| CHRYSLER 300 HEMI C CONCEPT |
| Vehicle configuration | Front engine, rear-drive, |
| 2-door, 4-pass. | |
| Engine type | 90 V-8, OHV, 2 valves/cyl. |
| Displacement, ci/cc | 353.0/5785 |
| Horsepower | 353* |
| Torque, lb-ft | 353* |
| Transmission type | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase, in./mm | 115.7/2939 |
| Base curb weight, lb | 3500 |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 5.9* |
| Standing quarter mile, sec/mph | 14.1/99.0* |
| Base price | $34,990* |
| www.chryslercars.com | * Estimated |
| TOYOTA CELICA CONVERTIBLE CONCEPT |
| Vehicle configuration | Front engine, front drive, |
| 2-door, 4-pass. | |
| Engine type | Inline 4, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl. |
| Displacement, ci/cc | 109.6/1796 |
| Horsepower, hp @ rpm, SAE net | 180 @ 7600 |
| Torque, lb-ft @ rpm, SAE net | 130 @ 6800 |
| Transmission type | 6-speed manual |
| Wheelbase, in./mm | 102.4/2601 |
| Base curb weight, lb | 2600* |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 6.8 |
| Standing quarter mile, sec/mph | 15.4/92.5 |
| Base price | $25,000* |
| www.toyota.com | * Estimated |
Mercedes-BenzVision SLA ConceptSay the name "Vision," and any right-thinking auto show aficionado immediately recalls some type of high-tech Mercedes concept car. Latest in this line of dream machines to carry that sobriquet is the petite SLA. While M-B execs won't officially comment on the prospects of turning this space-age two-seater into a production reality, word is they're giving it serious consideration. If approved, the SLA could show up on public roads within three years as a trendy-and affordable-alternative to the Mazda Miata, Toyota MR-2 Spyder, and BMW Z3.
Although loosely based on various platform mechanicals from the firm's European-only A-Class, this diminutive drop-top borrows extensive visual cues from its namesake predecessors. Not the least of those is M-B's ultimate "Vision," the SLR supercar (this issue's cover model) that will itself enter into very limited production for the 2003 model year. The SLA's nose and tail treatments also display obvious homage to the current McLaren/Mercedes F1 car. Pretty heady stuff for a car rumored to be priced around $30,000!
Wrapping the SLA's aluminum monocoque structure is bodywork rendered in a combination of aluminum and plastic composite materials. All load-bearing structures are of the former, while the latter is used for the purely aesthetic elements. Up front, exposed shock tower crowns add a uniquely high-tech visual touch all their own, while anchoring metal mesh panels that foster more effective cooling of its 1.9-liter/125-horse SOHC four-cylinder engine. Culled from the A190, it drives the SLA's front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Given a curb weight of 2100 pounds, Mercedes says that combo should allow the SLA to run 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds.
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