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What's
New: Honda
Accord | Lincoln Town Car | Mercedes E-Class | Nissan
350Z
Honda
Accord (Mid-size sedan, on sale now)
Honda's perennial best seller and people pleaser is
all new for 2003. One of the best just keeps getting
better. Both engines generate more power this year:
The 2.4-liter L4 puts out 160 horsepower (through a
5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission), and
the 3.0-liter V6 engine now produces 240 horsepower
(through a 4-speed automatic transmission). A roomy
4-door sedan (available in DX, LX, and EX trim/equipment
levels) and a sleek 2-door coupe (available in LX or
EX versions) are offered. Also available is a sporty
version of the EX coupe with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Prices should be in line with last year's models. For
more information on the new Accord, give us a call or
go to www.hondacars.com.
Lincoln
Town Car (Full-size luxury sedan, on sale now)
Along with its Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand
Marquis siblings, the substantially reworked 2003 Lincoln
Town Car boasts a new frame, rack-and-pinion steering,
and an upgraded suspension system, all of which contribute
to a much-improved driving experience. The exterior
has been freshened, as evidenced by its new, wider grille
up front and taller trunk out back (which contributes
to increased luggage space). The interior is revised
as well with upgraded materials and expanded storage.
For those who appreciate spacious, sturdy, good old-fashioned,
rear-drive, American heavy metal, the Town Car (and
its Ford and Mercury siblings) can't be beat. For more
information on the new Town Car, give us a call or go
to www.lincoln.com.
Mercedes
E-Class (Mid-size luxury/sport sedan, on sale now)
Mercedes-Benz has just released its stylish, next-generation
E-Class sedans (traditionally its highest volume line).
Two models are offered: the 221-horsepower 3.2-liter
V6 model (the E320) and the 302-horsepower 5.0-liter
V8 model (the E500). In addition to the more powerful
engine, the E500 adds four-zone climate control (i.e.,
individual temperature settings for four passengers),
a more expansive distribution of leather across its
interior, and a more advanced suspension system (including
performance-rated tires, among other items). For more
information on the new E-Class, give us a call or go
to www.MBUSA.com.
Nissan 350Z (2-seat sports coupe, on sale now)
Nissan revives the classic "Z car" heritage
(which began with the original 240Z introduced in 1970)
with the all-new 2003 350Z. While the many generations
of Zs that followed the original strayed farther and
farther away from its simple beginnings (becoming "softer"
and more luxurious with each successive model), the
350Z goes back to the original concept-simple, straight-forward,
affordable, and above all, sporty. Prices start at around
$27,000 for the base model and rise to around $35,000
for a fully equipped one. While that may not sound affordable,
it should be noted that the Twin Turbo version of the
1996 300ZX (the last time the "Z car" was
sold here) cost $44,000. Many call this car the Japanese
Corvette. With 287 horses, a 3200-pound curb weight,
and a handling ability on par with the best of sports
cars, it might just be! For more information on the
new 350Z, give us a call or go to www.nissandriven.com.
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