SPECIAL REPORT: from the Javits Center in New York City
(April 19-30, 2000)
Chrysler shows reworked Sebring trio ... Infiniti exhibits restyled Q45 ... Acura unleashes new MDX sport-utility ... BMW displays stylish show car, plus new production models ... General Motors promotes 2001 minivans, focuses on new trucks ... Ford concentrates on safety for next Windstar ... Lexus reveals its first convertible ... Toyota launches redesigned RAV4 and new Highlander ... Subaru establishes L.L. Bean connection ... Movie director Spike Lee works with Jaguar
by James M. Flammang
NEW YORK - Excellent weather greeted journalists who turned up in Manhattan for the 2000 New York Auto Show. For two days prior to the opening of the show to the general public, media people watched and listened as the manufacturers introduced their latest products.
Actually, the New York Auto Show was celebrating its centennial this year. The first show was held way back in 1900, at the old Madison Square Garden. To help mark the show's 100th birthday, a diverse group of antique, classic, and special-interest vehicles went on display. The eclectic selection included everything from a 1930 Packard once owned by Clark Gable to a 1956 Dual-Ghia (both owned by Fred Kanter), and a 1901 Oldsmobile to a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle - plus such delights as a 1955 Ford Thunderbird, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, and a gullwing DeLorean. The Greater New York Dealers Association also debuted its new book on the history of the show, authored by Gregg Merksamer and edited by Dave Brownell.
Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor Company Ltd., served as guest speaker for the breakfast hosted by the International Motor Press
Association - the kickoff event for media days at the auto show. An engineer and economist, Ghosn came to Nissan in 1999, as an element of the alliance between Renault and Nissan. The purpose of that alliance "was to bring Nissan back on its feet," Ghosn explained. "It's about putting Nissan back on track [and] creating a future for Nissan."
Ghosn outlined several basic goals, including cutting Nissan's debt nearly in half. He also has sought to redefine the company's supplier base, going so far as to ask suppliers to reduce their costs by 20 percent. (About 80 percent gave a positive response to his request.) Ghosn also wishes to reduce the total number of suppliers by 50 percent. In fiscal 2000, he expects to see an 8 percent cost reduction overall.
Among other changes, Nissan no longer makes seniority the criterion for promotion within the corporation. Shortly before the New York show, Ghosn gave the "go-ahead" for a full-size light truck in the U.S. market. "Nissan is in the dark, working hard," he concluded; but he insists they can see the light at the end of this particular tunnel.
After introducing a new Sebring sedan at the Geneva (Switzerland) motor show this spring, DaimlerChrysler used New York as a launch pad for that model's two stablemates. Rather than at the Javits Center itself, all three versions of the Sebring made their
debut at a special presentation for the media, in Cipriani's - formerly the Bowery Savings Bank (a national landmark building on 42nd Street).
2001 Chrysler Sebring Conv.
Although all three look somewhat alike, only the sedan and the convertible are closely related - as was also the case in the prior Sebring generation. Built in Sterling Heights, Michigan, the sedan and convertible are powered by a new 2.7-liter V-6 engine and ride a similar platform. Even so, there is "nothing interchangeable" between the three body styles, said John Herlitz, apart from the hood and headlamps. Herlitz, DaimlerChrysler's senior vice-president of design, wore a white tie and tails for the occasion.
Nearly everything is said to be new, except the seats. Sebring styling is now related to the larger Chrysler Concorde, especially up front, yielding a considerably greater family resemblance. Improved body-structure rigidity gives the ragtop a "pretty un-convertible-like ride," said large-car engineering chief Larry Achram.
Referring to the ever-present dilemma of cowl and header shake, vehicle development director Burke Brown admitted that "it's tough to get that to settle down." Still, "we went after all those weaknesses," including refinement - especially the Mitsubishi 2.5-liter engine used in the prior generation.
As in the prior generation, coupes will be built at the Mitsubishi plant in Normal, Illinois and will carry Mitsubishi engines. They share almost no components with the sedan or convertible. Sedans go on sale in July; convertibles in October.
Accompanied by a violinist and saxophonist, Nissan's luxury division offered the world debut of the next-generation Q45 luxury
sedan. Scheduled for introduction as a 2002 model, the next "Q" will be "a powerful expression of the very best," said general manager Tom Orbe, a special blend of performance and luxury. Among other features, it boasts the "brightest headlights in the world," made up of seven lenses.
2002 Infiniti Q45
Unlike some cars that are claimed to be "totally redesigned," the Q45 looks it, though overall length is unchanged. A 340-horsepower V-8 engine goes beneath the hood, promising 0-60 mph acceleration in a swift 5.9 seconds, and a navigation system's screen sits high on the dashboard. Options will even include a rear video camera and power rear seats. Infiniti claims that the new model has 40-percent better body torsional rigidity. Adaptive cruise control will be included, along with Vehicle Dynamics Control. The Q45 goes on sale in April 2001.
