2nd annual General Motors ten showcases GM vehicles of yesterday and today celebrating 75 years of GM design INMARSAT Presents Strong Performance -Asian Cell Phone Market Set To Change Design
keralamonitor.com March 19, 2003
WHO Releases New Tool to Detect Counterfeit Medicines
International Pharmacopoeia to include all available new antimalarials
GENEVA - To improve the quality and efficacy of medicines, facilitate control of
counterfeit and substandard drugs and address problems of drug resistance,
the World Health Organization (WHO) today releases a new edition of the
International Pharmacopoeia (IntPh).
The IntPh provides specifications for the content, purity and quality of
active ingredients and pharmaceutical products according to
internationally approved standards. While a practical tool for all
settings, it is aimed especially at those countries where national
regulatory authorities (bodies charged with assuring the quality and
safety of medicines) may not have enough funds or staff to function
optimally.
The IntPH will be useful particularly in identifying counterfeit and
sub-standard medicines. These are growing concerns world-wide, and
especially affect developing countries.
For instance, a recent survey found that 40% of Artemisin-based
anti-malarials were counterfeit as they contained no active ingredients.
Although countries do not always reveal data about the sub-standard
quality of their medicines, those that do demonstrate that, on average,
10-20% of medicines in developing country markets are sub-standard.
Poor quality medicines may cause death, serious harm to health or, at
best, have no therapeutic effect. Counterfeit and poor quality
antimalarial medicines for example also contribute to the dramatic growth
in resistance to antimalarials, which has serious health and economic
impacts.
"The consequences of sub-standard or counterfeit medicines are extremely
serious and detrimental to all efforts to control disease and save lives,"
says Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director-General of WHO. "This is a critical
aspect of the struggle for access to medicines, and a fundamental feature
of WHO's work on this issue."
Concerned especially with increasing access to effective treatment, the
IntPh gives priority to medicines for illnesses affecting developing
country populations disproportionately, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis,
malaria and diseases neglected by conventional pharmaceutical markets.
In its fifth volume, the IntPh includes all Artemisin-based antimalarials
known to date. These are now seen as the most effective medicines to
treat drug-resistant malaria, affecting about 40% of the 500 million
people contracting malaria yearly.
The monographs contained in the IntPh can be used in any country or
setting. For this purpose, they are designed to cater to both
high-technology methods of testing or, when these are not available, for
alternative methods which are less technically demanding.
In addition to monographs, the WHO publishes basic tests for confirmation
of the identity of active ingredients. These are especially useful when a
fully equipped laboratory and analytical expertise are not available and
when rapid control is needed.
Publication of the IntPh is part of a comprehensive WHO programme to help
regulatory authorities, health services, and manufacturers assure the
quality of medicines and to eliminate substandard products. Other
elements of the programme include active support to regulatory authorities
on combating counterfeit medicines; training in good manufacturing
practices; and quality assessment of manufacturers of medicines including
for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.-keralamonitor.comkeralamonitor.com March 19, 2003
Asian Cell Phone Market Set To Change Design
19 March 2003
John Koo demonstrates LG's IMT-2000 handset with a built-in camera and a 270-degree-rotating LCD screen to delegates at CTIA Wireless 2003
Asian handset producers are set to change the future direction of the mobile phone, according to LG Electronics Chairman and CEO, John Koo. Delivering a keynote address at CTIA Wireless 2003, the world's largest mobile communications exhibition held in the USA, Koo said mobile video-conferencing, introduced for the first time at the opening of the FIFA World Cup in Seoul, heralded a paradigm shift in the mobile communication's market.
"The dual bank dual mode (DBDM) phone, marking the start of the 3G-IMT 2000 era, in some ways showed Korea to be the current trend-setter of mobile communications services," he said. Koo went on to discuss global mobile communications trends and prospects for next generation, personal mobile communication services.
