Newest models and styles of import cars
Acura - The big news at Acura this year is the all-new 3.2TL, the completely redesigned,
performance/luxury sedan. Included in the upgrades are the new 225-horsepower, 3.2-liter VTEC
V6 engine with sequential Sportshift automatic transmission, dramatic new interior and exterior
styling, all-new chassis and suspension and the optional Acura Navigation System. Although the
Integra Coupe RS model has been discontinued, the LS, GS, GS-R and Type R models remain
with minor upgrades for 1999. The 2.3/3.0CL adds a leather-trimmed interior, a trunk-mounted
cargo net and heated seats as standard. Lastly, more than 400 modifications have been made to the
1999 3.5RL including new exterior styling, a refined interior, larger disc brakes and the improved
Acura Navigation System.
Audi - Making headlines for Audi this season is both the A6 Avant sedan and wagon with
completely new styling, longer wheelbases and improved equipment levels. The A6 is exclusively
equipped with Quattro AWD and a Tiptronic automatic transmission. Plans are also underway for
the production of an A6 with a manual gearbox. Also added to the 1999 lineup is the A4 1.8 T
Avant, which is replacing the 2.8 Avant front-wheel-drive wagon. The A4 will be available in two
drivetrain configurations, offering an optional sport steering wheel with Tiptronic controls. The
1999 A8 will include a standard CD changer and offer a premium leather package, performance
tires and a new exterior color.
BMW - Just about every model will receive upgrades for BMW's 1999-model year. The debut of
the all-new 1999 3-Series and the new 528i and 540i sport-wagons should be real showstoppers.
The first 3-Series models are the six-cylinder, four-door 323i and the 328i sedans. Both have new
athletic lines, roomier interiors and more powerful engines. The 323i sedan is the lowest-priced
six-cylinder car in its class and is powered by a 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower engine. The 328i has
the largest brakes in its class and a 193-horsepower-inspired, 0-60 mph acceleration time of only
6.6 seconds. The all-new 528i sport-wagon is powered by a 2.8-liter, 193-horsepower, 24-valve
incline six-cylinder engine. The 540i sport-wagon features a 4.4-liter, 282-horsepower, 32-valve
V8 engine and standard 5-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
Honda - The big news for Honda this year is the new Odyssey minivan. This seven-passenger
minivan's 201.2-inch length and 68.5-inch height makes it as large as any minivan in its class. In
addition, the new Odyssey is equipped with three-point safety belts, dual air bags, anti-lock
braking, security immobilizer systems and a powerful 24-valve, fuel-injected V6 engine. Lastly,
the Odyssey EX includes dual-power sliding doors, a first in minivans. All other Honda models
are carry-overs with minor changes and face-lifts.
Hyundai - There are two noteworthy upgrades in the 1999 Hyundai lineup. The new 1999
Sonata has an all-aluminum V6 engine with a sporty, wishbone front suspension and a new
quieter, larger cabin. The 1999 Elantra has changes to the appearance of the front and rear, and
has a new, larger 2.0-liter engine.
Infiniti - A fourth model has been added to Infiniti's lineup of luxury performance vehicles with
the July introduction of the 1999 Infiniti G20. A 140-horsepower, 16-valve, dual overhead cam,
four-cylinder engine powers the new G20, and a new cross-engine mount system reduces idle
vibration and acceleration noise. The G20 comes fully-equipped in a choice of standard or touring
models. The only major options are the automatic transmission and the leather and convenience
packages. The G20 joins the flagship Q45 luxury performance sedan, 130 luxury sedan and the
QX4 sport-utility vehicle, which are all carried over from the 1998-model year.
lsuzu - The Oasis lineup gets tuned-up a bit with a six-passenger option available on the S trim
level, including second-row captain's chairs, alloy wheels, roof rack and keyless entry. The
Oasis LS model has been dropped for the 1999-model year. The 1999 Hombre features a revised
bumper face-lift and a new third door available on the Spacecab models. Also, the steering hub
has been redesigned housing a new, smaller air bag. The Trooper has also had some minor
changes and upgrades, including the keyless entry system and a new luxury package, lsuzu will
also be launching the Amigo hardtop later this year.
