TheCarConnection.com Reveals Nissan's Sleek FX45, and Takes the Tire-Spinning Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG for a Drive; Then Take a First Drive in the Lincoln Aviator; See How Chrysler Intends to Spend $1 Billion in Two Places at Once, and Why Wall Street Says 'No' to Ford

DETROIT, Oct. 21, 2002; Has Nissan defined the shape of the future? The Asian automaker plans to become a big player in the American truck market. And this week's issue of TheCarConnection.com reveals what's in store, starting with spy shots of the upcoming FX45 crossover ute. Then, Daily Edition offers word on the new Nissan Murano -- and hints about the automaker's edgy, and as-yet-unnamed full-size pickup.

Don't let the elegant looks fool you. With 469 horsepower under the hood and a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds, the E55 AMG is the fastest sedan Mercedes-Benz has ever built. Take a test drive with TCC this week, then explore a very different approach to luxury, Lincoln's all-new Aviator. And see why Saturn could have a tough sell with its newest small car, the Ion.

There's plenty of business news on TheCarConnection this week, starting with the mystery of DaimlerChrysler's $1 billion plant investment. Will the automaker spend it in Canada -- or the southern U.S.? When is losing money good news? Both Ford and GM went into the red for the third quarter, yet outstripped analysts' expectations. Even so, Wall Street is starting to wonder whether Ford really is on track for a turnaround. And mounting pension fund deficits could cripple all the domestic automakers. Catch the reports this week.

If you missed last week's report, catch TCC's investigative special on refueling fires. See why there's danger at the pump and how to prevent problems next time you gas up.

If you're wondering what a helipad, a kiddie slalom and KitchenAid tongs have to do with the new Mercedes E-Class, see what one of our roving journalists had to go through to get the full story.

You check the tires, you clean your windshield, but what else do you need to do to ensure your car keeps running right, especially as we head for a hard Winter? Check this week's TCC Tip for the answer. And with tongue firmly in cheek, get some tips from Denise McCluggage on how to spark some road rage.

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