"For the past two to three years, handset makers in Europe have placed emphasis on the basic functionalities of the handset, mainly focused on voice communications," said Koo."However, businesses in Korea and Japan have been quick to respond to the customers' appetite for new functionality and designs. They were willing to experiment, and such efforts have opened up new markets, enabling them to grow at a rapid pace." Koo said LG planned to lead changes in mobile market with handsets featuring innovative design and diverse services, such as video-on-demand (VOD), multi-media messaging service (MMS), location-based services (LBS), M-commerce and games.
keralamonitor.com March 19, 2003
INMARSAT Presents Strong Performance
DATA STRATEGY PROGRESSING SUCCESSFULLY
· Group revenues up 5% to US$463 million EBITDA up 11% to US$314 million EPS increase of 165% to US$1.64
LONDON - 19 March 2003 - Inmarsat Ventures plc, the Total Communications Network, and the world's leading provider of global mobile communications via satellite to enterprises, today announced impressive full-year results for the year ended 31 December 2002. EBITDA, prior to impairments, increased by 11% to US$313.6 million, versus US$282.3 million in 2001. Group operating profit, increased by 46% to US$184.7 million, versus US$126.8 million in 2001, prior to impairments and operating loss of joint venture. Net operating costs declined from US$154.8 million in 2001 to US$149.5 million in 2002. otal group revenues for the year were up 5% to US$463.1 million, from US$441.8 million in 2001. Basic earnings per share were boosted by 165% to US$1.64 per share, compared to US$0.62 per share in 2001.
The improved EBITDA performance was largely attributable to increased revenues from high-speed data land based satellite communication solutions and leased satellite services, supported by strong take-up of new product introductions, lower operating costs and an element of global security revenues.Commenting on the results, Michael Storey, Inmarsat Ventures plc President and CEO said: "Inmarsat Ventures has achieved a very strong set of results in the face of what has been a difficult year for the satellite and telecommunications industry generally. The fruits of our data strategy are now being realised with a 25% increase in data revenues. Specifically looking at our 'on demand' services, for the first time data now accounts for more than half of total revenues.
"A major component of this strategy was the successful launch of our Regional Broadband Global Area Network (Regional BGAN) service in November 2002, which provides 144 kbit/s secure, shared IP Internet connectivity from a small terminal to around a third of the world today. Offering at least double the through-put of terrestrial GPRS and with far greater coverage, Regional BGAN enables us to serve the continuously growing enterprise demand for higher bandwidth, increase customer usage, and leverage opportunities to access new markets, such as finance and manufacturing.
"Through Regional BGAN we are building important market relationships in preparation for the launch of our next generation of BGAN services over the Inmarsat-4 satellites, currently planned for 2005. The Inmarsat-4 construction programme has remained a key focal point. When they are launched, the satellites will provide broadband data services at speeds of up to 432 kbit/s. We are committed to achieving significant Regional BGAN market penetration by then, which puts us at the forefront of the wireless data revolution.
"Other important introductions in 2002 included the Inmarsat Fleet F77 and the Swift64 ISDN services in April, both of which support the provision of higher-speed access to our other two core markets of maritime and aeronautical," added Michael Storey. Ramin Khadem, Inmarsat Ventures plc Chief Financial Officer, stated: "We are very pleased with these results. The Company continues to generate sizable cash flow, underpinned by our successful data services." Net cash inflow from operating activities increased to US$318.1 million from US$262.0 million for 2001.
"We have utilised our cash and a small portion of our debt facility to continue our investment programme. Of the US$382.8 million of capital expenditure in 2002, the majority went into the Inmarsat-4 construction programme as well as Regional BGAN infrastructure development," added Ramin Khadem.
2nd annual General Motors ten showcases GM vehicles of yesterday and today celebrating 75 years of GM design
Illustrating the connection between automobiles and American pop culture, celebrity models, fashion designers and a collection of General Motors' innovative, cutting-edge concept, production and historic vehicles will take to the runway in a specially constructed pavilion on the corner of Sunset and Vine in the heart of Hollywood for the 2nd annual GM ten fashion show. GM vehicles will be incorporated into the fashion show, with 28 total vehicles featured throughout the evening.
