By AUTOWEEK


Volvo V50 debuts in Italy


After the debut of the new Volvo S40 at the Frankfurt motor show in September, Volvo picked the Bologna motor show for the launch of its wagon accompaniment, the V50 to replace the V40. Sales for the wagon begin around the world in March 2004 with up to 7000 headed for the United States. Starting prices for the 2.4-liter gas engine with manual transmission will be around $24,500, up from the sub-$23,000 target for the new S40. There will be a 4x4 version available around June, fitted with the more powerful T5 engine.
http://www.autoweek.com/images_content/2003_12/1215n-V50.jpg

The new 2005 Legacy limited wagon may find the Volvo V50 as it's major competitor. NA 2.5 H4 vs NA 2.4 inline5, both around $24,000. Although the Legacy's all wheel drive is standard equipment and the V50 will likely only be avialable as a premium option, this will only make a difference to the snow belt buyers. These cars will be interesting adversary in the market place.

The sooner the better for the avialablility NA 2.5 AVCS engine!!!

It's is a mistake that Subaru of America is not introducing the NA 2.5 AVCS engine as the base 2005 Legacy powerplant.

185hp,175 lb/ torque would provide segment leading power for the new Legacy. Alpha 1

More on the two Mitsu's:

Detroit Auto Show: Two Worldwide Premieres for Mitsubishi Motors
CYPRESS, Calif., Dec. 17, 2003 -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) will introduce two all-new concepts at the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) which runs January 4 - 19, 2004 at the Cobo Center in Detroit. The show opens to the general public on January 10, 2004.

At the show, the Eclipse Concept-E high-performance hybrid will make its world premiere. The concept car is powered by the "E-Boost" high-performance hybrid propulsion system that delivers exhilarating acceleration while also delivering low fuel consumption and low emissions. Another concept vehicle making its global debut is the Sport Truck Concept, a new mid-size truck developed in collaboration with the Chrysler Group in a project that stems from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's alliance with DaimlerChrysler.

Eclipse Concept-E * The Eclipse Concept-E illustrates a near-future high-performance sports coupe. * The high-performance E-Boost hybrid power system achieves an ideal balance in delivering sports car-like acceleration together with environmentally friendly performance. Eclipse Concept-E: Profile
Since its introduction in the North American market, the Eclipse compact sports coupe/convertible series has won wide acclaim for its advanced styling and outstanding driving performance. The Eclipse Concept-E concept model carries that performance-based spirit to new frontiers. Forcefully projecting a high-performance sports car image, Concept-E also gives graphic expression to Mitsubishi Motor Corporation's (MMC) focus on delivering pure driving pleasure with levels of dynamic handling and exhilarating performance approaching those found in the motorsports arena. The E-Boost high-performance hybrid propulsion system combines exhilarating acceleration with low- consumption, low-emissions performance. Inside, Concept-E utilizes a new "Deep Video Imaging" instrumentation display system to impart a highly futuristic look to the sporty interior design.

Exterior * The Concept-E presents a distinctive front visage featuring the new MMC design identity that is crafted around the three-diamond corporate logo in the center grille. * The front grille vent with integrated spoiler evokes a jet fighter image. * The long wheelbase, short overhangs and cab forward layout create a highly integrated monolithic form which, with the raindrop design side window graphics, gives the Concept-E an aggressive, ready-to-pounce profile. * Xenon plasma headlamps and rear combination lamps accentuate the Concept-E's futuristic appearance and identify its high-power hybrid pedigree. Interior * The Concept-E generates a vibrant atmosphere inside through the "wave line" dashboard and the use of a raindrop door trim. * New "Deep Video Imaging" instrumentation uses two overlapping LCD monitors to create a 3-D viewing angle. Mechanical * The Concept-E is powered by a 350kW (470 horsepower) E-Boost hybrid system that combines a 3.8-liter MIVEC V6 engine generating 269 horsepower to drive the front wheels and a 150kW electric motor to drive front and rear wheels. This advanced system delivers class- topping acceleration for a hybrid vehicle together with low- consumption, low-emission performance when compared to other high- performance coupes. * The electric motor is powered by high-efficiency lithium-ion battery packs. * The Concept-E uses a six-speed automated manual transmission that enables the driver to select between the superior drive efficiency of a manual gearbox or the convenience of an automatic. Specifications Length x width x height (mm) 4318 x 1857 x 1304 Wheelbase (mm) 2635 Occupants 4 Engine 3.8-liter MIVEC V6 Transmission 6-speed automated manual Driveline 4-wheel drive (Front wheels driven by engine and motor; rear by motor) Tires 245/40R20 front, 275/35R20 rear Sport Truck Concept: Profile
Capitalizing on the alliance with DaimlerChrysler, MMC is planning to launch a pickup truck in the North American market. This will mark the entry into an important segment for MMC and will make a significant addition to the company's lineup in that market. The Sport Truck Concept was developed with the North American market in mind.

Exterior * Low-slung lines, a wide cabin and 22-inch wheels give the Sport Truck Concept a powerful and sporty image. Interior * The no-frills, linear design of the dashboard and seats gives the interior a modern architectural look. The instruments and primary controls are arranged toward the driver for optimum legibility and operability. Mechanical * A 4.7-liter V-8 engine mates to a five-speed automatic transmission to deliver generous output for this mid-size truck. * Rear seats have large forward/back tilt angles and can also slide sideways, allowing for separate or bench seating. The seats may also be moved up and back into the cargo bed, enabling rear passengers to enjoy the exhilaration of an open-air experience. * Besides operating in a conventional manner, the tailgate also slides up or down to facilitate carrying skis, surfboards, or other long items. Specifications Length x width x height (mm) 5245 x 1995 x 1770 Wheelbase (mm) 3380 Occupants 4 Engine 4.7-liter V8 Transmission 5-speed automatic Driveline 4WD

Saab Will Add Midsize SUV to North American Lineup As Part of Product Offensive

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2003/12/17/174704.1-lg.jpg

DETROIT December 17, 2003; The AP reported that Saab Automobile AB, continuing a product offensive, plans to add a midsize sports utility vehicle to its all-car lineup, the Swedish automaker said Wednesday.

The all-wheel-drive Saab 9-7X will make its debut at the 2004 New York Auto Show in April and go on sale about a year later. Initially, the 9-7X will be produced specifically for the United States and Canadian markets.

"We're pleased to continue to expand our product line in the North American market, which is critical to Saab's success," said Peter Augustsson, president and chief executive of Saab Automobile AB, a division of General Motors Corp.

Saab said it eventually hopes to sell 10,000 to 15,000 of the SUVs annually in North America. The automaker hasn't disclosed pricing.

The SUV will mark Saab's first product collaboration with GM North America. It will be built at GM's Moraine Assembly Plant in Ohio beginning in the first quarter of 2005.

The 9-7X will join the 9-3 and 9-5 cars and, next summer, the new 9-2X, a Japanese-made, five-door entry in the emerging premium small car segment.

The automaker said last year it planned to introduce one new vehicle a year for five years as it tries to revive its business. Saab has posted an annual profit only twice since GM acquired a stake in 1990.

Through November, Saab's U.S. sales were up nearly 27 percent from the same period a year ago.

Toyota Plans To Surpass Ford as World's Number Two Carmaker In 2004

NAGOYA, Japan, Dec 18, 2003; Chang-Ran Kim writing for Reuters reported that Toyota Motor put out bullish forecasts on Thursday, projecting record sales of above seven million units for 2004 – a level that would likely catapult it above Ford Motor as the world's No.2 auto maker.

Toyota has made huge advances in the lackluster global auto market this year, grabbing from its rivals a bigger share in all major markets -- the United States, Europe and Japan -- with an abundance of new and competitive products.

Ford along with the other "Big Three" U.S. auto makers -- General Motors and Chrysler, the U.S. arm of DaimlerChrysler AG hs been at the receiving end of that assault.

While Ford has not projected sales for all of 2003, a sum of its sales in the first nine months and production plans for the final quarter would put it behind Toyota by about 400,000 units.

Toyota estimated sales at its group, which includes minivehicle maker Daihatsu Motor and truck maker Hino Motors, would total 6.78 million units this year, and forecast a four percent rise to 7.08 million vehicles in 2004.

But President Fujio Cho had only his characteristic modesty to offer when asked about the prospects of overtaking one of the world's oldest auto makers.

"I have no idea what Ford's numbers are going to be this year or next year, but my impression is that it is running way ahead of us. It would be impertinent for us to talk about overtaking them, and those are my true feelings," he told a news conference.

But Toyota, unlike struggling Ford, has plans to keep its engines running at full throttle in the coming years, with expansion planned in almost every corner of the world.

In 2004 alone, it will launch the new Scion brand across the United States to tap a growing demographic of young customers, add output capacity in Britain and France, and begin production of the high-volume Corolla sedan in red-hot China, for starters. Growth will continue in 2005, with the start of the Alabama, Czech and Tianjin plants, while it will also bring the Lexus luxury line to Japan.

While Toyota is still well behind GM in sales volume -- the U.S. giant sold 6.4 million vehicles in the first nine months alone -- its expansion has come with a similar rise in profits, unlike at GM, which has been making up for weakness in the auto-making business with profits in financing and other areas.

FEAR FACTORS

Toyota's march would come against a backdrop of little or no growth in the world's biggest markets.

In 2004, it expects overall Japanese auto sales, excluding 660cc minivehicles, at around 4.1 million units -- only 50,000 units more than this year.

And while it expects a nascent economic recovery to boost U.S. demand to up to 17 million units next year from around 16.6 million this year, it noted there were external factors such as the fragile political climate in Iraq and currency swings that could weigh on sales.

"For now, it seems the world economy is improving, and we basically expect that to continue," Cho said. "But with the SARS virus cropping up again and the situation in Iraq as yet difficult, there are still many fear factors."

Still, Toyota noted it looked set to reach its sales targets of two million units in North America and 800,000 units in Europe this year, up to two years ahead of schedule, thanks to hot-selling cars like the Camry, Corolla and Avensis.

UBS analyst Takaki Nakanishi agreed Toyota's growth prospects looked good further out, particularly in the key North American market.

Referring to its plans to launch the all-new Camry and Corolla in 2005 and the new Tundra pickup truck the following year, he said: "We think this should set the stage for sustained growth (in the U.S.) over the longer term."

He added that profits could also improve in the United States, partly due to Toyota's spending less on consumer incentives, which have been eroding profits at the Big Three.

Shares in Toyota ended up 3.76 percent at 3,590 yen, slightly outperforming rival auto shares and compared with a rise of 0.57 percent in the broad Topix index.

A day earlier, domestic rival Honda Motor also forecast healthy growth, expecting global sales to jump 10 percent to 3.2 million units in 2004, which would mark a fifth straight record year.

Following is a breakdown of Toyota's forecasts:
2004 YEAR/YEAR GROUP
Global sales 7.08 mln +4 pct
Japan sales 2.36 mln +2 pct
Global output 7.28 mln +7 pct
PARENT Global sales 6.33 mln +4 pct
Japan sales 1.76 mln +2 pct
Global output 6.51 mln +7 pct

http://www.autonews.com/images/news/7323.jpg

Chevrolet makes HHR official

Automotive News / December 18, 2003

Chevrolet chose HHR as the name for its new crossover vehicle that starts production in the summer of 2005.

The new crossover, similar to the Chrysler PT Cruiser, combines the look of a high-roofed late 1940s Chevrolet truck with the current SSR. HHR started as an internal codename for heritage high roof.

HHR will be the third vehicle based on GM's Delta global architecture.

Mazda 3 May get a Short throw 5MT shifter option

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2003/12/19/174832.1-lg.jpg

The five-speed manual transmission used in Axela 23S (Mazda 3) employs a short-throw shift lever and upgraded synchronizers to ensure quick, smooth and precise gear changes. A highly efficient shift and select mechanism provides a smooth operating feel. Further, the final gear has a greater gear ratio that fully exploits engine power in all ranges.

1. Short-throw shift lever plus smoother operation In order to achieve a shorter throw combined with enhanced handling, the transmission employs linked double-cone synchronizers in first and second gears. The Teflon-coated control cable together with a special surface treatment on the shafts of the three links, shift rod, crank lever and control rod help to significantly reduce friction.

2. Upgraded shift and select system Increased gearshift lever rigidity and the improved transmission mechanism to lessen over-shifting, along with the adoption of gapless joints connected with the change cables, help to achieve a precise and smooth shifting feel.

3. Final gear with greater gear ratio and close ratio gears for smooth driving at all engine speeds First to fourth gears are placed closer together resulting in smoother gear changes with minimal loss of engine speed. This allows the engine to consistently operate near its powerband resulting in a smooth, enjoyable driving experience.

sweet updates..
BTW, MB GSR concept will be present in PRODUCTION form @ Detroit IAS!!!

Chrysler Group's First Five-Speed Automatic Transmission for Passenger Cars

Transmission Offers Performance, Fuel Economy and Packaging Advantages For 2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum R/T

-- Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum R/T will be equipped with the first five-speed automatic transmission ever offered in a Chrysler Group passenger car -- Fully adaptive, electronic control of all shifting adapts to driving styles, driving situations and road conditions -- Transmission is efficient, compact and lightweight

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 19 -- The Chrysler Group's first five-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars provides a full range of transmission performance to match a great variety of driving styles, situations and road conditions. "This transmission offers Chrysler Group customers many benefits. The five-speed gear range provides a better balance of performance and fuel economy than a four-speed automatic transmission," said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President Product Development, Chrysler Group. "Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain feel responsive without harshness."

The transmission's physical attributes include compact size, robust design for high-torque rating and multiple features providing high efficiency. It also utilizes highly advanced electronic controls such as fully adaptive electronic control and Electronically Modulated Converter Clutch (EMCC).

This five-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment with the 5.7-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine on the rear-wheel drive 2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum R/T. It is a DaimlerChrysler transmission built at the Indiana Transmission Plant II in Kokomo, Indiana.

Performance and Fuel Economy

A broad ratio spread from First to the Fifth was selected to minimize fuel consumption and reduce powertrain noise during cruising. An aggressive First- gear ratio provides excellent launch performance, and evenly spaced gear ratios provide smooth acceleration through the gears.

World-class efficiency is achieved through physical and electronic means. This transmission uses bearings to reduce friction in many locations where other transmissions may utilize bushings. The transmission also uses a unique scavenging system that removes oil spun off of the rotating parts by centrifugal force through strategically placed slots in the outside of the case. This saves energy that would be consumed by internal parts rotating in oil. Lubricating holes in the clutches are also positioned to promote quick passage of the transmission fluid through the discs, minimizing viscous losses due to trapped oil.

The shift schedule adapts to individual driving style, driving situation and road conditions, altering shift points based on an accelerator pedal usage, brake usage, lateral acceleration, altitude and load on the car as a result of grades. Electronically controlled engine torque management provides quick wide-open-throttle up shifts and quick two-step (4-2 or 3-1) kick-down shifts that are smoother than would be otherwise possible without this feature.

The Transmission ratios are:
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Reverse
3.58 2.19 1.41 1.00 0.83 3.17

Fully Adaptive Electronic Control
Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes shifts very smooth. The system monitors the transmission as shifts occur and adjusts hydraulic pressure as needed. In so doing, the controls make the powertrain feel responsive without harshness.

Driver recognition software alters shift points based on accelerator pedal usage, brake usage and lateral acceleration. This does not require a compromise between sporty and economical operation, nor is it a question of choosing one or the other.

Torque Management System

Torque management uses engine torque modeling to facilitate smooth transmission shifting. Because of electronic throttle control, torque management is more sophisticated and covers a broad torque range.

EMCC

Torque converter clutch slippage is electronically modulated and provides for partial engagement in Third, Fourth or Fifth gears. This results in improved shift feel, fuel economy, driveability and cooling. It can be used at lower speeds to provide benefits over a broad speed range. The system disengages as required to provide optimal performance.

Originally posted by amdmaxx
sweet updates..
BTW, MB GSR concept will be present in PRODUCTION form @ Detroit IAS!!!


MG is planning a quick return to the US:
From Autocar:

MG RETURNS TO US WITH SV

MG is plotting a small-scale return to the US market for the first time since the death of the MGB in 1980, with its exciting SV supercar.

Although coupé production will be limited to just 250 cars a year, MG Rover is confident it will be able to find buyers for an ‘ultra limited’ run of imported models – despite an expected price of at least $100k (£60k).

In Britain, the SV is being sold by a national network of 20 specialist MG Sport & Racing dealers, with prices from £75,000.

The SV faces an active competition career ahead of it: MGR hopes to enter the SV into several racing categories. The company’s ambition is to make a full GT challenge at Le Mans in 2005.

Audi offered clues to the next-generation A6 styling when they introduced the Nuvolari Quattro Concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2003.

The next A6 is expected to arrive in time for the 2005 model year, with the Avant version and possible coupe to follow. Expect an aluminum space frame and a variety of engines, all the way up to a 420-hp, 5.0-liter V-10 for the next S6.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/7558_image.jpg
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/7557_image.jpg

Well, I think they got this one RIGHT!!

http://warnerrobert.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=001985;p=5

Look at the Magazine Cover...It's Feb. 2004.

Talk about getting a sneak peak.

From the C6 Press Kit
http://69.39.84.240/photopost/data/655/1140c6real4.jpg

Originally posted by mh_WRX
Well, I think they got this one RIGHT!!

http://warnerrobert.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=001985;p=5

Look at the Magazine Cover...It's Feb. 2004.

Talk about getting a sneak peak.

I don't like Ford but I've always liked that Mustang style, especially the Mach III-V.

This WILL sell :D

Originally posted by mh_WRX
From the C6 Press Kit
http://69.39.84.240/photopost/data/655/1140c6real4.jpg


Tasty, I will take 2 please

About the C6,

it looks like the GM/Fiat Merger has gone through, and this is the good looking love child.

:p

Just got a notice about this in my email. Don't know if anyone's posted it here yet though.

2004 Mazdaspeed Turbocharged Miata

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=upcomingMazdaspee dMiata

"The most popular two-seat roadster in history is making history. Again. This time with a turbocharged new version proudly called: MAZDASPEED MX-5 Miata. With 25 percent more horses (178 hp) and 33% more torque (166 lb-ft), a beefed up short-throw 6-speed gearbox, Bosch® torque-sensing limited-slip differential, not to mention a MAZDASPEED sport-tuned and lowered suspension -- we're talking no-holds-barred and pure unadulterated fun. Bring yourself up to speed and make some history of your own."

Wow, that C6 convertible looks sweet! Looks like the C5's will be dropping in value in the near future.

S6 has 450 now, 5.0 v8 will be 350+... S and RS6 gonna be 420 and 500...

Originally posted by mh_WRX
Audi offered clues to the next-generation A6 styling when they introduced the Nuvolari Quattro Concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2003.

The next A6 is expected to arrive in time for the 2005 model year, with the Avant version and possible coupe to follow. Expect an aluminum space frame and a variety of engines, all the way up to a 420-hp, 5.0-liter V-10 for the next S6.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/7558_image.jpg
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/7557_image.jpg

That Blue Devil sounds pretty cool! :devil:

That last audi pic looks really UGLY!!! The one in the black covering above it looks like batman in his bat suit! :lol:

http://www.themustangsource.com/timeline/05/MT1.jpg http://beacon-designs.com/fileupload/mustang/hr2.jpg

from: http://warnerrobert.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=001985;p=5

This thread has gotten so long, that no one can really tell what's been posted and what hasn't. So now we are seeing a lot of duplicate posts.

What do you want?

CAR LOUNGE!!!

When do you want it?

NOW!!

Give me a C
C

Give me a A
A

Give me a R

R

Give me a L
L

Give me a O
O


Give me a U
U


OK...you know the rest.....

