Saturn CV1 has bi-fold doors to improve access to the rear seats. Oldsmobile's Profile features a Web server for mobile connectivity. The Buick LaCrosse can be quickly transformed — via voice command — from a luxury car to a light cargo carrier with an open bed. GMC's Terradyne has a 6.6-L V8 and a 5-kW (6.7 hp) engine-driven AuraGen generator that can power a house. The Opel CVC is based on the Zafira compact van and is equipped with permanent four-wheel drive for winter-sports activities. The SSR from Chevrolet combines attributes of an open-air sports car and pickup. The Chevrolet Traverse uses midsize truck architecture but is called a sedan and can hold a 4 x 8 ft sheet of plywood in the rear. The Pontiac Piranha's interior is easily customized by its owner, who can alter interior trim fabric, the instrument cluster, and the seating arrangement. The Cadillac 2000 Concept showcases GM's finest safety and security technology including finger-print-based keyless Biometric Security and next-generation Stabilitrak.

"We're focused on creating new product segments and redefining existing segments," said Larry Burns, Vice President of GM R&D and Planning. "Over 300 product concepts are brewing in GM at any time now. About 50 concepts are pulled out for rigorous development and evaluation. The concept cars, trucks, and crossovers we're showing publicly illustrate the innovation and reach we're putting into GM's future product plan."

Of the current crop of concept vehicles, the company decided to reveal details on nine. The first two concepts — the Saturn CV1 and Oldsmobile Profile — will appear at the Los Angeles show. Four will first appear at Detroit. They are the Buick LaCrosse, GMC Terradyne, Opel CVC, and Chevrolet SSR. Chicago will see the first public showing of the Chevrolet Traverse and Pontiac Pirahna. To emphasize its push into global markets, Cadillac will unveil its 2000 Concept at the Geneva Motor Show.

Saturn CV1 — The Saturn CV1 (first concept vehicle) explores a number of design innovations in its 4490-mm (177-in) length. It provides a glimpse of a possible truck-inspired product from the division. Designed for versatility, it features a flexible interior offering space for five, plus two fold-down jump seats for kids. The rear seat slides and folds flat to maximize passenger and/or cargo space. Bi-fold doors improve access to the rear seats and make it easy to load bulky items.

The vehicle's 2.2-L, dual-overhead-cam, inline four-cylinder engine meets ultra-low-emissions vehicle standards. It is teamed with a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. Safety is enhanced with smart front and side airbags, four-point restraints for the front seats, run-flat tires, and a center instrument pod that places critical information closer to the driver's sight line. In addition, many unique storage systems and innovative interior features add to CV1 versatility.

Oldsmobile Profile - This sport sedan is powered by a 3.5-L supercharged all-aluminum twin cam V6, in conjunction with all-wheel drive and Oldsmobile's "Precision Control System." It echoes the current Oldsmobile "form vocabulary" via wheel-oriented shoulders, lower body-side flutes, and horizontal headlamps. The five-door five-passenger vehicle offers flexible passenger and cargo areas. The 60/40 split rear seat slides and folds flat to enhance transport of cargo such as golf clubs and luggage. Power-operated sliding rear doors and a rear liftgate enable access to the rear compartment.

The Profile features a Web server for mobile connectivity via satellite links. Connectivity includes GPS navigation with real-time traffic information, filtered e-mail, and an audio library — and integration of personal digital assistant information is through infrared transmission. Voice commands allow for hands-free operation of controls. "Stealth lighting" technology with transparent optics are used on headlamps and taillamps. Computers regulate traction, strut valving, vehicle attitude, and the engine. The FWD/AWD vehicle has a 4650-mm (183-in) length, a 2870-mm (113-in) wheelbase, and 19-in wheels and tires.

Buick LaCrosse — Buick reintroduces V8 power in this concept car with a prototype 4.2-L, 32-valve, dual-overhead-cam engine mated to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The FWD vehicle has a 3070-mm (121-in) wheelbase and a 5110-mm (201-in) overall length. The five-passenger sedan's most notable feature is its ability to be quickly transformed — via voice command — from a luxury car to a light cargo carrier with an open bed. The tailgate electrically slides downward and under the vehicle, and the rear window and rear portion of the roof slide forward to reveal the cargo area. During this operation, the front roof section moves slightly downward to accommodate the sliding panels. The car's four doors are power-operated and hinged at the front and rear pillars, opening at the center pillar for easy access.

The interior has comfortable "club chairs" with power-adjustable rear passenger footrests. Voice-activated controls take the place of switches and displays usually mounted in the instrument panel. The only visible secondary controller is a single trackball-like device installed in the console. The driver uses it in conjunction with voice commands to operate all systems except throttle, brakes, and steering. Features selected by the driver are projected on the windshield in reconfigurable color head-up displays for both the driver and front passenger.

GMC Terradyne — With the Terradyne (from the Latin terra for "of the earth," and "dyne," Greek for "strength and power"), GMC wants to exceed customer expectations with a 6.6-L V8 and an overall length of 5720 mm (225 in). The five-passenger full-size MegaCab/Short Box pickup has what GMC calls "billet cut" styling, providing beveled forms with precise lines around strong solid volumes.

