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Model Year 2000 Highlights: What's New In Cars And Trucks From
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Mar 17, 2005 19:41:50 |
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Description:
Model Year 2000 Highlights
Model Year 2000 Highlights:
What's New In Cars And Trucks
From "Acura to Lamborghini"
**Check next month's AutoMinute for Model Year Highlights Part II -- "Land Rover to Volvo"
2001 Ford Thunderbird Concept
The year '2000' has exerted a tremendous force over the human imagination since the 90’s kicked off—the impending millennium excites vague feelings of dread, Y2K chaos, and a thrill that the once-abstract future is actually our present. In the automotive world, where model years often begin many months before the calendar turns, '2000' is already quite firmly, and reassuringly, here. Clearly, the marketing and design departments at auto manufacturers worldwide were aware of the special import of the '2000 model-year’ in the collective consumer unconscious, and that may explain why 2000 and 2001 will usher in so many new models and redesigns. By fall (traditionally the official launch of the new model year in the car world) more than 50 of the 200+ models for sale in the US, will either be entirely new, or seriously redesigned. Automakers couldn’t well squander a symbolic 2000 model year that conjures up visions of high-tech design and the future of the automobile.
In a nutshell, American consumers can expect more, and new kinds of, trucks. The term 'truck' is used loosely here to span a whole array of diverse and hybrid vehicles-- wagon-SUV-pickup-minivan-car variations. Overall, in 2000 (and the next few years to follow) the focus will be on innovative new combinations of vehicles, with significant changes in the looks and types of vehicles. A clear underlying theme of retro-futuristic design is palpable. At the millennium, automakers, quite fittingly, seem to have double vision: looking back over classic automotive design, as they look forward. A number of new models will combine end-of-century nostalgia with super-high-technology and the ‘really’ futuristic looking.
Another 2000 trend is a host of sport and luxury offerings, for both cars and trucks. Japanese makers, as well as European and domestic brands, will debut sport models that may make you want to buy, even if you don’t exactly need a 2-seater, supercharged convertible. If there’s quite a bit new rolling off the assembly lines, it’s a welcome relief that not much has changed on sticker prices. As 2000 model-year pricing is rolling out this summer (from the Big Three and foreign makers) the general pattern is minimal, if any, price hikes, even for new and substantially redesigned vehicles. Global competition is too fierce, and it's welcome news for potential millennial car buyers.
The following breakdown of 2000 model-year highlights is designed to spotlight the big news—the major developments. Many models not listed will hit 2000 with less dramatic changes, and may not be noted here. Because 2001 model-year vehicles will appear in calendar-year 2000 (…it gets really confusing) some of those fresh products will be highlighted here as well. At points we'll look farther in to the crystal ball.
The automotive industry has their own, sometimes confusing, jargon to describe changes in styling and equipment content. If you’re chatting with a dealer or reading about new models in the automotive press, here’s a brief glossary to explain terms they may throw around:
Carryover: Basically identical to last-year’s model. There might be a few new colors, or interior upholstery changes.
Freshen: Sheet metal remains same. The vehicle may receive new headlights/taillights, or a new fascia or grille. A slight ‘tweak’ in looks or interior content.
Reskin: Basically minor alterations to the sheet metal, for a new look. May involve front and/or rear end styling changes from last year.
Restyle: Last year’s platform returns, but the inside and outside will receive extensive changes. The vehicle will look significantly different to the eye.
Redesign: Entails a new platform, and changes to both the interior and exterior styling. The engine and transmission may, or may not be, however, a carryover from the previous generation.
ACURA
For 2000, Acura is expected to bring out 2 new models. The Honda sibling is attempting to re-inject some needed new life in their products and marketing in the next few years, to bust out of a slight sales doldrums. First, an all-new CL is set for a redesign in spring 2000 (for sale then) and a sneak peak is expected to be available at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January. This CL redesign will put the car on the new and improved Accord/TL platform. The 4-cylinder engine may be nixed to prevent the CL from stealing sales from the higher-end Integra RS. A bigger powertrain may be around the bend. The SLX SUV has not been able to keep up with its rivals, and Honda plans to rescue the vehicle by utilizing the excellent Odyssey platform. The Acura MAV is slated to replace the smaller Isuzu-based SLX, which may be put to rest in the '99 model year. 2001-model year MAV would represent a larger Acura SUV, with a 3.5 liter V6, and tough-looking fender flares and grille. It will be larger than a Lexus RX 300 and BMW X5. Honda should get a MAV version in 2003 model year, and Acura’s MAV engine will get boosted up at that point.
