Detroit Auto Show: Day Three
Detroit January 7, 2003; Alexandra R.Moses writing for the AP submitted this wrapup of todays previews:
Kia Motors America's latest concept vehicle is designed for the young professional and young family - a crossover that is part minivan, part sports wagon and part sports utility vehicle.
The KCD-1 Slice was introduced Tuesday during the media preview of the North American International Auto Show.
The Slice has a long, sloping front and short back end. It features trim and molding in bright orange to convey a ``happy, optimistic feel,'' designer Eric Stoddard said.
The interior has slim seats, also trimmed in orange, and a prominent center console with oversized buttons. With rearward-opening back doors, it offers wide access to the second-and third-row seats. The Slice has seating for six.
Stoddard said Kia aimed for the utility of a minivan, but ``we definitely didn't want it to look like a minivan.''
Kia says this concept gives a glimpse of some of the design details that will be found in future vehicles.
``We're using it to gauge public reaction on a number of advanced ideas,'' Stoddard said.
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Porsche AG is stepping into the sport utility vehicle market with the Cayenne, a luxury vehicle the company says is tough enough to keep up with any other SUV.
The Cayenne has a 340-horsepower, V8 engine and can go from zero to 62 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds. The four-wheel drive vehicle also can tow up to 7,700 pounds.
``We made sure we could compete with anyone off-road,'' Hans Riedel, executive vice president of sales and marketing, said Tuesday during the media preview of the North American International Auto Show. ``Even extreme bumps and (potholes), hillcrests and inclines are not problems for the Cayenne.''
The Cayenne S, which hits dealer showrooms in March, has a base price of $55,900. Porsche aims to sell at least 25,000 a year, with its main market being North America.
Porsche also is offering a turbo version, with 450 horsepower than can hit 62 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds. Its base price is $88,900.
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Four French-themed concept vehicles made their North American debut Tuesday alongside scale models and drawings of other cars as part of tire-maker Michelin's design showcase.
The full-scale vehicles and other concepts were developed in concert with manufacturers and individuals from 13 countries and featured Michelin tire designs.
``Design and its twin innovation are essential to the creation of interesting and exciting ... vehicles,'' said Michelin Group's John Grimaldi. ``Our commitment in this area is very strong.''
Renault brought two cars for the show: Koleos, which blends elements of a sedan with an off-road vehicle, and Vel Satis, a four-seat coupe.
Venturi showed off its Fetish, a sleek sports car that offers the comfort of a touring car. And the Matra P75, a small van, offers functionality in an electric vehicle.
Last year was the first year for the design contest, which featured Italian-themed vehicles. Michelin plans to continue the event annually, with the 2004 contest focusing on designing for the Chinese market and the 2005 contest on German design.
