Motorweek; 1323

Next on motorways a small car legend in the making. Modern racing legends on the track was a whole lot more to come drive with us next. TVs on mothers magazine. Well hello and welcome again to motor week. We're glad to have you with us. Just two months ago we gave you our first impressions of the new Dodge and Plymouth neon. The small car with which Chrysler hopes to grab a serious chunk of the sub compact segment. We were very impressed thinking that Chrysler just might have its fourth home run in as many years. Now we've had a chance to spend a little more time with the

neon have our opinions changed. You bet they have. But only for the better because the more miles we rack up in days Highline and sport great neons the more we enjoy driving Chrysler corporation's heavyweight contender in the small car market flicks. Going on didn't impress us by accident. Chrysler small car planners asked the press and the public alike what they didn't like about small cars and then focused on making neon shine in those areas. First was safety. So all of the ONS have an air bag for the front seat passenger as well as the required one for the driver. Inside one of the smallest airbag housings yet neons also have a high level of impact protection and integrated child safety seat option and any lock brakes are available on all models neons cab forward design and longest in class 104 inch wheelbase went a long way to negate customer second small car complaint lack of interior space neons airy cabin is every bit as roomy as it looks with leg hip head and shoulder room that matches

or exceeds anything in its class. People also said that small cars weren't fun to drive. Chrysler found that they meant a lack of control. You mostly got unresponsive. And sluggish to acceleration. Customers had very clear expectations for steering acceleration and braking. To meet them. All neons get four wheel independent suspension. Struts in front and new multiple links out back cars equipped with quarter touring suspensions. Also get a front sway bar. We found our sport great neon very toss a ball through the slalom although its power rack and pinion steering required lots of input. It had an excellent feel and persuasion. Overall our team rated it the best handling of all small family cars we tested and lots of fun. A responsive power train is also part of the fun to drive equation to all current neons we see Chrysler's all new 2 leader single overhead cam 16 valve 4 cylinder engine without much fuss it produces a best in class 132 horsepower and 129 pound feet of torque. Dual cam

version is due in November. Good low end torque helps. Manual transmission neon from 0 to 60 in an hour. On small car like eight point one seconds with a little front drive trucks here are two thousand four hundred forty eight pound neon also sped through the quarter mile and just sixteen point two seconds ending at 87 mph. Was accurate short throw 5 speed shifter is standard on all Neons. However the optional automatic has only three speed sport great Neons are shot with 65 series 14 inch Eagle GA's base and High Line cars get less aggressive tires. I'm puny 13 inch rims. All neon stop with power assisted Bennett does brakes and front drums at the rear Marsport great neon with standard abs stop from 60 and a good average distance of 120 feet. Made was minimal but with harder pedal driven felt better. We feel very good about neon styling. Chrysler was determined to give me on an oval personality through its friendly smiling face. We think neons designers

succeeded in creating a smart looking small four door that stands out from the crowd. A two door coupe arrives in May and the ONS aerodynamic shape helps of the cheap EPA mileage ratings of 29 city and 38 highway. We've got an even 30 miles. Gallon in real world driving. Neons interior sound level of only 65 decibels is excellent for a small car. With large doors open wide for easy access to that interior. The support of bucket seats are firm. A tilt will is standard on sport model gauges are large very legible analog units but like bolts an oil pressure retails for easy to use and operate the rotary knobs control the efficient air conditioning system. Our car's up level stereo sounded fine and was equally easy to use me on to have a variety of interior storage areas including a real glove box. Two large cup holders a front storage bin with coin tray and this available covered console complete with tissue holder neons rear seat is also spacious fixed on the base car. It folds 60:40 on sport and High Line cars which combine with

a wide flat truck you have lots of cargo space. Our only two interior disappointments are the sometimes thin plastic trim panels and the rear windows only go down about a third and disappointments are few among other auto media as well. Auto Week said Neon has a solid design a good chassis an outstanding engine and room to beat the best while Automobile magazine proclaimed me on its automobile of the year saying if Saturn dealers had gotten this car to go with their business methods and humane treatment of customers they'd rule the world. So what does it cost for neon safety performance cuteness and convenience. Pace cars begin at a rock bottom eight thousand nine hundred seventy five dollars high line at ten thousand six hundred ninety dollars and sport at twelve thousand two hundred fifteen dollars. Most buyers should be able to equip their neon the way they want for between eleven and twelve thousand dollars. Chrysler is targeting the neon at a state of mind rather than one specific age group because they believe it's a car that's both practical and appealing. We think the folks at

