Frank Price Company, Personal Automotive Shoppers

BMW Z4 (2-Seat roadster, on sale now)
BMW has replaced its aging Z3 roadster with the aggressively (and, to some, unusually) styled Z4 model for 2003. The retro look of the Z3 has been replaced by a unique collection of soft curves and sharp angles, creating a more masculine appearance on the new model. The interior is a bit wider than before, and the trunk space has nearly doubled in size. They've even added a system that pumps engine sounds into the passenger cabin so the car sounds as sporty as it looks and feels. The rear suspension has also been improved to better keep the back tires on the ground during high-speed curves. Two six-cylinder engines are offered: a 184-hp 2.5-liter (with either five-speed automatic or manual transmissions) and a 225-hp 3.0-liter (with either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission). Prices for the six-speed 3.0-liter start around $41,000. For more information on the BMW Z4, go to www.bmwusa.com.

Ford F-150 (Full-size pickup truck, 2004 model year)
Ford completely reworks its best selling line for 2004. The look of the new trucks is tougher, edgier, and bigger, and it rides on a substantially stronger frame. Three types of cabs are available (each with four doors). Each of the two box styles (plain or flared) is available in three lengths-- 5.5, 6.5, and 8-feet. Trim levels number five (from the basic XL up to the luxury sedan-level Lariat). The possibilities are virtually endless given the number of choices presented. The 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter V8 engines have been re-vamped to improve power and efficiency as well. For more information on the 2004 Ford F-150, go to www.fordvehicles.com.

Ford Mustang Mach 1 (2+2 Sport coupe, on sale now)
With the "Mach 1" designation, Ford delivers another special version of the Mustang, calling on its successful history. Though the style is reminiscent of the 1969 Mach 1, many of the components are from last year's Bullitt GT. The new Mach 1 features a function air-scoop on the hood, which feeds air into the 32-valve 4.6-liter V8, producing well over 300 horsepower. Production will be limited to 6500 units, and prices are expected to hover around the $30,000 mark. For more information on the new Ford Mustang Mach 1, go to www.fordvehicles.com/cars/mustang.

Infiniti FX35 & FX45 (Luxury-sport SUV, expected early 2003)
Looking more like a sports car (or wild cat) than an SUV, this racy wagon is sure to attract attention when it replaces the more traditional, truck-based QX4 "sport-ute" sometime this year. The FX35/45 is actually based on the same platform that underpins the Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35 models. The interior, though small and containing only two rows of seating due to its sleek, curvy shape, is as luxurious as it is sporty. The 4.5-liter 315-hp V8-powered 4WD FX45 model should start around $44,000 and climb upwards by adding various packages from the options list. A calmer, 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 powered FX35 model will also be offered with a lower price (starting around $34,000 for 2WD and $36,000 for 4WD) and a softer ride. For more information on the Infiniti FX35 and FX45, go to www.infiniti.com.

Infiniti G35 (Sport coupe & sedan, on sale now)
Based heavily on Nissan's new 350Z (both in content and style), the new G35 line offers relatively affordable performance and luxury in a sexy package. These models have just won "Motor Trend's 2003 Car of the Year" award. The sedan comes with a 3.5-liter V6, generating 260 horses and a five-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual is expected to be available on the sedan in the near future. The coupe's 3.5-liter V6 creates 280 horses and runs through either the five-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearboxes. Base prices range between $27,000 and $32,000 with fully equipped models costing between $33,000 and $35,000. For more information on the new Infiniti G35s, go to www.infiniti.com.

Infiniti M45 (Luxury sport sedan, on sale now)
Some have suggested that Infiniti marketing tactics for this new mid-range model include statements like, "V8 power at a six-cylinder price." This car's boxy styling conceals its true mission, but the big tires stretched over racy-looking eight-spoke wheels hint at the true performance sedan hiding beneath the skin. The folks at Infiniti have powered this M45 with the same 4.5-liter 340 horsepower V8 engine that propels its $52,000 Q45 flagship sedan. Expected to start around at $40,000, the is stealthy M45 sedan is ideal for those who don't care to "show" how they can "go." For more information on the new Infiniti M45, call or go to www.infiniti.com.

Lexus GX470 (Luxury utility vehicle, on sale now)
Fitting in between the more affordable RX300 and the more extravagant LX470, this mid-range Lexus "sport-ute" is based on Toyota's new 4-Runner. The 4.7-liter V8 shoots 235 horsepower through a full-time four-wheel-drive system. Lexus's Downhill Assist Control system lends aid during steep descents. Three-row seating is surrounded by numerous air bags, plenty of air conditioning (front and rear systems), and leather upholstery. Prices are expected to run around $47,000. For more information on the new Lexus GX470, go to www.lexus.com.

Lincoln Aviator (Mid-size luxury utility vehicle, on sale now)
Based on the new-for-2002 Ford Explorer, this 2003 Lincoln SUV looks a lot like its (much larger) Navigator brother. More luxurious (and expensive) than the Explorer, the Aviator features a 302 horsepower 4.6-liter DOHC V8 engine. The interior is unique to the Lincoln and features a smaller version of the Navigator's leather, walnut, and satin-nickel environment. Seating is provided for seven passengers and the third seat folds flat into the floor. It is available in either two- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Expect top-line AWD models to run around $47,000. For more information on the new Lincoln Aviator, go to www.lincolnvehicles.com.

Mazda 6 (Sporty mid-size sedan, on sale now)
The new "6" sedan replaces both the 626 and Millennia in Mazda's overall line-up. Its style is sleek and angular, not unlike that of many of Mazda's upcoming sports cars. The new 6 is decidedly sportier than its competition (Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, to name a few) in terms of both style and handling characteristics. Two versions are offered, both with standard five-speed manual transmissions. The four-cylinder, or "i" version, is powered by a 160-hp 2.3-liter engine which can also be had with a four-speed automatic. The six-cylinder "s" version, featuring a 220 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine can also be ordered with a five-speed automatic. Expect well-equipped V6 models to run in the $25,000 range. For more information on the new Mazda 6, go to www.mazdausa.com.

Mazda RX-8 (2+2 Sports car, expected summer 2003)
Mazda is reviving its once hallmark rotary engine program in the form of the new RX-8 sports car. Filling the gap left by the former RX-7 sports coupe, this new model offers a fresh twist: four seats and four doors. The third and fourth doors are actually rear-hinged half-doors, not unlike those first seen on the Saturn SC Coupe), but they do provide easy access to two rear seats-a sports car first. Horsepower from the relatively tiny 1.3-liter engine is expected to range between 200 and 250, depending on the model. Prices are expected to start around $28,000 when the car arrives this summer. For more information on the upcoming Mazda RX-8, go to www.mazdausa.com.

You can contact Frank Price Company for information on any of these upcoming models.

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