2001 Preview Page 6

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The 2001 Mazda Tribute

Mazda returns to the SUV market after being absent since the demise of the Navajo in 1994. The Tribute will be built on the same platform as the Ford Escape and will share the Escape's 200-horsepower V6 engine. Tribute goes on sale late this summer. The Miata gets its first horsepower boost, with an increase to 155 horses. The Protege gets a larger 2.0-liter 130-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, and the Millenia's torsional rigidity is improved 30 percent. In the truck market, Mazda's B-Series models get a new 2.3-liter four cylinder with almost 13 percent more horsepower than the 2.5-liter engine it replaces. The B4000 moves up to a 4.0-liter SOHC V6 engine, producing 205 horsepower.

This fall Mercedes-Benz will bring out its newest model, the completely redesigned C-Class. The entry-level Mercedes will be available as a C240, which features a 2.6-liter V6 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission; and as a C320, with a 3.2-liter V6. Styling is very similar to the flagship S-Class—no wonder some auto pundits are calling it a "Baby S." A number of improvements have been made in technological and safety features, too. There has been talk of a high-performance C32, but details of a high-performance C-Class have not been released, except that it is likely to match performance with the upcoming new BMW M3. What is known in the realm of high performance is that two new AMG vehicles will be arriving in the fall. The CLK55 and S55 will both share the same 354-horsepower V8 that is used in the current E55. Both of these powerful models will be produced in limited numbers. In other news, the sporty SLK roadster went on sale as a 2001 model in spring 2000 and received freshened styling, a revised interior and a lower price tag.


The 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class


The 2002 Mercury Mountaineer

A redesigned Mountaineer goes on sale early in calendar 2001 with what Mercury stylists call a "contemporary" appearance. With a look that further differentiates it from its Explorer cousin, the 2002 Mountaineer features a wider stance, which both enhances stability and increases interior room. Seating for seven will be offered with a third row of seats. A new 4.6 V8 will also be available, as will a side-curtain airbags system. In other news, the Cougar's interior is updated and a new 200-horsepower Cougar S model will be added to the lineup.

The Japanese automaker got a jump on the 2001 model year by introducing both a redesigned Montero SUV as well the new Eclipse Spyder. The Montero, sold as the Pajero in Japan, sports a more aggressive look, a smoother ride and more luxurious interior. Rear seats fold into the floor for a versatile cargo area. Arriving just one year behind the redesigned Eclipse coupe, the Spyder features a power roof, roomier interior than its predecessor and a 200-horsepower V6. Both the Montero and Spyder went on sale in spring of this year. And while there are no major changes to the rest of the Mitsubishi lineup, all vehicles get feature upgrades for the new model year.


The 2001 Mitsubishi Montero


The 2001 Nissan Frontier

Nissan has been pulling out all the stops lately with one new model after another. The latest news comes in the form of a redesigned Frontier. The compact pickup truck sports a much more aggressive look, with new styling inside and out. The 2001 Frontier rides smoother than its predecessor, and to quell concerns about the underpowered V6 engine, Nissan has added a supercharger to boost power to 210 horses. The popular Crew Cab will return as well. Although details have not been released, it's likely the new Frontier styling may rub off on the full-size pickup truck that Nissan plans to sell in a couple of years. The rest of the lineup remains primarily unchanged; however, look for an all-new Altima to be unveiled next spring.

The first 2001 Oldsmobile for sale this year was the all-new Aurora. The flagship of the Oldsmobile line, Aurora is available with either a 3.5-liter V6 engine or a 250-horsepower V8. A redesigned 2002 Bravada will go on sale next spring. Bravada will be powered by a new 4.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with output expected to exceed 250 horsepower. In other news, the Silhouette minivan adds an optional third-row seat that folds flat; new second-row captain's chairs that fold flat; an in-dash, 6-disc CD player; improved ventilation and air conditioning; and cupholders that are integrated into the instrument panel. The in-vehicle entertainment center in the Silhouette Premiere is upgraded with wireless, infrared headphones and a larger video screen with a sharper picture. Meanwhile, the Intrigue GLS will come standard with OnStar, and the Alero gets an enhanced stereo system and upgraded wheels.


The 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada