SEAMO 2002 Concept Vehicle of the Year Nominees

CONCEPT CARS

Cadillac Cien
The premium V12-powered Cadillac Cien celebrates the brand's 100th anniversary with an ultra-high-performance expression of design and technology. Low and sleek in appearance, the Cien's design was inspired by the latest F-22 Stealth fighter aircraft and its lightweight and strong carbon fiber body and chassis are derived from race car technology.

Technologically, Cadillac reinforces its leadership role, with the Cien boasting Night Vision, OnStar, StabiliTrak, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist and Communiport. The Northstar XV12 concept engine is visible through the rear glass, and generates 750 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque while still meeting the fuel economy standards of a V8. This is a striking, modern design that is unmistakably Cadillac luxury.

Chevrolet Bel Air
The Chevrolet Bel Air concept is a modern American convertible built on the tradition of the legendary 1955-57 Chevys of the same name. Tracing the graceful flowing lines of the originals, the modern exterior has a taller profile and higher driving position, while keeping the proportions that recreate the comfort, visibility and ease of entry and exit of the cars of the 1950s. Designed to appeal to consumers who want dependable, yet spirited vehicles, the Bel Air concept tapes the interest in nostalgia that people of all ages share.

The Bel Air is powered by a Vortec 3500 turbocharged inline five-cylinder concept engine based on the inline engine family that debuted in GM's midsize sport-utility vehicles. The all-aluminum engine delivers up to 315 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque.

Chrysler Pacifica
Hot on the heels of introducing PT Cruiser and Crossfire sports coupe, Chrysler introduces the all-new 2002 Pacifica concept vehicle which will become reality next year. Chrysler Pacifica will join the ranks of Chrysler's 1983 minivan and 2001 PT Cruiser as yet another segment buster from the company that has reshaped the automotive landscape time and time again. Chrysler will unveil a production version of the Chrysler Pacifica later this year. Production for the Chrysler Pacifica will begin early 2003, as a 2004 model.

The vehicle is loaded with a 3.5-liter engine, all-wheel drive, and adjustable pedals. Also included are an integrated in-dash navigation system, hands-free communication and the industry-first power liftgate. Safety features include side curtain air bags in all three rows, a tire pressure monitoring system, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes."

In terms of proportions, features and versatility, Chrysler Pacifica offers spacious, first-class accommodations for both front and rear passengers, making long-distance touring a pleasure. Chrysler Pacifica is long and wide but retains a high level of car-like handling, performance and operating efficiency. In terms of performance and handling, Chrysler Pacifica concept comes with a 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 engine with 250 horsepower, and an all-wheel-drive configuration.

Dodge Razor
Targeting young driving enthusiasts, Dodge partnered with the trend setting and youthful Razor brand to create a modern classical sports car. Minimalist in design, the Razor displays very little ornamentation and no frills whatsoever-no radio, power windows or locks. Combined with the use of "off-the-shelf" suspension and underbody components, the Razor has a targeted sticker price of $14,500.

Cutting right to what is vital for enhanced driving pleasure, the Razor's 2.4-liter turbocharged engine offers 250 hp and 230 lb.-ft. of torque. The bright, in-your-face orange body color screams boldness and power, and it even comes equipped with two orange Razor scooters. The Razor is a classic sports car revolutionized with beautiful design and technological innovation.

Ford Forty-Nine Convertible
Building on its Living Legends lineup, and its strong performance in the youth-oriented convertible market, Ford reissues one of the industry's most beloved drop-tops-the Forty-Nine convertible concept. The '49 Ford has a rich tradition, including co-starring with James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause. To create the all-new concept, Ford designers went back to the car's roots-simple shapes, clean body panels and modern conveniences.

The interior is also a modern interpretation of the original car's simple design cues. The color theme is two-tone: black and burgundy. The design under the hood is an extension of the exterior design philosophy and the interior theme and a homage to the hot-rodders' obsession with performance and appearance. The Forty-Nine concept is powered by a Thunderbird 3.9-liter, DOHC, 32-valve V8, tuned to fit the car's appearance and refined muscle.

Hyundai HCD-7
A four-door, front drive luxury sedan of the future, the Hyundai HCD-7 is designed to show what the next generation of an advanced performance sedan might look like. The HCD-7 is luxurious, spacious and comfortable, but it is also sleek and sporty, targeted to appeal to the luxury car buyers today who want both comfort and style. The sleek, aerodynamically designed exterior was inspired by an aircraft fuselage, and the billet aluminum wheels are designed to look like its protective armor.

