March 28, 2002

New York auto show
Day One, the highlights!

Saturn ION sedan and coupe

Perhaps the most significant new vehicles introduced at the New York auto show were the new Saturn ION Sedan and Quad Coupe which replace the aging S-Series compact sedans and coupes. Built on GM's all-new Delta platform, the five-passenger sedan and four-passenger coupe have Saturn's traditional spaceframe construction with rust-free polymer body panels, and are substantially bigger than their predecessors - approximately 50 mm (2 in.) taller and 152 mm (6 in.) longer. In addition, they have a wider track (approximately 50 mm (2 in.) front and rear) and a longer wheelbase.

GM's new 137 horsepower Ecotec 2.2 litre four-cylinder engine is standard in all vehicles, and a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides an infinite number of gear ratios over a wide overall ratio range is optional on base and mid-level models. Unique features include a new centre-mounted instrument cluster, and on the coupe, dual rear door panels. The new ION cars will debut in the fourth quarter of 2002.

Honda Element

The Honda Element originally debuted as a concept model, named "Model X", in January 2001 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The production version will be introduced to the Canadian market in early 2003.

Honda says the Element is designed to meet the young, diversified lifestyle of the urban consumer who actively participates in snowboarding, mountain biking, water skiing and other sports. A key design feature of the Element is the centre opening, "swing-wide" doors that have no B-pillar to provide maximum cargo loading flexibility. It will be powered by a 2.4 litre, 160-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine and will be available with either front-wheel-drive or with Honda's Real Time 4WD.

Honda Pilot

A production-ready version of the Honda Pilot, a new mid-sized SUV with 8-passenger theatre-style seating and the largest cargo carrying capacity in its class, debuted at the show. The Pilot will be manufactured at Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario and will go on sale in June as a 2003 model. For the Canadian market, the Pilot will be available only in top-of-the-line EX trim.

The Pilot features a 240 horsepower, 3.5 litre, VTEC V6 engine and Honda's VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management 4WD) all-wheel drive system. The Pilot's interior has two rows of 60/40 split folding seats and up to 2557 litres (90.3 cubic feet) of cargo space behind the front seats.

Lincoln Aviator

Lincoln took the wraps off the new mid-sized Aviator SUV, a restyled luxury version of the new Explorer. The Aviator features an all-aluminum, 4.6-liter V8 engine that uses dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and variable-length intake runners to produce 302 horsepower and 300 lbs. - ft. of torque, while still qualifying as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. It has a maximum towing capacity of 7,300 pounds - 46 percent better than the V-8 powered Mercedes-Benz ML500 and 22 percent better than the BMW X5 4.4.

All Aviators include dual-zone electronic climate control and an auxiliary climate control system for second- and third-row passengers, standard power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals and the Rear Park Assist system that triggers in-cabin audio warnings if an obstacle is detected when reversing; 6-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats with power lumbar support and two memory settings for the driver's seat, side mirrors, brake and accelerator pedals; and an AM/FM premium sound system with in-dash compact disc player, cassette player and secondary controls mounted on the steering wheel. The Aviator's standard third-row seat folds flat to the floor.

Ford Mustang Mach 1

A new 2003-model Mustang Mach 1 special edition made its debut - 38 years after the original Mustang was introduced in New York. In March 1969, the Mustang Mach 1 was named "the quickest four-person production car" ever tested by Car Life magazine. The 2003 Mach 1 is expected to deliver more than 300 horsepower from its modular 4.6-litre 4-valve, DOHC V8 engine when it goes on sale at the end of this year.

Mach 1 styling cues include "comfort-weave" leather seats, a shaker hood scoop and today's interpretation of classic "Magnum 500" chrome wheels. Ford will build 6,500 Mustang Mach 1 special editions - on the same line of the Dearborn Assembly Plant that produces the V6, GT and Cobra Mustangs. Each Mach 1 will come with a unique serialization found in the vehicle identification number (VIN) to ensure exclusivity and collectibility.

2003 Crown Victoria

The Ford Crown Victoria, a favourite of fleet customers, taxi drivers and police officers who want a full-size rear-wheel-drive car, receives a new frame and major upgrades in ride, handling, steering, comfort and safety for 2003.

Upgrades include a stronger hydroformed frame, new variable power assist rack-and-pinion steering system, upgraded front and rear suspension and passenger seat weight sensors added to its Personal Safety System. Anti-lock brakes are now standard, and side air bags are now optional.

