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 FALL MODEL PREVIEW: IT'S A NEW MODEL
BONANZA FOR 2001!
20 October 2000
We're looking at a record year for new models in Canada. The most recent count for 2001 has reached 80 new cars, trucks, minivans and vehicles in between -- the so-called hybrid vehicles like the Pontiac
Aztek.
And talk about variety. From economy cars (four new models), to family cars (12 new models in all), to six hot sports and performance cars, to new minivans (five), sport-utility vehicles (17), station wagons (three), pickups (eight), luxury cars (9), sports coupes and sedans (10) and even half a dozen new vehicles that qualify as "green" entries into the marketplace.
Whew!
Talk about a bonanza, a deluge, a tsunami of new models. What's a buyer to do? Read on. Because we've sorted through the new models, defined them according to the same categories used by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada and prepared a quick rundown of each one.
You'll find that about two-thirds of the major new models for 2001 are cars, or something very close, such as Chrysler's PT Cruiser. There's plenty of added horsepower in most of the new models, although high-performance goodies like the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Jaguar XKR and Aston Martin Vantage DM7 lead the way.
Crossover or hybrid-type vehicles worth noting are the Audi Allroad Quattro, the Aztek and even Volvo's Cross Country. Toyota is attacking the truck market with a four-door Tacoma pickup and three new
sport-utes, including the biggest one in its history. It's called the Sequoia and it's based on the Toyota Tundra pickup.
But Toyota isn't the only manufacturer pushing hard into the sport-ute market. In fact, it's getting downright crowded out there.
Hyundai, for instance, is launching its first in North America, the Santa Fe, but there's also the new Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Acura
MDX, Mercedes-Benz ML55, GMC Yukon Denali, Subaru Outback H6... My, it's a long list.
Then we have pickups. The Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma which add four-door versions in 2001, just like the Tacoma. And Nissan's Frontier becomes supercharged. For minivans, we have all-new ones from
DaimlerChrysler, and General Motors Corp.'s minivans add new features, as do the Nissan Quest and the Ford
Windstar.
Confused? We'll fix that. Let's get to the details:
 Economy cars under $18,000:
Honda's new-generation 2001 Civic has a new look, of course, but it's also roomier inside. How much roomier? The Civic is now rated as a compact car according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. Sadly, Honda has axed the hatchback from the lineup. On the other hand, the new made-in-Canada Civic has more power from a larger,
1.7-liter, four-cylinder engine. But don't expect any drop in fuel economy. For the safety conscious, side air bags are a new option.
While we're talking about Honda, the 2001 Accord gets a styling tweak front and rear, and some 20 engineering refinements make the ride a little more quiet and improve safety. That is, like the rival Ford Taurus of last year, the 2001 Accord gets
dual-stage, dual-threshold frontal air bags that monitor seatbelt usage and crash severity to adjust air bag deployment during a crash.
On the Hyundai front, the Accent gets a horsepower jump to 105 from the larger 1.6-litre engine, compared to the former
92-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. And the new Accent gets better fuel economy. The Elantra's styling has been updated, but the wagon is gone from the lineup.
Kia launched the Rio at the end of the summer, the first 2001 model in Canada from this Korean manufacturer. Starting at $11,995 it's the least expensive small car in its class. The Rio hits all the right buttons for a small car. Nothing fancy, but the standard 96-horsepower, 1.5-litre engine has reasonable get-up-and-go.
The 2001 Nissan Sentra went on sale in the spring with new styling, more power a more size. It's so big the Sentra jumped up a size class from subcompact to compact. Not only that, this Sentra is much more refined and noticeably more powerful: the new standard engine, displacing
1.8-litres, is a four-banger that churns up 126 horsepower and 129 foot-pounds of torque.
Mazda's small car, the Protege, this year gets the use of a 130-horsepower,
2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine -- a power boost from 105 hp. In addition, Protege get a styling tweak, with new grille, headlights and hood, and updated interior trim.
Over at Saturn, the 2001 SC coupes arrived in late summer with new: lower body panels, clear lens headlamps,
wrap-around taillamps, wheel covers and integrated spoilers. All SCs remain the world's first and only
three-door coupes.
Inside, the Saturn SC1 and SC2 have instrument panels with a one-piece top cover for fewer squeaks and rattles. Door panels and center console also are redone, and sound systems and climate controls are updated. There's a revised antilock brake system, too, that reduces the noises that come when the system is activated.
Also new in 2001, Saturn plans to offer optional head curtain air bags for all its cars. The bags provide protection in side crashes.
Family cars under $25,000:
If you haven't yet heard about Chrysler's PT Cruiser, you really must get out more often. For you shut-ins, the original 2001 Chrysler has been out since spring, and the
retro-styled family car is red-hot. The long waiting lists have prompted DaimlerChrysler AG to announce a production boost, but those extra vehicles won't make a dent in present demand.
