1996 Audi A3

1996 Audi A3: Based on the Volkswagen Golf platform, but with a longer wheelbase, the A3 will be the first small Audi since the 50 was discontinued about 20 years ago. It will have rounded styling, four doors, and a rear hatch...Audi A8: Audi's pioneering A8 with aluminum space frame and body panels was introduced to Europe last year, and we expect it to supplant the current V-8 Quattro here in '96. This luxurious four-door sedan will only be offered with the four-wheel-drive Quattro drivetrain, along with a 4.2-liter/300-horsepower DOHC V-8, four-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, pampering cabin, and rock-solid chassis...Cadillac LSE: The entry-level Caddy LSE (Luxury Sport Euro-style) will be based on Europe's Opel Omega sedan and will be built in Germany. Powered by a 3.0-liter/200-horse 24-valve V-6, this rear-drive model will base in the low-$30,000 range...Chevrolet Lumina Minivan/Pontiac Trans Sport/Oldsmobile Silhouette: This will be the first major overhaul in GM's line of front-drive minivans since its introduction in '89. Look for a more conventional front end, an optional driver-side power sliding rear door, and steel body panels in place of the current composite panels...Chevrolet Malibu: The Malibu name will be revived for a new midsize sedan to replace the Corsica, and will be marketed as a Camry fighter. The Beretta coupe will be dropped...Dodge Viper GTS: The new coupe version of the potent Viper is expected in early '96. Changes from the convertible R/T will include a new chassis, suspension, wheels, and exhaust, as well as a more powerful V-10, dual airbags, and even power windows. This may be the first American production car to go over 200 mph...Ford Escort/Mercury Tracer replacement: The CT120, as it's code named, is a Mazda-engineered vehicle based on the 323/Proteg chassis. It will feature Ford styling, including an oval-shaped grille similar to the Contour's. Currently the CT120 is planned to replace the Escort/Tracer models in early '96 and then give way to the new European-designed CW170 two years later-but this could change...Ford Taurus SHO: Debuting about a year after the release of the Taurus, the SHO will get a more aggressive front spoiler, performance-oriented wheel and tire package, sport-tuned suspension, and a 3.4-liter/250-horse DOHC V-8, developed with Yamaha...Hyundai HCD-II/Elantra Coupe: Hyundai's spiffy HCD concept cars, which have graced the show circuits for the past few years, are the inspiration behind this '97 sport coupe. Based on the new Elantra platform, it remains to be seen whether the new Hyundai will carry its own name or be offered as part of the Elantra family...