September 27, 2002

Automakers unveil Ford Focus C-MAX, California Cruiser, GM Hy-Wire, Toyota Land Cruiser, BMW Z4, and four new AMG models

Top to bottom: GM Hy-Wire; BMW Z4; AMG E55; Ford Focus C-Max; Chrysler California Cruiser; Volvo S60R; Chrysler Crossfire. Click images to enlarge

Paris, France - European automakers revealed new concept and production vehicles on Thursday at the Paris Motor Show.

Ford showed a new Focus-based Multi-Activity Vehicle concept called the Focus C-MAX. Ford expects a production version of the Focus C-MAX would appeal to families with children and active couples. "MAV customers need their space and versatility but long for a vehicle that's also great to drive," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's European Vice President of Product Development. "The Focus C-MAX Concept delivers it all."

Inside, there are four individual seats, DVD-based, rear-seat multi-media system and twin, tinted skylights that run the length of the vehicle roof flanking an island-style multi-functional centre console that incorporates individual occupant-controlled lighting, built-in stowage areas and wireless technology.

Mercedes-Benz is showing world and European premieres in five model series, and four new AMG high-performance cars.

The centrepiece of the Mercedes display is the model year 2003 S-Class. The new CL-Class Coupˇ is also being shown to the public for the first time in Paris. This Fall, Mercedes-Benz is adding the six-cylinder SL 350 sports car to the SL-Class, and the E-Class is joined by the new models E 200 KOMPRESSOR and E 320 CDI. The S and C-Class 4MATIC models are also celebrating their premiere at the Paris Motor Show.

Four new Mercedes-AMG models are joining the AMG lineup: the E 55 AMG with a 476 hp supercharged V8 engine, the C 30 CDI as the first AMG diesel model and the new high-performance models S 55 AMG and CL 55 AMG.

Mercedes is also showing the Maybach 62 super luxury car - which already made its world debut in New York in early July - and the Maybach 57, which is being presented for the first time. The model numbers refer to their respective lengths: 6.17 metres for the Maybach 62 and 5.73 metres in the case of the Maybach 57.

The Chrysler California Cruiser Concept also makes its world debut today in Paris. It has two large doors, an innovative rear hatch and multi-functional interior. Chrysler is also displaying another version of the PT Cruiser called the PT Street Cruiser Series 2, as well as the PT Cruiser Cabrio and the diesel-powered PT Cruiser 2.2 CRD.

Other Chrysler vehicles on display in Paris include the Chrysler Crossfire, Sebring Cabrio, 300M, Voyager and Grand Voyager minivans.

General Motors will display the Hy-wire, the world's first driveable vehicle that combines a hydrogen fuel cell with by-wire technology. The GM Hy-wire incorporates the features first envisioned in the AUTOnomy concept vehicle at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and the Geneva Motor Show.

"The fact that we developed Hy-wire as a drivable concept vehicle in just eight months (from its introduction in Detroit) shows our commitment to this technology and the speed at which we are progressing," said Rick Wagoner, GM's president and CEO. "With AUTOnomy, GM shared a vision. Hy-wire accelerates our progress with a functional proof of concept which strengthens our confidence in our ability to gain marketplace acceptance of production fuel cell vehicles."

A new Toyota Land Cruiser has its world premier in Paris. The new Toyota Land Cruiser is aimed at the core of the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market and replaces the current Land Cruiser 90 in Toyota's comprehensive SUV range. Like all previous Land Cruiser models, the new Toyota Land Cruiser offers full off-road capability - but, in response to the growing leisure market, the latest model adds better on-road driving pleasure with new standards of quality and comfort.

The new Toyota Land Cruiser is at the heart of the SUV market while the Toyota Land Cruiser 100 - itself revised - targets the luxury market.

As well, Toyota will show revised Celica and MR2 models. For the Toyota Celica, the latest styling changes will result in a bolder, more sporty exterior look; a new interior colour and a more relaxed and responsive driving position. Performance enhancements will improve low speed ride, traction and occupant comfort.

MR2 improvements include a new six-speed manual transmission; faster shift on the sequential transmission (where fitted); new 16-inch rear tires for greater traction; and the availability of enhanced active safety systems such as Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Brake Assist.

The highlight of the BMW stand is the new Z4 roadster, the replacement for the Z3. The Z4 will go on sale this Fall in North America and next Spring in Europe.

As well, BMW is showing new 6- and 8-cylinder diesel engines for the BMW 7 Series, likely available only in Europe and Asia. BMW is also displaying intelligent Adaptive Light Control (ALC), a new lighting technology which improves the driver's vision in the dark by up to one-third.

Volvo unveiled the new S60 R, a limited-production, high-performance sedan inspired by Volvo's Performance Concept Car. The S60 R also adopts most of the PCC's technology, including one of the world's most advanced active suspension systems, a 300-horsepower, twin-turbocharged engine, 6-speed manual gearbox and an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system.

A V70 R wagon, also PCC inspired, was unveiled at the same time.

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