Bravada makeover

During its world debut at the New York show, the Oldsmobile 2002 Bravada registered an industry first for a sport utility vehicle (SUV). "The current C5 (fifth generation) Corvette first used the hydroformed process on the front engine cradle, but the Bravada is the first sport utility vehicle to use hydroformed side rails at both the front and rear of the chassis," said Vince Muniga, Manager of Product Publicity for Oldsmobile.

Sporting a stiffer chassis and frame structure, Bravada's new body-on-frame design includes eight structural crossmembers. The current version has six. A new five-link rear suspension replaces leaf springs. The multi-link design includes upper and lower linkages that attach to the frame and axle from two points on each side, while a transverse linkage runs the length of the axle. Larger, thicker rotors are part of the new braking system.

A new rear electronically controlled air-suspension system uses two heavy-duty rubber air bladders that replace metal coil springs. The air bladders, measuring 280 mm (11 in) in height and 150 mm (6 in) in diameter, are mounted onto the rear axle. An accompanying air-coupling and runner hose as well as other items permit inflation of tires, bicycle tires, etc.

After a 20-year hiatus, GM in North America returns an inline six-cylinder engine to the market via the 2002 Bravada. The 4.2-L, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), four-valves-per-cylinder engine will exceed 187 kW (250 hp) and have more than 339 N•m (250 lb•ft) of torque. It replaces a 149-kW (200-hp) 4.3-L V6. "It's a very, very significant engine having the power of a V8," said Muniga.

Preliminary numbers show that the engine will deliver 90% of its torque in the 1200 to 5600 rpm range; with a torque peak expected at about 3200 rpm. Redline is 6300 rpm, according to Ron Kociba, Vortec 4200 Chief Engineer. "No matter what speed you're at, if you hit the accelerator, it's going to feel more responsive. It doesn't give you that run-out feel," Kociba said.

The Vortec 4200 becomes the first engine for GM North America to use variable valve timing, also referred to as cam phasing. "There is no external hang-on exhaust emissions device," Kociba said, noting there is no air-injection reaction or exhaust-gas-recirculation system. Residual gas is handled by cam phasing that alters exhaust valve timing within a range of 25 camshaft degrees as engine operating conditions change.

The engine has a 10:1 compression ratio. Its cast aluminum block and aluminum cylinder head are via a lost-foam process pioneered by GM in 1987. Overhead camshafts feature roller finger followers. The valve system uses stationary hydraulic lash adjusters to reduce friction and eliminate periodic valvetrain maintenance.

Bravada's interior measurements go up in nearly every area, including front and rear legroom, shoulder and hip room, and rear storage—more than 2350 L (83 ft3) with rear seats collapsed, increased from 2095 L (74 ft3).

The SUV gains 254 mm (10 in) in length, 127 mm (5 in) in width, and 127 mm (5 in) in height compared to the current version.

C-Series truck unveiled

The 2001 GMC Sierra C-Series' gross vehicle weight of 3040 kg (6700 lb) is atypical and its 3990 kg (8800 lb) towing rating is about 454 kg (1000 lb) beyond what is normal for a half-ton pick-up truck. The Sierra C-Series' engine is a 6-L naturally aspirated V8 that comes from a three-quarter-ton pick-up truck. Its peak 242 kW (325 hp) power at 5000 rpm and 90% of its peak 500 N•m (370 lb•ft) torque unfolds between 1600 and 5200 rpm.

Its front and rear twin piston caliper four-wheel disc, antilock brakes are the same stopping footprints used in the three-quarter-ton heavy-duty Sierra models. The rear axle from the three-quarter-ton truck is also in the 2001 Sierra C-Series, the first full-size pick-up truck in the industry with all-wheel-drive.

"We've created a super half-ton truck in components and chassis capability," said Jim Kornas, Sierra Brand Manager, during the C-Series' world debut at the New York show. "This is not your typical truck. It tows. It hauls. It performs with power and control whether on wet roads, dry roads, or off-road—although technically it's not an off-road package."

