Motorweek; 2214

This time on motorways. I know. Inspiring you. Jeanne Moss this new six and a box full of new car keys. So come drive with us next. Will TV's original automotive magazine find employees who are conned people. That motor week. My favorite one. Great show 30 quality minutes I show you can watch with your friends. You getting excited know there are cars involved. Of course I am. And by that what are you looking for. Your host for Motor Week. John Davis. Well hello and welcome again to motor week. We're glad to have you with us. I am gee what can we say about cars with these three letters that we haven't already said

before. They're fast they're fun and they're pricey. And they represent the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz performance. Now our love affair with these three letter luxo speedsters started back in 1995 with the C 36 and it's grown hotter ever since of course. So I have the cars now. One of the latest of these high octane speedsters to come from those crafty fellows and also provocative is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG and talk about the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz performance based on the SL 500 roadster under the SL 55 its hood is the most powerful engine ever offered in a Mercedes Benz passenger car. So its no surprise that SL 55 is also the fastest Mercedes passenger car in the companys history. How fast are you saying.

Well how about zero to 60 in four point eight seconds and quarter mile passes at thirteen point three seconds at one hundred eight mph acceleration is smooth. And gutsy wind out of the gate it never lets up until you do. Shipping is done by way of a heavy duty 5 speed automatic transmission with speech shift programming that delivers 35 percent quicker gear changes. OK now that we know it's fast let's take a look at what makes it that way. Pop the hood and you'll be greeted by the sight of this hand assembled 5.5 leaders single cam 24 of mouth compress or V-8 output is a stunning four hundred ninety three horsepower with five hundred sixteen pound feet of torque available from twenty six hundred fifty to forty five hundred RPM. AMG specialists have taken the SL 505 leader V8 and tweaked it to buy point by leaders for the SL 55. Then they bolted on a license more screw type belt driven supercharger that pumps out a maximum boost of eleven point six BSI along with a crossflow. Care to water it or cooler for a denser charge. It all adds up to one very

powerful package. The SL 55 makes a pretty powerful visual statement to AMG additions to the SL 500 still funny work. Include more dramatically stilted rocker panels in a rear valence with four chrome tipped exhaust to the underneath and large standard 18 inch alloy wheels. And let's not forget the SL is fully retractable hardtop which gives the SL 55 a highly desirable split personality by transforming it from a tight goop to an open air roadster and a scant 16 seconds with just the push of a button and with the way Mercedes has cleverly packaged the roof top down you'll still have a very usable eight point three cubic feet left of the trunks normal eleven point two cubic feet of cargo capacity top up or down. You'll be Connel but the SL 55 supremely luxurious interior especially the hide covered seats which offer more comfort features than a top of the line living room Lazy-Boy in addition to a standard Mercedes fare like park

assist. This trying to adaptive cruise control and the complement of audio nav and telephone wizardry built into the center stack. There are other cool features like the optional keyless go system that allows you to open the door trunk and start the car with the shift lever mounted push button. As long as the chip card is in the vicinity of the vehicle. And with broad head and thorax side and knee airbags in the lower dash and rollover bars you're well covered on the safety front too. Of course standard Mercedes fare also includes excellent ride in handling characteristics most of which is handled by Mercedes technically advanced and by now proven AVC active suspension system at the track we carved up the low speed slalom like an electric knife on a holiday turkey field from the speed sensitive rack and pinion steering is typically Mercedes heavy and a bit numb but it's still easy to just point the car in the right direction and let the throttle do the rest of the work. Should that adrenaline rush carry over out on those long temping straightaways and

trust us it will. The U.S. sells electronic brake by wire braking system is plenty capable of pulling you down from any speed with massive 14 inch rotors up front. 13 inch in the rear ABS with brake assist and electronic brake proportioning it hauled us in from a respectable 60 mph and a very satisfying one hundred twenty four feet by now like us you are no doubt Cook before your real then there are a couple of things. As you should know first with a limited number of SL 55 in production they're going to be mighty hard to come by and if you can pin one down and be prepared to shell out one hundred thirteen thousand nine hundred fifteen dollars if you load up with all of the available options you should still need another 10 grand. So are a more Raper AMG continues to burn bright and we don't see the fires dimming any time soon. And while we're sure the Jensen all FOTR BOC are still holding a few cards up their sleeves for now will crown the SL 55

the ultimate A N G and the ultimate Mercedes-Benz to do antilock brakes always reduce your stopping distance in emergency situations. A new government study concludes that except on loose surfaces like sand and snow all panic stops can be shorter whippoorwill anti-lock brakes than without. Shorter on wet pavement and shorter on dry pavement. Remember ABS works best when you stop the brake pedal stay on the brake pedal and steer where you want to go. Coming up building up better diesel. Now let's stop by Goss's garage and see what our master tech has for us this week. John if you lock your keys into a modern car you may be faced with a new challenge. SEE AN many of them you can't use the old fashioned Slim Jim. As a matter of fact you have to use tools that are shaped like this they can be very

