Presidents Day 1999

With trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles expected to take a record 48 percent of new vehicle sales this year, the rush is on to fill showrooms with even more of these hot sellers.

Buyers won't have to look far in 1999 to find the latest minivans boasting more safety features and more doors, the latest sport utilities with more power and more style, and the latest pickups built to be more durable than ever.

The 1999 Ford Windstar, Nissan Quest and Mercury Villager each offer an additional sliding side door, catching up to competing minivans from Chrysler Corp. and General Motors Corp.

Honda's minivan, the 1999 Odyssey, is larger than before, with a more powerful engine, and adds some minivan safety firsts, such as the first minivan with head restraints at each seat position.

Not to be outdone, the 1999 Windstar offers a reverse-sensing system to alert you to avoid hitting something as you're backing up.

Cadillac's long-awaited Escalade sport utility debuts this year, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee is redesigned, Kia takes the top off its Sportage sport utility, and Isuzu puts a hard roof on its Amigo.

Chevrolet's long-awaited redesign of its full-size pickup hits the market, along with its sibling, the GMC Sierra. And later in the model year, Toyota brings its biggest, most powerful truck, the Tundra, to showrooms.

Meantime, overall prices are remaining steady or declining a bit, compared with similarly equipped 1998 models.

The Subaru Forester sport utility, for example, a strong seller in 1998, is holding its price; so are other Subaru models.

Even redesigned vehicles are coming to market with noteworthy pricing restraint. Acura's 1999 3.2TL, for example, gets a $5,200 price cut from its predecessor.

Here's a closer look at the new models:

Acura

The big news at Acura is the 3.2TL, a near-luxury sedan that gets new styling, a more powerful, 225-horsepower engine, new chassis and suspension and a lower price tag.

"Priced at only $27,950 (including destination charge), the TL is the most competitively priced vehicle in its class," says Rich Thomas, Acura's executive vice president and general manager.

The TL's 3.2-liter V-6 with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) provides 25 more horsepower compared with the previous power plant, and torque is up to 216 pounds-feet from 209.

The TL's fuel economy on the highway is improved from 24 mpg to 27, and 0-to-60 mph acceleration is estimated at 7.65 seconds vs. 8.5 seconds before.

Inside, the front-wheel-drive TL is bigger and now is classified as a mid-size car, while many near-luxury competitors remain compacts.

Among other Acura models, the large RL sedan is restyled for 1999, gets side air bags standard and offers an improved navigation system.

Aston Martin

Aston Martin puts a new spin on "personalizing" your car.

Its DB7 Coupe can incorporate a wide range of custom-made body panels as well as adjustable front and rear suspension systems tuned to the precise requirements of the customer.

In addition, other specialist performance parts are available, including racing ventilated antilock brakes, traction control and five-spoke magnesium alloy wheels.

Audi

The A6 Avant arrives for 1999 _ an upscale, station wagon alternative to those tall, truck-like sport utility vehicles.

The Avant comes only with all-wheel drive, which goes by the name "quattro" at Audi, and only with a five-speed, Tiptronic transmission. A Tiptronic is an automatic that also allows pedal-less manual shifting via the gear shift lever.

Powered by a 200-horsepower, 2.8-liter V-6, the A6 Avant is well equipped, with standard dual-zone automatic climate control, 12-way power front seats and remote keyless entry. Its 73.2 cubic feet of cargo space rivals that of some mid-size sport utilities.

Among other Audi models, the top-of-the-line A8 gets a larger right outside mirror. Its warm weather package no longer includes insulated glass all around the car. Spokesman Doug Clark says there had been complaints the dual-pane glass with metal layer between reduced the range of cellular phones and radar detectors used inside the vehicle.

The A6 sedan adds a quattro model with manual transmission.

Bentley

Arnage is the name of one of the bends of the famous LeMans race circuit. It's also the name of Bentley's newest model, a sporty, large sedan that accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds.

Not bad for a car that weighs more than 2 tons.

To get that kind of power, Bentley created a new, 350-horsepower, all-aluminum alloy, 4.5-liter V-8 with twin, water-cooled turbochargers.

