2000 L.A. Photo Gallery II

2001 Mercury Mountaineer

SILVER-SKINNED MOUNTAINEER IS NEXT MERC This uncluttered, dependable-looking concept sport-ute is scheduled to make it into dealer showrooms as a production model mid-year. A vertical hi-tech satin aluminum grill and short front overhang set it apart from competitors. Well-proportioned, clean lines are designed to attract more mature customers, as is the lower step-in area. While the powertrain hasn't been announced yet, it is expected to be a souped-up version of Ford's Explorer V-8.

2000 Ford focus Kona

EARPLUGS NEEDED FOR FOCUS KONA Here's a concept vehicle for echo Boomers (nothing to do with ecologists who wouldn't be caught dead in this car) who need surround sound on wheels while hauling mountain bikes. Forget the 2.0-liter engine, this car is all about the ear-splitting Sony sound system with four three-way speakers in the door, a ten-inch subwoofer in the trunk for whomever resides there, a dedicated 300-watt subwoofer amplifier, and the AM/FM CD player with wireless remote control, presumably for the guy in the trunk. Otherwise, this is one of three small Focus models Ford will launch over the next 18-24 months. The Kona goes on sale in May — enough time to buy earplugs.

2000 Daewoo Korando

KORANDO IS DAEWOO’S COMMANDO UTE Rugged as all get-out, spawned by the Baja 1000 desert race (won its class), and with a front nose that could be a reasonably close cousin to the Jeep Wrangler, the Korando is this Korean carmaker's first sport-utility vehicle. On sale in the late spring, for under $20,000, it's powered by a 24-valve in-line six-cylinder, with a high-performance suspension. Horsepower reaches 217 at 5500 rpm; maximum torque is 228 lb-ft at 3750 rpm. Full-time four-wheel drive complete the package.

2001 Porsche 911 turbo

A CLASSIC 911 TO THE "T" A 2001 turbocharged come-and-catch-me classic, the 911 Turbo is Porsche's premier performer. The 3.6-liter, flat-six cylinder powerplant puts the driver out front with 420 horsepower and zips from zero to sixty in 4.2 seconds. It has a top speed of 189 miles an hour, which may have prompted Porsche to switch its cooling system from air to more stable liquid. With a six-speed transmission with Tiptronic as an option and with leather everywhere, it is already sold out this year.

2001 Mazda Tribute

MAZDA PAYS TRIBUTE TO HOT SUV MARKET Adding to the unending roster of sport-utes, Mazda debuts its 2001 entry, another hybrid under the skin: sports sedan and SUV. Buyers can choose a front-wheel drive version or an on-demand four-wheel drive job. With 200 horsepower from its 3.0-liter V-6, or 130 horsepower from the lower end 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder, the Tribute has a sporty spec sheet. The no-frills conventional styling and design make it two inches wider than the Ford Explorer, with a larger interior than the Lexus RX300 and almost half a foot longer than a Jeep Cherokee. On sale in late May, Tribute is priced around $20,000-$23,000.

2001 Audi TT roadster rag

DROPTOP LEAVES TT EXPOSED Under $39,000, this snappy roadster is a natural evolution of the stunningly-designed TT coupe. High-performance comes from an 180- or 225-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for top speeds of more than 130 miles an hour. The transmission is a five-speed manual. The soft top has a heated rear window; a retractable glass windbreak follows the outline of the prominent rollover bars. The cockpit is outfitted with racer-type gauges.

2000 Toyota Celica concept

TOYOTA PENS ULTIMATE CELICA Brash and racy, the Ultimate Celica concept's geometric styling, high rear wing and all-wheel drive are brainchildren of Calty stylists and racer Rod Millen whose winning dashes across the California desert are legendary. Celica’s Recaro sports seats, custom rollcage, custom exhaust, and a 500-horsepower-at-8000-rpm, 2.0-liter four-cylinder twincam turbocharged engine coupled to a five-speed manual transmission says it all. On sale in the spring. No word on price.

2000 Ford Mustang Bullit concept

NUMBER ONE WITH A BULLITT A concept car based on the 1967 Fastback driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 movie Bullitt, this peppy baby is ready for any chase scene. The 2000 version is highly customized with new front and rear fascia and massive five-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels. Where's the original? Actually, there were two used in the film. One went to the crusher after all that stunt driving, the other was bought by an East Coast buyer who prefers to remain anonymous. Could it be race team owner Paul Newman?

2000 Ford Excursion Desert concept

EXCURSION TO THE MOON? This trick concept could probably take you to the moon and drive happily around its desert terrain. The largest SUV in Ford's stable, its capabilities are practically limitless except fitting into the average garage. Steel bumpers have special navigator and fog lamps. Power is from a 6.8-liter SOHC V-10, with 310 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque -- tough enough to tow the moon right back down to earth.

2000 Lincoln town Car XL

WHAT THE L? A LONGER TOWN CAR Maybe designed with Shaquille O'Neal in mind, who unfolded his 7-foot-1-inch frame from the driver's seat as the car was unveiled, this is one long stretch of a sedan. The extra-long wheelbase and additional passenger space mean this beautifully-proportioned model is really for the limo and livery market. Jewel-like trim and lights add dazzle.

Cadillac Eldorodo

CADILLAC ELDORODO A chopped and chromed street rodder built by Chuck Lombardo, owner of California Street Rods, the venerable Cadillac company is dipping a toe into the hot rod market, though this is only a concept model. With the musical name of EldoRODo, and saddled with a 100-station XM satellite radio, this low-rider's futuristic styling blends with classic rear fender skirts and slit headlights. Engine? The 300-horsepower Northstar, of course.