2003 Chicago Auto Show
New Introductions
by Rick Smith and Stephen R. Jones
The purpose of any auto show is for auto manufacturers to "display their wares" and to "strut their stuff" to the car buying public. In addition to the current production models being shown, many daring concept vehicles and exciting new models are being displayed. Many manufacturers unveiled future products at this year's Chicago Auto Show. They were:
 | Acura Avanti BMW Chevrolet Daimler-Chrysler Dodge Ford General Motors Kia Mazda Mercedes-Benz | | |
|
Ford GT40 Concept
This Ford GT concept has more muscle in its carved
out hood scoops than a dozen muscle cars could muster
on a good day. But, if its classic too-fast-for-street
looks don't impress, just catch a glimpse of its
500 horses on display under the rear glass.
GT40 Concept Highlights:
- mid-mounted American
5.4-liter V-8
- six-speed manual transmission
- fiber-optic headlamps
- doors cut into the roof
- rear 19-inch Goodyear tires
- "ducktail" spoiler
- all-new aluminum spaceframe
- analog gauges and large tach
- limited availability in 2004
|
Click to Zoom
|
Click to Zoom
|
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
The U.S. debut of new E-Class sedan, the E55 AMG,
is a scorcher. A supercharged Kompressor V-8,
steering-wheel-mounted gearshift and a fast-acting
electronic throttle make this the fastest
production Mercedes-Benz ever.
E55 AMG Highlights:
- 5.5-liter supercharged V8 engine
- Formula One style steering-wheel-mounted gearshift buttons
- LED brake lights and optional bi-xenon headlights
with headlamp washers.
- Adaptive front airbags
- elegant wood and chrome trim
- Harman Kardon Logic 7 audio system
|
|
Mercury 2004 Monterey Minivan
Mercury introduced a brand new minivan platform
with some convenience features that you might
have seen only in luxury cars a few years ago.
But, some of the advanced safety features
seem snatched from the future.
2004 Monterey Highlights:
- Replaces Villager
- Same platform as Ford Windstar
- Power adjustable pedals
- heated and cooled seats
- forward and reverse object-sensing system
- tire-pressure monitoring system
- Dual powered rear doors
|
Click to Zoom
|
Click to Zoom
|
2004 Nissan Maxima Sedan
The all-new 2004 Nissan Maxima carves some
new style into the lines of the mid-size, 4-door
sports sedan. Its arched design extends from
its roofline to the slightly muscular chiseled
arches setting off the wheel wells.
2004 Maxima Highlights:
- Skyview Roof (front-to-back sunroof)
- Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 265 hp
- Drivetrain: Five-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
- EPA (city/hwy): 20/27 mpg
- Base price: $28,000
|
|
2003 Porsche Cayenne SUV
Porsche goes out on a limb (or should we
say nimbly over one?) by introducing its first sports
utility vehicle. But, while you might assume
this little hot chili pepper of an SUV would
be more sexy "sport" than tough "utility",
Porsche worked hard to defy that stereotype.
So, how can this pedigreed sports car hug the
curves in town and not eat rocks in the country?
On the freeway, the Cayenne's smart suspension
hunkers down over an inch below normal. But, take
your new Porsche off-road (gulp!) and its pneumatics
jack it up to allow nearly 11 inches of ground
clearance. Even better, the self-leveling traction
management kicks in to compensate for changing
terrain and cargo weight shifts. So your sweet
Porsche ride now extends past the edge of the
pavement.
2003 Porsche Cayenne Highlights:
- 4.5-liter V8
- new six-speed Tiptronic® S automatic transmission
- permanent four-wheel drive
- pneumatic suspension for six different ride heights
- self-leveling traction management
|
Click to Zoom
|
This year's Chicago Auto Show is America's Largest Auto Show and is being held in the 840,000 square foot McCormick Place South.
Dated: February 8, 2003
|