A pair of sport-utilities was the big news under Toyota's tent at New York: one a redesign, and the other a brand-new model. That will give Toyota a total of four SUVS.
Longer, wider, and taller (inside and out) than the first-generation RAV4, the 2001 compact SUV also has a wider track and rides a
longer wheelbase. Front and rear overhangs are shorter than before. A new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing yields 21 more horsepower.
2001 Toyota Highlander
Also on tap was the brand-new Highlander, a mid-size model. "Sometimes you feel like a truck," said Toyota general manager Don Esmond, echoing an unrelated TV commercial from a while back, "sometimes you don't." Highlander promises the image and versatility of a sport-utility, but car-like handling. Toyota's 4Runner, on the other hand, is available for those who prefer the true SUV experience.
Larger than 4Runner, the car-based Highlander will come with two-wheel or full-time four-wheel drive, an automatic transmission, and either a four-cylinder or a 220-horsepower V-6 engine. Principal drivers are thought to be more likely female than the segment average. Available early in 2001, Highlander fits between the RAV4 and 4Runner in price. Eventually, production is expected to reach 75,000 units annually.
Seen for the first time, the new sport-utility vehicle from Honda's luxury division promises a combination of "class-leading acceleration [and] five-star safety," according to Tom Elliott, executive vice-president of American Honda. The 2001 MDX (MD translates to "multi-dimensional") is said to excel in performance, interior room, passenger seating, versatility, and value. "We're the last one to show up at the party," Elliott said, so Acura "wanted to be sure people liked what they saw."
MDX isn't Honda/Acura's first sport-utility vehicle, but it's the first one designed by Honda. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 240 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. A navigation system will be the sole option. "This is first and foremost a luxury class of vehicle," Elliott advised, promising five-star safety performance for all passengers in all three rows.
BMW had three North American debuts in New York, plus the world debut of its 330xi - which marks the revival of all-wheel-drive in a
BMW sedan. Packing an all-new 3.0-liter, 225-horsepower six-cylinder engine, the 330xi uses a revision of BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system, specially set up for all-wheel-drive. It will use braking action to regain traction. This engine also will go into a 330i sedan, 330ci coupe, and the 3-Series convertible that debuted recently.
BMW Z9
Also on the production side of the equation, BMW introduced a new high-performance M3 coupe, with a new 3.2-liter engine that yields 300 horsepower. Also seen in New York was the 2001 edition of BMW's 7-Series sedan.
Star of the presentation, however, was BMW's concept car: the Z9 gran turismo "design study," featuring gullwing doors that incorporate innovative, integrated conventional doors. Roadworthy rather than merely a show car, the Z9 holds a 3.9-liter turbodiesel V-8, rated at 245 horsepower and a walloping 413 pound-feet of torque. Tires are 20-inch up front, and 21-inchers out back. An Intuitive Integration Cockpit, derived from modern aircraft, puts nothing other than a starter button and light switch on the dashboard.
Trucks, trucks, and more trucks. That was the word from Ron Zarrella, GM's president of North American operations, who promised to unleash another quartet of truck-based vehicles to the media in less than 16 minutes. He almost succeeded, running through the new GMC Yukon XD Denali (with new full-time four-wheel drive), 2001 GMC Sierra C-Series (with newly available 325-horsepower Vortec V-8), and the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada. Chevrolets may be equipped with a new Vortec "4200" inline six-cylinder engine, rated 250 horsepower. According to Tom Davis, that straight six is "significantly more fuel efficient than the V6 it replaces."
"Full-size trucks are the fuel in GM's financial engine room," Zarrella explained. That segment saw record first-quarter sales (up 20 percent). During the 2001 model year, GM expects to sell 1.1 million full-size trucks. Asked about the continued popularity of larger trucks, Zarrella noted that the combination of gasoline prices and operating costs is "not having the impact that it had in the past."
GM also announced that the OnStar emergency/communications system will be standard on the 2001 minivans, and that Versatrac all-wheel-drive will follow later as an option.
Subaru "owners are doers," said marketing vice-president Bill Cyphers. Following that line of thought, a new limited-edition L.L. Bean version of the Legacy Outback wagon was one of Subaru's main attractions in New York. Under its hood goes a new H6 3.0-liter horizontally-opposed engine, which delivers nearly 30 percent more horsepower and torque than Subaru's prior 3.0-liter powerplant. Special features include a new McIntosh audio system.
Subaru's Active Safety system escalates to a new level in its new "flagship" H6-3.0 VDC Outback model. The system senses impending loss of control, and makes adjustments automatically. In addition to the Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system, the VDC edition gets a variant of the new H6 engine, with Variable Torque Distribution.
