TheCarConnection Spins Tires on the '03 Dodge Viper, Puts the New Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition Through Their Paces, Reveals the Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Colorado, and VW's First SUV, the Touareg, Then Catches Martha Stewart at Chrysler

DETROIT, April 29 -- It's all about product, or so they say, and TheCarConnection takes a look at some of the fastest, roomiest, riskiest and most significant products coming to market in this week's issue.

Start things off with an adrenaline rush as TheCarConnection takes its first spin in the all-new 2003 Dodge Viper. Hard to believe, but the original Viper is the oldest car in the Chrysler fleet. The 2003 is more refined and more powerful, but does the new snake have the same charm? Check the report only on TCC.

The Lincoln Navigator rewrote the rulebook on luxury, and it's about to change things again. The 2003 may take an evolutionary approach to styling. But with its first-ever independent suspension and sports steering, it could create a revolution in full-size driving dynamics. Take a ride with TCC in the new Nav and its near-twin, the 2003 Ford Expedition.

Volkswagen has broken plenty of rules on its own, but when it comes to sport-utility vehicles, is VW's first SUV, the Touareg, just more of the same? TheCarConnection offers up a first look at this new Teutonic SUV.

TCC's spies are busy offering up a double dose of intrigue this week. TheCarConnection pulls the wraps off Cadillac's sporty SRX crossover, then lifts the veil of secrecy on the new Chevrolet Colorado, the replacement for the popular but long-lived Chevy S-10 pickup.

What's the doyenne of smart homemaking doing at Chrysler? Martha Stewart is going to be Chrysler's new "vehicle" for reaching American moms, as part of a pact giving Chrysler an extensive and exclusive sponsorship of Martha's magazine, TV show, radio reports and Internet site. TCC has the exclusive.

The hottest trend is transforming domestic and import sport compacts, like the Honda Civic and Mazda Protege, into tricked-out pocket rockets. Check out an extravaganza of tuners, race cars, and crazy customs as TheCarConnection visits SEMA's International Auto Salon.

There's good news on the highways with fatalities falling, but there are several dark shadows in the figures, most urgently concerning motorcycles and seatbelt use. TCC explains.

In business news, go behind the numbers for a revealing look at the "turnaround" at Chrysler.

You'll find Kelley Blue Book pricing, TCC's helpful OnSite Mechanic and more ... on the Web's Automotive Authority, www.TheCarConnection.com , (http://www.TheCarConnection.com ).

Web users also can access TheCarConnection through the PR Newswire site www.prnewswire.com .