The truck's driver information center calculates average and real-time fuel economy, range left based on fuel remaining, trip mileage, trip information for the last 15 days, and total annual mileage. Information can be presented in a choice of English, French, Spanish, and Arabic as well as English or metric units.

Toyota's second car-based SUV

The 2001 Toyota Highlander will ride on an altered Camry platform that increases ground clearance, ride height, and suspension travel. "Toyota will be the first automotive division to market two car-based SUVs," said Don Esmond, Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager, during Highlander's world premiere during the show. Toyota's other car-based SUV is the RAV4, which debuted in 1996 and is based on the Celica platform.

A midsize SUV, the Highlander has greater overall length, width, and wheelbase than the Toyota 4Runner, a midsize truck-based SUV. The newest Toyota midsize SUV will be sold in the U.S. in both two- and full-time-four-wheel drive.

Power sources are a four-cylinder or a V6 engine, and both will carry low emission vehicle certification. Preliminary specifications on the 3.0-L, DOHC, 24-valve V6 with variable valve timing and intelligence show 164 kW (220 hp) at 5800 rpm and 300 N•m (222 lb•ft) torque at 4400 rpm. The engine is mated to a four-speed electronically controlled transmission.

The Highlander will be built in Japan, where a different version of the SUV will be sold.

Third-generation Infiniti Q45

The all-new 2002 Infiniti Q45 premiered at the New York show. "Everything is new in this leather and wood interior," said Steve Kight, Director of Marketing for the Infiniti Division of Nissan. The instrument panel highlights a 7-in LCD touch screen video display. A new DVD-based "Bird View" navigation system uses the video screen, as does a new rearview monitor system that links to a camera mounted near the license plate. A view from the vehicle's rear-end is automatically displayed when the driver puts the automatic transmission shifter into reverse.

Powering the rear-wheel-drive Q45 is a new 32-valve, DOHC 4.5-L aluminum V8 engine with 254-kW (340-hp) power, an increase of 55 kW (74 hp), and 450 N•m (333 lb•ft) of torque, an increase of 75 N•m (55 lb•ft). "This is the most advanced engine we've ever created," said Randy Fior, Corporate Manager, Infiniti Products, Product & Market Strategy Office. The V8 has a modular cylinder head design, continuous variable valve timing, titanium valves, and a variable intake system. The new V8 engine uses technology developed for V6 engines that power the Infiniti I30 and QX4. The V8 is mated to an all-new electronically controlled five-speed automatic.

The Q45 receives a new four-wheel independent suspension with an all-new multi-link rear suspension. The use of aluminum castings contributed to a 10% reduction in rear suspension mass and a 5% reduction in front suspension mass vs. the current Q45. Rear shocks and springs have been separated to aid in reducing friction by nearly 40%. There are also changes in camber and steering stiffness and a 40% boost in body torsional rigidity.

Other new-for-2002 technologies include a brake assist system that reduces pedal effort in hard braking, electrical brake force distribution that controls front and rear brake division depending on load, and adaptive cruise control that measures the distance to preceding vehicles. The all-steel unibody Q45 has dual front airbags and side impact SRS curtain/thorax airbags for head and chest protection.

The 2002 Infiniti Q45 is expected to be the first vehicle to market with seven lens projector high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. It is wider and taller than the current model and has a longer wheelbase, although the overall length remains the same.

VX infusion spreads

The Rodeo VX and the Amigo VX were two Isuzu concept vehicles on display at the New York show. "VX attitude is just one more expression of what it means to go farther at Isuzu," said Scott Hyde, American Isuzu Motors Inc.'s Executive Manager for SUV Product Planning.

