Special auto show report

Motor, Mar 2001 by Nash, Tom, Lypen, John

The 2001 North American International Auto how opened with all the blare and flair befitting the most important auto show on the continent. However, serious concerns and questions were on the minds of the more than 5000 media folk in attendance. To begin with, industry and financial analysts are forecasting a recession, and most automakers are bracing for a slowing of sales. While Ford seems to be weathering the storm so far, thanks to the income of its global operations, GM is starting to feel the effects and has put belt-tightening steps in place.

Things are even worse at crosstown rival DaimlerChrysler. The German/American hybrid lost nearly $2 billion last year and has begun chopping models, both current and future. The good of Jeep Cherokee is being replaced with the new Liberty-a smaller, pricier SUV Erased from the drawing boards are the Chrysler Hemi 300C that the press drooled over at last year's show and an anticipated version of a full-size Dodge sport/ute (a la Ramcharger). As DC scales back its plans, plants and people, it may be a while before we see another new vehicle roll off its assembly lines.

European manufacturers sell mainly luxury and upscale models in the U.S. and, as a result, don't expect a huge loss of sales. The Asian carmakers believe that their models are seen as economical, dependable vehicles and presume they may benefit from U.S. buyers choosing them over domestic vehicles.

Amid the gloom of dire economic predictions, many vehicles at the NAIAS brought applause and admiration from the media hype-types. Out of the more than 700 models on display, we've singled out a few that promise the biggest impact on the buying public and, therefore, the industry.

2002 MODELS

Ford Thunderbird

The long-awaited retro TBird, in its production form, was unveiled to public oohs and aahs. The beautiful new roadster, with an optional removable top, goes on sale this summer. It's powered by a 3.9liter DOHC V8 mated to a five-speed.automatic. The engine produces 252 hp at 6100 rpm and 267 ft-lb of torque at 4300 rpm. Fourwheel ABS with vented discs bring the 17-inch wheels to a stop. Even the exhaust has been tuned to recreate the distinctive Thunderbird sound.

Jeep Liberty

Originally designed to be slotted between the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, this brand-new sport/ute will now replace the Cherokee as Chrysler's entry-level SUV (the Wrangler being considered a recreational vehicle) Dubbed a "True Jeep," the vehicle has more than Do inches of ground clearance, a Command Trac 4WD system and a new independent front suspension, giving it impressive off-road capabilities.

Powering the off-roader is a brand-new 3.7-li er PowerTech V6 engine, which is based on the 1.7liter V8 found in the Gr nd Cherokee. The engine produces 210 ponies at 5900 rpm, with 225 ft-lb of torque at 4000 rpm. A 5.4liter four-banger will also be available.

Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac's newest model, the Escalade EXT joins the Lincoln Blackwood in the luxury SUT (Sport/Utility Truck) market. Sharing a platform with its sister, the Chevy Avalanche, the allwheel-drive EXT is powered by a unique high-compression edition of GM's 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine, pumping out 345 hp at 5200 rpm and generating 380 ft-lb of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine, designated LQ9, has special highflow, cast-aluminum heads that produce a high 10:1 compression ratio. A large 75mm throttle-body bore maximizes air intake, while a revised camshaft profile, with more lift, allows the engine to take full advantage of the increased airflow. An advanced Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system manages the operation.

The engine is linked to the 17-inch wheels via a new Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD (Heavy Duty) trans that has been redesigned to handle and distribute the increased horsepower and torque. Allwheel drive is achieved through a viscous coupling transfer case and traction control, which constantly monitors and adjusts torque to the wheels.

The EXT has a versatile seating/cargo area; a unique "midgate" can transform the second seating area to a 4x8foot cargo bed. Other features include OnStar, StabilTrak traction control, Road Sensing Suspension, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist and front side-impact air bags.

Mini Cooper

The bitsy British box is back. After an absence of 30 years, the cute little critter is returning to U.S. soil, thanks to BMW At 12 feet long with a 97-inch wheelbase, the new Mini is more stable than the original in steering, suspension and braking, via standard ABS. Frontal, side and head protection air bags, side-impact door beams and crumple zones help dispel the fear factor of small vehicles.

The Mini Cooper comes with a 115-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. A 160-hp supercharged version will arrive later this year in the Cooper S. Options include xenon headlights, traction control and-believe it or not-16and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Buick Rendezvous

Buick's first venture into the crossover SUV market has come in the form of the Rendezvous. The pretty sister of the Pontiac Aztek is designed and dressed to the level one expects from a Buick, and will be priced to reflect that. Power comes from a 3.4-liter OHV V6, which offers 185 hp through a Hydra-Matic 4T65-E four-speed transmission. The difference between this vehicle and the Aztek is that the Rendezvous offers more in the way of convenience, trim and safety features-not to mention the fact that it's easier on the eyes.