March 17, 2003, Hollywood, Calif: Fashion Runway Vehicles:2003 BUICK CENTIEME
The 2003 Buick Centieme concept is a distinctive, luxurious vehicle that combines the best features of a sedan and sport utility vehicle. The progressive design suggests a rolling piece of sculpture, embodying the romance of travel for which Buick is renowned. The four-door Centieme seats six passengers in a three-row, dual seat configuration. Centieme is modeled for the Buick customer that seeks a premium American family vehicle without giving up style. A 3.6-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine complements the spirited design. It is mated to a Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transaxle. Centieme also features General Motors' Versatrak all-wheel-drive system, advanced traction control that transfers torque from front wheels to rear, and from side to side, to maintain control on various road surfaces. A crossover in style, Centieme is a fitting vehicle to celebrate a century of Buick heritag2004 CADILLAC SRX
This newest addition to the Cadillac family, the SRX features bold design and unique product innovations. The Cadillac SRX is a luxury crossover vehicle designed to fit a new place in the Cadillac portfolio between sedans and full-size SUVs. The SRX offers a unique blend of dynamic performance, a high level of functionality and bold Cadillac styling. Inspired by the 2001 Vizon concept, the SRX shares the same bold Cadillac styling cues as Escalade, EXT, CTS and XLR. Because it sits higher than a luxury sedan and lower than an SUV, the SRX provides a lower center of gravity than most competitors for better ride and handling without compromising the driver's command view of the road. The SRX, offered in both V6 and V8, provides luxury level functionality and flexibility when it comes to moving people or cargo, seating up to seven passengers with three rows of seating. The Cadillac SRX is planned for production in mid-2003 as a2003 CADILLAC SIXTEEN
In form, power and opulence, the 2003 Cadillac Sixteen embodies the timeless qualities of an exceptionally luxurious super-sedan with its sleek, gemstone appearance. The rear-wheel-drive Cadillac Sixteen brings forth the exclusivity and grandeur of the custom-built Fleetwood coach cars of the 1930s. The car's powerful 16-cylinder, 1000-horsepower engine makes an exterior statement as well. The aluminum hood is long, giving the Cadillac Sixteen tremendous dash-to-axle dimension; the wheel arches were designed to accommodate the beautiful 24-inch polished aluminum wheels. The four-door hardtop incorporates an all-glass roof and is without B-pillars. The interior theme is evocative of the posh accommodations of 1930s-era Cadillacs, but with contemporary style.The Cadillac Sixteen's 32-valve V-16 concept engine displaces 13.6 liters and is mated to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The engine features fuel-saving Displacement on Demand technology, debuting in 2004 on some 2005 GM models, which shuts down half of the cylinders during most driving conditions and automatically and seamlessly reactivates them for more demanding conditions, such as brisk acceleration or load hauling cylinders when the driver needs the engine's full power.
2003 CHEVROLET CHEYENNE (Concept)
The 2003 Chevy Cheyenne is the latest example of this tradition of innovation. Inspired by a rich heritage of breaking new ground in function and style, the thunderstone metallic Cheyenne is a statement of what a new generation of full-size trucks can be. Cheyenne combines ruggedly elegant styling with new levels of cargo-carrying versatility for personal and business use. A significant component of "rugged elegance" is the Cheyenne's proportions, created by focusing on the interior environment of the cab and maximizing the visible space for versatility and comfort. The cab is thrust forward on the extruded aluminum chassis for a more commanding presence. Positioning the wheels at the corners telegraphs stability and cargo capability.The hood is a front-hinged clamshell design that opens to provide full access to the front compartment, including the supercharged all-alloy 6.0-liter Vortec engine, which generates 500 horsepower and 580 lbs.-ft. of torque. The V-8 engine also is suitable for GM Powertrain's Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology, debuting in 2004 on some 2005 GM models. DOD shuts down half of the cylinders during most driving conditions, and automatically and seamlessly reactivates them for more demanding conditions, such as brisk acceleration or load hauling. When opened, the hood also exposes the all-new aluminum alloy control arms and Fox coil-over remote reservoir shocks, which provide Cheyenne immense off-road capability as well as refined manners.
