LA and Detroit Auto Show Unveilings

[Roadster2]

by Jeff Bartlett



More rockin' than the immortal Dick Clark's annual countdown celebration, the automotive industry throws two concurrent New Year's parties with celebrities, theatrics, big budgets, insider buzz, and revelry to rival the Big Apple party. Manufacturers from around the globe use the prestigious North American events to showcase their current vehicle portfolios, introduce new production models, and display tantalizing concepts that portend of future design and technology.
Los Angeles has the slight edge, as it kicks off its first media day on January 3, giving the press two days to preview the show before it opens to the public. Often the location for trendy, upscale introductions due to the California car culture and proximity to Hollywood, the LA show is expected to also feature affordable models to capture the imaginations of the youthful, compact-driving crowd.

Detroit hosts our nation's largest, most significant event, officially titled North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The Motor City spectacle is dominated by releases from domestic manufacturers, but European and Japanese companies also use the event as a platform to launch product to the major audience drawn to Cobo Hall. The Detroit show opens to the media on the 6th, with our initial reports to appear online the following day, well ahead of the first public day, on Saturday the 12th.

As we enter the holiday season, we can't help but obsess over the toys the auto industry will soon present. The motoring future is just around the corner! Motor Trend is gearing up to cover the events en masse, with print, video, radio, and online staffs shooting pictures, rolling tape, interviewing insiders, and turning material around for daily online coverage. As quickly as possible, MT Online will deliver expansive coverage, updated regularly.

To give you something to look forward to, below is a list of the known vehicles expected to appear. There will certainly be more cars and trucks than we've been able to compile. We hope you join us for our guided tour of these events.




Los Angeles Auto Show
Acura CL
Chrysler Crossfire
Honda Civic hybrid
Infiniti G35
Jaguar S-Type, S-Type R
Lincoln Continental concept
Maserati Spyder
Mini Cooper S
Nissan 350Z
Pontiac Vibe
Toyota Matrix

Detroit Auto Show: Intro/Preproduction
Bentley GT
BMW 750iL
BMW Z5
Cadillac XLR
Chevrolet SSR Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
Chevrolet Warrior
Chrysler Pacifica
Freightliner/Dodge Sprinter
Ford Expedition
Ford Mustang Cobra "Terminator"
GMC Envoy XL
Honda Civic sedan hybrid
Honda Pilot
Infiniti FX45
Isuzu Ascender
Jaguar S-Type, S-Type R
Jaguar XJ8
Land Rover Range Rover
Lexus GX470
Lincoln Town Car
Maserati Spyder
Mazda 6
Mazda RX-8
Nissan Quest
Pontiac Grand Am
Saab 9-3x
Subaru Baja
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Matrix
Volvo XC90
Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S


Detroit Auto Show: Concept
Acura RD-X
Cadillac Cien
Chevrolet Bel Air
Dodge M 80
Ford GT40
GMC Terra4
Jeep Compass
Pontiac Roadster
Saturn Sky
Toyota CCX
Toyota FXS


Acura RDX

GM Hummer H2

Honda Pilot

Infiniti FX45

Land Rover Range Rover

Nissan Quest

Pontiac Vibe GT


from Motor Trend

http://www.fordfans1.homestead.com/FORDFAN1.html

[Roadster2]

here is more info

DETROIT — Although it’s synonymous with the auto industry, Detroit hasn’t always been the star of American motor shows. Still, the city has a long history with automotive expositions. Detroit hosted its first auto show back in 1907 at Beller’s Beer Garden. At that time, 17 exhibitors brought 33 vehicles for the public to see.
Detroit’s annual presentation, now called the North American International Auto Show, will see its 14th season as a full-fledged international event at the Cobo Conference/Convention Center — its home since 1965. The NAIAS is the only exhibition in the United States to have earned the sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA), a Paris-based global alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers.

In 2001, the NAIAS held 47 international introductions — those seen for the first time anywhere in the world — as well as 12 others that had previously been displayed outside North America. Some 6,800 journalists from 59 countries attended the 2001 show.

In January 2002, more than 700 vehicles will be on display in the 750,000-square-foot Cobo Center in downtown Detroit. To take advantage of the limited, sold-out area, nearly 20 double-tier displays are planned. Auxiliary exhibits will be found in the adjoining Michigan Hall. Because press previews for the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show take place Jan. 3 and 4, some automakers will unveil their newest attractions out West. Almost all of those models should find their way to Michigan as the NAIAS opens. These vehicles will be joined by dozens of additional introductions that are earmarked strictly for Detroit. The NAIAS leads all other U.S. events in its number of world and North American debuts.