Hyundai carried out the aircraft theme in creating the interior, luxury that might be found on an executive jet aircraft. To create a feeling of space, there is no center stack containing the HVAC, navigation and sounds system controls. Instead, there is a state-of-the-art 7-inch LCD flat screen color monitor that pops out of the dashboard when the owners insert the ignition "card" into a slot on the right side of the steering wheel.

Isuzu Axiom XSF
Isuzu touts the Axiom XSF as "the ultimate performance utility vehicle," which marries European styling with supercharged performance. Enhancing its dynamic appearance is a custom ground effects body kit featuring unique front and rear air dams, rocker sills, rear spoiler, and a monotone paint treatment utilizing glass bead technology for new levels of color depth and intensity. As an authentic SUV, the XSF delivers increased utility and cargo carrying flexibility with an impressive 85.4 cubic feet of cargo volume.

The Axiom XSF delivers performance as well. The 3.5-liter, dual-overhead cam 24-valve V-6 engine reaches an impressive 275 peak horsepower and a stout 260 lb-ft of torque. As a total package, the combination of appearance, comfort, performance and handling modifications transform the Axiom XSF into an expressive and individualistic "performance utility vehicle."

Lincoln Continental
The culmination of nearly two years of research and development, the Lincoln Continental concept is a powerful but understated executive car that embraces Lincoln's past with a thoroughly modern execution. Unique features include a concierge service that allows passengers to check the weather, make restaurant reservations or get personalized financial market updates, a cigar humidor, rear door umbrella holders and a cabinet that holds crystal and dispenses drinks.

Powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine which delivers 414 horsepower, the Continental embodies the qualities that define the design direction Lincoln has chose: elegance, simplicity, precision and an overall restraint.

Mercedes-Benz Vision GST
A premium class tourer, the GST gives new meaning to the concept of long-distance driving pleasure. Developed to meet the needs of a new and potentially important market segment, it is a touring car in the literal meaning of the term-a car made for covering long distances in comfort with the family.

The "Grand Sports Tourer" has a spacious interior that can accommodate up to six passengers in first-class comfort. The doors open to 90 degrees to allow more convenient access and present a grand view of the spacious interior. More than just a vehicle, the designers of the GST have created a living space geared to relaxation and enjoyment.

Mercury Marauder Convertible
The Marauder Convertible builds on the popularity of the sedan, and is designed to deliver a 1960s muscle car experience with contemporary driving dynamics, comfort and safety. The five-passenger convertible was designed for customers who are total gear heads, and who remember what it was like to drive cars that make you feel like you own the road.

Knowing that the engine is the heart and soul of a car, the Mercury team chose a supercharged 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 to give the Marauder the performance feel of the 1960s "big block" V-8 engines. This iron block engine produces 335 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 355 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. The interior package offers the same comfort and space as the Marauder sedan. Unlike most convertibles, the trunk is roomy and offers enough cargo space for golf clubs and athletic equipment. While true to its American muscle car heritage, the Marauder Convertible is thoroughly modern.

Nissan GT-R
The letters GT-R have come to represent the ultimate expression of pure driving exhilaration worldwide, even though sales of the legendary coupe have been restricted to the Japanese market since its original introduction in 1969. Successive generations of the GT-R have incorporated superior levels of technology and performance. Its heritage of unrivaled power, outstanding acceleration and top speed, has been matched only by its superior handling and braking. With new introduction of the new left-hand drive GT-R concept, Nissan has signaled its intentions for the GT-R to become a global player in the supercar market.

The GT-R Concept is still under development; so specific powertrain details are not yet available.

Pontiac Solstice
The Solstice Roadster, designed by Franz Von Holzhausen to capture the essence of the Pontiac brand, delivers appearance, performance and affordability in a strikingly simple design. A rich gunmetal gray, the exterior is strong, bold and curvy, with a manual drop-top that can be operated with one hand. The interior sports saddle-brown Fragola leather with titanium accents on the console and dash.

The Solstice is rear wheel drive with four wheel independent suspension and six-speed manual transmission. The supercharged EcoTec L850 4-cylinder engine packs up to 240 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque.

Saab 9-3X
The Saab 9-3X is the latest statement of Saab's commitment to the development of innovative and distinctive new products. Designed to open up a new mid-size crossover segment of the market, the 9-3X is a unique fusion of sporty, coupe body styling and off-road functionality. The bold 9-3X follows the philosophy of last year's 9X concept in offering multidynamic features, the essence of Saab's brand appeal.
It is most accurately described as a crossover coupe, demonstrating that a four-wheel-drive vehicle with off-road capabilities can also retain a strong, sporty on-road appeal. It is the first time Saab has shown a car with off-road abilities and promises to inspire a new, 'sub-SUV' niche in the market.

