Dec 22, 2001 - General Motors is unveiling a trio of compelling production vehicles, four concept cars, and a major technology announcement at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The show sees the debut of the acclaimed and much-anticipated production Hummer H2 SUV, Chevrolet SSR and Cadillac XLR roadster.

The Cadillac Cien V12 Supercar concept, seen as a foam model at Pebble Beach in 2001, makes its first official auto show appearance. Chevrolet unveils a concept version of the Chevrolet Bel Air, and a new Pontiac Roadster concept shows its face. In addition, the Saab 9-3X makes a public debut.

GM intends to build on the momentum it creates at NAIAS by introducing nearly 40 new products between now and 2003, including six in the crucial entry-level market.

"The secret’s out: General Motors is recapturing the glory of its past and creating a bright, bodacious future with a fleet of dynamic new vehicles," said Robert A. Lutz, vice chairman of General Motors and chairman of GM North America. "We’ve quickly moved the Cadillac Evoq, Chevrolet SSR and HUMMER H2 from the auto show floor to the showroom, we’re unveiling a quartet of breathtaking new concepts, and we’ve only just begun."

Here’s a look at the 2002 GM concepts:

Chevrolet Bel Air – The two-door Bel Air concept celebrates an American icon in a manner reminiscent of the 1950s originals - with style, performance and an exciting new Vortec 3500 turbocharged five-cylinder concept engine based on the highly regarded inline engine family now in GM’s midsize sport utility vehicles. The rear-drive Bel Air concept was inspired by several interior design cues from its 1950s predecessor. The simple, elegant passenger compartment features a twin-element instrument panel, steering column-mounted gearshift and bench seats.

Pontiac Roadster – The new Pontiac concept car is a lightweight, two-seat roadster that celebrates the allure of open-air motoring and combines it with 220 horsepower’s worth of Pontiac Excitement from a turbocharged 2.2-liter engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The roadster has saddlebrown leather interior surfaces, a two-gauge driver-oriented cockpit and fit and finish honed to European feel and function. It went from sketch to running concept in four months’ time, its development pace quickened by GM’s math-based technology.

Cadillac Cien – The V12-powered Cien concept is a glimpse at what a future halo car for Cadillac could be, and symbolizes Cadillac’s 2002 Centennial celebration - "cien" means 100 in Spanish. Cien's 7.5-liter V12 concept powerplant, which is visible through the car's rear window generates 750 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, yet meets the packaging requirements and fuel economy standards of a V8. The car is constructed of carbon fiber, composites and aluminum. Cien's low, sleek appearance demonstrates the reach of the brand's new design philosophy.

Saab 9-3X – This concept makes its public debut at the 2002 North American International Auto Show. The 9-3X combines sporty styling with multi-dynamic features to demonstrate that AWD vehicles with off-road capabilities can retain a strong, athletic, on-road appeal. As Saab’s first vehicle with an off-road dimension, the Saab 9-3X could see the Swedish manufacturer enter a new, crossover segment of the market.


The production vehicles include:

Hummer H2 – a full-size sport utility vehicle, takes the rugged characteristics of H1 and refines them, adding more creature comforts while maintaining off-road leadership. It’s a bold and youthful interpretation of the Hummer, in a more civilized package and a more manageable size.

Cadillac XLR – Based on theEvoq concept car of 1999, the XLR luxury roadster will feature an intricate retractable hardtop and the first application of a higher output 4.6-liter Northstar engine in a rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Chevrolet SSR – No other manufacturer has a vehicle like SSR, which has remained true to the concept version in both looks and performance. The souped up convertible roadster/pickup truck is fun, functional and turns heads at every intersection.