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After more than ten years since the last redesign, an all-new Chevrolet full-size pickup truck will go on sale this fall. The Silverado has smoother, more modern lines than its predecessor, but it is still unmistakably a Chevrolet pickup. Most design changes occurred under the skin, including a new line of more powerful engines. The fifth-generation Corvette, which was initially introduced in 1997, gets a third iteration for 1999. A fixed-roof hardtop version will join the coupe and convertible in the fall. The hardtop is the least-expensive Corvette, featuring less equipment while still packing the Corvette's signature 345-horsepower LS1 V8. |
| Chevrolet will also introduce a new Tracker this fall, which is built on the same platform as the new Suzuki Vitara. A redesigned Suburban and Tahoe, based on the new pickup, are expected to follow next year as 2000 models. |
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Chrysler has already kicked off its 1999 model year with the addition of the Town & Country Limited, an up-scale version of its already luxurious minivan. This summer, two new sedans join the Chrysler lineup—the LHS luxury sedan and the 300M sport sedan. Both models were unveiled in Detroit earlier this year, and share a platform with the redesigned 1998 Concorde and Dodge Intrepid. Anxious for the public to see the two new models, both were featured in TV ads as early as the beginning of May. |
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The Korean automaker Daewoo planned to make its U.S. debut in the spring of 1998, but due to delays it will be the fall before the first 1999 Leganza sedan arrives in the U.S. Similar in size to a Toyota Camry, the Leganza will be powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 147 horsepower. In addition to the Leganza, Daewoo will also be introducing two other cars this fall, the Lanos and Nubira compact models. |
| Introduced last year, Dodge's Durango sport-utility vehicle gets a number of feature changes for 1999. Among those, the Durango will now be available in 2WD. Also, a less expensive V6 engine will be offered in addition to the current V8s. And while no confirmation has come from the manufacturer, there is talk that a new Neon is in the works, which could be introduced early in 1999 as a 2000 model. |
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While the Italian automaker has not announced plans for any major changes in the 1999 model year, word has been circulating in the enthusiast magazines that a replacement for the F355 is in the works. Rumor has it that the new model will feature a more powerful V8, and will be introduced in the spring as a 1999 model. Meanwhile, a late 1998 entry was introduced at the Geneva Auto Show this past March, the 456M GT. The new Ferrari is the latest rendition of the 456. It features new front-end styling and an integrated rear spoiler, yet still retains the comfort of a GT car with the performance inherent in a V12-powered Ferrari. |
| Introduced in Detroit this past January, the all new F-250 Super Duty and F-350 Super Duty trucks officially went on sale this spring and are just now starting to appear on U.S. roads. Available in Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cabs, the new Super Duty pickups are available with a powerful V10 engine. It's been reported that Ford is also developing a monster of a sport-utility vehicle based on the newest F-Series Super Duty Pickups. The new sport utility will likely be called the Excursion, and is expected to debut in 1999 as a 2000 model. |
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Ford is also planning a replacement for the current Escort for 2000 that will no longer wear the Escort name. The new model will be based on the Focus, a car introduced for Ford's European market earlier this year. There is a good chance the Focus name will be retained on the new model. A new Windstar minivan was also unveiled this summer, and will be arriving in showrooms this fall. The Windstar sports a number of new features, including dual powered sliding doors. |
| The first and only product to wear the General Motors name remains the EV1 electric vehicle. For 1999, this high-tech EV benefits from the addition of new nickel-metal hydride batteries, which double the range of the EV1 to approximately 120 miles. |
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Like its Chevrolet sibling, the new 1999 GMC Sierra full-size pickup trucks are expected to go on sale this fall. In addition to the redesigned pickup trucks, GMC is attempting to move upscale with luxury versions of its Jimmy and Yukon SUVs. The Envoy, based on the Jimmy, features leather and wood trim, as well as high intensity discharge (HID) headlights. Rumor has it that the Jimmy name will be dropped after the 1998 model year, and Envoy will become the new GMC compact SUV. The other move towards luxury is the Yukon Denali. With a distinct grille, this upscale vehicle has a base price above $40,000, and will be a direct competitor to the Lincoln Navigator. |