complicated but they're also a lot thicker than the old type tools. So that means you need more space between the window and the body of the car to get the tool down in there will stick. Has the answer. This is what they call an easy wedge. It's an inflatable tool that is placed between the weatherstripping and the window itself. You pump it up and and you do it very forcefully expands and as it expands it forces the window away from the weatherstripping without damaging the window. The weatherstripping or the body of the vehicle and we've also found that this is very helpful in moving all kinds of things on a car maybe you need a little extra space between a piece of molding or something where you need to get a screwdriver in there that works great and it doesn't scratch or damage anything. Here's a neat neat thing. This is a battery pack. It's from Brookstone. It will actually recharge the dead battery in your

car you plug it into the cigarette lighter. Wait a few minutes and you can start the car. It's small it'll fit in the glove box and does a great job. It also has a port in it so that you can power up your cell phone or whatever you might want to use in this case. We're using it to power up this Garmin street pilots 3G PSA system which is also a very neat item to own. It acts like the built in GPA systems in the car it's full color. It has voice commands so that it tells you when to make a turn and so on. You program it from a CD ROM and then you never get lost again. Another thing that you might be faced with maybe you want to buy a new car or you'd like to have your old car have heated seats well and many new cars you have to buy an expensive package in order to get the heated seat option. Well from roster a precision controls Here's a retrofit kit

costs about $100 per seat plus installation comes with two heater pads one for the cushion one for the back of the seat has all of the wiring neat switch a control module the whole package and it is inexpensive works very well. All of these things work well may make life with your car a lot easier if you have a question or comment. Write to me the address is Motor Week always Mills Maryland 2 1 1 1. With ambitious government fuel regulations on the way automakers are under the gun to increase fuel economy and while some manufacturers are spending lots of time and money on alternative fuel concepts like electric hybrids and fuel cells when it comes to squeezing out the maximum miles per petroleum gallon it's hard to beat the trusty diesel and this week outweigh our reporter Jennifer because novice offers us proof that diesel is no longer a dirty word.

With so many alternative fuel vehicles hitting the market these days many people are asking the same question. Whatever happened to the diesel. Well the answer is the diesel is still very much alive. In Europe nearly two thirds of all new passenger vehicles sold in power in America. The diesel population is still tiny but it is far from dead. These are powered cars of today and tomorrow are a lot different they were 10 years ago. They have a lot more performance great fuel economy and we're starting to educate people less of what the benefits to consumers are. But right now there you can see we're St less than 2 percent of the U.S. market light trucks are powered and the negativity that is really based on people's past experience with this thing in the past is they get a lot of die hard users. People love their views. The diesels in the past might have been associated with a kind of a noisy techno immediately smelling smoke.

Make out exhausted by the time that's for these all of 20 years ago. But these look today is nothing like that. It's a quiet clean technology that has none of those attributes. What it does retain though is the air efficiency of the diesel engine which gets more miles per gallon gasoline engines typically last a little bit longer and they tend to be a little more reliable for the long haul. Aside from heavy duty SUV as in pickup trucks the only diesel passenger cars sold in the US today are the folks like in Golf Jetta and new Beetle TVI models. The TBI stands for turbo charge direct injection which means that diesel fuel is injected and ignited directly in the engine cylinder head by means of an advanced electronic control system. This not only saves field but reduces carbon dioxide emissions that are 20 percent lower than that of a comparable gasoline engine. There are also no mechanical controls from fuel pedal to fuel injection. This is a major advancement in the world of diesel. I think it's the penetration in the US market in diesels I think we will solve the problems I think you'll start seeing them quickest in our truck. As for

the kinds of segments those are bigger vehicles where you actually really get the payoff in terms of gallons saved. So it's a better payoff for the customer. But this payoff will be for more than just trucks in the near future. And this is a point that car companies are all about proving. That is why symposiums like this one sponsored by U.S. car and Washington D.C. are being organized. It's all about showing lawmakers the advantages of the diesel engine. We're interested in folks not only seeing our technical exhibits here and understanding the real aspects of the clean diesel system the cleaner engine in the vehicle the cleaner feel and the after treatment system but also to go experience the technology the federal mandates to make cleaner low sulfur diesel fuel will take effect in 2006. Beyond that there is the promise of the wider use of biodiesel a cleaner burning diesel fuel made from vegetable oils pure bio diesel or a mixture of bio diesel and low sulfur diesel fuel is already used by commercial and government truck fleets in many countries including the U.S.