Within its coupe format, the 9-3X offers spacious accommodation for four adults and a versatile load-carrying ability. An all-new, 280bhp, 2.8-liter V6 turbo engine, linked to an 'intelligent' four-wheel-drive system, is designed to deliver sporty performance whatever the road surface.

Saturn Sky
Responding to young people's desire for open air, room for their friends and their stuff, and a sense of responsibility, the Saturn Sky is a four-season vehicle spacious enough to move people and cargo comfortably without abandoning the coziness of a classic roadster. The compact convertible combines a hip, energetic design that speaks to an individual sense of style and functionality. One of it's unique features is a versatile seating package that allows the SKY to convert easily from two-place to four-place seating. The extra seats in the rear stow away beneath the tonneau cover when not in use.

The concept vehicle features an Ecotec 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with a low-boost supercharger, and a five-speed transmission, generating 180 horsepower.

CONCEPT TRUCKS / SUVs

Acura RD-X
Targeted to meet the needs of youthful, urban professionals, the RD-X is both rugged city transportation and weekend sport machine. It produces abundant power for maneuvering through city traffic or negotiating twisty mountain roads, and its stow away rear seats leave plenty of room for personal gear, whether it be a laptop and blueprints or duffel bags and mountain bikes.

The RD-X's chiseled exterior styling provides both excellent visibility for driving in city traffic, and a feeling of security when parked on urban streets. Inside, the RD-X seamlessly combines a driver-oriented cockpit with a large, easily transformable cargo area. The RD-X has under the hood a high performance 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder engine coupled to 6-speed, close-ratio clutchless manual transmission, which drives the front wheels, while the advanced IMA system powers the rear wheels. It is the perfect vehicle for young, active people who work hard during the week and play harder on weekends. It has the cargo space and rugged functionality of an SUV, but with 250 horsepower and a sport tuned suspension, it also has the credentials to appeal to the serious driving enthusiast.

Dodge M80
The Dodge M80 is a small, affordable truck with a design loaded with character and intrinsic value. Minimalist, new, neat design details are abundant as standout design elements include the satin-stainless steel-look signature Dodge crosshair grille and headlamp surrounds, classic round lamps and the metallic slate gray, molded-in-color PET-plastic fenders and bumpers with integrated tow hooks. Based on a Dodge Dakota frame with independent short-and-long-arm front suspension and a solid axle with leaf springs in the rear, M80 incorporates a high percentage of existing corporate components, making it affordable to build.

Realizing that the market currently lacks a really hot pickup truck for the youth market, to carry their friends and their gear. The M80s power comes from Chrysler Group's all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine coupled to a carryover 5-speed manual transmission and 4x4 transfer case. This truck offers style, utility, performance and economy.

Ford F-350 Tonka
The Ford Mighty F-350 Tonka, a vibrant yellow and chrome concept pickup, is a fresh design that brings together the playfulness of the legendary child's toy with the strength, reliability and value that is part of the Ford truck tradition of leadership. The truck's interior is designed to be functional and sophisticated, while clean, chiseled lines and sheer surfaces define the bold exterior.

Responding to the demands of truck customers for more power, better performance and increased fuel economy, the F-350 Tonka introduces a unique combination of technologies that deliver a cleaner, more efficient ride. The vehicle's Power Stroke Super-600 concept diesel engine is teamed with the 5-speed PowerTorq transmission. The 6.0-liter, 32-valve, turbocharged V-8 is rated at 350 horsepower and delivers up to 600 lb. Ft. of torque, with lower emissions and better fuel economy than any other V-8 diesel truck engine on the road.

Ford Fusion
The Fusion concept, an urban adventure vehicle designed with young city dwellers in mind, foretells what Ford believes could be the next potential hot vehicle segment. Testing consumer interest in a new niche crossover vehicle, the Fusion combines car-like ride and handling, maneuverability for city driving, affordability for young people, and the versatility of an SUV all in one package. The concept is derived from Ford's critically acclaimed all-new European Fiesta and carries some of the sharp design cues that make the small car one of Europe's best sellers.

The Fusion concept is powered by Ford's small, turbocharged Direct-Injection, Spark-Ignition (DISI) engine, which meets the needs of the young, cost-conscious buyer by combining economy and performance in an advanced, new-generation technology. The turbocharged 1.1-liter engine delivers a fun-to-drive 110 horsepower and 117 foot-pounds of torque. The Fusion showcases the company's abilities to use existing vehicle architectures to create cost-effective derivatives that can dramatically change the market and bring new choices to consumers.

