Washington Auto Show Unveils the Future with Introductions, Concept Cars and Hot New Models for 2003 & Beyond

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24, 2002; The 2003 Washington Auto Show will underscore its theme of "Driving the Future" by introducing the hottest vehicles of tomorrow to auto show visitors with a host of new model introductions, concept cars and prototypes. Sponsored by the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA), the Washington Auto Show will display more than 500 innovative new makes and models from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 at the Washington Convention Center.

Unveiled to consumers for the first time at the Washington Auto Show will be the:

Ford Centennial Special Edition Package

The Washington Auto Show will host the national introduction of the Ford Centennial Package, a special-edition collection of five Ford vehicles -- the Taurus, Focus, Mustang, Explorer and F-Series -- created to celebrate Ford's 100th anniversary. The special-editions, available in the spring of 2003, will be offered in "any color you want, as long as it's black." The Centennial package also includes Ford Centennial badges, premium leather seats, unique interior trim and other features.

As the legend goes, when Henry Ford's production machine was rolling at full speed at his Highland Park (Mich.) Assembly Plant and the Model T was breaking production records every day, the vehicle was offered in "any color so long as it is black," as Ford himself would say. Black paint dried faster than other colors, allowing Ford and his team to produce cars more quickly and efficiently. This helped drive down the price and put the automobile within reach of the middle class consumer for the first time. From an original price of $850, the Model T dropped to well below $300 by the early 1920s.

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Washington Auto Show visitors will be treated to the Northeast premiere of the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV, the newest member of the Escalade family. The new kid in the family is also the biggest, offering state-of-the-art amenities for up to eight passengers, with a removable third-row seat for maximum cargo space. Even with the third row seat, 46.7 cubic feet of cargo space is still available...30.4 cubic feet more than Escalade. The ESV features a 345-hp high-output V8 with 6.0 liters of 10:1 compression power, plus advanced all- wheel drive and road-sensing suspension. Finishing touches include a revolutionary new passenger sensing system, and leading-edge in-vehicle entertainment.

Among the concept cars sure to draw more than a passing glance at the Washington Auto Show are the:

Chrysler Crossfire

The Chrysler Crossfire concept car features a sophisticated design blending traditional European proportions and handling characteristics with the power and personality of an American performance car. A true two-seater, the Crossfire features electronically adjustable competition seats, manually adjustable pedals and integrated trunk space for two helmets, which further emphasize this concept's spirited theme. The Chrysler Crossfire is powered by a supercharged 2.7-liter, 275 horsepower, 270 lb.-ft. V-6 engine coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The Crossfire is estimated to achieve 60 mph. in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 148 mph. Highlighted by brushed aluminum details, the Crossfire's exterior design features a "boat tail" emphasizing the rear wheels, tires and wide fenders, a new direction for Chrysler.

Pontiac Grand Prix G-Force

Pontiac describes the Grand Prix G-Force concept car as "a bold statement that epitomizes the best that Grand Prix can be." The G-Force gets its name from its impressive handling credentials, with a chassis and wheel/tire configuration designed to achieve .85 maximum lateral Gs and reach a top speed of 155 mph. The Grand Prix's coupe-like styling is taken further, with a sleeker proportion and a pronounced wedge profile. The G Force features a supercharged V6, with the horsepower amped to 280.

Some of the hottest vehicles now in production will also be on view at the show, including the:

2003 Dodge SRT-4

Touted as the fastest car in production now under $20,000, the 2003 Dodge SRT-4 combines performance with sweet features inspired by the street racing scene. The result is a vehicle that accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.9-seconds straight out of the factory, making it the quickest car in the Dodge lineup, second only to the Dodge Viper SRT-10. The standard Dodge SRT-4 engine delivers the performance of aftermarket kits costing anywhere from $2,500 to $3,500, but as a production powerplant, it is covered by a full factory warranty. The SRT-4 features a 2.4-liter DOHC turbo-boosted 215 horsepower in- line four-cylinder engine that delivers 245 lb.-ft. of torque available from 3200 to 4200 rpm. Like autocross devotees, SRT-4 owners also will enjoy the car's agile handling capability made possible by 17-inch aluminum performance wheels, sticky 50 series tires, specially tuned strut and spring assemblies (front and rear), sway bars (front and rear), updated knuckles and a unique K- member.

2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10

The Viper is completely redesigned for 2003, with all-new styling and a powerful new V10 engine. Dodge's outrageous sports car was the first in automotive history to go from auto show concept to dealer showrooms largely unchanged. MSN Auto reviews reports: "the Viper's introduction also proclaimed Chrysler's transformation from a producer of dull, copycat cars and trucks to an innovator and industry leader. In fact, it was with Viper that Chrysler first tested the concept of a "platform team," where engineers, stylists, manufacturing and marketing specialists collaborate from the very beginning of the design process." The car is completely redesigned for 2003.

The Discovery Channel's "Monster Garage" will also wheel into the Washington Auto Show, delighting visitors with such strange-change vehicles as a Porsche 944 that becomes a driving range golf ball retriever; a Ford Explorer that morphs into a trash mauling garbage truck; and a Chevy Caprice that transforms into an ice rink resurfacer.

Other hot models sure to capture attention at the show include the Hummer H2, the Bond Bird and the Chevrolet SSR.

The 2003 Washington Auto Show Dates and Hours: Thursday, Dec. 26 through Monday, Dec. 30, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Ticket prices: $8 for adults; $6 for senior citizens; and $4 for children, ages 6-12 (under age 6 - free). Discount coupons ($2 off adult admission on weekdays) are available at CVS/pharmacy® locations and Exxon and Mobil stations throughout the greater Washington, D.C. area. On CVS/pharmacy Day, Dec. 26, patrons will receive an extra $1 off by presenting a CVS ExtraCare Card. For more information, call WANADA at 1-866-WASH-AUTO or 202.237.7200 or visit the Washington Auto Show online at http://www.washingtonautoshow.com .