HUMMER H2 SUT
Innovative design and package mark the newest concept vehicle from HUMMER. The H2 SUT takes the foundation of H2 and expands its capabilities to include an adjustable midgate, an open-air sky-roof and a variety of state-of-the-art telematics like 360 degree Night Vision. With 6.0-liter, Vortec 6000 V-8, 5-speed automatic transmission with full-time all-wheel drive, the H2 SUT combines a unique blend of capability, functionality and luxury in one. The vehicle boasts seating for five passengers plus a dedicated cargo bed, reconfigurable midgate for endless cargo/passenger carrying possibilities and a full skyroof to create an open-air vehicle. The Hummer H2 SUT handles the extremes of lifestyles-- short front and rear overhangs for high ground-clearance of serious off-roading in the rugged outdoors to sophisticated high- culture events with its exposed polished metal hardware.2004 GMC CANYON
Building on a tradition of professional-grade trucks, GMC welcomes the all-new Canyon offering an array of powertrain, comfort and utility enhancements. Built from the "ground up" to give consumers more in a mid-sized pickup, the Canyon boasts more power, more space, greater functionality and a comprehensive range of choices. Overall, Canyon's exterior - larger than the current Sonoma - is both aerodynamic and contemporary. Under the hood, Canyon offers two new inline engines based on the award winning Vortec 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine introduced in the 2002 GMC Envoy sport utility vehicle. Canyon's larger size provides outstanding room, passenger comfort and cargo-carrying capability.The regular cab model features 60/40 bench seats, in cloth or vinyl, with reclining bucket seats available. The four-door extended cab comes with two forward facing rear seats with under-seat storage and a flat-load floor. Crew cab models feature front bucket seats, available in cloth or leather. The 60/40-split flat-folding rear seat is capable of accommodating three adults.
PONTIAC BONNEVILLE GXP
With its sleek lines, powerful form and enhanced V-8 performance, the Pontiac Bonneville GXP show car captures the energy and passion of Pontiac excitement. The GXP is an outstanding example of Pontiac's 21st century design direction, and it hints at what's to come for the future Bonneville. With its GXP front and rear fascias, fog lamps, rocker panel extensions, and rear deck spoiler, Bonneville is as attractive as it is powerful and fun to drive.Designed with a lowered ride height for a strong wheel-to-body relationship, the Bonneville GXP is equipped with performance-tuned suspension components and GXP-specific 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Delivering nearly 300 hp with its 4.4-liter, 32-valve V-8 engine derived from the Northstar family, the Bonneville GXP show car is mated to GM's proven Hydra-Matic 4T80-E automatic transmission with a floor-mounted shifter to satisfy the performance passions of drivers who want to feel the excitement of American style power in a full-size passenger vehicle.
2003 PONTIAC G6 (Concept)
Excitement, performance and sleek contemporary styling give the 2003 Pontiac G6 concept vehicle the look, feel and attitude of a world-class GT sports sedan. The four-passenger sedan combines blending power and acceleration with superior ride and handling characteristics for a responsive driving experience. With a supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, the G6 showcases Pontiac's athletic design language. Its forms and architecture are clean, lean and agile to visually announce road-hugging confidence. The body stretches out over the wheels, the overhangs are short and the technique puts wheels out at the corners, giving the G6 a strong stance.2004 PONTIAC GTO
Giving the public its first look at the rebirth of a legend, Pontiac, General Motors' "excitement division," introduced show car versions of the 2004 GTO to audiences at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this year. The production version of the GTO will be available in Pontiac showrooms in late 2003.Sporting a special high-gloss paint in red or yellow, the GTO show cars exhibit the strong Pontiac brand character with a signature dual-port grille and a wide aggressive stance. The vehicles ride on 18-inch alloy wheels. They also sport a high-performance powertrain that makes the vehicle worthy of the "GTO" name.
Under the hood is a specially tuned LS1 5.7-liter V-8 aluminum-block engine currently estimated at 340 horsepower @ 5200 rpm, 360 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm with an appropriately tuned Pontiac exhaust note.
All that power is mated to either an electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission or the six-speed, close ratio manual transmission available on the Corvette ZO6. Both transmissions feature the same low-geared 3.46 final drive axle ratio in a rear-wheel-drive configuration to maximize off-the-line performance, a limited slip differential, and a three-channel traction control system designed to help enhance vehicle control.
Although performance testing on the vehicle has not been completed, the production model GTO is expected to have a zero-to-60 acceleration time of less than 6 seconds and run the quarter-mile in approximately 14 seconds at a speed of 105 mph. The top speed of the vehicle is estimated to be about 160 mph.
Befitting its position as a premium high-performance coupe, the GTO seats four adults in 2+2 bucket seats. Customers can choose between standard leather seats in black or color coordinated to several exterior colors. In addition, the color-coordinated interior extends to the door panels and the instrument cluster.
The original GTO inspired the term "muscle car" when it debuted as a high-performance option on the 1964 Pontiac Tempest. Though originally only scheduled for 5,000 units, more than 30,000 Tempest GTOs were ordered in 1964 alone. Before the GTO ended its production in 1974, more than 500,000 were sold.
