DaimlerChrysler/ Dodge

Just as the all-new 2002 Dodge Ram-and the previous generation Ram introduced in 1994-added a much needed dose of style to the full-size pickup truck market, the Ram SRT-10 brings a massive dose of Viper power with a class-demolishing 500 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque.

Already introduced at the Los Angeles show, the SRT-4 was presented. Based on the concept vehicle first introduced two years ago at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2003 Dodge SRT-4 combines performance with sweet features inspired by the street racing scene. The result is a vehicle that accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.9-seconds straight out of the factory, making it the second quickest car in the Dodge lineup - - only the Dodge Viper is quicker.

Ford

Porsche

The 2002 Porsche 911® Targa and 2002 911 Carrera® 4S made their North American debuts at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new models expand the number of 911 series cars to seven, following the introduction of the 2002 turbocharged GT2 flagship model this past fall.

.
The 2002 911 Targa continues a tradition of open-air 911 motoring that began for North American customers in 1967. This newest version updates a sliding glass roof design first used on the previous-generation 911 Targa, offered in 1996 and 1997. The new 911 Targa arrives in Porsche dealerships in February with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $75,200 ($109,000 in Canada).

The 2002 911 Targa shares the new 320-horsepower, 3.6-liter engine, Turbo-inspired front-end design and interior enhancements with the 2002 911 Carrera models. Replacing the 911 Carrera 4 Coupe in Porsche's North American lineup, the 2002 911 Carrera 4S combines the 320-horsepower 911 Carrera engine with the all-wheel-drive chassis, brakes, basic body design and feature content of the 911 Turbo. The 911 Carrera 4S arrives in Porsche dealerships in February with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $80,200 ($117,500 in Canada).

Michelin/ Italian Designers

Three Italian concept vehicles made their North American debut to launch the worldwide Michelin Challenge Design competition. 

The Pininfarina Ford Start, Italdesign Giugiaro Maserati Buran and Bertone/SKF Filo Drive-by-Wire, unveiled within the Michelin booth at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2002, display the unique style, sophistication and artistry of Italian automakers. 

"These concept cars each make a vibrant statement about design aesthetics," said Steve Lash, manager of concept development and innovation, Michelin. "They get you excited; they symbolize the passion of this industry; they make you stop, stare and eager to get behind the wheel." Italian influence abounds within automotive design. 

The Italian artistic character originated more than 2000 years ago in Turin, and today is recognized as the visible emotion in Italian design. Turin is known as the center for automotive design and is home of the world's most prestigious design houses.

BMW/ Mini 

In preparation for the brand's U.S. launch this spring, MINI announced pricing at the Detroit International Auto Show for the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S.

Customers have a choice of three distinct option packages that make ordering a nicely equipped MINI Cooper or MINI Cooper S simple. The Premium Package and Sport Package are each only $1,250 and have exclusive options that, when combined, creates an ultimate premium offering. Adding the Cold Weather Package at $500 creates a fully equipped car for all seasons.

Mazda

Thanks to the compact dimensions of its new RENESIS rotary engine, the MAZDA RX-8, which has virtually the same exterior dimensions as the Porsche 911 Carrera, can accommodate four adults and luggage and deliver world-class sports car performance.

Mazda's rich sports car heritage is evident in the stylish MAZDA RX-8. After four decades of building some of the world's most respected sports cars, Mazda Motor Corporation's engineers set out to create a new sports car formula by blending three seemingly contradictory ingredients: strikingly original sports car styling, a superior blend of sports car handling and performance, ride comfort and practicality for four adults.

Nissan

Nissan revealed the production-model 350Z® sports car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, three years after the first Z Concept vehicle was rushed onto the North American auto show circuit as an initial styling and feasibility study. The new Nissan 350Z, which is scheduled to go on sale in the United States and Canada this August as a 2003 model, is poised to continue the Z heritage of design, performance and value that has remained unchanged since the original Datsun 240Z, introduced more than 30 years earlier.

www.autointell.com - The Web for Automotive Professionals

.
Homepage  News   Companies   Management  Events   Guestbook   Search
.