Cadillac XLR

Based on the Cadillac's Evoq concept car, which was unveiled at the 1999 NAIAS, the production XLR will feature the first application of a higher-output 4.6-L Northstar engine in a rear-wheel-drive configuration. The engine will be mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission in a transaxle configuration.

XLR Chief Designer, Tom Peters, along with Dave Hill, Vehicle Line Executive for General Motors performance cars, and David Leone, Chief Engineer, were given the assignment of making the hand-built Evoq concept an XLR production reality. The car was developed on GM's next-generation performance car architecture designed specifically for convertibles. "With advanced steel hydroformed side rails and an aluminum cockpit structure, the XLR will be class-leading in structural efficiency, ride quality, and agility," said Hill.

The XLR features a retractable hardtop from Car Top Systems GmbH. Michelin's run-flat PAX System will offer significantly enhanced vehicle control in the event of a puncture.

XLR production will begin in 2003 on a dedicated assembly line at GM's Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky, where the Corvette is built.

- Kevin Jost

Chevrolet SSR

The production version of the Chevrolet SSR took center stage just two years after the concept version of the convertible roadster/pickup was introduced at the 2000 NAIAS. Developed at General Motors' Corporate Brand Character Center, the SSR concept vehicle was designed entirely by computer, going from first sketch to full-size model in seven weeks.

The production vehicle has the same wheelbase as the concept, but is slightly shorter and wider. The windshield was pulled slightly forward, and alterations were made to the A-pillar and roof surfaces to maintain vehicle proportions. The tire-to-body relationship was unchanged from the concept; 19- and 20-in wheels are used for front and rear. A majority of the body panels are stamped steel, including the fenders, which are identical to the concept with the exception of side-marker lights added to meet safety regulations.

To ensure good handling, ride, and structural strength, the basis for the production SSR is GM's midsize truck architecture. Hydroformed steel side rails are employed for strength and stiffness, relatively low weight, and precise assembly. Holes for suspension attachments are laser-cut to ensure dimensional accuracy and allowed engineers to tune the suspension more precisely. The frame features eight crossmembers, instead of the traditional four or six, which also improves strength for better ride quality, handling control, and noise and vibration isolation.

The interior has a Chevrolet twin cockpit theme, with a horizontal crosscar bar and body-colored accents bringing the vehicle's exterior theme into the interior. Aluminum elements of the exterior are continued on door trim and instrument bezels. Audio controls are hidden behind a moveable panel.

Initial production will begin in late 2002 at the Lansing Craft Centre in Lansing, MI, with regular production to follow in early 2003.

- Kevin Jost

Chrysler Pacifica

Called a concept, the six-passenger Chrysler Pacifica sports tourer is near production, which will begin in early 2003 as a 2004 model. Designed to be a "segment buster" at the premium end of the Chrysler lineup, the "vehicle (doesn't) conform to traditional proportions of a car, sport utility vehicle, or minivan, yet features their best attributes," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President, Design, Chrysler Group.

Powered by a 186-kW (250-hp), 3.5-L, SOHC V6, the Pacifica features on-demand all-wheel drive, a four-speed automatic transaxle with AutoStick, an independent front/rear suspension with a load-leveling rear, and 19-in wheels with Michelin 255/50R19 tires. Some distinguishing attributes of the Pacifica are a glass skylight that runs the length of the roof, creating a sense of openness inside the vehicle, and a power liftgate. Its instrument cluster includes an integrated navigation system that incorporates a technology called "thin-film transfer display," which makes for easy viewing of information. A flip-down roof-mounted DVD screen is available to rear-seat passengers, and a surround-sound audio system includes eight Infinity speakers.

Safety features of the vehicle include side curtain airbags in all three rows, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and four-wheel antilock brakes. Preliminary dimensions for the Pacifica include a wheelbase of 2954 mm (116.3 in), a length of 5050 mm (198.8 in), a width of 2000 mm (78.7 in), and a height of 1690 mm (66.5 in).

- Ryan Gehm