01/10 2004 NAIAS, TURNING UP THE HEAT**
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Fri, Jan 16, 2004
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
01/10
2004 NAIAS, TURNING UP THE HEAT
By Contributing Editors CHRISTOPHER MERLO and CHUCK DAPOZ
Part 3
FORD MUSTANG
Ford Mustang (production)
At last year's NAIAS, Ford unveiled the Mustang concept, and the public reacted
with a loud "hurrah." A year later, the icon of Ford's all-American
image is back as a production model that is true to its concept. Based on an
all-new purpose-built, muscle-car chassis, the new Mustang offers a fresh interpretation
of its heritage design cues including a long hood, short rear deck, side C-scoops
and aggressive forward-leaning grille. This rear-wheel-drive pony car is available
with a 300-hp, 24-valve MOD V8 or 200-hp SOHC V6. Pricing on the new Mustang
starts at under $20,000.
FORD SHELBY COBRA
Ford Shelby Cobra (concept)
There's been a void in the pantheon of great performance cars ever since Ford
Motor Company and Carroll Shelby parted ways in the 1960s. Those with thick
wallets could afford to fill the void by owning and driving a classic Cobra
while simpler folk had to settle for vicarious curbside pleasures. That may
be about to change thanks to the reunion of Ford and Shelby and their drop dead
beautiful new offspring. And if the crowds around the Cobra display at the NAIAS
are any indicator, people are eager for a production version. Indeed, the Editors
of AutoWeek awarded the Cobra Concept "Best In Show." Similar enthusiasm
greeted the Ford GT when it premiered at the NAIAS two years ago, and now it's
a production vehicle. One can only wish the same here. The Ford Shelby Cobra
concept brings it all together. Design. Performance. Pedigree. Its design is
clean, almost minimalist. There's the massive grille opening, side air outlets
vents and a simple windscreen with aluminum pillars. The long nose hides a monstrous
6.4L V10 capable of delivering of 605 hp and 501 ft-lbs to the massive 19-inch
rear wheels. It can go from 0 to 60 in less than 4 seconds and reach a top speed
of 195 mph.
FORD FIVE HUNDRED
Ford Five Hundred (production)
A new flagship in its lineup and the cornerstone of its "Year of the Car"
strategy, the Five Hundred is Ford's newest entry in the mid-size family sedan
market. Even though the overall package is a foot shorter than the full-size
Crown Victoria, the Five Hundred offers double the rear seat legroom and a larger
trunk. Built on an all-new crossover vehicle platform, it features command-style
seating that positions the driver as much four inches higher than traditional
midsize cars. Available in front-wheel-drive as well as all-wheel-drive versions,
the Five Hundred comes standard with a 3.0L Duratec V6 teamed with a CVT. In
addition to a platform that benefits from Ford's partnership with Volvo, the
car also features state-of-the-art safety technology including an energy-channeling
frame and body structure as well as side impact and rollover protection. 
FORD FREESTYLE
Ford Freestyle (production)
Like its platform sibling, the Ford Five Hundred, the new Freestyle is front
and center in Ford's strategy to rebuild its presence in the car market. Purpose
built to be a crossover where package and versatility are key in to the segment,
the Freestyle seats seven in three rows. A notable safety feature developed
through its partnership with Volvo is an exclusive three-row side curtain air
bag system. Like the Five Hundred, Freestyle is available in both front-wheel-
and all-wheel-drive configurations teamed with the 3.0L V6 and CVT. 
FORD BRONCO
Ford Bronco (concept)
The Ford Bronco concept has the heft a lead paperweight. That's a good thing.
Especially when "Tough Truck," or in this case "Tough SUV,"
is the number-one impression you want to make. This concept's weighty lines
and sharp angles emerge from what appears to be a solid chunk of iron. This
vehicle is all about function as implied by the monotone exterior, exposed door
hinges and massive metal bumper. Under the hood is a 2.0L intercooled turbo
diesel teamed with six-speed transmission. 