^^ I am with blaster

More C6 Pictures:
More pics:
http://www.photohost.org/gallery/data/500/101YES_.jpg
http://www.photohost.org/gallery/data/500/101YES_6.jpg

Maybe we could have 3 threads on non-Subaru's. One for European, another Asian, another Domestic. Would suffice for now, at least for me.

yep, I got that Auto World Issue..
I am down for 3 thread non-subaru
1) GM/Ford/Caddy domestics
2) german Imports
3) Japanese imports

The new Crown and Possibly the new face of the Lexus GS:
http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2003/12/23/175098.1-lg.jpg

(autochannel)

Might be, but I am betting a closer resemblance with HP-S concept..
2 more weeks and we all will know..

Originally posted by SUBE555
Maybe we could have 3 threads on non-Subaru's. One for European, another Asian, another Domestic. Would suffice for now, at least for me.

Not a bad idea.

They may include:
Production version of the Solstice
Chevelle
and one other un-named car.

The Kappa platform may also spawn off a variety of smaller RWD cars in the very near Future.

Originally posted by mh_WRX
Audi offered clues to the next-generation A6 styling when they introduced the Nuvolari Quattro Concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2003.

The next A6 is expected to arrive in time for the 2005 model year, with the Avant version and possible coupe to follow. Expect an aluminum space frame and a variety of engines, all the way up to a 420-hp, 5.0-liter V-10 for the next S6.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/7558_image.jpg
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/7557_image.jpg

I thought I read somewhere that the base motor is moving up to 3.3L, w/something like 250 NA horses. Anybody have info here?

Originally posted by R32Guy
I thought I read somewhere that the base motor is moving up to 3.3L, w/something like 250 NA horses. Anybody have info here?

From 4cars:

Engines will include a version of the 3.2 V6 petrol unit developing 250 bhp, as well as refined diesels.

yes. 3.2 will become 3.5 and 250hp.. It was in a magazine

Sorry Username...

Nothing But redx

OMG! That is about th most hideous thing I have EVER seen!

They should make make it into a 3-wheeler and just have a single rear wheel as that's how it should look.

That is just about the most disturbing thing I've seen this week. Worse than my dog throwing up!

That Z4 model is great as a cartoon. Like a Muscle Machine toy. Now I can see in the real Z4, where some of the lines came from.

At first, I though someone just used some Photoshop distortion filters on the real model. But that would be a lot of work to get those results. Then I thought it was a CG model that was tweaked.

I must be the only one who can not seem them

Heh, it's the next batmobile! :lol:

Since the Non-Subaru every make and model thread is getting a little harder to pick apart with something from this, then something from that, I have taken the liberty as we talked about to seperate it into 3 distinct segments. Hopefully this will be easier to decipher.

Repost in the respective threads please everyone. :)

Since the Non-Subaru every make and model thread is getting a little harder to pick apart with something from this, then something from that, I have taken the liberty as we talked about to seperate it into 3 distinct segments. Hopefully this will be easier to decipher.

Repost in the respective threads please everyone. :)

Since the Non-Subaru every make and model thread is getting a little harder to pick apart with something from this, then something from that, I have taken the liberty as we talked about to seperate it into 3 distinct segments. Hopefully this will be easier to decipher.

Repost in the respective threads please everyone. :)

I have taken the liberty to make the 3 distinct threads. Repost away! :)

Why divide into separate threads? I guess it is getting a bit long but part of the fun in checking this thread is not knowing what you'll see, and seeing stuff you wouldn't have checked otherwise.

Chris Bangle should DIE!!!!!!

2005 Volvo S40

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6667&sid=183&n=157

http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/7179_image.jpg

Baby range rover

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=06847402

http://www.autoweek.com/images_content/2003_12/rangesportmain.jpg

http://autoweek.com/images_content/2003_12/benz250main.jpg

http://autoweek.com/weekart/2003/1222/benzgst400.jpg

Mercedes-Benz is breaking out of its luxury car mold with the Grand Sport Tourer (GST)-or as the opulently-appointed sport wagon will be called when it goes on sale in 2005, the R-Class.

At its world debut at the Detroit auto show, the car will be billed as the Vision GST-Mercedes' way of saying it is very close to the coming production car. Mercedes says the car, positioned between the E- and S-Class, answers demands for greater versatility and practicality in the luxury car class.

The basic shape and overall proportions remain true to the GST concept car wheeled out in 2002, but other modifications are extensive, including the adoption of conventional front-hinged rear doors in place of the rear-hinged arrangement of the '02 concept. The interior also is less flamboyant and sports a full array of safety features.



Mercedes is planning two wheelbases for the GST, with the longer one aimed at the U.S. market that demands three rows of seating and space for six or seven passengers.

The Vision GST is powered by a hybrid drive system combining Mercedes-Benz's 4.0-liter V8 common-rail turbodiesel with an electric motor. Together they deliver 313 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque, though on part throttle the electric motor runs exclusively to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent over diesel engine propulsion.

R-Class will be built at Mercedes' plant in Alabama alongside the second-generation M-Class, with which it will share its engines, seven-speed automatic gearbox, permanent four-wheel drive and air suspension.

While the hybrid is under consideration for eventual sale in the U.S., production versions will first come with a range of V6 and V8 engines-from a base 3.5-liter V6 all the way up to a 6.3-liter V8 in a range-topping RL63 AMG model that's rumored to pack 500 hp. R-Class hits the U.S. market in 2005 as a 2006 model, at prices starting around $50,000. -

http://www.germancarfans.com/photos/3031223.001/1001.jpg

http://www.germancarfans.com/photos/3031223.001/1003.jpg

Bangle's designs may be out there, but they were OK'd by the execs.

Who knows, maybe he had some decent designs but the management said stuff like, "Add more swoops. I want the rear end to droop more," stuff like that. There are a lot of people who get to stick their fingers into a design before it hits the streets. Plenty of opportunity for bad taste and incompetence to sneak in there. Apparently, even at BMW.

That's right, there was some exec that said "yeah this is a good idea, I'm gonna approve this and get behind it"

-mike

Originally posted by amdmaxx
http://www.germancarfans.com/photos/3031223.001/1001.jpg

http://www.germancarfans.com/photos/3031223.001/1003.jpg

Thats frickin cool looking minus the banana interior.

He should be hung, lol...

Looks like Willie G (Davidson) sprinkled some magic "chopper dust" on a Z4.

Bob

Originally posted by rsholland
Looks like Willie G (Davidson) sprinkled some magic "chopper dust" on a Z4.

Bob

more like Jesse James and the WCC crew.

Man...that looks like the Jolly Green Giant's clubbing shoes.

Originally posted by mh_WRX
There will be a M3, M4, M5, M6, and M7.

Now I haven't heard about a M2.

The M-version of the upcoming 1-series will be called the M2 (it would have been sacrilege to call it an M1).

Originally posted by mullogutherum
The M-version of the upcoming 1-series will be called the M2 (it would have been sacrilege to call it an M1).

Although it is called the 1 series, the coupes should be a 2 series keeping in line with the rest of the line (odd number=4door, even number=2door) and reminicent of the 2002. M2 because it will be a coupe. The M1 reference will keep them from doing an M version of the 1 series sedan as you are saying.

yep, with 3.0 inline6 from 330 and 530.. 225hp (231 in Europe)

Originally posted by mullogutherum
The M-version of the upcoming 1-series will be called the M2 (it would have been sacrilege to call it an M1).

Mazda Launches Limited Edition Mazda Roadster Turbo

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2003/12/24/175158.1-lg.jpg

Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 24, 2003 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation has added a new turbocharged engine model to its Mazda Roadster, the world's best-selling lightweight sports car. The limited edition Mazda Roadster Turbo goes on sale from the beginning of February at Mazda Anfini and Mazda dealerships throughout Japan.
The new Roadster Turbo not only delivers more power, but also provides high torque from a low-speed range to ensure a linear response to acceleration, based on the concept of "oneness between car and driver." Mazda has employed a turbocharged engine with an intercooler and tuned the chassis, achieving a high level of integrated balance in its powertrain under the concept. The specially-tuned low-down suspension with Bilstein dampers and large diameter 17-inch tires provide strong support for the wide range flat torque and powerful acceleration produced by the turbo engine. Further, exclusive equipment including newly designed aero parts and metal tone interior parts further emphasize the car's sports spirit. The new Roadster Turbo achieves a superb overall vehicle balance for enhanced driving pleasure creating a feeling of "oneness between car and driver." The new model offers a choice of four different interior packages and four body colors to meet the diverse needs of customers.

The new Roadster Turbo is marketed through regular dealer networks as well as via the Internet at Web Tune Factory.

Sales volume for this model is limited to 350 units.

Major Features of Roadster Turbo
1. 1.8-liter turbocharged engine with intercooler that delivers a broad, strong torque band
The new model is equipped with a turbocharged engine that starts up with excellent response from a low-speed range and produces flat torque over a wide range of engine speeds. Torque has been increased by over 20 percent compared to the base model. The turbo model also features a specialized red engine cover, exclusive radiator, and iridium plugs.

2. Enhanced powertrain supports high torque produced in a wide speed range
In response to the increased torque produced by the turbocharged engine, Mazda has reinforced the engine power transmission parts. The new model employs an upgraded clutch and transmission, reinforced drive and propeller shafts, torque-sensing LSD and specially designed muffler.

3. Chassis tuned for high performance to match the high torque produced by the turbocharged engine
The new model features 205/40R17 80W tires and 17x7J aluminum wheels, exclusively tuned low-down suspension employing Bilstein dampers and silver-painted brake calipers.

4. Exterior and interior designs that embody the sports spirit Exterior:
Employs newly designed front, rear, and rear under spoilers, smoked headlamp bezels and ornaments designed especially for the Roadster Turbo.
Interior:

Exclusively designed interior includes the following:
- genuine leather-wrapped (with red stitched) steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake lever.
- Silver meter panel.
- Audio component including AM/FM electronic tuner and in-dash 6 disk CD changer.
- Metal tone center and shift panels.
- Rearview mirror cover with Roadster logo.
- Aluminum pedal set.


And the following interior packages are available:
1. Red&black cloth interior package (standard specifications)
2. Black cloth interior package (manufacturer's option)
3. Beige genuine leather interior package (manufacturer's option)
4. Black genuine leather (w/ red stitched) interior package (manufacturer's option)
* Interior packages 1 and 4 are exclusive to Roadster Turbo.


5. Available in four body colors including Velocity Red Mica
The Roadster Turbo is available in Velocity Red Mica (exclusive to turbo model), Pure White, Sunlight Silver Metallic and Grace Green Mica.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (without tax) is Y2,570,000.
About Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazda Motor Corporation was established in 1920 and is one of Japan's leading automobile manufacturers. With its headquarters in Hiroshima, Mazda has two plants in Japan and manufacturing and assembly operations in sixteen other countries. Mazda cars and trucks are sold in more than one hundred and thirty countries. Ford Motor and Mazda agreed to collaborate in 1979, Ford Motor Company started investing in Mazda and increased its shareholding to 33.39% as of March 31, 1999. For further information, please visit the Mazda Motor Corporation home page at: www.mazda.com/flash.html <http://www.mazda.com/flash.html>

And here I thought I would finally get to own an M1... :lol:

New Ford Lightning 500 HP +50HP "supercooler" - uses a compressor to cool the intake charge for 30 second power bursts

Anyone notice that they have the new vette now being shown in the latest chevy commercials where they drive all the cars onto the flatbed?

Originally posted by gibjer
Anyone notice that they have the new vette now being shown in the latest chevy commercials where they drive all the cars onto the flatbed?

Yeah, I just saw that commercial tonight for the first time. Pretty cool looking.

The new vette looked so much nicer in the commercial than the pics in this thread. I want one now!!!

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=coverstory&loc_code=index&content_code=03176519

http://www.autoweek.com/images_content/2004_01/vettemain.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0105/vetteside.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0105/vetterear.jpg

(14:33:55 Jan. 01, 2004)
’05 Corvette Revealed: Smaller, more powerful and sleeker, C6 promises Corvette nirvana


By KEVIN A. WILSON


(Photos © 2004 Jim Fets)
WE’VE BEEN BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE ’05 Corvette. Really, sat right there in the bucket and grabbed the thick-rimmed leather-clad steering wheel and made sputtering noises while moving the shifter around, which is more than most visitors to this month’s North American International Auto Show will get to do when they clamp eyes on the thing.

No, we haven’t driven it yet—no one in the car magazine world has—but we’ve finally seen it up close and gotten under its skin. Some will call it evolutionary rather than a leap forward, but there’s no question the ’05 Chevrolet Corvette advances the state of the art. And coming only eight years after the last all-new Corvette, it arrives in time to stay competitive in the marketplace rather than playing catch-up. GM actually expects the sixth-generation C6 to be more competitive than was the C5, widely regarded as a leap forward in Corvette refinement and performance when it arrived in ’97.

The composite body, influenced by both extensive wind-tunnel testing and experience from the C5-R racing program, draws its design inspiration from the landmark ’63 Sting Ray, even though it is the first Corvette since that second-generation (C2) model to run with exposed headlights. We’re told its standard 6.0-liter LS2 Gen IV small-block V8 generates 400 hp and will propel it to an honest, auto- bahn-tested stable 180-mph top speed. It is actually five inches shorter and an inch narrower than the car it replaces, a welcome change in direction for Corvette evolution.



Sleeker, tighter, quicker and more refined—more graceful to use the word chosen by Corvette chief engineer Dave Hill—the car reflects a company more globally aware than the one that last introduced a new Corvette for 1997. It has been tested extensively at the Nürburgring, for instance, and with an eye on European and Japanese competitors every bit as much as on the cross-town rival Dodge Viper.

When it debuts at the Detroit auto show, Chevrolet’s halo car will go to work a full nine months before it goes on sale. Part of its job, after all, is to draw people to Chevrolet, and when show-goers get to the GM stand to see the C6 they’ll find that Corvette is only one of a slew of new products on the floor. It will be joined by the Cobalt, for instance, GM’s latest and perhaps last attempt to build a competitive, small economy car in America. There are eight other new Chevys coming in the next 18 months, and another seven new GM products.

While the principles of C6 engineering are carried over from the C5, nearly every detail has changed. “By weight, more than 85 percent of the car is entirely new,” points out Corvette’s Hill.

Among the few direct carryover parts is the balsa-sandwich floorboard, which still tests out better than exotic composites for its performance in stiffness and noise suppression. It does its work in combination with hydroformed rails (same as on Cadillac XLR) and Hill claims better structural performance thanks to a reinforced windshield frame and a crossbar mounted at the bottom of the dash.

Though the all-independent suspension design with its composite leaf springs is unaltered, every single piece has been changed to refine the performance and to engineer in the longest travel of any sports car in the segment. The suspension cradle and control arms are all-new. Long travel allows the engineers to set the suspension up for both ride-enhancing bump absorption and handling refinement. Thirteen millimeters of suspension travel was added to the front, 20 mm in the rear, and eight degrees of caster was added for better on-center feel.



The base suspension is the FE1. The magnetic ride control is optional, and will again include a two-mode switch, tour and sport, with a greater evident difference between them. Opt for the Z51 performance suspension and you get stiffer springs and dampers, more aggressive tires, brakes and its own gear ratios (shorter through most gears for better acceleration, with a longer fifth for high top speed). A C6 with Z51 option will rival this year’s Z06 for performance, Hill said.

This is so even though the C6 (unlike Z06) rides on third-generation Goodyear run-flat tires, developed to cut road noise and improve ride, as well as provide snow performance, three common customer complaints about the previous tire on the base C5. The wheels are an inch bigger in diameter (18x8.5 front and 19x10 rear), and the tires are 10 mm wider than before at 245/40 and 285/35, Z-rated front and rear respectively. Big wheels make room for big brakes, and if you opt for the Z51 they get bigger still at 13.4 inches diameter front and 13.0 rear. Dual-piston front and single-piston rear calipers with ABS keep things under control.

The Tremec six-speed transaxle still resides out back, but the shifter mechanism has been refined. There is a dual-mass flywheel for smoother, quieter clutch action, the gearshift lever is an inch shorter and angled toward the driver, and the travel for all synchronizers is reduced 10 percent. There’s an all-new linkage, and shift-rail bearings that contribute to a quick, more snick-snick action.

Engineers considered a paddle-shift mechanism, and while it didn’t make it to the 2005 model, you might keep your eyes open for it in future years in either the high-performance Z06 (a 2006 model-year item) or a Corvette-based supercar (the so-called Blue Devil project). The automatic option is GM’s own 4L65 transmission, as before, but it gets a performance algorithm that allows the engine to rev higher before changing gears.

The front mid-engine placement sees the new V8 scoot forward two-thirds of an inch in the chassis, but since the wheelbase is longer, the weight distribution is unchanged. The 6.0-liter Gen IV V8 LS2 will be the biggest base engine in Corvette’s 52-year history when it arrives, and develops 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, with a 6500-rpm redline. It has an aluminum block with iron cylinder liners and alloy heads, and weighs 15.4 pounds less than the 5.7-liter Gen III in today’s car.

The bore is a bit wider at exactly four inches, the compression ratio is up from 10.1 to 10.9, the intake airflow has been improved 30 percent, there’s a new throttle body and a new (composite) intake manifold. Other engine changes include stiffer valve springs and a revised camshaft for more valve lift, as well as a new heavy-duty timing chain, 33 percent lighter exhaust manifold, external knock sensors, drilled main crank bearings, new oil pan and an upgraded water pump. GM claims its C5-R racing program influenced the engine development in power production and durability. One example: The new wingless oil pan better maintains oil pressure in extreme handling maneuvers, even while containing one quart less oil and draining more easily for the home mechanic.

The engine electronics are fully integrated with an active handling system that will allow the driver to slide the car some, even when engaged in what GM calls the most sporting handling-assist mode on the market. Hill promises that it adds up to a more European handling character and that for all the hardware, the real story of the C6 will come when we drive it and find how much the car’s dynamics have improved... we’ll just have to wait and see.

Which leaves us outside, looking at this latest version of America’s sports car. The styling has more edge to it compared to the C5, the fender tops recalling the Sting Ray. The front fenders are slightly higher crowned, so to speak, to evoke Sting Ray. It nods to its heritage without being retro.

“When you stand back and look at the car it must say Corvette,” said C6 designer Tom Peters, who refers to the sharper fender edges as “shoulders.” “It must say ‘American car,’ yes, but an international or global American car. We wanted more crispness and character definition in the shape.”

The exposed headlights and the smiling grille beneath them are the most noticeable differences, creating a different face but one that’s recognizably Corvette. There are fewer panels and cutlines around the headlights and front plate. While the taller fender does intrude on forward visibility slightly, Hill notes that it’s nothing like the obtrusive C3 “shark” car’s fenders, and that the forward sightlines are still much like those in C5.

“Plus, you can look out over the car and not see the air brakes [pop-up headlights] anymore,” he notes. The change to exposed lights was driven by performance, both of the lights themselves, which are projector beams that not only light the road better but stay aligned better, and of the car overall. Other sports car makers (think Acura’s NSX) have abandoned hideaway lights for similar reasons.

“The exposed lights are really inspired from the C5-R race car,” noted GM vice chairman Bob Lutz. “They have genuine racing heritage.”

Designer Peters says the car has a more serious, straightforward look to it without the hidden lights. Some observers will see Viper, others will note the light shape and think of Mitsubishi’s 3000GT. We have a few months to get used to it before the car goes on sale in the fall, anyway.

There are integrated door handles in the back edge of the door, as on XLR, and the B-pillars slant rearward instead of forward as on the C5. The windshield is slightly more upright; the idea here was to cut wind buffeting when the top is out. The top is larger than before, only a bit heavier, and stows horizontally, leaving a better-shaped luggage space beneath.

