The News.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)

Better navigating Navigators

Maybe Lincoln's luxury-liner Blackwood isn't on your radar, but improved steering developed for the 2002 crew-cab pickup due out this summer is destined for a Navigator near you.

Seeking more precise steering feel for the Blackwood, engineers made several modifications to the truck's Navigator front end, including bolting in a more responsive steering gear from the police-issue Ford Crown Victoria.

Starting in the third quarter of 2001, all Navigators will be fitted with steering improvements derived from the Blackwood effort. All 10,000 copies of the $52,500 Blackwood will be built with the upgrade, whether or not you order the $1,995 navigation (small ``n'') option.

Topless Cruiser by 2004?

Chrysler folks are keeping quiet about the prospects of building a production PT Cruiser Convertible, but signs point to the possibility becoming a reality by 2003. Some Chrysler dealers have been told the earliest to expect a convertible based on the concept shown at the New York auto show (AW, April 16) is the 2004 model year. Chrysler announced in late April plans to boost PT production at the Toluca, Mexico, plant by 80,000 units (raising worldwide production to 310,000) by the end of 2002. That would allow capacity to build the ...