Jaguar - The 1999-model year lineup at Jaguar includes the XJ-Series sedans and the XK8
convertible and coupe sports cars. Some of the upgrades made to these models are a new version
of the AJ-V8 engine, new front disc brakes on the XJR, two new exterior colors to both the
Vanden Plas and XK8 convertible coupe, and now the XK8 is available with a beige convertible
hood.
Kia - This summer Kia introduced the all-new 1999 Kia Sportage two-door convertible. This
new model is based on the four-door Sportage and combines off-road capabilities with open-air
motoring. The Sportage two-door convertible features a ISO-horsepower, 2.0-liter dual overhead
cam engine. The 16-valve engine develops 127 lb-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The Sportage
two-door convertible is offered in two configurations, the 4x2 with automatic transmission and the
4x4 with manual transmission.
Lexus - After launching five new models since last September, Lexus enters the 1999-model year
with a strong lineup. The 1999 Lexus ES 300 receives a new drivetrain that is exclusive to Lexus,
a new active control engine mount, standard electronic traction control and optional vehicle skid
control. The RX 300, introduced as a 1999 model in March, offers SUV buyers ground clearance
and the utility of an SUV with the ride and comfort of a luxury car, while the LX 470 offers off-
road capability, with on-road luxury. The 1999 SC 300 and SC 400 sport coupes have been
upgraded with several new luxury, safety and environmental enhancements, including standard
truck-mounted six-disk CD auto changer, carpeted floor mats, daytime running lights, a digital
sound processor and automatic audio control.
Mazda - This year Mazda has an all-new Miata with 140 horsepower, a more muscular,
aggressive body and a new folding-glass rear window. The new 1999 Protege compact sedan has
crisp, European-inspired styling, new triple-H construction for safety, more power and is
considered to be the roomiest in its class. Also new this summer is the V-Series Cab Plus 4 which
is the first import brand pickup truck with four doors.
Mercedes-Benz - Two new models join the Mercedes line - the CLK320 Cabriolet and the
CLK430 coupe. Both are powered by a 3.2-liter, 215-horsepower, SOHC V-6 engine or with the
optional new generation, 4.3-liter, 275-horsepower, SOHC V8 engine. The previous engine of
the C230 is replaced with the supercharged 2.3-liter engine of the SLK roadster. All C-Class
sedans have standard leather seating surfaces, and an optional sport package is available on the
C230 Kompressor and the C280. E-Class sedans and wagons offer a new Windowbag inflatable
side-impact curtain and the SL500 and SL600 receive both interior and exterior updates.
Mitsubishi - The big news for Mitsubishi is the all-new 1999 Galant mid-size sedan, featuring a
stylish new exterior design, a roomy, driver-oriented interior, a revised 2.4-liter SOHC 16V four-
cylinder engine and the new 3.0-liter SOHC, 24-valve V6 engine. The Montero Sport Limited is a
new model with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, chrome grill, fog lights, integrated side steps and a leather-
trimmed interior. The 3000GT gets aggressive new styling, the VR-4 has a unique new rear
spoiler and the Eclipse GS coupe is available with a new sports value package, making it similar to
the turbo models.
Nissan - The biggest news for Nissan this year is the all-new 1999 Quest with new rear driver
side sliding door, 3.3-liter SOHC engine, standard ABS and more cargo volume than the previous
Quest. Other 1999-model year highlights include a new limited edition option package available on
Sentra GXE models including such upgrades as an AM/FM/CD audio system and remote keyless
entry. The SE models will also have the remote keyless entry as a standard feature. The Altima
continues into the 1999-model year as a carry-over following the introduction of a new design in
1998. The Maxima has a few changes, including five new exterior colors and an ignition
immobilizer for enhanced security. The Frontier was new for the 1998-model year and received
few changes for 1999. One upgrade available on the four-wheel-drive K/C Frontier model is the
3.3-liter V6 engine.