GMC Terra4
To celebrate its 100th Anniversary, the GM truck maker reveals the latest version of what an authentic professional grade truck can be with the introduction of the Terra4 concept vehicle. As trucks become more upscale, functionality remains supremely important. Terra4's unconventional package-a totally integrated design and closed body, with a short, deep cargo area-permits greater functionality and utility than a pickup truck.

Terra4's powertrain is derived from GM's innovative Parallel Hybrid Truck, which brings together a 285 hp, 5.3 liter VORTEC V-8 gasoline engine and powerful electric motor/generator. The 4.8-kilowatt motor/generator provides starting power and the ability to generate electricity during deceleration. At a stoplight, the gasoline engine shuts off, but the accessories continue working on stored electrical power. When the light turns green and the driver depresses the accelerator, the gasoline engine restarts automatically. The truck gets more miles per gallon because of the stop/start function. This concept is GMC's latest expression of an authentic professional grade truck, with capabilities that exceed consumer expectations.

Infiniti FX45
The second generation FX45 Concept, which made its world debut at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, follows by one year the appearance of a similarly named and themed FX45 with a combined emphasis on sports car performance with SUV utility. The second generation FX45 Concept has been completely redesigned inside and out but remains an aggressive, V8-powered, all-wheel drive sports luxury design.

The exterior suggests sports car shapes, but with modern packaging and architecture. The body offers much more room and utility than traditional sports cars, making the FX45 an everyday, all-weather alternative to the less flexible enthusiast machines The FX45 Concept's 4.5-liter V8 engine is based on the class-leading 2002 Infiniti Q45 powerplant and is planned to produce in excess of 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.

Isuzu XST
Crossing the award-winning Isuzu Axiom SUV with the enhanced cargo-carrying flexibility of an open-air pickup bead, the new concept vehicle dubbed the Axiom XST combines bold styling, advanced engineering and switchgate versatility into a next generation sport utility truck. The Axiom XST demonstrates how an SUT can effectively bridge the gap between an SUV and pickup combining a spacious, five-passenger cabin with an open bed to accommodate cargo. If additional cargo space is needed, the driver can lift the rear window and fold the switchgate down to create an extended bed.

Whether it is transporting scuba divers to the beach or toting kayaks to a remote river, the Axiom XST is ready for action. Residing behind the aggressive grille is an Isuzu 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 featuring an efficient high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system. Designed to operate on cleaner-burning, low-sulfur diesel fuel, the Axiom SXT provides a quiet ride with refinement befitting a passenger car.

Mitsubishi SUP Cabrio
First it was the Sports Utility Pack (SUP), designed with the young, techno-savvy urbanite in mind. Now comes the SUP Cabriolet, catering to an even more playful, spirited and extroverted personality and casual fun. The Cabrio elaborates on the concept by adding a convertible top and hideaway rear glass. With the top down, the interior becomes an open-air social space for occupants who understand that adventure can begin in the driveway.

The SUP Cabriolet concept is powered by an environmentally friendly, all-wheel drive hybrid mechanism. Technology and passionate design meet in the Cabrio to create a vehicle that might be driven in the foreseeable future; an adaptable vehicle ripe with possibilities, and a willing extension of the personality of those who drive it.

Nissan Quest
With a sophisticated appearance, highly versatile interior with luxurious features, comfortable ride and responsive car-like handling, the 2002 Nissan Quest is among the leaders in the import-brand minivan segment. With enhanced style, comfort and convenience, the 2002 Quest offers an exceptional combination of minivan utility, including seven-passenger seating and flexible cargo space, sedan-like comfort, performance and safety amenities.

Building on Nissan's stylish and sophisticated heritage, the Quest features a "tailored," polished look inside and out. Quest's interior was designed to offer car-like amenities and generous usable space. The 2002 Quest continues to feature the popular QUEST TRAC Flexible Seating System, which allows second-row seats to be easily removed and the third-row seats to be slid forward or back as needed on integrated rails. Standard on the front-wheel drive Quest is a 3.3-liter SOHC V6 engine producing 170 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. This engine features numerous advanced technologies that reduce friction, maintenance costs and weight while improving efficiency and performance.

