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 Automotive Intelligence News

News of  January 03, 2002

 

General Motors Delivers Smart, Innovative Concepts, Production Models At 2002 North American International Auto Show

DETROIT - General Motors is unveiling a trio of compelling production vehicles, four spectacular concept cars, and a major technology announcement at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, proof that an intense focus on product and quality is generating tangible, exciting, fun-to-drive results.

Hummer H2

For GM, the next chapter begins now, with the debut of the highly acclaimed, much-anticipated production HUMMER H2 SUV, Chevrolet SSR and Cadillac XLR roadster.

The Cadillac Cien V12 Supercar concept, seen in foam at Pebble Beach in 2001, makes its first official auto show appearance. Chevrolet unveils a concept version of the esteemed Chevrolet Bel Air, and a fresh new Pontiac Roadster concept shows its face. In addition, the Saab 9-3X makes a public debut.

Cadillac Cien

Photos: GM

What's more, GM intends to build on the momentum it creates at NAIAS by introducing nearly 40 new products between now and 2003, including six in the crucial entry-level market. All evidence that GM's aggressive product program focused on innovation, technology and brand differentiation is paying off.

"The secret's out: General Motors is recapturing the glory of its past and creating a bright, bodacious future with a fleet of dynamic new vehicles," said Robert A. Lutz, vice chairman of General Motors and chairman of GM North America. "We've quickly moved the Cadillac Evoq, Chevrolet SSR and HUMMER H2 from the auto show floor to the showroom, we're unveiling a quartet of breathtaking new concepts, and we've only just begun."

GM's recent new products worldwide have done extremely well in the marketplace, growing sales and share, and it is fulfilling its commitment to deliver smart, innovative products to customers through an agile development process.

Here's a look at the 2002 GM concepts:

Chevrolet Bel Air - The two-door Bel Air concept celebrates an American icon in a manner reminiscent of the 1950s originals - with style, performance and an exciting new Vortec 3500 turbocharged five-cylinder concept engine based on the highly regarded inline engine family now in GM's midsize sport utility vehicles. The rear-drive Bel Air concept was inspired by several interior design cues from its 1950s predecessor. The simple, elegant passenger compartment features a twin-element instrument panel, steering column-mounted gearshift and bench seats.

Pontiac Roadster - The new Pontiac concept car is a lightweight, two-seat roadster that celebrates the allure of open-air motoring and combines it with 220 horsepower's worth of Pontiac Excitement from a turbocharged 2.2-liter engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The roadster has saddlebrown leather interior surfaces, a two-gauge driver-oriented cockpit and fit and finish honed to European feel and function. It went from sketch to running concept in four months' time, its development pace quickened by GM's math-based technology.

Cadillac Cien - The V12-powered Cien concept is a glimpse at what a future halo car for Cadillac could be, and symbolizes Cadillac's 2002 Centennial celebration - "cien" means 100 in Spanish. Cien's 7.5-liter V12 concept powerplant, which is visible through the car's rear window generates 750 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, yet meets the packaging requirements and fuel economy standards of a V8. The car is constructed of carbon fiber, composites and aluminum. Cien's low, sleek appearance demonstrates the reach of the brand's new design philosophy.

Saab 9-3X - This concept makes its public debut at the 2002 North American International Auto Show. The 9-3X combines sporty styling with multi-dynamic features to demonstrate that AWD vehicles with off-road capabilities can retain a strong, athletic, on-road appeal. As Saab's first vehicle with an off-road dimension, the Saab 9-3X could see the Swedish manufacturer enter a new, crossover segment of the market.

The production vehicles include:

HUMMER H2 - H2, a full-size sport utility vehicle, takes the rugged characteristics of H1 and refines them, adding more creature comforts while maintaining off-road leadership. It's a bold and youthful interpretation of what HUMMER means, in a more civilized package and a more manageable size.

Cadillac XLR - Bold and innovative, and based on the award-winning Evoq concept car, XLR luxury roadster will feature an intricate retractable hardtop and the first application of a higher output 4.6-liter Northstar engine in a rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Chevrolet SSR - No other manufacturer has a vehicle like SSR, which has remained true to the concept version in both looks and performance. The souped up convertible roadster/pickup truck is fun, functional and turns heads at every intersection.

(December 19, 2001)

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