Innehållsförteckning för July 1996 från MotorTrend

Mazda has created numerous different concept cars based on its popular Miata roadster—but this latest variant is one of the most radical yet. Designed and built at the firm’s R&D facility in Irvine, California, the Miata M Coupe indeed could be turned into a future production model. That possibility became even more real following Mazda’s not-unexpected announcement at the New York Auto Show that it would cease marketing the pricey, slow-selling RX-7 in the U.S. after the current stock of ’95 models is depleted. The Miata M Coupe’s brilliant Yellow Mica paint sets off a tastefully sculpted roof and sweeping door cutlines that subtly echo those of the RX-7. Gaining closed-top status also required a new decklid and relocation of the spare tire, which now resides under an enlarged trunk.…

Volkswagen’s Passat TDI sedan is remarkably quiet, smooth, gutsy, odorless, and smoke free—for a diesel. It’s also an EPA-certified midsize five-passenger four-door that’s rated at 45 mpg on the highway. Combine that figure with-an 18.5-gallon fuel tank and you get a bladder-challenging cross-country cruising range of 832 miles. This latest VW offering sets a new standard for cetane-sipping transport. Previous and current drivers of diesel cars (lots of former Golf and Jetta owners) will be mightily impressed with the refined manners of the TDI (Turbocharged Direct-Injection) diesel powerplant. VW was able to take its diesel to these new heights of operational civility by adopting precise electronic controls on the engine’s distributor-injection pump. This microchip tweak also allowed VW to eliminate the elaborate, inefficient, and expensive prechamber cylinder head of most…

Will the new Corvette be a ’97 or ’98 model? It depends on whom you ask. Chevrolet insiders tell us the current plan is to build about 300 saleable units at the Bowling Green, Kentucky, assembly plant before the end of this year. That would legally make the Vette a ’97 model. But even if the production ramp-up goes smoothly, a healthy number of cars won’t fill the pipeline until late spring of 1997. So, practically speaking, it will be a ’98. The rough idea already relayed to Chevrolet dealers is that the company would build and then “contain” several hundred vehicles as a production test. The cars, available only in red, would be assembled “between start of production in October and start of vehicle shipments in mid-December 1996.” They…

Who doesn’t like economical, open-air fun? Pontiac’s new Sunfire convertible is like a day of inline skating or cooking hot dogs under the stars: lots of grins per dollar. The car we recently sampled was fitted with the standard 2.4-liter/150-horse DOHC four and five-speed manual transmission. A gutsy high-revver, this energetic four fits well with the basic personality of the vehicle. Like its alfresco Chevy Cavalier platform-mate, the Sunfire features a user-friendly power-activated top mechanism. The traditional convertible gremlins are chassis flex and body shudder, and there’s a tad more shake here beyond what you’d find in a closed coupe or sedan. But it’s just a gentle hint and not likely to increase as the vehicle ages because GM designed the Sunfire from the start for convertible conversion. We were…

Ford provides an excellent example of the automotive industry’s new approach to waste management; its recycling successes include transforming old plastic bumpers into new taillamps for the Taurus and Sable, recycling plastic battery housings into new splash shields, and reincarnating used tires as brake-pedal pads. Recycled consumer goods also are making their way into Ford models. Each year, more than 50 million recycled plastic soda bottles are converted into grille reinforcements, fan shrouds, door padding, and luggage-rack side rails. Watercooler bottles are reborn as new headlamp housings, and computer cases reappear as grille elements. Although cars and trucks epitomize the art and science of recycling—in the U.S. nearly 75 percent of materials from all end-of-use vehicles is recycled—there’s room for improvement. Once the steel, iron, copper, and glass have been…

Pontiac describes the new Grand Prix as “a rifle shot, rather than a shotgun-approach” to sport-vehicle design. That’s market-speak for a coupe and sedan styled and engineered with a sharp focus on people who enjoy road-going firepower. This game plan takes those with long memories back to 1962, the year of the inaugural Grand Prix luxo/performance coupe. Frankly, there’s been some well-founded skepticism of late about GM’s much-heralded “Brand Management” strategy. This new Grand Prix, however, is iron-clad confirmation that Pontiac is moving even further away from cookie-cutter platform cars to concentrate on customers who like design-expressive, top-performing vehicles. So while other GM divisions offer the automotive equivalent of trendy sneakers, penny loafers, high-dollar wing tips, steel-toed clod hoppers, or espadrilles, Pontiac stores will be selling a unique flavor of…

