by Trevor Hofmann
Canadian Auto Press
The Pacific International Auto Show is upon us and there are more new cars and concepts to see now than ever before. Porsche's new all-wheel drive 911 C4-S and glass-roof 911 Targa are arriving in showrooms now. Both 320-hp 3.6-L cars offer contrasting driving experiences and design features. The C4-S employs tenacious grip with its AWD, Turbo-style wide-body and meaty 18" wheel and tire package. The Targa makes due with slightly narrower 18" rims and rear-wheel drive, but offers near-convertible visibility with coupe-like structural integrity. Its glass roof slides parallel to its rear window, which now opens hatch-like when the roof is in place.
A new mid-size SUV promises Lincoln won't entirely miss out on this profitable segment of the market any longer. Better late than never, the Ford Explorer based 2003 Lincoln Aviator will arrive in showrooms this summer. Representing a post Jenny Craig Navigator, the Aviator features an upscale interior with 2nd and 3rd row seats that fold flat for cargo, AWD and luxury appointments fit for a Lincoln.
While Chrysler's PT Cruiser might be long on style it has been criticized for being a little short on power. This will change come autumn with the introduction of a 215-hp Turbo version. The higher output PT should prove as popular with aftermarket parts suppliers and tuner shops as it does with fast families.
We won't have to wait until fall for the all-new Infiniti G35 sedan, as it's arriving at dealers now. A 260-hp 3.5-L V6 powers the rear wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission while a 4-wheel independent suspension and 17-inch aluminum wheels promise athletic handling. The new G35 will be available in Premium and Aero packages respectively priced at $2,600 and $1,500 over its base price of $38,900. A coupe (shown) will arrive later in the year.
Is BMW teasing us with the CS-1? This pint-size concept would be sure to drive up its sales. It is powered by a 115-hp 4-cylinder driving the rear wheels through a sequential manual gearbox that is actuated via steering wheel mounted paddles. The show car features 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 front and 235/40 rear tires. If a version of the CS1 is produced, expect smaller standard wheels as well as coupe and sedan models alongside the convertible.
While it may not be considered a premium brand, Volkswagen does offer premium quality and features throughout its entire model line-up. Literally speeding its Passat higher up the desirability ladder is the all-new W8 engine being introduced now. It fits into the same compact space as a V6 yet produces 271-hp and 273 lb-ft of V8 torque. VW's 4-Motion AWD connects all the power to the pavement.
Hot on the heels of the new 7-passenger, 240-hp Pilot SUV, Honda has announced its intention to build the utilitarian Element early in 2003. The element targets the young, active buyer with features such as an MP3 player and seats that fold out of the way for cargo or flat for snoozing. Rear 'suicide' doors and no center pillars make access easy. Even without the pillars Honda has its targets set on a five Star side impact safety rating. A 160-hp, 2.4-L 4-cylinder engine will power either front or four wheels via a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Reverse-opening rear doors just might become a new trend as seen here with the new Saturn ION coupe - 4-door sedan will also be available. Its instruments are unconventionally positioned in the centre of the dash, like the Toyota Echo. While this retro approach is a fun alternative to standard gauge placement, it is also cost effective when altering the vehicle for right-hand drive markets. A 140-hp 2.2-L 4-cylinder engine will power the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