The body is five inches shorter overall, two inches shaved from the front and
three from the back, so overall length is within millimeters of the Porsche 911. At the rear axle line, the car is one inch narrower and this helps the tail look less massive than the C5’s. The wheelbase is 1.25 inches longer, the height is the same as before and the weight is the same (since the car is
engineered to fit within the EPA weight class).

The coefficient of drag is improved to 0.28 from 0.29 (C5). The car isn’t necessarily a “downforce car” like the race car, but has benefited from the C5-R experience. GM feels it can’t put much downforce in the car without having a negative impact on fuel economy. However, it moves in that direction by reducing lift. Hill and Peters had no numbers to quote on anti-lift coefficients, but point to the top speed of 180 mph, up from 171 (Z06) and 175 (standard car). They said they wanted the 180 mph to feel stable and confident, not as if the car is at or close to its ultimate limits.

Hill said GM has done more dynamic testing than ever focused on this (autobahn, Nürburgring), confirming not only that the C6 can get to 180, but that the car behaves as intended at those speeds.

Several things combine to achieve this according to GM: The CHMSL (built into the top of the rear fascia) acts as a bit of a spoiler, the back glass area, fenders and rear quarter areas are contoured to minimize lift. The car’s widest point is the rear axle area, narrowing at the rearward-most points, for both styling and aero.

The underbody and rear fascia help air exit from under the car in a more controlled way, Peters said. It was modeled after the C5-R in terms of air-flow, including the use of the close-out panel called a diffuser that houses the exhaust tips and backup lights. The C5 has no such panel, the exhaust tips kind of float underneath a rear fascia that doesn’t manage the underbody airflow as does the race car. The tail looks tidier, and the panel also fits better where it meets the rear quarter-panel.

GM used super-computers to do the aero modeling, meaning running dozens or hundreds of dozens of tests at the same time instead of one at a time, reaching far more specific and precise conclusions. Still, the biggest wins came the old-fashioned way, both for appearance and aero performance: hand sculpting of the exterior in GM design studios, “sweetening” the computer-drafted shape, and more than 400 hours of wind-tunnel time, more than GM has ever done on any car.

Inside, GM is promising dramatic improvements in material quality, though we couldn’t judge that on the prototypes we were shown: The materials were faked-up for photography purposes, not yet in their final production form. What we could see, clearly, was that there are fewer pieces, so fewer seams and gaps. Hill said every concern that C5 customers have expressed has been addressed inside. Despite the overall shorter layout, the cabin space is the same as in this year’s car, both in passenger accommodation and cargo volume.

Anodized aluminum accents, two “real-world” cupholders in the console, and optional DVD navigation system in the center stack are notable additions. The reconfigurable, optional head-up display offers two modes: street and track. In street mode, you can have, say, the speedometer and turn indicators displayed. Track mode offers a big tachometer and engine gauges, plus a real-time lateral accelerometer (it holds onto a peak reading long enough that you can look at it on the following straight, rather than trying to watch it mid-turn).

Only the coupe will debut in Detroit. The convertible will be shown later in the year, and the Z06 will be a 2006 model-year item. Hill said it will differ more from the C6 on which it is based than today’s Z06 is from the C5, and talk of 500 hp is widespread. Thanks to the existence of the Cadillac XLR for the luxury touring car crowd, Corvette engineers will be free to concentrate on the performance side of the equation. It’s looking like an exciting time for Corvette fans.

look a bit like the latest Viper from the front and side.

Bob

nice C6 update!!!

Originally posted by rsholland
look a bit like the latest Viper from the front and side.

Bob

My thoughts exactly.

Maybe a touch of Ferrari 360 too...
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2004/Ferrari/100370103/028301-E.jpg

http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0105/vetteside.jpg

For the money, I'll take an Elise instead. :D

First time I saw the commercial was tonight. I'd definitely give Chevy a thumbs up for a neat commercial that showcases the whole line. Definitely a different way of making a commercial and I liked it!

That was definitely cool!

Regardless if the new Vette looks like the others, I think the move to non-flip headlamps was a very good thing, and the new one will be much better than the current which was a huge leap over the previous in fit and finish from what I could tell.

I seem to like a good deal of the approach Chevrolet has taken lately.

Originally posted by Ghostrider600
For the money, I'll take an Elise instead. :D

To drive every day, I guarantee I'd be happier with the comfort of the vette. I laugh thinking about the normally thick middled vette owner trying to get into the Elise. :lol: No automatic in the Elise, so that's out for most vette owners. :rolleyes: The only people who may consider an Elise over this would be the ones thinking about a Z06. I doubt that Chevrolet will lose much more than a tiny drop to the Elise. It's great we're getting new cars to be more diverse. We all have different tastes and needs. My need is $$$.

Vetta + auto = lazy americans = no fun...

Yes, some 'lazy americans' will opt for the auto; but remember that it is available with a nice 6MT. :cool:

I wouldnt call it very nice.. getrag is pretty notchy..

Originally posted by PPower
We all have different tastes and needs. My need is $$$.

Think that's everyone's need. I know I need it to get the Elise ;)

I don't want to link the photos, but check this thread. Somebody scanned that Autocar article about the rumored Porsche due out in 2007. 56K Warning (http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=5127)

Nice!!!! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Originally posted by amdmaxx
what threaD?

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=5127

I was just trying to make it look nicer with the url code.

gotcha, I clicked 56k..
:)

WOW, I haven't been too impressed with the direction new auto designs have been going the past few years. BUT I see things have finally softened up a bit (softer and more sublte). I like what I see.

I absolutely LOVE that Boxster coupe. As for that Porsche 4 door, it seems more like a Benley GT competitor given the price of about US$170,000. Then again, these are just estimates on a car that hasn't even been officially announced.

Chevrolet Cobalt

The 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is an all-new premium small car based on GM's global Delta architecture (used also for the Opel Astra) and will replace the Cavalier. The Cobalt family includes a sedan and coupe.

“Our design approach on the Cobalt was to keep the exterior sheet metal clean and uncluttered, with a tailored, refined execution, giving the vehicle a premium exterior feel and appearance,” said Phil Zak, Cobalt lead designer.

The interiors of the Cobalt models reflect the same attention to detail as the exterior design, with a high level of refinement in materials and styling cues. Comfort is emphasized in all of the Cobalt models, with seats designed to reflect the various performance levels.

Key dimensions: wheelbase 2624mm, length 4580mm, width 1725mm.

http://www.cardesignnews.com/autoshows/2004/losangeles/highlights/images/chev-cobalt5566.jpg

http://www.cardesignnews.com/autoshows/2004/losangeles/highlights/images/chev-cobalt5650.jpg

Chevrolet Cobalt SS

While sharing the front end sheetmetal with the Cobalt Sedan, the SS features a lower driving position, and makes use of large end-caps to allow a large degree of differentiation between the two models.

“The exterior surfaces enabled us to design the SS series with bolder fascias and rockers, giving them a lowered, more aggressive look,” said Phil Zak, Cobalt lead designer.

The Cobalt coupe is available in base, LS, SS and SS Supercharged trims. Cobalt offers three Ecotec four-cylinder engines, a standard 2.2 liter engine in the base, LS, and LT models; a new 2.4 liter engine standard in the SS coupe and sedan; and a 2.0 liter supercharged engine standard in the SS Supercharged coupe. The Ecotec 2.2 liter engine delivers an estimated 140 horsepower and 150 lb.ft. of torque.

http://www.cardesignnews.com/autoshows/2004/losangeles/highlights/images/chev-cobaltss5646.jpg

This is certainly the best looking compact car to come out of GM North American Unit in decades. ("Corvair")

It appears that the build quality and material selection is also improving.

It will be interesting to see how the auto buying market reacts to these new products. As well as how they compait to the other domestic compact offerings. (Neon,Focus,etc...)

If the new Impreza improves on its appearance anything similar to how the Cavalier has become the Cobalt, we will have a beautiful new Impreza. Alpha1

http://www.cardesignnews.com/autoshows/2003/frankfurt/highlights/images/iaa0296.jpg

http://www.cardesignnews.com/autoshows/2004/losangeles/highlights/images/chev-cobalt5650.jpg

Watch out Lancia, here comes Chevrolet.

Originally posted by amdmaxx
I wouldnt call it very nice.. getrag is pretty notchy..

The new Corvette is supposed to have a reworked 6-speed to improve the shifting action. BTW, the 6-speed is made by Tremec (T-56) not Getrag. The Elise will be a blast for sure, but for a daily driver, my money would go to the C6.

New S-type Jag and Range Rover Concept here:
http://www.autoindex.org/newslist2.plt

http://www.cardesignnews.com/autoshows/2004/losangeles/highlights/images/chev-cobaltss5646.jpg

Yes, but as ever, the SRT-4 will be faster. :D

Looks like Chevy has significantly improved upon the cavalier. It was progressively going downhill in design with the last itteration a disaster of styling IMO. The cobalt is one of the better Chevy products in a good while aside from the current and next generation vettes and the first itteration of the new Impala. (Yes, I thought the Impala before they did all these little cosmetic dealys in the last year or two was a pretty decent looking average car.)

If Subaru does do some similar things to the Impreza line like they have to the Legacy, indeed we'll have one heck of a car. Saab won't be able to come close to the value. :p

I know the SRT4 will be faster, but any power figures on the SC 2L Ecotec?

Originally posted by SUBE555
Looks like Chevy has significantly improved upon the cavalier.

I am going to have to say that I still think they suck. If I had to pick a domestic subcompact I'd still go with the Focus SVT, which should be undergoing an update any time now.

How 'bout that Vette, though? :banana:

EDIT: I read somewhere that the supercharged version of the ecotec would check in right around 200hp.

Originally posted by balyndraks
I am going to have to say that I still think they suck. If I had to pick a domestic subcompact I'd still go with the Focus SVT, which should be undergoing an update any time now.
The only update the SVT Focus is getting is the end of production date. According to this week's Autoweek, no SVT products at all for 2005.

:rolleyes:

I'm sure Ford will do something with the Focus to maintain competitive in this burgeoning segment. Maybe the Focus RS? :devil:

new lotus elise =) went from a Honda Type R b18 with Type R transmission , now to the Toyota Celica 2.0 liter with the celica 6 speed gear box, not bad in my opinion :cool:

Originally posted by SUBE555

I know the SRT4 will be faster, but any power figures on the SC 2L Ecotec?


200HP last I heard.

http://bradbarnett.net/mustangs/timeline/05/05/index.htm

I don't think it's too bad, but the concept was probably better. I like how you can change the color of the gauges; a total gimick, but cool.

Sorry, but this is the wrong section for this. Should be in General. This is for Subaru only or at least should be in the non-Subaru news thread.

Post in under: non-subaru cars thread..

ford really eff'd this one up! the concept car is WAY better looking than this piece of carp. i shouldn't be but i'm stunned at ford. the angles suck and that square front end with none of the softness of the concept vehicles. what the heck were they thinking? i'm sure it all came down to 1 manager asserting his/her will on a dumbfounded design team "you mean you don't like the concept car?"

:eek: http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=coverstory&loc_code=&content_code=02120930

12:45:27 Jan. 04, 2004)
Now It Can Be Told: The inside story behind the stunning Chrysler supercar

http://www.autoweek.com/images_content/2004_01/memain.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0112/meside400.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0112/merear400.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0112/mecloseup400.jpg

By KEVIN A. WILSON

CHRYSLER ME412 CONCEPT
ON SALE: Prototype; potential 2006 model
BASE PRICE: $450,000 (est.)
POWERTRAIN: 5.9-liter, 850-hp, 850-lb-ft V12; rwd, seven-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT: 2860 pounds
0-60 MPH: 2.9 seconds (mfr.)

ONLY A HANDFUL OF people knew. Most of the folks working up Chrysler’s crop of new show cars for 2004 weren’t let in on it. Most of the press didn’t catch wind of it until it drove onto the stage at the end of the company’s Jan. 4 press conference revealing those “ordinary” concept cars. Surprise was the point. After hijacking attention at the 2003 Detroit show with the Viper-powered Dodge Tomahawk motorbike, the top guns at Chrysler wanted to do something even bigger this year in a bid to upstage the arrivals of the expected stars from across town, the 2005 Ford Mustang and Chevy Corvette.

“Tomahawk was somewhat tongue in cheek, a design statement more than an engineering statement. We wanted to do something really credible, and we wanted something nobody would expect from Chrysler,” says Chrysler COO Wolfgang Bernhard, explaining the origins of the project that became the Chrysler ME412. It’s a mid-engine, quad-turbo V12-powered supercar boasting 850 hp, 850 lb-ft and with ambitions no lower than to out-Enzo Ferrari. That’s no mere surprise, it’s an ambush.

What could be more unexpected than a mid-engine supercar from Chrysler? How about this statement from none other than division president and CEO Dieter Zetsche: “It’s not just a concept. It’s a prototype.”

Calm down, he’s not promising to build it for sale. Not yet, anyway. He is saying that it’s fully engineered—on computers, though the car itself wasn’t finished being built at Metalcrafters until Dec. 29—and the company intends to run it this spring to prove it can meet the ambitious performance targets. If a business case exists, Chrysler says it could start building such a machine in about a year.

A business case? Well, yes, they didn’t take time to build one before they built the car. No one really knows if the customers who can front up the money for a Ferrari Enzo or Porsche Carrera GT would splash similarly extravagant funds on a car that wears the same badge on its nose as the Town & Country minivan in the next garage bay. The ME412 is being built to supercar standards of material and craftsmanship, however, so it would have to command a similar price. Are there enough customers to warrant the effort?



Well, let’s show ’em what they’d get. When the project began, it was a notion shared by Bernhard, Zetsche and design chief Trevor Creed, who came up with it in a meeting after last year’s Detroit show. This year’s crop of concept cars had already been assigned back in December 2002. The project started out a month late, then. So the development of the thing in only 11 months, coordinating parts suppliers from seven nations and linking them all via computer, was as big a challenge as engineering the car itself. Bernhard—who had ridden the Tomahawk onto the show stage and drove the ME412 this year—had a head start, though. Before joining Chrysler, he was managing director of Mercedes-AMG, where he had acted as the engine supplier for the then-new Pagani Zonda and had personal insight into the development of a supercar, and a few contacts to help get things started. He wasn’t the first to wonder what would happen if a major automaker turned its engineering and acquisition resources to the development of a supercar (the Cadillac Cien was a similar exercise), but he was in a position to make things happen. And the key here was to really and truly engineer the car to achieve performance targets that exceed the world’s best in production.
It was Chrysler’s own Lou Rhodes who got the call to act as chief engineer on the project. After laying out the basic parameters to get the target performance specifications—aerodynamics, weight distribution, power, torque, etc.—Chrysler contacted AMG directly and asked that it develop an appropriate engine. This couldn’t be minor. To have a clear performance margin over the competition, it had to propel the car to 60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds, to 100 mph in less than 6.5, hit the quarter-mile in 11.0 seconds or better, and carry it to a 240-mph (400-km/h) top speed.

“We told AMG we needed 800 hp and it should weigh 500 pounds,” says Bernhard. This engine did not exist until the Chrysler project demanded it—it’s not a version of a Mercedes engine, though AMG is obviously influenced by the association in the way it approaches its work. It’s an AMG-engineered powerplant that, like the parts from other suppliers, was developed to the manufacturer’s specifications. “What they came up with was 850 hp, but it weighs 525 pounds. We said we could work with that,” said Rhodes.
The all-alloy engine is a 365-cid/5980-cc dry-sump V12 with four turbochargers and dual-core intercoolers, a 6800-rpm redline and makes 142 hp/liter. “We started with the engine and built the car around it,” said Bernhard, “where some others start with the car and adapt an engine into it.”

The car they designed around it is a carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb monocoque with an alloy rear subframe to support the drivetrain and to help toward making the car reparable if crashed from behind (the Enzo and Zonda have alloy subframes, the Carrera GT doesn’t). The front end has a carefully designed composite structure to meet crash standards. That seven-speed transaxle is a double-clutch Ricardo unit with paddle-shift selectors, the brakes are carbon-ceramic matrix with six-piston aluminum calipers, the front wheels are 19x10 inches, the rear 20x12.5, and they wear Michelin tires developed specifically for this project in 265/35ZR-19 and 335/30ZR-20 dimensions. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, with a 16:1 overall ratio, 2.4 turns lock-to-lock and a 36-foot turning circle, keeps the driver in charge of direction, but not without an assist from electronics. ABS and traction control are integrated with the powertrain management system in an advance stability management program offering up a driver-selectable range of at least three racetrack modes, one highway and one street mode, so the driver can more or less specify the amount of slip he wants to allow. All-independent pushrod suspension at both ends with a long travel (155 mm in back, where the class average is between 70 mm and 90 mm) uses electronically adjustable shocks in a unique active suspension system that draws on a reservoir of fluid stored in the back.



If that sounds a lot like your standard supercar specification of the early 21st century, well, Creed notes that this past year has been something like the year of the supercar, with magazines road testing such exotics as the Zonda, Koenigsegg CC, Enzo, Carrera GT and so on. “Every time we read one of these things, I’d find some
criticism and call Bernhard up and say, ‘Our car isn’t going to do that, is it?’” laughs Creed. “[Magazine testers] really wrote our spec book.”

As long as Creed has the floor, let’s look at the design. Tom Tremont, vp for advanced product design strategy, oversaw the project. With concept cars already in the works for this year’s show, and that desire to keep the lid down on the project, choosing a designer had to be done judiciously. The studios were charged with an “exercise” that was presented as a loosening-up program, just to flex the designers a bit by asking them to sketch a supercar concept for Chrysler.

“At first mention, this challenge was met with a blank stare,” admits Creed. “We don’t have anything in our history to draw on for this. It was a real challenge.”

From a slew of sketches, one stood out. Brian Nielander had penned a forward-leaning design that looked like it was in motion even on paper. It was fresh, and “something about it said Chrysler.” It didn’t have anywhere near enough cooling and ventilation openings in it, but the engineers saw where these could be worked into the bodywork without damaging the theme.

“Rather than do cooling as an afterthought,” says Bernhard, “we built it in from day one. Two-thirds of the energy in gasoline that you pump into the engine has to get out of the car through the cooling system.” Incorporating what Bernhard calls the “highest-capacity cooling module in the supercar business—this was not negotiable with our suppliers at AMG” was just the beginning of engineering influences on the shape. Another was the rigid discipline to achieve the 1300-kg (2860-pound) weight target, putting the ME412 at 3.4 pounds per hp (the Enzo is at 4.2, published figures on the Bugatti Veyron work out to 4.1, the McLaren F1 was at 3.9).

Then there’s aero. The computers say the ME412 has a 0.358 Cd minimum, with negative lift at both ends. There’s 34.5 pounds of downforce at 65 mph, 737 pounds at 186 mph. A spoiler at the tail moves backward 100 mm and raises up 10 mm as speed climbs to 200 mph, then flattens out again to reduce drag and help the car hit its 240-mph top-speed target.

The designer also was required to incorporate 39 inches of headroom, with the objective of being the only supercar that will allow really tall people to fit easily into the cockpit. The wheelbase is 110 inches, nearly six inches longer than an Enzo’s and two inches longer than the Zonda’s. The ME412 is 44.9 inches tall, 178 inches long and 78.7 inches wide.


Nielander’s exterior features forward-leaning lines that include the rooftop satellite navigation and radio antenna with integrated CHMSL. The indented lines on the forward cargo-compartment lid resemble those on the Crossfire. While alternatives were examined, standard door hinges were found to provide the best access to the cabin and also helped keep the weight down—scissors and gullwings may be flashy, but they’re often heavy and the functional advantages are minor. There are 96 red LEDs in the taillight assemblies, which perform brake, parking and turn-signal functions.