"The Arnage delivers a truly exhilarating driving experience," says Graham Morris, Bentley chief executive.

Handling also received major attention. A large car, the Arnage rides on a new suspension, with electro-hydraulic dampers individually computer-controlled.

BMW

Company officials call the 1999 323i and 328i sedans the most advanced 3-Series models ever.

Restyled and slightly bigger inside and out than their predecessors, they no longer include a four-cylinder engine, only six-cylinder power plants. They also incorporate features from the larger BMWs, such as the 5-Series dashboard design and the optional five-speed automatic that previously has been found only on 5- and 7-Series cars.

The 323i now has a 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine capable of 170 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. The 328i has a 193-horsepower, 2.8-liter six-cylinder.

Both rear-wheel-drive cars are slightly longer than their predecessors, with more rear seat room, improved headlights, new steering column design for greater crash protection and BMW's front-seat head protection system standard.

Elsewhere at BMW, the 318ti comes standard with a sport package in 1999, and the 540i gets a Steptronic transmission which lets drivers manually shift the automatic transmission.

Buick

"Refinement" is the word at Buick this year.

The 1999 Regal LS gets a slight power boost, from 195 horsepower to 200 at 5,200 rpm. Torque is kicked up a bit, to 225 pounds-feet at 4,000 rpm from 220 before. The car's engine remains the naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V-6.

The Regal LS also gets suspension tweaking and, along with the uplevel Regal GS, improved traction control.

A new standard traction control system goes into the Buick Century, and brakes are improved on the car as well.

Cadillac

America's luxury marque has its first sport utility vehicle with the arrival of the 1999 Cadillac Escalade.

Based on the full-size sport utility platform used by other GM vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Denali, the Escalade is big and brimming with leather and wood inside. Even the OnStar system, which provides navigation, concierge and emergency contact, is standard.

On the outside, while the Escalade looks similar to the Denali, its Cadillac grille work and showy, six-spoke, chrome aluminum wheels are unique.

The power plant is the same 255-horsepower, 5.7-liter Vortec V-8 that's in the Tahoe, Yukon and Denali. Torque is 330 pounds-feet at 2,800 rpm, and towing capacity is 6,000 pounds. The only transmission is a four-speed automatic.

The Escalade's AutoTrac four-wheel-drive system uses a viscous clutch to let the vehicle travel in fuel-efficient two-wheel drive while always ready to switch automatically to four-wheel drive on poor traction conditions.

Among other Cadillac models, the Seville STS, De Ville Concours, De Ville d'Elegance and Eldorado Touring Coupe get an optional massaging lumbar front seat. A repeating roller in the seat moves up and down your back as you drive.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet's full-size pickup is, in many ways, the most important vehicle in GM. Accounting for some half million sales a year, it's the single best-selling vehicle model/line in the company.

In 1999, a new Silverado full-size pickup replaces Chevy's C/K pickups, and it's engineered for greater durability, improved ride and handling and more interior comfort.

The Silverado's three-section frame, for instance, is the stiffest and lightest truck frame ever built by GM. This helps improve the durability and longevity of the components that are attached to it.

The four-speed automatic transmission has a first-ever "tow/haul" mode that reduces unnecessary transmission shifting and hunting while a heavy load is being hauled.

And a display in the Silverado instrument cluster will tell a driver if he or she needs to have the four-wheel-drive system serviced, if engine oil needs to be changed, and whether the transmission fluid is getting hot, among other things.

"It's like having a certified Chevrolet technician sitting next to you," says Ken Sohocki, the Silverado's chief engineer.

Engines include a new family of Vortec V-8s.

Also at Chevy, a redesigned Tracker sport utility debuts in 1999. Built by Suzuki, it's based on the Suzuki Vitara, which also is new for the model year.

As a result, the Tracker has new styling, more power, improved ride and handling and a roomier interior.

The Tracker has two power plants: A new, 2-liter four cylinder, capable of 127 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and the holdover 1.6-liter four that has maximum 97 horsepower at 5,200 rpm.