Some of the vehicles on exhibit are being readied for production and sale. Others appear in concept form and hint at future trends and directions that manufacturers might take. A number of the new vehicles on display have been seen before at other events — not only in Los Angeles, but at the Frankfurt, Germany, and Tokyo motor shows, which occurred in fall 2001. Still, this is the first opportunity for American show visitors to get a close look.


Saturn Sky

Notable concept vehicles on display this year include the Audi Avantissimo, GMC Terra4, Jeep Willys2, Saab 9-3X and the Saturn Sky roadster. Production models seen for the first time anywhere include the BMW 760Li sedan, the 2003 Cadillac XLR and the redesigned Land Rover Range Rover. Johnson Controls Inc., an industry supplier, will have a concept vehicle on hand, called the Ariston.

Acura’s highlight will be the North American debut of the redesigned NSX sports car, which goes on sale early in 2002 as a 2003 model. The new model has dropped the boxy appearance of the high-dollar sports car. It has a neatly integrated rear spoiler and headlights. As before, the 290-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 engine and six-speed-manual transmission sit in the middle. Acura will also display its new RD-X “urban adventure vehicle” concept.


2003 Honda Pilot

Honda will introduce its new sport utility vehicle, the Pilot, which will hit showrooms in summer 2002. The Pilot will be built off the same platform used for the Acura MDX. Honda is also expected to feature the world debut of a new concept vehicle and possibly show off a reworked version of the S2000 sports car. Detroit showgoers will see the Civic Hybrid, an ordinary-looking Civic sedan that contains a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain. It’s expected to go on sale by mid-2002 in the United States and will compete against the Toyota Prius. Honda’s main attraction at the Tokyo Motor Show was the Unibox, which drew its inspiration from office furniture.

Audi’s Avantissimo concept wagon was first introduced in Frankfurt,, but Detroit will mark its first appearance in North America. Based on the flagship A8 sedan, the Avantissimo design study is an Avant with a 430-hp, bi-turbo V-8 engine and air springs.

Other Audi models earmarked for appearance in Detroit include the A4 Avant — which follows up on the redesigned A4 sedan that went on sale this fall — and the Audi A4 Cabrio. The last Audi Cabrio left the lineup after the 1998 model year. Available with Audi’s new multitronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), its four-passenger replacement rides on a longer wheelbase and is said to have 112 percent greater body rigidity.

Engines get plenty of attention at the Volkswagen display. With its turbocharged 180-hp engine, the New Beetle Turbo S will make an appearance, along with the Passat W8 sedan, which will soon feature an eight-cylinder engine. Two models with the new 200-hp V-6 engine will also be shown: the GTI VR6 and the Jetta GLI VR6.

When BMW first displayed its redesigned 7 Series sedan — known as the 745i — at the Frankfurt show in September, it drew some criticism for its styling. Detroit showgoers will be able to decide for themselves in January. Two additional versions are scheduled to appear in Detroit. The 745Li (long-wheelbase) sedan goes on sale early in 2002, while the 760Li — which comes with a V-12 engine rather than a V-8 — won’t reach dealerships until next fall. In addition, Detroit show visitors may also see the high-performance M3. A lightweight M3 CLS prototype appeared at the Frankfurt show in September.

BMW’s new Mini division is preparing to send its first cars to U.S. dealerships in March 2002. Detroit will mark the second stop for the Mini Cooper S, which will take its U.S. bow in Los Angeles.


2003 Cadillac XLR

General Motors is focusing mainly on concept vehicles, but several production models are likely to turn up. A production version of Pontiac’s new Vibe hatchback will grace the company’s exhibit, just in time for its sales to begin in January. Cadillac will display its XLR sport convertible, which is derived from the Evoq concept that debuted at the 1999 NAIAS. Cadillac will also show off the Cien concept — a mid-engine, two-seat sports car with V-12 power. The full-size CTS sedan will hit U.S. roads early in 2002 and should also be on display in Detroit.

Other GM concepts include a two-door Chevrolet Bel Air that draws its inspiration from the 1950s-era original. Pontiac will display its Roadster concept, which sports a European feel and function.

There’s also a chance that Cadillac’s rumored sport wagon — based on last year’s Vizon concept will make its production debut. Chevrolet will introduce a production version of the SSR.

Ford is expected to have a world debut of both a production model and a concept vehicle, but details are not yet available. Mercury may bring a near-production Marauder to Detroit; this new performance-focused sedan goes on sale during 2002. Lincoln will introduce a Continental-based concept vehicle in Los Angeles, which may also appear in Detroit. A redesigned Town Car for 2003 will be on display.

DaimlerChrysler has kept its plans under wraps for the Detroit event, but it’s a safe bet that several entrancing concept vehicles will greet visitors’ eyes. Chrysler has a long history of unveiling exciting show cars at the Cobo Center.