T
he auto industry and the entertainment world joined forces for a presentation at the New York show. Renowned film director Spike Lee was on hand for the premiere of an 8-minute promotional film that he'd directed for Jaguar. The film depicted how a Jaguar complements the lifestyle of a young, successful African-American coupe. Jaguar Nortn America announced a marketing partnership with Lee's company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks Inc.
Spike Lee
"We are very fortunate to be given this unique opportunity to go beyond the usual 30-second commercial," Lee explained. Spike Lee also made himself available to interviewers after the program.
Summer will bring a new V70 Cross Country station wagon. Rather than focusing on that product, however, CEO/president Hans-Olov Olsson used the New York show to promote Volvo's commitment to its buyers. "Customers decide they will buy a Volvo," he explained, "and thus reward us." Today, "Volvo is working to connect with our customers on their terms." That includes a special consumer program that has been touring the country.
Olsson also announced VolvoNet, a "total buying experience for the online customer," in which "they fully control" the situation. Prospective buyers can view a virtual Volvo from 360 degrees around, and "design" their desired vehicle with a Configurator. Volvo is "making the retailer an important part of our business," Olsson concluded, which includes the launch of an "aggressive retail transformation program."
A sleek SC 430 convertible took center stage at the display space for Lexus automobiles. Following up on a concept coupe that had appeared in October 1999 at the Tokyo Motor Show, the SC 430 is no ordinary ragtop. No, it's a rear-drive coupe with a retractable hardtop, 18-inch tires, and a 4.3-liter V-8 engine - the same 300-horsepower engine that goes into the new LS 430 sedan, which replaces the LS 400 this fall. About 10,000 convertibles per year will be produced, and the SC 430 goes on sale in March 2001. Special features include an advanced climate-control system that promises consistent temperatures.
Although the production Rio is not on sale yet, the South Korean automaker presented a special version of the new mini-size sedan at the New York Auto Show. Featuring a tall silhouette relative to its length, the special Rio SV rides 17-inch tires and flaunts exposed fasteners on its wheels - and also on the steering wheel. E-mail/Internet access is available inside, too. Regular Rios will go on sale August 1, and an as-yet-unnamed mid-size sedan debuts this fall.
Seen for the first time in North America, Audi's newest Quattro (all-wheel-drive) wagon is billed as a "crossover" vehicle - not fitting squarely into either the sedan or wagon mold. Equipped with a four-level height-adjustable suspension, the allroad Quattro will come with a six-speed manual transmission or Audi's five-speed Tiptronic unit. Beneath the hood sits a 250-horsepower biturbo engine, promising 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.8 seconds with manual shift. Allroad wagons will be available this fall. Once production is fully established, Audi expects to sell about 5,000 annually.
Though redesigned for the 2001 model year, Ford's minivan did not get all the attention in New York. Instead, general manager Jim O'Connor and Ford Motor Company president/CEO Jac Nasser emphasized safety during their presentations. O'Connor described the Windstar's Personal Safety System, which tailors airbag deployment to the severity of a crash. Windstar also will offer Advance Track, Ford's interactive vehicle dynamic system that also is employed on the Focus. A rear-entertainment system will be available, too.
Joined by Jim Hall, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, and Rosalyn Millman of NHTSA, Nasser promoted booster seats for children. Working with several partners, Ford wishes to reinforce and communicate the benefits of booster seats, and "appeal directly to youngsters." Ford plans to install a million booster seats in the first year of the Campaign Boost America program. Vouchers will be made available to parents who cannot afford to purchase the safety seats.
J
ust $79,868 will buy the ready-for-sale rendition of the latest Panoz sports car, seen previously in prototype form. "Esperante is intended to be a fine, reliable everyday driver," said sales director Jack Bair. Sold with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and roadside assistance, the cars may be serviced at Ford dealerships or by Panoz. The company hopes to sell 200 this year, and has deposits for 160. Forty dealers currently handle Panoz sports cars, and the company plans to begin exports to Canada and Europe.
Panoz Esperante Chassis
Rather than introduce a new production model, Isuzu concentrated on concept vehicles in New York. The Rodeo VX concept features an aero roof rack. An Amigo VX promised "VX attitude," making what was described as a "bold, roguish character statement." Isuzu's VehiCross wasn't left out either, represented by a VX-4 edition.
When Isuzu showed off its next model some time back, it had what amounted to a code name: ZXS. Rather than enlist the services of an advertising agency or other "professionals" to provide a name, they launched a contest. The winner, introduced in New York, was Hakan Urey, an electrical engineer form Redmond, Washington. His choice for a name had a scientific bent: Axiom. Isuzu will therefore launch the Axiom sport wagon in spring 2001, as a 2002 model. Featuring body-on-frame construction, it will be a "true" sport-utility vehicle. "We're not turning away from our truck roots," said Gary Tucker, vice president of marketing and product planning. "We're simply expanding them."
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