2002 Detroit Auto Show.(Brief Article)

Mercedes-Benz Vision GST concept

After a stimulating lecture from our German hosts on the chemistry between IQ and EQ (emotional intelligence), we were granted an audience with Mercedes' latest big idea in crossover exploration. The Vision Grand Sports Tourer is a sincere effort at a six-seater really capable of seating six grown sapiens, instead of four sapiens and two lap dogs. With four-wheel drive and sitting on 22-inch wheels, this whole new world for Mercedes claims to be a ``segment buster.'' Yes, like every other concept at Detroit. (Note: ``Segment buster'' has taken over from ``crossover'' and ``lifestyle vehicle'' as the primary means of avoiding the word ``wagon.'') The 5.5-liter AMG engine is that seen in the SL55, so these six people should be a blur as they pass by.

Toyota ccX concept

``Concept car X''? or ``210''? Toyota says it stands for ``Concept Coupe Crossover.'' Whatever. All we know is that this term ``crossover'' is way past running the risk of standing for, well, nothing. Nonetheless, these are what everyone is exploring and the ccX is pretty interesting. The reticulated glass roof folds forward on itself, and the Aztek-looking tailgate (lots of that association in these crossover show cars, unfortunately) opens way down, leaving the entire rear area open to the air and larger cargo loads. Designed in Japan and put together in Italy by Forum Ricerche e Progetti (Research and Design Forum), the ccX seeks to get the young and happenin' crowd, like, totally psyched. Current motor is the dohc 2.4-liter found in the base Camry.

Nissan Quest concept

When Nissan's new Canton, Mississippi, plant opens sometime next year, it will build the next-generation Quest minivan. Hints of the production version lie buried in this concept, somewhere between its nifty power bi-fold rear liftgate and rising beltline. The concept also uses sideview cameras and an electrically deployed pop-up roof rack, though don't expect to see those features in the real thing. What might make it to production is a camera for monitoring babies in rear-facing child seats and some of the styling cues, including its distinctive grille treatment. The Quest concept holds promise of a less staid, more muscular soccer-mom mobile to come from the folks at Nissan.

Ford Expedition