Volkswagen Magellan
The concept car, named after the Portuguese navigator Magellan, brings together the emotional appeal of modern SUVs, the versatility of MPVs, and the agility of an estate car. Like its namesake the Magellan is at home in several worlds. The Magellan reflects the wishes of drivers who cannot find the ideal vehicle for their complex needs in the classical SUV, MPV and estate car segments, but who appreciate the core characteristics of these vehicle types. These characteristics include high seat position, off-road capability, passenger compartment spaciousness, and agile handling.

The Magellan has the W8 engine, recently unveiled in the US, with a power output of 275 hp.

SPECIALTY CONCEPTS

Ford Interceptor
Based on the 2003 Ford Police Interceptor, which has major ride, steering and handling upgrades for today's law enforcement officers, the Interceptor concept adds dramatic styling cues and tests new technologies to advance police work in the new millennium. Based on its performance, predictability, reliability and durability, the Police Interceptor commands approximately 80 percent of the police cruiser market in the US.

One of its most innovative features is the one-of-a-kind push/pursuit beam that extends beyond the normal bumper of a police car. This beam can become an offensive tool in the hands of a well-trained officer, who can use it to force a fleeing suspect's vehicle into a spin. This technique is used to disorient a fleeing suspect and disable the vehicle, thus avoiding a high-speed chase scenario. Under the hood is a modular 4.6-liter, 4-valve V-8 engine which produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque and gives the Interceptor exceptional launch at the low end while still performing well at high speeds.

GM AUTOnomy
AUTOnomy is the first vehicle designed from the ground up around a fuel cell propulsion system and the first to combine fuel cells with x-by-wire technology, which allows steering, braking and other vehicle systems to be controlled electronically rather than mechanically. Since a fuel cell propulsion system is about twice as efficient at an internal combustion engine, a fuel cell vehicle could provide twice the fuel efficiency of a comparably sized conventional vehicle, and an optimized fuel cell vehicle like AUTOnomy would be even more efficient. The Precept concept that GM showed in 2000 projected over 100-mpg gasoline-equivalent for a full-size car. With AUTOnomy, even better results can be expected as designers explore the opportunities afforded by this unconstrained architecture.

A universal "skateboard" chassis simplifies manufacturing and service, and enables a wide variety of vehicles to be built on a small number of platforms with much shorter product development cycles. From a safety perspective, the "skateboard" chassis creates an unusually low center of gravity without sacrificing ground clearance. This gives it superior handling while resisting rollover forces, even with the tallest body attached. In a crash, the stiff chassis below the floor would absorb most of the crash forces, helping to prevent passenger compartment intrusion that can occur with today's internal combustion engines, steering columns and foot pedals.

Because of its x-by-wire controls, the driver has no pedals to operate, merely a steering guide--called X-Drive--that is easily set to a left, right or even center driving position. This frees up the seating to be more flexible and comfortable. The interior floor is completely flat, creating more interior space, flexibility and accessibility. GM believes that "This is the first concept vehicle that captures the vision and potential of where fuel cell technology will lead the industry in every region of the world."

Isuzu XSR
The Axiom XSR concept vehicle, a two-seat open-air sports roadster, is part of Isuzu's commitment to pioneer new frontiers in sport utility vehicle design. The XSR targets young, active individuals seeking the performance of driving a roadster combined with the ability to meet both on- and off-highway recreational needs. To avoid compromising open-air motoring with difficult-to-lower canvas tops or heavy, tough-to store hardtops, the Axiom XSR has a push button power top that automatically retracts beneath a hard tonneau cover.

Powered by the same 3.5-liter dual overhead cam V6 as the production Axiom, the XSR produces 230 peak horsepower and 230 peak foot-pounds of torque. Drive-by-wire electronic throttle control for instantaneous response and a reduced curb weight also combine for impressive response and handling, while the custom designed dual exhaust system allows the performance to be heard as well as felt.

Jeep Compass
Inspired by the 1998 Jeep Jeepster concept and built on a Jeep Liberty platform, the Compass offers a great combination of on-road dynamics and off-highway capability. The Compass is a concept that feels at home in an urban environment while possessing the free spirit of a performance rally car. Targeted to the large emerging group of consumers aged 24 or younger, the Jeep Compass is a capable compact SUV offering performance, cargo space and an attractive price.

Rugged and durable, the Compass was designed to take a beating at all the typical scuff zones and have the exterior hold up, giving the driver total freedom to go anywhere and do anything. Like a rally car, the two-door has all-wheel drive, a short wheelbase, and a low center of gravity to hug the road. Compass features a lightweight steel uniframe construction and a 210 horsepower 3.7-liter PowerTech V-6 engine, offering ample power whether traveling on pavement, gravel, dirt or snowy city streets.

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