A production version of Chrysler’s Crossfire concept is set to debut in Los Angeles, and it may appear at the NAIAS. The Jeep Willys2 concept first seen in Tokyo will be on display. Observers have speculated that the Willys2 may suggest a new entry-level model priced below the Wrangler, but DaimlerChrysler admits to no production plans. It evolved from a concept seen at last year’s Detroit show, but the automaker has added a removable hardtop since that appearance. The supercharged four-cylinder engine is the same one used in BMW’s new Mini Cooper S.

World debuts of production vehicles are expected to appear, wearing both Chrysler and Dodge badges. A new production Jeep model is likely to be on hand.

Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury division, will have world debuts of a production car and a concept model. The second-generation FX45 concept continues the “Bionic Cheetah” theme of the original, which debuted at last year’s Detroit show. The FX45 mixes sports-car performance with SUV attributes and all-wheel drive. The 4.5-liter V-8 power plant produces more than 300 hp. The new rear-drive G35 sedan planned for sale in March will make an appearance in Detroit.

Nissan’s Next Generation Quest concept will make its world debut in Detroit. Nissan says the minivan departs from the “boxes on wheels” category with a flowing belt line, unique wraparound glass and 20-inch wheels that reach out to the corners. A power-operated bi-fold tailgate and pop-up roof rack are featured. The previous Quest, related to the Mercury Villager, disappeared from the Nissan lineup soon after the 2002 model year began.

Nissan will also have the latest rendition of its modern-day Z-car — called the 350Z. This car is a descendant of the popular sports car of 1969 – 1996. Changes in the car’s appearance from last year’s Detroit event are modest. Riding a Nissan Skyline platform, the two-passenger rear-drive 350Z gets a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces more than 260 hp and works with a close-ratio six-speed-manual gearbox or a five-speed-automatic transmission. Styling touches include large headlights, a sharply sloped roofline and rear quarter windows inspired from the original Z.

Maserati has been absent from U.S. showrooms since 1990, but it won’t be long now. The Italian company will feature its new Spyder GT convertible, which packs a new 390-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 engine with a six-speed-manual transmission mounted ahead of the rear differential. “Cambiocorsa” electrohydraulic transmission control and Skyhook automatic damping control are some of the car’s features. Maserati will produce about 1,200 Spyder convertibles each year for sale in America, along with about 300 coupes, which ride a longer wheelbase.


2003 Land Rover Range Rover

Land Rover will have the restyled Range Rover — its most posh and costly model — on display in Detroit. Serving as only the third new Range Rover in the brand’s 31-year history, it goes on sale in Europe in February and reaches U.S. dealerships in May.

Jaguar may bring the R-Coupe concept that appeared at the Frankfurt Motor Show to Detroit. The R-Coupe was considered a design exercise rather than a tentative production model, and it was inspired by the old Jaguar E-type coupe of the 1960s and 1970s. Special features include a Formula 1-style gearshift system with steering-wheel buttons and silver-plated chrome body trim.

Hyundai will have its restyled Tiburon in Detroit. This model is powered by a 2.7-liter V-6 engine that’s borrowed from the South Korean company’s Santa Fe SUV. The new Tiburon sports a more traditional coupe appearance than its four-cylinder predecessor and is expected to appear in U.S. showrooms by March 2002.


Toyota FXS

Toyota will unveil its redesigned Corolla at the NAIAS. The two-seat FXS concept roadster that was introduced in Tokyo will join the new CCX concept, which will make its world debut in Detroit. Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, will unveil the GX 470, its latest SUV model.

Kia will introduce its newest SUV. Code-named “BL,” it will be larger than the existing Sportage — around the size of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. The BL is built on a ladder frame and will have a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. It goes on sale in the United States in summer 2002.

Lamborghini will show off its Murciélago, which was seen previously at the Frankfurt show. The Murciélago marks the Italian automaker’s first new model since its takeover by Audi and will replace the Diablo in 2002. Lamborghini intended to build 220 final Diablos in late 2001, along with the first batch of Murciélagos. Eventually, some 400 Murciélagos will be produced annually, with about 200 earmarked for the U.S. market. Capable of going 230 mph and accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, the sports car uses a 580-hp V-12 engine and permanent all-wheel drive. The six-speed-manual gearbox is a first for Lamborghini.

Bentley and Rolls-Royce have not released details on their Detroit exhibits, but Bentley is expected to have a world debut. Rolls-Royce will bring a forthcoming production model that’s been seen elsewhere. Sources in Britain suggest that Bentley may use the NAIAS as a launch pad for the most powerful production sedan ever issued by the British manufacturer.

