The New York International Auto Show's Time Machine: CONCEPTS '99
10 March 1999
The New York International Auto Show's Time Machine: CONCEPTS '99 NEW YORK, March 10 -- Who needs Jules Verne when you have the
1999 New York International Auto Show? Showcasing the automotive industry's
most exciting and unique visions of the future, this year's NYIAS promises to
be a veritable time machine ride into the next century. From modern
interpretations of classics to alternatively powered cruisers that look like
they were conceived on other planets, the Show will offer a peek into the
drivers' seats of tomorrow.
Chrysler gives a glimpse into the future with the Citadel and the Pacifica
minivan. Dodge takes the pick-up truck to all new heights with the Power
Wagon concept and brings back a classic with the Charger R/T. Dodge will also
feature a Caravan R/T concept. The minivan of the future motif is also
extended into Plymouth's line-up with the Voyager XG concept. Other Jeep
concepts include the Grand Cherokee Journey and the Commander.
Toyota rings in the millennium with the MR-Spyder mid-engine sports car,
the XYR Sports Coupe, the Solara Convertible, two- and four-door versions of
the Echo Sub-Compact Sedan, and the Retro Cruiser. Lexus features the IS
Sport Sedans.
Ford promises a trip down memory lane in a concept version of the upcoming
Thunderbird. With an uncanny resemblance to the 1955 original, the new
Thunderbird will go on sale in 2000. Taking the best of both worlds, Lincoln
will display a unique blend of a luxury sedan and an aggressive pick-up truck,
called the Blackwood. Mercury will target the burgeoning youth market with
the (my) Mercury concept.
Isuzu takes its Vehicross sport utility to even greater extremes, with the
VX02 concept -- a NYIAS world debut.
General Motors greets the future with roots firmly planted in a rich
history of classic vehicles. Concepts including the Buick Cielo, Cadillac
Evoq, Chevrolet Nomad, Pontiac Aztec, and Oldsmobile Recon all lead the charge
into the next millennium.
And Jaguar combines classic styling with a monster engine in the
450 horsepower XK180 Roadster.
Straddling the categories of car, truck, van, and sport utility,
Mitsubishi's SSU Concept combines sports car performance with the interior
room of an SUV. The further development of an ongoing theme in the automotive
industry, "category busting" vehicles like the SSU, continue to carve out a
presence for future markets.
Nissan's category busting New Concept Sedan (NCS), merges the style of a
sedan with the utility of a minivan, while the Z Concept aims to recreate the
quintessential affordable sports car. Other Nissan concepts set to appear at
the NYIAS are the SUT Concept Vehicle and the R390 GT1 Supercar, capable of
0-60 in a neck-breaking 3.9 seconds.
Come to the Show to see these and other concepts that will bring the
promises of science fiction to the floor of the Jacob K. Javits Convention
Center.
Located in the media capital of the world, the New York International
Automobile Show will feature some of the world's sleekest, sexiest concept
cars, alongside nearly 1,000 new vehicles. Offering an exciting glimpse into
the future of motoring, the concept cars featured at the 1999 Show promise to
turn some heads.