2004 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE
The 2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible, unveiled March 4 at the Geneva Motor Show, brings a stylish, open-top dimension to the exciting new Saab 9-3 range and is the latest step in the biggest product offensive in Saab's history. Originally inspired by the U.S. market and launched in 1986, the popular Saab Convertible has proven to be a cornerstone in Saab's vehicle portfolio. The all-new 2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible is poised to reaffirm Saab as a market leader in the art of building open cars with rugged four-season, four-seater practicality.Key to its enhanced abilities is a rigid body structure - almost three times stiffer than that of its predecessor - and an all-new suspension layout. These are the solid foundations on which Saab test engineers have developed the chassis poise, refinement and impressively low levels of noise, vibration and harshness that distinguish a premium-class, open-top car. The new Convertible includes a supplementary "ring of steel" reinforcement linking the front, rear and side structures, helping to compensate for the loss of structural rigidity due to the absence of a roof and also improving ride refinement, handling and crash-impact resistance.
Compared to its predecessor, the new car gains 2.0 inches (51 mm) in overall width and 2.8 inches (71 mm) in wheelbase. Despite reduced front and rear overhangs, the overall length of 182.5 inches remains the same as the previous model. The all-aluminum, four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine, configured for 175- or 210-hp, is 33 pounds lighter than its predecessor and is smoother, quieter and more compact. It has a four-valve cylinder head, maintenance-free chain-driven camshafts, counter-rotating balancer shafts, a dual-mass flywheel and an integrated oil cooler.
Another innovation is a more practical feature: raising the roof automatically raises the capacity of the trunk. The CargoSET (Self-Expanding Trunk) directly links the soft-top's rearmost hinge mechanism to the flexible, "accordion" storage well in the trunk. When the roof is in position, the well is fully retracted, releasing useful storage space. The new Saab 9-3 Convertible will be built in a dedicated new production facility at Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik, near Graz, Austria, and will reach the US market in the fall of 2003 as a 2004 model.
Historic Runway Vehicles on Display:
1927 CADILLAC LASALLE
The Cadillac LaSalle, introduced in 1927, was the first vehicle designed from front bumper to taillight by a stylist, Harley J. Earl. A Hollywood customizer of cars for the stars, Earl brought the concept of styling to the auto industry. After the successful introduction of the '27 LaSalle, GM Chairman Alfred Sloan hired Earl to head a newly formed department to style all of GM's car lines.1938 BUICK Y- JOB
The 1938 Buick Y-Job is generally considered the industry's first concept car. Created by General Motors Styling and Buick Engineering, it was designed by Harley J. Earl, GM's first design chief, and built on a production Buick chassis modified by Charlie Chayne, then Buick's chief engineer. Buick called it "Y" because so many makers dubbed experimental cars "X." Styling and mechanical features of the "Y Job" showed up on GM products, particularly Buick and Cadillac, throughout the '40s.1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR
One of the most popular collector cars today is the 1957 Chevrolet. From its oval front bumper-grille with bomb-type bumper guards to its large tail fins and rich side trim, the '57 Chevy had all the right styling cues. It also had luxury and technological advances previously found only on higher-priced cars.1964 PONTIAC GTO
The legendary 1964 Pontiac GTO, a.k.a. the "Goat," ushered in the "muscle car" era. The GTO was created when GM added heavy-duty brakes, a stiffer suspension, three two-barrel carburetors and the biggest engine available to a Pontiac Tempest. The GTO also boasted classic split grille, stacked headlights and red-wall tires.Red Carpet Vehicles on Display:
GM AUTONOMY (Concept Vehicle)
This concept was dubbed AUTOnomy because freedom is what automobiles are all about - the freedom to go where you want, and with the people and things you desire to take along. AUTOnomy offers the promise of extending the freedom of personal transportation to more people throughout the world as GM works to make vehicles dramatically cleaner and reduce the cost of advanced technologies. To reinvent the automobile around today's technology, GM created an all-new, logical and exciting design from scratch. The combination of fuel cell and by-wire technologies produced innovative vehicle architecture with a 6-inch skateboard-like chassis. It has electric motors on all four wheels, but no internal combustion engine, no transmission, no drivetrain, no axles, no exhaust system, no radiator and no mechanical steering, braking and accelerating linkages. In fact, the only things moving other than electrons, protons, water anMATRIX RELOADED CTS & EXT
The Cadillac CTS and Escalade EXT - major players in the rejuvenation of Cadillac - will also play leading roles in a major Hollywood production. Both the CTS and EXT will be featured in a key chase scene in The Matrix Reloaded, the eagerly anticipated first sequel to the international blockbuster The Matrix, scheduled for release by Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures on May 15, 2003. The two Cadillac vehicles play a significant part in one of the film's breathtaking action sequences.The CTS is fashioned from Cadillac's edgy, tailored new design vocabulary. It is built on an all-new rear-wheel drive architecture, features a new 3.2-liter V6 and was the first North American vehicle to be rigorously tested at the famed Nurburgring track in Germany. For the 2004 model year, CTS will receive numerous refinements, including the addition of an all-new 3.6L V-6 Variable Valve Timing (VVT) engine and redesigned instrument cluster. CTS will also be the first to receive Cadillac's "V-Series" treatment, which will allow the brand to compete for the first time in the prestigious high-performance luxury arena.