with cleaner even more efficient diesels ahead. It's only a matter of time before the United States catches a ride on the diesel wave. When I arrived at work this morning I noticed our motorway car key box was so full I could barely get the cover close. So what do you say we grab a few sets and see what's new. Those with serious truckin on their minds will surely check out the all new heavy duty twenty five hundred ten thirty five hundred series. Full size Ram pick up from dot the HD follows the new RAM 15:00 introduced only a year ago but the equally big news from the Dodge boys is about the new engines that will power the RAM HD making its return after an extended hiatus has the legendary himi V8 which is the standard engine in the heavy duty this 5.7 liter Hemi Magnum V8 produces three hundred forty five horsepower and three

hundred seventy five pound feet of torque enough to tow almost 12000 pounds. Need more work ethic. Well the Dodge boys still have you covered with a Cummins high output turbo diesel reengineered from the ground up their buns quieter and stronger. I'll put on this inline 6 cylinder as 305 horsepower and 555 pound feet of torque which gives the heavy duty ramp towing capacity of over sixteen thousand pounds with a six speed manual gear change needed automatic oldest. Games are down but come into a 250 or so hours. Also available as is an 8 leader 305 horsepower gas be 10 to heavy duty RAM is bulk up with a fully boxed Hydra form frame that not only which stands the strains of hefty payload it improves ride and handling to the cabin can be a sparking or plush as you choose and a heavy duty RAM is the first heavy duty pick up top or side curtain airbags an adjustable pedals for both automatic and manual transmission truck sticker prices for the new

RAM heavy duty range from twenty one thousand to thirty two thousand with a three quarter ton twenty five hundred series and twenty three thousand to thirty eight thousand for the one ton thirty five hundred series truck. Now if you're hauling duties in more family than work oriented then check out the 2003 GMC Envoy eggshell and it's Can the Chevrolet trailblazer XSLT each boast both a longer wheel base with three rows of seats and the most powerful be eight engine in the midsize SUV segment. That engine is the option. Will Gore take fifty three hundred five point three leader V8 the 16 valve pushrod be a generates 290 horsepower and is the first engine in GM for tech lineup built on an aluminum block. The only transmission is a four speed automatic. The base engine continues to be G and impressive vortex 40 200 275 horsepower Twin Cam 4.2 leader high six. The combination of the V8 and the three point seventy three rear axle ratio will allow our

sample envoy Excel to tell a maximum of seventy two hundred pounds. This so-called mid-sized Xcel rides on a one hundred twenty nine inch stretch envoy trailblazer box frame will base overall length increases to two hundred seven point six inches or about nine inches longer than the full size three rows of seat Yukon or taco. But this does allow the XSLT XTi to deliver a standard third row seat. Comfortably accommodate tall adults and there's more cargo room behind the third seat than the Yukon Tato GMC makes buying an envoy easier by offering a new entry level model and offering more individual options instead of just packages. Prices for the 2003 GMC Envoy Xcel started just under thirty one thousand dollars for two wheel drive. Four wheel drive goes for just over $33000 and way out from there. The Chevy Trailblazer prices are similar and the V8 adds fifteen hundred dollars more to the sticker with the big power and big interior room the GMC Envoy Xcel and

Chevrolet trailblazer looks sure to be big sellers for GM in 2003. If you want something a good deal less conventional in an SUV then try the all new Nissan Murano on for songs looking like you drove right off a side movie set the Maranoa is based on the impressive ultimate chassis with more than a little visual influence from parent or no. The Nissan Murano is available in both front and all wheel drive and becomes the third entry in Nissan's SUV lineup expectedly the Maranoa is powered by the same 3.5 liter B6 as the ultimate and other Nissan products. But what's new is the X tronics CVT transmission. It's one of the best DVDs we've driven yet and it has no problem handling the 246 pound feet of torque dished out by the 245 horsepower V-6 first thing you notice about the Murano is obviously the styling. It's pretty futuristic looking. I'm not quite sure everybody's ready for that yet but to suffer always looking different. As

long as you look good I think. It's good enough. It should be able to pull it off. Futuristic indeed. The RAF around Cheshire Cat grill blows into the perfectly stacked headlights and sets the sweeping tone for the entire sculpture that futuristic look continues on the inside. Controls are located on a center pod that seems to float out of the dash. Three different color combinations are available and clipping this two tone cabernet interior and real aluminum trim adds highlights throughout on the road the Morano truly shows its Ultimo roots. The ride is smooth and controlled with a moderate amount of body roll. It's fun to drive for an SUV. Very car like and never hard. We think lots of folks will say ooh la la. But this SUV and like all three of these exciting new entries it's sure to have the motorway gang reaching for their car keys every chance we get. If I had to list the core components of any successful automotive program

