What's New - 23 August 2002

Chrysler California Cruiser

At its traditional dinner honoring the judges and organizers of the 52nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Chrysler have previewed the first vehicle in its next wave of concept cars, the Chrysler California Cruiser.

The California Cruiser concept builds on the uniquely American blend of style and practicality seen in the successful Chrysler PT Cruiser. An all-around versatile vehicle with two large doors, an innovative rear hatch and multi-functional interior, the California Cruiser amplifies what owners love about their PT Cruiser. The concept has ample space for four people and their travel needs, yet can be transformed into a hotel room for two.

The exterior of the California Cruiser concept stays true to the landmark design of PT Cruiser, while conveying a possible evolution in its styling theme.

"This concept introduces the new face of Chrysler to the PT Cruiser," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design. "The scalloped headlamps, chrome accented grille and integrated bumper reflect a direction that we started with the Chrysler Crossfire and Pacifica. The more crisp and precise styling themes of those vehicles also influenced the profile and rear design of the California Cruiser."

The California Cruiser will make its public debut at the 2002 Paris Motor Show.

	What's New
	Click for larger images	Volkswagen Touran Volkswagen has revealed the first details of its forthcoming compact MPV, the Touran. Set for launch in Europe early next year, and following the luxury Phaeton saloon and the Touareg off-road vehicle, the Touran is further evidence of Volkswagen’s intention to extend its presence into market segments in which it was previously not represented. The second MPV from Volkswagen, following the larger Sharan, is a strong, individual design based on the platform of the next generation Golf. Notable features of the Touran – which is 4390 mm long, 1790 mm wide and 1630 mm high – include a highly versatile interior layout that can be specified with seven seats. The Touran has five seats as standard and a versatile interior layout. Three individual seats in the second row can be repositioned, folded or removed altogether, while the optional two full-size seats in the third row can be folded down into the floor. With five seats in use, the load area has a capacity of over 600 litres.
		Chrysler California Cruiser At its traditional dinner honoring the judges and organizers of the 52nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Chrysler have previewed the first vehicle in its next wave of concept cars, the Chrysler California Cruiser. The California Cruiser concept builds on the uniquely American blend of style and practicality seen in the successful Chrysler PT Cruiser. An all-around versatile vehicle with two large doors, an innovative rear hatch and multi-functional interior, the California Cruiser amplifies what owners love about their PT Cruiser. The concept has ample space for four people and their travel needs, yet can be transformed into a hotel room for two. The exterior of the California Cruiser concept stays true to the landmark design of PT Cruiser, while conveying a possible evolution in its styling theme. "This concept introduces the new face of Chrysler to the PT Cruiser," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design. "The scalloped headlamps, chrome accented grille and integrated bumper reflect a direction that we started with the Chrysler Crossfire and Pacifica. The more crisp and precise styling themes of those vehicles also influenced the profile and rear design of the California Cruiser." The California Cruiser will make its public debut at the 2002 Paris Motor Show.
		Cadillac releases first photo of 2004 SRX Cadillac has released a photo of its all-new luxury utility, the SRX, due out mid next year as a 2004 model. Designed to fit a new place in the Cadillac portfolio between its luxury sedans and full-size SUVs, the SRX will offer a unique blend of dynamic performance, flexible utility and bold Cadillac styling. Inspired by the 2001 Vizon concept, the SRX is an all-new entry for Cadillac in the medium luxury utility segment - one of the fastest growing segments. "The Cadillac SRX is a luxury utility with the heart and soul of a sport sedan. This vehicle will standout for its head-turning styling and offer a level of performance like no other medium luxury utility on the road," says Jay Spenchian, Cadillac marketing director. The SRX is built on a performance-oriented architecture shared with CTS. Powered by a 4.6 L Northstar V8 or 3.6 L V6. RWD or AWD. It will have the longest wheelbase in it's class for superior ride quality and dynamic stability, and will seat up to seven passengers with optional third row, or five with an innovative rear cargo management system.