Saab - The 1999 upgrades and changes at Saab include a new 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo
HOT engine, standard on Saab 9-3 SE models with manual transmission. Also on the 9-3 models
are revised manual transmission gear ratios for improved low-speed driveability and other minor
updates as new ceiling headliner, new cupholders and two new colors. The Saab 9-5 features two
new colors and safety upgrades which include new side air bags, new seat belts and ventilated
seats with active headrests that minimize whiplash. A new luxury station wagon will also be added
to the 9-5 line.
Subaru — Many models have received improvements in order to separate Subaru from the rest.
The Impreza has a new 2.5-liter SOHC engine, a new front end, a new sports tailpipe and new
leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The Forester has a new 2.5-liter SOHC engine,
new four-speed automatic transmission, revised five-speed manual transmission, enhanced
structural safety features and new exterior and interior designs. New for 1999 is the Legacy
Sport Utility Sedan —joining the Outback family as a more formal addition to the Outback
wagons. The Legacy SUS offers off-road capability with the comfort and convenience of a
refined sedan.
Suzuki — For the first time, American Suzuki Motor Corporation offers a 2.5-liter, 24-valve,
4-cam, V6 engine in its all-new Grand Vitara, making it the most powerful sport-utility vehicle in
its class. This new sport-utility vehicle, replacing the Sidekick, has 155 horsepower at 6,500
rpm and 160-lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm. The Vitara utilizes a 60-degree "V" design that delivers
high output and low weight, providing the best possible weight distribution for excellent off-road
handling. The Vitara is available in either two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configurations.
Toyota - Toyota has just introduced the all-new Toyota Tundra full-size pickup. It offers a
roomier interior, four doors, all-new sheet metal and a chassis that is larger, considerably stronger
and more rigid. This vehicle sets a new standard for handling, ride comfort and interior noise
isolation. The Tundra's 4.7-liter engine will be the first double overhead cam, 32-valve V8 ever
offered in the segment, and the first V8 engine to achieve a low emission classification from the
EPA. Also, the engine will deliver approximately 250 horsepower, the strength of 350 lb-ft of
torque and a maximum lowing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The Tundra comes with the option of a
V8 or V6 engine, two- or four-wheel-drive, two-door regular cabin with an eight-foot bed, or a
four-door access cab with a six-and-a-half-foot bed.
Volkswagen - The 1999-model year brings Volkswagen consumers the new 1999 EuroVan.
The EuroVan features a V6 engine and more safety properties. It is available in the GLS and
Multivan models and employs a six-cylinder engine. The engine's peak torque of 177 lb-ft at
3,200 revolutions per minute and its maximum horsepower of 140 at 4,500 rpm allows the
EuroVan to carry nearly 1,000 pounds of cargo. The EuroVan comes with a variety of options and
packages. The optional weekender package for the EuroVan MV combines the day-to-day
functionality of the EuroVan GLS with the adventurous overnight capabilities of the EuroVan
Camper. Features include the pop-up roof with two-person bed and fully-swiveling captain seats.
The combination of front-wheel-drive, low-speed traction control and four-wheel ABS disk
brakes ensures that the EuroVan driver has handling and control, characteristics found in all
Volkswagens.
Volvo - This year Volvo introduces "the exciting safe choice" - the S80, a luxury sedan that
combines safety innovation with striking style and comfort. Some of the new safety features
include the Inflatable Curtain, which protects passengers from being partially thrown out through a
side window; the Whiplash Protection System, an entirely new seat concept in which the backrest
and head restraint shift backwards in a parallel movement during rear-end collisions; and the new
Stability and Traction Control System, a regulation system which provides invaluable road grip by
monitoring the relationship between the wheels and the road surface. The S80 will also have three
different alarm levels with functions and sensors of different types. The new engine design
features a 2.9-liter six-cylinder engine that puts out 201 bhp at 6,000 rpm with maximum torque of
207 lb-ft at 4,300 rpm. Ninety percent of the components are new compared with previous Volvo
six-cylinder engines.
