SPECIAL INTEREST 
2000 New York Auto Show - "Lights, Glam, Action!"
by Eric Schofield & Steve Egan

When you’ve got high dollar, top secret information, it’s really hard trying to avoid the paparazzi. Oh yeah, we are the media so does that make us the paparazzi? Either way, the press was in full force at the Centennial NY International Auto Show for press day on April 19th & 20th.

In 1900, Americans bought a total of 4,192 automobiles. The auto industry has grown up in many ways over the past century but the road was never a smooth one. Over 240 car companies were started between 1904 and 1907 but most of them closed shop in the financial panic in 1907. But on October 1 of 1908, Henry Ford introduced the first Model T and it quickly became the most important automobile of the century. By 1927, Ford had produced 15,456,868 automobiles for prices as low as $260 for a 1925 roadster, that’s less than a good set of tires!

Auto Shows bring back the excitement of yesteryear where new innovations were announced and the dreamers of the world could really show their wares. The Big Apple didn’t disappoint us in this modern era as numerous companies introduced new models and put on great shows with lights, music, smoke and beautiful models strutting their stuff (I’m talking about the cars). Here’s a small glimpse of what’s coming our way in the next year.

ACURA MDX Though late to market, Acura feels that they have the benefit of learning from the mistakes made by other manufacturers through years of SUV development. The MDX is a full featured luxury SUV with an advanced all-aluminum 3.5 liter VTEC V6 engine producing 240 horsepower and 245 lb. ft. of torque. The MDX will come standard with a fully automatic four-wheel drive system and a uniquely transformable interior which allows for unprecedented flexibility capable of accommodating up to seven passengers. Available this fall as a 2001 model, the MDX is projected to be priced in the mid to high $30,000 range with first year sales of 35,000 – 45,000. BMW 330XI Making its world debut, the 330xi, a 3-liter, all-wheel drive version of the venerable 3 series sedan, is expected to offer drivers with the most in traction control, stability, and performance. This is the first installment in BMW’s return to an all wheel drive sedan since dropping the 325xi in late ’91. The all-wheel drive system, with 38 percent of the power going to the rear wheels and 62 to the front, is geared towards the driver who wants the most in safety possible in foul weather conditions. With the new 330 comes the adaptation of the 3-liter inline six that was placed earlier this year in the X5. The engine has replaced the 2.8-liter from last years 328. BMW boasts that, with 225hp, the 330xi is nearly as fast as the last generation of M3’s. BMW M3 At long last BMW has redesigned and refitted the awe-inspiring M3. Basing this years model on the success of the 2 previous generations of M3’s BMW has raised the bar in the touring sport class. With a staggering 330hp, up 90 from the last generation, the auto-gods from Munich, BMW M, a tuning subsidiary of BMW, claim that the new model will thrust itself to 60 in the 5-second range. With trick tuning parts like aluminum front a-arms, 18 inch alloy wheels, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, wider rear track than its 3 series brothers, double VANOS, a timing/cam control system, and subtle-but-definitive styling cues the M3, due to be on sale in the late Fall will certainly keep its winning ways on the track and street. FORD ESCAPE Based on an all new platform the Ford Escape is being targeted to a younger audience who does not necessarily need to size and duty of its larger siblings. In the class of the CRV and RAV4 the Escape is expected to make a great big hit later this summer. With its available 200hp V-6 it will more than be the leader in class for ponies. Available in 2 trim packages, choice of all-wheel or two wheel drive, 2 engine options, 5 speed manual or 4 speed Automatic transmission, roof rack, a host of standard amenities, and the most cargo room in its class will make this new kid on the block hard to knock off. GMC SIERRA C-SERIES Due this fall, the redesigned GMC C-Series gets down to serious business with a Vortec 6000 V8 engine which delivers 325 peak horsepower and a continuous 90 percent of its rated 370 lb. ft. of peak torque between 