Innehållsförteckning för October 2002 från MotorTrend

Motor Trend in Motion Motor Trend Television on Speed Channel comes to you each month on many local cable providers, plus DIRECTV and Dish Network. John Matthius, Senior Producer and Motor Trend Feature Editor, brings you road tests, event coverage, and interviews with other editors of Motor Trend magazine. The September episode is our annual Buyer’s Guide show, highlighting many of the newest cars for the ’03 model year. A new 30-minute episode premiers the first Monday of every month, with encore presentations in the following weeks. For a detailed broadcast schedule, check out the Speed Channel Web site at www.speedtv.com Go to the Program Schedule page, enter keyword “Motor Trend," and click “Filter.” You’ll get a list of upcoming air times for our latest episode. Also www.motortrend.com has the…

Where in the World Is Alan Taylor? Despite all the chaos surrounding the aftermath of Sept. 11, retired New York City Mayor (and Time’s Person of the Year), Rudolph Giuliani somehow still found time to attend last spring’s New York Auto Show. Motor Trend Radio host Alan Taylor was on hand to play personal escort to Giuliani, assisting him through the rows and rows of more than 1000 new cars, trucks, minivans, SUVs, exotic sports cars, and funky concept vehicles on display at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Although America’s favorite exmayor was pressed for time and wasn’t able to view all the exhibits, you can bet his eye caught the new-for-’03 Ford Crown Victoria—a favorite among NYC taxi drivers, police officers, and elected government officials. Catch Motor Trend Radio…

The Queen Elizabeth 2 steamed past the Statue of Liberty, then up toward Manhattan as helicopters circled the luxury liner. A chopper hovered above, then lowered itself to pick up special cargo: a Maybach 62, the first “official” production ne-plus-ultra 5.5L/550-hp twin-turbo V-12-powered luxury sedan from Mercedes-Benz. After docking, it took its first drive in public, up to Wall Street, where Mercedes, Maybach, and Smart chief Jurgen Hubbert led a gala intro worthy of a car selling for 310,000 euros (for a base 5.7-meter-long car) to 360,000 euros (for a “base” 6.2-meter-long model). One euro currently equals about $1. We’ll have to wait until the second quarter of 2003 to take delivery of the first of our Maybachs. Mercedes plans about 1000 of them per year, with about 400 coming…

It’s hard to believe the Z3 has been around for seven model years. It’s true, as the first one hit town as a ’96 model. BMW typically replaces its vehicle platforms every seven to eight years, so it’s obviously time for a new one. The car is so substantially remodeled for ’03 it even gets a new name. The Z4 is a few inches longer than its predecessor and maintains its long-hood/short-deck/minimal-overhang proportions. The look up front recalls the controversial X coupe concept car of a few years back and boasts aggressive body sculpting just ahead of and below the doors. There are convex and concave surfaces spread all over the bodywork, and the HID headlight clusters and bulging wheel arches also add a look of intent. Two of…

When Porsche launched the Boxster here in mid-1997, it was only the sixth entirely new vehicle platform the company had ever brought to market, and it remains a strong seller and remarkably fresh from a dynamics standpoint. Thus, Stuttgart’s engineers treaded lightly when it came to upgrading the base Boxster and edgier Boxster S for ’03. Both models receive a boost in power (8 hp for the base, and 6 for the S), thanks to a new VarioCam system, allowing intake cam angle adjustment by up to 40°. The result is more power off the line, crisper throttle response (especially in the S), a reduction in fuel consumption, and lower emissions. The base car now has more low-end punch, which had been lacking, and the S creeps ever closer…

imagine the odds on this one: a 37-year-old race car driver, cheating death at high speeds on the world’s greatest tracks, suffering from severe chronic angina, and popping mind-clouding nitro-glycerine pills every six to seven laps just to stay in the race—and stay alive. Many years later, as his 80th birthday approaches, he’s not only very much alive, but he’s the principal in no fewer than 10 automotive companies. Unlikely? Not if you’re Carroll Shelby. The heart condition forced the early retirement of this legendary piloto, winner of the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans and so many other important sports car races. What happened after Shelby hung up his helmet and goggles, however, has been the subject of considerable discourse. By applying that same Texas guile and seat-of-the-overalls grit…