The Rodeo VX sports a new body paint process. Developed by Nippon Paint, the technology uses embedded glass beads, micro-mirrors, and rubberized materials. Likewise, body cladding also showcases the advanced paint finishing process. In addition to body side cladding, a polypropylene hood blister was designed to reduce glare for the driver. Inside Rodeo VX, the headliner's matte appearance reflects a Nippon paint finish that uses recycled rubber products. Like the production Rodeo, the concept four-door SUV is powered by an all-aluminum 3.2-L DOHC, multi-valve V6 that features a variable intake system, coil-over-plug electronic ignition, drive-by-wire throttle control, and a 32-bit powertrain control module.

The Amigo VX modifies various production Amigo attributes, adding a Borla carbon-fiber tipped/stainless steel dual exhaust system as well as an ARB Air Locker locking differential in the front axle that is activated by an interior switch. The two-door Amigo VX also sports paint processes shown on the Rodeo VX.

In addition to the New York world debuts of the Rodeo VX and Amigo VX, Isuzu announced that the ZXS concept will enter production as the Axiom Sportwagon. The ZXS was first seen at the 1999 Tokyo motor show. The 2002 Axiom will be Isuzu's first vehicle to combine a computer-guided, real-time shock valving adjustment system (Intelligent Suspension Control) with a traction system that automatically selects torque distribution between the wheels (Torque-On-Demand 4WD system, co-developed with Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.).

The engine for the Axiom is the 3.5-L DOHC 24-valve V6 that also powers the Isuzu Trooper. The 2002 Axiom's production will start in the spring of 2001 at Isuzu's plant in Lafayette, IN. Axiom, which crosses a station wagon with an SUV, is slated to sell only in the U.S and will introduce Isuzu's first Multi-Information Display as an option.

Acura MDX breaks new ground

The first in-house-designed SUV for Acura comes with a technology first. Variable Torque Management 4WD (VTM-4) uses advanced electronic sensing and control systems to monitor actively the vehicle's dynamic state and proactively apportion engine torque from front wheels to the rear wheels during acceleration before wheel slip occurs. "There's nothing else like it," Charlie Baker, Executive Engineer for MDX, said of the patented system.

"In the rugged, yet compact and lightweight VTM-4 system, torque flows from the five-speed transaxle through a compact transfer case and a two-piece propeller shaft to the rear differential unit," said Baker. "Torque is transferred through a hypoid gear set to the left and right half shafts through electromagnetically actuated wet clutches. For maximum effectiveness, the VTM-4 ECU continuously and automatically modulates the amount of torque directed to the rear wheels based on vehicle speed, engine power output, transmission gear, wheel speed, and other parameters." A lock feature, activated by an instrument panel button, delivers maximum torque to rear wheels.

The 2001 Acura MDX will achieve ultra low vehicle emission (ULEV) certification in all 50 states. MDX will be the first SUV equipped with an onboard vapor recovery system. The engine for the unibody vehicle is an all-aluminum 3.5-L VTEC V6 that produces 179 kW (240 hp) at 5300 rpm and 332 N•m (245 lb•ft) torque at 3000 to 5000 rpm.

Safety features on the MDX include dual-threshold front airbags, a dual-stage passenger airbag, driver and passenger advanced side airbags with passenger size and position sensors, side impact door beams, and four-wheel, four-channel antilock brakes. Acura MDX claims the world's first synchronized climate control system, allowing for simultaneous or independent operation of both front and rear air conditioning systems. The SUV also features second- and third-row seats that fold flat into the floor.

MDX will be assembled at Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Ontario, Canada.

Hand-built Panoz debuts

What happened between concept and the worldwide production debut of the Panoz Esperante illustrates how a small car company can readily harness emerging technologies. Aerospace technology transfers—including aircraft-quality aluminum extrusions—help define the unique attri- butes of the handcrafted Esperante. Before a single car was built, the convert-ible's spaceframe chassis logged 241,400 km (150,000 mi) on a simulator. Results of the prove-out showed that the extruded aluminum spaceframe stayed within 2% of its original rigidity. The two-seater's material make-up is dominated by the same light metal used in the independent automak-er's first production automobile, the 1990 Panoz Roadster. "The Panoz Roadster was the first production aluminum-intensive vehicle completely designed and built in the U.S., but the Esperante extensively uses aluminum—well over half of the vehicle's material is aluminum," said John Leverett, Director of Engineering/R&D for Panoz.