Entering its second model year, the sumptuous BMW 740iL executive sedan features a long list of equipment upgrades and refinements, with the most noteworthy improvement being the new 4.4-liter DOHC V-8 engine. The only chink apparent in our ’95 740iL long-term test car’s armor has been its slightly lazy off-the-line acceleration. Its 4.0-liter V-8 effectively kicks in its Bavarian afterburners at about 30 mph, sending the massive cruiser down the freeway like a land rocket; however, a deficit in initial torque, which compromises its across-the-intersection power, isn’t in character with the otherwise powerful mini-limo. Fitting the same 4.4-liter/282-horsepower engine used in the new 540i into the entry-level ’96 7-Series car transforms its around-town demeanor into that of a black panther, capable of slinking between skyscrapers with grace, but with tensed…

Minivans have an image problem. The commonly held opinion is that they’re way handy, but no fun to drive and definitely not cool to be seen in. Dodge believes it has a solution: The sporty Caravan ESS is a minivan concept with some extra muscle and ultrahigh-performance styling. We spent a day at the test track with the ESS and came away with sincere hopes that the company will build a production version. And if enough interest is shown by crowds viewing this Viper-for-six on the auto-show circuit, it’s a definite possibility. Bill Hines, a Chrysler minivan marketing specialist, says there may be quite a future for performance vans. “Chrysler is one-stop minivan shopping,” Hines explained. “And we’re going to aggressively go after all the niches. Keep in mind that…

Since its introduction more than a decade ago, the GMC Safari (and its fraternal twin, the Chevrolet Astro) has been the answer to a modern Goldilocks dilemma: When the interior of the typical minivan seems as small as Baby Bear’s bed, but a Papa Bear full-size van is far too big and unwieldy, the Safari, which GMC calls a midsize van, is just right. The Safari’s appeal is further boosted by its massive tow capability, lofty driver’s vista, spacious accommodations for up to seven (or optionally, eight) passengers and their gear, truck-tough rear-drive (or all-wheel-drive) layout, torque-rich 4.3-liter OHV V-6, Saudi-size 27.0-gallon fuel tank, and attractive $19,246 base price. Until recently, this “midivan’s” allure was seriously diluted by outdated, boxy styling, a raucous interior noise level, ergonomics inadequacies, and a…

CHRYSLER/INFINITY ’96 CHRYSLER LHS Our ’96 Chrysler LHS test car features Chrysler’s finest audio package, the 180-watt five-channel Chrysler/Infinity Spatial Imaging audio system. Like the Mercedes S-Class setup, it’s among the best factory systems because it includes a dedicated front center channel in addition to conventional front and rear side speakers and subwoofers. (As illustrated in the chart below, we’re now providing a breakdown of how each system is scored based on ergonomics and features, sound quality, and value, with a possible overall score of 100.) The LHS system integrates exceptionally well with the interior. It includes a traditional Chrysler receiver with a 3×7-inch front panel and large, easy-to-prompt controls. Our test vehicle was equipped with the combination AM/FM/CD/cassette tuner, a $300 option. (A six-disc changer is available with the…

Adding security systems to existing keyless entry systems is becoming increasingly popular. The Executive VIP-4000 from Omega Research and Development is a full-featured security upgrade for late-model GM vehicles. Operated via the factory keyless entry transmitters, it adds features such as starter interrupt, remote activation of interior lights and flashing parking lights, and a panic mode. For added convenience, each system’s manual is recorded on cassette tape. Simplifying installation are Omega’s quick-interconnect harnesses. Manufactured to stringent ISO 9000 standards, these allow a dealer to install the system in minutes without making any modifications to the vehicle. Other harnesses, for over 400 separate applications, are also available for Omega’s aftermarket security lines: Excalibur, K9, Crime Guard, and Pearson Research. Executive keyless entry and security systems are available from new-car dealers nationwide;…