Also in 1999, the Corvette adds a hardtop _ the first time this nameplate has had a fixed-roof model since the legendary Sting Ray of 1963-67.

Chrysler

Luxury is a highlight in 1999.

Not only does Chrysler have three new luxury-oriented sedans in showrooms _ the 300M, Concorde and LHS _ it also takes its Town & Country minivan a notch higher on the luxury scale.

The high-brow sedans ride on the same platform and are similarly sized. All have V-6s under the hood, though the Concorde's two engine choices are less powerful than the new 253-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that's in the other two cars.

But the vehicles' personalities and styling differ, with the 300M positioned as a sporty, performance sedan, for example, while the LHS is designed as the utmost in elegant luxury.

Meantime, Chrysler debuts an even more luxurious minivan, the Town & Country Limited.

With leather seats, soft, suede-like material on the inside doors, chrome grille, chrome door handles outside, chrome wheels, plush carpeting and a full array of features, it's the most expensive manufacturer-built minivan on the market.

Manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $36,490 for an all-wheel-drive Town & Country Limited.

Daewoo

Not only are the Daewoo cars new to the U.S. market this year, the South Korean automaker is, too.

Daewoo Motor America, based in Compton, Calif., plans to import three cars to the U.S. in the 1999 model year. It also plans to market them a bit unconventionally, via just over a dozen company stores nationwide at the start and with help from college students.

In the on-campus program, students apply to be Daewoo "campus advisers" to help market Daewoo's cars to others.

The cars are the subcompact Lanos, which comes as a sedan and three-door hatchback and is powered by a 105-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine.

The compact Nubira is available as a sedan, five-door hatchback and station wagon. Its engine is a 129-horsepower, 2-liter four-cylinder.

The mid-size Leganza sedan is more upscale, with a 131-horsepower, 2.2-liter four.

Dodge

The bolder the better at Chrysler's Dodge Division, as the new model year brings bolder styling to the popular Caravan minivan.

The extended-wheelbase Grand Caravan ES this year becomes the first minivan with a standard automatic transmission that can be shifted manually as well. Called AutoStick at Chrysler, the system works via an automatic transaxle where the gearshift lever can be shifted up and down and no clutch pedal needs to be depressed.

In addition, the Grand Caravan ES this year comes standard with largest-in-class 17-inch tires.

Elsewhere at Dodge, the Durango sport utility vehicle now comes in a lower-priced, two-wheel-drive model with 175-horsepower, 3.9-liter V-6.

The Dodge Viper gets bigger tires and wheels, black returns as an exterior color, and power outside mirrors are added.

Ford

Doors and safety features are among the highlights at Ford Motor Co.'s Ford Division.

The Windstar minivan gets its first big makeover since it was introduced as a 1995 model.

"We know what matters most to our customers," says Mary Ellen Heyde, Windstar vehicle line director. "We built in safety first, then added the comfort and convenience features that people enjoy in a new vehicle."

So even as Ford finally catches up with competitors by making a second sliding door available on the Windstar and adds power to both sliding doors, it also raises the bar on safety features.

The 1999 Windstar is the first minivan to offer side air bags for front-seat riders that are designed to cushion both the head and torso in a side crash. The bags are $390 options.

The new Windstar also is the first and only minivan in the U.S. with a novel, reverse-sensing system that tells the driver, via beeps inside the vehicle, if he or she is getting too close to something behind the vehicle as she backs up. It, too, is an option. Price: $245.

Also at Ford, the Mustang is redesigned and restyled. While the wheelbase remains the same, the car overall is 2 inches longer and 2 inches wider.

Crisper styling borrows elements from the earliest Mustangs, including a long hood with a hood scoop, triangular side scoops, and three-bar taillamps in back.

The V-6 and V-8 engines get more horsepower, too, with the 3.8 liter V-6 now providing 190 horsepower, up 40, while the 4.6 liter V-8 goes from 225 to 260.

The popular Explorer sport utility gets a new look, with a new front bumper and redesigned body molding. A new series, the XLS, is added. Side air bags are a new option for Explorer front seats.

Ford's big, burly SuperDuty trucks add a standard fourth door on SuperCabs, and all F-Series trucks get a redesigned front bumper for 1999.