The interior design was by Mark Walters, who did the Tomahawk, and focused tightly on the notion of craftsmanship and use of materials that reflect the car’s nature as engineering exercise. The proprietary seat design is executed in a buttery leather, with the interior trimmed out in ultrasuede, metal and carbon fiber. There is no carpet, the floors being lined in a rubber-foam sandwich material.

The exposed portions of the carbon fiber tub use a molded-in color borrowed from a high-tech surfboard design. The security electronics for the keyless ignition are housed in a carbon fiber key fob shaped to resemble the car itself, while the red “start” button on the dashboard is lit and turns green when the engine fires.

The Nakamichi stereo will be heard if the driver so chooses—Chrysler acquired a dual-pane rear window from the supplier who provides the Saleen S7’s backlight, to insulate the cabin from the engine noise and heat.

Ah, but will there be owners? And if not, what’s the point of such a detailed engineering prototype?

“Whether we build it, and where and how we build it, depends on customer reaction and testing of the prototype,” asserts Zetsche. If enough customers want such a thing to warrant production, what might it cost? “All we know right now is that the Ford GT is at $150,000 or so, the Enzo is at $659,000, and that our car would cost somewhere in between there, depending on volume and final specification.”

Bernhard, though, says the ME412 has value for the corporation even if it is never built.

“This is an engineering feat. The most difficult test you can put engineers to is a supercar or race car done in less than a year,” he says. “Designers will look to this vehicle as a guiding star for other Chryslers.”

Zetsche says it establishes, with the Pacifica, Crossfire and 300C, the image he wants for Chrysler of “elegance, not lifeless elegance, but very spirited elegance.”

The discipline of holding to the weight target, working rapidly with suppliers to meet performance parameters and so forth, he said, makes the ME412 team members a core “center of excellence.” They will bring that experience to bear on other projects. And for 10 days, of course, the ME412 will ambush attention in Detroit.

That’s all very nice. But we’re itching to slip behind the wheel, push that red button, watch it turn green and see how it goes. Spring, we’re promised. Bring it on.

http://x.wieck.com/pv/WKA/2004/01/04/WKA2004010458783_pv.jpg

Another Shelby Cobra.

This is just to cool.

BlitZ

http://x.wieck.com/pv/WKA/2004/01/04/WKA2004010458783_pv.jpg

Gotta use the [img] type dealys. ;)

ford really eff'd this one up! the concept car is WAY better looking than this piece of carp.
Actually, the production is very close to the concept. If you lower the production model and throw some 20" wheels on, you'll see how close they are. Surf the net for comparisons, you'll see.

Ford has a huge hit on their hands... good job!

new Ford is horrendeous...

The Scion tC sports coupe is really nice, I think.
It also comes with an optional supercharger for 200hp.
It doesnt make sense though to have rear drum brakes.

I like the reclinable rear seats, the hatchback, the overall design(though a little bland). The interior is also supposed to have some interesting materials. Cant really tell from the black/white brochure.

Depending on how they price it, it could sell pretty well.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/7595_image.jpg

http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/7596_image.jpg

I really like the looks of this new Saturn Curve concept vehicle, the interior and exterior designe are done in good taste and reflect what one would expect of a 21 st. century sports car.

Zap and Subaru's design team should take note of the Curve design elements, as Saturn may have done a better job creating a bloodline than Subaru, at this time.

Originally posted by SUBE555
http://x.wieck.com/pv/WKA/2004/01/04/WKA2004010458783_pv.jpg

Gotta use the [img] type dealys. ;)


doh, i even hit the Img button haha...

BlitZ

P.S. this is a blurb from autoweek "With the help of old friend Carroll Shelby, Ford unveiled the Shelby Cobra Concept, a front-engine, 6.4-liter, 10-cylinder powered roadster pumping out 605 horsepower and 501 lb-ft of torque without supercharging. Check out our gallery of photos from the unveiling"

If my memory serves me correct one of the car magazines had this very engine inside a ford mustang. The v10 just shreaded the mustang tires to nothing will still running a low 1/4.

Watch out for the new V50 and S40 Volvo's. They look like they can compete in the AWD turbo class.

218hp @ 5000 rpm
236ft/lbs @ 1500-4800 rpms :eek: talk about flat!

$26990 MSRP
$685 destination

http://www.swedespeed.com/gallery/generated//FWD%20and%20AWD/S40%20Mk%20II/S40%20Sport/001__scaled_600.jpg

http://www.swedespeed.com/gallery/generated//FWD%20and%20AWD/S40%20Mk%20II/S40%20Sport/002__scaled_600.jpg

http://www.swedespeed.com/gallery/generated//FWD%20and%20AWD/V50%20Mk%20I/Sport/002__scaled_600.jpg

http://www.swedespeed.com/gallery/generated//FWD%20and%20AWD/V50%20Mk%20I/Sport/003__scaled_600.jpg

And based on the Ford Focus 2.0 shared platform. Funny how Ford won't bring the new Focus into NorthAm.

This is also the same platform as the new Mazda 3.

Now if only parts weren't as expensive as
"plated gold".

Great looking cars. But wait, how much does it really cost? Here it is optioned out to about the same level as a $29K Acura TSX:

S40 T5 (FWD)...$26,990
Dest......................$650
Premium Pkg......$2,195
Sport Pkg..............$750
Conv. Pkg.............$390
Audio....................$850
Climate.................$625
Bi-Xenon...............$700
Navi...................$1,995
Metalic paint..........$450
-----------------------------
Total: $35,595

$35K :eek: No thanks! Give me the TSX or better yet a Legacy GT with Navi and Bi-Xenon and I'll pocket the six to eight grand.

Originally posted by uwrx
Great looking cars. But wait, how much does it really cost? Here it is optioned out to about the same level as a $29K Acura TSX:

S40 T5 (FWD)...$26,990
Dest......................$650
Premium Pkg......$2,195
Sport Pkg..............$750
Conv. Pkg.............$390
Audio....................$850
Climate.................$625
Bi-Xenon...............$700
Navi...................$1,995
Metalic paint..........$450
-----------------------------
Total: $35,595

$35K :eek: No thanks! Give me the TSX or better yet a Legacy GT with Navi and Bi-Xenon and I'll pocket the six to eight grand.

What you do get is AWD, 18hp, 70ft/lbs torque, and probably a sportier drive. Granted I would not want all the options you listed but based on some of the reviews I read it should be a formidable competitor. Mini's with full option lists cost $27k but they are more fun to drive than a TSX.

Originally posted by Mr.Freeze
What you do get is AWD, 18hp, 70ft/lbs torque, and probably a sportier drive. Granted I would not want all the options you listed but based on some of the reviews I read it should be a formidable competitor. Mini's with full option lists cost $27k but they are more fun to drive than a TSX.

Actually that's the price for a FWD with a 5AT. AWD is most likly going to cost another $2K.

TSX (C&D Top 10) is an incredible value. The S40 might be a good car but you pay a premium that I'm not sure a Volvo warrents.

We'll see how the reliability fares...

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326652&highlight=consumer+reports

:disco:

Subaru Problems per 100 vehicles: 36

Industry Average: 55

Volvo: 70


~ NeoteriX (whose family has a previous gen s40 - dang traction control light and check engine light turn on and off intermittently *sigh* )

also the s40 isnt good if you need a back seat

The S40 and TSX are overpriced yuppie mobiles. Give me the 2.5GT any day.

The new S40 is definitely a looker, and looks like a decent package overall; but I don't think Legacy GT ('05 models) will have much to be 'afraid' of.

I'm sure there will be comparison tests of the AWD model to the new Legacy GT.

Unless Volvo has made some changes their AWD system really isn't that great.

Originally posted by Shikamaru
Unless Volvo has made some changes their AWD system really isn't that great.

Not that I've driven the S60R, but I've heard that it isn't exactly in possession of a sporting character. It sounds like it pretty much drives like a front-driver (then again, so do must Subarus).

It should make for some interesting motojournal shootouts though.

Yeah, the new little Volvos can compete with Subarus and that is why they are on my list of cars. I don't know if I should stay loyal or go Swedish.

Be afraid of Volvos indeed. It breaks down every so often:D

Lexus Introduces Third-Generation GS Luxury Sports Sedan

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/01/06/175961.2-lg.jpg


2006 GS Luxury Sedan


Reveals New Design Direction for Company

DETROIT, Jan. 6 -- Lexus introduced the new GS luxury sport sedan today at a press conference at the North American International Auto Show. The all-new, more powerful GS utilizes the latest in advanced technology to improve both performance and handling and is the first in a new wave of Lexus products to reflect a new, more passionate direction in styling.

"From a technology standpoint, the GS employs a sophisticated array of advanced safety, comfort and convenience features that will cause even the most enthusiastic driver to take notice, " said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "From a design standpoint, the new GS will be the first vehicle in our lineup to benefit from a new, more passionate direction in styling."

First All-Wheel Drive Model

Significantly, the new GS will feature all-wheel-drive, the first such application in any Lexus car, and offer the performance enhancements and advanced vehicle control of the Lexus Vehicle Dynamic Management (VDM) system. Monitoring a variety of sensors, the system is capable of anticipating the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and then helps correct the situation with a combination of braking and throttle control. The new VDM system is less obtrusive than conventional VSC but ultimately more effective.

Performance Optimized

Joining the potent and refined 4.3-liter V8 will be an all-new 245- horsepower V6 engine replacing the current inline six. Both the powerful V6 and V8 engines benefit from an all-new close-ratio 6-speed automatic transmission with a sequential manual-shifting mode. The combination provides faster and substantially smoother acceleration for even better performance and, surprisingly, improved fuel economy. A new Adaptive Variable Suspension allows the driver to fine-tune suspension damping with four settings ranging from normal-mode for everyday driving to a sport-mode for a tighter, more precise feel.

New Lexus Design Direction

From an architectural standpoint, the GS marks a move towards a more sculptural direction ... that is artistic, dynamic, simple ... yet intriguing. A two-inch longer wheelbase and short overhangs on the new GS creates a wide, powerful stance. A long hood, pulled-back cabin and slingshot windows recall classic sports car proportions and the vertical grille surrounded by four independent headlamps connects the new GS with the outgoing model, but with a futuristic look. The front also features an aggressive lower valence with integrated fog lamps. Dynamic 18-inch wheels on the V8 model help tie the muscular yet elegant look together.

The creation of a unique spatial feeling in the passenger compartment is central to the new Lexus design direction. The interior of the new GS has a precision, luxury feel with ultra-premium wood, polished metal and leather accents. Everything inside the GS is designed and styled to create a haven for peaceful comfort and relaxation, from contoured and supportive front seats with optional climate control to the standard 10-speaker audio system with simple steering wheel controls.

New Intelligent Luxury Sport Sedan

In addition to a new look and feel, the new GS also improves upon the increasingly complex nature of automotive technology. The GS offers numerous standard features, such as a keyless SmartAccess that allows the driver to lock, unlock and start the car simply by touching the door handle (with a key fob in pocket) and then simply pressing a push-button to start. An advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPM) can detect and notify the driver, via an indicator warning light, of a significant loss in pressure in one or more tires, a condition that could potentially lead to premature tire wear and loss of control. The GS will also feature the Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), which helps illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it.

A rear back-up camera is also added for 2006, providing an extra margin of confidence when reversing the vehicle. Available in conjunction with the optional navigation system, it automatically projects an image of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen when the vehicle is in the reverse gear.

"With the new GS we took all that was good in terms of technology and found ways to make it more intuitive, more intelligent and more relevant to the needs of its driver," said Clements.

Advanced Safety Features

The GS will also offer an optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) that can help reduce collision injury and damage. The system uses a millimeter-wave radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car and a pre-collision system computer with vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate inputs that help to determine in advance whether a collision is unavoidable. The system then preemptively retracts front seat belts and prepares Brake Assist for increased braking force to help reduce collision speed.

In addition, the new GS gains new knee airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as front and rear side curtain airbags as standard equipment. The Supplemental Restraint System in the new GS also includes variable-force front airbags for both driver and front passenger. Sensors determine the severity of the accident and in turn the force with which to deploy the front airbags, helping to provide the appropriate level of occupant restraint.

"Nearly every feature on the GS makes this sports sedan more manageable and more engaging to drive," said Clements.

Preliminary Specifications
Wheelbase: 112.2 in.
Length: 189.8 in.
Width: 71.7 in.
Height: 56.1 in.
Engines: 3.0 liter V6 - 245 hp; 228 lb.-ft. of torque
4.3 liter V8 - 300 hp; 325 lb.-ft. of torque
Transmission: 6-speed sequential automatic

new GS is HOT!!!!

Nice design but the specs output is alittle shabby IMO.

I've driven the S60R and it's not all that :rolleyes:

www.autoindex.org got interior and side pix of new GS - VERY VERY nice..
I expected more radical design change though...
All wheel drive and 6 auto are great additions..

http://www.autoindex.org/images/news/701/norm_4_orig.jpg

2004 Detroit Auto Show: Chrysler Introduces New 2005 Crossfire Roadster

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/01/06/175992.1-lg.jpg


AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 6, 2004 -- Last year, Chrysler turned heads with the introduction of Chrysler Crossfire.

This year, Chrysler will turn heads and drop jaws with the introduction of its new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. The 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster will arrive in dealerships this spring.

"The new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is absolutely stunning," said Jeff Bell, Vice President, Chrysler. "The styling, technology and performance get the adrenaline flowing. This spring, the car to be seen in is the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster."

The new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is low-slung with a sculpted appearance. Under the hood is a 3.2-liter 90-degree V-6, 18-valve SOHC engine available with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. To remove the top, simply release and pull down the center-mounted handle located on the windshield header, turn the handle which releases the convertible fabric top and lowers the side glass, and lift the front of the top approximately eight inches. Press the button on the center console and the hard tonneau opens up, the soft fabric top folds in, and the hard tonneau closes again.

"With the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster, consumers can choose their passion," said Bell. "Top up or down, this is a great-looking sports car. Sunshine and fresh air are just 22 seconds away."

Sculpted Design

"Our new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster captures the spirit of the Crossfire coupe," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President, Design, Chrysler Group. "We use sport bars and tonneau cover fairings to give Crossfire Roadster even more of an aerodynamic appearance."

Crossfire Roadster's rear view is stunning with a tapered, "boat tail" appearance that emphasizes the sports car's mammoth rear wheels.

A retractable spoiler is designed into the rear of the vehicle and activates when the car reaches 60 miles per hour. The center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) runs the width of the deployable rear spoiler. Seam lines on the cloth top flow with and complement Roadster's rear "boat tail" lines.

To achieve even more of a dynamic appearance, satin silver painted sport bars appear just behind the driver and passenger seats. Two race-inspired fairings integrated into the top of the tonneau cover complete the dynamic appearance of the sports car.

With its long hood and fast back, Chrysler Crossfire Roadster's side view is instantly recognizable. The car's broad shoulders envelop 19-inch rear wheels. Front wheels measure 18 inches. With larger wheels in back, the side profile has a poised stance.

The sculptured hood prominently showcases Chrysler's new signature winged badge which spans the entire upper width of the chrome grille. Six grooves run the length of hood and complement the front grille.

From plan view, a center spine runs the length of the car and provides a chiseled, carved appearance. The line starts at the front grille and concludes at the dual exhaust tips.

Interior: Machined Precision

Chrysler Crossfire Roadster's sophisticated twin cockpit interior complements the exterior. The center spine shape on the exterior appears on the center console, shifter and instrument panel. From the driver's seat, the center spine shape appears to continue from the instrument panel through the windshield and on to the hood.

Seats are trimmed in leather with Chrysler's signature winged badge embossed into both headrests. The ignition switch is located on the instrument panel as opposed to the steering column.

Precise, elegant gauges are white-on-black with a black bezel and satin silver trim ring. The center console has a metallic appearance that flows from the top of the instrument panel through the center of the car to achieve a cockpit environment. Satin silver accents are featured throughout the interior including on the doors, steering wheel, and instrument cluster.

Following are features in the new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster:

Performance Features
* 3.2-liter, 18-valve, SOHC V-6 engine
* 215 horsepower, 229 ft.-lb. of torque
* Six-speed manual transmission or optional five speed electronically- controlled adaptive automatic transmission with AutoStick(R)

* Rear-wheel drive

* Independent double wishbone front suspension with coil springs and gas- charged shock absorbers

* Independent five-link rear suspension with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers

* Speed-sensitive rear spoiler deployable at approximately 60 mph
* Dual center-mounted exhaust outlets
* Front 18-inch P225/40 ZR tires
* Rear 19-inch P255/35 ZR tires
* Seven-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
* Tire fit system

Premium Amenities
* Power convertible fabric top
* Full power hard tonneau
* Heated glass back light
* Power eight-way heated leather driver seat
* Power four-way heated leather passenger seat
* Power windows with one-touch down driver and passenger controls
* Telescoping steering column with leather-wrapped steering wheel
* Speed control
* Infinity(R) Modulus audio system with AM/FM/CD, and a 240 watt digital amplifier (six speakers including dual subwoofers). Sound system is based on Infinity's Modulus home theater surround sound system

* Dual-zone semi-automatic air conditioning
* Remote keyless entry with central locking (including fuel filler door)
* Universal garage door opener

Safety and Security Features
* Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Brake Assist
* Front power 300 x 28 mm ventilated disc brakes and rear power 278 x 9 mm solid disc brakes

* Electronic Stability Program which integrates single brake application and throttle intervention for yaw control, ignition and throttle intervention for wheel spin control

* All-speed traction control senses drive-wheel slip and individually brakes the slipping wheel and/or reduces excess engine power until control is regained

* Next-generation driver and passenger front air bags
* Door-mounted thorax side air bags
* Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child restraint system (with front passenger-side air bag deactivation switch)

* Tire pressure monitoring system
* Sentry Key(R) vehicle immobilizer
* Security alarm system
* Quad halogen projector headlamps
* Tow-away protection

2004 Detroit Auto Show: New 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/01/06/175991.1-lg.jpg

* Starting at $19,995, the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible is the convertible to be in and be seen in * No competitor can beat the new PT Cruiser Convertible's combination of styling, unprecedented versatility, quietness and comfort

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 6 -- The roof came down at Detroit's Cobo Hall as the Chrysler Group revealed the new 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible at the North American International Auto Show Tuesday. The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible continues the phenomenon begun with the introduction of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser sedan, but at a level cooler than a breeze through your hair and at a price to warm the heart.

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible will begin at $19,995 (excluding $590 destination).

Sunshine Above With Quiet Space to Enjoy It

With its distinct combination of heritage-inspired styling, one-of-a-kind versatility, best-in-class roominess and unmatched comfort, the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible represents a unique offering to the convertible customer. With 84.3 cu.-ft. of space and 13.3 cu.-ft. of pass-through luggage volume, the PT Cruiser Convertible offers more interior cargo volume than its competitors.

"Our engineers wanted to make the PT Cruiser Convertible a convertible that you can actually do things with," said Larry Lyons, Vice President-Small Vehicle Product Team Engineering. "Nine different seat configurations and a pass-through trunk opening with enough room to store two golf bags make the car more versatile than its competitors."

Added to that is a new level of comfort for convertible passengers. At more than 40 cubic inches, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible features almost 10 inches more rear leg room than other competitors in its class. The PT Cruiser Convertible also has the same rear seat height as the sedan, for "open air" rear theater seating.

In addition to offering best-in-class rear leg room and pass-through cargo space, the PT Cruiser Convertible is also one of the quietest convertibles, based on driving experience.