THE FUTURE WOULD BE PERFECT IF ONLY… C. Van Tune certainly gave car enthusiasts everywhere sweaty palms with his creative (and for the most part worthy) wish list for enhancing all of our favorite machines (Right of Way, April ’96). A twin-turbo all-wheel-drive NSX?! Where do I get in line? Zac SmithEatonville, Wash. In response to Mr. Tune’s April editorial: BMW should shoehorn the 5.7-liter V-12 into the 3-Series coupe and market it in gun-metal grey as the 357 Magnum. Better yet, drop in a high-output version of the new 4.4-liter V-8: The 44 Magnum. Go ahead BMW, make my day! Michael H. YountHouston, Texasvia the Internet I’m an 18-year-old automotive enthusiast, and I too imagine dream versions of existing cars. AMG Hummer V-10: How about a Hummer with the…

Anyone who has audited a class on German Engineering Appreciation is familiar with the simple equation: 3.2 liters to the M power equals heart-pounding thrills. Although BMW originally announced that it didn’t intend to produce any U.S.-spec M3s for ’96, customer, dealer, and racer demands brought about a welcome change of heart. The result is a fine-tuned variation on the ’95 theme that boasts a larger engine and a mandatory five-speed manual gearbox. While horsepower remains unchanged at 240, slight increases in bore and stroke bump displacement of the potent DOHC inline-six from 3.0 to 3.2 liters, boosting peak torque from 225 to 236 pound-feet and widening the band breadth. That change is expected to shave about two tenths of a second off the current car’s 6.2-second 0-60-mph times. Subtle…

Honda has given the green light to a U.S.-spec version of its Civic-based CR-V, now scheduled to arrive in showrooms around December. Already a smash hit in Japan, the four-door mini-SUV has a sub-$20,000 target price and will come standard with a 2.0-liter/125-to-130-horsepower DOHC engine, four-speed automatic transmission, on-demand four-wheel drive, dual airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM radio, power windows/locks/mirrors, a rear washer/wiper, and even a fold-out picnic table.…

First, some plot hatching. Our November ’95 Detroit Report went into detail about a killer version of the current, rear-drive Ford Thunderbird. According to our spies, that badder ‘Bird was to get a version of the Mustang Cobra’s 32-valve 4.6-liter V-8, a five-speed manual transmission, and a shorter 3.73:1 rear-axle gearing. On the surface, the T-bird looked like a logical place to put the sophisticated 305-horsepower Cobra powertrain. But the dark shadow hovering over the sport ‘Bird is its air-suspended brother, the Lincoln Mark VIII. Market planners feel a hot version of the T-bird would only further weaken soft Mark sales, so the original program eventually was burned down in meetings. So what does Ford do now? Like the mythical phoenix, an even more potent version of the Thunderbird has…

We hope you’re tuning in to The Nashville Network (TNN) each Sunday to catch “Motor Trend Television,” the fastest-paced, most-exciting half-hour of automotive programming on the air today (check your local listings for air times). Every week, we bring you a variety of road tests, comparisons, new product reviews, and the latest-breaking news from the motoring world. Here’s a look at what you’ll see in the month ahead. June 2: Mini-SUV roundup: Geo Tracker vs. Suzuki X-90 vs. Toyota RAV4. June 9: Ferrari F50 test and a feast of vintage Ferraris; BMW Z3 and Chrysler Sebring JXi convertibles. June 16: ’96 Volkswagen Jetta VR6 test; Luxury SUV shootout: Lexus LX 450 takes on Acura SLX. June 23: Profiles in power: ’96 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport and ’96 Mustang Cobra. June…

If ever there was a long-suffering candidate for a V-8, it has to be the Lotus Esprit. For 20 years, this mid-engined supercar has soldiered on as nobly as possible with various iterations of twin-cam four cylinders, in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged form. Sure, these high-revving small-displacement jewels, particularly the more recent versions, have managed to post some pretty amazing horsepower numbers: The turbocharged 2.2-liter in the current S4S cranks out a spectacular 300 ponies. But even the folks at Lotus recognized that to keep this aging veteran anywhere near competitive in a market segment dominated by high-dollar exotics with double and even triple its cylinder count was going to require a radical change. Their response: the new Esprit V8. The heart of the hottest Esprit ever is an…