Not to be lost in all this Cruiser-mania, however, is the re-invented Chrysler Sebring lineup, which replaces the Chrysler Cirrus for 2001. The Sebring shares some styling cues with the larger Chrysler Concorde and comes with two new, more powerful engines, larger standard wheels and a stiffer body. For the first time, a curtain airbag is available as an option, too.
The most appealing Sebring powerplant is the four-door's uplevel engine -- a
200-horsepower, 2.7-litre, double overhead cam V6. This engine is also powering the
new-generation Sebring convertible that debuts in 2001. And there's the new Sebring coupe. It has sharper styling, more
four-cylinder and V-6 power, larger standard wheels and a quieter interior than its predecessor.
Honda will also introduce an up-level Civic with more goodies than the base model.
Kia, meanwhile, has a new family car called the MS coming.
From Volkswagen, the Golf 1.8T arrived earlier this year with its a 1.8-litre turbocharged
four-banger (150-hp). That's the same base engine you'll find in both the VW Passat and Audi A4. This is a very smooth turbo that, because it's compact and well-engineered, cranks out the power quickly with virtually no turbo lag. VW claims 0-100 km/h times in the 8.2-second range. Clearly it's a very good upgrade from the 2.0-litre
four-banger. The Golf, Passat, GTI and Jetta will offer head protection air bags later in 2001.
Family cars over $25,000:
We've already mentioned the PT Cruiser, which also comes in a luxurious version, as does the Sebring. Both also qualify as over-$25,000 family cars.
But we haven't mentioned the Hyundai XG300, this maker's new flagship sedan. The
front-drive, five-passenger XG300 will be the biggest, best-dressed Hyundai we've seen in North American yet. Price-wise, it will fit in above the Sonata. Power will come from a
192-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic.
 The wild styling of the Pontiac Aztek has certainly gotten lots of attention for this so-called a sport-activity vehicle or SAC. And while the Aztek shares much of its under-body architecture with the Pontiac Montana minivan - including its
185-horsepower, 3.4-liter, pushrod V6 -- this five-passenger vehicle is no conservative minivan.
Among the interesting Aztek features is a removable centre console that doubles as a cooler, an optional sliding rear cargo tray that can support up to 181 kilograms. or 400 pounds and an optional camping package that comes with a strap-on tent and inflatable mattress. At launch, the Aztek is being sold only as a front-driver, but late this year an excellent
all-wheel drive system arrives.
The all-wheel-drive system in the 2001 Passat 4Motion is a superb bit of engineering, one designed to reduce the perils of driving on slippery roads. The car's design is handsome and the materials and textures in the roomy cabin are top-grade.
On the safety side, the Passat has earned five-star crash test ratings for driver and passenger. And the 190-horsepower V6 delivers enough power, though the added weight (109 kg./240 lbs.) of the all-wheel system slows things down compared to strictly front-drive
Passats.
Also from VW, the Jetta 1.8T qualifies as a new model thanks to the more powerful engine. The rest of the car remains the same, though.
As for Volvo, its S40 (sedan) and V40 (wagon) are loaded with the kind of safety stuff you'd expect from Volvo and there's also "Euro-cool" styling. For power, the only engine for the 40-series cars is a turbocharged,
1.9-liter four-banger rated at 160 horsepower. This powerplant supplies surprisingly balanced oomph. Acceleration is pretty much on par with V6-powered rivals and considerably better than what you get from competitive cars with non-turbo four-cylinder engines. Look for 0-100 km/h times of about 8.5 seconds from a wagon that tips the scales at 1,280 kg. (2,821 lbs.).
Luxury coupe/sedan:
BMW is adding optional all-wheel drive to its popular 3-series for 2001. The all-wheel-drive system comes from the X5
sport-ute. The 330XI is powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder rated at 225 horsepower. That new engine replaces the 193-hp, 2.8-litre six in all up-level 3-series sedans. The
2.5-litre six-cylinder has 184 horsepower now, up from 170, and it's the engine in the base 3-series model. The new
2.5-litre engine in the 3-Series also makes its way into BMW's Z3 line this year.
At rival Mercedes-Benz, there's a new lineup of C-class cars that some are referring to as the "baby
S-class." Part of the reason is styling that takes its inspiration from the S cars, not to mention the higher level of refinement.
The C240 and C320 models are powered by a 215-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 and a new,
168-horsepower, 2.6-liter V-6, respectively. The base transmission is a manual
six-speed manual standard on the C240. A five-speed Touch Shift automatic is optional.
General Motors may have waited six years to re-invent the Aurora, the Oldsmobile image car, but the end product is a competent, handsome sedan with very good road manners and a choice of two engines: 215-horsepower V6 and 250-hp V8.
Jaguar's XJ Series sedans get new standard equipment, including reverse park control, while the
S-Type get some minor equipment upgrades, too.
Over at Audi, horsepower rises to 170 in the A4 models with the 1.8-liter, turbocharged
four-cylinder engine.