Horsepower goes from 235 to 260 at 4,500 rpm and torque from 330 pounds-feet to 345 at 2,300 rpm in the 5.4-liter V-8 that's used in the F-Series trucks and the Expedition sport utility.

The Expedition's 4.6-liter V-8 also gets a horsepower boost.

GMC

The 1999 Sierra full-size pickup highlights the changes at GMC.

A sibling of the Chevy Silverado, the Sierra gets the same complete makeover, with a new frame, sheet metal, suspension, brakes, lights, seats and engines.

GMC said extended-cab Sierras, with the longest bumper-to-back-of-cab span in the market, have the best-in-class rear seat comfort and legroom.

Sierra also is the first half-ton pickup with four-wheel antilock disc brakes in the full-size pickup segment. And brake pads now last up to four times longer than in previous Sierras.

Other durability improvements include high-grade, dent-resistant steel on all cab and front-end sheet metal panels, an engine-hour meter to monitor and track engine usage, and a standard tow/haul mode on all automatic transmissions that modifies shift points when the truck is carrying a heavy load.

Also at GMC, the Jimmy gets a new theft alarm system, a tow/haul mode on four-door models and new AutoTrac two-speed active transfer case that can automatically switch from two- to four-wheel drive when needed.

Honda

A new Odyssey minivan debuts in showrooms in 1999, marking the first time Honda has a van that's as large as the minivans made by Chrysler, Ford and Chevy.

The new model, which replaces an earlier generation Odyssey that was viewed more as an oversized station wagon rather than a minivan, is just as long as a Windstar, wider than a Chevy Venture and as tall as a Grand Caravan. It's the largest Honda vehicle ever made.

On the safety front, the Odyssey is the first minivan to offer head restraints at every seat position. It's also the first with three-point seat belts at all seat positions.

Honda says the new Odyssey's 210-horsepower V-6 will be the most powerful in its class.

Honda didn't discard everything from the old Odyssey, though. The new van keeps the Odyssey's "magic" rear bench seat that folds away into the cargo floor, thus eliminating the need to remove it from the van and store it elsewhere when you're hauling large items in the van's cargo area.

Also at Honda, the Civic is restyled in 1999, and a new Si coupe model joins the lineup with a sport appearance and a 160-horsepower, 1.6-liter VTEC engine.

Honda's CR-V sport utility adds horsepower, too, going from 126 horsepower at 5,400 rpm to 145.

Hummer

AM General Corp.'s Hummer military vehicles-turned-consumer super sport utilities get a brake throttle modulation system to better manage off-road power and braking needs.

Hyundai

The Sonata mid-size sedan is redesigned for 1999 and upgraded with new engine, transmission and suspension.

The 2-liter, four-cylinder engine in last year's Sonata is replaced by a 2.4-liter four cylinder. Last year's 3-liter V-6 is replaced by a 2.5-liter V-6. Both engines are paired with new manual and automatic transmissions.

The Sonata's front suspension, formerly an independent MacPherson strut design, becomes double wishbone in 1999, and the new rear suspension is a multi-link design.

Hyundai's Elantra compact sedan is restyled, and a 140-horsepower, 2-liter four-cylinder replaces the old 130-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder.

Infiniti

The luxury division of Nissan Motor Co. brings back its G20 sedan, which was last sold in the U.S. in the 1996 model year.

The 1999 G20 compact sedan still has a 140-horsepower, 2-liter, four-cylinder engine, like its predecessor.

But the front-wheel drive car's handling and braking is improved and styling takes cues from Europe, where the G20 is sold as the Primera.

Better yet, the starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is just $21,490.

The Infiniti flagship, the Q45, is restyled in 1999, with headlights that now are high-intensity discharge lamps. Shock absorbers provide adjustable ride, based on driver-selectable settings, and the moonroof now has one-touch operation.

Isuzu

The Isuzu Amigo sport utility vehicle returned to the lineup in the 1998 model year. Now, hardtop models with full interior trim are added.

The Hombre pickup gets a new bumper fascia, and a third door is available on Spacecab models.

