January 7, 2003
Mercedes-Benz introduces new SL 600 and SL 350

The new Mercedes-Benz V12-powered SL 600 and V6-powered SL350 were introduced in Detroit yesterday.

January 7, 2003
2005 Chevrolet Equinox replaces Tracker

The new 2005 Chevrolet Equinox compact SUV will replace the Tracker in Chevrolet's lineup but will be larger than most other compact SUV's.

January 7, 2003
2004 Chevrolet Malibu uses new global platform

Aimed at the heart of the family car market, the all-new 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is based on GM's global 'Epsilon' platform also used in the Saab 9-3 and Opel Vectra. The new Malibu sedan will be available in three trim levels - standard, LS and LT and will be manufactured at General Motors' Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas.

January 7, 2003
2004 Colorado is Chevy's first mid-size pickup

The all-new 2004 Colorado pickup is Chevrolet's first entry in the mid-size pickup segment. The Colorado will begin production in Shreveport, Louisiana in the fourth quarter of 2003.

January 7, 2003
Canyon is GMC's new mid-sized pickup

imilar to Chevrolet's new Colorado, the new GMC Canyon is a mid-size pickup with two new inline four and five cylinder engines based on the Vortec 4.2 litre inline six-cylinder engine introduced in the 2002 GMC Envoy sport utility vehicle and Chevy Trailblazer.

January 7, 2003
Infiniti shows unique Triant concept

Infiniti showed the all-wheel-drive Triant concept vehicle which features an aggressive sports coupe/hatchback bodystyle with a long wheelbase, short overhangs and wide track.

January 7, 2003
Infiniti unveils FX45 and FX35

Describing it as an "SUV with the essence of a sports car...conceived on the theme of a "Bionic Cheetah," Infiniti showed the new V8-powered FX45 and V6-powered FX35 production models.

January 7, 2003
Toyota unveils bigger, redesigned Sienna minivan

Toyota's second-generation Sienna minivan made its world debut on Monday at the North American International Auto Show. The 2004 Sienna is almost 100 mm (4 inches) wider and has a 130 mm (5 inches) longer wheelbase, providing more interior space for both passengers and cargo.

January 7, 2003
Redesigned 2004 Ford F-150 is roomier, hauls more

Probably the most significant vehicle introduction in Detroit on Monday was the new Ford F-150 pickup, currently the best-selling vehicle in the United States and one of the top-selling vehicles in Canada.

January 7, 2003
BMW shows xActivity concept and 2004 3 Series Coupe and Convertible

The xActivity Concept Sports Activity Vehicle made its world debut on Monday. Also making their world debuts were the 2004 3 Series Coupe and Convertible which feature updated styling and technological enhancements, the V12-powered 760Li sedan, Z4 roadster, and the limited production Z8 Alpina Roadster V8.

January 7, 2003
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon introduced

The 2004 E-Class Wagon makes its world premiere on Monday in Detroit, in January at the Detroit Auto Show. The new E-Class wagon features Mercedes's new "Easy-Pack system" which includes a split-folding rear bench seat that can be folded completely forward in just a few simple steps, creating a large, flat loading surface in the rear.

January 7, 2003
Volkswagen announces prices for Touareg

In unveiling its new Touareg SUV at the Detroit auto show, Volkswagen announced its base price will be $52,100 Canadian. The V8 model will start at $60,550.

January 7, 2003
Dodge Tomahawk concept has 500 hp Viper engine

Perhaps the oddest vehicle introduced in Detroit on Monday was the V10 powered Dodge Tomahawk concept. This four-wheel, single-passenger vehicle has a 500-horsepower Viper V-10 engine powering the dual rear wheels which gives it a potential top speed of nearly 400 miles per hour, "for anyone who wants to test it," says the company. Its 0 to 60 mph time is estimated at 2.5 seconds.

January 7, 2003
Dodge Avenger concept blends rally and SUV attributes

Merge European rallye car style and performance with some of the convenience and capability of the American sport-utility vehicle and you get the Dodge Avenger concept vehicle, says Chrysler's senior Vice President.

January 7, 2003
Dodge Kahuna concept for "free spirits"

Describing it as a vehicle that blends the function and convenience of a minivan with "Next Wave cool,", Chrysler unveiled the Dodge Kahuna concept vehicle.

January 7, 2003
Mercury Messenger previews Mercury's "rejuvenation"

The debut of the Mercury Messenger marks the beginning of the rejuvenation of the Mercury brand, says the company's design director. Mercury plans to add four new products to its U.S. lineup over the next four years including: a minivan, a small SUV and two cars.

January 7, 2003
Lincoln Navicross concept is a crossover luxury vehicle

Gerry McGovern, design director, Lincoln Mercury, said the Navicross concept car is intended to further develop the Lincoln design DNA and to explore what a uniquely Lincoln crossover vehicle could look like.

January 7, 2003
GM to offer hybrid powertrains on a dozen models

General Motors announced that it will offer optional hybrid powertrains on several of its most popular models including trucks, SUVs and mid-size sedans starting in late 2003.

January 7, 2003
Subaru Impreza WRX gets redesign for 2004

Subaru introduced the redesigned 2004 Impreza WRX sedan and Sport Wagon models. Available in late March, the new WRX models feature bolder, more aggressive styling with larger headlights, now combined in a 4-element arrangement.

January 7, 2003
Mercedes-Benz announces prices of new C-Class Sport models

Mercedes-Benz is expanding the C-Class model line with new sport model variations of its sedans and coupes. Arriving in dealerships within the next few weeks, the C230 Kompressor Sport sedan, C320 Sport sedans, and the C320 Sport coupe were developed with younger buyers in mind and are configured to pique the interest of car enthusiasts.