The current Acura lineup sees some upgrades. Dealers can't keep the 3.2 TL on the shelf (just redesigned last year) but Acura’s already getting aggressive: a 5-speed automatic is in the works. Automotive News hints that a 260-hp V6 will be an option, which Acura denies. Expect a TL redesign in 2003, and Acura says a rear-wheel-drive model will not appear. Integra badly needs a redesign (last happened in 1994) and a new Integra will be unveiled in spring of 2001, probably off the new Civic platform. The Integra sedan could be in jeopardy, and the new coupe might be renamed the RS. NSX isn’t posting great sales, but Acura will continue for 2000 with the image car. In 2002 model year expect a new front fascia, with bigger engine options for NSX.
ASTON MARTIN
2000 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volant
New Aston Martins don’t get shipped here often, but for those rare Aston-freaks it’s big news when one makes the voyage across the Atlantic. A new 2000 Aston, derived from a concept shown in Detroit several years back, is coming. Called DB7 Vantage it has a supercharged 420-horsepower V12, and cruises at an (illegal) 185 mph. Both a coupe and convertible will be available.
BMW
2000 BMW X5
Rumors of an up-market BMW SUV have been swirling for a couple of years, and this fall BMW will indeed enter the lucrative luxury SUV market with the X5 "Sport Activity Vehicle." The engines that appear in the current 5-series sedans will power the X5 sport-utility. Like other foreign makers (Mercedes, etc.) BMW chose to produce it where it will be consumed—X5 is made in the US at a South Carolina plant. BMW wants to unite true BMW performance and handling with SUV ruggedness. Expect prices below (but around) $50,000. BMW will also debut the M5, the most powerful M car ever built, with a giant 5.0 liter V8 cranking out 400 hp. The 3232 Ci and 328 Ci coupes get redesigned. In spring, the 3-series adds a new convertible and a 3-series sport wagon. An all-new Z8 roadster is expected, and set to co-star in the new James Bond film. This super-super sleek roadster is based on the Z07 concept car at last year’s auto shows. It features the same mega-engine from the M5, and is slated to hit dealers in 2000, as a 2001 model. The popular Z3 roadster gets a minor face-lift in 2000
BUICK
The 2000 LeSabre, Buick's top-selling, roomy sedan, bowed early as a 2000 model. It's already at the dealer. Significantly redesigned, Le Sabre is actually more spacious within, even though it’s slightly more diminutive on the outside. Styling looks fresher and more modern. For the higher-end Buick Park Avenue, expect a minor face-lift this year. Park Avenue will now feature a new, high-tech vehicle stability control system, called StabiliTrak, that some present Cadillac owners will be familiar with. The 2000 Regal gets minor upgrades in design. The 2000 Century will now come in a special edition, with a bigger engine and an updated appearance.
CADILLAC
Cadillac Evoq Concept Car
The once-dominant luxury maker has been losing market share to European and Asian luxury sedan makers of late, and further suffered by bringing out its luxury SUV a little late in the game. For 2000, Caddy has a lot riding on an all-new DeVille, which offers a stiffer chassis for a nicer ride, and new, modern looks that are aimed at a younger buyer. Cadillac’s strategy with the crucial DeVille is to load the sedan with cutting-edge technology, while retaining and freshening the design of the car. DeVille, when it hits dealers this September, will be the first vehicle on the block to offer ‘Night Vision,’ an infrared sensor that actually allows drivers to see objects in the dark beyond the light their headlights cast. Other safety/techie features include a rear park assist system that ultrasonically detects obstacles behind the car as it backs up, and signals the driver.
OnStar updates are expected throughout the Cadillac line, but info will become available later. Cadillac showed the bold-looking, very futuristic Evoq concept car on last year’s auto show circuit, and they’re seriously pondering a production version. It looks like a ‘go’—but no date for a debut is set. Evoq represents the long-term vision of the Cadillac line, and looks much wilder and modern. Expect more Cadillac products, ones that depart from traditional Cadillac styling and features beginning in 2001 model year.
