Hummer H3T

Hummer introduced the 'ruggedly refined' H3T concept vehicle providing a glimpse at a growing Hummer family of more expressive and versatile vehicles.

“The H3T concept expresses a vision of the potential of future Hummer vehicles, targeted at enthusiasts who desire the Hummer image and capability, but in a smaller, non-SUV configuration,” said Clay Dean, design director for GM small trucks and Hummer. “It also provides a visual clue to the evolution of Hummer’s design.”

Innovative features of the H3T include the pickup box side-access doors, along with drop-down assist steps that also double as weather-tight storage compartments. The H3T’s unique tailgate forms an unbroken load surface when down. A large, power-operated folding canvas sunroof and drop-down rear window combine to offer an open-air driving experience.

“The cab configuration is personal and the smaller size makes the H3T more manageable and less intimidating to some drivers than larger vehicles. The smaller size also gives the H3T a more sporting and dynamic driving sensation," said Dean.

GM and Nike designers collaborated on several key aspects of the vehicle’s design. The H3T’s tires evolved from discussions between GM Design and Nike Design regarding the question of off-road performance footwear influencing off-road performance tires. The resulting ACG TA tire addresses multiple traction environments with sand paddles, traction pads and multiple durometers of rubber defined by different-color breakouts, much like the design of Nike’s ACG trail and hiking shoes.

Nike’s influence on the H3T interior includes the use of its Sphere material on the seats. The purposefully premium interior includes a rugged shifter handle that folds completely forward and military-inspired toggle switches for various controls.

Chevrolet Cobalt

The 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is an all-new premium small car based on GM's global Delta architecture (used also for the Opel/Vauxhall Astra) and will replace the Cavalier. The Cobalt family includes a sedan and coupe.

“Our design approach on the Cobalt was to keep the exterior sheet metal clean and uncluttered, with a tailored, refined execution, giving the vehicle a premium exterior feel and appearance,” said Phil Zak, Cobalt lead designer.

The interiors of the Cobalt models reflect the same attention to detail as the exterior design, with a high level of refinement in materials and styling cues. Comfort is emphasized in all of the Cobalt models, with seats designed to reflect the various performance levels.

Key dimensions: wheelbase 2624mm, length 4580mm, width 1725mm.

Chevrolet Cobalt SS

While sharing the front end sheetmetal with the Cobalt Sedan, the SS features a lower driving position, and makes use of large end-caps to allow a large degree of differentiation between the two models.

“The exterior surfaces enabled us to design the SS series with bolder fascias and rockers, giving them a lowered, more aggressive look,” said Phil Zak, Cobalt lead designer.

The Cobalt coupe is available in base, LS, SS and SS Supercharged trims. Cobalt offers three Ecotec four-cylinder engines, a standard 2.2 liter engine in the base, LS, and LT models; a new 2.4 liter engine standard in the SS coupe and sedan; and a 2.0 liter supercharged engine standard in the SS Supercharged coupe. The Ecotec 2.2 liter engine delivers an estimated 140 horsepower and 150 lb.ft. of torque.

Acura TL A-Spec

The Acura TL A-SPEC Concept performance luxury sedan was built to explore the next level of performance accessory possibilities for Acura's best-selling TL sedan, introduced last October.

The Concept TL's track has been widened by nearly two inches, and combines with 21-inch alloy wheels, high performance tires and wide fender flares, giving a very muscular appearance. The front fascia has been redesigned with a new bumper, more angular headlight treatments, an enhanced signature Acura grille and larger lower air intakes. In the rear, the trunk lid has been reshaped with an integrated spoiler. A new bumper features larger, high flow exhaust finishers and new taillight treatments. A panoramic glass roof flows back along the length of the cockpit

Inside, the TL A-SPEC features a racing-inspired cockpit clothed in premium Matador Red leather. The headliner is finished in ultra suede trim while the door panels and center console feature carbon/kevlar and aluminum accents. Custom designed front seats with heating and cooling vents provide optimum support during aggressive driving, while a carbon/kevlar racing steering wheel and lightweight aluminum sport pedals deliver a highly tactile feel. The 3.2-liter V-6 engine utilizes a high flow intake and exhaust as well as internal engine modifications to raise the output to over 300 horsepower.

Saab 9-2X

The 2005 Saab 9-2X is based on the Impreza WRX from GM partner Subaru. While most sheetmetal remains unchanged from the Impreza, the 9-2X features a distinctly Saab front end design with integrated hood intake for the engine intercooler.

"As the new 9-2X range is tremendously fun to drive and since we are targeting a young and enthusiastic customer, we decided to express the strong and dynamic character of the 9-2X in its design and even add a bit more of an aggressive touch compared to the rest of our line-up," comments Saab's Executive Director of Design, Michael Mauer.

The drivetrain remains unchanged, with a base 2.5L flat four, WRX-shared 2.0L turbo flat four, and a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. With standard full-time all-wheel-drive, the 9-2X is a unique and early offering in a car segment just emerging in the American market: the premium sports compact segment. The 9-2X will go on sale in sedan and wagon forms in July 2004.

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