Since its 1990 introduction, the Ford Explorer has established itself as the embodiment of clean-cut, all-American automotive family values: able off road, yet cushy and competent in the cut-and-thrust traffic of suburban sprawl. Earlier this year, when Ford’s familiar 5.0-liter OHV V-8 finally appeared as an alternative to the 4.0-liter OHV V-6, the Explorer got better in every way but one: The V-8 wasn’t available with four-wheel drive. Well, now it is. And unlike the two-wheel-drive V-8 option, which is restricted to midlevel XLT trim, the all-wheel-drive/V-8 combination can be ordered on any four-door Explorer, including the Eddie Bauer and Limited. The big advantage of the V-8 over the V-6 isn’t its 210 horsepower; it’s the meaty 280 pound-feet of torque available at 3500 rpm. Combined with the fulltime all-wheel-drive…

’69 CAMARO INDY 500 PACE CAR COURTESY OF TONY PRINCIOTTA, BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA One of those unplanned moments that set a path for the rest of one’s life happened to me while riding my Schwinn Sting-Ray near Hendry’s Beach in my hometown of Santa Barbara, California. At eight years old I liked cars, but when I looked over my shoulder that day and saw a new ’69 Chevrolet Camaro Pace Car convertible leave the beach parking lot and burn rubber as it accelerated up Cliff Drive, I knew I would love them forever. I only glimpsed that white and orange convertible for maybe five seconds and never saw it again, but the sight and sound of it are vivid in my mind 27 years later. That was the car—power, freedom,…

NEWS THE ULTIMATE 911? Porsche’s race cars often are Porsche production cars and sometimes Porsche street cars. The rules currently governing the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race favor street-car-derived machinery, and Porsche will return there this year with two 911 Turbo-based racers that should be precursors to an exotic street car. Built to GT1 rules, the new race car intentionally has a kinda-sorta resemblance to the rear-engine 911 Turbo production car, even though it’s a mid-engine machine. Power comes from a 3.2-liter twin-turbocharged version of the familiar Porsche flat-six equipped with DOHC, four valves per cylinder, single-plug cylinder heads, and water cooling that, in compliance with GT1 rules, has been restricted to 600 horsepower. The chassis, though it shares some front structure with the 911 Turbo, is pure…

While sport/utilities may promise “go anywhere” ability, the line between “getting anywhere” and “getting lost” is often thin. With hopes of widening that line, MT tested an Isuzu Trooper equipped with Clarion Corporation’s (800/462-5274) integrated audio/navigation package. Isuzu, working with OEM accessory supplier Clarion, secured a ’96 Trooper for our 3000-mile trek, which started in Los Angeles, stopped in Albuquerque, New Mexico, then headed to Salt Lake City before returning to SoCal. During the trip to Albuquerque, we evaluated the factory-installed 100-watt AM/FM/cassette deck with separate DIN single-play CD player. It was comparable to other factory-installed systems; the front-mounted speakers provided pleasing output. In Albuquerque, we removed the factory AM/FM/cassette receiver and replaced it with Clarion’s 120-watt DRX6175 AM/FM/CD receiver ($400). It was a simple upgrade, facilitated by the mounting…

Barely a month after it debuted the XK8 Coupe at Geneva, Jaguar unveiled the convertible counterpart at the New York Auto Show. In a separate presentation, the British automaker also revealed technical details of its all-new AJ-V8 engine, which will power both XK8 variants as well as other future products. As with the coupe, the strongest single influence on Chief Stylist Geoff Lawson was clearly the E-type, but the XK8’s tasteful lines also incorporate visual cues from several other earlier Jag competition models, including the XJ220. Both coupe and cabrio share a 102.0-inch wheelbase and part of the central tub with the outgoing XJS model. All of the remaining monocoque structure is new, however, as are the body panels and glass. Front suspension is a modified version of the XJS’…