Chrysler go into their home run trot again. The pursuit of safety has taken automotive engineers down many different paths some of which have led a long way from home and he lock breaks for instance come from the aircraft industry. And there are plenty of other devices being developed that might one day make cars safer. Lisa Barrow shows us one of the most enlightening ideas in this week's ep while I report it. Yes you said you were experiencing Nightside and nightmares in system for police cars that makes our streets safer after dark. Night vision has been used by the military since the mid-1960s and the Knights light thermal vision system is based on this same infrared technology developed by GM Hughes

Electronics in Texas Instruments Knightly is designed to allow police officers to observe criminal activity in total darkness. All objects emit some amount of heat and our night sight camera creates black and white TV images based on the small differences in heating in the scene in front of the camera. So objects like people and animals stand out very brightly against cooler background and enable officers to see people at quite a great distance. The night sky camera is all contained within this housing. It's all a requirement from the vehicle is power. The video is then fed back to the passenger compartment to a disc. Lay in the vehicle inside the car. The image from the Nightside camera appears on this black and white monitor and on a head up display which allows the driver to view the thermal image and the roadway at the same time. The Nightside visual information can be recorded and later used as evidence.

Well can you see This Is there anything wrong with the Emperor read his record by different types of oyster. However you can see better with the system when you get with your naked eye. What's the what's the range of organising these agencies have reported that their effective rate is about 300 meters or a thousand. Night sight is currently being tested by police departments in a number of U.S. cities and in Canada. The cost of the system is five to seven thousand dollars and full production should begin in the latter part of 1994. Right now this technology is only available to law enforcement agencies. But General Motors is looking into the prospect of putting a system on passenger cars which could make nighttime driving much safer. Just imagine no more blinding oncoming headlights or swerving around joggers that appear out of thin air by prison's future is very bright. We're going to be able to bring the cost down so that we can enter many different markets.

As for now bad guys better be aware as my site is here. We sometimes think that Pat Goff can see in the dark because he can fix almost any car with his eyes shut. Areas with more heady Karkare advice. Last time we saw how the Goodyear Aqua thread was conceptualized this time we're going to get more into how it was actually brought to market and to help me do that I have Mr. L. Eastwood who is the general manager of passenger car tires here at Goodyear. Now I understand that there was some rather unique things that were done to bring this tire to market. That trade was different almost from the moment of concept. We asked the engineers for a product that was visually and demonstrably different than anything that consumer had seen. We took the initial 10 concepts that the engineers offered us. We went to three different markets Los Angeles Kansas City and Boston met with consumers on an

extensive interview basis and allowed them to examine the tires and speak from their perspective. With that in mind we went back to the tech center. You know this certainly looks interesting. It's a first step after we've selected the final concept. Steve's doing a finite element analysis of the tire footprint he's making sure that the pressure distribution is what he wants. He can vary them mold shaping the construction in order to tune that pressure. That's a reason why this is going on. The tread design is also being analyzed and optimized. Whilst on analysis of the aqua tread design in here you can look at the hydroplaning capability. You can look at snow traction capability. You can even look at the tire noise all of the stuff here before you put the tire on the street. That's right. Wow. OK now what do we have going on here. Andy is programming the tool path which will create the mold for us.

You can see the tread design being laid out on the surface. He's defining all the edges radiuses angles of the tread design so that the computer can control the tool path and create the model. Now here's the real question. What in the world is it. This is a model of a special polymer that our chemists have synthesize Goodyear has the capability of creating their own rubber chemistry in producing it. This particular molecule the cyber polymer is very good for wet traction. Thank you. And for my next project I'm going to go to a Goodyear plant and you'll be seeing that very soon. In the meantime if you have a question or a comment write to me if I use your letter on the year I'll send you a motor week T-shirt. The address is Motor Week or wings Mills Maryland 2 1 1 1 7. Classic Car of the week this 1948 Chrysler Town and Country convertible.

