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2004
New York Auto Show Index (4/5/04)
Caddy introduces new flagship
sedan
Cadillac added yet another letter car to its stable
today as it showed its all-new STS luxury sedan. It's the first vehicle in the
originalSeville series to feature
rear-wheel-drive in 25 years. For Snowbelt buyers nervous about that layout, the
STS will be offered with an optional all-wheel-drive package, as well. Built on
GM's Sigma architecture —
the same platform used for the smaller CTS sedan —
STS features a 3.6-liter V-6 with
variable valve timing, producing 255 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque; or an optional
4.6-liter V-8 putting out 320 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 times for the V-8
will be less than six seconds. With a notably more refined look, with an
upgraded intervior and a host of standard features, Cadillac is targeting such
tough competitors as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW’s 5-Series with the new
STS. Base price will be $40,995 for the V-6; $47,495 for the V-8. (Al
Vinikour)
Subaru teams with L.L.
Bean
Subaru underscored its relationship with one of
America’s most
popular outdoor outfitters with the introduction of the 2005 Forester
2.5 XM L.L. Bean Edition. The new spin-off expands
the Forester line-up to four models. After the Outback, the Forester is the
second vehicle that is offered as L.L.Bean Edition as part of the marketing
partnership between Subaru of America and the renowned retailer of active lifestyle
clothing and equipment. The special edition is based on the 2.5 XS and adds, among
other things, a four-speed electronic direct control automatic transmission,
ten-spoke aluminium wheels, leather trimmed upholstery with perforated bolsters and
the L.L. Bean logo embossed into the front seats, bumpers and body
cladding, power moonroof, self-leveling rear suspension, security system, and a water-resistant
hard surface of the cargo floor and the rear seatback. (
Henny Hemmes)
Audi A6 gets a makeover
You’re bound to
recognize the basic shape of the all-new Audi A6, but the most noticeable part
of the German sedan’s makeover is its
all-new face,
influenced by the Nuvolari concept car of a few years back. The A6 debuted in
Geneva earlier this year, and is now making its way over to the key U.S. market.
The new car grows in almost every critical dimension: the wheelbase is over
three inches longer, the overall length is stretched nearly five, and it's about
two inches longer. What surprised some observers was the decision to retain a
steel, rather than lightweight aluminum, body. Many observers had expected Audi
to copy the aluminum spaceframe construction of the flagship A8. There are a
variety of new, high-tech features on the A6, including xenon daytime running
lights, as well as active cornering lights. Audi also adds its MMI control
system.
Audi on the Silver
Screen
It may have to take second billing to silver screen star Will
Smith, but Audi hopes to win over moviegoers with its performance in the
upcoming sci-fi adventure, “I Robot.” Based on the classic Isaac Asimov novel, the
film features a custom-made concept vehicle, which Audi has dubbed the RSQ. It
was specially designed in cooperation with director Alex Poroyas, explained
Audi’s Tim Miksche, who handles relations with the movie industry. (Most
automakers seek out attractive “placement” opportunities to show off their products
on film.) Poroyas is himself an Audi owner and decided to approach Audi
after seeing last year’s Nuvolari concept car. While the film depicts a future
in which cars are controlled by an automated grid, star Smith chooses to
drive himself, and that, said Miksche, “makes a brand statement for us.” It took
just ten weeks to go from sketch to drivable vehicle, three running versions of the
RSQ being built. One was purposely crashed for the film, another used for
interior shots. The third will be used for join promotional efforts sponsored by
Audi and Warner Brothers in advance of the debut of “I, Robot,” later this year.
(TCC Team)
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