"The combination of the sport bar design and position, together with enhancements to the body structure results in an exceptionally quiet ride," said Lyons. "While on-the-road experience is what ultimately matters, we performed extensive wind tunnel testing to assure our customers a quiet ride, top up or top down."

Three Levels of Convertible Options

The newest, most useful convertible in the U.S. market is available in Standard, Touring and GT models.

The standard PT Cruiser Convertible includes a standard 150-horsepower 2.4-liter engine with a manual transaxle. Also included as standard equipment are loads of features not usually found in convertibles at this price, such as a power convertible soft top, sport bar with integrated dome lamps, solar- tinted "Smart" glass, rear glass window with electric defroster, cloth sport seats with driver manual lumbar adjuster, rear 50/50 split-fold and tumble seats, pass-through cargo area, power exterior mirrors, touring-tuned suspension and body-color fascias and body side moldings.

With an MSRP of $22,900 (excluding $590 destination), the Touring model Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible features a standard 150-horsepower engine with a manual transaxle and an optional 180-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with automatic transaxle. All the standard model features are included as well, with the addition of a convertible top boot, 16-inch painted cast aluminum wheels, speed control, security alarm, fog lights, floor mats and an AM/FM stereo with CD player.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible GT model includes a standard High Output 220-horsepower turbocharged engine with a five-speed Getrag manual transaxle, plus all of the Touring model standard equipment. Other key GT model standard features include a performance-tuned suspension with ABS four- wheel disc brakes, low-speed traction control, chrome-accented grille and fascia, 17-inch Empire painted cast aluminum wheels, all-season performance tires, a 2.75-inch chrome-plated stainless steel exhaust tip, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, driver seat power height adjuster, unique silver painted shifter knob, "GT" embroidered floor mats, side air bags, an AM/FM stereo with CD and cassette player and driver and front passenger side air bags. MSRP for the GT model PT Cruiser Convertible is $27,565 (excluding $590 destination).

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio also will be sold outside North America as Limited and GT models. Pricing for these markets will be announced at a later date.

Segment-defying Style and Versatility

The new PT Cruiser Convertible will redefine the convertible segment in much the same way the original Chrysler PT Cruiser defied fitting into an automotive pigeonhole. The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible will draw from the entire convertible segment in addition to appealing to those who may not have considered a convertible before.

"Because features like best-in-class rear leg room, a quiet ride and more pass-through cargo space will appeal to convertible customers no matter where they fall in the segment, we anticipate that the Chrysler PT Cruiser will prove an attractive alternative to the competition," said Jeff Bell, Vice- President-Chrysler/Jeep(R) Marketing.

Continued Convertible Leadership

Drop-top customization is a trend long familiar to the Chrysler Group and the Chrysler brand. Chrysler sold almost 44,000 Chrysler Sebring Convertibles in 2002 and enjoyed a 14.5-percent share of the convertible market, the highest of any nameplate. Chrysler Sebring Convertible is America's best- selling convertible.

The new PT Cruiser Convertible continues DaimlerChrysler's tradition of offering customers convertible "firsts." Others include the first automatic convertible top from Plymouth in 1939 and the first U.S. introduction of a convertible after the sales lull in the '70s with the 1982 Le Baron Convertible.

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Production

Production of the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible begins in early 2004 at DaimlerChrysler's Toluca (Mexico) Assembly Plant.

2004 Detroit Autop Show; Mazda MX-Micro Sport Concept Joins Five New Mazda Production Models



Mazda Microsport Concept

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2004 Mazda 6 5-Door

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Mazda RX8 Hydrogen Powered Concept

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2004 Mazda 3 Sedan

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- Mazda's Strongest Showroom in History on Display in Detroit -

DETROIT, Jan. 5 -- Mazda Motor Corporation zips into the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) with its smallest story in years: the MX-Micro Sport concept. The nimble and light five-door concept makes its world premier at the annual auto show in Detroit, joined by seven additional all-new or face-lifted production models; including the new MAZDA3 4-Door and MAZDA3 5-Door, the new MAZDA6 Sport Wagon and MAZDA6 5-Door, the new turbocharged MAZDASPEED MX-5, the recently face-lifted MPV and an updated 2005 model-year Tribute. Mazda's Hydrogen Rotary RX-8 concept, which premiered last October at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, is also making its US debut at NAIAS.

"This has to be our best collection of cars ever," said Stephen Odell, Mazda's Senior Managing Executive Officer in charge of Global Marketing, Sales and Customer Service, commenting on the collection of concept and production models at the annual Detroit show. "We've committed ourselves to getting our business stronger in North America. From MPV to RX-8, we've got the right products -- these cars represent the strongest showroom in Mazda's history -- and we are now aggressively addressing our distribution issues in this key market."

Mazda MX-Micro Sport Concept

The four-cylinder, six-speed MX-Micro Sport concept is the company's latest effort in its ongoing pursuit to further remake and strengthen its line of Zoom-Zoom vehicles. A production version of the MX-Micro Sport concept will be launched into a key automotive market during calendar year 2004, and Mazda is currently reviewing opportunities in other key markets including North America. Mazda will be gathering consumer reactions to the vehicle during the public days of the Detroit show.

For further information on all Mazda products at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, including the MX-Micro Sport concept, visit Mazda's global media website at www.media.mazda.com .

Volvos are simply no fun to drive. A Volvo can be sporty "for a Volvo," but that's about the extent of it. It's just a company philosophy. They're safe, they're elegant, they can even be fast, but they aren't fun.

Kevin

I don't know about the reliability factor, however, I do know that my trans broke (with minimal mods) and had many problems with clutch shudder on both my 2001 RS and 2002 WRX. Subaru's are not the greatest quality either. I do plan on driving the car to make a realistic judgement call, but the specs look pretty darn good.

They also seem to do pretty well on the European Touring car circuit vs. the BMW's and Audi's...

and in nascrap, monte carlos and tauruses do 200mph. Motorsport is not the same as real life vehicles under most circumstances.

Originally posted by Akirasoft
and in nascrap, monte carlos and tauruses do 200mph. Motorsport is not the same as real life vehicles under most circumstances.


yup and they both come with big v-8's and rwd! :D just like at the dealer! :lol:

the s40 looks great on paper so far, any specs on wieght? hp and tq numbers mean nothing if the cars a pig!;)

What of the Mitsu Concept E hybrid (470 combined HP) and the Volkswage Concept T offroad sportscar?

Both seem like potential Subaru competition...

Both were posted earlier...

Originally posted by mh_WRX
Both were posted earlier...


Yeah, but no one seems to have said much on either...course when buried in 15 pages, no one probably cares either ;)

yep, once off the current page it disapears into the void!!

You mean there are previous pages?

Since the s40/v50 is based on focus/mazda 3, it would be a size smaller than legacy (I think). That would make it a competitor for impreza - although I guess not in terms of $'s

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2004/photos/l_4GM_G6_roof.jpg

Pontiac G6 multi section retractable roof. This is a feature that would be a beautiful GM part to apply to the Legacy GT sedan or Impreza WRX.

no way, it breaks - u down $4000

Looks like the opening isn't all that big. The legacy/Outback wagon is much better with the front portion to tilt up and rear part to open wide.

check out the web page for the new S40. It is by far one of the best I have ever seen... really seems they are going for a younger crowd than Volvo is typically associated with.

http://sdm3.rm04.net/servlet/MailView?ms=MTkyNTM3S0&r=Mjk1NDk1MjMxS0

Volvo's AWD system is strange. Anyone know how it really works?

My neighbor has a new Volvo, we had to keep shoveling under her front wheels to get her out of deep snow. The Volvo kept spinning it's front wheels when she got on the gas. When she finally got out and drove by, I noticed the "AWD" badge on the trunk. :huh:

I wonder when the rear wheels kick in.

Yup, I had a co-worker look at an S40 last year. Those are are nearly impossible to find without tons of options tacked on (more $$$$).

Originally posted by xstar
Volvo's AWD system is strange. Anyone know how it really works?

My neighbor has a new Volvo, we had to keep shoveling under her front wheels to get her out of deep snow. The Volvo kept spinning it's front wheels when she got on the gas. When she finally got out and drove by, I noticed the "AWD" badge on the trunk. :huh:

I wonder when the rear wheels kick in.

I believe there are two flavors of AWD used in Volvo. The low end version (probably the one your neighbor has) is a simple viscous couper (no real differential). When front wheel spins, the VC engages and transfers power to the rear. So you always starts with FWD until you slips. The other system which used in more expensive models works similar to what MB/BMW etc have, i.e. open center differential with brake controls on individual wheels. Computer apply brake force to wheels that slip to trick the open differentials to transfer power to other wheels.

I think that Volvo may have a good package, but I suspect that the size difference between the New Legacy and this volvo model will be a factor. Assuming the Volvo has the same or less leg room as the upper level Volvo Sedan I sat in recently at the Auto Show. The current/older Legacy has more room. I think that in most cases people looking at sedans and wagons in this market are interested in back seat space. I know I am. Otherwise I would buy a small Audi or Impreza and be happy with the smaller sporty car.

Another thing to keep in mind was pointed out by a neighbor whom is a major Volvo fan and has 240,000 mi on his current volvo. The newer Volvo's aren't known for having the quality they once had. He liked my 2001 legacy but wanted more power, the new legacy has peaked his interest and he's contemplating a possible brand switch. I was shocked to her him say this, given his love for Volvo, but I think Subaru is going to gain many new customers with the new Legacy.

Subaru has worked very hard to establish good quality and reilability the past few years. Those are big factors when considering a big purchase. I have yet to see any of the big 3 make major efforts to redesign or fix common quality issues. Plus the engine technology being used by the big 3 in their normal models hasn't shown much effort in increasing milege and performance. Non-US car makers have left the US owned designs in the dust.

I think the new Lexus AWD models could be a problem for Subaru if Lexus prices are close. They have an edge on style and a strong brand identity. The Hybrid thing is a major snag for me, though if the Lexus RX330 Hybrid is in the 28-30 mpg range, the Subaru is still a better buy for performance and cost.

2004 Detroit Auto Show: Nissan Reveals 2005 Pathfinder

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All-New 2005 Nissan Pathfinder features three-row seating, powerful 4.0-liter V6 and new rugged platform

When it was first introduced in 1986, the Nissan Pathfinder sport utility vehicle (SUV) stood as an innovator in class – and as the lone SUV in Nissan showrooms in North America. Today, while the Pathfinder remains true to its original spirit of innovative design, the family of Nissan SUVs has grown significantly in size and scope, now encompassing the Pathfinder, Xterra, Murano and the recently introduced full-size 2004 Pathfinder Armada.

For the 2005 model year, the Pathfinder takes the spotlight again with an all-new larger, more powerful design featuring, for the first time, three-row seating. Making its world debut at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the new third generation Pathfinder also returns to its roots with enhanced off-road capabilities and performance driven by the use of a new 4.0-liter version of the award-winning Nissan VQ-series V6 engine and a new fully boxed, all-steel frame based on the full-size Pathfinder Armada.

“The 2005 Pathfinder, wimth its body-on-frame construction and enhanced utility and performance, is designed to offer a higher level of an authentic, rugged off-road performance than the typical SUVs in its class,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

“Each of our four Nissan SUVs has a specific role in the lineup. With the success of Murano as our true crossover SUV, we're able to utilize the strengths of the Pathfinder Armada platform in creating the 2005 Pathfinder a highly capable, mid-sized adventure vehicle for highly active families.”

Expressive Exterior Styling

In its third major redesign, the 2005 Pathfinder evolves the now classic look of the previous generations - including a large, powerful hood and headlights, solid shoulder line, large integrated fender flares, short front and rear overhangs and Nissan SUV signature angled C-pillar with high-mounted rear door handles. The new Pathfinder also bears a strong family resemblance to the larger Pathfinder Armada, especially in the angled strut-style grille and powerful overall presence and straightforward functionality.

New exterior features include a new roof rack design with integrated forward and rear grips and an updated, clean-cut rear tailgate design with flip-up rear glass hatch opening. Other exterior features include available side running boards, heated outside mirrors and power slide and tilt sunroof.

“The styling of the new Pathfinder gives it a tough but modern appearance. It projects an authentic 4x4 adventure feeling, much like the Pathfinder Armada, yet with a relaxed attitude that implies an athletic leanness rather than overt force,” said McNabb. “The new Pathfinder has also grown in nearly every dimension, though it retains its manageable size that is ideal for many buyers – neither too big nor too small.”

The 2005 Pathfinder features a longer wheelbase for enhanced roominess, ride comfort and stability, while its manageable overall length and short front and rear overhangs enhance maneuverability for around town or driving on off-road trails.

A Flexible Three-Row Interior Design

The new Pathfinder continues the Nissan SUV tradition it originated in providing an interior environment designed to enhance active family lifestyles. The addition of the 3rd row seat gives Pathfinder 7-passenger seating along with outstanding passenger/cargo flexibility. The split fold-down 2nd and 3rd row seats can be folded down individually, combining with the fold-down front passenger seat to provide 64 different seating/cargo configurations. The 2nd row seat, for example, features a 40/20/40 split feature with a one-touch release lever for easy access to the 3rd row.

The 50/50 split 3rd row seat folds down into the floor, allowing complete passenger/cargo use spontaneity and the adjustable head restraints do not need to be removed to fold down. The back side of the 3rd row seatbacks combines with an available easy-to-clean luggage area flooring and a total of eight cargo area utility hooks (floor hooks can carry up to 110 pounds) to create an extremely versatile area for hauling camping equipment, bikes, wetsuits and other gear. Another unique feature of the new Pathfinder's interior is the hidden storage area located under the 2nd row seats, one of many areas designed to help hold the accessories of an active lifestyle.

“The new Pathfinder's interior offers both function and room for cargo and passengers,” said McNabb. “It's a great space and great facilitator for family adventures or personal pursuits.”

A New Full-Size Foundation

Like the new Pathfinder Armada, the 2005 Pathfinder combines rugged body-on-frame construction with the superior ride and handling characteristics of 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

Utilizing the Pathfinder Armada's new "F-Alpha" platform as a basis, the Pathfinder builds from a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame and adds an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar and independent rear double-wishbone suspension with stabilizer bar. Performance shocks are also available with the Pathfinder Off-Road model. Powering the new Pathfinder is a standard 4.0-liter DOHC V6, rated at 250-plus horsepower and 270-plus lb-ft torque (final figures will be announced closer to production). The new engine is part of Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series found in the 350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest. The engine features a longer stroke (than the 3.5-liter version) and has been specifically tuned for SUV and truck applications.

Like others in the VQ series, the new 4.0-liter version includes such advanced design features as Electronic Throttle Control with secondary mapping in 4LO (4x4 models), Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler, lightweight aluminum block and platinum-tipped spark plugs.

Every 2005 Pathfinder is equipped with a standard electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission. Like the previous generations, the new Pathfinder is offered in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations. Pathfinder's available advanced All-Mode four-wheel drive system includes 2WD/AUTO/4H/4LO modes and electronically controlled transfer case. A Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is also available, along with an advanced off-road traction system. Other driveline components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Available wheels and tires include up to 17-inch wheels with 265/65R17 tires.

The Pathfinder's list of safety features and equipment includes Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor), and 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. Standard are 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including the 2nd row center position, and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system.

Also available are supplemental front seat side-impact air bags, and available roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for outboard passengers in all three rows.

The new Pathfinder will be assembled at Nissan's award-winning Smyrna, Tennessee manufacturing facility. Engines will be supplied by Nissan’s nearby Decherd, Tennessee engine facility.

this new S40 doesnt compare at all with the previous one which was based on a mitsubishi, built in a mitsubishi plant

the new one is quite a looker, and will probably be a good product

Originally posted by Achilles38WRX
yup and they both come with big v-8's and rwd! :D just like at the dealer! :lol:

the s40 looks great on paper so far, any specs on wieght? hp and tq numbers mean nothing if the cars a pig!;)

the 04/2 car & driver talks a bit about it. curb weight is 3200-3400 lbs.

Originally posted by west_aust
this new S40 doesnt compare at all with the previous one which was based on a mitsubishi, built in a mitsubishi plant

the new one is quite a looker, and will probably be a good product

The new one is built on Mazda/Focus chassis. They are all shared.

Originally posted by bemani
the 04/2 car & driver talks a bit about it. curb weight is 3200-3400 lbs.

3126 to be exact according to the website: www.allnews40.com

Originally posted by mh_WRX
The new one is built on Mazda/Focus chassis. They are all shared.

i know about that, that the new s40 is built on mazda3 and euro focus platform, but overall, this is a way better platform then the mitsubishi carisma that was the previous gen S40

BlitZ is personally waiting for the true competitor for the Suby and Evo, The next mazda 323. hell it has all the makings of a great car a 2.3 liter perfect for a turbo and a chasis designed for awd. BlitZ also enjoys the lines of the new mazda3. That sucker is a great looking car.

BlitZ

Originally posted by Blitzkrieg
BlitZ is personally waiting for the true competitor for the Suby and Evo, The next mazda 323. hell it has all the makings of a great car a 2.3 liter perfect for a turbo and a chasis designed for awd. BlitZ also enjoys the lines of the new mazda3. That sucker is a great looking car.

BlitZ

Maybe Mazda can put a high performance engine in the new 3 the same way they did with the Mazdaspeed Protege (insert sarcasm here).

Originally posted by west_aust
i know about that, that the new s40 is built on mazda3 and euro focus platform, but overall, this is a way better platform then the mitsubishi carisma that was the previous gen S40

Well, that is the platform that is still under the...wait for it...Lancer. Yep, the Evo too (although they add a heap of extra stuff to it to make it stiffer).

If the Mazda 3 is anything to go off, the basic structure is good, but as usual it will be the individual car makers that set it up and get it right (or wrong).

Cheers:)

same here driven it..not that impress..

as for other's question on the awd. the s60r have doesn't have a true awd. still drives like a fwd but it's got a fancy dampening system to mask the shortcomings.
don't let the power specs fool you. it's not as quick as they claim.




Originally posted by BigElm
I've driven the S60R and it's not all that :rolleyes:

Mazda Introduces RX-8 NR-A Kit for Races


Tokyo, Japan, Jan. 08, 2004 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation
introduces an NR-A kit to equip vehicles for the Mazda RX-8
one make race in the NR-A category authorized by the Japan Automobile
Federation (JAF). The NR-A kit will be sold at Mazda Anfini and Mazda
dealerships throughout Japan from January 20. Details of the one make
race (also known as the "RX-8 Party Race"), including race dates for
2004, have also been confirmed.

The NR-A category races are motor sports competitions designed to give
drivers a chance to test their driving skills under equal conditions in
vehicles registered for daily use. As only a limited number of
modifications are required to equip vehicles for racing, drivers can
participate in full-scale motor sports competitions at a reasonable
cost. The existing "Roadster Party Race," which Mazda has supported
since its 2001 launch, has become a popular race attracting many
entrants.

Designed for the RX-8 Type S to compete in the RX-8 Party Race, the NR-A
kit facilitates participation in motor sports, while ensuring vehicles
remain convenient for every day use. Through sponsoring the RX-8 Party
Race, Mazda offers a new way to experience the versatile and exciting
RX-8, creating further opportunities for families and friends to enjoy
participating in races on weekends while also using the car in their
daily lives.

Mazda will showcase the RX-8 NR-A and other customized vehicles at the
Tokyo Auto Salon 2004 with NAPAC to be held at the Makuhari Messe
Convention Center in Chiba City from January 9 through 11.

Outline of NR-A Kit (equipment required to enter races)
Available as a dealer option, the RX-8 NR-A kit consists of the items
listed below. Mazda markets these parts under the Mazdaspeed brand.*1
Entry in the races requires installation of a 4-point seat belt in
addition to these NR-A parts.