Seeking to capitalize on the incredible popularity of its Legacy-based Outback wagon, Subaru plans to broaden its Big 0 lineup for ’97 with the addition of the new Impreza Sport Outback. Spun from the standard four-door, this subcompact, all-wheel-drive on/off-roader is powered by the firm’s 2.2-liter flat-four engine, which produces 137 horses and 145 pound-feet of torque in ’97 trim and ships power through either a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Like its bigger brother, the Impreza Sport Outback gets a revised front fascia and revamped suspension tuning with increased ride height. Also part of the package are upgraded 205/60HR15 all-season tires and four-channel anti-lock brakes. This new Outback variant should be in Subaru dealers by midsummer.…

While the Explorer made big bucks for Ford by racking up nearly 400,000 sales last year, the statistic that finally convinced the automaker to rebadge its popular sport/utility as a Mercury is this: In ’94, more than 35,000 Mercury owners left the marque in search of a sport/utility vehicle. Company reps say the figure was even higher for ’95. Thus, the Mercury Mountaineer’s main job is to stop that tide of SUV shoppers from being wooed elsewhere. Fortunately, Lincoln-Mercury dealers will have a vehicle that’s up to the task. The Mountaineer is essentially an Explorer V-8 with minor trim changes and is available with either two-wheel or full-time all-wheel drive. Separating the Mercury from its Ford cousin is a new grille, bodyside molding, roof rack, wheel inserts, rear bumper reflectors,…

In our May Trends Lead Report, we provided a glimpse of the redesigned ’97 front-drive Pontiac Trans Sport minivan. This month, we offer the Pontiac’s sisters, the new U-body Chevrolet Venture (top right) and Oldsmobile Silhouette (bottom right). GM is depending on these vehicles to finally put the firm into a competitive position in the front-drive minivan market. Despite GM’s recent talk of “brandscaping” and product differentiation, all three vans share an all-new, all-steel unibody and common exterior sheetmetal—that’s right, the ungainly steel spaceframe with composite body panels is gone. They also have in common GM’s 3.4-liter/180-horsepower OHV V-6 engine and four-speed automatic transaxle, identical MacPherson-strut/twist-beam-axle front/rear underpinnings, and a choice of 112.0- or 120.0-inch wheelbases. Interior trims may differ, but the basic control layouts don’t. The Olds comes standard…

Every Tucker Torpedo is a rare car, but this one’s the rarest of them all. The personal vehicle of motor-magnate-wannabe Preston Tucker was recently purchased at auction by Petersen Publishing Company Chairman Robert E. Petersen and his wife, Margie, for a record $280,000. It’s currently on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum, which is part of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Only 51 Tuckers were ever produced during the troubled 100-day existence of the failed automaker. This ’48 Torpedo sedan was one of several that appeared in the 1988 movie “Tucker,” and was formerly owned by a Japanese collector.…

At great personal risk, our network of corporate moles has unearthed exciting developments for the ’98 Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird (known within GM as the F-cars). These classic quarter-mile warriors will bound toward the 21st century packing new muscle from GM’s upcoming Generation III V-8 engine and touting significant upgrades to their appearance. To be introduced in the all-new Corvette, the all-aluminum 5.7-liter (350-cubic-inch) Gen III V-8 is expected to produce up to 350 horsepower in the two-seat sports car. A slightly less powerful 5.4-liter/290-horsepower (327-cubic-inch) version of the engine is expected to be offered in the base Corvette. Our sources report that while the 5.4-liter will be fitted in the midlevel F-cars, a version of the 5.7-liter engine will be stuffed into Z28 and Trans Am models. It’s…

Early this year, BMW wowed the press and public alike when it unveiled the all-new 528i, illustrating how careful planning and creative engineering could make the 5-Series bigger and better without increasing cost, weight, or fuel consumption. Now, with the introduction of the uplevel 540i, BMW once again has sparked the debate over which model is truly the Ultimate Driving Machine. By starting with a platform that’s basically a morph of the 7-Series and previous 5-Series, then basting it with spicy engineering flavor, and finally giving it a quick microwave melt to round out the edges, Olympic sponsor BMW has created both a world-class sprinter and long-distance runner in the 540i. The heart of this performance sedan is a 4.4-liter/282-horsepower DOHC V-8 engine derived from the previous 4.0-liter powerplant. Torque…

