The interior design is inspired by the lounge chairs of Charles Eames and features indulgences like built-in laptop tables, drinks cabinet, cigar humidor and holders for cases and umbrellas. The right seats can be converted to a bed by folding down part of the front seat. The materials are finest aniline-dyed leather and polished aluminum. Indirect fiber optic lighting illuminates the cabin. The doors are independently power actuated by either a remote or by the sensor equipped 'handles'.

The engine is a V12 of 6.0 litre with an output of 414 bhp and a torque of 413 lbs-ft. The transmission is 6-speed automatic. Another novelty is the speed-sensitive four-wheel steering system. The new Continental runs on 22" wheels with 275/45 tires in the front and 295/40 tires in the rear - appropriately manufactured by the Continental Tire Company of Germany.

Great Britain's best selling automobile ever, with a total production of more than 5.3 million between 1959 and 2000, has a successor. An all new development, the 2002 model incorporates the classic styling cues of the original design by Sir Alec Issigonis in 1959. John Cooper, who engineered the Mini Cooper in 1961 and the Mini Cooper S in 1962 is the name patron of the first cars of the new MINI range. The new models feature six airbags, anti-lock brakes and optional traction control. The engine is a 1.6 litre 4-cylinder with 115 bhp in the regular version and 163 bhp in the S version. The sales price is expected to start below $18,000.

- "If we were to build it, I feel sure that this could be an instant classic", said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Product Design, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. -

Now it is a reality - the long anticipated world debut of the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire, the first Chrysler ever produced in Germany at Karmann in Osnabrück and intended for worldwide sales. The reason for this unusual 'overseas' production is the fact, that the Crossfire shares several components including the drivetrain, axles and underbody segments with the Mercedes-Benz CLK, which is being produced at Karmann as well.

The final version looks more refined and elegant than the 2001 concept car. The front received major changes and the split windshield has been omitted. The interior - though still very progressive - received several changes as well and appears now more 'mainstream' with a more common center console and steering wheel.

Maserati is re-entering the US market with the 2002 Spyder and the 3200 GT Coupe . After 10 years of absence, the North American market is expected to become the leading Maserati market worldwide. The new models will share a 4.2 litre V8 with 390 bhp, sufficient for a top speed of 175 mph, and an acceleration from 0-60 in 4.9 seconds.

The Maserati Spyder Exhibition payed tribute to the long heritage of the legendary Italian auto maker. A 1961 Tipo 61 Birdcage, as well as a 1958 450S, along with the 1939 and 1949 Indianapolis Winner Boyle Special - a supercharged 8 Cylinder Maserati Tipo 8CTF driven by Willbur Shaw - illustrate the long line of significant Maserati race cars. A display of 1957 Maserati A6G 2000 Frua Spyder, 1959 Maserati 3500 GT Frua Spyder, 1960 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder, 1967 Maserati Mistral Spyder, and 1972 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder chronicle the open top models from the '50s to the '70s.

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 made it's North American debut (aside from Pebble Beach last year) - making it the fifth generation (not counting the 190 SL and the SLK) of Mercedes SL. The new model features a retractable hardtop similar to the SLK and as a world-first an eletronic brake system.

The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen is already approaching an age to be considered a classic, since the G-Class debuted in Europe in 1979. Finally, with the 2002 model of the very much refined G 500, it is available in North America.

The Lamborghini Murciélago is the first new Lamborghini in nearly a decade. The Lamborghini Murciélago is a mid-engine design and is powered by a V12 engine with 575 bhp, replacing the Diablo. A new feature is the VACS or Variable Air Flow Control, which automatically changes the apertures of the air intakes in relation to engine and outside temperature, thus eliminating oversized intakes when not neccessary. Claiming to be the manufacturer of the world fastest cars, the new model has a top speed rating of 205 mph and a acceleration from 0-60 mph of 3.6 seconds. The expected price tag is $ 273,000.