Roll bar set*2 85,000 yen
Roll bar protector*2 7,400 yen each (need set of 2)
Brake pad set (front/rear)
19,000 yen/18,000 yen
Sports radiator 150,000 yen
Oil cooler kit*3 50,000 yen
Pulling hooks (front/rear) *4 10,000 yen each
*1 Mazda designs and develops tune-up parts and accessories for the
motor sports market under the Mazdaspeed brand.
*2 Cannot be installed on models with curtain airbags or sunroof.
*3 An oil cooler duct (sold separately) is required when installing the
oil cooler kit on vehicles fitted with a Mazdaspeed front nose.
*4 A bracket (sold separately) is required for installing a front
pulling hook on vehicles fitted with a Mazdaspeed front nose. There are
two types of rear pulling hooks available: standard and those for cars
fitted with a Mazdaspeed rear underskirt.
Note: Entry in NR-A races authorized by JAF requires installation of a
4-point seat belt in addition to the above parts. However, the 4-point
seat belt and large pulling hooks (front/rear) may not be used on the
open road.

Vehicles that can be fitted with the NR-A kit: RX-8 Type S

RX-8 Type "SE3P"*5 with a valid motor vehicle inspection certificate in
compliance with the Safety Regulations for Road Vehicles.
*5 The kit cannot be fitted to vehicles with SRS curtain & front side
airbags or sunroof. The RX-8 Mazdaspeed version is not eligible as it
includes modifications outside those specified in the NR-A race
regulations.

Main features of the RX-8 Party Race

- Drivers can enjoy full-scale motor sports races by competing in
Tsukuba Circuit sprint races (15 laps).
- RX-8 Type S vehicles are eligible to enter the race simply by fitting
the NR-A kit.
- Awards are given to drivers who have earned high points under the
Manner Point System.*6 *6 The original Manner Point System encourages
clean racing by reducing unreasonable passing and the risk of crashing
into the blocks. Under this system, awards are presented to participants
who have run races in compliance with the competition rules throughout
the year.


(FYI) Party Races Supported by Mazda
Race Name
"RX-8 Party Race" and "Roadster Party Race."

Race Outline
RX-8
-Class
Masters: Those who have confidence in their skills and want to enjoy
raceswhile competing with an emphasis on manners.

-Race Details
[Qualifying races]
- Entry is limited to 90 vehicles.
- NR-A kit for the RX-8 Party Race is available through Mazda
dealerships.
- If more than 10 vehicles are disqualified additional races may be run.


[Final races]
- 30 finalists.
- Sprint races of 15 laps.
- Awards are given in each race.
- If 12 or more vehicles participate in the race, cups or trophies are
awarded to the top six drivers.

Roadster
-Class
Emblem: Those who prefer to run races with an emphasison manners rather
than victory.
Clubman: Those without any past experience who want to experience
racing.
Note: JNR-A will determine the appropriate class based on driver
preferences and experience.

-Safety equipment required to participate in the race
Item Price
Roll bar set* 85,000 yen
Roll bar protector* 7,400 yen
Pulling hooks (front/rear)* 7,900 yen each
4-point seat belt -
* Can be purchased and installed at Mazda dealerships.
Note: Entry in the NR-A category races authorized by JAF requires
installation of the above safety equipment. However, the 4-point seat
belt and large pulling hooks may not be used on the open road.


2004 Party Race Schedule
Round Date Name RX-8 Roadster
1st May. 5 Old Now Car Festival Sprint race
(15 laps) Sprint race (12 laps)
2nd Jul. 25 Brains Super Race
3rd Sep. 25 Mazda Festa 2004
4th Oct. 24 Mazda Fan Family Day Endurance race (60 minutes)
Note: Dates and race details are subject to change.

Venue
All races are to be held at Tsukuba Circuit 'Course 2000,' Japan.

Race category
NR-A category races authorized by JAF (competition for vehicles
registered for daily use.)

Eligibility
Entrants must hold a valid JAF national A driver's license or above.
(Please contact the organizer for technical support for license
acquisition.)

Entry fees
Sprint race (both RX-8 and Roadster) 35,000 yen (including tax)
Endurance race (Roadster only) 70,000 yen (including tax)

Race Organizer
The races are organized by the Japan NR-A Race Association and supported
by Mazda Motor Corporation.

About Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazda Motor Corporation was established in 1920 and is one
of Japan's leading automobile manufacturers. With its headquarters in
Hiroshima, Mazda has two plants in Japan and manufacturing and assembly
operations in sixteen other countries. Mazda cars and trucks are sold in
more than one hundred and thirty countries. Ford Motor and Mazda agreed
to collaborate in 1979, Ford Motor Company started investing in Mazda
and increased its shareholding to 33.39% as of March 31, 1999. For
further information, please visit the Mazda Motor Corporation home page
at: www.mazda.com/flash.html <http://www.mazda.com/flash.html>

New Lexus IS 300 SportDesign Edition: Aggressive Styling With Suspension to Match

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DETROIT, Jan. 7, 2004 -- Building on the success of the 2003 model, Lexus will offer a new 2004 IS 300 SportDesign Edition that combines aggressive styling cues with -- for the first time -- a Euro-tuned suspension to match.

This marks the fourth Lexus vehicle to receive the SportDesign treatment, which exudes a sophisticated yet sporty appearance. IS 300 SportDesign models equipped with a manual transmission go one step further and incorporate a Euro-tuned suspension ensuring that the car feels as good as it looks.

This special edition IS 300 benefits from numerous exterior and interior design elements that set it apart at a glance. Customers can choose among three body colors: Alabaster and Thundercloud Metallic, both exclusive to SportDesign, and Black Onyx. Each is matched with 11-spoke, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels finished in silver for Alabaster models and charcoal for all others. Take a closer look and you'll discover head, fog and tail lights in titanium-finish housings, a special tailpipe diffuser finished in a double layer of chrome, a black metallic front grille and distinctive black pearl SportDesign badging front and rear.

Open the door and you can settle into leather seating, either black with gray piping or -- unique to SportDesign -- a new double-stitched "smoke gray" treatment. From there you'll notice SportDesign floor mats and, as part of the "smoke" interior, "smoke" treatment center armrest, carpet and leather door inserts.

The well-equipped SportDesign Edition includes a moonroof and Leather Trim Value Package, and is available with regular production options such as all season tires, heated seats, TORSEN limited slip differential, rear spoiler, Vehicle Stability Control (automatic transmission models only) and Lexus DVD Navigation System.

The 2004 IS 300 SportDesign goes on sale in late January 2004. Approximately 2,000 units are being produced and carry a premium of $1,715 (which includes the leather package) above the current base model IS 300 price of $29,435.

The new Volvo AWD system will be different than the current one. And now it's being done by Getrag, which means it will also be shared with DCX and GM...

here's an article from yesterday:


Dana Corporation and GETRAG Sign Joint-Venture Agreement with Volvo Car Corporation to Produce All-Wheel-Drive Systems
TOLEDO, Ohio and UNTERGRUPPENBACH, Germany, January 7 -- Dana Corporation and GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG (GETRAG) have signed an agreement with Volvo Car Corporation (VCC) for a recently formed GETRAG-Dana joint-venture company to purchase a 60-percent interest in VCC's operations in Koping, Sweden.

The resulting joint venture with VCC - to be known as GETRAG All Wheel Drive AB, a Dana/GETRAG company - will produce all-wheel-drive (AWD) and chassis systems and components for passenger cars and sport-utility vehicles.

"We are extremely excited about this latest chapter in the Dana-GETRAG relationship and even more so about this opportunity to work with a distinguished automaker such as Volvo," said Bill Carroll, Dana's acting president and chief operating officer. "This arrangement will leverage the combined expertise of Volvo, GETRAG, and Dana to serve the growing crossover- vehicle market."

Plans for the joint venture call for the operations in Koping to be streamlined to create a fully integrated, self-sufficient All-Wheel-Drive Center of Excellence that will include research, development, and engineering; sales and marketing; purchasing; and production of AWD components and assemblies. The joint venture will market its services to Ford Motor Company, its affiliates, and other automotive manufacturers around the world as a member of the GETRAG Group.

Principal products of the joint venture will include power take-off units, rear-drive units, front-drive units, and chassis systems and components.

"Together with Volvo, we will transform Koping into the leading full- service supplier in the increasing European AWD marketplace," said Tobias Hagenmeyer, CEO of the GETRAG Corporate Group. "This venture is exciting because it is driven by the high-value technologies that Dana and GETRAG can jointly provide to the world's leading AWD car manufacturers. It also presents a tremendous opportunity to grow our support for Volvo, Land Rover, and other affiliates of Ford Motor Co., as well as servicing the European customers of GETRAG and Dana's global all-wheel-drive activities."

As part of the joint venture, the new company expects to enter into long- term supply agreements with all involved affiliates of Ford Motor Co.

The operations in Koping currently comprise approximately one million square feet (93,000 square meters).

GETRAG is a major supplier to the European automotive industry with an excellent reputation for quality products and technologies. Privately owned, GETRAG was founded in 1935 by Hermann Hagenmeyer and is headquartered in Untergruppenbach, Germany. GETRAG is now located at 16 sites around the world, including Germany, Italy, France, U.K., United States, India, and Japan. The company produces manual transmissions for passenger cars, SUVs, vans, motorcycles and light trucks and automated manual transmissions (ASG(R)) for the automotive industry. The company's revenues totaled 1.9 billion Euros in 2002 and it employs approximately 9,000 employees.

Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. The company employs approximately 60,000 people worldwide. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates hundreds of technology, manufacturing, and customer service facilities in 30 countries. The company reported sales of US$9.5 billion in 2002. The company's Internet address is www.dana.com .

Dana owns a 30-percent interest in GETRAG, the parent company of the GETRAG group of companies, and a 49-percent direct interest in GETRAG's North American operations.

Originally posted by mh_WRX
2004 Detroit Auto Show: Nissan Reveals 2005 Pathfinder

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/01/07/176099.1-lg.jpg


All-New 2005 Nissan Pathfinder features three-row seating, powerful 4.0-liter V6 and new rugged platform



Man, it's about time that thing got redone. Maybe it'll finally be real competition to the Explorer and it's own sibling Xterra (which was often the better buy).

Originally posted by Ghostrider600
Man, it's about time that thing got redone. Maybe it'll finally be real competition to the Explorer and it's own sibling Xterra (which was often the better buy).

One thing not mentioned in that article is that the new Pathfinder's Option prices are now lower so it won't compete against the Armada.

Originally posted by Mr.Freeze
3126 to be exact according to the website: www.allnews40.com


Nirmit I think the thing you are missing (and probably others in this thread) is that S40 T5 that they list for 27k isn't AWD, nor does it come with a 6 speed manual. Those are going to be for an optional version of the T5, not the standard model. I would guess the AWD, 6MT model of the T5 will be 3300-3400lbs, and probably cost $30k+ in base price. I don't think it really challenges anything Subaru currently makes.

ya its weird, ive been looking @ the T5 and I wonder how much money and weight the AWD system will add because on the site as it is now it just says FWD for all s40 models, which stinks

Originally posted by dwx
Nirmit I think the thing you are missing (and probably others in this thread) is that S40 T5 that they list for 27k isn't AWD, nor does it come with a 6 speed manual. Those are going to be for an optional version of the T5, not the standard model. I would guess the AWD, 6MT model of the T5 will be 3300-3400lbs, and probably cost $30k+ in base price. I don't think it really challenges anything Subaru currently makes.

Damn you Phil :furious: :p

Thats twice you proved me wrong! You like to bring me down when I just start to get excited about *possibly* owning a Volvo...oh well

Yeah he is correct...I overlooked the part that the T-5 is FWD standard with optional AWD

Nirmit

http://www.nissannews.com/multimedia/nissan2005/frontier/800px/28_2005_frontier.jpg

Nissan has trumped the midsize truck market with the new larger Frontier.

This is the only midsize truck currently avialable with a double cab (crewcab LB) and lenghting bed.

Nissan continues to fine new ways to utilized their 3.5 liter V6 engine, which is considered one of the auto industries best mass market V6 engine. Stroked to a 4.0 liter it is rumored to have 250 hp and 270 ft/lbs torque in a lower rpm variant of this engine. Six-speed manual rear-wheel drive the standard setup.

This is going to be a great little truck and cost much less than Subaru Baja.

Internationally the small crewcab trucks are very popular. I think you will see the popularity of these types of vehicle rapidly grow in the USA. These Crewcab trucks are much better utility vehicles than the typical SUV. You still cannot get around having a truck bed.

Note: Honda and Mistubishi are showing their new SUT vehicles. Hummer's SUT will be avialable in the coming months.

The new Pathfinder too. I saw both at Detroit two days ago, and they are both superb! They look like a 7/8 scale Titan and Armada.

Bob

A Little Old, but still Cool...

I wonder what the status of the Project is?


Spy Shots of the new FFR GTM Mulsanne Supercar!

http://www.factoryfive.com/table/ffrkits/GTM/279c.jpg

http://www.factoryfive.com/table/ffrkits/GTM/photo1c.jpg

http://www.factoryfive.com/table/ffrkits/GTM/photo2c.jpg

Here are the first photos released to the public of the new Factory Five Supercar currently in development. Some interesting facts are as follows.
Click on photos to enlarge
This car is in development. The product development plan calls for prototype and pilot production cars to be built and tested over the next 12 months. This component car package will not be released to production before five beta test customers have completed their builds and published their results.
With satisfactory in-house testing, pilot production and beta customer feedback, production is calculated to begin during 2003 (earlier with satisfactory results as development testing progresses). Currently, the final body design and shaping has been completed and the photos here are of the final molding plug (this is the part that will be used to make the final mold).

http://www.factoryfive.com/table/ffrkits/GTM/280c.jpg

The design and shape was made 100% by the Engineering team at Factory Five Racing. The car is a mid-engine platform with an 8" steel round tube backbone chassis. Construction is characteristic FFR aluminum chassis panels over a steel tube frame. The plan is to use a small block Ford or Chevrolet engine and Audi transaxle with an optional high horsepower/torque unit. Pricing for this kit is targeted at $20-25K.

http://www.factoryfive.com/table/ffrkits/GTM/284.jpg

The biggest news is this kit will only be offered to Factory Five customers for up to the first two years.

The plan is to reward loyal customers and control production quantities. Specifically, Factory Five Racing plans to restrict sales to customers who either own an FFR serial numbered vehicle, or who have purchased and/or built an FFR kit previously.

http://www.factoryfive.com/table/ffrkits/GTM/289c.jpg

..."The car has to exceed the performance of every car we've done up to now...and by a significant margin...WITHOUT compromising the usability and driveability of the car. It's in line with the FFR 65 Coupe, but without the limitations of it's vintage design".
Jim Schenck

Factory Five Advanced Technologies

Development Team Member


"What's the supercar project mean to me?...We have a great and loyal bunch of customers, no doubt, but we keep to a small world of car builders. With this car, I want to show the world what our company can do"...
Jesper Ingerslev

Factory Five Advanced Technologies

Development Team Member



More Pictures and info here:
http://www.factoryfive.com/table/ffrkits/GTM/gtm.html

Acura TL A-Spec

The Acura TL A-SPEC Concept performance luxury sedan was built to explore the next level of performance accessory possibilities for Acura's best-selling TL sedan, introduced last October.

The Concept TL's track has been widened by nearly two inches, and combines with 21-inch alloy wheels, high performance tires and wide fender flares, giving a very muscular appearance. The front fascia has been redesigned with a new bumper, more angular headlight treatments, an enhanced signature Acura grille and larger lower air intakes. In the rear, the trunk lid has been reshaped with an integrated spoiler. A new bumper features larger, high flow exhaust finishers and new taillight treatments. A panoramic glass roof flows back along the length of the cockpit

Inside, the TL A-SPEC features a racing-inspired cockpit clothed in premium Matador Red leather. The upper headliner is finished in ultra suede trim while the door panels and center console feature carbon/kevlar and aluminum accents. Custom designed front seats with heating and cooling vents provide optimum support during aggressive driving, while a carbon/kevlar racing steering wheel and lightweight aluminum sport pedals deliver a highly tactile feel. The 3.2-liter V-6 engine utilizes a high flow intake and exhaust as well as internal engine modifications to raise the output to over 300 horsepower.

Acura TL rear

Red Interior? Not too sure about it in this car.

Originally posted by subyfanatic
Red Interior? Not too sure about it in this car.

Matador Red interior & red weave kevlar console/steering wheel? I love all of it.

http://www.nissannews.com/multimedia/nissan2005/frontier/800px/28_2005_frontier.jpg

^^ Nice.

Looks set to bury the new Colorado, *and* replace the old Frontier SC, which was gutless even with the SC.

A CrewCab Long Bed might be great for trackday hauling...

Pity it gets a 6MT and the new Legacy doesn't. :eek:

As to that RED interior in the TL-A?


http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=5394410
Um...pass. Looks like a Pimp's Palace on wheels or something...

And though I like the TSX & TL-A's style, it's still a pity Honda hampers them with FWD. I don't think the BMW crowd they hope to lure will ever switch to it.

And even for me it's a turnoff to have so sporty a car limited by the dynamics of FWD & it's limitations, Lexus seems to have picked up on this as they offer RWD cars, and Infiniti has the G35s.

And an AWD TL-A would be too much to ask for, I'm sure.

http://www.infinitinews.com/multimedia/nissan2005/frontier/800px/09_2005_frontier.jpg

Starting with strong, fully boxed frame rails, the new “F-Alpha” platform provides a rugged foundation on which to build. The 2005 Frontier's wheelbase is 9.8 inches longer than the current Frontier, which helps enhance ride comfort and stability. The overall length of 205.5 inches is larger than the current model (+2.6 inches King Cab, + 5.6 inches Crew Cab), though it remains a perfect "activity size" for buyers who don't need a true full-size pickup. Width and height measurements are also increased with the new design.

The Frontier, like Titan, is also expected to provide exceptional acceleration, towing capacity and all-around off-roading ability, due in large measure to its powerful new engine – a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 250-plus horsepower and 270-plus lb-ft of torque (final figures will be announced closer to production). These figures represent increases of 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque over those of the current normally aspirated 3.3-liter V6-equipped Frontier.

The new 4.0-liter V6, based on the award-winning Nissan VQ engine series used in the 350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest, is specifically tuned for the unique demands of truck use, while at the same time offering excellent fuel efficiency and smooth operation.

It's going to be really tough to break the grip that American trucks have on the market but, I applaud Nissan and Toyota for making formidable efforts. Not too excited about the Honda pick up though, you need to stop the insanity somewhere. :lol:

:confused:

Honda SUT concept

Although Honda has been suspiciously absent from the massive and growing North American pickup truck market, that is going to be essentially rectified in calendar year 2005. The SUT concept unveiled today could be described as a 'pickup truck'. It does, after all, have a five-foot bed – according to exterior designer Don Herner, a size that can handle motorcycles, ATVs, and quads (all of which Honda builds). It is not a pickup in the classic sense of the North American market – which tends to mean body-on-frame architecture – the SUT uses unibody construction.

The four-door cab has very angular shapes, which designer Jarad Hall describes as "a modern lightweight, and very technical 21st century look". The front-end resembles a highly stylized Element. The C-pillar angles back along the top of the pickup box like an angular sail plane. In fact, the angularity, described as being a "billet-machined look" even outdoes the look that Nissan has been bringing to its vehicles of late.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=5394410

Superfly, your car has arrived... :lol: :lol:

I think that Honda truck is WORSE than the Baja. What can that do that the Pilot cannot? The way the bed is designed, it looks unnecessarily high to load over the side. I just don't get it, but I wouldn't have signed off on the Baja as produced either. Now the Mitsubishi truck was much more of a looker though less production worthy.

