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MAZDA
Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid and Eagle Vision
CHRYSLER
Of all the manufacturers,
Chrysler Corp. currently has
one of the strongest lineups
for 1993, with four all-new
cars and a new jeep.
Topping the list for excite-
ment is the Dodge Viper, a
$55,000-plus sports coupe
that everyone is talking
about. Powered by a 400-
horsepower V10 engine, the
Viper is capable of incredible
acceleration and braking —
from zero to 100 mph and
back to zero in just under 15
seconds!
But don't rush out to buy
one. Chrysler's Dodge
Division is only making about
200 cars for '93 and they've
already been spoken for.
However, they plan to build
around 1,300 Vipers in 1994.
Aside from killer street
machines, Chrysler has devel-
oped a new line of family cars
— Chrysler Concorde, Eagle
Vision and Dodge Intrepid.
These vehicles, dubbed the
"LH series" by Chrysler, are
all-new designs that feature
the latest in technological
advances in manufacturing
and design.
Geared to go against such
vehicles as Acura, Lexus
(Concorde), Taurus, Accord,
Camry (Intrepid), Grand Prix
and Bonneville (Vision), the
new cars mark a complete
turnaround and change of
direction for Chrysler Corp.
Powered by a zippy V6 cou-
pled to a four-speed automatic
overdrive transmission, the
LH series promises to bring
midprice motoring to new
horizons.
The cars come complete
with standard driver and pas-
senger air bags, automatic
temperature control with non-
CFC air-conditioning refriger-
ant, integrated child seat
(optional) and adjustable-
height front seat belts. But
apart from being safe, the
cars are good-looking and fun
to drive.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is
the largest and newest sport
utility vehicle available from
Chrysler's Jeep Division. It
offers levels of luxury and
comfort, combined with 4-
wheel drive ability and sport
sedan handling.
It comes with a choice of 6-
cylinder or V-8 engine, has a
towing capacity of 6,500
pounds and is larger than any
vehicle in its class, including
the Ford Explorer.
Grand Cherokee is also the
only vehicle in its class to
come equipped with a driver-
side air bag and four-wheel
anti-lock brakes as standard.
Power is supplied by a 190 hp,
in-line 6-cylinder or an
optional V-8 that puts out 220
horsepower and gives the
Grand Cherokee a towing
capacity of 6,500 lbs.
cab-forward design, curvy
exterior, seats four and is
powered by a choice of
engines. Base models come
with a 115-hp, 2.0-liter 4-
cylinder, and performance ori-
ented GT models are equipped
with a peppier 164-horsepow-
er, 2.5-liter engine.
With either version, there's
a choice between a manual
five-speed transmission or a
four-speed overdrive automat-
ic. The car is built in the
United States but shares its
running platform with the
Mazda MX-6.
The newest entry into the
minivan market is a joint
effort between Nissan and
Ford Motor Company, with
most of the design and engi-
neering work being done by
Nissan's U.S. design facility
and the assembly being done
in the U.S. by Ford.
The Mercury Villager/
Nissan Quest enters a com-
petitive market.
The advantages that this
new minivan has over the
rest of the market are numer-
ous. It is the first minivan to
meet all 1993 Federal
Passenger Car Safety
Standards.
Like Chrysler Corp., Mazda has decided
to go all out for 1993 and has brought out
an entire new line of cars during the past
few months. So much so, that they have, in
effect, rebuilt the company, changing their
market direction and concentrating on giv-
ing consumers the most handling and per-
formance for the dollar.
Mazda's change in direction started with
the 1992 model year when it introduced a
new 929 luxury sedan and a sporty MX3
coupe. This year, they've continued the
trend by offering the sleek, sophisticated
MX-6, an upper midlevel sports coupe
built in the United States by Mazda's
manufacturing facility.
In fact, the car has a U.S. domestic con-
tent exceeding 75 percent and is classified
as a domestic car under the Corporate
Average Fuel Economy formula.
Two MX-6 models are available, a more
luxurious and sporty LS model, powered
by a peppy 164-horsepower, 2.5-liter
engine, and the standard model, powered
by a 118-horsepower, 2.0-liter, in-line 4-
cylinder engine. With either model, there's
a choice of five-speed manual transmission
or a four-speed automatic overdrive.
Like the Probe, the MX-6 features four-
wheel independent suspension, power
rack-and-pinion steering, driver's side air
bag and optional anti-lock braking system.
The jewel in the Mazda lineup is the
new RX-7. This sexy, curvy no-nonsense
sports coupe is priced in the mid-30s and
comes equipped with a 255-horsepower,
twin-turbocharged rotary engine that pro-
duces neck-snapping acceleration and
brings a smile to the face of any serious
driving enthusiast.
GENERAL MOTORS
Although GM has had its share of prob-
lems lately, and is saving most of its new
designs for introduction in 1994 and 1995,
they are introducing a new Pontiac
Firebird and Chevrolet Camaro early in
1993.
The design is more rounded and radical
than the 1992 version. Power will probably
be supplied by a V6 (though a small V8
might also be used), and both cars will
continue to be rear-wheel drive. ❑
FORD MOTOR CO.
New from Ford this year is
the all-new Probe, Ford's mid-
price sports coupe. Since its
introduction in 1989, Probe
has consistently captured the
lion's share of this segment
and the swoopy, sexy design
of the new Probe will certain-
ly assure Probe's king-of-the-
hill position in the market.
The car features a modern
Mercury Villager