CHEVROLET
2000 Chevrolet Suburban
The lead story: an all-new Suburban and Tahoe are slated to appear this fall, set to do battle with Ford’s equally-new Excursion in the lucrative full-size SUV market. The new Suburban is much anticipated, after a long 10-year run for the current generation. This new Suburban shares its platform with the popular new Silverado pickup. Slightly shorter than Excursion, Chevy claims its large, full-size SUV can actually fit into an average garage. News on other Chevy trucks: the heavy-duty versions of Silverado 2500 and 3500 will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January, and will be hit showrooms next summer, as 2001 models. Expect a number of new truck and truck-hybrid offerings from GM in the next three years. GM claims 44 different new truck products will roll out in the next 5 years. GM is poised to up production on pickups this fall to meet demand on current models.
On the Chevy car front: Monte Carlo returns this year as a redesigned coupe. The 2000 Impala has already debuted this summer as a more traditional family car, and is the first car to feature sensors that can detect if a person is trapped in the trunk. Cavalier gets minimal restyling (different head/taillights), a new instrument panel and better radio. Chevy had huge plans for a new Cavalier the following year, but has delayed that small-car project for now—putting the development dollars into truck offerings, and making sure that the next Chevy Cavalier is significantly new and special. Camaro is back for 2000, even though automotive insiders have prophesied an end for the historic pony car. It’s lives on in 2000, and the future is unclear.
CHRYSLER
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Technically, Chrysler sees little new for 2000 model year. The headlines go to the wild-looking and truly innovative 2001 PT Cruiser. The automotive press has been excited about PT Cruiser since DaimlerChrysler pulled the wraps off at the North American Auto Show last winter. This hybrid looks like nothing else on the market today: styling is borrowed from a retro panel truck, although it’s based on the current Neon platform. Resembling a 1930s Ford, it offers all the utility of a new minivan. Rear seats fold down and can be removed. What’s more: PT Cruiser is expected to be priced under $20,000. The Cruiser gets a version of the 150-hp, 2.4 cylinder now available in the Plymouth Breeze. This inventive and original new vehicle should arrive this spring. Dodge should get a version about 1 1/2 years after the Chrysler version appears, dubbed Sequoia. The Dodge version is expected to be boxier, with all-wheel-drive—while the PT Cruiser is front-wheel-drive. DaimlerChrysler is moving away from clone vehicles across brands like the Neon.
Cirrus and Sebring are to be redesigned for 2001 model year. Cirrus will be built off the new JR platform, and will be slightly larger with a roomier interior. Expect a version of the aluminum 2.7 liter V6 in the new Intrepid from 1998. The design is closer to the arching, rounded looks of the larger Concorde. Chrysler may opt to call Cirrus the 'Sebring Sport.' This new version (which should go on sale later this year) will be seen at the North American Auto Show this winter. Sebring convertible will be redesigned at the same time, and the aluminum 2.7 liter V6 (in the Cirrus) should replace or supplement the current Mitsubishi V6. New Sebring coupes are expected in fall 2000, and will be based on the redesigned Mitsubishi Galant platform. The new Sebring coupe will look more like Concorde and will boast a new V6. Town & Country vans are scheduled for a redesign in 2001. Down the road, in 2002 model year, DaimlerChrsyler is developing what is now called the CS Sport Wagon, which borrows design elements from the Citadel concept vehicle. It will likely compete with Lexus RX 300 and BMW X5, with a possible Dodge version. CS is a high-end luxury, hybrid SUV.
DAEWOO
Daewoo came to the US last year, and has a tough time establishing the brand, with its initial unusual strategy of marketing through college students. Daewoo charges on, and plans a slough of new offerings in the next few years. No grand changes are expected for 2000, although Lanos (entry-level) may offer a sporty trim package; Nubira may get a reskin and new packages; and Leganza should get a 3.3 liter V6 in 2001 model year.
After that an onslaught of new Daewoo vehicles is scheduled. In 2001, Daewoo may debut Korando, a SUV that could really boost sales. Korando is slated to arrive next spring. Like a Korean version of the Jeep Wrangler, it’s supposed to look even cooler. A 3.2 liter, 230-hp V6 is expected to power it, developed from respected Mercedes technology. A 2-door hardtop and softtop are planned. Korando may check in at under $20,000. In 2002 model year—four new Daewoo products may hit US shores. Matiz is a minicar with a 3-cylinder engine that may appeal to the college students they initially targeted. Rumor has it the tiny sedan may cost less than $5,000! Musso, a SUV about as big as an Isuzu Rodeo, is said to look like a Lexus RX 300, with a Mercedes-influenced engine. Musso may be on sale in spring 2001. Tacuma is Daewoo’s 5-passenger minivan, slated for fall of 2001. Daewoo may be struggling to find its proper market, but a barrage of new products may attract some serious attention.
