2002 NY Auto Show Preview

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Toyota show sponsor

While you’re snug in your cubicle this week, TheCarConnection is taking on New York’s annual auto show. That’s right — in between the off-Broadway prequel to The Producers and the fabulous pre-dinner theater available on the #9 train, our team of reporters will be bringing you all the new production and concept vehicles the show has to offer.

We’ll tell you this right now: our preview’s a work in progress. We know of a lot more product we can’t hint at that’s waiting behind a stage curtain somewhere in the Javits Center. As soon as official word gets out, we’ll be updating here up to the opening of the media days on March 27.

2003 Saturn S-Series

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2003 SATURN ION
The first North American car to be built on General Motor’s all-new Delta platform, the Saturn ION will hit the dealerships in time for the 2003 model year. The new compact, to be unveiled in production form in New York, is said to sport the new GM Ecotec four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. No word yet on whether the Saturn press conference will include a four-door only or also a two-door replacement for the SC.

2003 Lincoln Aviator

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2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR
Lincoln's new mid-size SUV, the 2003 Aviator, makes its debut at the New York Auto Show later this month — but it’s already in the Vanity Fair Hollywood-themed issue on newsstands now. Kindly, Ford’s sent us a shot so you won’t have to call Graydon Carter begging for a comp. The Aviator, Ford promises, will have the most flexible seating, roomiest cabin and best towing capability in its class. Based on the current Explorer sport-ute, the Aviator will sport a DOHC four-valve V-8 engine that produces at least 300 horsepower, a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension and available all-wheel- drive. It goes on sale this summer.

ACURA DN-X CONCEPT
The DN-X concept sports a mid-engined design, with all-wheel-drive provided in a unique way — by using Honda’s hybrid technology to selectively power all four wheels. Conventional power is applied to the rear wheels through a 3.5-liter V-6 with 400 hp. A lightweight body, wishbone suspension, and a ton of advanced technology are featured on the concept, which could presage the coming redesign of the RL luxury front-driver. The DN-X will be unveiled on March 28.

2003 Nissan Murano

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NISSAN MURANO CONCEPT

2003 Nissan Murano

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2003 Nissan Murano

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TOYOTA SCION CONCEPT
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. has announced that its Genesis marketing group will be called Scion. Scion will be responsible for the launch of a new line of vehicles it plans to market through Toyota dealers for the next generation of new-car buyers in the near future. Toyota plans to show the first Scion concept vehicles at the New York Auto Show and also will outline plans for the upcoming launch of the new lineup of youth-oriented vehicles.

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK

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2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK

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2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK

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2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS
DaimlerChrysler unveiled a new Mercedes E-Class sedan at the Brussels auto show earlier this year, and may show the vehicle at New York as well. The new generation of E-Class shows a markedly curved roofline and the now -trademark goggle-eyed quad headlamps. Inside, dual-stage airbags and side curtain airbags are standard; the new E also sports a four-link front suspension, electrohydraulic brakes and a new air suspension that’s standard on V-8 E-Classes. Five engines – including V-6s, V-8s and diesels — range up to 306 hp, and the supercharged four-cylinder is expected to be added.

AND MORE…

Look for the production version of the Nissan 350Z…a new Mitsubishi SUV expected to replace the Montero Sport…a joint McLaren/Lincoln concept…Infiniti’s new mid-size luxury sedan — possibly the most powerful in its class…new vehicles from Kia and Daewoo…and the Isuzu Ascender, a version of the GM mid-size extended-wheelbase utes, replaces the Trooper.