2003 North American International Auto Show banner 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show Ford banner with type
2003 L.A. Auto Show Coverage by TCC Team (1/1/2003)
2003 Detroit Auto Show Coverage by TCC Team (1/2/2003)
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MAZDA SETS PRICE FOR NEW RX-8

2004 Mazda RX-8
WASHU WANT?

2003 Mazda Washu concept

2004 Ford F-150
Ford Motor Co. believes it needs to get $1000 out of the cost of its new F-Series pickups, which are due to market later this year, according to company chairman Bill Ford. But the automaker has decided to hold off on any cost-cutting efforts in order to ensure a smooth launch, the family heir stressed. What is critical, added Jim Padilla, president of Ford’s North American operations, is that “We are going to deliver this product on time and with high integrity. This is not time to play,” and risk the sort of last-minute problems that have plagued other Ford product introductions in recent years, Padilla told TheCarConnection. -- TCC Team
Carlos Ghosn in Titan
“When you cannot make a profit, it is a signal you are doing something wrong,” Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said during a media roundtable Tuesday. To try to ignore that basic rule is like “trying to ignore a fever.” The Brazilian-born executive has led a significant reversal of Nissan’s fortunes and is now unleashing a significant product blitz that brought an assortment of trucks, passenger cars and crossover vehicles to
2004 Chevrolet Colorado 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
After much anticipation, Chevrolet pulled the wraps off its new successor to the S-10 line. The Colorado, called a mid-size pickup, has a sleek appearance while following the rugged design cues of the rest of the Chevy truck line. The Colorado, termed a mid-size pickup and about the same size as the S-10, will be available in nine different configurations, including three different cab types, three suspension packages, and either two- or four-wheel drive. The new truck has substantially improved torsional rigidity, partially attributed to a new-design ladder-type frame. A new line of large-displacement engines powers the Colorado. The standard 2.8-liter “Vortec 2800” inline four makes 175 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, while the optional 3.5-liter inline five makes 220 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. Both incorporate variable valve timing and an electronic throttle. They’re extensively based on the 4.2-liter inline six featured in GM’s mid-sized sport utility vehicles, but the four and five feature a balance shaft design for smoothness. Four-wheel-drive models have shift-on-the-fly capability with a dash-mounted switch, and traction control is now available on four-cylinder, rear-wheel-drive models. Roof rail side airbags and ABS will be standard. -- Bengt Halvorson
Chevrolet unveiled a long-anticipated entry into the compact SUV segment—the fastest growing segment in the industry. Based on the same platform as the Saturn Vue, the Equinox is available in either front- or all-wheel drive. The only powertrain available is a 3.4-liter V-6 and a five-speed automatic transmission. The available all-wheel-drive system sends all power to the front heels during normal conditions, redirecting power to the back wheels if the front wheels slip. Equinox’s front end was given the same look as Chevrolet’s truck line, with a strong vertical bar across the large grille. The interior is touted as highly flexible, with a Multi-Flex rear seat that slides forward or back eight inches total to allow either more cargo room or more passenger room, while carrying back-seat passengers. The cargo shelf height is also adjustable. With the base price being especially important in this class, the Equinox has a front disc, rear drum brake system, and ABS will not be standard. Other available features will include roof rail curtain airbags, an MP3 player, heated from seats, and a power moon roof. -- Bengt Halvorson
2004 Chevrolet Malibu
The Malibu, a rental-car and fleet mainstay, will be completely new for 2004. The new model is built on GM’s global Epsilon platform, currently shared with the Opel Vectra, Saab 9-3, and several other models in the works. The new Malibu, like its predecessor, will continue to emphasize comfort and value, but with a bit more attention to details. Badging has been eliminated from the sides to clean up the appearance. Basic dimensions are about the same as the current car, but interior space has increased. The rear seat folds down, 60/40, to help acommodate large cargo items. Two different powertrains will be offered: the 140-hp, 2.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder, and a new 200-hp, 3.5-liter version of the familiar pushrod V-6 (which may see a Displacement on Demand upgrade the following year). GM’s electric power steering finds its way into the Malibu for 2004. Both engines are matched with a four-speed automatic. A specially designed four-point front cradle with tuned bushings allows luxury-car ride-and-handling attributes, according to Chevrolet, and many other noise-elimination features normally only used in luxury cars have been employed in the new Malibu. Safety-wise, ABS will be optional, and side roof airbags will also be available. Production will start this fall at GM’s Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City. -- Bengt Halvorson
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