In the summer, Lexus launched a compact sport sedan, the IS300. It has very aggressive styling and a 215-horsepower six-cylinder engine. The IS300 is aimed a the BMW
3-Series. It sets itself apart with a sharply wedged silhouette and jazzy instruments that look inspired by a Swiss chronograph.
Meanwhile, at Lincoln plan is to make available telematics and communications systems that include cell phones, voice controls and
24-hour emergency service.
Prestige cars over $55,000:
The BMW 330Ci Cabriolet has all the updates of the rest of the 3-series, and a fine, nicely sealed convertible top, too. BMW has also upgraded the 530i. Audi is launching a long wheelbase version of the A8 luxury sedan. The largely aluminum A8 is a superb driving machine, with loads of luxury features. Power comes from a
360-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8.
Early next year, Infiniti's new Q45 flagship sedan is expected to arrive, re-engineered and redesigned as a 2002 model. The new Q45 will come with a
4.5-litre, double overhead cam V8 developing 340 hp. and 333 foot-pounds. Expect the Q45 to zoom to 100 km/h in less than six seconds.
In 2001, Cadillac will be the first automaker to offer Internet connectivity in vehicles. The
so-called Infotainment system comes with a Bose audio system and will be available in early 2001 for the 2001 Cadillac Seville and DeVille cars.
The system is voice-controlled and can, among other things, download and read text
e-mails to occupants in the car. Integrated into the system are a navigation system and a voice memo recorder to store thoughts for retrieval later. The Seville STS also gets a new ride and handling package for 2001.
This fall, a third-generation Lexus flagship sedan arrives. The 2001 LS430 comes with a more spacious interior than its predecessor, a smoother, quieter ride and a bigger,
higher-powered engine. The LS430's 4.3-litre V8 is rated at 290 horsepower and can get this big sedan up to 100 km/h in less than 6.5 seconds.
Some very cool LS430 features: power adjustable rear seatbacks, sunshades, rear air conditioner with its own air purifier and power door and trunk closers. Sometime next year there's rumour of a V9-powered Lexus convertible going on sale in the spring, although it's not clear whether this vehicle will be sold in Canada.
Sports coupe/sedan under $30,000:
The Acura 1.7EL is a Canadian-only upgraded version of the Honda Civic, which, of course, is all-new for 2001. What's true of the Civic is true for the 1.7EL, just stir in a lot of luxury extras. Meanwhile, the Honda Civic Si coupe...well, enough about Honda. The same for the Nissan Sentra SE, a dressed up edition of the entry-level Nissan.
The Chrysler Neon R/T is a very sporty version of the entry-level Chrysler, while the VW GTI 1.8T is a very sporty version of the Golf.
Ford Motor Co.'s Mercury division has been somewhat orphaned in the Ford universe, but we should mention that the 2001 Cougar gets updated with new front and rear fascias. A Cougar S model is expected later in the model year, powered by a
196-horsepower, 2.5-litre V6 and riding on 17-inch wheels.
 Sports coupe/sedan over $30,000:
The 2001 Acura CL coupe was launched earlier this year and has been out since early this year. Meantime, the Mercedes
S-Class and CL-Class get a V-12. The S600 and CL600 come with a new-generation,
362-horsepower V-12.
Volvo enters the sports sedan fray with a replacement for the S70 sedan. The 2001 five-passenger S60 shares its roofline with the C70 coupe, an aggressively elegant design that provides surprisingly good headroom for rear seat passengers.
But it's worth noting that under that four-door, cab-forward S60 skin is the superb platform of the S80 sedan. In the shorter-wheelbase S60, this platform contributes to incredible chassis rigidity, and consequently the handling is a revelation.
Power- The base car has a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter, naturally aspirated, dual overhead cam
five-cylinder; the mid-level car has a 197-horsepower, 2.4-liter, light-pressure turbo
five-cylinder; and the high-performance car has a 247-horsepower, 2.3-liter
high-pressure turbo five-cylinder.
Sports and performance cars:
 The 2001 Audi TT Roadster (225-hp.) arrived in early 2000, so it's familiar to most buyers. The Mercedes-Benz SLK320, which went on sale in the summer, is powered by the same 215-horsepower V6 that drives the E320 sedan, among others. Not only does it give the SLK serious jump, it growls very nicely when you stomp on the throttle. Expect 0-100 km/h times in the seven-second range with the six-speed manual transmission.
The Mazda Miata roadster gets its largest horsepower increase since it was introduced in 1989. For 2001, the
two-seater gets a new, four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing that's rated at 155 horsepower. This roadster also has a new front bumper and new headlights and taillights. Inside, there are reshaped seats.
From Chevrolet, the Corvette Z06 brings an amazing 385 horses to the party for 2001. It's a truly astonishing performance car, yet one very easy to handle and live with in every day commuter traffic. Credit the rigid body structure and loads of high-tech features. The 2001 Corvette Z06 is powered by an updated
5.7-litre, LS6 V-8 that puts out 385 horsepower and 385 foot-pounds of torque.
