Nismo
09-01-2000, 09:39 AM
Some quotes from Edmunds.com's Future Telling (http://www.edmunds.com/future/index.html) section:
NISSAN 2001 Sentra SE-R (Compact Sedan)
With no coupe in the Sentra lineup, the SE-R was left for dead in 2000, but look for Nissan to resurrect the designation on a high-powered sedan in 2001. With a supercharger and a sport-tuned suspension, the new sport sedan should have few rivals in the compact market.
NISSAN 2003 350Z (Sports Car)
Scheduled to arrive in the United States in the spring of 2002, the new Z car will be powered by a 300-horsepower, normally aspirated, 3.5-liter version of the Maxima's V6. It is also said to be priced at around $25,000. We think it'd be a heck of a trick if they can deliver on both that kind of power and price.
NISSAN 2002 Altima (Midsize Car)
Word is Altima will move to an all-new platform, touting a 105-inch wheelbase and growing to a 188-inch overall length to better compete against the bigger Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 3.0-liter V6 will be available.
ACURA 2002 Integra (Small Car)
When the current-generation Integra's replacement finally arrives, it will be as a coupe only. The small Acura will become a BMW 3 Series fighter based off of the S2000. Yes, word is that it will be rear-wheel-drive with the GS-R getting a 220-horsepower engine along with a six-speed.
ACURA 2002 RL (Large Car)
The 2002 RL will receive a 4.0-liter V8 with 350 horsepower. Length, width and cabin volume are said to have increased and a Special Edition with all-wheel drive will be an option.
ACURA 2004 NSX (Sports Car)
After a slight freshening in 2002 that includes a restyled front fascia and some fixed headlamps in place of the flip-up units, a more extensive revamp may show up in the 2004 or '05 time frame. This time the NSX gains real exotic status with the addition of a V8 or even a small V12.
BMW 2001 M3 (Sports Car)
The bulging M3 receives a complete redesign based on the new 3 Series coupe and a power boost thanks to a 3.2-liter, inline six that produces 330 horsepower. A viscous-coupled, limited-slip differential will attempt to lay all those ponies to the ground. Expect the M3 to sticker around $45K.
INFINITI 2002 XVL (Small Sedan)
With the eventual demise of the G20, Infiniti will introduce a new, as-yet-unnamed, entry-level sedan. With rear-wheel drive and a V6 it should compete directly with the IS 300, 328i and A4 models.
INFINITI 2002 Q45 (Large Car)
Infiniti's flagship is substantially revised for 2002, wider and taller with a 2-inch-longer wheelbase and increased interior and luggage space. Exterior styling highlights include high-intensity-discharge headlight projector arrays, a large front grille, a sculpted hood, large taillights and a choice between 17- or 18-inch wheels. Underhood is a 4.5-liter, 32-valve V8 that makes 340 horsepower and 333 foot-pounds of torque. It's connected to a five-speed automatic transmission that offers a sequential-shifting mode. Zero-to-60 acceleration is expected to be less than 6 seconds. Handling capabilities should be improved thanks to a new suspension design and a body that has 40 percent more torsional rigidity. The 2002 Q45 also comes with high-tech goodies such as Vehicle Dynamic Control, Electronic Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Inside, a 7-inch LCD touch screen displays various vehicle systems, including a DVD-based navigation system and the view from the rear-facing video camera.
VOLKSWAGEN New Beetle Rsi Concept (Small Car)
If all goes according to plan, expect to see a 225-horsepower, all-wheel-drive version of the New Beetle in dealer showrooms. Based on the explosive European Golf model, this version of the New Beetle will give the Acura Integra Type-R a run for the money.
VOLKSWAGEN 2002 D1 (Large car)
Setting their sights directly on Mercedes and BMW in the high-performance luxury sedan market, the D1 will be Volkswagen's most ambitious vehicle project ever. With a price tag around $70,000, the D1 will feature a V12 engine, 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights with neon signals, and a luxurious interior intended to supercede even the S-Class in material quality and amenities.
