MD-XMeet Its Maker: AcuraWhat's So Good About It? It's Acura's first homegrown SUV.
Notables: Low exhaust emissions, a state-of-the-art four-wheel-drive system, 18-inch wheels, an Acura-signature pentagram grille, a huge moonroof, four bucket seats, a lightweight aluminum engine, a GPS, and cellular/Internet access. Of course, we don't want to leave out "hardwood flooring with integrated sisal accents."
Food for Thought: The MD-X "closely reflects the direction and focus of our new SUV." You'll see that vehicle this fall.Status: Concept.
What? There's More?Ford 24·7: This concept debuted in coupe, wagon, and pickup truck versions and was designed to be functional, as the saying goes, 24·7. So, it has e-mail access, a hands-free mobile phone, weather reports, and voice technology-it's meant to "connect you to life." The two-door, two-passenger truck also features lipstick cameras instead of side mirrors, a high-definition instrument panel, and a Focus platform lengthened by 2 inches.
Ford F-550 Super Crewzer II: This show truck is based on the Super Duty F-550 crew cab and has leather seating; an entertainment system with a video screen; integrated, lighted running boards; aluminum-trimmed bedrails; and a fifth-wheel hitch. The bed is lined in diamond plate and has a matching toolbox.
Nissan Pathfinder: No total redesign yet, but under the hood is what's garnering attention for '01-a 3.5L V-6 that's been much improved over the last-generation V-6. What's most impressive? It makes 250 horses versus the old figure of 170.
Suzuki Grand Vitara Platinum Show Vehicle: 'Nuff said.
Saturn CV1: This was Saturn's first try at a concept-it's an SUV/wagon with seating for five adults and two kids (via two fold-down jump seats), a 2.0L four-cylinder, and all-wheel drive.
Pontiac Aztek: We've told you about this one before, and now it's officially set for production as an '01 model. It features a 3.4L V-6, independent suspension, and on-demand all-wheel drive with sort of a poor-man's-Jeep Grand Cherokee torque-transfer system. Its biggest competitor will be the Ford Escape.