2001 Preview Page 7

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The Plymouth Prowler

After more than 70 years since its introduction, the Plymouth name will cease to exist after the 2001 model year. Only the Prowler will wear the name through this calendar year. Then, starting in January 2001, it will be sold under the Chrysler name.

Pontiac moves into uncharted territory this summer with the introduction of its first SUV, the Aztek. Billed as a "sport recreation vehicle," the Aztek is based on a concept of the same name shown at the 1999 NAIAS. The Aztek will initially be produced with front-wheel drive only—Versatrak all-wheel drive will be available later this year. Inside, the Aztek lives up to the "recreation" in its billing with a removable cooler as a center console, versatile cargo area, and stereo controls in the rear for tailgate parties. While the Aztek features a 185- horsepower V6 engine and a long list of standard features, it has received mixed reviews due to its unique exterior styling. Meanwhile, the Montana minivan is restyled with new front and rear fascias. A luggage rack becomes standard; there are new, fold-flat captain's chairs in the second row and available stowable seats in the third row. The Grand Prix gets minor freshening, while the 5.7-liter V8 Gen III LS1 engine in the Firebird Formula and Trans Am gets five more horsepower and five more lb-ft of torque. The result: 310 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 340 lb-ft at 4000 rpm. In other news, Pontiac stopped building the Sunfire convertible at the end of calendar 1999.


The 2001 Pontiac Aztek


The 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo

Porsche fans have been waiting two years for a new 911 Turbo. The wait is over, and this 2001 Turbo was well worth it. At the heart of the Turbo is a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter engine produces a whopping 415 horsepower. All that power is delivered to the road through all four wheels. Sixty mph is reached in just over 4.0 seconds, and top speed is a claimed 189 mph. Unlike 911 Turbos of the past, the 2001 model is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. In other news, Porsche has announced that its upcoming SUV will be named the Cayenne. Details are still scarce, but the Cayenne is expected to go 0-to-60 mph in 5.0 seconds, courtesy of a 449-horsepower turbo V8. Look for the new SUV in the 2002 model year.

The British maker of ultra-luxury cars has brought back an old name for a new model year. The Corniche convertible was unveiled at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show this past January. With BMW taking possession of the Rolls-Royce name in 2003, it is likely that Corniche will be the last new vehicle built at the Crewe facilities to wear the Rolls-Royce name. Only 400 of the luxury convertibles will be produced, and each will be hand-built to order.


The Rolls-Royce Corniche


The 2001 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon

A number of upgrades have been made to the Saab lineup for the 2001 model year. The 9-3 will have all-speed traction control standard, a new keyless entry system, and a value-priced SE Convertible will replace the base convertible. The 9-5 will continue primarily unchanged, including the new Aero Wagon that was introduced earlier this year. In addition, the latest generation of the OnStar advanced communications system will be standard across the Saab lineup for the new model year.

Saturn has redesigned its 3-door SC for the 2001 model year. Still the only 3-door coupe available in the world, the new SC features revised exterior styling, an upgraded interior and a number of new features. Saturn is also updating its safety systems and will offer optional head curtain airbags on its entire 2001 lineup. Features have been upgraded and new colors are available through the Saturn line as well.


The 2001 Saturn SC