2001 Preview Page1

by Perry Stern

2001 Preview Video: 28.8k, 56k, 100k, 300k

This year, automakers got an early start on the 2001 model year—the first 2001 vehicles went on sale back in January. Bolstered by a stable economy, auto sales have been strong in 2000 and they may beat last year's sales record of 16,940,863 units. More than 50 of the 255 models for sale in the U.S. market will be completely new or redesigned for the 2001 model year, and the others will have slight modifications or upgraded features. So sit back, click a few pages, kick a few (virtual) tires, and get your first glimpse of what's in store for the first full model year of the new millennium.

Acura


The Acura MDX

Acura began its 2001 model year earlier this year with the introduction of the all-new CL. Larger and more powerful than its predecessor, the CL sports a revised exterior and interior based on its 4-door sibling, the TL. The CL is also available as a Type S, which upgrades the suspension, tires and, most significantly, engine—output is bumped to 260 horsepower. Also new for the 2001 model year is the MDX sport-utility vehicle, which has earned Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (ULEV) status in all 50 states. MDX achieves better fuel economy than any other 6-cylinder 4X4 SUV—17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway—yet it still delivers 240 horsepower. The VTEC power plant is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The MDX includes seating for seven and will debut this fall.

AM General

In keeping with AM General's history of secrecy and stealth regarding the Hummer model line, no plans for the 2001 model year will be revealed until the 2001 calendar year. However, at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit the public snuck a peek at a possible AM General vehicle of the future. The H2 Concept is smaller than the original Hummer, and a bit more polished. Although it's more of an "everyday" vehicle, the H2 still retains Hummer's image of ruggedness. No information has been released about this concept's chances of making it into production.


The Hummer H2 Concept

Aston Martin


The Aston Martin Vantage Concept

A new V12 flagship will be introduced in October at the Birmingham Motor Show in the U.K. Reportedly called the DB12 Vanquish, its sleek body will be made of aluminum, carbon fiber and composite materials, with styling expected to resemble the Vantage concept shown in Detroit at the 1999 NAIAS. A new 6.0-liter V12 will provide a top speed around 190 mph. The new model will join the DB7, which ranks as the most successful Aston Martin of all time: production now exceeds 3,000 cars.

Audi

It's been a busy few years for the German automaker, and it looks like 2001 will not be the year Audi takes a break. Already on the streets is the 2001 TT, which is available with a new 225-horsepower four-cylinder engine, quattro all-wheel drive, and a stylish roadster body style. Coming this fall is the allroad quattro, which was unveiled at the New York Auto Show earlier this year. The allroad is based on the A6 Avant and features an adjustable-height suspension, 17-inch tires and a bi-turbo 250-horsepower V6 engine, giving the allroad both off-road capability and European on-road performance. Speaking of wagons, the high-performance S4 Avant will be available late in 2000. Next spring look for the powerful S8—the sport version of the flagship A8—boasting a 360-horsepower V8 engine.


The 2001 Audi allroad quattro

Bentley


The Bentley Arnage)

The Arnage is the most recent vehicle from Bentley; however, a new model from the British luxury automaker is a rarity, so it's not unusual to have nothing new debuting for the 2001 model year.

BMW

This fall, the exciting news from BMW will come in the shape of the latest M car, the M3. The long-awaited M version of the new 3-Series is already on sale in Europe, and for the first time the U.S. version will sport the same power as its European sibling. This means the M3 will deliver around 330 horsepower. It is likely that the next M Coupe/Roadster will receive similar levels of power. The new 330i is also about power—it features a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that produces 225 horsepower, an increase of 35 horses over the previous 328 engine. Returning to the 3-Series line this fall is all-wheel drive, a feature last seen in the 325iX of 1988-91. The 330xi will go head to head with Audi's quattro-equipped A4 models. The Z3 will also benefit from the new engine, with the 2.8 being renamed the 3.0. In other news, the 5-Series and M5 will get a freshened look, featuring new headlamps and revised taillight lenses. The 7-Series also gets a slight facelift for 2001, and is in line for a complete redesign for the 2002 model year.


The 2001 BMW M3)