This would trend wonder belongs to Fred Divina Benvar Colorado. So Mitt good color photos of your car of the week to Motor Week Owings Mills Maryland 2 1 1 1 7. One of the most enjoyable cars that we tested in the last year has been the high performance model of the new Acura Integra the GSR. Having seen that a few of you have asked to see accurate pure high performance model the NF x. So we decided to take an NSX to a place where we could really track its performance. That place of the twist and turns of Pocono international raceways newest Enfield road course. It's a tight demanding piece of tarmac that puts a premium on the superb chassis balance that the nimble NSX is known for. Rarely have we driven a high performance car that achieved such finesse and matching power to handling. Or one that ran a 0 to 60 time a five point seven seconds in such a seamless linear

manner. Cool quarter miles clocked in at thirteen point nine seconds with a terminal speed of 101 miles per hour. This was mostly due to the 270 horsepower V-6 engine that both Hondas VTech variable valve timing and induction systems as well as 24 valves and titanium connecting rods. But the smooth 5 speed manual shifter improved over that of our 91 test car also played a big part larger wider aluminum wheels a new low profile Yokohama tires increase the car's already substantial lateral grip both on and off the track and allowed the finely tuned double wishbone suspension which like most of the NSX is made of aluminum to work more efficiently. The steel parts are few. You include the large and the lock with this brakes which deliver competition levels of power and feel the NSX is interior while a bit plain looking delivered the comfort and quiet accuracy are known for cockpit changes since its inception are minimal but include last years very important passenger side airbag and a seemingly minor but

very welcome to a cup holder while outside it's the same smooth aggressive shape that first captured the automotive world's attention at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show. Inflation however has pushed the price up from the original 60000 to 70000 and $500. That's not cheap. But most other mid engine the exotics will set you back at least a hundred thousand on the Acura NSX is not only a good value it's quite simply one of the best of its breed and we welcome any future requests to put it through its paces. Time now for Lisa barrow and all the latest Motor News. This week's news comes from Hyundai and it's all new 95 Sonata sedan which is due for introduction later this month. So not as new smooth or aerodynamic body sits atop a two inch longer wheel base with four wheel independent suspension including a new multi lane design of the rear it gives the Sonata better stability traction and the.

Hyundai engineers created a body shop 20 percent more rigid. Then the old Sonata reducing noise vibration harshness. Thus producing a quieter ride. Bass NGL models receive a revised two liter double overhead cam four cylinder engine. Horsepower increases to 137 and torque to one hundred twenty nine pounds feet AGL Lestrade cars get a slightly revised 3 liter V-6 But perhaps the biggest Sonata news is its emphasis on safety dual airbags 5 mph bumpers and 1997 side impact protection are standard. For real ABS is available on P6 equipped cars. Prices which now include standard air conditioning start at thirteen thousand two hundred ninety nine dollars which should help Sonata compete against the likes of accord Ultima and Camry. And that's it for this week's Motor News. Auto racing history is full of famous cars and drivers but only a

handful have earned the right to be called Legends. These are the men and machines whose exploits will be best remembered by future generations. While critics say Hans was out traveling the high road recently he came across a group of legends that are just starting out. Back in the heyday of stock car racing fans were thrilled by legendary drivers such as Meyer Robertson and drug maker. Well today fans can see a different kind of legend on the track but certainly none the less thrilling. These are legends cars by the size determinations of the classic oval. Track modified from the past. And while they were diminutive in size they're big on excitement. Now the legends are co-operative project of Charlotte Motor Speedway Humpy Wheeler and road racing legend Elliott Forbes Robinson. They were trying to get down with the legends cars and the reason behind starting is the fact that we wanted an affordable series and summer would stay that way. So we've come up with the has a

motorcycle engine with the last lot of races the blue at Goodrich tire which is asking the guys for full season and if we can keep this so we can have a series that somebody who's going to work ten thousand five hundred dollars and stay in it for affordable amount of accomplish what we want to do. Don't be fooled into thinking that because they're cute that these are toys at around 125 horsepower and 900 pounds legend cars have a power to weight ratio many formula cars would envy. And with the five speed manual transmission you can bang yours. Not to mention fenders with the best of them including veteran racer and overall points champion Jerry Dosti. Yeah compared to 20 years ago the financial end was extremely high it cost you so much money to run a race about 20 years ago and today with this series you can buy a cup of $10000 and put out the boughs of it when you go racing and anybody can do it. It's so much fun. We travel 8 1/2 hours one way to come up to to run a race and as I said all of the people that run in this division. But when you live the less like God

given right. Ok now I'm not a master of the overdraft but I've got to tell you that this is the most fun I've had in a race car in years. Cars. On a tight track like this. It's real fast and the racing is great. It's like rush hour gone man with everybody fighting for position with the B.F. Goodrich street compound tires and a slippery track. It's like a dirt track without the dust. The cars are easy to drive. Durable and safe even the most severe mishap results in a little more than a minor repair. And with the strict prohibition on modification these cars will still be affordable and competitive years from now. So I guess it's time to start saving up so I can do some legendary driving of my own. Well that definitely looks like a good second career move for crack because if you've ever worked in public television you know the none of us are going to get rich any time soon.