Aluminum imprints include the Ford SVT 32-valve V8 engine block and heads, manifolds, brake calipers, main chassis members, shock bodies, crush zones, transmission casing, differential casing, steering column, bumpers, gear-shift knob, windshield header bow, wheels, and body panels. The spaceframe chassis encompasses five individual segments. The anchoring spaceframe—developed in partnership with Reynolds Aluminum Manufacturing/RAMCO—is made from 6.4-mm (0.25-in) thick aluminum extrusions that are united by 45 and 90° extruded aluminum, multi-celled connectors. A methyl-methacrylate structural adhesive, injected into the extruded coupling joints, brings the perimeter chassis together. "We originally weren't sure if the adhesive would work, but it does," said Leverett. "And it eliminates the need for welding." However, mechanical fasteners are used as a fail-safe.

A separate firewall and floor pan assembly are riveted, welded, and bonded to the perimeter to create a rigid structure. The firewall assembly incorporates all mounting points for the windshield, dual airbags, heating and ventilation systems, dashboard, seats, and other chassis modules. A square tube-steel sub-frame carries the engine (mounted behind the front axle line), transmission, and front independent suspension system. Another tube-steel sub-frame incorporates the rear suspension, differential, and fuel tank. A steel perimeter cage above the rear axle surrounds the 59-L (15.7-gal) fuel tank.

Crash modules (the outermost chassis modules) incorporate the extruded aluminum bumpers, long crush cans, as well as the radiator and trunk. "We have an industry first with our replaceable side-impact intrusion beams," said Leverett. "Either crush module can be replaced independently without compromising the rest of the structure."

Esperante has fully independent front- and rear-suspension systems with short long-arm arrangements and adjustable gas-charged coil-over shock absorbers at each wheel. "The rear springs and shocks are activated by a pushrod and rocker set-up that was derived from our GTR-1 race car, which competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans," said Leverett. In 1998, the Panoz GTR-1 finished Le Mans seventh overall and won the USRRC Team Championship.

The Panoz Esperante has an estimated fuel economy of 14 L/100 km (17 mpg) city and 10 L/100 km (23 mpg) highway. Suggested retail price of the hand-built car is $79,868. Overseas distribution is under consideration.

Kia concept

In an unusual move, Kia unveiled a worldwide debut of a concept car based on a subcompact that is not yet for sale. "A second-generation car could be four or five years away as a normal changeover, but this could be quicker," said Geno Effler, Manager of Public Relations for Kia Motors America, during the New York show. "Nothing like (a timetable or whether it reaches production) has been determined yet."

The Rio SV (special version) is based on the 2001 Rio, which uses the old Ford Aspire platform. The production Rio goes on sale in the U.S. this August.

Interior features of the Rio SV include instruments that are housed in three pods that cluster around the steering column, extending from the dash's plane. Foot pedals are exposed metal, and the shifter knob is a chrome ball. "The interior is a combination of modern and retro—think of a 1950s pick-up truck's instrumentation, but in a modern way," Effler said.

Rio SV has an onboard personal computer that allows Internet and e-mail access by touching a screen. The system also incorporates Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation.

Its taillights are behind clear lenses, matching the look of the headlamps. Perforated metal strips are beneath each taillight, and a metal bar is above the license plate holder. The front-end is highlighted by a below-the-grille air dam that is done in color different than the body.

The power plant is a 1.5-L engine that produces 72 kW (96 hp) at 5800 rpm and 133 N•m (98 lb•ft) torque at 4500 rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The 241-cm (94.9-in) wheelbase Rio SV has ventilated front and rear disc brakes, and a four-channel, four-sensor antilock braking system. Equipment also includes electronic brake distribution that apportions power between front and rear axles, depending on load.

