More show stoppers.(latest models at auto trade shows)(Brief Article)

Cadillac chose the Detroit show to unveil its edgy XLR sports car in production trim.

XLR is the highly anticipated two-seat retractable-hardtop convertible based on the 1999 Evoq concept. XLR goes on sale ``sometime in 2003 as a 2004 model,'' Cadillac sources told AutoWeek. They add the price will be in the $70,000-to-$80,000 range.

XLR will be built at the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and for good reason: It shares some parts with the C5 Corvette, and will do so with the next-generation C6. Sources say the XLR will be powered by a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 with a rear transaxle, like the Corvette. XLR will also share the Corvette's hydroformed frame technology.

New Nav

The 2003 Lincoln Navigator receives all the mechanical upgrades of its Expedition sibling, plus Lincoln luxury touches. The new Nav gets the Expedition's fully boxed, hydroformed frame that is 70 percent stiffer than the old one, four-wheel independent suspension and rack-andpinion steering. It also gets a power-folding third-row seat. Add Lincoln luxury features like an all-new interior lined with American walnut burl, premium leather and even optional power doorsills and you have some of the features that distinguish a Lincoln from a Ford.

More on SRT-4

In Los Angeles, Dodge made official what we reported 18 months ago (AW, June 12, 2000): The Neon SRT concept is going into production. We first saw the concept at the ...