Consumer Car News: 7/22/02
FORD:
GT40 DUE NEXT JUNE
Ford execs couldn't have baited a more
alluring hook than at Detroit's auto show in January when they unveiled a
long-awaited successor to the fabled Le Mans-inspired, two-seater sports car of
the '60s. Now they have reason to expect a homerun. People "have been sending in
checks and offering their Ferraris," for a chance to own one of the few GT40s to
be built, said product development vice president Chris Theodore. He handpicked
the small, specialty "Dream Team" that developed the new production GT40
announced this week – a dream team that includes Carroll Shelby and SVT’s John
Coletti. "The problem is, the whole production is sold out to Ford employees,"
quipped company Veep Richard Parry-Jones, who heads product development
worldwide. He joked that Ford could set up an employee lottery system since it
will only build "hundreds, not thousands" of the coveted sports cars. And Ford
will use the GT40 to kick off its 100th Anniversary in June 2003. He
hinted, "When the sun rises the day of the Centennial, one will be available for
the first time."—Martha Hindes
Ford Gives GT40 Green Light by Jim Burt (2/25/2002)
GMC DUBS NEW COMPACT TRUCK
CANYON
GMC says its version of the upcoming Chevrolet Colorado platform
will be called the GMC Canyon. The Canyon, shown in this official illustration
in four-door form, will enter production in Shreveport, La., near the end of
2003 as a 2004 model. The Canyon replaces the outgoing Sonoma compact, which
sticks around concurrently with the Canyon for a year until it closes out a
career in late 2004.
Spy Shots: 2003 Chevy Colorado by Brenda Priddy (4/29/2002)
SVT ADDS FIVE-DOOR FOCUS
Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT)
microbrand will add a five-door version of the Focus to its range. The fastback
Focus joins its three-door sibling in the performance division’s lineup, and
shares its 2.0-liter, 170-hp four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual gearbox.
Styling cues are also shared, and both Foci have high-intensity discharge lamps
made optional for 2003. Stay tuned for more on the five-door here at TCC.
2002 Ford SVT Focus by Marty Padgett
(2/27/2002)
NOR’EASTERS SPEND MORE OWNING
CARS
Runzheimer International
says owners in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states spend more than the rest of
us on owning and upkeep for our cars. The Wisconsin-based consultants found in a
recent study that New Englanders pay about 54 cents a mile to run their cars,
and in the mid-Atlantic (New York through Virginia) it’s nearly as high, at 53
cents. The heartland states from Iowa to the Dakotas spend only about 51 cents
per mile; the national average is about 52 cents.
SPECIAL ‘VETTE HEADED TO eBAY
There are few
American cars more desired than a Chevrolet Corvette, and just imagine one of
their top models signed by more than 500 celebrities, dignitaries and athletes.
A special edition Signature Car- autographed during the 2002 Olympic Winter
Games will be auctioned online on eBay Motors by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of
America. This one-of-a-kind collectible car will help make dreams a reality for
children with life-threatening illnesses. Auction bidding will begin on the eBay
Motors Web site July 29 and continue through Aug. 8. To participate in the
online auction, visit http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=make-a-wishfoundation
after 5 p.m. PST July 29. The Signature Car is a 2002 Corvette Z06 with 405
horsepower-the fastest Corvette
to date. Manufacturer's suggested retail price is $50,350. –Bob Storck
Related Articles
-
Ford Owners File Lawsuit, Claim EcoBoost Engine Loses Power During Acceleration
-
Family Car Tip: Keeping Your Car Rodent-Free
-
Family Car Guide To 2011 Luxury Wagons
-
The Family Car Guide: 2011 Luxury Wagons, Part One
-
VW: When the Event Becomes the Ad
-
Follow Us
More From High Gear Media
Have an opinion?
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!