DODGE
2001 Dodge Neon RT
In the pickup truck arena, one bold innovation leads to guaranteed imitation, and rivals are always surpassing and leap-frogging each other. Dodge can take credit for being the first to make a true extended-cab pickup with four real doors. Ford and Chevy have followed suit, but now Dodge adds two more doors to Dakota. The new doors on Dakota Quad Cab are forward-hinged, full-sized doors like on a crew cab. Biggest Dodge car news: a Neon redesign. The 2000 Neon has classier, more solid, if less sporty, new styling, and more interior room. When 2000 Neon hit dealers a few months back, the coupe was missing. By all reports, Neon is better-made top to bottom for 2000
Neon won’t be freshened until 2003 model year, but in 2001 a Dodge Neon R/T sedan appears in spring or summer with a sporty, 150-hp, 2.0 liter 4-cylinder, mated to a 5-speed manual. This R/T will feature special sport suspension,16-inch aluminum wheels and great tires. There will be numerous sporty external features -- new grille, air dams, rear spoiler, etc. Also for 2001 model year: Stratus and Avenger redesign based on the new JR platform. An Intrepid R/T is coming next spring with a 242-hp, 3.5 liter V6, and AutoStick feature that lets you choose between manual and automatic. Caravan and Grand Caravan are set for a redesign, with Durango getting freshened up. 2000 Durango gets a version of the new 4.7 liter V8 from the Dodge Ram pickup. Durango will be redesigned in 2002, on the new DR platform.
FERRARI
This August, a new 360 Modena is expected to hit US shores, as the high-performance successor to the F355. Reports say this Ferrari is lighter than the previous model, with a 3.6 liter V8 that delivers a mere 400 horsepower. If you have 4.5 seconds, it can reach sixty mph, and it will hit top speeds of 180 mph. The 360 Modena will first appear as a coupe, with a possible convertible to follow. An F50 replacement may be in the works soon. It’s tentatively called F60, and Ferrari will not comment on it right now.
FORD
2000 Ford F150 Crew Cab
Quite a bit of activity on both the car and truck front. Trucks first, because Ford sells more. This fall Ford will offer the absolute king of SUVs: the Excursion. The largest SUV ever built. At almost 19 feet long, it seats 9 grown-ups, and can tow 10,000 pounds. Excursion is set to go on sale Sept. 30th in both Limited and XLT trim levels. Engine options: a 5.4 liter V8, a 6.8 liter V10, and a 7.3 liter V10 diesel. Prices range from $34,135 to $40,880. Other Ford truck news: the F-150 SuperCrew makes its appearance in spring as a 2001 model. SuperCrew is marketed as the first full-sized pickup (under 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight) that also has a full-sized SUV cabin. The hybrid takes an Expedition cabin and crosses it with a shortened F-150 cargo bed—although it’s only 0.2 inches longer than a current F-150 SuperCab. Two different V8s are available. Expedition gets freshened in 2000, with a planned 2002 restyling, which will differentiate the Ford and Lincoln versions more clearly. Clones are out.
2001 model year gets even more frenetic on the new product front for Ford. The Explorer-based SportTrac is set to debut, which mates an Explorer cabin to a 50-plus inch pickup bed. SportTrac comes in 4x2 or 4x4 versions, and the cargo bed can be closed with a cover that folds and locks. Expect it in the first quarter of next year. More Ford hybrids: the U204/Escape sport wagon is coming. This new Ford niche product puts truck equipment and styling on a modified Mazda 626 platform. Escape seeks to offer the functionality of a SUV with the nimble handling of a car. It will come with fwd or awd, and it’s a little smaller than an Explorer, but bigger than a Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V that it will fight. In 2001 model-year Windstar and the F-150 get a freshening. The 4-door Explorer will be redesigned and move to a larger platform. In 2001, Ford may reskin the 2-door Explorer and market it under a new name as the entry-level Explorer option. It may have a soft-top option, and may be a 6-cylinder with awd, and no V8 option. Ranger gets redesigned in 2002, and Windstar in 2003.