Imagine a quiet, well-lit, highly polished building with fine, maple parquet floors, interactive communication displays, a four-star cafe, and a giant conference room that can double as a TV studio. Now imagine that's where your next luxury car is built. The brainchild of former head of Volkswagen, Dr. Piech, and as part of VW's new strategy, a "Transparent Factory" or "Manufactory" has been developed where the new Phaeton is assembled. With the chassis and body machined and welded at a different plant, the two separate lines (chassis and body) are brought together inside the glass-encased Dresden factory in such a way that every step of the process can be viewed from just about anywhere in the plant. The scene is eerily quiet, with only three robots in the building and…

In going head to head with Europe’s biggest and best German luxury sedans, Volkswagen has benchmarked—surprise—Lexus. After all, it was this luxury division of Toyota that entered the segment from nowhere to become a desirable brand and a sales leader today. VW realizes it doesn’t need to beat the S-Class in content or luxury details—just come close. VW also realizes it doesn’t have to beat the 7 Series in technology or sportiness—again, really close is good enough. And VW knows that, if it can do all this at $10,000 or $20,000 less than either of those luxury makers, it’s sure to find some success. After our drive of the shorter-wheelbase (by 4.4 in.) European-spec Phaeton, we believe VW has hit the mark. The car’s wide and nosy shape allows the…

Easing out from behind the camouflage of a lumbering 18-wheeler, Officer Darren Gennuso of the California Highway Patrol spots his quarry a quarter mile distant and roars off in pursuit. Gennuso has been stealthily pacing the Mitsubishi Montero at nearly 90 mph. “He still hasn’t seen me,” Gennuso says as he guns his Crown Victoria past 110 mph. “Look how he’s flyin’ up on the cars ahead of him.” Seconds later, the hunt is over. With the flashing lights of the CHP cruiser filling its mirrors, the Montero meekly pulls to the side of the 101 freeway. Gennuso is polite but stern. “Is there an emergency?” he asks the driver, who coughs up a few lame excuses (“We’re late getting to Santa Barbara …”), and Gennuso begins scribbling. Fifteen minutes…

Hidden Hitch Basket Carrier Hidden Hitch’s new basket carriers are a simple way to haul extra supplies, oversized cargo, or even a lawn mower. Plus, using the carriers for dirty stuff (like bags of mulch) will help keep your vehicle clean. The basket carriers are available for Class II and III receivers, attach quickly, and incorporate steel side rails to prevent items from sliding off. We tested the larger Class III unit (20x60x6 in.) that holds up to 500 lb of goods and found it simple to install, exceptionally useful, and easy to clean. The main unit is constructed of stainless steel and has several spots that serve as anchor points for tie-down straps. $150; 800/632-3290; www.hiddenhitch.com. Escalade Supercharger Cadillac’s Escalade is no slouch with 345 hp on tap, but…

Separate feature stories involving the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Carroll Shelby are contained elsewhere in this issue. But this most amazing man, and this most ultimate race, have crossed paths many times. One particularly poignant example was the 1967 running of the French classic. As did Audi this year, Ford won big in '66, its timeless GT40s finishing 1-2-3 with the Shelby American entering the first place car. But even that wasn’t enough for Henry Ford II; a back-to-back victory would convincingly underscore that Ferrari’s recent domination of the Great Race was well and truly over. The GT40 was redeveloped into the Mark IV, and among the factory driver pairings were A.J. Foyt and Dan Gurney. Foyt was fresh from his third Indy 500 crown; Gurney would win…

Escape to Land Rover—Replacements for the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute, expected in the ’05 or '06 model year, will spawn a host of Ford Motor Co. products. The new models will be based on the Mazda 6 midsize-sedan architecture and will encompass the next Land Rover Freelander, a Volvo XC50, and a Mercury version. The Future of 9*—Saab will determine by the end of 2002 whether it will produce the 9X Frankfurt show design study as its next sports car. As reported earlier this year, Saab’s new design chief, Michael Mauer, considers the 9X the spiritual successor to the Sonett II of the late ’60s/early ’70s. We’ll get an announcement on the 9X by spring—if it’s a go, he says. And A6, and A4, and A3—Audi intends to launch…

Acura is tenuously joining the BMW M/Mercedes AMG tuner market with a new line of products badged under the Factory Performance name. First up is a handling package for the RSX Type-S that features stiffer “track-tuned” springs and shocks that lower the coupe by about 1 in., 17-in. lightweight aluminum alloy wheels and 225/45VR17 tires, slotted brake rotors with performance pads, and lower-body cladding and the requisite boy-racer wing. Inside, there’s a billet aluminum shift knob and special Factory Performance badging with aluminum look interior trim. This is the home-market Honda Integra Type-R’s handling package without the 220-hp engine. Acura says it has no plans to import the Type-R, so if you lust after that car, you might consider springing for the $4800-plus dealer installation (estimated at six hours). Hurry:…

