1998 Buick Century

1998 Buick Century replacement: Although the Century is expected to be dropped after the '96 model year, a replacement sedan (no wagon) will fill its spot in the lineup and be based on a version of GM's new midsize platform...Buick Regal replacement: The new Regal will be built on GM's new P-90 midsize platform, but only in sedan trim...Buick Skylark replacement: When the Skylark moves to an updated version of its current platform, the coupe will be dropped, leaving only the sedan...Cadillac Seville: The revamped Seville will appear on a version of GM's G platform, which is now used by the Olds Aurora and Buick Riviera...Chevrolet Lumina/Monte Carlo LS: A new platform will be used to upgrade the LS Lumina and Monte Carlo versions into larger, V-8-powered high-end models intended to battle the Chrysler LHs...Dodge Dakota: No facts, but it's on the schedule...Ford Escort replacement: This Escort replacement, code-named CW170 and being developed in Europe, will be another world-car design. It could be available in four versions: three-, four- and five-door models, and a wagon...Mazda 626/Mercury Cougar: The Probe dies for '98, to be replaced by a new, downsized front-drive Cougar, which will share a platform with the redesigned Mazda 626...Mercedes-Benz A-Class: This compact, hatchback-style, four-door, four-passenger "city car" will become Mercedes' entry-level offering. It's said to offer the same interior space as the C-Class, but in a body that's shorter than a Chrysler Neon. For space efficiency, collision protection, and visibility, the passenger compartment will be located over the engine, which could be a 2.0-liter, 16-valve four cylinder, or possibly an electric powerplant for California...Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight: The Eighty-Eight will move to the Aurora's G platform but maintain a lower trim level than Olds' flagship...Volkswagen Concept 1/Beetle successor: The wheels are in motion to bring VW's well-received Concept 1 show car to production as a neo-Beetle. Based on the next-generation Polo platform, its styling will likely be toned down from the show car, and the vehicle will be thoroughly modernized, with a front-mounted engine, dual airbags, and ABS. Pricing is expected to begin around $12,000-$13,000, and the car will be built at VW's plant in Puebla, Mexico. It could also serve as VW's electric offering.

1999 Buick LeSabre: The replacement for Buick's best-selling LeSabre (as well as the Olds Eighty-Eight and Pontiac Bonneville) will all be redone using a modified G-platform...Ford Thunderbird: Following a "freshening" for '98, the 'Bird goes front-drive for '9911/42, spun from a modified Taurus platform...Lincoln Mark IX/entry-level Jaguar coupe: Both could be based on the same rear-drive platform, but will feature distinctively different styling...Also expected as all-new models: Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon two-door models. Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis. Jeep Grand Cherokee. Nissan Quest/Mercury Villager.

2000 Cadillac Eldorado: The new Eldo is expected to be a downsized rear-driver, sharing the Opel Omega platform with the LSE...Cadillac DeVille and Concours: New versions of both, based on the front-drive G-platform, should arrive this year.