DC Developing RX300 Fighter

Already well armed with the serious 4x4 vehicles in its Jeeps and Mercedes M-Class, DaimlerChrysler is also developing a car-based all-wheel-drive wagon.

Company officials admit privately that the new vehicle, coded CS, has been approved for production in the 2002 timeframe. It will compete with the successful Toyota Harrier.

Lexus RX300, the recently introduced BMW X5, and a host of other expected competitors. These so-called "crossover" vehicles combine the all-wheel drive of an SUV with car-like unibody architecture. Analysts expect their market segment to grow dramatically in the next five years. DaimlerChrysler's CS will be badged a Chrysler at first, with a Dodge version also expected.

"Don't expect it to look like the photo" (shown) that was taken clandestinely at DC's Auburn Hills, Mich., styling dome, says a knowledgable source. "That's just one of many proposals," the source claims. The Chrysler Citadel concept vehicle, on this year's auto show circuit, shows the basic direction of CS, insiders tell AI.

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