Chevrolet has seen its market-share increase from 15.4 to 15.9 percent, which is the biggest market share gain of any nameplate through midyear 2002. Okay, in total-sales volume, Ford division is still ahead of Chevrolet, as it has been for many years, with a market share of 17.7 percent, but that’s a 1.5-percentage-point decline in share. This doesn’t mean Chevrolet is selling more vehicles than Ford, just that its sales decline is less than that of the industry as a whole. Hyundai, on the other hand, has had a similar gain in market share because its sales volume has increased by 15 percent. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Kia, and BMW also have achieved similar gains in market share, all thanks to increased sales volumes. Of the other high-volume players, Toyota has…

Audi’s A8 remains one of the most desirable cars in its ratified class. That it’s had few substantial changes since '97 says much about the design goodness of this elegant luxury sport sedan. But with newer competition from BMW, Mercedes-Benz—and, soon, Volkswagen—Audi is ready with a major update: the ’04 A8, debuting here next summer. Its basic platform remains, but the new chassis is made up of a single unit instead of three pieces. The structure is composed of 17 percent fewer parts and promises 60 percent better torsional rigidity. Weight for the long-wheelbase A8, the only version to be sold here for a few years, is down 45 lb to 3902. Its wheelbase is 2.5 in. longer than that of its predecessor, and it’s 0.7 in. longer overall,…

With the G35 Sport Coupe, Infiniti upstaged its own M45 debut at the New York Motor Show this year. The G35 sedan supports Infiniti’s claim that it's a legitimate sport-sedan maker by winning comparisons to the BMW 330i and others. Infiniti hopes its new M45, riding on the Q45’s platform and bridging the price gap between G and Q, will upstage BMW’s 540i—an admirable, but tough, goal. Aggressive gear ratios help the 4.5L V-8 feel like it’s delivering the advertised 340 hp. But the Q45 (126 lb heavier) gets the M’s 3.133:1 final drive for ’03, too, leaving mostly size, styling, equipment, and price as distinguishing qualities. The U.S.-spec M45 has the home-market Gloria/Cedric bodyshell, but with a new nose and tail, interior, suspension, and the V-8. The M45’s…

The Shelby Cobra has been an instantly recognizable shape, a performance icon, and an object of automotive desire for 40 years—a half century, if you count the British A.C. Ace the Cobra sprang from. Today, the Cobra’s probably the most copied automobile on the planet, with Cobra replicars and kit-cars by scores of names and dozens of makers outnumbering the originals. As they say, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. Yet the notion the Shelby American organization could create a modern automobile—one completely of its own design rather than adapted from the A.C. Ace with a Ford pushrod V-8 crammed in—was a powerful one. So the idea of creating an all-new roadster, starting from a clean sheet of paper, with some of that magic Shelby DNA sprinkled here…

On sale by the summer of 2003, VW’s first shot into the high-end-SUV segment, the Touareg (named after a strong-willed self-reliant nomadic tribe of the Sahara) will offer full-time all-wheel drive, a low-range gear, four-wheel traction control, and an adjustable-ride-height air-suspension. Offered with three engines in the U.S., the first Touaregs will have a new 4.2L V-8, producing 310 hp and 305 Ib-ft of torque. A 3.2L V-6 will arrive six months later, with the 420-hp W-12 going on sale in June 2004. As you might imagine, the W-12 offers a huge amount of groin-pulling power for a vehicle this size. Expect the Porsche Cayenne to have a few more power surprises, as well. Designed to handle difficult terrain challenges, the Touareg will offer center and rear locking differentials and…

It’s a pickup truck, a work tool, and an appliance designed to pull tree stumps or trailer a steamroller. It’s heavy duty, to be sold to contractors and farmers, worthy of a 10-page review in Commercial Heavy Equipment Monthly. Now it has an independent front suspension and what Dodge says is the first rack-and-pinion steering in a heavy-duty truck (both in the 4x2 only). But this is no girly pickup or suburban SUV. What more could we possibly say about such a truck? A lot. We at Motor Trend have done our share in considering heavy-duty pickups as personal family conveyances. In 2001, we named the Ram HD’s nemesis, the Chevrolet Silverado HD, Truck of the Year over smaller rivals that more readily serve as alternatives to midsize sedans. Dodge,…