Lincoln Mark X concept

"The focus with Mark X was on pure, integrated design." That's Marek Reichman, chief designer on the Lincoln Mark X concept, a hard-top convertible that harkens back to the kind of vehicle that would be seen in the salons of the 1950s. Sort of like a Thunderbird, which it resembles in more than a small amount. The resemblance becomes even more clear when its determined that it is actually based on the RWD T-Bird architecture.

In the front there is a new grille design that may become characteristic of Lincoln: an egg-crate replaces the vertical bars (presumably the vertical pieces are going to be exclusively used by stable-mate Mercury). The headlamps have a chrome U-shape on its side surrounding an arc capsule that's said to provide twice the light of typical headlamps. The rear has a boat-tail shape with a long, angled fascia with horizontal tail lamps at the top echoed by the flush chromed rectangular exhaust tips at the bottom. Even with the hardtop retracted into the trunk there is approximately 15 cubic feet for storage.

Inside, there is seemingly a herd's worth of leather used throughout. Although the gauges and large compact-case style rectangular shift knob are all backed by high technology, even there this 21st-century concept harkens back to an earlier age.

While some companies emphasize pushing the wheels to the corners, the Mark X has a front overhang of 32.6 inches and a rear overhang of 43.7 inches, with a 108.8 inch wheelbase. All in all, this is a car that the original Edsel Ford would have undoubtedly appreciated. Which is no faint praise.

The rear

Ford Bronco Concept

Standing center stage at Cobo Arena, looking like a mad scientist as his stylishly long hair flew out from the sides of his head and he rubbed his hands together, J Mays revealed a vehicle that he described as "tough, raw and rugged." It's one that appears, he said, "like it was produced from a solid piece of iron." He unveiled a comparatively compact 4WD SUV (length 4078 mm, width 1861 mm, height 1790 mm, wheelbase 2410 mm).

Overall boxiness – which, arguably Ford did more to put to rest in the US with the original Taurus – is treated as a virtue by Mays with the Bronco. This is a machine aesthetic, with exposed door hinges and U-shaped door handles that resemble cleats, not ergonomic interfaces. The front winch is flanked by two vertical metal bars that look more aggressive than protective.

Inside, the machine metal approach continues, relieved only by rugged suede on the seats and as door trim. Under the hood pulses a two-liter turbodiesel (remember in the US, diesels are still associated more with work than with personal transportation). "This is a piece of equipment," Mays said, stating the obvious.

Hmmm

The inside isn't all that bad, it's the only part I really like.

http://money.cnn.com/2003/12/22/pf/autos/mag0401_mazdaspeed_miata/index.htm

also, a personal review from someone of a regular version:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1187891

It started way back in '88-89 with the GTX, these cars were the ultimate sleepers back then. With some work they were quite capable Porsche/Corvette killers.

http://sturtevant.com/reed/323pics/laporte.jpg

240 hp on 3 would be pretty nice... That car is gourgeous inside and out.. Interior is amazing !!!

As long as they don't have the cancer problem as the 6 you're okay. :lol:

what do u mean?

Snip from the article for the link-lazy:

By early 2005, performance junkies can expect a turbocharged Mazdaspeed 3 sports compact that should pump out at least 200 horsepower (or up to 240, if Mazda decides to offer an all-wheel-drive version). The hotted-up 3 should be followed by Mazdaspeed's take on the mid-size 6.


This shouldn't be too hard to believe, or for Mazda to support since the Focus/Mazda3/S40 are all the same new platform, and the Volvo S40 does (or will) offer a 240HP AWD version.

Are you sure about the 240hp? When it's released, it will probably be like 228 ;) The 3 wagon is awesome looking though except the rear tail lights. Better looking than the WRX wagon.

could definatly be a wrx killer

my other car is an 88 mazda MX-6 with almost 200k miles that will not die! It's a lot of fun to drive for a 15 year old car...and I don't have the turbo version. If I were buying today I get the 3 instead of the WRX...sorry subaru :(


mo

Originally posted by Legacy
It started way back in '88-89 with the GTX, these cars were the ultimate sleepers back then. With some work they were quite capable Porsche/Corvette killers.

http://sturtevant.com/reed/323pics/laporte.jpg

Gearbox was too weak. Put any real hp into then, they went BANG! in a big hurry. Fixes were highly expensive. Galant VR-4's of the time were quicker and they are much more of a sleeper too.

This is interesting news. I would have to agree with one of the earlier posters that the 3 is much more attractive than the WRX which I also consider attractive, especially with the new headlights.

Though 200-240HP would be nice I would only consider it if it is available in AWD. I currently have a 2000 626 ES V6 (170HP & FWD) with a 5 spd and I can easily spin the tires from a stop if I drop the clutch at 3K+ rpm. With 240HP I would be spinning tires at every light.

I would consider a MS3 if it had 240HP, AWD and is available in the wagon otherwise the XT or the STi is still tops on my list. Even better would be a Forester STi with 300 HP/300 lbs/ft, lower, more aggressive suspension, bigger rims & wider summer tires, and, oh yeah, no radio.

Will it be a 2 door hatchback?

Is this a subaru news or rumor?

No Achilles it isn't.

Many people now use this section for ALL news/rumors. I'm getting more relevant posts of mine both deleted and erased by the mods. :furious:

sorry to say this, but if it comes out with an AWD 240 HP version, i'm trading in my WRX Wagon

I wonder what kind of awd system it will use? Ford better have their parts bin handy.

Originally posted by aliengti
I wonder what kind of awd system it will use? Ford better have their parts bin handy.

It would most likely be a Haldex system as that is what the S40 will utilize.

I've filed this off in the "I'll believe it when I see it" cabinet.

isn't the awd system employed by the s40 like fwd, but with a slip sensor that transfers to the rear in need?

Yeah haldex behaves fwd most of the time until it detects slippage. then it transfers power to the rear wheels. It's an economic alternative to a full fledged awd system like quattro torsien or subarus awd system.

Originally posted by amdmaxx
what do u mean?

The 6's have already reported many rust spots, but from what I have heard it was due to an adhesive issue with the rubber door / trunk gaskets, that can be resolved.

Originally posted by aliengti
Yeah haldex behaves fwd most of the time until it detects slippage. then it transfers power to the rear wheels. It's an economic alternative to a full fledged awd system like quattro torsien or subarus awd system.

And that is why I would never consider this car. I like my AWD as dumb as possible.

Originally posted by BeantownWRX
And that is why I would never consider this car. I like my AWD as dumb as possible.

So you wouldn't buy an STi then? That system is definatly more complex than any Haldex sytem that Volvo employs.

I've softened my view on FWD vehicles since carmakers have been doing so well with suspensions. The MS Protege I test drove felt a LOT like my WRX in it's sure footedness and had no floaty feeling I usually associate with FWD.

I would definatly consider the purchase of of a Mazdaspeed3. The interior of the current 3 is lightyears ahead of the Impreza. It's got great exterior styling. It's got really good options packages (HIDs and navigation for under $23k, that's amazing). All around a nice package. If they can get those rear wheels moving of their own accord and hop up the HP, I see little reason at this time to consider a WRX (assuming they don't price the MS3 too high).

Originally posted by amdmaxx
240 hp on 3 would be pretty nice... That car is gourgeous inside and out.. Interior is amazing !!!

Oh yeah. I saw one at the LA autoshow and the interior was awsome!! Its a really nice car.

I really love this car. My friend recently bought one and boy is it ever sweet. It cries out to be awd.

By the time they add AWD and a turbo won't it sticker for something like 26K+? Right now they have 2.5RS level power and FWD. I for one value the AWD of my current RS over the HIDs and and LCD map of the Mazda. I think I'd go Turbo Legacy before a Ford.

The harder others make it for the WRX to stand apart, the greater Subaru's incentive to improve the WRX for it to continue to be competitive.

A little competition never hurt anyone... :)

lol. test drive first and let us know!!!

Originally posted by SweetBaboo777
sorry to say this, but if it comes out with an AWD 240 HP version, i'm trading in my WRX Wagon

Chevrolet C6 Corvette Takes Top Honors among Consumers at Detroit Auto Show According to Yahoo! Autos Survey
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--Jan. 1, 20043, 2004--The hot new styling on an old classic is proving popular with consumers as the Chevrolet C6 Corvette was selected Best New Design at the 2004 North American International Auto Show being held in Detroit this week. Yahoo!(R) Autos (http://autos.yahoo.com), an informative and objective site for people looking to buy, sell or research automobiles, asked the general public to vote for their favorite vehicles at the biggest auto show in the country.


More than 2,300 consumers voted in five different categories including Best Concept Car, Best Car to Impress a Date, Best New Design (Production Only), Best Family Car, and Best Looking Hybrid Car.

Following the trend of the minivan comeback, the Dodge Caravan was voted Best Family Car, while consumers selected the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti as the Best Car to Impress a Date. The Lexus brand's first foray into the hybrid segment looks promising, as consumers chose its RX 330 as the Best Looking Hybrid Car. Other category winners and runners-up include:

Best Concept Car:
Winner: Dodge Slingshot
Runner-Up: Jeep Rescue

Best Family Car:
Winner: Dodge Caravan
Runner-Up: Volvo V50 Wagon

Best Car to Impress a Date:
Winner: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Runner-Up: BMW 645i Coupe

Best New Design (Production Only):
Winner: Chevrolet C6 Corvette
Runner-Up: Chevrolet Cobalt

Best Looking Hybrid Car:
Winner: Lexus RX 330 (400h)
Runner-Up: Honda Civic

On Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 11, 2004, Yahoo! Autos distributed special "Rate-It" cards to auto show attendees at several People Mover stations en route to the Cobo Center. A total of 2,309 consumers submitted completed cards.

Highest Price Ever to be Paid for a New Car

NEW YORK, Jan. 12, 2004 -- The record sum of over $2.1 million dollars will be paid for a new car. The amount is the largest ever-recorded in history. A former Ford model and New York businesswoman Juliana Terian will be making the payment at a check presentation ceremony hosted at Christie's Monday January 12th, 11:00 A.M., 20 Rockefeller Plaza (49th ST. between 5th and 6th Ave.), 2nd Floor, Executive Boardroom. The high-powered sports car being purchased is a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. It has the capability of 200 mile per hour speed and can travel from 0-60 in three seconds. The funds raised will be donated to developing sports programs around the world for children through the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The Laureus WORLD SPORTS ACADEMY consists of 41 legendary athletes including Boris Becker, John Mcenroe, Edwin Moses and Tony Hawk who volunteer their time and effort to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation was set up to fund and promote the use of sport as a tool for social change.

DATE: MONDAY, JANUARY 12

TIME: 11:00 A.M.

PLACE: CHRISTIE'S
20 ROCKEFELLER PL.
49TH ST. BET. 5TH AND 6TH
2ND FLOOR

To the Mods...

If this thread needs to be moved or deleted. can it please be moved the the non-Subaru thread. I think many of us here are interested in this topic.

Thanks.

Fiat negotiates with GM on 'put' option

Reuters / January 12, 2004


TURIN, Italy -- Italy's Fiat said Monday that it could give up a right to sell carmaker Fiat Auto to General Motors if the U.S. giant offered adequate compensation for the option.

Chairman Umberto Agnelli said on the sidelines of a conference here that the automaker was ready to negotiate with its U.S. partner.

"The put option has a value for Fiat. If this value is recognized in the correct terms by General Motors, then we could even give up the put," Agnelli told reporters.

He said negotiations were already under way.

GM bought 20 percent of Fiat Auto in 2000 and agreed to a deal that could have forced it to buy the rest in 2004. That deadline has been pushed back a year while the companies decide whether the "put" option is still valid after moves Fiat took to raise money.

Agnelli, whose family controls about a third of Fiat through its majority stake in holding company Ifil, said there would be no battle with GM over the option.

"Even if Agnelli didn't say, it is clear that they are ready to give up the (put option)," one Paris analyst said.

The analyst added that Fiat could now hope to see GM participate in a Fiat Auto capital increase.

Fiat Auto has had to be recapitalized in both the last two years under an Italian law applying to companies losing more than a third of their capital. In 2003, Fiat announced a 5 billion euro ($6.41 billion) recapitalization of the car unit, of which 3 billion has already been pumped in.

Fiat CEO Giuseppe Morchio has said he was willing to add another billion euros, widely expected to come from GM, which saw its stake diluted to 10 percent from 20 percent after it did not participate in the capital increase.

"So far they said they will not participate. Maybe GM will reconsider its position," the analyst said. "(Fiat) needs cash. We already knew the put option was a dead letter, the main challenge is to convince GM to take part in the capital issue."

General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner was quoted in La Stampa daily last week as saying the U.S. group did not plan at the moment to increase its stake in Fiat through a capital increase.

Commenting on the group's outlook for the year, Agnelli said 2003 had been a difficult period for the automaker and said 2004 would be a transition year.

i'm interested in all cars, i just think we need a seperate forum, other than the digital abyss that is of-topic, for non-subaru cars.

we asked the mods for Car lounge (aka vwvortex), but no replied yet...

Originally posted by GuyLR
By the time they add AWD and a turbo won't it sticker for something like 26K+? Right now they have 2.5RS level power and FWD. I for one value the AWD of my current RS over the HIDs and and LCD map of the Mazda. I think I'd go Turbo Legacy before a Ford.

A fully loaded 3 with all the bells and whistles tops out at $23k. The 160hp one starts at $16k. A $26k MS3 would be too close to RX-8 territory, it would likely top out at $25k.

Calling the 3 a Ford is about as intellegent as calling your Subaru a General Motors car. Only the platform was jointly developed between Ford, Volvo, and Mazda. The engines in it are all Mazda developed as is the design of the interior and exterior.

And Actually the Chassis was developed by Mazda, funded by Ford.

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/01/13/176755.1-lg.jpg

Today at Fiorano saw the track debut of the new Maserati that will take part in the FIA GT championship. The car, which for the time being goes by its project code name of MCC, will be launched at the forthcoming International Geneva Motor Show. Alongside it will be the Trident marque’s new road-going Granturismo version, the MCS, from which it is closely derived.

The two cars were designed in a joint operation between the Maserati engineers and those of the Modena company’s racing department under the technical direction of engineer, Giorgio Ascanelli and overall leadership by Gestione Sportiva Managing Director, Jean Todt.

“This is a very important program for Maserati, which the Racing Department has tackled with great enthusiasm. Today, we have witnessed the MCC’s track debut and as usual on these occasions, it was a really emotional moment”, stated Jean Todt.

When Andrea Bertolini turned the key to the 12-cylinder engine at Fiorano, a new chapter was written in Maserati’s glorious sporting history.

The MCC, short for Maserati Corse Competizione, today began a series of tests at the Modena circuit designed to fine-tune various components. The 12 cylinder V-engine has a displacement of 5998 cc and produces over 620 bhp. The MCC’s sweeping, aerodynamic body rests on a carbon-fibre chassis that weighs 1100 kg. Push rod suspension in steel and tyres by Pirelli complete the hardware.

With this new model, the House of the Trident will take part in some selected FIA GT races in the upcoming championship, ahead of full participation pencilled in for 2005.

The MCC is derived from a still unreleased road-going version, called the MCS

Three major DCX Recalls today


1st:

Dodge halts new Durango sales
Throttle problem on 21,000 vehicles cited

By Mary Connelly
Automotive News / January 13, 2004

Dodge is telling dealers to stop selling the redesigned 2004 Dodge Durango because the throttle is liable to stick in the open position, resulting in a "crash without warning."

An estimated 21,000 vehicles are affected, the company said in a written communication to dealers. The vehicles affected are equipped with a 3.7-liter V-6 or 4.7-liter V-8.

The stop order does not include Durangos equipped with Dodge's 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi engine.

The company began building the redesigned 2004 model in September 2003.

"Water may enter into the throttle cable housing on about 21,000 of the vehicles," the written notice said. "If the vehicle is subjected to freezing temperatures, this could cause the throttle to stick in the open position and result in a crash without warning."

The stop sale order requires dealers to install a revised throttle control cable.

Most of the affected vehicles remain in dealer inventory, the company's notice said. Dealers are contacting any customers who have taken delivery of an affected vehicle.


2nd:

DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes Recalls 33,000 Cars

BERLIN;

Dow Jones reported that Mercedes-Benz, a division of DaimlerChrysler AG, Friday said it is recalling about 33,000 cars worldwide, in another sign of slipping quality at the luxury carmaker.

The company will notify owners of C, CLK, and E Class models, built between August and October 2003, to check potentially faulty belt buckles. The company described the checks as precautionary.

It said it found isolated cases where the buckles failed to click into place properly.

Of the cars to be recalled, about 12,000 are from Germany.

The news is another blow to Mercedes-Benz's reputation for quality. The luxury carmaker has seen its image battered recently by poor scores on quality surveys. It has suffered, above all, from electronics problems.


3rd:

Chrysler recalls 2.7 million cars to fix shifter

Reuters / January 13, 2004

DETROIT -- DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler division said Tuesday that it is recalling 2.7 million cars to fix a potential problem with the floor-mounted gear shift.

Vehicles affected by the recall include the 1995-1999 Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze; 1996-1999 Sebring convertibles; and the 1993-1999 Chrysler 300M, Chrysler Concorde, Chrysler LHS, Dodge Intrepid and Eagle Vision cars, the automaker said.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 14, 2004 -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced a base price of $94,600 for its 2004 Phaeton W12 ultra luxury sedan that is now available for individual orders in a variety of luxurious configurations at some 225 Volkswagen dealerships across the country.

Permanent all-wheel- drive system; an automatically adjusting air-suspension with Electronic Damping Control; 18-inch alloy wheels; and a four-zone, draft-free Climatronic(R) system that automatically adjusts temperatures and humidity throughout the car's four cabin areas.

Exclusive leather, brushed metals, and authentic premium wood trim abound in what is arguably the most eye-catching interiors available in a production automobile today. It can even be ordered in a sporty yet elegant four-seat interior configuration that brings a new, exclusive level of luxury to rear seat occupants.

A few of the many other standard amenities on the W12 include 18-way power leather front seats that are heatable, ventilated, and provide a 10-minute massage at the touch of a button. Rear seats are also adjustable and heated. The Phaeton W12's list goes on with Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps; a 12-speaker, 270-watt sound system with digital sound processing; heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function controls; an oversized glass sunroof with deluxe shade; a remote-key anti-theft alarm system; Volkswagen Telematics by OnStar(R), and an integrated infotainment center with numerous personal profile settings featuring a seven-inch color screen that functions with the glovebox-mounted six-disc CD changer, navigation system, and extensive onboard trip computer. All Phaetons even come with a special coating of metalized infrared foil on the windows that are heat-reflective and shatter-resistant, while promoting interior comfort.

As with all Volkswagen vehicles, concern for safety is uppermost in Phaeton. As standard safety equipment, both the V8 and W12 models have eight airbags, including Volkswagen's Side Curtain Protection(R); a four-wheel Anti- lock Braking System with emergency brake assist; electronic park assist; an advanced Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP)(R); and a tire pressure monitoring system.

For more information on the Phaeton, please visit www.media.vw.com . Registration is required.

BMW M4

http://www.autofiend.com/images/articles/112003/bmw4series.jpg

source www.autofiend.com

New GM Avalanche:

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/attachments/av9.JPG

BMW 2 series?

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24546

Mini Convert....

http://bilder.autobild.de/bilder/1/40053.jpg

http://bilder.autobild.de/bilder/1/40054.jpg

http://bilder.autobild.de/bilder/1/40028.jpg

The new Frontier is larger and more powerful than its predecessor, and shares a number of features with the full-size Titan:

Similar suspension

Factory spray-in bedliner

Utili-track™ bed channel tie-down system

A fully boxed, all-steel frame based on the Titan platform.