Sebring debuts

Two 2001 Chrysler Sebrings made world premieres at the New York show. A convertible and a coupe now round out the Sebring family, joining the sedan that was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show.

The second-generation Sebring convertible gets a stiffer body, offering increased rigidity and less bending when compared to the first-generation car introduced in 1996. For the 2001 model year, the steering system has been retuned with a new, stiffer front suspension cross-member, rebound springs added to the shock absorbers, and changes to sway bar and spring isolators.

The Sebring convertible makes four wheel disc brakes standard equipment, while ABS Plus is available. Standard for the first-generation Sebring convertible was disc drum brakes. Front brake rotors are larger on the 2001 convertible, while brake linings are thicker. A new 2.7-L DOHC 24-valve SMPI V6 engine powers the convertible. Compared to the first-generation 2.5-L SOHC 24-valve V6 engine, the new one delivers 149 kW (200 hp) at 5900 rpm, an increase of 24 kW (32 hp). It also delivers 262-N•m (193-lb•ft) torque at 4300 rpm, an increase of 31 N•m (23 lb•ft).

The exterior appearance conveys a more refined look. "We sharpened the hem flanges. So from a side view, the look is very crisp. We've also added door pins. It helps stabilize the road shake. The biggest story on the convertible is, we've gone to the next level of fit and finish," said William Grabowski, Director-Body Engineering, Large Car Platform for DaimlerChrysler.

The hood and trunk lid are made of steel, rather than SMC as was the case with the first-generation convertible. The car's rear license plate holder changes from a bumper location to a deck lid presentation. The convertible's cabin assumes a new look with interior alterations that include higher head restraints on the front seats, the addition of seatbelt pretensioners, as well as new heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and radio controls that are flush with the instrument panel. To make lowering the convertible top more fluid, the 2001 car features one button that lowers the top and all four win-dows simultaneously.

First-generation Sebring convertibles were engineered by the small-car platform team and built in Toluca, Mexico. The second-generation convertible was engineered by the large-car platform team and will be built in Sterling Heights, MI, where the 2001 Sebring sedan will also be assembled.

The 2001 Sebring coupe gets a larger, more fuel efficient engine with an optional 3.0-L V6 that adds 28 kW (37 hp) more power than the 2.5-L engine it replaces, with an estimated 149 kW (200 hp) at 5500 rpm. An AutoStick trans-axle shifter is now available with the V6. A standard 2.4-L 4-cylinder engine that achieves 110 kW (147 hp) at 5500 rpm and 214 N•m (158 lb•ft) torque at 4000 rpm replaces a 2.0-L 4-cylinder.

The body rigidity for the 2001 coupe increased 90% in bending and 9% in torsion. New ride and handling additions include a front strut tower brace, front and rear sway bars, and a rigid rear suspension tow link bushing.

Interior modifications include repositioning the ventilation and audio controls, relocating the speedometer to a better sight position for the driver as well as lowering the entire instrument panel layout. The Sebring coupe will be assembled at Mitsubishi Motor Assembly in Normal, IL.

Suburu engine debuts

Subaru pulled the wraps off its new high-output H6-3.0 engine during the New York show. The horizontally opposed, six-cylinder 3.0-L power source achieves 158 kW (212 hp) at 6000 rpm and 285 N•m (210 lb•ft) at 4400 rpm. The DOHC power plant has an aluminum crankcase, four valves per cylinder, and rides on liquid-filled engine mounts.

Subaru's newest engine uses a variable intake manifold with an induction control valve that enables two intake characteristics. Below 3700 rpm, the valve remains closed to create a long intake runner length. When the valve opens above 3700 rpm, the manifold creates a scavenging (light supercharging) effect that allows each cylinder to catch high-pressure waves of intake air bouncing off the manifold's opposite side. The six-cylinder engine is just 20 mm (0.8 in) longer than the four-cylinder engine that powers the Subaru Outback Limited model.