The 24 Hours of Le Mans isn’t a race it’s an event. Grand Marnier-laced crepes for breakfast; watching the drivers slow at the end of the Mulsanne Straight, brake rotors aglow and tongues of flame lashing out from exhaust pipes; seeing and hearing bleary-eyed fans from around the world cheering on their favorite car/team/driver; marching bands and Hawaiian Tropic Girls; a thundering Panoz 6.0 liter V-8 going through all its gears down the front straight; a neon-lit ferris wheel and the Dunlop Bridge; tent camping in the forest; the thousands of cool, classic cars that fill the parking lots; knowing this race course is more than three times longer than that of the Indy SOO; being in France. You may not think an all-day/all-night sports-car race in the middle of…

In 1961, Ford Division Vice President and General Manager Lee lacocca had a vision: a sporty car that would seat four people, be no more than 180 in. long, weigh less than 2500 lb, and sell for under $2500. On March 9, 1964, vision became reality as the first Mustang rolled off the assembly line. By the end of the day on April 17—the Mustang’s official on-sale date—Ford had sold over 22,000 units, and the ponycar revolution was on. It remains one of America’s most popular nameplates and makes a superb “first classic” and weekend playtoy. First-generation long-hood/short-deck Mustangs are available in three variations: coupe, convertible, and fastback (except ’641T), with wall-to-wall carpeting, front bucket seats or optional front bench seat, three-spoke steering wheel, floor-mounted shifter, and full headliner. Early…

All automakers should face such a dilemma: Porsche has developed a new 4.5L \-8 for the Cayenne sportutility vehicle. But can an SUV alone sustain V-8 production? In order to amortize the cost, Porsche is studying a second model to be powered by the same engine. Several proposals are on the table: a V-8 super-car based off the ’06 Boxster platform and variations on the Cayenne theme, including a longer version with a third-row seat—perhaps even a pickup truck. But the lead candidate is this modern-day 928, codenamed E2. If this four-seat front-engine coupe gets the green light, it’ll be offered with the same V-8 engine choices as the Cayenne: 340 hp normally aspirated and 450 hp in twin-turbo form. It's all fine, as long as the company doesn’t bring…

Mercedes is working on a four-door “coupe” to fill the gap between the C-Class-based CLK and the CL coupes. The CLE is E-Class-based, which means we can expect the 3.2L V-6 standard and the 5.0L V-8 optional in North America. A CLE55 AMG is likely to come along later, as well. The styling theme follows such cars as the Alfa Romeo 156 and the stillborn Audi A4 four-door coupe. Expect its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2003, with production set for 2005.…

Does the 380-hp Ford F-150 Lightning pickup at last have a playmate? Well, sort of. There are generally two types of trucks: hot-rodded playtoys—like the Lightning—and trailer-towing, job-rated tools. Both are naturally compromised because of their specific roles. Early next year, Chevy will roll out the AWDonly Silverado SS, an attempt to bridge truckdom’s play and work worlds. The fast part of the equation will be handled by a 6.0L/345-hp V-8 sending 380 Ib-ft of torque to all four P275/55R20 Goodyears. The SS will be rated to tow a trailer weighing up to 7500 lb. Based on much of the same hardware as the GMC Sierra Denali, the SS also sports the 1500 short-bed/extended-cab configuration. That means a reasonably sized cargo area with a 1490-lb payload, and seating for…

Opel’s new Vectra GTS is a quick, nice-looking, fine-handling machine, a sportier version of the German carmaker’s new bread-and-butter sedan. We recently drove the GTS in Europe and were pleased with its aggressive cornering, smooth ride, slick 17-in. wheel/tire combo, tasteful body upgrades, sportified interior, and special exhaust—all served up at a fair price. Too bad it won’t be offered in the States. But, in a way, it will: squint just right, and you’ll see the ’04 Chevy Malibu, ’05 Pontiac Grand Am, and quite possibly an ’06 Saturn. Confused? Here’s the deal. The sporty new Vectra and the ’03 Saab 93 represent GM’s first deployments of its all-new Epsilon chassis architecture. Epsilon was designed to underpin a wide variety of vehicle and brand applications, with global production projections…