Combined with a stiffer suspension and improvements in the two-seat sports car's stability control system, the new model is the quickest and
best-handling Corvette ever.
Jaguar launched the 370-hp. XKR late last year, but for 2001 it gets more upgrades. The XK on which the XKR is based, both coupe and convertible, are freshened, front and back, with new front bumper and
taillamps. Inside, the seats offer more support, there are power headrests and new control switches, and the side airbags now are integrated into the seatbacks. As well, an XKR Silverstone debuts as a coupe and a convertible. The sleek Silverstones ride on
20-inch wheels and have unique interior trim.
Ford-owned Aston Martin, ultra-luxury, ultra-exclusive, plans to launch a new flagship Vantage DM7 model capable of 288 km/h (180 mph). How so? Under the hood is a
420-horsepower, 6.0-litre V12 mated to six-speed, close-ratio, manual transmission. There's also a
five-speed automatic that lets the driver select individual ratios through a
floor-mounted shift lever or via a Touchtronic push button.
The high-tech body and chassis are made of aluminum, carbon fibre and composite materials bonded together. No mere sheet metal here.
As we noted earlier, the BMW Z3 roadster 3.0i replaces the Z3 2.8 and the Z3 coupe 2.8 becomes the Z3 coupe 3.0i for 2001. There's also a
super-sporty BMW M3 is due in 2001. Meanwhile, over at Mercedes, the S-, CL and CLK lines will all get
high-powered AMG versions in the coming model year. The S55 AMG and CL55 AMG get a
349-horsepower, AMG 5.5-litre V-8. The same engine develops 342 horses in the new CLK55
AMG.
Of course, earlier this year Porsche's new flagship, the 911 Turbo, had its debut in the summer as a 2001 model. Its
3.6-litre, twin-turbo, horizontally opposed six-cylinder puts out an amazing 415 horses. Peak torque is 413
foot-pounds is available from 2,700 rpm to 4,600 rpm. A six-speed manual is standard, but for the first time in a 911 Turbo, Porsche also offers a
five-speed, Tiptronic S automatic as an option.
But beyond the power, able to rocket this all-wheel-drive sports car from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, the 911 Turbo is loaded with techno-goodies. There's stability control system, unique,
bi-xenon headlights for both low and high beams and a new, two-piece, rear stabilizer wing whose top part activates only at speeds above 120 km/h. Of course it is not legal to go that fast on Canadian roads, so no one would dare try in the 911 Turbo, right?
 Intermediate sport-utility vehicle:
The 2001 Dodge Durango R/T is a big-wheeled, tight-suspension version of the popular mid-size
sport-ute. In red it looks great.
Nissan has answered the critics demanding more horsepower with an engine upgrade for the 2001 Pathfinder
sport-ute that went on sale earlier this year. Rated at 250- or 240-hp., depending on manual or automatic transmission, the Pathfinder is powerful enough to tow a good size trailer. There are also some styling upgrades to consider. The Pathfinder is also expected to get new options, including a navigation system and rear entertainment center. But already the push button,
all-mode, four-wheel-drive system that's in the Infiniti QX4 is being made available in the 2001 Pathfinder.
At Subaru, the Outback has more power, too. The new Outback H6-3.0 VDC is the first Subaru to offer a stability control system that automatically helps maintain traction and directional stability. It also gets a high-powered audio system. But the heart of this story is the horizontally opposed
six-cylinder engine that has been long anticipated. The 3.0-litre, double overhead cam powerplant puts out 212 horses and 210
foot-pounds of torque.
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sport Trac has been on sale for several months. Part Explorer, park pickup, the Sport Trac offers
five-passenger seating with a shortened pickup bed in back.
At Isuzu, the 2001 model year marks this company's 85th anniversary. To mark the occasion, expect to see anniversary editions of both the Trooper and Rodeo. The 2001 Trooper's anniversary package is expected to include
limited-production white pearl paint, a Nakimichi sound system, leather and wood trim inside and
12-spoke alloy wheels.
The 2001 Rodeo Anniversary Edition is expected to come with two-tone paint, chrome tube steps, leather and wood trim interior, power moonroof and upgraded audio system among other items.
The popular Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a new, five-speed automatic transmission for 2001. Mated to a
235-horsepower, 4.7-litre V8, the Grand Cherokee a second overdrive ratio for better fuel economy on highway drives and less noise. In the cabin, Grand Cherokee's trim is updated slightly.
 Compact Sport-utility vehicle:
Toyota was one of the first with a small sport-ute several years ago, and now its time to introduce the
second-generation RAV4 in 2001. The new RAV is longer, wider and taller, than the 2000 model and has a more rugged, less playful look. Under the hood is a new,
148-horsepower, 2.0-litre four-banger with variable valve timing.
The Ford Escape also joins the small sport-utility mix for 2001. It offers the most interior room in the small
sport-ute class and a choice of two engines.
