Seeing Into America's Future: 1995-2000 - Into The 21st Century - Feature

Future Cars
Even as you read this, decisions are being made that will shape our cars into the next century. The near-term projects-late-'95 and '96 releases-are still being tweaked in a number of different ways. The longer-term models-'98s and beyond-await more major decisions such as styling, powerplants, or even overall plausibility.

Here's our best shot at revealing the secrets of the future, based on the most current information that we've managed to gather from behind automakers' normally tightly bolted doors. What follows doesn't include minor facelifts or upgrades, but looks at the major releases expected between now and the turn of the century. Check out this issue's auto-show coverage in Trends and the rest of our Future Cars section for more upcoming models.

Fall 1995
Acura Legend replacement: The all-new, top-of-the-line Acura reportedly will lose its Legend name in favor of an undisclosed alphanumeric designation. It should be larger and more upscale while retaining a V-6 powerplant. A coupe version isn't expected until '97...Audi A4: Replacement for the Audi 90, this four-door sedan will be slightly shorter than its predecessor, but with a longer wheelbase and more cabin and trunk space. The base engine will be a 1.8-liter/125-horsepower four with five valves per cylinder. Upgrade engines will include a 1.8-liter/150-horse four and a 2.8-liter/174-horse V-6. The standard configuration will be front-drive with a Quattro system option available for a bargain $1500. Pricing is expected to begin at about $22,000. Following about a year later will be wagon, coupe, and cabriolet versions...BMW Z10 Roadster: This Miata-size roadster, based on the 3-Series platform, will be the first vehicle to come off BMW's new Spartanburg, North Carolina, assembly line. The standard powertrain setup will be a 1.8-liter four with a five-speed manual transmission. Prices will likely begin at just under $30,000...Chevrolet Blazer ZR2/GMC Jimmy Highrider: Blazers and Jimmys are expected to be offered with GM's rugged off-road package, currently available on the compact S-10/Sonoma pickups (called ZR2 in Chevy trim and Highrider with the GMC Trucks badge). The setup includes a wider chassis, Bilstein gas shocks, larger tires and wheels, and heavy-duty front axle shafts. Although a one-offfour-door version was displayed at the SEMA show in November, production may be limited to two-door models...Chevrolet Sportvan/GMC Rally/Vandura: For its 25th anniversary, GM's full-size van gets a facelift, with larger windows, a new grille styled after the full-size pickup, and high-mounted taillights...Chrysler LeBaron: The revamped LeBaron will be available as a coupe and convertible. Standard power will come from a 2.0-liter/133-horse 16-valve SOHC inline-four; options include a 140-horse DOHC version of the same engine and a Mitsubishi-built 2.5-liter/172-horse 24-valve V-6. There's also talk of side airbags...