Cab-up and -forward packaging provides more interior and cargo space in a traditional garage-fitting overall length. The cab contains reconfigurable rear seats, storage bins, overhead console, electronic analog gauges, steering wheel controls, 110-V electrical outlets, and a mobile office with a console-mounted laptop. Premium industrial-grade materials suitable for heavy use but comfortable for the user make up the interior. The uncarpeted floor has spray-out capability. Four gliding doors eliminate the traditional crew cab B-pillar obstruction and the extended cab pickup door "parking lot trap." A door-activated power-assist step eases entry and exit.

The cargo box can be extended from 2.0 to 2.4 m (6.5 to 8 ft). Tools or other cargo can be stowed in the Side Storage System integrated into the outer rear side panels. A rear video monitoring system eliminates the traditional rearview blind zone and, with a power-extendable rearview mirror, enhances visibility when hitching or towing a trailer. This is topped off with a 5-kW (6.7 hp) engine-driven AuraGen generator, which provides enough power to operate a house using the 110- and 220-V outlets in the tailgate area.

Opel CVC — This Compact Van Concept, based on the Zafira compact van, is equipped with permanent four-wheel drive for winter-sports activities. Thanks to 18-inch wheels, it has 30 mm (1.17 in) more ground clearance than the standard van. A prototype aluminum ECOTEC-Direct engine with gasoline direct injection sits in front. The 2.2-liter unit develops 110 kW (150 hp) and operates via a five-speed gearbox. The CVC has an overall length of 4440 mm (174.8 in) and a wheelbase of 2712 mm (106.8 in).

Innovations of the six-seater include a box integrated into its glass roof that can be accessed from the interior of the vehicle, providing room for items such as scarves, gloves, and ski goggles. Other innovations include the heated cubby box between the middle row's individual seats and two heated cupholders in the middle console. Integrated into the inside of the rear hatch is a plastic fairing that doubles as a toboggan. The middle row's individual seats can be moved 540 mm (21 in) lengthwise and have an innovative folding mechanism. A centrally mounted monitor for the navigation system is equipped with two twist and press buttons, enabling quick and easy operation of other onboard systems.

Chevrolet SSR — The SSR (super sport roadster) is a crossover vehicle, combining the features of an open-air sports car with the added storage and flexibility of a pickup. It boasts a longitudinal 6.0-L V8 and rear-wheel-drive powertrain — all packaged in a 4730-mm (186.1-in) overall length. A power retractable hardtop reveals an interior offering three-passenger capability made possible by the integration of the shifter into the steering wheel. The SSR incorporates a unique full-width grille bar, wide stance, distinct wheel-oriented forms, and integrated cab, fenders, and bed.

Chevrolet Traverse — The Traverse also explores the combination of car and truck, but in this case to re-invent the Chevy family sedan. It merges the popular attributes of trucks — utility, ruggedness, all-wheel drive, and command-view seating — with the seating capacity and agility of sedans. The front-engine rear-drive Traverse is powered by a 4.5-L V6, and its four-speed automatic transmission has push-button electronic shift control.

Using midsize truck architecture, the five-passenger, five-door sedan is higher than a traditional sedan. Tall proportions and minimal overhang allow the driver to see all corners of the vehicle clearly for added safety. Its rear split-bench seating slides and folds to create a flat load floor able to hold a 4 x 8 ft sheet of plywood. A "smartback" rear opening blends a liftgate and a truck tailgate, allowing easier access to cargo. An integrated Compaq computer with Internet access, and a remote-mounted radio display is integrated in the instrument cluster.

Pontiac Piranha — The Piranha is intended to offer innovative, affordable driving excitement with unique customizing capabilities for Pontiac's youngest buyers. Keeping the intended audience in mind, it is designed to be inexpensive not only to buy, but also to maintain. Piranha's L850 supercharged engine is coupled with a high-tech, 5-speed paddle shifter. The four-seat, front-wheel-drive coupe has large 18-in front and 19-in rear wheels.

The car's interior can be customized by its owner. The fabric on its interior trim panels can be changed easily, the instrument cluster is reconfigurable, and the seats are flexible, lightweight, and removable. The front passenger and rear seats can be folded down to expand cargo space from 310 to 1100 L (11 to 38 ft³). A rubber floor allows for easy hose-out cleaning. A flat load floor and removable cargo carrier in the back can be accessed through a rear door with a tailgate that folds flat. Special side rear doors enhance access to the back of the coupe. In addition, a fabric roof panel opens side-to-side between fixed roof rails, and there is an integrated pop-up roof rack.

Cadillac 2000 Concept — For its latest concept, Cadillac's design team created a luxury four-place sedan intended to be exclusive and limited in production. Designed as a global vehicle in cooperation with GM Europe's Simon Cox, plans call for introducing the car in Geneva. The 2000 Concept is designed to be a high-end flagship sedan for both Cadillac and GM, pushing the limits of performance, comfort, communication, and safety technology. The 5130-mm (202-in) all-wheel-drive sedan has a supercharged Northstar V8.

The concept is said to offer "first-class" seating for four passengers, including infotainment systems, state-of-the-art night vision, and rear-seat display screens. Ventilated front and rear seats can be individually controlled. Rear passengers get reclining seats, articulating footrests, and rear-hinged doors for easy entry and exit. Up front, the pedals and steering wheel are adjustable.

The 2000 Concept showcases GM's finest safety and security technology with finger-print-based keyless Biometric Security; active suspension/aerodynamics with next-generation Stabilitrak; adaptive cruise control with alert; dual function, reconfigurable head-up display; accident-avoidance technology; and run-flat tires.

Kevin Jost