The base 2.0-litre four-cylinder generates 130 horsepower and the 3.0-litre V6 is rated at 200 hp. The
four-door, five-passenger Escape is available with front-wheel drive or a new
full-time four-wheel-drive system called Control Trac II.
Over at Hyundai, the biggest news is the 2001 Santa Fe. It's the first
sport-ute developed by Hyundai for North American buyers. The styling is strong and distinctive, and, of course, the Sante Fe is available with
four-wheel drive. Engine choices? Only one, a 185-hp., 2.7-liter V-6. The Americans will also get a
150-hp., 2.4-litre four and a.
As the summer started, Mazda's new sport-ute, the Tribute, arrived as a 2001 model. A sibling of the Escape, it's priced along the lines of a small sport utility like the Honda
CR-V but is offered with choice of a 130-horsepower, 2-litre four or 200-horsepower,
3-liter V-6.
At Chevy, the Tracker gets a V6 for the first time. Its new, 2.5-litre, double overhead cam V6 provides 155 horsepower.
For the Jeep Wrangler, the soft top has been made thicker, more durable and quieter this year than in the past. There are new antilock brakes and new skid plate for the fuel tank. Inside,
tilt-steering is now available, as is a storage helper called Add-a-Trunk.
Anticipating a complete makeover due next year, the Cherokee is expected to come with only one engine in 2001. It's a
190-horsepower, 4-litre, inline six. The 125-horsepower, 2.5-litre four-cylinder is expected to be offered no longer.
For Toyota, 2001 is truly a truck year. Expanding the number one Japanese automaker's lineup of trucks is mid-size 2001 Highlander. Available in
full-time four-wheel drive, it promises car-like ride and handling along with the versatility of a sport utility. There will be two engine choices: A
220-horse, 3.0-litre, dual overhead cam V6 and a four-cylinder engine.
Nissan has been riding sport-utes and trucks to record sales for the last 18 months, and to keep that roll going the 2001 Xterra's instrument panel is redesigned.
The 2001 Subaru Forester has had its debut with new front and rear bumpers,
multi-reflector headlights and chrome grille designed to give it a more upscale appearance.
Luxury sport-utility vehicle:
The big Acura news is the arrival of the made-in-Canada MDX, the first Acura sport-utility vehicle. Power comes from a
240-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard and Acura calls it a variable torque management system. The system automatically transfers power from front to rear wheels when traction is needed. Plenty of equipment is standard on this
sport-ute based on the Honda Odyssey minivan.
Audi will launch a new crossover vehicle for 2001, based on the station wagon version of the Audi A4. The Allroad Quattro gets a
beefed-up body, a 250-horsepower, 2.7-litre, bi-turbo V6 engine and self-adjusting,
four-position air suspension that adjusts its height based on driver demand, vehicle speed and road conditions. In fact, the suspension can vary the Allroad ride height between 14.2 cm. (5.6 in.) and 20.8 cm. (8.2 in.). The Allroad's rivals don't offer this high-tech gizmo.
From BMW, the 2001 X5 arrives with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine and a lower price than the V8-powered X5 launched last year. Volvo has completely updated its Cross Country wagon with new styling, more features and an all new chassis based on the S80 sedan.
A new, upscale sport-ute in the GMC lineup for 2001 wears the Denali badge and it's a new version of the
eight-passenger GMC Yukon XL line. The Denali XL boasts a 320-horsepower, 6.0-litre
V-8, full-time four-wheel drive and all manner of luxury appointments, including a Bose Acoustimass sound system.
The 2001 Infiniti QX4 sport-ute arrived in the spring with its new styling and a powerful
240-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 that puts out 70 percent more power than its predecessor.
At Buick, a crossover vehicle called the Rendezvous will arrive early next year as a 2002 model. It's a version of the Aztek and will use the same Versatrak
all-wheel drive system and 185-horsepower, 3.4-liter V-6. But unlike the
Aztek, the Rendezous will offer the option of
third-row seating.
Early in 2001, the 2002 Escalade is due. It's the first remake of the luxury Cadillac
sport-ute since its introduction in the 1999 model year. The new model is restyled with a big chrome grille and chiseled looks. The
all-wheel-drive 2002 Escalade will be powered by a new, 345-horsepower, 6.0-litre V8.
The story about Ranger Rover was Ford's purchase of this luxury truck maker from BMW in May. But on the product front, the
222-hp., 4.6-litre V-8 will be standard on all Range Rovers, and nomenclature is adjusted to reflect this change with 4.6 SE and 4.6 HSE models offered for 2001. The upscale 4.6 HSE comes with a redesigned satellite navigation system that includes a mapped,
bird's-eye view of the vehicle location as well as a "bread crumb" mode to help
off-road travelers retrace their tracks.
A new premium audio system is standard on the 4.6 HSE, and there's a no-cost option that matches carpet and seat piping colors to exterior paint. Speaking of sound systems, the Land Rover Discovery Series II will get a new,
220-watt audio system.
