Drive Time

Car Stars: Preview of the 2005s

Lots of cities around the world have auto shows, but Detroit's annual production -- playing through January 19 -- is the original, the big time, the Broadway run.

So no one was too surprised when Dieter Zetsche, DaimlerChrysler's handle-bar-mustachioed CEO, joined a troupe of Britney Spears' inspired, midriff-baring dancers during the press preview days to introduce-ta-da! -- Chrysler's new Town and Country minivan. "Who says a minivan can't be sexy?" he asked the applauding crowd.

If fold-flat seats turn you on, maybe Dieter has a point. Chrysler's new-for-2005 van has "Stow 'n Go"-second- and third-row seating that folds into, not just onto, the floor. But the carmaker is a little late to the fold-flat party. Toyota, Nissan and even Ford got their new minivans into production in 2003.

Still, hype is heaped on thick at the Detroit show. Here are some other models bound for production later this year that you're going to hear a lot about. While Chrysler is trying to regain an edge in the minivan segment, Detroit in general is refocusing on cars rather than trucks, and Japan is turning its attention to trucks and SUVs. Go figure.

Manufacturer's suggested retail prices (without destination charges) are included when available. We'll try to keep the hype to a minimum:

Redesigned muscle cars

This fall the next-generation Mustang and Corvette will debut. The Mustang has styling cues from the '60s models and an overall more-solid feel than the current version. Starting at under $20,000, the 4.0-liter V6 produces 202 horsepower; the 4.6-liter V8 (under $30,000) has 300 hp. The new Corvette doesn't look appreciably different than the fifth-generation model but is about five inches shorter and sports a 6.0-liter V8 that produces 400 hp. Expect to pay at least $45,000.

More ragtops

PT Cruiser, which has been languishing lately on dealers' lots, should get a boost from the new droptop version. Models start at a modest $19,995. Chrysler also unveiled a convertible Crossfire. BMW introduced the ragtop 645Ci ($76,995), which will go on sale with the sporty new 645Ci coupe ($69,995) on March 26. Mini is planning to launch a cabriolet Cooper, probably late in 2004. For the 2006 model year, Pontiac will produce a Miata-sized (and priced) roadster called the Solstice, a pet project of GM chairman Bob Lutz.

More hybrids

Environmentally friendly gas-electric hybrids are coming in bigger packages. Ford at long last will deliver its Escape small SUV hybrid. Lexus will sell a V6 hybrid version of the best-selling RX-330 crossover SUV. Called the RX-400H, it actually delivers more horsepower (270) than the nonhybrid model because it takes advantage of the electric motor. Sister company Toyota is introducing a V6 hybrid Highlander (with seven-passenger seating) that, like the Lexus, delivers 270 hp. The venerable Honda Accord will come in a V6 hybrid version later this year as a 2004 model. It's also equipped with "variable cylinder management" technology, which can shut down three of the engine's six cylinders when, say, you're cruising at highway speeds.

Sporty crossovers

A cross between SUVs and station wagons and, sometimes, minivans -- on a car chassis --"sport wagons" are all the rage now. Set to join the Murano and Infiniti FX are the Dodge Magnum, Ford Freestyle, Saturn Relay and Mercedes-Benz Vision Grand Sports Tourer. Mercedes' offering, on course to reach showrooms in early 2005, seats six (two each in the second and third rows) and runs on a V8 diesel-electric-hybrid powertrain that can, according to the press release, "sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds." You do the math.

Smaller cars

Light trucks (including pickups, SUVs and minivans) accounted for more than 53% of sales last year, and more than 58% in December alone. Bucking that trend, carmakers are showing more little cars. Scion, Toyota's Generation-Y-oriented brand, will start selling the tC, a sporty coupe (174 inches long), in June-timed to coincide with the national rollout of the Scion xB wagon and xA hatchback. Mazda showed a 157-inch concept called the MX Micro, which it has promised to produce somewhere in the world in 2004. Chevy finally is replacing the long-in-the-tooth Cavalier with a "premium" small car called the Cobalt (180 inches long). Air-conditioning and CD player are standard, and options include heated leather-appointed seats, sunroof, XM Satellite radio and an MP3 player.