innovative engineering would certainly be an important part. But a competent innovative design doesn't necessarily translate into huge sales numbers. Take Mazda for instance. Their cars and trucks have always been technically innovative plus enjoyable to drive but their sales numbers are tiny compared to competitors like Honda and Toyota. So Mazda honchos are restructuring their entire lineup and they're replacing the stalwart 5:54 with a new flagship known simply as the Mazda 6. Is this Moscow's lucky number. The good monster can convince enough drivers that the 2003 Mazda 6 is the type. A portable sports sedan that many enthusiastic family drivers crave it certainly looks the part featuring sharper more youthful sports sedan lines than the somewhat squishy 5:54 grocery getter it replaces with a one hundred five point three inch wheel base and one hundred eighty six point eight inch overall link. The dimensions are virtually

identical to its predecessor and thus still a tad shorter than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry but the 6 is built on a rigid new unit body and rides on a more sophisticated double wishbone front and multi leaf rear suspension. Power plants are also upgraded Top Model moves out with an all aluminum 3 liter dual overhead cam 24 valve B6 with 220 horsepower and 192 pound feet of torque based on parent or very American girl attacked Mazda inscrutably added variable valve timing and swirl inducing intake runners and is California approved as an ultra low emission engine based powers and all new 2.3 leader Twin Cam 16 valve alloy 4. Also with variable valve timing and a balance shaft a 160 smooth horsepower and 155 pound feet of torque both attached to a 5 speed manual gearbox or an automatic with manual shift mode for speed for the four cylinder and a five speed for the V-6 and our first drive along the

hills near Los Angeles California show the front wheel drive Mazda 6 to be a far more exciting number than it's 5:54 predecessor handling is a good deal sharper too with fast rack and pinion steering. Only two and a half turns lock to lock for true sports sedan turn ins and reassuring feedback grip is plentiful from R S models of E R rated to 15 50 tires mounted on 17 inch aluminum wheels. The base II model where smaller 16s the lightweight front suspension reacts crisply and keeps the six well planted. All but the bumpy it's roads it's a much tighter edgier feel than that of the 66 56 spends willingly and pulls the six along at a brisk grate but it's peaky character demands a lot of rest to maintain momentum. Still 0 to 60 and six point eight seconds is moving along ride quality is firm and sporty never soft but not harsh either. Cabin noise is a little high however giving the 6 slightly less refined atmosphere than

some competitors. The Mazda 6 backs up its sporty delivery with more aggressive styling. The nose makes that point especially with the support packages ground hugging facia augmenting why the headlamp clusters that include clearly inspired land keeper side sills and rear facia plus wrap around tail lights and enough bailable Declan mounted spoiler give the body the youthful zing that the 5:54 was sorely lacking. The interior of our six ass is also more serious with a cleaner fresh tea design and nice titanium look trim. The front seats are firm and offer a good lateral support for spirited driving age way driver power is standard on our s model. Optional on the on the bright brimmed analog gauges are basic Lauridsen easy to read and use red lighting for nighttime clarity. The center stack is quite tall and very handsome with a digital display well above the triple vents and stereo in climate controls that some of our staff felt were too low to offer rate easily while driving.

Audio choices include a standard six speaker CD system or an optional in-dash changer a mini disc player or a full on Bose system with door mounted amplifiers and a 100 watt subwoofer rear seat room is adequate for six footers while the firm 60:40 bench folds flat for cardio flexibility. A nice extra for an already healthy fifteen point two cubic foot trunk that's bigger than the Honda Accord but smaller than the toy in a Camry. But we don't see those 6 as a direct competitor to the family style accord or Camry. It's too sharp sporty and young to be relegated to that life alone to live a little six. Expect to pay in one thousand thousand $50 admission fee for the four cylinder I model move up to our B6. Yes and the tumblers total twenty one thousand six hundred twenty dollars. So if you do have to go for the groceries it's quite competitive with its midsize classmates and a whole lot more fun to drive there. The 2003 Mazda 6 is a brash spirited sedan no make that sports sedan with the engineering and

adrenaline that once again can make the brand a standout. It looks like monsters lucky number has finally come up. I hope you'll join us next week for more motorways. When will grab the car keys for three new models from my Bach Porsche and a Volvo. I'm John Davis. We'll see you then. To learn more about Motor Week TV's original automotive magazine visit PBS online at PBS dot org or America Online keyword PBS to order a video cassette of this program call 1 800 8 7 3 6 1 5 for Motor Week has been brought to you by Pep Boys. Their coffee table. Oh it's over. That's entertainment. That's better than the smell of new tires. I got angry same time next week. You got it. And to buy what are you looking for then the next

one. I believe yes.