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Friday, November 30, 2001

Car show features 2002 models

By JOE CREWS | News-Journal Business Writer

ORLANDO — Whether you're in the market for a new car or just "kicking some tires," the 2002-model Central Florida International Auto Show provides a one-stop way to check out what carmakers are offering this year.

Running through Sunday at the Orange County Convention Center and presented by the Central Florida Auto Dealers Association, the show features a little bit of everything from nearly three dozen domestic and import manufacturers: sedate sedans, flashy convertibles, sporty SUVs, rugged pickup trucks, and modern minivans.

One of the domestic carmakers is Corbin Motors Daytona Beach, which is displaying the Sparrow 1 and a 3/4-sized mockup of the Merlin. Corbin is planning to open a manufacturing plant on an extension of Tomoka Farms Road along Interstate 95 sometime in the third quarter of 2002.

The three-wheeled Sparrow, soon to be replaced by the Sparrow 2, is touted as a "personal electric transporter," with room for a driver and six to nine bags of groceries.

"It's not designed to replace (a family's) primary car," said Brian Tegreeny, Corbin's vice president of sales. "It's less expensive to drive, register and insure because it's classified as a motorcycle."

The Sparrow runs on an electric motor powered by batteries that can be recharged in 6 hours or less.

The Sparrow 1 sells for $14,900 and is available now. The Sparrow 2, due out next year, will sell for $16,900, Tegreeny said. The second version will have the Marlin's body style, air conditioning and a longer range (100 to 120 miles on a single charge, compared to 40 to 60 miles on the Sparrow 1).

While the Merlin won't be unveiled for another year, Tegreeny said Corbin is taking orders for the Merlin Roadster, a convertible three-wheeler with a Harley-Davidson engine. The gas-burning engine delivers the familiar, deep-throated roar Harley aficionados know and love, as well as a lot more power than the Sparrow's electric motor. Top speed for the Roadster is expected to be about 100 miles an hour compared to 70 miles an hour for the Sparrow.

Expect delivery of the $23,900 Roadster sometime in June, Tegreeny said.

The Sparrow drew mixed reviews when the car show opened Wednesday.

"It wouldn't be for me. There's not enough protection, " said Jim Liska of Orlando. "I would like four wheels and more cushion."

"I could see the use for it in Europe, where the streets are so much smaller," said Longwood's Joseph King. "Conceptually, it's a great idea."

Elsewhere in the cavernous convention center, carmakers exhibited a few concept vehicles alongside their newest models.

Dodge, for instance, put its Powerbox SUV on display. The large vehicle combines the now-familiar trucklike hood and front fenders with a body that resembles the Chrysler PT Cruiser. The SUV is a hybrid that burns either compressed natural gas or electricity in its 2.7 liter engine.

Toyota is showing off its own gas/electric hybrid, the Prius sedan, which has a gas engine combined with an electric motor. Depending on the driving conditions, one or both are used to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions, according to Toyota.

Most auto makers, though, were content to show off their newest and latest models. Some highlights:

— Ford is touting its new Thunderbird, a two-seat sports car with styling reminiscent of the T-bird's 1950s heydays.

— Acura is introducing the new RSX coupe, which is replacing the Integra, and Chevrolet is taking the wraps off its mid-sized SUV called the TrailBlazer.

— The Dodge Ram 1500 is a revamped pickup available in quad cab and regular cab models.

— Jeep has retired the Cherokee and replaced it with the new Liberty.

— Kia is introducing its Sedona minivan and the Cinco, a wagon version of its Rio sedan. —Mazda's new sport wagon, the Protege5 is on display, as is Mitsubishi's all-new Lancer sedan, which replaces the Mirage.

— Saturn is rolling out its first-ever SUV, dubbed the VUE, and Cadillac is unveiling its first-ever pickup, the 2002 Escalade EXT.

— Toyota has redesigned its Camry from stem to stern for 2002, and Nissan has completely remade the popular Altima for 2002.

Some car manufacturers are offering sneak previews of their 2003 models, including the Pontiac Vibe, Hyundai Tiburon, Cadillac DTS, Ford Expedition and Mercury Marauder.

For fans of classic cars, nearly a dozen customized hot rods from the 1930s, '40s and 50s are on display. For those to whom cost is no object (and the vast majority of us who wish that were true for them), a trio of low-slung Lamborghinis and three stately Bentleys will generate many a longing gaze.

The Orange County Convention Center is on International Drive in Orlando. Show hours are noon to 10 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $7 for adults (13 and over), $4 for senior citizens (62 and over) and students with ID. Children aged 7 to 12 are $2 and those under 6 get in free. More information, directions and discount tickets are available at the show's official Web site: www.autoshowusa.com.

HICI Special Report: Future Fuels: Sparks? Soy?

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