The Escalade EXT combines the features of a luxury SUV with those of a premium pickup truck. Escalade EXT's powertrain delivers strong acceleration, relaxed cruising and quiet, durable operation due to the AWD EXT's unique, high performance version of the high output LQ9-V8 delivers best-in-class power and performance. The best-in-class engine provides impressive low-end torque and exceptionally strong, high, flat torque curves that deliver excellent pulling power throughout their torque range. Escalade EXT won the 2002 J.D. Power APEAL award for full-size pickup.
2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE
For 50 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has been carefully crafted from a precise blend of power, performance, style and comfort. As it celebrates five colorful decades in the automotive business in 2003, Chevrolet's flagship continues its reign as one of GM's technology and style bellwethers. For 2003, Corvette unveils a 50th Anniversary Edition, more standard equipment on the coupe and convertible models, and Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the industry's fastest and most powerful real-time damping suspension.The 50th Anniversary Edition, available only during the 2003 model year on coupe and convertible models, is a tribute to a half-century of automotive leadership. It includes special 50th Anniversary Red exterior paint, specific badging, unique Shale interior including color coordinated instrument panel and console, and champagne-painted anniversary wheels with special emblems. It also features embroidered badges on the seats and floormats, padded door armrests and grips and a Shale convertible top. The Anniversary Edition includes the standard Corvette LS1 engine, as well as Magnetic Selective Ride Control. A special 50th Anniversary Edition of the 2003 Corvette was the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500 last May, marking the fifth time that a Corvette has paced the race.
2003 DIAMOND CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT
Two Escalades, one black EXT and one black ESV have been specially produced in conjunction with the DIC in honor and celebration of the Diamond Anniversary of the 75th Academy Awards. Each vehicle has been uniquely outfitted with bright chrome wheels, special grilles, elegant lighted jewelry display case and crystal wreath and crests on the vehicle's exterior to signify its pedigree. The Cadillac Escalades will be the official diamond transport/carrier for the DIC delivering rare and exquisite jewelry to today's biggest and brightest stars throughout the week leading up to the Academy Awards.Although just one model-year old, Cadillac's acclaimed Escalade features major safety, comfort, convenience and quality improvements for 2003. Receiving over 10 awards in 2001 - including "Most Appealing Luxury SUV" in the 2001 J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study, Escalade has taken its place as a leader in the luxury SUV market.
A redesigned instrument panel and cluster place more crucial operating data in front of the driver and use new graphics to highlight Cadillac's luxury character. Italian luxury brand Bvlgari designed the face of the analog clock, located in the console. An ebony background offsets the white facing of the graphics, as well as all control knobs, for a harmonious, integrated look. The cluster gauges feature a more minimalist design, with chrome halos now highlighting only the tachometer and speedometer.
The best-in-class Vortec 6000 6.0L gives the AWD Escalade more horsepower and torque per liter than any SUV - 345 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 380 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine links to the Hydra-Matic 4L65-E heavy-duty electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The rear-wheel-drive model uses the 285-hp Vortec 5300 V8, coupled to a standard Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The 5300 now includes electronic throttle control.