The Isuzu Oasis minivan, in S trim, gets a six-passenger option that includes second-row captain's chairs, alloy wheels and roof rack. The standard configuration is for seven passengers.

Jaguar

Jaguar's AJ-V8, used in the XJ sedans and XK8 convertible and coupe, is revised to meet emission requirements in 1999, and XJ sedans get dual-tipped platinum spark plugs.

The XJR front disc brakes are improved.

The XK8 convertible top also becomes available in beige.

Jeep

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee is all new, with a rounded exterior, roomier interior, a new gasoline engine and new brakes.

Though it looks similar to its predecessor, the new Grand Cherokee is 4 inches longer, 2 inches higher and 1.5 inches wider.

Power comes from a new 4.7-liter V-8 that produces 235 horsepower at 4,800 rpm compared to 220 horsepower at 4,400 rpm from the previous 5.2-liter V-8. This new engine also replaces the Grand Cherokee's other V-8, which was a 245-horsepower, 5.9-liter V-8. The base, 4-liter six cylinder remains, with its horsepower boosted from 185 to 195 at 4,600 rpm.

Among other Jeep models, the Jeep Cherokee Sport is restyled, front and rear, and the Wrangler hard and soft tops now come in dark tan.

Kia

Kia Motors America's adds a new model to the Sportage small sport utility family.

The 1999 Sportage two-door convertible offers a more compact package with a shorter wheelbase than the four-door Sportage.

It also has a removable soft top over the back of the vehicle and carries a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $13,995.

The new Sportage convertible comes with either two- or four-wheel drive, with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

And despite its size, just 150 inches long, the new Sportage has 39.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

Power comes from the same 2-liter four-cylinder engine that's in the bigger, four-door Sportage, providing the same maximum 130 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. Torque remains at 127 pounds-feet at 4,000 rpm.

Land Rover

The British maker of sport utility vehicles brings out its Discovery Series II in 1999, marking the first major redesign of the vehicle since its European market debut in 1989.

The new Discovery is longer and wider than its predecessor with a roomier interior. But it retains the classic look of a Discovery as well as its unique Alpine windows above the rear interior.

The automaker also has a new active suspension as well as a hill-descent control system that uses controlled brake power to automatically supplement engine braking during steep declines.

Lexus

The ES 300 sedan gets the 3-liter V-6 with variable valve timing that was first introduced in the spring in the Lexus RX 300 sport utility vehicle.

Horsepower is 210 compared with 200 in the previous ES 300, and torque increases from 214 pounds-feet to 220.

Matched to the new engine is a new automatic transmission that better handles high torque and has a new shift control program for more responsive power.

Elsewhere, the LX 470 for the first time offers a Nakamichi premium sound system, Lexus compact disc magazines now are interchangeable among all Lexus vehicles, and all Lexus cars now have daytime running lamps.

Some vans offer extra sliding door

Lincoln

The big, chrome-laden Lincoln Navigator sport utility vehicle gets more power in 1999.

First, the 5.4-liter Triton V-8 that's been powering the Navigator since introduction last year is upgraded, putting out 260 horsepower at 4,500 rpm compared with 230 horsepower before. Torque is improved, too, from 325 pounds-feet to 345 at 2,300 rpm.

And later in the model year, an even more powerful engine is due. This 5.4-liter, Intech V-8 is rated at 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and has maximum torque of 360 pounds-feet at 3,000 rpm.

Meantime, the Lincoln Continental and Town Car get standard side air bags in 1999.

Mazda

The big news at Mazda is a new Protege compact sedan, "the best Protege we've ever built," according to Jay Amestoy, vice president of government and public affairs.

For 1999, the Protege is restyled with more chrome up front for a more expensive look and now rides on a new platform.

While the interior is smaller than its predecessor by just a tad, the Protege retains its class-leading roominess: 92.6 cubic feet of interior room and 12.9 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk.

The slight interior reductions were made to accommodate side impact protection. For example, at the Protege's rear doors, there now are catch pins designed to prevent the doors from intruding inside the passenger compartment during a side crash.

