Time to roll out the 2003s, and it is under far better circumstances than greeted the 2002s a year ago when the auto industry unveiled its new wares shortly after terrorist attacks and in the midst of a recession.
Then came zero-percent financing, sparking a recovery in auto sales that continued until this fall. Automakers are on schedule to sell nearly 17 million cars and light trucks in the 2002 calendar year, far more than most analysts forecast and close to last year’s total of 17.2 million, the second best ever after 17.4 million were sold in 2000.
The mythical 2003 model year begins Tuesday, and a look at what’s new indicates that sport-utility vehicles are more popular than ever, with 14 new offerings bowing. That raises the number of SUVs on the market to nearly 70, with more on the way.
The proliferation and popularity of SUVs has forced cars into the background in recent years, but 35 new or redesigned sedans and coupes arrive for ’03.
But only one is a high-mileage gas/electric, the Honda Civic hybrid. The bulk are models that stress performance, such as the Nissan 350Z, Ford Mustang Cobra SVT, Infiniti M45 and Mercury Marauder.
Consumers continue to demand performance–and the industry obliges.
Import brands account for most of the new hardware again this year, including several SUVs, models with V-8 engines and a couple with V-12s.
Here are the models that are new or significantly changed for 2003:
BMW
Z4: After seven years, the Z3 retires in favor of a new U.S.-built roadster with styling that combines sharp creases with soft curves and wears a new name, Z4. Engine choices are 2.5- or 3-liter inline 6s. The coupe is gone.
The new nomenclature launches BMW’s plan to give coupes and convertibles even-numbered names and sedans and wagons odd numbers.
760Li: Absent from last year’s 7-Series lineup, the sedan rejoins the roster in early 2003 with a new 6-liter V-12 engine.
DaimlerChrysler
Dodge
Neon SRT-4: Only the V-10 Dodge Viper claims a faster zero-to-60 m.p.h. time than this offering from Dodge’s new Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO), Chrysler Group’s response to the Special Vehicle Team lineup at Ford. All Dodge PVO offerings will get the SRT designation.
The SRT-4 Neon, which will compete with the Ford Focus SVT, is powered by a new 2.4-liter, 215-horsepower, turbocharged 4-cylinder that develops 245 foot-pounds of torque. The SRT-4 comes with 5-speed manual, 17-inch radial tires, functional hood scoop and deck lid spoiler.
Viper SRT-10: This is the other offering from PVO for ’03. Not only does the Viper sport new styling, it also boasts a new V-10 engine with 500 h.p. and 525 foot-pounds of torque. Other changes find a 2.6-inch stretch of the wheelbase and revised suspension and aerodynamics. Oh, and the new Viper claims a zero-to-60 m.p.h. time of less than 4 seconds.
Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 pickups: Redesigned for ’03, they boast the first application of a new 5.7-liter, 345-h.p. Hemi V-8 gas engine (standard) and a new high-output Cummins inline 6-cylinder turbo diesel developing 305 h.p. and 555 foot-pounds of torque (option).
Mercedes-Benz
E-Class sedan: New design has evolutionary styling changes. New features include electronic braking, advanced front air bags, new suspension with electronic damping controls and a rollover sensor.
S-Class: Mercedes’ flagship sedan gets optional all-wheel-drive, more power and a new safety system called PreSafe. When sensors detect hard braking or skidding, PreSafe activates electric seat-belt tensioners and adjusts front seat positions to prevent occupants from sliding under the belts.
4Matic AWD is available on the S430 and S500 models. The S600 has a new V-12 engine with two turbochargers and 469 h.p., and the S55 AMG has a supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 with 493 h.p.
CLK coupe: A redesigned coupe with pillarless hardtop styling and side windows that fully lower arrived in August. When doors are closed, seat-belt “presenters” move the belts closer to the front seats to make them easier to reach.
SL500: The redesigned roadster debuted in March with racier styling that recalls the “gullwing” SL, a retractable hardtop roof and 5-liter V-8, active suspension and electronic braking system. SL55 AMG followed in August with supercharged 5.5-liter and 493 h.p.
Ford
Ford
Expedition: The sport-utility vehicle gets power folding third-row seat, AdvanceTrac stability control, Safety Canopy air bag system and four-wheel independent suspension.
Mustang: The SVT Cobra returns after a year’s absence with a new supercharged and intercooled 4.6-liter V-8 teamed with 6-speed manual that delivers 390 h.p. and 390 foot-pounds of torque (320 h.p./317 foot-pounds of torque in ’01). Coupe or convertible.
The new Mach 1 high-performance edition has a “shaker” hood scoop and 4.6-liter, 32-valve, dual-overhead cam V-8 delivering more than 300 h.p. Body is lowered 1 inch and firmer sports-tuned suspension optimize handling. There’s also a new Pony package with exterior appearance of the GT, including hood scoop, but with 3.8-liter, 190-h.p. V-6 rather than 4.6-liter, 260-h.p. V-8 to make it more affordable.