Nissan's goal was to offer more power, more size, more off-road capabilities, more towing and cargo capacity, more comfort, and more overall utility.

The new Frontier's wheelbase is 9.8 inches longer than the current model's.

The overall length is 205.5 inches, slightly longer than current models. Width and height measurements have been increased.

Suspension layout and design is shared with Titan, including an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and rigid leaf rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for better off-road ride.

Power-assisted rack and pinion steering and 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system are standard.

A new 4.0 liter DOHC V6 engine offering 250+ horsepower. A 2.5 liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine will be available on the base model King Cab.

Choose a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. 4X4 models include a shift on the fly 4-wheel drive system and an optional, advanced off-road traction system that features performance gas shocks and alloy wheels.
Utili-Track System

Five special "C" cross section rails are mounted in the bed. Removable utility cleats slide into the channels to provide a range of attaching points for securing cargo. Many accessories are planned for use with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays, modular storage units, and bike racks.

http://www.infinitinews.com/multimedia/nissan2005/frontier/800px/17_2005_frontier.jpg

Way cool features, this is the type of feature setup, that makes a midsize truck an alternative to a SUV.
I am now considering a Frontier truck as my next new vehicle purchase, Nissan has done a great job in the execusion of these new trucks.....Alpha1

Originally posted by mh_WRX
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 14, 2004 -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced a base price of $94,600 for its 2004 Phaeton W12 ultra luxury sedan that is now available for individual orders in a variety of luxurious configurations at some 225 Volkswagen dealerships across the country.


$94,600?


:eek:

Originally posted by phoenix96
$94,600?


:eek:

Isn't that about $25,000 cheaper than the other companies' V12 models?

New Toyota Hybrid Auto Parks Itself

TOKYO January 14, 2004;

Yuri Kageyma writing for the AP reported that your hands don't even need to be touching the steering wheel for it to start spinning back and forth aggressively, all by itself - slowly guiding the car into the parking spot.

Parallel parking is designed to be a breeze with the Intelligent Parking Assist system, part of a new $2,200 option package for Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius gas-electric hybrid in Japan.

This is a bold and somewhat unnerving concept, a car that parks itself. As a driver, you've got to wonder as the Prius eases back toward the curb: What is this machine thinking?

It's also difficult not to be gripped by a "Look Ma, no hands" thrill - even if the system only partially fulfills its promise.

But we'll get to the drawbacks later.

First, the logic behind this innovation.

If you know Japan, it should come as no surprise that about 80 percent of its Prius buyers have opted for Intelligent Parking Assist. This is a country of famously narrow streets and cramped lots where squeezing into spaces can be a blood pressure-raising exercise.

In the United States, by contrast, there's generally plenty of room for no-sweat parking and so it's unlikely Toyota will offer the feature there, says Akihiko Saito, a company executive vice president. (Some U.S. city-dwellers might disagee).

Parking Assist relies on a built-in computer, steering sensor and a tiny camera in the car's rear and works like this:

A dashboard display shows the image taken by the camera. When you near a parking space and shift into reverse, computerized lines pop up on the display, along with arrows pointing up, down, left and right.

Using the arrows, you move the lines around until they define exactly where you want the car to be parked. Then you push the "set" button on the display.

Keep your foot lightly on the brake pedal, and the car will start backing up, the steering wheel responding to an invisible hand. Voila, the car will park itself in the spot you've chosen with the arrows.

Have no illusions, however.

Hands-free driving doesn't mean you can read a book or doze off. The system has no artificial intelligence that actually recognizes objects - so it won't stop for a person or a cat or anything else you shouldn't be running over.

You still have to hit the brakes yourself. And the system is designed so that it will shut itself off if you lift your foot from the brake pedal, making the car go too fast.

Intelligent Parking Assist also will back you into a garage, and can "remember" three parking spots.

And now for the major limitation: The system works only in situations where the car can continuously back up into a space - not for those tight spots where you must inch your way into a space by going back and forth, wrestling with the wheel.

Unfortunately, such spots are quite common in Japan. And that's precisely when you wish you had a smart car that would graciously help you park.

For me, the parking system also took some getting used to.

You can't turn the car too much before you start parking because the car will get confused and tell you to start over. You must decisively glide straight into pre-parking position before the car will let you begin jiggling the arrows on the panel.

When I tried the system in our tiny parking lot at home, the system kept flashing warnings on the screen that the car was too close or too far from where I wanted to park.

A tutorial at a Toyota dealer is recommended.

Toyota is considering offering Intelligent Parking Assist in other models in Japan but has not decided which ones.

Among helping technologies it has already made available in Japan are an automatic anti-collision system, in which seat belts tighten and the car brakes harder in anticipation of a crash.

Toyota plans to offer that feature later this year in the United States. Honda Motor Co. offers a similar system in Japan but not in America

Originally posted by PPower
Isn't that about $25,000 cheaper than the other companies' V12 models?

I still don't think it will sell well.

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/01/14/176887.1-lg.jpg
MEXICO CITY January 14, 2003;
Amy Guthrie writing for Dow Jones reported that DaimlerChrysler AG said Wednesday it has begun producing the convertible version of the PT Cruiser in its Toluca, Mexico, plant.

In a press release, the German-American car maker said the project called for $45 million in upgrades and equipment for the central Mexican plant, where DaimlerChrysler has been building PT Cruisers since February 2000.

"The whole team played a role in our being able to continue producing the PT Cruiser, and at the same time make necessary changes to the plant to launch the convertible model," said Roberto Gutierrez, vice president of manufacturing for DaimlerChrysler Mexico.

DaimlerChrysler's Toluca plant is the sole producer of the PT Cruiser, which the company exports to 90 countries. The plant has manufactured about 600,000 PT Cruisers over the past four years.

In 2003, the company turned out 308,738 vehicles between its two Mexican plants, making it the country's second biggest auto maker after General Motors Corp.

Snide's RemarksThey must really know how to build convertibles in Mexico the PT joins the VW New Bug convertible as another South of the Border product

More fuel for the Mazda 3 fire...

The JDM Mazdaspeed Mazda 3
http://response.jp/issue/2003/1219/article56502_1.images/59820.jpg

Originally posted by mh_WRX
More fuel for the Mazda 3 fire...

The JDM Mazdaspeed Mazda 3
http://response.jp/issue/2003/1219/article56502_1.images/59820.jpg

Is that with aftermarket body kit? The grille looks it...

Originally posted by Ghostrider600
Is that with aftermarket body kit? The grille looks it...

by Mazdaspeed. Do you remember the wild Mazdaspeed RX-8? There was an RX-8 somewhere under there.

Mazdaspeed is Mazda's in house tuners.

The New Mazdaspeed Miata is the turbo.

Originally posted by PPower
Isn't that about $25,000 cheaper than the other companies' V12 models?

Maybe so, but this is Volkswagen-consistently rated above only the Korean manufacturers in build quality. One thing Mercedes and BMW do not do is try to compete in a range from the sub-compact economy car to the ultra-luxury car.

I actually like that rendering of the M4, from what little is there to be seen.

Originally posted by phoenix96
Maybe so, but this is Volkswagen-consistently rated above only the Korean manufacturers in build quality.

Actually it's rated below Hyundai and Kia by quite a bit. Closer to the bottom of the barrel according to the lastest CR lists.

Originally posted by PPower
by Mazdaspeed. Do you remember the wild Mazdaspeed RX-8? There was an RX-8 somewhere under there.

Yup, I sure do remember, killer looks, no more power/turbo

Please forgive me if this is already posted (I didn't feel like going back over 20 pages)

2005 Ford Freestyle

What's Special About It?

Ford already has the leader in the SUV market with its popular Ford Explorer, and now it hopes to revolutionize the crossover market as well. The all-new Ford Freestyle is a seven-passenger vehicle that the company claims was engineered as a crossover from the ground up.

Riding on the successful Volvo S80 platform (now shared with the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego), the Freestyle is intended to appeal to SUV, minivan and sedan owners alike. With three rows of seating (with options for six or seven passengers), the interior can be configured up to 12 different ways, proving convenient for both people and cargo. Both the second- and third-row seats fold flat to create a flat load floor, and the front passenger seat folds forward as well to extend the cargo load length.

The Freestyle is available in both front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive (a Volvo system which is shipped from Sweden) versions, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as the only transmission. All Freestyles are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine which produces 200 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. Safety features include an adaptive steering column, dual-level driver and passenger front airbags and optional seat-deployed side airbags for driver and front passenger, as well as optional side-impact airbags and a rollover curtain safety canopy that covers all three rows of seating.

Family-oriented features include a DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and remote control, a reverse-sensing system, adjustable second-row seats (six-passenger only) and a plethora of cupholders and storage bins.

What's Edmunds' Take?

Family vehicles that don't look like minivans are gaining in popularity, and SUV versatility remains as popular as ever. The Freestyle offers polished exterior looks, good fuel economy and 34 percent more cargo space behind its third-row seat than Chrysler's Pacifica competitor. Need we say more? — Kelly Stennick

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/2003/naias/ford.freestyle.fx/ford.freestyle.concept.f34.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/2003/naias/ford.freestyle.fx/ford.freestyle.concept.prf.500.jpg
Article from Edmunds (http://autoshow.edmunds.com/news/autoshow/articles/100916/page026.html?tid=edmunds.e.autoshow..leftnav.27.*)
Concept Article and Pics from Edmunds (http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshows/articles/83142/page016.html)

I spent today at the Baltimore International Automotive Show, and I was very suprised at my feelings as I left:

1. I love to compare cars to my beloved WRX, and I have to say that if I was buying today I don't get a WRX (sorry it's true) The Mazda display was right next to the Subaru display and the new Mazda3 is GREAT! Great looking, wonderful interior, just a nice car. (Don't get me wrong, I love my WRX...and plan on keeping it 4eva!)
On a related note: The Ford brochures said the new Focus will be out this spring! I hope (for fords sake) the focus application off of this platform is as good as Mazdas

On from the car I last bought to the car I'll buy next:

2. We need a family car, the wife really wants a 7 passenger, so I checked them out. The Freestyle really caught my eye. 200 hp doesn't seem like enough to me in a car of this size, but I rarely carry anything heavier than a couple kayaks, and the eastern shore is very flat. It was on a display podium, so I didn't have a good chance to check out the interior, but from what I've read since I've gotten home this could be my next vehicle.

3. They had the Ford GT and the 2005 Mustang GT cars on display stands right next to each other...I must have spent 10 minutes just standing in one spot with my mouth hanging open. Both are georgeous cars.

'05 GT, Mustang, Freestyle, and Focus. Could Ford be getting things together?

Last thought: I want to wait to find out about Subaru's new 7pax. But if it's not out until MY06 that may be to late for me. Ford also says the HIGHEST price for the Freestyle should be around $30k, Somehow I doubt Subaru can top that...but I hope I'm proven wrong.

Just my $.02
mo

The Problem with the new US Focus is it isn't on the new Chassis, but a maker of the old. While the rest of the worlds Foci (plural?) get the new chassis, the US has to wait until '06.

Is Bangle gone??


Page 19 of AutoExpress magazine
First half of the Article is as follows:

BANGLE ON HIS WAY OUT
It looks as though the controversial relationship between BMW and its chief designer,Chris Bangle,could be coming to the end of the road,Auto Express can exclusively reveal.

While the flamboyant stylists radical remake of the German company's range has divided opinion across the car world,BMW has remained fiercely loyal to him.Now however there are rumours that the American,whom we interviewed exclusively back in issue 773,will step down from the hot seat in less than a years time.
According to our source at BMW HQ in Munich,word has it that Bangle will stay for the Global launch of the 1 Series this autumn,before declaring that his daring brand rethink is complete and that the time has come for a new design boss to take over.
The last two paragraphs read:
The fact that Bangle's far reaching overhaul of BMW's family identity is now nearly complete is not the only sign that the Americans influence in the boardroom is slipping.Our spies have told us that re-engineered and facelifted X5 was originaly destined to sport a new nose with radically angled headlamps,not unlike those fitted to the new 5 series.
One insider said he saw the finnished model 2 years ago,but by the time the car was unveiled at last Septembers Frankfurt Motor Show the adventurous look had been mysteriously dropped in favour of a more conservative style.This suggested that some in the BMW hierarchy aren't happy.
now a revamped 7 series has reportedly suffered the same fate.The car was expected to adopt new headlamps and a revised tail.And even though a prototype was seen running last spring,the model has yet to be launched.

No more Bangle? Thank you, Lord! Let's hope that AutoExpress is right about this and about Subaru rethinking the B11/B9 design. Jon [in CT] pointed out yesterday that AutoExpress isn't always reliable with rumors.

Originally posted by mh_WRX
The Problem with the new US Focus is it isn't on the new Chassis, but a maker of the old. While the rest of the worlds Foci (plural?) get the new chassis, the US has to wait until '06.

I heard not until like 2009...

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/artman/uploads/05gt.jpghttp://www.allfordmustangs.com/artman/uploads/interior.jpg

The 2005 Ford Mustang is just around the corner. It will be very interesting to see if there is still a ponycar market amongst the the high tech Rally based WRX and EVO compact speedsters.

The new Mustang GT should be the best pony car ever offered, with a 300 hp american V8 powerand all the goodies necessary for stop light racing, the new GT around $26,000 will still get the blood flowing.

The Mustang still features a refined live axle rear-suspension. But there is no all-wheel drive, no multi link independent suspension and very front end heavy.

The question, is their a future for these types of performance cars or is the ponycar a historic page of Americas great automotive industries paste? Alpha1

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/photopost/data/576/4405MUST48-med.jpg

Ford will offer several sets of beautiful factory wheels for the new Mustang, I hope to see Subaru address their need to offer nicer factory wheels threwout their product line in the near future.

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/photopost/data/576/4405MUST14-med.jpg

(08:30 Jan. 26, 2004)
2004 Infiniti G35X
Traction is Good: Infiniti G35X is Not Just For Snow Days

http://www.autoweek.com/images_content/2004_01/g35main.jpg http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0126/0126-g35_interior.jpg

By MARK VAUGHN


WHILE THE ORIGINAL IDEA behind the G35X was to sell more cars in Snow Belt states, the handling advantages of all-wheel drive in the dry may make it a worthwhile investment down in the Sun Belt, too, if your Sun Belt state has some nice winding mountain roads.

2004 INFINITI G35X
ON SALE: Now
BASE PRICE: $32,445
POWERTRAIN: 3.5-liter, 260-hp, 260-lb-ft V6; awd, five-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 3677 pounds
0-60 MPH: 6.0 seconds (est.)

We turned several laps in several G35s and G35Xs at Nissan's Arizona Proving Center in the desert south of Phoenix, and you can't get sunnier than that. With its combination of fast turns, slow turns, banked turns and elevation whoop-de-dos, the "marketability" course at APC would make a superb road course. The problem is that it wasn't built for club racer wannabes to have fun, it was built for humorless engineers to tune cars for every conceivable bad road in their particular markets. Thus it includes every road-surface irregularity in the paved world-carefully cracked tar strips, lines of manhole covers or undulating wallops of uneven-ness meant to bring all four corners of the suspension to full jounce and full rebound, but not all at the same time.

So driving through the course means following an entirely new line from what you learned in Bobby Rahal's Track Time Driving School down at Sebring. You point and squirt at areas of the track you wouldn't normally point, let alone squirt, trying to avoid the jarring smacks of the "Detroit Concrete Ruts" and "Duluth Frost Heaves."

Or you just sail straight into them. The G35X handled either approach with composure.

The G35X (the name it uses on the decklid; it's called the AWD G35 in the press kit) uses the electromagnetic center differential from the FX35 SUV. That drive system is called, in one of the longest marketing acronyms in automotive history, "Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split." You can refer to it by the official acronym ATTESA E-TS or you can just call it all-wheel drive.

The system sends 25 percent of its torque to the front wheels under normal acceleration from a standstill and as much as 50 percent to the front wheels if ATTESA E-TS senses slip at speed. Under normal highway driving, almost all the torque goes to the rear wheels. Pushing the "snow" button on the console will set torque distribution at 50/50. For spirited driving in the dry, we found it best to leave the button alone and let the system play around with torque distribution.

In addition to its active torque distribution, the G35X gets stiffer springs, shocks and antiroll bars to handle the 308 pounds of curb weight added when engineers stuffed in the transfer case and extra driveshafts. That moved the curb weight from 3369 pounds to 3677 and slid weight distribution forward by 1 percent to 53/47 front/rear.


Both G35s have the same 260-hp, 260-lb-ft 3.5-liter V6 engine, so those extra pounds and the accompanying parasitic drivetrain losses of awd will probably slow the car in acceleration and lengthen its stopping distances. The mandatory five-speed automatic will slow it even more (not enough people would buy a manual transmission to make it worth offering one, Infiniti said). Ride height on the X is 10 mm (0.393 inch) higher than the rear-drive G35, and the center of gravity is 7.5 mm (0.295 inch) higher. Both versions of the G35 sedan have the same 215/55R-17 all-season tires.

In spirited corners all that gear made the car feel more stable. On our drive, the rear-wheel-drive G35s oversteered more when exiting corners under hard acceleration than the all-wheel-drive G35Xs, and the G35X felt stiffer in the front end, too, with what felt like better grip going into turns.

On a regular, dry road course, lap-to-lap with competent pilots, the rear-drive G35 would have to be faster, given the weight difference, ride height and power available to the wheels. But the X model is just a little safer to play with, and would certainly be more stable and maybe even more fun when it starts to rain or snow.

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=reviews&loc_code=index&content_code=02701363

Originally posted by PPower
No more Bangle? Thank you, Lord! Let's hope that AutoExpress is right about this and about Subaru rethinking the B11/B9 design. Jon [in CT] pointed out yesterday that AutoExpress isn't always reliable with rumors.


w00t! Get rid of Zap next and we can all dance the happy banana dance!


:banana:

(And if Zap gets canned he & Bangle can go ponder their angst over cappuccinos together, instead of leaving poor Bangle all alone out in the rain...)

Chris Bangle supposedly got on www.bimmerforums.com and did some posting couple of days ago. It was quite interesting/hilarious. Search for "C Bangle" as the username if you have the free time.

Originally posted by PPower
Chris Bangle supposedly got on www.bimmerforums.com and did some posting couple of days ago. It was quite interesting/hilarious. Search for "C Bangle" as the username if you have the free time.

and he was banned from the forums. this makes me wonder if this was truly Mr. Bangle himself.

Originally posted by plunk10
and he was banned from the forums. this makes me wonder if this was truly Mr. Bangle himself.


I didn't see that part. I doubt it was really him. I'm sure that they could have checked the IP address of the user to get a good idea, and they probably did. Anyway, it made for a bit of humor for my evening when I saw it.

I assuming that the MX-Sport is base on the Mazda 2, with the Mazda 3 base powerplant, this is the return of the true pocket rocket.

The Orignal VW Golf GTI, the Suzuki Swift GTI, etc...These where the cars that have lead us to the WRX and EVO of today. The Mini has attempted to capture this essence, but is far less practical than the 4 door MX Sport.

If Mazda brings this car to the US market, as they are currently entertaining, this will be a super sub $15,000 economy sports wagon/hatch and likely to make many new friends.

http://media7.motorcities.com/02J1J373834898B.jpeg

http://www.autonews.com/files/2004NAIAS/mazda/images/MXMicroSport1.jpg

Mazda MX-Micro Sport Concept
Length: 156.7 inches
Width: 69.9 inches
Height: 61 inches
Wheelbase: 98 inches
Maximum power: 148 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 135 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm
Engine: MZR 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
What the automaker says: "A production version of the MX-Micro Sport concept will be launched into a key automotive market during calendar year 2004, and Mazda is currently reviewing opportunities in other key markets including North America."