There are two new engines, too. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder replaces the previous 1.5-liter four and boosts horsepower by 24 percent, to 105 horsepower at 5,500 rpm.

A 1.8-liter four that's in the uplevel Protege ES puts out 122 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.

Mercedes-Benz

Sexy, powerful and safe: That's the message at Mercedes for 1999.

A new CLK320 Cabriolet debuts, with room for four, a power top and an integrated pop-up rollbar. Mercedes calls it a "four seasons" convertible, as its soft top has three layers of insulation to keep you warm on those cold, wintry days.

Also new in the CLK lineup is the 1999 CLK430 "supercoupe." With a power-packing, 275-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-8 under the hood, the CLK430 goes from standstill to 60 mph in a mere 6 seconds. It looks more aggressive than the six-cylinder CLK, too, sporting 17-inch tires, monoblock wheels and sport-type lower-body panels.

Meantime, the 1-year-old M-Class sport utility vehicle, which has been a hot seller with just one engine, a 215-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6, now adds a 268-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-8.

The BabySmart child safety seat detection system and HomeLink transmitter system also become standard on the M-Class.

The SL roadster is restyled for 1999, and the SL500 has a new, 302-horsepower, 5-liter V-8.

The C230 replaces its normally aspirated four-cylinder with a new engine and gets a new name: The C230 Kompressor, which is the same supercharged, 2.3-liter four cylinder that's in the SLK roadster.

New E-Class sedans are fitted with Mercedes' Windowbag side impact protection system as standard equipment.

This "bag" is an inflated curtain that deploys to protect riders from head injuries during a side crash. While other carmakers are looking at curtain systems, too, Mercedes is the first to install it on its cars.

Mercury

There's minivan news at Mercury. The Villager, which came to market in the 1993 model year, is fully redesigned for 1999 and finally gets a second sliding door.

It also has a roomier, better-equipped interior, new styling and an upgraded engine.

The Villager's engine remains a V-6, but it goes from 3 liters to 3.3 liters, which helps boost horsepower from 151 to 170 at 4,800 rpm. Torque improves from 174 pounds-feet to 200 at 2,800 rpm.

Inside, riders in the second- and third-row seats get more legroom, as the van's overhang in back is stretched 3 inches. Seats also are redesigned for more support.

Elsewhere, Mercury offers side air bags as an option on the Mountaineer sport utility vehicle.

Mitsubishi

Bucking the average industry new-car price that's over $22,000, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America Inc. debuts a redesigned Gallant sedan that's several thousand dollars less.

Yet, the new Gallant is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor and now is classified as a mid-size sedan rather than a compact. And the Gallant offers a V-6 for the first time.

The 1999 Gallant has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $17,410, including destination charge, for a DE model with 145-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

An ES model, with 195-horsepower, 3-liter V-6, starts at $20,410.

All Gallants include standard air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with cassette player, power windows and door locks, auxiliary, 12-volt power outlet and two trip meters.

At the top of the Gallant lineup, a new Gallant GTZ debuts as the "image model" with body color-matching grille, rear spoiler, leather seats and a performance-tuned suspension.

Also at Mitsubishi, the 3000GT sport coupe is restyled.

Nissan

The Quest minivan highlights changes at Nissan.

A sibling of the Mercury Villager that's built on the same assembly line, the Quest is restyled inside and out, with changes similar to those on the Villager. It also gets a second sliding door.

The Quest's 3-liter V-6 is replaced by a 3.3-liter V-6 that boosts horsepower from 151 to 170 at 4,800 rpm. Torque improves from 174 pounds-feet to 200 at 2,800 rpm.

Because the 1999 Quest is longer than its predecessor, there's more legroom in the second- and third-row seats, and there's 10 more cubic feet of cargo room. Seats also are redesigned to give riders more support. Antilock brakes become standard.

Elsewhere at Nissan, the Frontier compact pickup adds a 4X4 model with 170-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6, and 4X4 Frontiers now will offer automatic transmission.

In addition, the Sentra front end is restyled.

Oldsmobile

The Oldsmobile Silhouette becomes a unique, rolling family room in 1999, with a top-of-the-line model that has the industry's first factory-installed, video entertainment package.