Crown Victoria: Sedan gets major upgrades in ride and handling with addition of speed-sensitive power steering, independent front suspension, four-channel anti-lock brakes as standard, along with wiper-activated headlamps and side air bags (optional LX and LX sport).
Jaguar
S-Type: Sedan gets a major functional overhaul and adds a performance R model. Changes include a new suspension, redesigned interior, 6-speed automatic transmission, Dynamic Stability Control, power adjustable pedals and curtain-type side air bags.
A new 4.2-liter V-8 replaces a 4-liter and produces 294 horsepower, or 390 in supercharged form, in the new S-Type R.
Land Rover
Range Rover: This redesign is only the third in the SUV’s 31-year history. It went on sale in early summer with four-wheel independent suspension and a new 4.4-liter V-8 from BMW, which designed and engineered the vehicle before it sold Land Rover to Ford.
Lincoln
Aviator: A luxury derivative of the Ford Explorer has a 302-h.p. V-8, four-wheel independent suspension, three rows of leather seats with the third row folding flat and optional DVD navigation system.
Navigator: Redesigned inside and out with power running boards, power up/down third-row seat, power liftgate, Safety Canopy with rollover sensors and four-wheel independent suspension.
Town Car: Freshened design sees return of stand-up hood ornament. Steering and suspension retuned, brakes beefed up and 4.6-liter V-8 adds 19 h.p., to 239 h.p. Updates include more trunk capacityand heated rear seats.
Mazda
Mazda6: The replacement for the 626 and Millenia comes out in December. A four-door sedan arrives first, with a four-door hatchback and station wagon scheduled to follow.
Mercury
Grand Marquis: Four-channel ABS now standard along with speed-sensitive power steering and optional dual side air bags.
Marauder: A high-performance alternative to full-size Grand Marquis sedan. Features a 302-h.p. V-8, sports-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels.
Volvo
XC90: Volvo’s first SUV is due in November. Two all-wheel-drive models arrive first, the 5-cylinder base version and the 6-cylinder T6, both turbocharged. Volvo will add a front-wheel-drive model in early ’03. Based on the car platform used for the S60, S80 and V70, the XC90 seats up to seven. Safety features include a gyro-sensor that activates stability control if it detects possible rollover.
General Motors
Cadillac
CTS: The first of the 2003s, it went on sale in January as a replacement for the Catera with a 3.2-liter, 220-h.p. V-6.
Escalade ESV: Built off Chevy Suburban platform, it’s 22 inches longer than Escalade (off Chevy Tahoe platform). Three rows of seats, full-time AWD, StabiliTrak with road-sensing suspension, ultrasonic rear parking assist, OnStar, XM satellite radio, and rear-seat DVD entertainment system are among the goodies.
Chevrolet
Corvette: The sports car turns 50 with an Anniversary Edition featuring special badging as well as Anniversary Red body color and champagne-colored wheels.
SSR: A concept turned reality based on public demand. Two-door, two-seat roadster truck with power retractable hardtop like a car, bed like a pickup. Powered by 5.3-liter V-8 and featuring 19-inch performance radials upfront, 20-inch in back on this rear-wheel-drive machine.
Hummer
H2: Though a smaller and more civilized companion to the H1, it can hold six occupants versus four in the H1. Highway traveler capable of fording streams 20 inches deep, climbing 16-inch steps and padding through deep sand or snow. AWD sport-ute is powered by whisper-quiet (compared with H1 diesel) 6-liter V-8.
Pontiac
Vibe: The compact hatchback for the youth market was developed in conjunction with the Toyota Matrix. Available in front- or all-wheel-drive and in regular or sporty GT version with high-output 180-h.p. 4-cylinder and 6-speed manual. Front passenger and rear seats fold flat. ABS standard. 115-volt power outlet.
Saab
9-3: The redesigned sedan comes out in October with sleeker styling, a wider body and roomier interior. The four-door sedan replaces two- and four-door hatchbacks, which will not be part of the new 9-3 lineup. The 9-3 sedan retains front-wheel-drive and initially is available as a Linear model with a 2-liter, 175-h.p., turbocharged 4-cylinder. Arc and Vector models are due early in 2003.
Saturn
Ion: Sedan and Quad Coupe replacements for the S-Series that launched the Saturn line at General Motors. Ion is built on GM’s new Delta platform that will be shared with the next-generation Chevy Cavalier and is six inches longer than the former S-Series. A new 2.2-liter 4-cylinder is teamed with 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic; the coupe, due in 2003, offers manual or a continuously variable automatic. Dual-stage front air bags are standard, OnStar communication system optional.
Honda
Accord: The seventh generation bows with a redesign and new 3-liter, 240-h.p. (up 40 h.p.) V-6 and 2.4-liter, 160-h.p. (plus 10 h.p.) 4-cylinder engines, 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions (6-speed manual in coupe in the spring), side air bags (side air-bag curtains on V-6 models), navigation system, upgraded traction-control system, and ABS as standard.
