New Models Emphasize More Power and Refinement

A Review of Some of the New Offerings This Fall
By Mike Williams

There was a time when all new car introductions took place on the same day, sometime during October. Now we can expect new car launches at any time of the year. The fall season still tends to be when the most hype is generated. While there are some exceptions, new vehicles are emphasizing more power, greater efficiency and more refinement. Here is a quick look at a few of the new vehicles that are now arriving in showrooms.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
After six years and some minor makeovers, the Jeep Grand Cherokee finally gets a major revision. Smoother lines take some of the sharp edges away but retain the basic looks that make the Grand Cherokee the second best selling sport ute in North America. The interior is also revamped with more standard features that make the Jeep even more attractive. More significant however is what lies beneath the skin. A new optional V8 engine , a 4.7 litre SOHC producing 230 hp, is quieter, more durable, lighter and more fuel efficient than the 220 hp 5.2 litre it replaces. The base powerplant, a 4.0 litre in-line 6 cylinder producing 195 hp, is also improved over last year’s base engine. Jeep also claims that the a revised suspension improves ride and improves off road performance. The overall length has been stretched 4 inches, the track has been increased by one inch, and height and headroom have increased by two inches. Step up height has been lowered by 1/2 inch so access is a little easier. While the Grand Cherokee is not a revolution but rather an evolution, the improvements should keep it a leader in an increasingly competitive market.

GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silerado
Fellow journalist Ian MacPherson had the opportunity to drive the new GM full size pickups in Newfoundland this past June and his report is very positive. The fortunes of North American automakers are pinned to light trucks so GM made sure they did their homework with this one. While the new bodywork is not as extreme as Ford’s or Chrysler’s, it retains an aggressive appearance. GM says its customers want a truck to look like a truck. Overall, these new trucks are improved in every aspect. Stiffer body structures and a new three piece modular frame have both contributed to improving the ride yet the new Sierra and Siverado are tougher than ever. While the base 4.3 litre V6 is a carry over, three new V8 engines are available. Based on the Corvette’s LS1, the three derivatives include a 4.8, a 5.2 and a 6.0 litre producing 255 hp, 270 hp and 300 hp respectively. A 6.5 litre diesel pumps out 215 hp but delivers a whopping 440 lb-ft of torque. There are a variety of suspension setups available including 2 and 4 wheel drive variants. Between engine options, suspensions and cab styles you can custom tailor a truck to your specific needs.

Cadillac Escalade
It was just over a year ago when GM stated that sport utility vehicles do not fit with the image that Cadillac is seeking. But that was then and this is now. Cadillac could not ignore the success of the Lincoln Navigator. While the Navigator is not everyone’s cup of tea, sales numbers have been overwhelming and have exceeded even Ford’s most optimistic projections. Cadillac had to respond and respond quickly. Enter the Escalade, a Yukon/Tahoe based sport utility that is really just a rebadged upscale Yukon Denali. Inside, the Escalade is all Cadillac with perforated leather seating surfaces and wood trim inlays. Under the hood, the Escalade is a direct replica of the Denali with a 255 hp 5.7 litre V8 and a four speed automatic transmission. All of the suspension and undrepinnings are exactly what we find in a Denali so it comes as no surprise that the Escalade’s ride mirrors that of the Denali. So why pay a $4,000 or $5,000 premium over the Denali? Who knows. Maybe prestige and the Cadillac name are enough. One thing is evident though. The Escalade is a reaction to the market, not a planned strategy. In the big stakes game of luxury sport utes, prestige is probably enough thus the Cadillac Escalade should succeed in slowing down the runaway sales of the big Lincoln.

BMW 3 Series Sedans
How do you improve upon a car that has made Car and Driver’s Top Ten List for all seven years of its existence. The 91-98 3 Series has been BMW’s most successful car ever so any changes had to key on identified areas of weakness while retaining everything that made the 3 Series the great car that it is. So just what is it that you can do to improve on in a car that is the benchmark of its class. A little more rear seat room, a little stretch to the wheel base and track to improve ride and improvements in the quality of the interior. Basically the new 3 Series had to remain true to its roots and retain its BMWness. The new car is more connected to its stablemates, the 5 Series and the 7 Series than its predecessor. The body is sculpted in the same vein as the 5 Series and like the 5 and 7, the ride is free of harshness. Previous criticism of the 3 Series also centered around the lack of amenities for a car playing in this price range. You will now find the standard package enhanced with goodies like a tilting and telescopic steering wheel. Of course, BMW’s flawless 2.5 litre (323i) and 2.8 litre (328i) 6 cylinder engines are the heart and sole of these magnificent cars. The 318i will not be offered but the 323i is going to be aggressively priced, particularly considering the upgraded content. The four door versions arrive this fall with coupes, convertibles and hatchbacks to be introduced over the next 2 years.

Accura 3.2TL
Accura, Honda’s upscale marque has been facing a little trouble of late. A few years ago, Accura set out to rename their cars with numeric and alphabetic nomenclature because people tended to identify more with the Legend or the Vigor than the Accura name. The 2.5TL and the 3.2TL were replacements for the Vigor, and while they are great cars, they have never really wooed the buying public. The new 3.2TL arrives this fall and Accura hopes that their new luxury sport sedan will have a bigger impact in the marketplace. It’s mission will be somewhat different than before. It began as the TL-X show car and to my disappointment, has been somewhat subdued in production form. The new 3.2TL will be powered by a new V6 which packs a very impressive 225 hp. The body is 70-80% stiffer than the ‘98 TL and the ride and mannerism is said to be on par with Lexus. The new car is built alongside the Honda Accord and as result shares about 45% of its parts with one of the most successful cars in America. The really good news is that Honda is pricing the new TL very aggressively which should make it one of the best values in the near luxury market segment.

Infiniti G20
It has been a few years since we have seen an Infiniti G20 but for the 1999 model year it is back. The G20 is makeover of the Nissan Primera, a model intended for the European market. What does that mean to Canadian drivers? It means that the car is extremely well balanced, offers precise steering and handles very well. A sophisticated multi-link rear suspension does an excellent job of managing weight transfer and as a result, the G20 is very predictable and a pleasure to drive. Powered by a 2.0 litre four cylinder motor, producing 140 hp, the G20 is not going to win too many dragstrip showdowns. But the motor is nicely refined, quiet and smooth. Equipped with an automatic transmission, the car is sluggish but some of its athletic inability is forgiven when the car is equipped with Nissan’s flawless 5 speed manual. Styling is a little dated but overall the G20 is an attractive car. Inside the car is well built with good ergonomic design. Like any Infiniti, the G20 is nicely equipped with two versions being offered. The Luxury (G20) and the Touring (G20t) offer a little something for everyone. The question remains, will this be the car that succeeds for Infinity? I personally feel that the car needs a little more brawn, a mistake that has cost Infiniti in the past. This is not a market where compromise is acceptable.