The Silhouette Premiere features a 5.6-inch color video monitor in the overhead console, a videocassette player, universal video input for video game or camcorder, rear audio controls, headphones and a compact disc unit.

The system allows front-seat riders to listen to their preferred radio station or CD while back-seat riders enjoy a favorite movie or video game.

Meantime, the Alero compact sedan and coupe begin arriving at showrooms in good volume.

The five-passenger, front-wheel drive cars are stylish twins of the new Pontiac Grand Am and replace the Achieva in the Olds lineup.

Aleros are powered by a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four or 170-horsepower, 3.4-liter V-6.

And the Olds Intrigue sedan adds a new engine, a 215-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6.

Plymouth

The Plymouth Breeze mid-size sedan adds power windows, door locks and mirrors as standard equipment in 1999.

The Voyager minivan now offers a new reclining, integrated child seat for its second-row Quad Command bucket seats.

The Plymouth Prowler gets a more powerful engine, a 253-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. Bright yellow is a new exterior color choice.

Pontiac

Montana's the name at Pontiac, as the Trans Sport minivan is renamed for 1999.

Actually, Montana was an equipment package on the 1998 Trans Sport. Company officials, who want to differentiate the 10-year-old Trans Sport from other minivans on the market, see the name change as a way to reinforce the van's image as an aggressive, go-anywhere people hauler.

Meantime, the 1999 Grand Am compact sedan and coupe are arriving in showrooms in good volume now.

And the Grand Prix's 3.8-liter V-6 gets a slight horsepower boost from 195 to 200 at 5,200 rpm.

Porsche

There are annual new models and then there's Porsche, where 1999 marks the debut of the first completely redesigned 911 in 34 years.

The 1999 911 Carrera and Cabriolet are larger than their predecessors, have more comfortable interiors and better brakes.

But the big news is the engine, as Porsche's 34 years of air-cooled power plants have given way to a 296-horsepower, 3.4-liter, water-cooled, horizontally-opposed, boxer six-cylinder.

It's more powerful than the engine it replaces, yet is compactly designed and more efficient with fuel. Torque is 258 pounds-feet at 4,600 rpm, and 0-to-60-mph time is under 6 seconds.

The new 911 models also have independent, aluminum-alloy front and rear suspensions and six-speed manual transmission.

Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce this year has its first new "motor car" in nearly two decades.

The Silver Seraph is a "contemporary treatment of classic Rolls-Royce themes," the company says.

Looking every bit a Rolls but with sleeker lines, the Silver Seraph is powered by a new, 322-horsepower, 5.4-liter, aluminum V-12 mated to a five-speed, adaptive, automatic transmission.

That's why this 5,075-pound sedan can go from standstill to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds.

The Silver Seraph rides on a new platform that adds significant body rigidity. New brakes and traction assist also aid handling.

Saab

The 1999 Saab 9-5 sedan and 9-3 sedan, coupe and convertible were out in the spring, but there are minor changes this fall.

The 9-5 gets bigger side air bags that help protect front-seat riders' heads in a side crash.

The 2-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder in the 9-3 is upgraded from 185 horsepower at 5,500 rpm to 200, and torque rises from 194 pounds-feet at 2,100 to 209.

Saturn

Saying all is quiet at Saturn isn't a bad thing this year. The automaker did a lot of work to make its 1999 models quieter than their predecessors.

Both versions of Saturn's 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine _ the single overhead cam and double overhead cam versions _ are quieter, thanks to a new eight-counterweight crankshaft, engine front cover and timing chain, among other things.

And these engines provide a bit better fuel economy.

Saturn seat belts also are revised to make them easier to latch, and shoulder belt height adjustment is improved.

All Saturns now get rear brake drums. The previous SL2 with antilock brakes had rear brake discs.

Subaru

The newest model at Subaru isn't all that new to folks in the Northeast, where Subaru has been market testing a Sport Utility Sedan (SUS).

For 1999, though, the Subaru Legacy SUS finally goes nationwide, featuring the sport utility attributes of all-wheel drive and a slightly raised suspension along with sedan-like ride and interior.

