and high front end, Optional extra perform-
ance comes with the Matrix XRS sport
model powered by the same 180-horsepow-
er engine and six-speed manual or four-
speed automatic found in the Celica GT-S.
Matrix's all-wheel drive nicely handles wet
highways and icy back roads and costs less
than four-wheel-drive. Produced through a
GM-Toyota joint venture, Matrix is a non-
identical cousin to the Pontiac Vibe. Look
for this car on sale in early 2002.

iv ei

= C32AMG

Base price: $50, 545
Best feature: A landmark C-Class sedan and
a hot rod all in one.

Would you believe that under the skin of
an innocent-looking four-door family sedan
lurks a mean beast that springs from 0 to 60

in an estimated 4.9 seconds? The first
Mercedes-AMG model based on the C-
Class sports a 349-horsepower, 3.2-liter
supercharged and intercooled V-6. A new
SpeedShift five-speed automatic transmis-
sion provides up to 35 percent faster gear
changes than a conventional automatic.
The chassis is transformed to provide the
handling feedback and grip dictated by the
V-6 driveline, while retaining the comfort of
a Mercedes sedan. AMG-specific steering
wheel and sport seats with Nappa leather
upholstery make the interior look special.

Cadillac Escalade EXT

Base price: 549,990
Best feature: Excellent SUT (sport utility
truck) — cross between a luxury SUV and a
pickup.

This combination vehicle has the capabil-
ity of an SUV with the outside cargo bed
of a pickup, making it a SUT. Built on
the full-size Chevy Avalanche truck plat-
form, with a reconfigurable system, a
folding midgate and removable rear win-
dow separates the four-door, five-passen-
ger cabin from the truck bed. Midgate
folds into the cab and rear seats fold for-
ward to create a flat cargo box big enough
for the proverbial 4-x-8 sheet of plywood.
Brute force stems from a 6.0-liter V-8 and
four-speed automatic. With a heavy-duty
trailering package, it can tow up to 12,000
pounds. All-wheel drive, making it easier
to hold the road by sending torque to all
four wheels as needed, contributes to the
EXT's roadworthiness.

The North American International Auto Show 2002 will run from Saturday, Jan. 12 through Monday, Jan. 21, at Cobo Center. Show hours are 10 a.m. - 10.p.m. daily and 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Jan. 21. Adult
admission: $10. Seniors: $5. Children under 12 are free with an adult. The Charity Preview, a black-tie event to benefit 11 local children's charities, will be held 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at the North
American International Auto Show. For information, call (888) 838-7500. The Children's Center presents Auto Glow! This event, presented by Ford Motor Company, will be held 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11
after the Charity Preview at The Roostertail in Detroit. For information, call (313) 831-5535. A Jazzy Afterglow, featuring jazz guitarist Tim Bowman to benefit Barat Child and Family Services, will be

held before and after the Charity Preview serving hors d'oeuvres and a gourmet dinner. For more information, call (313) 963-3330. Ext.19.

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