But you know this isn't the first time that Craig has explored alternative career options have looked rather promising. But others quite frankly have had us a bit worried. How would you like a career in the exciting field of truck driving. All kidding aside a lot of what those TV commercials may say there's a lot more to becoming a truck driver than you might think. Smokey and the Bandit hauling a hot loaded 90 mph is a thing of the past. Trucking is becoming more sophisticated. And as industry spokesperson Gary leech out companies are looking for well trained drivers. It's not just a typical truck driver as you would relate to years ago. It's a professional individual behind the wheel of a very expensive rig. Trying to run according to the laws and keeping everybody safe sharing the road with with everybody in a professional.

Now you can learn this very well prompted an easy chair in your living room watching a video cassette that cost 1995 but a program similar to the one at Cecil Community College in Maryland would be your best bet. Taught by Nancy Mary Adi the eight week program is accredited and will teach you skills you need. Our curriculum here at Cecil community college is a combination of a number of things. The classroom entails learning the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations as well as their log books and map reading defensive driving. We have a yard in which the student learns how to maneuver the vehicle in close places. Then we have the road training which they drive on the local. Highways here in our rural area as they learn how to handle the vehicle. And when they are. Better still then they start going into the metropolitan areas in which they learn how to merge high speed

lanes except truck. I trailered my race card many times so I thought hey how hard could this be. Brother was I in for a rude awakening. Field instructor Bob it all gave me my first truck and task the serpent. Now you'll be starting back here as you come to watch your mirrors on each turn. Make your turn why do not cross the al-Saud lines over here but take advantage of all the space you have. Watch your trailer as soon as you know the trailer is going to miss it you have to bring it back or otherwise you'll be up to the next counter close. To close. I knew all about. I quickly acquired the name. Killer. Well OK I guess I got pretty good at driving forward. Would you believe you actually have to back these things up. You're going to go back. And try to keep it the center. Of the two lines. As quick as the trailer starts you don't want walkin over with your feet move the wheel.

Because once you lose and it goes over the only thing you can do is stop. Pull back up. And line yourself up again. Killer. The Sequel. Why you think OK great it's not too bad but I suggest you stick with the event that your bike got a lot better. All right next up. One thing's for sure Nancy and Bill students will make fine truckers unlike me they can maneuver that rig with ease and that comes from eight weeks of studying and practice practice practice. You have to get the feel of trucking experience dancing it really teaches and that's why the courses you know eight weeks and I say Miles are involved because that's a way they can. It's hard for even the instructors to explain it to you you have to get a feel for yourself. So even though the only truck I'm qualified for is my rusted old 74 pick up. The real students can have confidence that they're truly ready to jockey those big rigs out on that concrete high road. No trio of car models or more road beard by collectors than the 900 55

56 and 57 Chevrolet and try Chevy legend three golden years. Author Mike photographically documents dozens of different models from each year including street rods radical customs and race cars. The text is brief but the clear color photos tell the story of these classic designs both inside and out. Be sure to join us for the next motor week when we pass the reborn Porsche Speedster and bring you a preview test the boards do when start minivan. Well also visit the Windy City for another of America's top auto shows. The barrel brings out the latest in autos security. I'm John Davis with CNN. To order a video cassette of this program. Call 1 800 4 2 2 0 0 6 4. Or send twenty nine ninety five plus $4 shipping and handling to this address. An expanded version of motor week's How to buy a car is now available on video

cassette. The tape includes information about selecting a new or used car and negotiating and financing your purchase. It also highlights the newest domestic and imported cars for 1994 to use your credit card call 1 800 4 2 2 0 0 6 4. Or send twenty to ninety five plus $4 shipping to this address. Hello I'm John Davis. On the next motorway for sure revives a classic with the latest

speedster and Ford blows up a minivan storm with the new wind storm. Check out what's new at the Chicago Auto Show. Well Lisa Barrow tracks down the latest auto security system and Pat Goss takes us to the tinier words. Plus we'll have all the latest Motor News. So don't you miss the next motorway.