HONDA SUT
Honda SUT (concept)
Honda used the Detroit show to present its first-ever pickup, a concept vehicle
dubbed the SUT, for Sport Utility Truck. It's a compact SUV with an open
cargo box, similar to the configuration of the Chevy Avalanche and Ford Explorer
Sport Trac. Honda emphasizes the SUT is different from truck-based vehicles,
saying its unibody construction offers advantages in comfort, handling, stability,
fuel economy and emissions. And rather than challenge existing trucks with claims
of toughness, Honda says the SUT is aimed at "cool dads," active men
with children looking for a practical vehicle that can be used for recreation
rather than work or ultimate performance. The SUT is built on the Honda Pilot/Acura
MDX platform, powered by a 3.5L V6. Though the SUT is a concept vehicle, Honda
announced it will begin assembly of a pickup at its Alliston, Ontario, assembly
plant in 2005.
HYUNDAI HCD8 COUPE
Hyundai HCD8 Coupe (concept)
The HCD8 Coupe concept vehicle is the first product to be developed at Hyundai's
new US-based design center, in Irvine, CA. It's powered by a 250-hp, supercharged,
2.7L V6 and rides on an air suspension that lowers the body up to four inches
while cruising. Yellow LEDs are used for front and rear lights. The rear seats
fold forward to increase cargo space. There are no plans to produce the HCD8,
which Hyundai calls an exercise to define its brand character.
INFINITI QX56
Infiniti QX56 (production)
The all-new Infiniti QX56 is built on the same platform as Nissan's Titan
pickup and Pathfinder Armada SUV. It's the first Infiniti to be assembled
outside of Japan and will come off the line along with its platform siblings
in Canton, MS. The eight-passenger QX56 is a big vehicle; Nissan says the second
row offers the most legroom in its class, and the third-row seat is large enough
for adults. The engine is a 5.6L V8 that produces 315 hp and 390 lbs-ft and
can tow up to 8,900 pounds. Two- and four-wheel-drive versions will be offered,
with prices starting around $50,000. The QX56 goes on sale this spring.
JAGUAR S-TYPE
Jaguar S-Type (production)
This is the second facelift for the Jaguar S-Type since its introduction in
1999, and, indeed, the evolutionary changes have tightened the exterior design.
The most-notable changes are in the rear, where the decklid has been raised
and seems to integrate more smoothly into the rest of the body. The hood is
now made of aluminum, which Jaguar says improves weight distribution and balance.
Engines are unchanged, ranging from a 3.0L V6 to a 390-hp, supercharged, 4.2L
V8 that catapults the S-Type to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The new S-Type arrives
at dealers in April.
JEEP RESCUE
Jeep Rescue (concept)
This go-anywhere, do-anything concept is aptly named "Rescue" ## the ultimate search-and-rescue vehicle. Said to be a Jeep of the near future,
this "hero" offers no nonsense rugged performance. Its mission is
to amplify Jeep traits to the extreme. The iconic Jeep looks give the impression
of being chiseled out of solid metal. Jeep Rescue is built on a body-on-frame
construction with adjustable ride height suspension. Tire pressure on the massive
37-inch run-flat tires can be tuned from the cabin for maximum traction on all
surfaces. The doors are removable. There's a folding front windshield and retractable
backlite. A sliding glass sunroof in front and a fold-forward canvas roof in
the rear open the interior to the elements. Rescue is powered by a 325-hp Cummins
turbo diesel and loaded with an impressive array of rescue and safety equipment
such as a topographical mapping system, infrared cameras, satellite telephone
and retractable four-point harnesses for occupants.
JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (production)
The 2004½ Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a stretch version of today's Wrangler,
offering more cargo space and rear seat passenger room. Overall length is increased
15 inches, with the cargo area increased 13 inches and second-row legroom given
an extra two inches. Jeep says the 10-inch longer wheelbase improves on-road
comfort and quietness. In addition, the Wrangler Unlimited's towing capacity
is boosted to 3,500 pounds, 1,500 pounds more than the standard Wrangler. The
Wrangler Unlimited goes on sale in April.
KIA SPECTRA
Kia Spectra (production)
The all-new 2004 Kia Spectra is due to hit showrooms this spring. This four-door
compact sedan features a longer wheelbase, wider track and more horsepower than
its predecessor for better handling and a roomier interior. Occupant protection
includes front-, front-side and full-length side-curtain airbags. A 2.0L DOHC
engine delivers 138 hp and 135 lbs-ft and can be paired with a standard five-speed
manual or optional four-speed automatic.
