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2003 Auto Shows: New York
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| Automakers wrap up the Auto Show season with some stunning new ideas and production models. |
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| Updated |
Mar 17, 2005 19:41:50 |
| Rating |
 52 ( -9 -17.3% ) | | Author | Brian Chee |
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Description:
Cars are back.
NEW YORK, NY – Amid a subdued, “down to business” environment at Wednesday’s New York International Auto Show, automakers from Toyota to Mitsubishi, Ford and Chrysler announced a similar core theme for 2004 and beyond: Cars.
Yes, cars are back. And not a moment too soon, either, what with the streets of America clogged with SUVs and trucks. Apparently, automakers have filled the utility pipeline with every conceivable kind of wagon, so the next type of vehicle in line to satisfy the current product feeding frenzy are cars, those quaint little vehicles of yesterday.
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Features
Photo Gallery:
Detroit
Los Angeles -->
The Lucky Seven
Our Best Bets for Success
Designer Vehicles
New vehicles Take Aim at Low-Volume Markets
Truck Wars
No Longer a Civil War
Lux-o-mite!
Have automakers lost their minds?
Chicago Headlines
Chicago's not the place to showcase fuel economy
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Minivans and super sedans
Toyota's big truck, Suzuki's big move and the VW GTI
Detroit Headlines
Nissan Titan, GM's Big Day
Mustang's
Back, Nissan on a Quest
Luxury,
Performance and Utility
F-150,
Endeavor and FX45
Maybach,
VW and Aston Martin
Fantasy
and Practicality
General Motors Dominates Final Day
North American Car and Truck of the Year:
Mini Cooper/S
Volvo XC90
LA Headlines
Toyota's Scion launches the xA, xB.
Debuts and Previews
NYC Headlines
It's all about cars...for a change
The Nissan Z-wonder goes topless; Kia builds a big car
Future Drivers
The Future World of Cars, according to teenagers...find out what car they think President George W. Bush should drive.
Sound Off!
What is a Scion, anyway? And why is Pontiac debuting a GTO when fuel economy's the thing? Click here and register you opinion!
You remember cars. They have a trunk instead of a cargo hold, and they can only drive on roads. They come as sedans. And coupes. There was even a hybrid car unveiled during the show, and that hybrid -- the completely remade 2004 Toyota Prius -- stole the show.
2004 Toyota Prius
The Prius remade? Yes, if you can remake something from scratch. Except for the nameplate, the 2004 Prius is different in just about every possible way. It’s on a new platform, it’s bigger – the 2004 version will be classified as a mid-sized, instead of a compact. It’s more powerful – Dave Hermance, executive engineer-regulatory affairs, Toyota Technical Center, claims a combined horsepower rating of106, and a 0-60 time of 10 seconds or less.
Price will be around $19,000, according to Don Esmond, senior vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. You get quite a bit more for the money, however, starting with the larger size, a new hybrid system that increases power and reduces emissions, bywire throttle and shift control, and a new “Smart Entry and Smart Start” feature. It’s “smart” because the 2004 Prius allows keyless entry and start up. An onboard sensor recognizes a signal from the key as the driver approaches, and automatically unlocks the doors. The driver is already security cleared, so he can leave the fob in his pocket, push the start button and meander down the road.
The hybrid system in the Prius, named Hybrid Synergy Drive by Toyota, is the type of powertrain technology Toyota plans to adapt across its model line. The Prius’ hybrid system can operate solely in electric mode, gas engine mode, or the combination. The system has a 50% more powerful 50-kilowatt drive motor. Fuel efficiency is expected to increase 15%, to the mid 50’s. This new system is apparently able to grow with engine and power needs. After Prius, the next vehicle to use the Hybrid Synergy Drive will be the 2005 Lexus RX330.
2004 Mitsubishi Galant
Mitsubishi unveiled three new vehicles: The Lancer Sportback, the redesigned Diamante, and the 2004 Galant. And while all three featured a fresh, youthful appearance in line with Mitsubishi’s brand direction, the Galant was clearly the most impressive of the three. “We expect the Galant to be our best seller in North America, said Pierre Gagnon, chairman and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors North America. “Our goal is to sell 600,000 Galants by 2007.”
If the Galant’s performance on the road backs up its looks, Mitsubishi should be able to accomplish its goal. With a futuristic blend and a sophisticated touch, the Galant should attract buyers interested in mid-priced four-door sedans. Priced under $22,000, the Galant will come in two versions – the LS, which is powered by a V6 engine generating 230 horsepower, and the GTS – a performance Galant that features stabilizer bars, 17-inch wheels and a rear lip spoiler. Mechanicals for the GTS were not announced.
2004 Lancer Sportback
The Lancer Sportback is inspired by a desire to compete with the likes of Toyota’s Matrix and the Mazda Protege5.
Last Year's Highlights
It was a year to take notice for even the most non-enthusiastic car shopper. A show season of landmark debuts and promising previews, with very few boring cars sweating under the showroom lights. From the controversial BMW 7-Series to the Nissan 350Z, the Ford GT-40 and the Toyota Corolla, automakers put on a show that will be hard to beat in 2003...
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2003 Auto Show Gallery
More Show Photos...
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To that end, the Lancer Sportback features a 2.4 liter MIVEC engine generating 162 horsepower and what is sure to be a nice torque boost. And while the interior space and “rally inspired” performance will be big hits, the overly boxy and civilized look of the Sportback may turn off many young buyers.
2004 Diamante
Mitsubishi’s goal of keeping car owners in their vehicles as they change their lifestyle is most evident with the 2004 Diamante. With its corporate look inside and out, the Diamante will attract young executives on the rise. In addition to its redesigned exterior, the interior has also been upgraded. If possible, check out the Diamante VR-X performance version before you buy.
John Cooper Works MINI Cooper S
Apparently, you can never have too much fun. At least that’s the reasoning at MINI, where the already fun Cooper S will be offered with a performance, or fun, enhancing tuner kit from John Cooper Works. The English outfit, which has built racing cars since the 40s – notably the front and rear-engine Coopers – has built a tuner kits that boosts horsepower to 200 (up from 163) and increases torque. Current MINI S owners can have their vehicles retro-fitted. The kit includes changes to the exhaust, cylinders and up-rated supercharger. According to Mike Cooper, who runs John Cooper Works, fuel efficiency does not decrease during normal driving conditions. The kit is priced at $4,500, and is tested and approved by the BMW Group.
Other show highlights include:
Chrysler 300 C Hemi concept: This concept is a close representation of the sedan due to hit the streets next year. The 300 C is built off the same platform as the Dodge Magnum, and features a V8 Hemi engine under the hood.
Ford Futura: To be unveiled at a later date, the Ford Futura sedan will be based on the Mazda 6 architecture. |
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