 In the 2001 Suburban, Chevy replaces the 7.4-litre V8 with a 340-horsepower,
8.1-litre V-8 that generates up to 455 foot-pounds of torque. The smaller
V-8, the 6.0-litre, gets more horsepower -- 315.
For Toyota, the new model year marks the arrival of Toyota's first mainstream,
full-size SUV. Built on the platform of Toyota's full-size Tundra pickup, the
eight-passenger Toyota Sequoia is larger and roomier than Toyota's current big
sport-ute, the
five-passenger Land Cruiser that isn't sold in Canada.
The Sequoia is powered by the same 4.7-litre, i-Force V8 that's in the Tundra, but in the new sport utility, the engine develops a maximum 240 horses and 315
foot-pounds of torque.
Early in 2001, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada will arrive. The re-engineered and restyled
sport-ute will be 25.4 cm. (10 in.) longer and almost 13 cm. (five in.) wider than the current
Bravada.
But the more critical news is the debut of a new General Motors Corp. engine
-- a 4.2-litre, inline, Vortec six-cylinder with at least 250 hp. and 250
foot-pounds of torque. It promises to be a gem.
Also, the entire Jimmy sport-ute line changes its name to Envoy with the start of early 2002 model production in January. The new Envoy will be a sibling of the 2002 Oldsmobile
Bravada.
Pickup trucks:
Meantime, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra will begin coming in heavy-duty versions for 2001. These
three-quarter- and one-ton models come with regular, extended and crew cabs. Two gasoline
V-8s and one diesel V8 will be available.
GMC also introduces a Sierra C-Series this fall. Company officials call the
C-3 a professional-grade pickup. It has as an extended cab, half-ton model with a
325-horsepower, 6.0-litre V8, a new, heavy-duty automatic transmission,
full-time all-wheel drive, 17-inch wheels, performance-tuned suspension and special body trim.
Ford's Ranger compact pickup gets a makeover for 2001, with new styling, better ride and handling and a new,
205-horsepower, 4.0-litre, single overhead cam V-6 among the engine offerings.
Ford will also offer the F-150 SuperCrew in two new models. The Harley Davidson edition has special chrome accents, embroidered leather seats and a
one-of-a-kind Harley rumbling exhaust tone. The SuperCrew's King Ranch edition includes a bevy of luxury appointments including
rear-seat captain's chairs, lighted running boards and special leather embossed seats.
Lincoln's first pickup truck -- a four-door model called the Blackwood -- is slated for a 2002 model year debut, sometime in the first half of 2001. The Blackwood has a pickup bed adorned on the outside by a composite material and brushed metal stripes. There are also
18-in. aluminum wheels, low-profile tires, Dutch rear doors and a host of interior comforts. Power comes from the Blackwood's
300-hp., 5.4-litre V8.
As mentioned above, the Tacoma pickup gets begins coming in a four-door Double Cab version. Mazda's
B-Series trucks get two new engines with more horsepower - a new 2.3-liter four delivers 134 horsepower, up nearly 13 percent from its predecessor, while a new
205-horsepower, 4.0-litre V-6 does duty in the B4000.
At Nissan, the 2001 Frontier morphs into a boldly styled, supercharged performer. The truck gets a new front end with aggressive fascia, hood, bumper, grille and headlamps. In the rear, the tailgate and badging is changed, and inside, the interior is updated.
Under the Frontier hood, there's a new engine offering, starting in November. It's a
3.3-litre, single overhead cam, supercharged V6 capable of producing 210 horsepower and up to 246
foot-pounds of torque. This marks the first factory-installed supercharged engine available in the class.
Minivans:
Coming next year, the Chevy Venture minivan will get a new grille and front fascia. Extended wheelbase Ventures will offer an optional,
left-hand, power sliding door, and inside, a third-row, stowable bench seat is available.
But the most important minivan news focuses on Chrysler's new-generation minivans. The Dodge Caravan and upscale Chrysler Town & Country have been reworded from stem to stern. Power, for instance, is now provided by new, more powerful engines, including a
230-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that will be available later in the model year.
Both vans are restyled for a richer look and are offered with a wealth of new features, such as power sliding doors, power rear
liftgate,
three-zone temperature controls, pop-up cargo organizer and removable, powered center console. Of course, the sheetmetal is new, too.
Not to be left behind, the 2001 Windstar boasts updated styling and more safety features. The new Windstar becomes the first minivan to add a vehicle stability control system and the first to offer power, adjustable accelerator and brake pedals. There also are new,
side-door-open warning strobes that alert other drivers of an open minivan door.
While it will be phased out in 2003, the Nissan Quest for 2001 gets a new front fascia and grille.
Green Vehicle:
The long-awaited, high-tech Toyota Prius began arriving in the summer. The second hybrid car offered for sale in the United States by a major automaker, the
five-passenger Prius sedan is about the size of a Corolla.