2004 Chrysler Pacifica

Chrysler revealed the production version of its all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica - it will go on sale in the spring of 2003 as a 2004 model. Production will begin in early 2003 at Chrysler Group's Windsor Assembly Plant.

"With its low step-in height, first-class seating, three rows of seats, and car-like handling, there's no question that the Chrysler Pacifica will redefine the large vehicle market segment in much the same way that Chrysler PT Cruiser revolutionized the small vehicle market," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of the Chrysler Group. (Joe Wilssens photo)

Chrysler PT Turbo

The Chrysler Group announced that it will build a turbocharged version of the Chrysler PT Cruiser. "Just two years ago, we launched the Chrysler PT Cruiser and created a new category of transportation," said Larry Lyons, Vice President-Small Vehicle Product Team Engineering. "Now, we're giving that whole new category a boost - literally."

Arriving in North American Chrysler dealerships this fall, the 2003 Chrysler PT Turbo will have a turbocharged 2.4 litre engine that creates 215 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 245 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm, with more than 90 percent of peak torque from 2300 to 5000 rpm.

Nissan Murano

Nissan unveiled an all-new crossover sport utility vehicle, the Nissan Murano. Featuring a continuously variable transmission, it goes on sale in the Fall as a 2003 model.

"The Nissan Murano is a vehicle that was developed, designed and engineered specifically for the North American market," said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "It represents Nissan's first entry into the crossover SUV segment, the fastest growing segment in automotive history." The Murano is named after the elegantly sculpted glass art that comes from the islands near Venice.

Scion bbX, ccX

Toyota announced the launch of SCION, a marketing group that will be responsible for the launch of a new line of vehicles it plans to market to the next generation of new-car buyers in the U.S.A. - there are no plans to introduce SCION vehicles in Canada. Two show-car concept vehicles were displayed at the show, the bbX and ccX, the latter unveiled previously in Detroit.

"The bbX is a show car version of a vehicle we plan to launch when SCION opens for business next year," said Jim Lentz, TMS vice president, SCION. "It is based on a vehicle currently available in Japan called the "Black Box" that is marketed to Japan's youngest buyers as a melding of entertainment-art and basic transportation."

The bbX interior offers generous headroom and legroom. Large door openings and tall seat-height provide easy ingress and egress. The bbX show car interior was designed and equipped as a rolling sound studio, with 1350 watts of maximum power, an in-dash DVD/CD player, headrest-mounted monitors for rear passengers and a large subwoofer enclosure in the cargo area.

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi showed the all-new 2003 Outlander SUV, an entry-level, crossover S.U.V. that combines bold styling, all-weather capability, and urban utility in a compact package that Mitsubishi says is an exciting alternative to the sedan.

"The Outlander is a spirited 5-passenger sport-ute for the young at heart who crave a stylish vehicle that's equipped to handle the challenges of an energetic urban and outdoor lifestyle," said Pierre Gagnon, president and chief operating officer of MMSA.

Lincoln LSE MacLaren

Modified by McLaren Performance Technologies, a high-performance Lincoln LSE included a 3.9 litre V8 with an Eaton supercharger with twin intercoolers, a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, a re-calibrated suspension system which lowers the car by approximately 1-inch, front and rear, and aggressively enlarged brake discs.

"With the addition of almost a hundred horsepower, along with chassis and braking upgrades as appropriate, the McLaren Engines-enhanced LSE will move Lincoln still further into the left lane," said Steven Rossi, president and chief executive officer, McLaren Performance Technologies.

2003 Kia Rio and Rio Cinco

Kia took the wraps off the newly redesigned 2003 Rio sedan and Rio Cinco wagon. The two Rios get a boost in power, freshened exterior styling and more interior features. The 2003 Rio models will be powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 105 horsepower, a nearly 10-percent gain over the previous 1.5-liter engine. The Rio models have been re-engineered to provide a smoother, quieter ride by adding a revised engine mount and exhaust system. Less vibration is transmitted to the driver thanks to a reinforced steering wheel and reinforced steering column mount.

Both the Rio and Rio Cinco have received new front-end styling, and the Rio sedan also receives new rear-end design including a new trunk lid, taillights and rear bumper. Inside, the 2003 Rio and Rio Cinco now offer more standard equipment, including an updated instrument panel and centre console design with new cupholders, new seat fabric, rear seat heater vents and LATCH child seat safety anchors. Power windows and a new AM/FM/CD player (standard on Rio Cinco) are now offered on the freestanding option list.

New York auto show Day Two

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