly every…

On first glance at its sleek aluminum skin, one may not realize the amount of world rally champion heritage that’s integrated into the A8 L, Audi’s stretched-for-’Ol flagship. In fact, the A8 (L or standard) is the only car among our group that offers all-wheel drive. Starting with an aluminum space frame, Audi adds a four-link front suspension with coil springs over shocks and a hefty stabilizer bar. A trapezoidal link with track rod, springs/shocks, and anti-roll bar rounds out the rear underpinnings. Our tester features optional 18x8.0-in. alloy wheels shod with Dunlop 245/45ZR18 SP Sport 8000 tires. The result is a truly progressive suspension that allows a smooth ride on open road, yet hunkers down to attack twisty terrain. Our editors are also wowed by the A8 L’s powertrain:…

Any meal can be enhanced by ordering the right sides, salads, and desert. Luxury cars are like restaurants, in that some offer dishes others don’t. A few have house specials, and invariably, the more things you order a la carte, the higher the tab gets. Here’s our take on some of the features that might sway your ultimate dining decision, and what each manufacturer brings to your table. A Rearview backup camera: Another Q45 innovation, and an outstanding one, at that. B Fold-down writing tables: Made of inlaid wood, with nicely engineered chrome hinges. Who but Jag would do this? C Driver-adjustable headlamps: The Q45’s new headlight system not only puts out the cleanest, fattest beam of light we’ve ever experienced, but the driver can adjust its height to one…

THE MINUTE YOU FIRE UP THE HANDBUILT, supercharged, 3.2L V-6 engine that powers both the 032 AMG sedan and the SLK32 AMG roadster, you know something’s going on. The deep-chested exhaust rumble tells you these are no ordinary rides. Shift into Drive, mat the accelerator, and smile big, as 349 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque shove you back in the seat. It’s at this moment you realize how deceiving looks can be, since there’s little to distinguish these cars from their stock counterparts. This aggressively subtle approach is what makes every AMG product so appealing. Upon hearing that the C43’s replacement was going to be called 032 (indicating a smaller displacement), we were disappointed. Had Mercedes gone soft? How could it expect buyers to be happy with a puny…

Cars Trucks SUVs WHAT’S HDT: • 100-plus-hp gain very quiet • smog legal WHAT’S NOT: • Power easily overwhelms stock tires • requires premium fuel • pricey upgrade Mercedes-Benz’ E55 AMG is an amazing creation, though limited production quantities and a hefty sticker price make one hard to buy for all but a few. Fortunately, standard-spec E430s aren’t in short supply. And for a few extra bucks, you can upgrade to Mercedes’ well-conceived Sport package, which includes aggressive rolling stock (for improved handling) and racier-looking trim. Granted, the E430 and E55’s power outputs are drastically different (275 hp versus 349 hp), but so are their sticker prices: With all the money saved by not buying the E55—about $13K—you can overcome the E430’s power deficit. New to the aftermarket mix is…

2001 Motor Trend International Design Contest Your 15 Minutes Are Almost Up! Attention, design professionals, students, amateur designers and enthusiastic hopefuls: Motor Trend has already announced the theme, rules, entry deadlines, and prizes for our third annual International Design Contest. Would you like to pen the lines of a current model Packard, Pierce-Arrow, or Pegaso? Entering this year’s Design Contest will give you the chance to resurrect your favorite vehicle of the past and earn fame and fortune. Last year’s contest drew more than 500 entries from around the world, and we expect this year’s program to be bigger and better. Omar Pirela Best of Show, 2000 Mario Cisneros 2nd Place Design Student, 2000 Awards include cash prizes, cool trophies, and free Motor Trend subscriptions. Some category winners and finalists…

Crossover, shmossover. We credit car companies that stretch themselves to develop something really new. The problem is, it’s getting tougher to figure out something that’s really new. Just check out this GMC concept van, called L’Universelle (French slang for “The Universal”) unveiled at the GM Motorama show in 1955. “Although the basic design of L’Universelle is a panel delivery, “noted Philip J. Monaghan, General Motors vp and general manager of the GMC division, “minor manufacturing changes can convert it into a small bus, taxi, station wagon, or sportsman’s car.” Sort of sounds like the multi-use flexibility offered by the upcoming Pontiac Vibe. The unorthodox flip-up side door demonstrates experimentation with new types of vehicle cargo access—sort of like the mid-gate in the new Chevrolet Avalanche. And L’Universelle is obviously a…