Power comes from a 1.5-litre gasoline engine teamed with an electric motor. The combination hybrid
powerplant, where the
33-kilowatt electric motor helps boost torque and the 70-hp., 1.5-litre, gasoline engine provides
long-range power, gives the Prius amazing fuel economy.
Honda's Insight also came to market earlier this year. It's an extremely lightweight two-seater with a smaller gas engine than the
Prius. Ford is also showcasing a natural gas Crown Victoria CNG and electric Ranger EV model for 2001. And emissions for the 2001 Sentra and BMW 330Ci are so low, company officials are referring to them as "green" vehicles.
Whew! That's a lot of new models. And no doubt there will be more news to come as the year unfolds.
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 CANADIANS TO GET NEW
MINI IN 2002
15 September 2000
Oops! So much for the best-laid plans of BMW AG.
Yes, the details were supposed to remain secret until the end of September at the Paris Auto Show. But trying to keep details about the
all-new, BMW AG-made Mini Cooper has proven to be impossible. And that means we now know what the
all-new Mini looks like, and we have a pretty good idea how much it will cost when it goes on sale in
Canada in the spring of 2002: $25,000-$29,000 (Europeans get it in 2001). Those prices assume, of course, that the Canadian dollar doesn't
continue its slide towards Monopoly-money status.
Regardless, we can assume that BMW Canada is thrilled about the prospect of marketing a car with the same kind of emotional appeal as
the Volkswagen Beetle. We all know what the New Beetle did for VW, right? Well, BMW is hoping to capture that same magic 20 years after the
last Mini was sold in Canada (a version of the Mini was offered in Europe until the end of last year, when production ended).
To back that up, analysts expect the Oxford, England plant where the Mini will be built to spit out 150,000 cars a year for worldwide sale.
That's 50,000 more in yearly sales than VW planned for the New Beetle at its launch.
BMW, of course, got the rights to the Mini when it paid US$1.4 billion for Rover PLC back in 1994. Rover proved to be a complete,
multi-billion-dollar disaster, and BMW sold Rover cars -everything BUT the new Mini
-- to a British Consortium for 10 pounds (about $22) in early May. The next day, Ford Motor Co. bought Land Rover and its
sport-utility business for about US$2.9 billion. Confused? We all are. Get this: BMW will also start selling completely
new Rolls-Royce models, produced in a completely new plant, in Jan. 2003.
What we can be sure of is that the Mini we see in 2002 will be much more car than any of the 5.3 million Minis that came before it - a model
that almost 10 months ago was named the European Car of the Century by
an international panel of judges. "The Mini has grown up to be a Maxi," says Hendrik von
Kuenheim, President and CEO of BMW's Canadian operations.
"The new Mini is a perfect blend of lifestyle and performance - not a car for everyone, but
very suited for the urban Canadian lifestyle." BMW Canada is confident in the Mini's prospects to the tune of a $6 million expansion of its
Whitby, Ont. parts centre to accommodate the expected demand for Mini goods and accessories.
Power will come from a 1.6-litre dual overhead cam engine and BMW will equip the car with the full range of safety features, including head
airbags. It will also be considerably larger than the original Mini, which when it was launched on August 26, 1959 measured 10 feet in
lengt (3.048 metres), and was four ft. (1.2 m.) high and wide. It was sold by
the then-British Motor Corporation (BMC), which later morphed into British Leyland, Rover and all sorts of other things.
Why was the first Mini so small? Alec Issigonis, a chassis designer who was father of the Mini, created a tiny urban runabout (the smallest car
possible to hold four adults and luggage) in response to severe fuel rationing in Britain as a result of the Suez Crisis
-- a crisis nobly brought to an end thanks to the negotiating skills of former Canadian
Prime Minister Lester Pearson. Pearson, in fact, won the Nobel Peace Prize his work then as the Foreign Affairs Minister. But I digress. BMW is aiming to tap into the emotional power of the former model.
There's plenty of that, as all those Mini clubs out there attest to. At the same time, the new car will have all the latest in features and
technology.
"The (Mini) Cooper is not a retro-design car - rather, the Cooper stands for evolution," says chief designer Frank Stephenson. It has the
genes and characteristics of its predecessor, but at the same time is larger, more powerful, more muscular, and more exciting than its
predecessor ever was."
In order to appeal to buyers who want flair and expression in their transport, Stephenson says the Mini has a flowing design marked by four
main lines: the line between the windows and the side-sills, which makes the car look very wide and muscular; the roof line angled slightly
downward towards the rear, giving the Mini a powerful touch of dynamism and elegance; and the side line, giving the car a powerful,
road-hugging look from every perspective. In addition, windows extend all round the
car.
Better for visibility and offering a wide-open appearance. But it's the short hood and big lights up front that most harken back
to the original model. BMW will sell the Mini in 14 different (bright)
colours, although in true Mini fashion, the roof and exterior mirrors will be available only in white or black.