As a child of the ’70s, I grew up in a family that spent more time at some of California’s finest racetracks (Riverside, Ontario, Willow Springs) than at the beach. While participating in time trials at the now defunct Riverside International Raceway, I was given a hot lap around the long track in a 65 427 Cobra. The experience jump-started my puberty, and I caught Cobra fever. Fast forward: Resting in the form-fitting seat behind the wheel of Shelby American’s CSX 4000 427 S/C Cobra, my pulse quickened as I reached for the key. “Whaddya wait’n for? Fire this bad boy up!” barked Gary Patterson, marketing and PR director for Shelby American. Yessir! I twisted the key to 488 hp worth of all-aluminum 427 Ford. It erupted into life, then…

Remember when Volkswagen was best known for cuddly icons like the classic Beetle, the Microbus, and, of course, the Thing? Say goodbye to your old definitions and start stretching your mind around an entirely new set of VW values and products. As we assembled around a large oak conference table, quietly waiting for various Volkswagen AG Board members to take their seats, newly appointed (April 2002) Chairman of the Board Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder leaned back in his chair and produced a large cigar. We were in Germany to look at two of the newest additions to the Volkswagen family—family members that at first glance seemed distant relations: the Touareg (pronounced “tour-egg”) sport/utility and Phaeton (say “fae-uh-ton”) luxury sedan. Like the proud father of hardworking offspring, Dr. Pischetsrieder puffed and asked,…

These days, increasing car sales isn’t easy. Two ways VW intends to do so are: (1) entering product segments it’s not currently playing in and (2) filling small niches nobody else occupies. As discussed, the Phaeton and Touareg appear to accomplish the former. And the Passat W8 is one weapon intended to accomplish the latter, by offering eight-cylinder power in a German luxo/sport sedan at a price no other marque can touch. It also helps bridge the gap between mid-$30,000 V-6 Passats and the S-Class-size Phaeton, a fully loaded version of which could cost nearly double that. The W-8 engine’s uniquely splayed cylinder angles create a compact, 4.0L powerplant rated at 270 hp and 273 Ib-ft of torque. Currently, it can be had only with a five-speed Tiptronic automatic, though…

In our Sept. ’01 issue, we praised the Mazda MP3 for its outstanding handling, edgy styling, and industry-first factory in-dash MP3 player. But we complained that, at 140 hp, the MP3 didn’t have the beans to compete with the 160-200 horses common in this class. Mazda listened—to us and others—and the result is the ’03 MazdaSpeed Protégé, which handily addresses the question: “Where’s the power?” Try 14.9 sec at 93.2 mph—nearly 2 sec quicker than the MP3. For that power increase, Mazda went to the turbo gods at Callaway Cars. The resulting 170-hp engine employs, among other things, a Garrett T-25 turbocharger equipped with a lag-reducing ball-bearing center housing. Turbo lag is non-existent; output is now strong and linear. And a new limited-slip differential helps get that power to the…

2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE Riddle me this, Batman: Name a truck that drives as smooth as a Cadillac, has all-weather cargo-carrying capability like an SUV, yet transforms into a pickup in under a minute? If you answered Chevrolet's Avalanche, give yourself a pat on the back, Boy Wonder. We’ve put over 7K on the clock, and our Z66 has gained admirers staff wide. Senior Road Test Editor Chris Walton actually had an “Avalanche commercial’’ experience when he used it to cart 1000 lb of stone home. “I handed the yard rep my requisition, and he looked at the truck and said, ‘I don’t think it’s all gonna fit in there.’ So I said, ‘Really? Watch this…!’ and proceeded to stow the Midgate. The guy scratched his head after he loaded a…

IN A COUNTRY SO ENAMORED OF SPORT/UTILITIES, IT’S hard for one manufacturer to stand out and grab the attention of consumers who have varied needs, expectations, tastes, and budgets. Because of this, Mitsubishi has attempted to establish a unique position with its Montero. Like some domestic 4x4 SUVs, it’s a highly capable, unit-body off-roader, yet the Montero boasts race-tested structure, suspension, and driveline hardware. And, like the stylish European SUVs, the Montero also offers luxury and amenities—but without the matching upscale pricetag. Sold in 170 countries, with over 2 million first-and second-generation Monteros roaming the planet, and packing 17 years’ worth of Paris-to-Dakar rally trophies, the Montero is truly a world champion. Yet in the U.S., we see far fewer of these peerless Japanese trucks than their German, or especially…