SOUTH FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW LOGO South Florida International Auto Show logo. (PRNewsFoto)[TC] MIAMI BEACH, FL USA

    MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- It seems impossible.  Once a
year, every year, they produce an auto enthusiast's "candy store" full of new
models that intrigue and excite car buyers.
    (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021017/FLTH099LOGO)
    But the auto industry does it.  And, as usual this time of year, the South
Florida International Auto Show offers a first look at the newest models.
    Scion is the name of an entirely new line of cars from Toyota aimed at the
youth market.  Toyota developed two models as concept vehicles, emphasizing
innovation and versatility in a bold box with tremendous headroom and leg
room.  Appearing with its sister concept car, the ccX, the bbX model at this
year's auto show has a "rolling sound studio" interior with 1,350 watts of max
power.  Production versions of the bbX will arrive at California dealerships
first, in June of next year, then roll-out to other states.  Standard
equipment will include air conditioning, power convenience features and a six-
speaker sound system with a Pioneer AM/FM/CD.
    Another peek-a-boo at a production car at this year's show is from Buick.
They will introduce a midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) named Rainier for
the 2004 model year, following the successful launch of the Rendezvous
crossover vehicle.  Rainier, a five-passenger, full-frame SUV will be powered
by a sophisticated inline six-cylinder engine.  An optional Vortec 5300 V8
engine will be available later.  Rainier will be introduced in dealers'
showrooms in September 2003.
    The Saturn Ion is taller and longer than the S-car it replaces, and offers
personal accent kits that allow owners to customize their cars.  The sedans
from this General Motors division debut first, and a Saturn "quad coupe"
arrives next year.

    A "Z" CAR RETURNS
    The letter "Z" is popular this year.  It begins with a sports car icon
that turns many Floridians nostalgic.  Nissan's Z-car is back and it's now the
350Z.  The handling and performance is top notch, as expected, and styling is
21st Century.  With a 287 horsepower V-6 up front and drive wheels in the
back, it zips to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.  The other new "Z" is the BMW Z4 which
replaces the Z3.  This totally redesigned sportster is available with either
2.5 or 3.0 liter engines and buyers can choose from manual transmissions or an
automatic with manual shifting.  Ideal for Florida open-air driving, the
fully-lined soft top opens in 10 seconds.
    Also at BMW this year -- the latest versions of the popular new Mini.  The
fresh expression of a '60s favorite, now produced by BMW, the re-born Mini and
Mini Cooper retain the spirited and emotional experience of the classic Mini,
but add today's safety, high technology and driving dynamics.
    Many manufacturers are developing convertibles to meet market demand, and
auto show visitors will see a new drop-top this year from Volkswagen.  The VW
New Beetle Cabrio loses its top, and the "Bug" gains a more powerful engine
and fresh colors.
    Honda introduces a bold new SUV that opens up like a magician's box.  The
Element has cargo doors that open wide (with no common center post) and seats
that can either fold flat or "hang" on the walls.  It's designed for young,
active buyers who need to carry surfboards, bicycles, skis, dormitory
furniture and other youthful assets.  It shares lots of mechanical elements
with Honda's popular C-RV.
    For years, the Chevrolet Corvette has made drivers feel 25 no matter how
old they were.  The 2003 model year is Corvette's 50th birthday, so both coupe
and convertible are available in a special edition with red paint, gold wheels
and special badging inside and out.
    The arrival of the H2 brings Hummer's new definition of utility to a wide
new audience.  The General Motors H2 refines Hummer's rugged heritage by
adding more creature comforts while maintaining off-road leadership.  Its
extreme design ensures that H2 has the eye-catching appearance of H1.
    Other makes getting major redesigns for 2003 include the Dodge Viper,
Honda Accord, Lincoln LS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Porsche Boxster and Saab 9-3.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser and Ford Thunderbird get more powerful engines.

    A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS
    Concept cars and prototypes offer a glimpse at the industry's futuristic
models.  Chevy unveils an exciting new expression of its famous Bel Air
convertible in a modern celebration of the mid-'50s.  Designers retraced the
flowing lines of the original, gave it 18-inch wheels and used a new five-
cylinder engine.  With the push of a button, drivers can change engine
calibrations from super efficiency to high performance in this lean and lusty
convertible.
    A concept with appeal to the youth market is the Dodge Razor, a stripped-
down affordable two-seat model inspired by European sports cars of the 1960s.
The Razor comes with no radio and no power windows or seats.  Generation Y
buyers can add what they want from a long list of custom options that help
them enjoy the ride.
    Buick's LaCrosse concept is a luxury car with surprising functionality.
With a single voice command, quick-change panels open to convert a stylish
sedan into a cargo carrier.  Traditional Buick "port holes" are joined by
cross-car rear lighting and by what Buick calls a "sweepspear" side profile.

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