2003 HUMMER H2
H2 makes its debut in the truck world as the more "civilized" family member. Its on-pavement manners, including ride comfort, are extremely refined. And it provides all the features and amenities that a premium SUV customer might want. Yet, off-road, it is almost as fiercely utilitarian as its famous progenitors - capable of traveling through streams 20 inches deep, climbing 16-inch steps and rocks, paddling through deep sand and outdistancing competitors in high-speed desert runs.H2 is powered by a standard Vortec 6000 V8 mated to a new heavy-duty 4L65-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission with best-in-class power and performance. The Vortec 6000 generates 315 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque (preliminary ratings). The 4L65-E provides GM's driver-selectable Tow-Haul mode when the transfer case is in the "4 HI" modes. H2 also features a standard, powertrain-integrated Borg-Warner two-speed electrically controlled full-time 4WD system. It is capable of further reducing the vehicle's gear ratios by 2.64:1 when necessary, for highly controlled obstacle climbing. It provides a 40/60 front-to-rear torque split in "High Open" or when the differentials are unlocked and a 50/50 front-to-rear power split when the transfer case differential is locked. The transfer case electronic control provides five mode selections, including rear axle differential lock, to provide optimum performance under all types of driving conditions.
2003 SATURN ION EFX CPE
Blending innovative thinking, segment-leading features and unprecedented personalization opportunities, the 2003 Saturn ION sedan and quad coupe deliver excitement and value uniquely tuned to the needs of small-car buyers. While siblings, the sedan and quad coupe use distinctive exterior styling cues, but leave little doubt that both are Saturn family members. The ION sedan brings a refined, sophisticated, contemporary look to its segment. Meanwhile, the quad coupe creates an entirely new product category by incorporating rear-access doors on both the driver and passenger side and an overall sporty flair. Both vehicles continue the Saturn tradition of polymer side panels, including the integral upswept "swoosh" body side styling.Built on GM's all-new Delta architecture, the five-passenger sedan and four-passenger quad coupe continue Saturn's traditional spaceframe construction. The new architecture allows the ION models to be substantially bigger than their predecessors - approximately 2 inches taller and 6 inches longer - providing a more significant command of the road. In addition, a wider track (approximately 2 inches front and rear) and longer wheelbase delivers a more substantial presence.
2004 CHEVROLET SSR SIGNATURE SERIES
The SSR (Super Sport Roadster) seamlessly combines the function and utility of a pickup with the performance and open-air excitement of a sports roadster. And it does so by tapping into decades of Chevrolet heritage, evident in its stylish design and in the take-no-prisoners performance of its 6.0-liter V-8. The SSR appears to be a very expressive pickup concept, though snazzier and sportier than most. But when a flip of a switch moves its power retractable hardtop into the open-roof position, the SSR is revealed to be like nothing that's ever gone before. The SSR's exterior design builds on Chevy styling cues, including the grille.The front-end design is unmistakable Chevrolet, drawing on its heritage of the early 1950s. The strong fender forms, in side view, are very much a part of Chevy's brand character, especially in that kind of line that spins off the wheel. The interior plays off that twin cockpit theme and presents a clean, simple, comfortable environment. The storage area between the seats is multiconfigurable. It can stow away to provide seating for a third person or a child seat, or it can act as an armrest, with cup holders that slide out from inside it. The rear cargo area can carry a multitude of items for consumers on the go. It has a lockable storage area to protect the cargo inside. The tailgate can be operated remotely with a button on the key fob, or opened manually using the latch on the inside of the gate.
2004 CADILLAC XLR
The bold new era of Cadillac continues with the 2004 XLR. A two-seat, retractable hardtop convertible with a head-turning design, the XLR's mission is to deliver exhilarating style and performance to the luxury roadster class. The XLR not only provides stunning looks, but technology, luxury and performance to match. Innovative features include a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, Magnetic Ride Control, StabiliTrak, heated and cooled seats, keyless access with push-button start and DVD entertainment. XLR's interior design epitomizes a contemporary take on true luxury. Unique eucalyptus wood and striking aluminum accents combine to provide a luxurious and inviting environment.The gauges are designed in conjunction with Italian luxury brand Bvlgari. The Cadillac XLR will begin production in spring 2003 on a dedicated assembly line at General Motors' Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
MORE GM VEHICLES...
Other historic vehicles that will be featured on display at GM ten include 1940 Oldsmobile Woody Wagon, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette LT1, 1987 Pontiac Fiero GT, 1999 Buick Cielo and the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado.