• CHEVROLET CAVALIER LS • DODGE NEON HIGHLINE • FORD ESCORT LX • HONDA CIVIC LX • PLYMOUTH BREEZE • PONTIAC GRAND AM SE • SATURN SL1 Sure, Newt, Bill, Bob, and the rest of the fun-loving Washington gang have been talking about family values for years. But what, pray tell, have they done about it? Precious little, from our perspective—not one good road test has emanated from either Congress or the White House. So, the question remains: How’s a concerned citizen supposed to pick an economical family sedan without knowing which offers the best value? Sorry, politicos, we thought it was about time to take this controversial topic into our own public forum. To find out just how much sedan 15 grand buys these days, we gathered seven of…

’68 SHELBY GT500KR COURTESY OF DON GRAY, LOS ALTOS, CALIFORNIA Remember the racer’s adage, “Speed costs money; how fast do you want to go?” It turns out that many people who can afford to go fast want to be comfortable doing it. Hence the ’68 Shelby GT500KR and ’96 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT convertibles: good-looking, luxurious Mustangs that are musclecar quick. Carroll Shelby’s first Mustang, the ’65 GT350, debuted with just one mission: Beat the Corvette on the racetrack. It didn’t need to be comfortable and came with a bare fiberglass panel where the back seat should be. But just two years later, because the larger, heavier ’67 Mustang didn’t need race homologation, Shelby’s focus shifted to styling, roadworthiness, and bigger engines. More distinct from mortal Mustangs than was the…

NEWS THE EXTREMIST It used to be that sports were played with sticks and balls by gentlemen of the leisure class. Now it seems that everyone and his grandmother is diving off bridges wearing nothing but a bungee cord, jet skiing backward in lakes of Jell-O, or outrunning flowing lava on a mountain bike. It’s those “extreme sports” that have inspired Mazda to build the B-Extreme concept pickup. Or maybe Mazda execs have just been watching too much MTV. The B-Extreme is a B4000 four-wheel-drive pickup dressed in special side cladding, fender flares, integrated side steps, a tubular front bumper, PIAA off road driving lamps, a rail-mounting system to fit a kayak over the bed, and a bed liner with storage for the kayak’s paddle in the tailgate. Atop all…

Engine overheating is a common problem during the hot summer months, especially if the engine is running with little air circulation, such as in stop-and-go traffic or when running under load (e.g. climbing mountains or towing). At the least, overheating is an inconvenience that can leave you stuck on the side of the road for a while; at the worst, it’s one of the quickest ways to destroy an engine. While driving under normal conditions, note where your car’s temperature-gauge needle typically sits. Knowing this, you can keep an eye on it when the engine is under stressful conditions. If the needle gets near the red area of the gauge, pull off the road and let the engine cool for a while before continuing. If it isn’t possible to get…

’96 AUDI A4 QUATTRO It’s been a good month at Motor Trend thanks to the delivery of the well-equipped Audi A4 Quattro, which sports an aerodynamic exterior, a luxurious interior, and the smooth 2.8-liter/172-horsepower VR6 engine. Direct from Germany, all A4s feature standard anti-lock disc brakes, electronic climate control, a power driver’s seat, power windows/locks/mirrors, and an AM/FM/cassette stereo. Perusing the options list, we couldn’t pass up the easy-shifting five-speed automatic transmission ($930) or the Quattro all-wheel-drive system ($1550). To make ski trips more pleasant, we added a ski bag ($160) and the all-weather package with heated front seats, windshield-washer nozzles, and driver-side door lock ($450). For warm-weather enjoyment, we opted for a sunroof ($990) and the irresistible leather-wrapped sport steering wheel ($150). Rounding out our A4’s list of extras…

We all know that the lack of big bass is what sets mundane systems—both factory and aftermarket—apart from what we wish we had installed in our vehicles. More often than not, consumers purchase ready-made subwoofer systems (speaker and enclosure) to satisfy our demands for a stronger foundation for our music. The more adventurous among us attempt to build custom boxes and find the correct subwoofer that best matches it. Sometimes this works, but more often than not, it doesn’t; individual subwoofers each have different mechanical characteristics, and enclosure size and type don’t always interact with the subwoofer the way we intend. Ai Research (800/762-0351), in conjunction with numerous speaker manufacturers, is attempting to take the black magic out of low-frequency reproduction with its Bass Performance Match (BPM) concept. The pictured…