What To Check Out At the Show

Automotive Industries, Dec, 1999

Toyota shows its Sequoia for the first time. It's a sport-utility based on the newly introduced and highly successful Tundra full-size pickup truck. Toyota's Lexus Division shows the hybrid Prius for the flint time in North America It goes on sale next summer.

Mitsubishi introduces its 2001 Eclipse Spyder, but details are scarce. Opel finally brings the successful Zafira to North America, although it won't be sold here. Kia unveils a Sephia-based hatchback, called the in Korea, while Hyundai debuts the XG, a car already sold in Korea.

The 2000 Nissan Sentra is among those making their worldwide debut. The California Air Resources Board has certified the Sentra as the world's first gasoline-powered, super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV).

A turbocharged version of the Porsche 911 makes its first North American appearance. It has three large air scoops in the front, flared rear-wheel arches with integrated intercooler air intake ducts on the side and a new retractable rear wing mounted on a newly designed engine cover. It's powered by a 3.6L, flat-six that produces 420 hp and 413 lb.-ft, of torque. The water-cooled engine will propel the car from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds, from 0 to 99 miles per hour in 9.2 seconds and to a top track speed of 189 miles per hour.

Its standard features are a six-speed manual transmission, leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory, a three-spoke sports steering wheel and 18-inch light-alloy wheels. It is equipped with all-wheel drive and a stability management system.

So check out the show. Look at the new concepts. Pick out the ones you love and the ones that mean real competition. And, while you're at it, see if you can come up with a name for some of these new categories.

Worldwide Concept Introductions

Buick La Crosse Chevrolet SSR Ford Concept Ford Concept Ford Concept GMC Terradyne Infiniti Concept Jaguar Concept Mercury Concept Mitsubishi Sedan Concept Opel CVC

North American Concept Introductions

Ford 021C Lexus Sped Coupe Mazda RX-EVOLV Mercedes-Benz SLR

Worldwide Production Introductions

2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 2000 Nissan Sentra Ford Production Model Volvo Production Model

North American Production Intros

Hyundai XG Kia

Show Nuts and Bolts

Press preview: Sunday, Jan. 9, through Wednesday, Jan. 12 Supplier Preview: Thursday, Jan. 13, and the morning of Friday, Jan. 14 Charity Preview: Friday, Jan. 14 Public Show: Saturday, Jan. 15, through Sunday, Jan. 23 www.naias.com