The H6-3.0 will power the Outback VDC model as well as the L.L. Bean Outback edition. Outback VDC model packages Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) all-wheel drive with an advanced stability system called Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and all-wheel, all-speed traction control. The L.L. Bean edition, which has active all-wheel drive, features exclusive exterior badging and signature interior markings.

Show wrap-up

Audi executives noted that the North American version of its Allroad Quattro, a crossover premium sedan/SUV, will achieve a faster take-off time with a manual transmission than its European counterpart. According to Marc Trahan, Audi Product Management Leader at Audi of America in Auburn Hills, MI, a shorter final drive ratio and different engine-control software means the 0 to 97 km/h (0 to 60 mph) time for the North American vehicle is 6.8 s, vs. 7.4 s in Europe.

The Allroad Quattro is powered by a 2.7-L twin-turbocharged engine and features a four-position, height-adjustable air suspension. With air-spring struts at every wheel controlled by height sensors, ride height can vary between 14 and 21 cm (5.6 and 8.2 in). "The driver can rely on an intelligent control system that adjusts the vehicle's height automatically, or use the manual control mode," said Len Hunt, Vice President of Audi of America.

Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Bryan Bergsteinsson announced that its sport coupe concept, first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1999, will go into production as the SC 430 convertible. The car will be powered by the 4.3-L V8 used in the LS 430. The rear-wheel-drive convertible is built on an exclusive platform, has standard 18-in wheels, and is scheduled to go on sale in March 2001 initially in the U.S. and Canada.

A full-size pickup truck for the U.S. market was part of the production strategy outlined by Nissan Motor Co.'s Chief Operating Officer Carlos Ghosn. The strategy's worldwide vehicle picture shows 22 all-new models. "And we're not talking facelifts," said Ghosn. Over the next three years, at least 10 of those vehicles are U.S.-destined. A new full-size pickup truck will get power from a new V8 engine. Other specifics, including a launch timetable for the vehicle, were not revealed.

The 2001 GMC Yukon XL Denali is the long-wheelbase counterpart to the Yukon Denali, the first generation of which was introduced in the 1998 model year. Both vehicles share the same powertrain, all-wheel-drive system, and choice of seven- or eight-passenger seating. The Denali's enhanced Vortec 6000 V8 engine has new cast aluminum cylinder heads with unique exhaust and intake seats, intake valves, and new cylinder head gasket. A carryover from the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette, the SUV-adapted intake and exhaust ports allow enhanced in/out combustion chamber airflow. The Vortec 6000 replaces the Vortec 5700 in the current models and is more powerful than the Vortec 6000 currently used in other GMC trucks.

GM's updated 2001 minivans—the Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, and Oldsmobile Silhouette—will include interior alterations such as fold- flat second-row captain's chairs and an optional fold-flat third-row seat. A second-generation entertainment package in the Chevy Venture Warner Bros. Edition, Pontiac Montana-Vision, and Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere features a flip-down 6.8-in LED video screen linked to dual-channel, wireless, infrared headphones. OnStar will be standard equipment on the new minivans. The second-generation system will include hands-free personal calling and voice-activated retrieval of e-mail, stock quotes, and more. The exterior of the minivans will feature new front fascias and grille treatments.

Ford's Windstar Solutions concept made a worldwide auto show debut in New York, after first being shown at the National Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Chicago, IL. The appliance-laced vehicle showcases custom-designed Maytag Corp. products in a 2000 Windstar production minivan. The minivan features Maytag's ClimateZone food drawer in the cargo compartment, a microwave in the left rear of vehicle, a cooler behind the front seats, hot/cold cup holders, a trash compactor between the front seats, a Hoover wet/dry vacuum stowed on a second-row passenger seating side panel, a miniature Maytag washer/dryer built into the rear cargo area, and tray tables that fold from front captain's chair seatbacks.

"The next step, of course, is for consumers to tell us whether this concept will meet their needs," noted Jim Schroer, Ford Motor Co. Vice President for Global Marketing.

Kami Buchholz

AEI July 2000