Ford cars see some action this year. Big story: the all-new 2000 Focus hits showrooms in October, as the eventual Escort small-car replacement. Focus comes in many flavors: a 3-door, sedan and station wagon. Focus is said to improve upon Escort in almost all ways and is already taking home awards in Europe: for safety, performance, and quality. Its unusual high roofline, and raised seating position, with tall, wide doors, means greatly-improved comfort. Two 4-cylinder engines are available, with optional side airbags and antilock brakes. Escort was slated for a decent burial this year, but because sales are good, it will stay around in limited numbers. The Escort wagon disappears in ’99 model year, but the ZX2 will stay in the line for 2000. The Escort sedan will remain in only one trim level.
Other Ford car news: Taurus gets restyled and re-engineered, with improved safety as the main goal. Front and side air bags are regulated by seat belt use and seat position sensors, and standard child seat tethers and emergency trunk release are new safety features. Goodbye elliptical, oval styling meant to lure Accord and Camry buyers. The new Taurus has an updated, but a distinctively conservative, look. Taurus also now comes with power-adjustable accelerator and brake pedals, so people of different heights can drive comfortably. A hot image car from Ford is arriving in 2001 model year: Thunderbird will be reborn as a retro 2-passenger roadster. Thunderbird went from a head-turning sports car in the 50s and 60s to a regular, uninspired mid-priced coupe. This spelled its demise in 1997. The 2001 T-Bird returns to its glorious, historic roots, in both looks and price. Consumers will recognize 1955 styling cues like porthole windows, round headlamps and a removable roof. The 2001 T-Bird is on Ford’s new rwd DEW platform, and will be produced with the Lincoln LS. It goes on sale next summer with much advance hype
GMC
Biggest development for 2000: an all-new full-size Suburban and Yukon, which, like their Chevy siblings, are based on the excellent new Silverado/Sierra pickup truck platforms. This platform was completely new for 1999. GMC is also expected to debut new heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 Sierra versions next summer as 2001 models. These will round out the varied Sierra line.
HONDA
2000 Honda S2000 Roadster
Honda unveils 2 very different, and two very innovative cars for 2000. The new S2000 roadster is a real marvel, and should give pricier rival offerings from BMW, Porsche and Mercedes, as well as a less-pricey Miata, some serious competition. Analysts rave on about its remarkable 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, that somehow manages to deliver excellent fuel economy, ultra-low emissions with an outlandish 240 hp. The flagship S2000 was designed to celebrate Honda's 50th anniversary, and move back to Honda’s sports car roots—what a present to the world. The engine features variable-valve timing (VTEC) and lift electronic control. Recently tested on a track against Boxster and Z3, critics raved that even at around $30,000, it might have equaled if not outperformed them. Honda is ramping this car up at a snail’s pace, and reports are it’s sold out for it’s first year here.
Honda will also debut Insight, the first ready-for-sale hybrid-powered car in the US. This gas-electric hybrid is a two-seater coupe, with a light aluminum chassis and design, that gets more than 70 mpg and qualifies as an ultra-low emission vehicle. It set to hit dealers in December, and despite all the forward-thinking, environmentally-conscious technology, it may be priced less than $20,000.
Further down the road, 2001 model year heralds a redesigned Civic coupe and sedan that are a little wider and longer, with a bigger engine. A Civic wagon may be in the works. Accord won’t be redone until 2002 model year, just when Camry is set for a redesign. CR-V is slated for a redesign in 2002, and will be based on the new Civic platform. A bigger interior, and more power are likely for the small SUV. Honda expects to make a SUV based on the Odyssey (mid-sized), but since that probably won’t happen until 2003 model year, Passport will continue to fill that void, and appears in 2000 with few changes. Odyssey is a huge hit, and no revamping is expected in the next few years.
HYUNDAI
2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
For 2000 model year, expect a fresh look for Tiburon and a face-lift for the entry-level Accent this fall. The next-generation Accent, due in 2004, will share a platform with a Kia car. The new looks for Tiburon call to mind the Turbulence show car shown at the last Seoul Motor show. Bigger news is a little further off: In 2001 model year, Hyundai will offer their first SUV, and the 'Santa Fe' hits dealers next spring. Set to go head-to-head with Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, it will first arrive with a 4-cylinder to keep prices low. However, Hyundai will offer a 2.7 liter V6, with awd, priced at under $20,000, that will certainly out-power and out-price its rivals in the small SUV world. Elantra is redesigned in 2001, and the wagon will be dropped, leaving only the sedan. Hyundai has also committed to building a luxury car for the US, due in 2002 model year. The idea may seem odd, but reports say it greatly resembles the Infiniti Q45, with many luxury features.
