Special auto show report

Motor, Mar 2000 by Nash, Tom

Honda. Honda innovation was displayed in two concepts-the FCX fuel cell vehicle and the Spocket, a futuristic design that transforms from a convertible to a sport coupe or pickup. But the real news revealed at the show was that the new Honda Insight hybrid, which gets a whopping 70 mpg in highway driving, won't be the only Honda powered by the company's innovative gasoline-electric hybrid technology. Honda also will combine hybrid technology with the company's next-generation engine series, which is already coming to the U.S. market in 2001.

The Insight is the first hybrid to hit the streets and the only production car in the U.S, with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, which has generated dozens of patent-pending innovations for the carmaker. The system mates a permanent-magnet electric motor to a 1.0-liter internal combustion gasoline engine. The electric motor provides low-end torque for acceleration from a stop, while the gasoline engine kicks in when needed.

Coming Soon

Toyota. Toyota's all-new full-size 2001 Sequoia sport/ute (page 78, top) was unveiled at the show It shares its platform and 240-hp, 4.7-liter i-Force V8 engine with the Tundra pickup. It uses an independent double-wishbone suspension up front, with a unique five-link live axle with coil springs bringing up the rear. The big SUN, has room for eight passengers with three-way seat belts for all and curtain-shield side air bags.

Chrysler. Chrysler's 2001 minivans will be available as three different models: the Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country The minivans will offer a power-operated rear liftgate (page 78, bottom), which operates from either the key fob or from a button inside the vehicle. They'll also have dual-power sliding side doors with an industry-first inside-the-door motor. A manual override feature allows the doors to be operated manually, as well. The power doors also feature an obstacle-detection system when opening and closing. The front-seat console can be removed and placed between secondrow quad seats, or not used at all.

On the engine front, the 3.0-liter V6 will no longer be offered on Chrysler minivans. The 3.3-liter V6 gets a 15% power boost, to 180 hp, while the 3.8 V6 gets a 20% boost, to 215 hp. A new 230-hp, 3.5-liter V6 is due late in the model year. All 2001 minivans get new brake rotors with greater mass, while adjustable pedals are due to be added late in production. All-wheeldrive models will continue in Chrysler's minivan lineup.

Dodge announced it will join NASCAR's Winston Cup series and make its inaugural appearance at the 2001 Daytona 500. Dodge showed one of its pilot NASCAR racers, a bright red Intre pid, complete with a big, white Dodge logo on the hood. It was driven onstage by Ray Evernham, who is partnered with Dodge to oversee the two new race teams that will compete in NASCAR in 2001.

Evernham and his team will develop a car for final NASCAR approval this summer. Once the design is approved, the Dodge-Evernham partnership will build 28 more cars, with 14 going to each of the two teams.