1600 and 5200 rpm’s. The C-Series will feature full-time all-wheel drive allowing for better cornering and acceleration in wet or dry conditions. Being a full-time system, there are no transfer-case levers to throw or buttons to press. No extra equipment is necessary to handle towing assignments up to a towed load of 8800 pounds (3.99 tons) with a GCWR of 14,000 pounds (6.35 tons) with the Z82 heavy duty trailering package. GMC YUKON DENALI & YUKON DENALI XL General Motor’s commitment to the truck/SUV industry is undeniable with the introduction of numerous new product lines. The 2001 Yukon Denali and Yukon Denali XL are eight passenger, all-wheel drive models with unique exterior styling and a new level of premium amenities. The standard powerplant is a potent 325 horsepower Vortec 6000 V8 which provides more power and better performance than the Vortec 5700 it replaces. The engine mates to a more fuel efficient 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Improved agility and maneuverability is a key feature with these models as they provide more power, tighter turning radius, more torque, speed-dependent variable effort power steering and five link coil spring rear suspension with self-leveling shock absorbers just to name a few. INFINITI Q45 Infiniti is going back to a formula that made the Q45 famous – PERFORMANCE! Completely redesigned as a 2002 model, the Q45 is the flagship that will push Infiniti’s new identity, "Performance Luxury." The 2002 Q45 features an all-new, standard 4.5 liter 32-valve DOHC aluminum V8 engine which produces a whopping 340 horsepower and 333 lb. ft. of torque. Preliminary company tests show the new Q45 a full two seconds faster in 0-60 times. The unique seven-lens high intensity headlights are among the most powerful headlight systems in the world. The reborn Q45 pushes the limits of luxury with a longer wheelbase, increased interior and luggage space and innovative power rear seats. The 2002 Q45 will arrive in dealer showrooms in the spring of 2001. MERCEDES CL COUPE For every manufacturer there must be a flag-ship. A car by which all your other cars will be judged. This year for MB, it is the stunning CL500. The $85,000 2-door coupe is a display of fine design and craftsmanship. Mated with all the latest technology, like Xenon lighting, Tele Aid, Nav system, 10 speaker Bose sound system, Side curtain airbags, and dual zone climate control make for the most pleasant of driving comforts. Along with the plethora comfort features comes a beefy 302hp, 339ft/lb of torque, V8 that MB has said will push this 4,115lb land beast to 60 in about 6 seconds and electronically top off the scale at a plush 155mph. The new CL Coupe combines timeless design, high performance, un-paralleled comfort and of course MB safety. How could you go wrong? MERCEDES S55 AMG For driving enthusiasts who needs comfort and space as well as high performance, Mercedes is proud to present to you the S55 AMG. AMG, the tuning house of Mercedes, has gotten their hands on the S500 and shoe-horned the ultra-powerful 5.5 liter, 354hp v8, that has graced the likes of E55 sport sedan, and the newly introduced ML55 sport-ute. Along with the engine upgrade come suspension modifications and interior accoutrements, a few minor exterior cosmetic changes, and a beefed up tire/wheel package. A Mercedes spokesman informed us that they hope to have the limited edition model on sale by mid-month, at an estimated $82,000 per. MERCEDES SLK 230K, 320 Leave it to Mercedes to take something good and make it better. For the 2001 model year, MB has taken the very successful SLK and given it a facelift. Nothing drastic, don’t you worry, but some minor cosmetic changes to keep it looking pretty next to all the other kids at the playground. For the 2001 model year, MB has fitted a new 215hp V-6 powered into the 320. The engine, which has been in use in the CLK 320 and various other models, has proven itself to be reliable and powerful in the same right. A newly developed six-speed transmission, larger fuel tank, rear stabilizer bar, and tele-aid emergency system compliment the popular lineup. With prices staring at $38,000, down from last years $41,000, and topping out just under $44,000 there is sure to be a SLK to fit the budget. OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA Olds has provided a complete makeover for the 2002 