We don't have exact numbers yet on wheelbase, but BMW officials say they've made it "as long as possible." It will have standard
15-inch aluminum rims in white or silver. And lots of chrome trim. The cabin's main feature is a centre console with rotary knobs and
toggle switches. Buyers will be able to order leather or cloth upholstery. And given the Mini is aimed at younger buyers, BMW will
offer a range of customized sound systems. For safety, look for anti-lock brakes, dual front and side airbags and the aforementioned
head airbags.
The original Mini was a breakthrough with its independent suspension, but the coming model will go much further in the handling and braking
department. Disc brakes at all four wheels assure stopping power and the
multi-link rear axle is borrowed from other BMWs. Optional Xenon headlights will help drivers see where they're going at night and an
available navigation system should prevent excited new Mini owners from getting lost.
As launch day approaches, look for more Mini details to emerge. In fact, expect a steady drizzle of them. It's a proven tactic to build
marketplace excitement. And you better believe BMW is thrilled with the job.
CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE OWNED MINIS
Actors Peter Sellers and Peter Ustinov, musicians Sir Paul McCartney, Natalie
Imbruglia, Ringo Starr and David Bowie, model Kate Moss and race
car drivers Niki Lauda and Enzo Ferrari.
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VOLVO
PRICES NEW S60 SEDAN:
15 September 2000
The 2001 Volvo S60, which replaces the current S70, will go on sale November 15 with a starting price of $35,995. Volvo Canada president Ken Brusca says the S60, shorter than the S80 sedan and V70 wagon but larger than the S70, will be powered by a range of turbocharged five-cylinder engines...
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 NEW
COROLLA BOWS IN JAPAN:
15 September 2000
Toyota Motor
Corp. rolled out the latest version of the amazingly successful Corolla
economy car. This is the ninth time Toyota has remodelled the Corolla
since the world's best-selling car first went on sale in 1966. The new
Corolla has gone up market with European styling. And it won't go on sale
in Canada until next year. Rival Honda Motor Co. will launch a reinvented
Civic in October -- in Japan and Canada...
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 NISSAN'S REVIVAL COMES WITH NEW PRODUCTS:
15 September 2000
Nissan Motor Co. president Carlos Ghosn says the revival of his ailing company will be fuelled by new products - the latest of which recently went on sale in Japan. The Bluebird Sylphy is Nissan's first new vehicle in nine months in the Japanese market. Coming between now and the end of the year are a new, small recreation vehicle and completely updated versions of its Cima, a luxury car, and Primera, a small sedan. Nissan says the Bluebird Sylphy features a number of
cutting-edge environmental technologies making it "the world's cleanest
gasoline-fueled car." That would make it as clean as Nissan's Sentra CA sedan, which was certified by the California Air Resources Board last November as just such a car.
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BLAZING
A TRAIL WITH NEW SPORT-UTES:
15 September 2000
Pontiac/GMC has confirmed that its redesigned and larger midsize
sport-utility vehicle coming out for the 2002 model year will be called Envoy and will be offered only as a four door. The
two-door Jimmy sport-ute will be dropped after the 2001 model year. The 2002 Envoy will go on sale in the spring of 2001. GMC will continue to build
two-door Jimmys through June 2001 to have a supply during the switch before discontinuing the vehicle...Meanwhile, Chevrolet officials decline to discuss plans for the
two-door Blazer, a Jimmy sibling -- other than to say the Blazer "will continue for the foreseeable future." And the Chevy
TrailBlazer, formerly the Blazer, swells to midsize when it arrives next year as a 2002 model. TrailBlazer will be offered in two? and
four-wheel-drive versions. A new 4.2-liter, 260-horsepower V6 replaces the
4.3-liter, 190-h.p. V6 now in Blazer. A "premium smooth ride" version will sport
17-inch wheels. The Oldsmobile Bravada and GMC Envoy also become midsize; the Bravada gets the V6 while Envoy gets a
260-h.p. inline 6.
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 SPEAKING
OF TRUCKS:
15 September 2000
DaimlerChrysler AG will spend US$600 million to double the size of the
sport-utility-vehicle factory that builds M-class trucks in Alabama. Company officials say the expansion, to be finished by 2003, will allow the plant to produce a "family" of
sport-utes...
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 LOOK OUT JAMES BOND:
15 September 2000
Aston Martin's parent, Ford Motor Co., plans to build a new factory in the United Kingdom to boost production of its Aston Martin luxury sports cars. Aston Martin cars, made famous in the 1960s as James Bond's favourite wheels, play in the $200,000-plus range. But company officials say the new plant will turn out a new,
lower-priced model to extend the Aston Martin lineup with a model that fits between the DB7 coupe and Ford's Jaguar
XKR. That would give it a price in the $150,000 range. which sells for around 60,000 pounds. Aston Martin's flagship model, the V8 Vantage, fetches more than $300,000 on the showroom floor. Aston Martin expects to make about 900 DB7s and 100 Vantages this year. The new model is scheduled to roll off the assembly line in three or four years.
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