Description: You know it's rude to stare. But you just can't help yourself--every time you see it, your gaze locks onto the grill, sweeps along the sight lines and drinks in the spaceship-like interior. Take the wheels off and you may as well try to fly the thing. But really--who wants to fly when you can drive around the neighborhood in that beautifully molded creation of sheet metal, glass and rubber? Yeah. There sure is nothing like an Auto Show to get people thinking about new cars. Through April, the major automakers are gussying up their concept cars and production vehicles in the hope that one will capture the public's imagination in much the same way as the PT Cruiser and the New Beetle. Better luck next year, fellas. Though there are plenty of cool concepts and new cars out there, few seem to have the stuff to be crowned Next Big Thing. But you be the judge--check out the photos and On the Spot reviews courtesy of Autobytel.com. Concept: Chevy Borrego 2003 Ford Escape HEV 2002 Pontiac Vibe LA Show Photos Detroit Show Photos Chicago Show Photos Show dates and information
Chevy Borrego This is a vehicle for people who want a little bit of everything. Sports car performance with off-road capability? Yes siree, step right this way. Two-seater that can change into a family car? This is the one for you. "The Borrego has the agility of a rally car and the influence of Baja racers," said Frank Saucedo, director of GM's Los Angeles design studio. "We see it here (California) every day, a younger buyer moving out of a sport coupe and getting into a tricked up little truck--or in this case a crossover vehicle." The Borrego has a very bold, aggressive look and taps into the recent trend toward all-in-one utility vehicles. And by most accounts, the Borrego is positioned to make a splash in the twenty-something market. It remains to be seen, however, whether this do-it-all Chevy will do enough of everything to be liked by everyone--but not loved by the kids plunking down cash for a new car. Chevy Borrego: Tale of the Tape Engine: Displacement: 2.5 Liter Configuration: Subaru SOHC I-4 Horsepower: 250 hp Torque: 240 ft/lbs Aspiration: Turbocharged Transmission: 5 speed manual all-wheel drive Dimensions: Height: 61.0 (1500 mm) Length: 168.2 (4273.0 mm) Width: 71.6 (1820.0 mm) Wheelbase: 104.3 (2649.0 mm) Weight: 3500 (1496 kg) Next Big Thing Rating Interior: Configure your own interior almost sounds too good to be true. Great if it works as advertised. Looks: Bold and brave Power: Mule kick Handling: Low down and dirty Extras: GPS system, air compressor, pressurized water system…Is this a car or a tank? Next Big Thing: Maybe, but probably too focused on the twenty something crowd Ford Escape HEV Lots of people care about the environment. They just don't care enough to drive one of those freakish-looking electric cars. And that business with plugging in the car every night…who has a big enough extension cord for that job? Forget about it. Those people, and many others, will change their tune in 2003. That's when the Ford Escape HEV is scheduled to hit the market. How ironic…an SUV, notorious for its stinky disregard for clean air, will take the lead in low emissions. An SUV, with it's greedy gas guzzling, will become super efficient. Go figure. The Ford Escape HEV will feature an electric drivetrain that will add power to its gasoline engine. According to Ford, the HEV's power will compare to a standard V-6 Escape. Regenerative braking helps to recharge the battery, so none of that nasty plugging-in is necessary. What makes the HEV super clean, however, is the virtually instant start-stop capability of its injury--an important consideration when driving in traffic. What's unique about this car isn't the technology behind the engine, or even the powertrain. Honda and Toyota already have hybrids available. With the Escape HEV, Ford has been able to wrap a family car around clean running, fuel efficient technology. Escape HEV: Tale of the Tape Performance Specs Battery: nickel-metal hydride, 300 volt Estimated miles per gallon: 40 miles per gallon in city driving Estimated miles per tank of fuel: 500 miles Power: Similar to an Escape equipped with a V-6 engine. 4x4 capability Electric motor: 65 kW permanent magnetic electric motor with an 28kW generator and an Atkinson cycle variant of the Escape's Zetec four-cylinder engine. Emissions Rating: Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) under California emissions standards. Stage IV emissions requirements in Europe prior to the 2005 deadline. Next Big Thing Rating Interior/Looks: Same as the standard Escape Power: Expected to be average V-6 power Handling: Same as the standard Escape Clean Air: SULEV rating Gas Mileage: 40 in the city, 500 on a tank of gas Next Big Thing: Should be, but not with the Explorer HEV on its heels.
2002 Pontiac Vibe Well, it's not the Aztek. And thank God for that. The Aztek won fans with its functionality, but my oh my, those looks... The Vibe is, in contrast, a slick looking SUV with so-so functionality. Consider it a cross between a Ford Focus and a Nissan Exterra...or perhaps just what it is: an entry level car with electric outlets. No one really explains why a kid would need 110-volt household outlets in a car. Oh well. The things kids really need on four wheels are here, however, so that helps: a rugged interior with ample cargo space, and front seats that have plenty of room. Indeed, the feeling is one of dual cockpits. Sight lines are good, as they should be for this size and style of car. Pontiac Vibe: Tale of the Tape Engine: 1.8 liter DOHC 16 valve four-cylinder Horsepower: 130 hp (96.9 kw) @ 6000 rpm Torque: 125 lb.-ft @ 4200 rpm Fuel Economy: 27/32 mpg city/hwy Next Big Thing Rating Interior: Rugged interior with plenty of room. Looks: Sleek and smooth Power: Big Wheel Handling: Small SUV quality Extras: Outlet Next Big Thing: Not until they add a laundry hook up Auto Show Dates and Information Los Angeles Dates: January 6-14 Location: Los Angeles Convention Center Admission: $8.00 Contact: Detroit Dates: January 13-21 Location: Cobo Center Admission: $10.00 Contact: Chicago Dates: February 9-18 Location: McCormick Place South Admission: Adults $8 Contact: New York Dates: April 13-22 Location: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center Admission: Adults $9 Contact:
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