Bravada. Sweeping changes to the front fascia, a brand new Vortec 4200 I6 engine and an entirely new chassis are some of the surprises in store for SUV fans. The new Bravada is 10 inches longer and nearly five inches wider than the current model. The 2002 Bravada sports specific front and rear fenders, hood, grille and rear doors. The new Vortec 4200 engine is a DOHC 4.2 liter engine with four valves per cylinder. Preliminary figures suggest a power rating of 250 horsepower and more than 250 lb. ft. of torque, final figures will be released this summer. PANOZ ESPERANTE Incorporating an aluminum intensive design that is revolutionary, Panoz, of Hoschton, Georgia, a small company that has seemed to carry the big stick the past couple of years, has re-introduced the Esperante. Approximately 65% aluminum, including the frame, engine, and suspension components, and powered by a stock Ford Cobra crate motor producing 320hp, has allowed for the Esperante to compete in the convertible market with other far more expensive ragtops like the Ferrari 355, soon to 360, Spyder. Panoz has even bragged that their new Esperante, priced at about half of the previously mentioned Ferrari, is faster to 60 than the 355. With an established record of accomplishment on the endurance racing circuit, the Esperante has proven to be a formidable foe for any European sports car QVALE MANGUSTA In an effort to revive the historic name badge of an era gone-by Qvale, a small company based out of Italy, has purchased the once proud name from DeTomaso in hopes of returning to the market a true enthusiasts convertible. A three-stage hardtop, multi-link a-arm suspension, steel framing, and composite body round out this redefinition of small roadsters. Equipped with a staggering 320hp DOHC V8 that should propel it to 60 in under 5.5 seconds will certainly keep it competitive in the open-air market. With a price of over $78,000, it will more likely be a choice of collectors than of serious al fresco minded drivers. TOYOTA RAV4 Toyota’s redesigned entry level sport-ute is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. The exterior receives a fresh new look which is bolder and more rugged. A new unibody frame has allowed engineers to significantly improve body rigidity and suspension flexibility by more than 100 percent resulting in improved ride comfort and better control. An all new VVT-i 2.0 liter all aluminum engine weighs 50 pounds less than the current model and will produce 21 more horsepower and 10 more lb. ft. of torque. These improvements allow the RAV4 to shave a full second off 0-60 acceleration times. On sale in October, Toyota has set an aggressive sales target of 75,000 units per year. TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Keeping up its strong truck/SUV theme, Toyota held the world premier of the Highlander, a car-based SUV aimed at people looking to get into the SUV market but not wanting a "truck-like" ride. Don Esmond, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, states "For buyers seeking the real-deal in traditional mid-size performance, with a bias toward multi-use, we have 4Runner. For buyers demanding the image and versatility of an SUV, but who prioritize car-like ride and handling, we will have Highlander." The Highlander is based on a platform similar to the popular Camry but engineered for increased ground clearance and off-road durability. It’s overall length, width and wheelbase dimensions will be larger than 4Runner with a light edge in interior leg and head room. Available in both two- and full-time four-wheel drive with powerplant options of either a four-cylinder or a 220 horsepower V6 engine. TOYOTA SEQUOIA The all new Sequoia full-size SUV is scheduled to go on sale this year as a 2001 model. Marketed towards the high end of Toyota’s truck line, the Sequoia will be the largest and most versatile SUV in their lineup. Larger and roomier than the Land Cruiser, the Sequoia will feature the same 4.7 liter i-Force V8 engine which powers the Tundra. This powerplant produces 240 horsepower and 315 lb. ft. of torque and will be the first Toyota truck engine to be EPA certified as ultra-low-emission producing 40% fewer non-methane organic gases than Ford Expedition’s 2000 LEV V8 engine. The Sequoia is capable of carrying eight passengers on three rows of seating and has a whopping ground clearance of 11 inches.