Newsbreak: Special auto show report

Motor, Mar 2002 by Nash, Tom

It was a most curious spectacle. The North American International Auto Show attracted thousands of press folks from all corners of the globe to Detroit to see what was new for 2003 and beyond. Curious, because the automobile industry is now in the toilet. Carmakers, both domestic and foreign,

are suffering from drastic drops in sales and profits, forcing cutbacks and layoffs. Consequently, suppliers all the way down the line are also suffering. No one has been totally exempt from the so-called domino effect of the current economic slump. To a large degree, the automobile industry serves as a barometer of financial stability. The first indicator of an economic downturn is new-car sales. And right now, they're way down.

Nevertheless, the show must go on, and the exhibit hall was filled with over 700 shiny cars, trucks and those in-between things the automakers label as "crossovers." These mongrel vehicles were the most common among new-model introductions-vehicles that will be reaching showrooms within the next year, and your shops in the not-too-distant future.

We'll also look at some of the more significant concept vehicles that showcase the newest technologies. Concept vehicles are great to see and exciting in theory, but until they hit the streets, break down and need to be fixed, they have little impact on the repair industry. Some, however, incorporate technology that we'll likely see in the next three to five years. Let's take a peek.

NEW MODELS

Toyota Corolla

The redesigned Corolla for 2003 rides on a 102-inch wheelbase, 5 inches longer than the model it replaces. The 1.8-liter, DOHC, 16valve engine that was in the previous Corolla now features a VVT-i variable valve timing system and so pushes horsepower to 130 at 6000 rpm and torque to 125 ft-lb. Tranny choices include a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. The improved suspension of the '03 Corolla consists of Mac struts up front and torsion beams in the rear for better impact dampening and improved road feel. Front vented disc brakes and rear drums are standard, with ABS an option.

Honda Pilot

Honda's new Pilot SUV uses the same platform as the Acura MDX. It will replace the Passport, which is currently built by Isuzu on the Rodeo platform. The Pilot will be equipped with a 3.5liter, 24-valve, SOHC allaluminum VTEC V6, mated to a five-speed electronically controlled automatic controlled by Honda's VTM-4 Variable Torque Management full-time 4WD. Braking is by four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). The Pilot's second and third rows of seats fold flat to increase cargo space.

Lexus GX470

The new GX470 from Lexus will fill the slot between the LX470 and the RX300. The new sport/ute shares some features with the LX, including its 4.7-liter, DOHC V8 and full-time four-wheeldrive system.

The midsize GX features a number of suspension and control systems that distance it from the competition. Independent front suspension, rear air suspension with self-leveling and standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) dampening enhance ride quality by continuously changing each wheel's shock dampening rate to meet varying road surface conditions. Adaptive Height Control (AHC) provides extra ground clearance for off-roading, then lowers to make getting in and out easy. Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) improves lateral stability while cornering, while a Brake Assist (BA) system helps the driver boost braking power in panic stops by recognizing when he hasn't stepped on the brake pedal hard enough to activate the ABS. Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) commands the ABS to properly distribute the brake force to the front and rear wheels, as driving conditions warrant. Finally, the Downhill Assist Control (DAC) system uses a variation of antilock braking to slow the vehicle during steep descents.

Volvo XC90

The 2003 XC90, Volvo's first SUV, is not intended for offroad use, but is designed to be a safety-oriented vehicle for family hauling. The "safe-ute" has room for seven passengers in three row! of seats that can be changed to fit a variety of needs Equipped with a number of crash-protection systems the XC90 features rollover air bags (Inflatable Curtains; for all three rows of seats and a second, lower bumper to minimize damage if it collides with a lower, smaller passenger car.

The XC90 offers two engines for the U.S. market-a 272-hp, 2.9-liter bi-turbo V6 and a 210-hp, 2.5-liter, 5cylinder turbo. Volvo's AWD system will be standard.

Ford Expedition

The latest version of Ford's popular Expedition incorporates lots of new features. For 2003, Ford offers the 232-hp, 4.6-liter, SOHC, allaluminum Triton V8 as standard, with the 260-hp, 5.4liter, SOHC, now iron-block Triton VS optional. The fullsize sport/ute continues to use a double-wishbone suspension up front, but now adds it to the rear, as well, resulting in an independent system that uses the same coil-over-shock arrangement. Four-corner air suspension is optional.

The vehicle is stopped by 13-inch brakes in the front and 13.5-inchers in the rear, with ABS, EBD and new-- design calipers. Steering control is via a new heavierduty rack & pinion system. Stability comes from a new ControlTrac 4WD system, with optional AdvanceTrac brake-based automatic stability control. Even if two wheels are airborne, the system continues to provide traction to both axles. The new ControlTrac system completely disconnects all the moving parts when shifted into 2WD, decreasing wear and noise and increasing fuel mileage.