INFINITI
Nissan's luxury division is bent on re-making itself, and the first step, and the biggest news for 2000, is an all-new I30. Infiniti’s volume leader is moving further away from its Maxima twin, with new Japanese styling, a bigger body, and more power. The engine delivers an impressive 227 hp, and the interior is said to appeal to a younger buyer in the luxury car market. In February, the I30 will have a new navigation system as an option. The G20 gets some upgrades, including a boost in horsepower—up to 145. A serious redesign in 2002 will mean more power for G20, and less noise inside. In 2001 model year, the head-turning Q45 gets redesigned, and a 4.5 liter V8 (320 hp) returns. Reports say the new Q45 looks hint strongly at Mercedes E Class and S Class.
ISUZU
There’s not much to report for the 2000 Isuzu line, and bigger changes may come after this year. Isuzu is really still introducing its all-new VehiCROSS super-high-tech SUV, which hit the market this spring. A convertible version (in limited numbers) is being looked into, and the current VehiCROSS should be around until 2001. In 2002 model year, a new Trooper will debut, keeping its body-on-frame construction. In 2003 model year, both Hombre and Rodeo are due for a redesign. Rumors are circulating that Trooper and Hombre may be co-developed with GM platforms, but Isuzu is saying it wants to keep its own platforms for the vehicles.
JAGUAR
2000 Jaguar S-Type
Jaguar debuted its much more affordable, and still handsome S-Type sedan earlier this year, and it was one of the first vehicles to usher in the 2000 vehicle year. Jaguar enthusiasts may have been miffed that it shares a platform with the new Lincoln LS, but buyer’s wallets were all smiles. Hearkening back to classic Jag S-Type looks, this sports sedan brought a snooty Jaguar product to a wider audience, while paying homage to its venerable roots. Later this year a supercharged version of the XK8 is set to appear, and will house the identical 370-hp V8 in the current XJR. All the other XJ8s and XJ sedans get some upgrades for 2000, and an optional navigation system.
JEEP
DaimlerChrysler performed a costly and effective redesign on Grand Cherokee for 1999, and that new SUV is not expected to see changes for this model year. In 2001 model year, Jeep has a Cherokee redesign planned, and the new Cherokee is rumored to be only slightly more petite than the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Looks are borrowed from the 1997 Jeep Dakar concept vehicle, which features a tall stance and rounded headlights. The new aluminum 3.7 liter V6, part of the family of powerplants currently in the Grand Cherokee V8, is expected to reside in this new Cherokee. In 2002 expect a Wrangler redesign and some freshening to the popular Grand Cherokee. The Wrangler is expected to have new looks borrowed from the Icon and Jeepster concept trucks, and will be based on the new VJ platform. Even further down the (off)road, there may be a new full-sized SUV for Jeep, possibly dubbed the Grand Wagoneer, and it's expected in 2002 as a 2003 model. Grand Wagoneer was retired in 1993, but the new incarnation will be derived from the next Ram pickup platform, with three rows of seats to fight Ford Expedition.
KIA
For 2000, Kia will debut a Sephia GTS, which is a sportier Korean version of the Sephia sedan. Sephia will be redesigned for 2002 and will then feature a 2.2 liter 4-cylinder. That will be the last Kia-engineered platform for the sedan, as the next version will share platforms with Hyundai Elantra. In 2001 Kia is expected to bring a little sedan here, that was once marketed as Ford Aspire, which will provide no-nonsense transportation with 4 doors at a rock-bottom price. In 2002 or 2003, Kia is expected to leap into the minivan market with Sedona, a 7-passenger van with a 3.5 liter V6 Hyundai engine and a price under $20,000 that should challenge other import minivans. Sedona is derived from the old 626 platform, and was initially scheduled to arrive as a 2001 model. However, the Korean automaker wanted to re-engineer it for the bigger, more powerful engine, and had to go back to the lab for fine-tuning.
LAMBORGHINI
Lamborghini enthusiasts have been hearing about a new Super Diablo coming around the bend, but in 2000 they can expect numerous updates to the current Diablo. An improved interior, and an even more powerful engine are notable. The V12 engine now delivers a shocking 500 horsepower, and these significant revisions have been underwritten and funded by the Italian maker’s new controlling company--Audi. Pop-up headlights on Diablo are history for 2000.
Check back in the next issue for 'Land Rover to Volvo…' |
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