Standard SmartKey memorizes the driver's preferred settings for seat
adjustment, etc. On sale in September, 2000
2002 Jaguar X-TYPE
Base sticker price: not announced, but designed to compete with BMW
3-series and Mercedes C-class (about $30,000 to $35,000).
Best new feature: First Jaguar with all-wheel-drive as standard.
Four-door compact sports sedan emphasizes sporty performance for driv-
ing enthusiasts, particularly the X generation. It will be the smallest, most
affordable Jaguar. Within three years, claims a Jaguar executive, the X-
type will represent the majority of Jaguars worldwide. Styling is unmis-
takably Jaguar, and that's cool. Interiors designed with luxury touches.
Powered by a 230-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine. Expands Jaguar line-
up to four models. On sale in summer 2001.
BMW M3
Base price: about $46,000
Best new feature: A hot new engine.
High-performance, motorsports version of BMW's 3-series of compact,
sporty driving machines, always with rear-wheel-drive, inline engines and
road-gripping, yet supple, independent suspensions. M3's new 333-horse-
power six-cylinder engine zooms from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds. Top speed
of 155 m.p.h. recommended only for the race track. Equipped with six-
speed manual transmission only. 18-inch wheels and tires add to the pow-
erful appearance of this five-passenger two-door sedan. Turns with agility
and M3's Dynamic Stability Control keeps all that power from leading to
trouble. On sale summer 2001.
2001 Lexus LS 430
Base price: 554,005
2001 Oldsmobile Aurora
Base price: $31,139 (V6); $35,314 (V8).
Best new feature: Nice new styling and now a V6.
The last hurrah from a GM brand that's cruising slowly into the sunset.
First major redesign of Olds flagship five-passenger, four-door sedan
offers V6 for the first time — a 215-horsepower, 3.5-liter model. Aurora is
only midsize vehicle at GM offering a V8, a 4.0-liter rated by Motor
Trend magazine's 2001 Car of the Year testers as achieving 0 to 60 in a
respectable 7.5 seconds. The 2001 model is sportier, with better ride and
handling. Long list of standard luxury, safety and security features
includes OnStar communication system. We rode in a vehicle equipped
with traction control and the precision control system that is standard on
the V8. Went into a spin on a skid pad and corrected instantly with no
driver input required. We were impressed. On sale in spring 2000.
Best new feature: Elegant interiors; rear seats like a massage parlor.
No radical exterior change from the luxury standard-setting Lexus
LS400 it replaces. But the five-passenger, rear-wheel-drive LS430 hits
new levels of luxury and technological features for ride comfort, road feel,
suspension responsiveness and handling. A new power-train control com-
municates quietly with a bigger 4.3-liter V8 engine to add to the car's
already amazing smoothness and acceleration. The plush interior is like a
room at the Ritz, with handsome wood trim and creamy-smooth leathers
that Lexus claims are the finest ever offered in a production car. On the
front seats, dual lumbar controls offer comfort. Adjustable cushion length
adds thigh support for tall, long-legged drivers. To top it off, rear- seat
occupants can push a button and optional back massagers soothe as they
vibrate up and down. How luxurious can you get? On sale in October
2000.
The ultra-cool Jaguar X-Type is
priced competitively with the
Mercedes C-class.