one of the concept cars on [display at New York's Auto Show.

‘by MITSIBIS 4 DCOR VISTA

Concept cars showcase new ideas

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN reality and fantasy are con- cept cars, futuristic, one- of-a-kind, experimental automobiles designed to showcase advanced styling and technology.

also fibre optics technology.

The bady of the ProtoSport4 is made of carbon-fibre, a fightweight, immensely strong and expensive material thai is used in Formula One racing cars. Since lighter weight means better fuel economy, we can expect to see the use of carbon-fibre in passenger caiS Once the price comes down.

The passenger compartment of the ProtoSport4 has four-point seat belts, similar to those worn by racing car drivers, and airbags for all four passengers. For better instrument visibility, the ProtoSports has analogue instru-

stead of a rear-view mirror, the ProroSport4 has un eight cen- timetre diameter color monitor. The Dodge Neon, a futuristic subcompact four-door sedan is manufactured almost entirely of recyclable materials. AN of its plastic paris are coded to make recycling easier The Neon is powered by a new 1.) litre two- stroke engine that is 40 per cent lighter than a conventional four- stroke engine, yet can deliver 100 horsepower. In addition, the two-stroke engine can run on alternative fuels and emits substantially fewer exhaust emis-

Automatic transmission, power steering,

AM/FM cassette,

rear window

defroster.

Automatic transmission, . power steering, coneie . —- AM/FM cassette,

rear window Gefroster.

ments that are reflected through a_— sions. mirror producing an image two and a half times normal size. Jn-

See Fuel page 26

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AUTOMOTION

Often wildly different from cur- rent designs, concept cars have traditionally been used to test the public’s reaction to new trends. Most never make it to production, but some, like the Pontiac Trans Sport, Ford Probe, and Buick Park Avenue, actually end up on dealership lots.

Until recently, styling and per- formance have been the most im- portam influences on concept cars. Now, however, concerns for ihe environment, safety, and fuel efficiency are having a major in- fluence. Of the 20 or so new con- cept cars displayed at last week's New York Automobile Show, about half contained some kind of safety, fuel-saving, or en- vironment-related innovation.

**One of the major goals of this year’s show is to demonstrate to the public that the auto industry is working hard to produce vehictes that are friendly to the environ- ment, friendly to drivers and pas- sengers, and friendly to the pocketbook,"* suid Bart MeCur- ville, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealer’s Association.

“Safety has been a primary concer of automakers and three of the greatest advancements for the public have been seat belts, air bags, and anti-lock braking systems. Environmentally, cars and trucks today are cleaner and more fuel-efficient. Automakers are researching verious alternative fuel systens, ranging from pure electric vehicles to hybrid vehicles that use more than one propuision system, such as elecirig motors combined with small gasoline engines.”

One of the more interesting vehicles at the show was the sleek ProtoSpor4 from Pontiac. — its Special High Density Discharge headiamps, a quarter of the size of traditional halogen headlamps, use fibre optics technology to provide vastly improved lighting ar night. In addition, uhra-violet auxiliary headlamps iNuminate pedestrians’ clothing, animals and street signs. A high-mounted stap light uses light-emitting diodes,

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