The SUS is powered by a newly improved, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that's in the Subaru Forester, Outback and Legacy vehicles, too.

For 1999, this engine produces 165 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and torque of 166 pounds-feet at 4,000 rpm.

Elsewhere, the Subaru Impreza's 2.2-liter four has more horsepower _ 142 at 5,600 rpm _ and torque now is up to 149 pounds-feet at 3,600 rpm.

The Subaru five-speed manual is revised, and there's a new four-speed automatic.

Suzuki

Sidekick is out; Vitara and Grand Vitara are in.

This is the word at American Suzuki Motor Corp., where the long-running Sidekick sport utility vehicle, first introduced in the 1989 model year, is retired.

In 1999, it's replaced by new, two- and four-door sport utilities powered by new engines: A 127-horsepower, 2-liter four-cylinder and a 155-horsepower, 2.5-liter V-6. A base, 97-horsepower, 1.6-liter four is there, too, left over from the Sidekick.

The new Suzuki sport utility with the V-6 is called the Grand Vitara; the one with the four-banger is the Vitara, and it's the model that's the sibling of the Chevy Tracker, which also is new for 1999. Suzuki builds the Tracker for Chevy.

Both Vitara and Grand Vitara sport new styling that gives them a more substantial look than the Sidekick had. Both come standard with two-wheel drive; part-time four-wheel drive is optional.

The two-door Vitara has a soft-top model, where the roof in the back of the car can be removed.

Also at Suzuki, the Esteem sedan and wagon get freshened front styling.

Toyota

The newest model at Toyota this fall is a sleek coupe based on the strong-selling Camry sedan.

Called the Camry Solara, this two-door rides on a Camry platform, is about the same size as the Camry and uses the same 2.2-liter four-cylinder and 3-liter six-cylinder engines as the sedan.

But suspension tweaking gives a bit sportier ride, and the Solara is shod with 15-inch tires only.

Elsewhere at Toyota, the 4Runner sport utility has a new four-wheel drive system with a center differential that features full-time 4WD mode. The 4Runner also gets freshened front styling.

The Tacoma pickup has front seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters now, and early in calendar 1999, Toyota introduces its newest truck, the Tundra, to replace the T100, which does not return in the 1999 model year.

Unlike the Tacoma, however, the full-size Tundra will have V-8 power, using the same 4.7-liter V-8 that's in the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 470 sport utilities. The Tundra also will be available with a 3.4-liter V-6, and will offer regular and extended cab models.

Volkswagen

The company that brought back the Beetle gives it more power in 1999, as the 150-horsepower, 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder from the VW Passat joins the Beetle's current, two-engine lineup.

A new, bigger, fourth generation Jetta sedan is due, too, with new styling. Its engines will be a 115-horsepower, 2-liter four-cylinder and a 172-horsepower, 2.8-liter V-6.

A new, larger Golf is on tap for 1999 as well and will be powered by two engines: A 115-horsepower, 2-liter, gasoline four-cylinder and a 1.9-liter, direct-injection diesel.

VW's EuroVan returns in 1999 with more safety features, more standard equipment and a 140-horsepower version of VW's VR6 V-6 engine.

Volvo

In the 1999 model year, Volvo brings its largest car, the S80, to the U.S.

Based on the company's new, large-car platform, the new sedan has several Volvo innovations, including a transverse in-line six-cylinder paired with the world's shortest gearbox.

The S80 will be offered with two engines: A 2.9-liter, normally aspirated six-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a 2.8-liter, twin-turbocharged six-cylinder with maximum 268 horsepower at 5,400 rpm.

A whiplash protection system will incorporate front seat and head restraint mechanicals to help absorb rear-end crash forces.

And the S80 will be the first car with a radiator catalyst system that converts ozone into oxygen.

Elsewhere, Volvo's S70 sedan and V70 wagon get bigger side air bags in 1999 to provide head protection in side crashes.

Those cars, plus Volvo's C70 coupe and convertible, will no longer have dashboards trimmed in black walnut. Red walnut is substituted.

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