Element: Coming in December, it’s a novel-looking compact sport-ute derivative of the CR-V for youth, with such features as swing-back “suicide” rear doors, pop-open or removable rear roof skylight, water-resistant interior and second-row seats that flip up and rest against the sidewalls. 4WD is available.
Civic: The Hybrid has a 1.3-liter gas engine with battery-powered electric motor that delivers 51 m.p.g. in a compact based on the four-door Civic sedan that seats four adults. The Si three-door hatchback is a pocket rocket with 2-liter, 160-h.p. 4-cylinder mated to a 5-speed manual and featuring performance-tuned suspension.
Pilot: The Honda version of the Acura MDX sport-ute has AWD standard along with the same 240-h.p. V-6 as in the MDX. Seating for up to eight in three rows, optional DVD entertainment system and host of storage areas.
Hyundai
Hyundai
Tiburon: A redesigned sports coupe bowed in spring with evolutionary styling and a 2.7-liter V-6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission as new options.
Kia
Sorento: The pint-size Sportage fades away to make room for the Sorento, a roomier SUV in rear- and four-wheel-drive variants. Hyundai owns Kia, but the full-frame Sorento is not related to the car-based Hyundai Santa Fe, though it uses the same 3.5-liter V-6.
Isuzu
Ascender: Isuzu replaces the Trooper with a restyled version of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL.
Mitsubishi
Outlander: The “crossover” SUV is based on the Lancer sedan and designed to compete with the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and others. Outlander comes with FWD or AWD and a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Nissan
Infiniti
G35: The rear-wheel-drive sedan bowed in March with a 3.5-liter, 260-h.p. V-6 and 5-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual is due in February. Both transmissions will be available on the G35 coupe coming in November with 275 h.p.
M45: The RWD sedan arrives in October powered by the 4.5-liter V-8 in the Q45 flagship.
FX45: The sports car/SUV crossover is due out in the first quarter of next year with the same 4.5-liter V-8.
Nissan
350Z: The resurrected sports cars began trickling in to dealerships in August in two-door form. A convertible is coming in the spring.
Murano: A car-based SUV, due out in December, is available in FWD and AWD with a continuously variable transmission.
Porsche
Cayenne: Sports-car maker surrenders to the will of the marketplace with its first sport-utility vehicle, due out early next year. Porsche promises Cayenne will have true off-road capability and live up to the company’s performance reputation. Two models are due initially, both with 4.5-liter V-8s. The Cayenne S has 340 horsepower, and the Cayenne Turbo, 450.
Boxster: A major update for the two-seater includes fresh styling, a new convertible top with a heated glass rear window (instead of plastic), 8 more horsepower for the base and Boxster S models and new dashboard-mounted climate controls.
Subaru
Baja: Subaru, which created the Outback by transforming the Legacy station wagon into a quasi-SUV, is turning the Outback into a pickup. The rear seat and bulkhead fold to expand the cargo area, but the rear window is fixed.
Forester: A redesigned version debuted earlier this year with styling more like that of an SUV than the first generation’s tall wagon look. The Forester is based on the Impreza platform and comes with standard AWD and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder.
Suzuki
Aerio: AWD now available. Horsepower increases by 4, to 145, and the center rear seating position gains a headrest and shoulder belt.
Toyota
Lexus
GX470: The luxury version of the redesigned Toyota 4Runner becomes the third SUV in the Lexus lineup in December. GX470 uses 4.7-liter V-8 from full-size LX470 sport-ute. Comes with standard 4WD, side air bags and side-curtain air bags, skid control, traction control and ABS. Seats for five are standard and a third-row seat is optional.
Toyota
4Runner: A new design and larger dimensions separate it from the car-based Highlander. The new 4Runner is 4.5 inches longer in wheelbase and overall length and is three inches wider. Base engine is a new aluminum 4-liter V-6 with 245 horsepower. The optional engine is the 4.7-liter, 235-h.p. V-8 in the Land Cruiser and other Toyota trucks. ABS, skid control and traction control are standard.
Corolla: A redesign debuted in January, and the only change this fall is a $200 increase in the base prices.
Matrix: The youth-oriented four-door hatchback debuted in February in FWD and AWD formats. Pontiac offers a similar model as the Vibe. Both are derived from the Corolla and come with 1.8-liter engines
Volkswagen
Audi
A4 Cabriolet: A FWD, four-seat convertible built on the same platform as the A4 sedan and Avant wagon that were redesigned last year returns after a four-year absence.
RS6: The performance sedan (based on the A6/S6) is due in July as a late 2003 packing 450 h.p. The U.S. will get fewer than 1,000 units, and the price will be close to $85,000.
Volkswagen
Beetle convertible: The long-promised convertible arrives by December, initially as a GLS model with a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine and a power top that’s available only in black.