The Mazda 6 sedan — intended as the replacement for the existing 626 — was seen previously at the Tokyo Motor Show but will be displayed for the first time in North America at the Cobo Center. The Mazda 6 is expected to go on sale in mid-2002 with a four-cylinder or V-6 engine, and some of its styling was taken from the RX-8, which will also be on display in Detroit.

The RX-8 uses a rotary engine under its hood. Styled like a coupe, the roomy four-door, four-passenger car has no B-pillars and little kinship to the old RX-7 sports cars. Inside, a red “Engine Start” button on the dashboard fires up the 250-hp Renesis engine. The front/rear weight distribution is said to be an even 50/50.

Mercedes-Benz is expected to display a concept car that will be making its world debut at the NAIAS. Showgoers will also have an opportunity to check out the latest version of the high-dollar 2003 SL convertible. In addition, Mitsubishi promises the world debut of one concept vehicle and the North American debuts of two other vehicles.

Porsche has not yet commented on its plans for the Detroit show, but the German sports car maker brought a Carrera 4S and Carrera Targa to the Frankfurt show. That was the first Targa coupe seen in five years. Its glass roof runs the full length of the passenger area, and the new 3.6-liter flat six-cylinder engine makes 320 hp. The watch continues for Porsche’s eagerly awaited Cayenne SUV to make its appearance in Detroit.

Volvo will reveal its new all-wheel-drive XC90 at the NAIAS, which will give the Swedish company its first full-fledged SUV. The XC90 is capable of seating seven occupants, and buyers will have a choice of two turbocharged engines.


Saab 9-3X

Saab is preparing a pair of concepts for presentation in Detroit. First seen at the Frankfurt show, the 9X will make its North American debut at this venue. The all-wheel-drive 9X blends the virtues of a coupe, roadster, wagon and pickup truck, and it is mounted on GM’s Epsilon platform and features a removable glass roof. The 9-3X “crossover-coupe” concept will make its first appearance in Detroit. It serves as the Swedish company’s first vehicle with an offroad dimension. The 9-3X may signal Saab’s entry into “a new, sub-SUV segment of the market.”

In Tokyo, Subaru showed a seven-passenger WX-01 concept touring wagon that features headlights that move to deliver the best view ahead. Subaru is expected to announce the world debut of a production model in Detroit, but the automaker is holding back on details until the day of the event. Suzuki also plans the world debut of a production model, called the Aerio. A Sport Cross, which appeared in concept form as the SX at last year’s New York International Auto Show, will also be featured.

In addition to all of the production and concept cars, Detroit showgoers can savor even more exhibits. The U.S. Army TACO National Automotive Center (NAC) will have a booth in Michigan Hall, which will illustrate its partnership with DaimlerChrysler, Ford and GM. The NAC group is working toward lighter, smarter, more fuel-efficient vehicles for military use. Much of its work will likely spill over into consumer products. The booth will display NAC’s SmarTruck, the Ford IMPACT, a group of Allison transmissions for GM and an exhibit of next-generation electrical architecture on a DaimlerChrysler vehicle platform.

Other display spaces will be set up by the Automotive National Heritage Area, the College for Creative Studies, the United Auto Workers Union and the Automotive Youth Federation Systems (AYES), which coordinates vocational training programs for young people. Two German supplier organizations — the ZF Group and Karmann design — will have a presence at the Cobo Center.

Journalists will visit Detroit’s Cobo Center Jan. 6 to 8. Representatives of suppliers and other allied industries have special Industry Preview sessions scheduled for Jan. 9 and 10. The formal Charity Preview will occur Friday, Jan. 11. Last year’s event raised more than $6 million for Detroit charities and boasted an attendance of more than 17,000 people.

The show will be open to the public from Saturday, Jan. 12, through Monday, Jan. 21. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., except for the last day on Jan. 21; the Cobo Center will close that evening at 7 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors (65 years old or over). Children under 12 years old are admitted free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Additional information can be obtained at www.naias.com. E-Tickets may be purchased through the NAIAS Web site. Winners of the North American Car of the Year and Truck of the Year Awards will be announced on Sunday, Jan. 6. The Society of Automotive Analysts will host its annual Automotive Outlook Conference on Tuesday, Jan. 8 — the final day of media events at the Cobo Center. The AutoWeek magazine Design Forum takes place a day later.

Cars.com will cover each vehicle introduction and post hundreds of photos during the course of this year’s auto show circuit. Check back on Jan. 6, 7 and 8 for the latest concept photos, production specs and breaking coverage from the 2002 North American International Auto Show. We will also cover the press previews for the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show on Jan. 3 and 4.

[Euro19]

Any images?

[Sean_S]

Gooo Detroit!

Sigh, I just wish they would get off their collective asses and build something to replace the Cobo. It just is too packed.