2002 New York Show, Part I

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2002 New York Show, Part II (3/27/2002)

WILL FORD NAME A CAR KAISER?
GM has its product czar, Bob Lutz. And now, insiders report, Ford may be close to naming its own car Kaiser. If it happens, Wolfgang Reitzle, now head of the automaker’s Premier Automotive Group, would be given extraordinary powers to reshape Ford products—and its troubled product development program. “We desperately need someone in that position,” said a well-placed source, noting that Ford’s turnaround plan cannot count on a serious influx of new product for at least several years. Like Lutz, Reitzle has a string of successes to his credit, notably during his tenure as the number-two executive overseeing product at BMW. One potential snag: some Ford insiders worry that the aloof German may not be able to motivate the troops the way the personable Lutz has since his arrival at GM last August. Several insiders suggest the issue may be forced by the possibility that Reitzle would otherwise leave for another automaker; Mercedes-Benz surfaces in a number of rumors circulating inside Ford. If the appointment occurs, a likely timeframe would be May, at Ford’s annual shareholders meeting.
GM: Bigger Changes Ahead? by TCC Team (2/11/2002)

2003 Chrysler PT Turbo

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CHRYSLER TO TURBOCHARGE THE PT
Confirming one of the industry’s worst kept secrets, Chrysler will announce plans to produce a long-rumored, turbocharged version of the PT Cruiser. The package will transform the stylish, but anemic crossover into a reasonably peppy street rod, boosting horsepower from 150 to 215. One of the biggest challenges, apparently, was coming up with a name for the vehicle. The original concept was dubbed the GT Cruiser, though the automaker also toyed with PT Cruiser GT. Thought the “GT” will be visible several places on the new spin-off, it will hit the road under the PT Turbo nameplate. Along with the upcoming PT Cruiser Cabrio and several other variations, Chrysler hopes the PT Turbo will help revive momentum for one of the few success stories the company has had in recent years.
2003 Chrysler PT Turbo (3/26/2002)

2003 Lincoln Navigator

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’03 NAVIGATOR: DECEIVING LOOKS
It would take a close inspection to tell the difference between the Lincoln Navigator and the all-new, 2003 mid-size Aviator SUV. “We make no apologies for that,” asserts Lincoln’s styling chief, Gerry McGovern. “We feel the two vehicles (need to) have a sort of visual link.” At a detailed backgrounder during NY Auto Show press preview week, Lincoln took the wraps off the Navigator and Aviator. The Navigator has an all-new chassis, with an assortment of significant technical improvements. The Nav’s unusual frame permits it to have an independent rear suspension. And that means the third-row seat can be folded flat into the floor, providing room for even large adults. An upgraded stability control system incorporates sensors to respond to body roll. The rear liftgate is power-operated, as are the rear, foldaway seats. And there’s also an all-new interior. One of the more interesting features is an optional powered running board that extends five inches when the doors are opened. The official introduction date is May, though vehicles are already hitting showrooms.

2003 Lincoln Aviator

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