NISSAN 2001 Sentra SE-R (Compact Sedan)
With no coupe in the Sentra lineup, the SE-R was left for dead in 2000, but look for Nissan to resurrect the designation on a high-powered sedan in 2001. With a supercharger and a sport-tuned suspension, the new sport sedan should have few rivals in the compact market.
NISSAN 2003 350Z (Sports Car)
Scheduled to arrive in the United States in the spring of 2002, the new Z car will be powered by a 300-horsepower, normally aspirated, 3.5-liter version of the Maxima's V6. It is also said to be priced at around $25,000. We think it'd be a heck of a trick if they can deliver on both that kind of power and price.
NISSAN 2002 Altima (Midsize Car)
Word is Altima will move to an all-new platform, touting a 105-inch wheelbase and growing to a 188-inch overall length to better compete against the bigger Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 3.0-liter V6 will be available.
ACURA 2002 Integra (Small Car)
When the current-generation Integra's replacement finally arrives, it will be as a coupe only. The small Acura will become a BMW 3 Series fighter based off of the S2000. Yes, word is that it will be rear-wheel-drive with the GS-R getting a 220-horsepower engine along with a six-speed.
ACURA 2002 RL (Large Car)
The 2002 RL will receive a 4.0-liter V8 with 350 horsepower. Length, width and cabin volume are said to have increased and a Special Edition with all-wheel drive will be an option.
ACURA 2004 NSX (Sports Car)
After a slight freshening in 2002 that includes a restyled front fascia and some fixed headlamps in place of the flip-up units, a more extensive revamp may show up in the 2004 or '05 time frame. This time the NSX gains real exotic status with the addition of a V8 or even a small V12.
BMW 2001 M3 (Sports Car)
The bulging M3 receives a complete redesign based on the new 3 Series coupe and a power boost thanks to a 3.2-liter, inline six that produces 330 horsepower. A viscous-coupled, limited-slip differential will attempt to lay all those ponies to the ground. Expect the M3 to sticker around $45K.
INFINITI 2002 XVL (Small Sedan)
With the eventual demise of the G20, Infiniti will introduce a new, as-yet-unnamed, entry-level sedan. With rear-wheel drive and a V6 it should compete directly with the IS 300, 328i and A4 models.
INFINITI 2002 Q45 (Large Car)
Infiniti's flagship is substantially revised for 2002, wider and taller with a 2-inch-longer wheelbase and increased interior and luggage space. Exterior styling highlights include high-intensity-discharge headlight projector arrays, a large front grille, a sculpted hood, large taillights and a choice between 17- or 18-inch wheels. Underhood is a 4.5-liter, 32-valve V8 that makes 340 horsepower and 333 foot-pounds of torque. It's connected to a five-speed automatic transmission that offers a sequential-shifting mode. Zero-to-60 acceleration is expected to be less than 6 seconds. Handling capabilities should be improved thanks to a new suspension design and a body that has 40 percent more torsional rigidity. The 2002 Q45 also comes with high-tech goodies such as Vehicle Dynamic Control, Electronic Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Inside, a 7-inch LCD touch screen displays various vehicle systems, including a DVD-based navigation system and the view from the rear-facing video camera.
VOLKSWAGEN New Beetle Rsi Concept (Small Car)
If all goes according to plan, expect to see a 225-horsepower, all-wheel-drive version of the New Beetle in dealer showrooms. Based on the explosive European Golf model, this version of the New Beetle will give the Acura Integra Type-R a run for the money.
VOLKSWAGEN 2002 D1 (Large car)
Setting their sights directly on Mercedes and BMW in the high-performance luxury sedan market, the D1 will be Volkswagen's most ambitious vehicle project ever. With a price tag around $70,000, the D1 will feature a V12 engine, 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights with neon signals, and a luxurious interior intended to supercede even the S-Class in material quality and amenities.