shelby g.t.500e ‘eleanor’ mustang - arizona...

VEHICLES • EQUIPMENT • SAFETY • PERFORMANCE • MAINTENANCE • MOTORSPORTS • EVENTS • DESTINATIONS • ATTRACTIONS

T H E E N T H U S I A S T ’ S G U I D E T O L I F E B E H I N D T H E W H E E L

VOLUME 2 NUMBER 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2003

$5

Shelby G.T.500E ‘Eleanor’ Mustangplus... Valley Auction Fever • The Maybach 62 • VW GTI • ART CARSToyota Highlander on the Butterfield Pass Trail • and more!

ContentsSPECIAL EVENTS

SHELBY CELEBRATION

TRAIL TEST

JUST FOR KIDS

....................................................

MUSEUM ROAD TRIP

ROAD TEST

THE NEW CAR OF KINGS

DEPARTMENTS

T H E E N T H U S I A S T ’ S G U I D E T O L I F E B E H I N D T H E W H E E L

Auction action : Arizona in January .....................................6A January is when Arizona becomes the center of theuniverse for enthusiasts and buyers of classic, race, rod,custom, muscle and special interest vehicles of all sorts, asthe Barrett-Jackson, Kruse/eBay, RM/Biltmore, Russo andSteele, and Silver/Ft. McDowell auctions all hit town.

Shelby GT500E “Eleanor” Mustang ....................................12B The man, the car, the legend... all converge at Barrett-Jackson in January, as we celebrate Carroll Shelby’s 80thbirthday, and the vitality that brings us a brand new ShelbyMustang this year. What’s more, two of the first will sellhere. By Jill Amadio

Toyota Highlander on Arizona’s Butterfield Pass Trail............16C You might think the Mormon Battalion Trail would be morehospital in the 21st century, but it’s changed very little...however, the Toyota Highlander makes it accessible,comfortable and fun. By Larry Edsall

BMW Z4 in a Special Pint Size ..........................................18Whether this is considered the ultimate pedaling machine,or just plain old driveway fun, this scaled-down Z4 willmake your kid the envy of... well, maybe you.

Art Cars at the Petersen Museum.....................................19D The Petersen Museum in Los Angeles is always worth atrip. This winter and spring, you won’t want to miss the“Wild Wheels: Art for the Road” exhibit.

2003 Volkswagen GTI .....................................................20The original hot hatch—the car that inaugurated an entiresegment—has been with us 25 years. It remains a hatch,and it remains mostly hot. By Dan J. Gardner

The Maybach 62 from DaimlerChrysler ............................24After a 60-year absence from the world’s roads, theoutrageously elegant (and technically awesome) Maybachis reborn, evoking a standard not seen since the kings ofEurope were among the elite to enjoy their own set ofwheels. By Jill Amadio

PUBLISHER’S LETTER: START YOUR ENGINES... ..................................4AUTO INDUSTRY UPDATE ..........................................................6EVENTS CALENDAR...............................................................15AUTO RESOURCES DIRECTORY ...................................................18THE INSIDE TRACK: BRIEFS & RUMORS.........................................28DESTINATION DIRECTORY........................................................30UPCOMING FEATURES............................................................31

COVER PHOTO: Chad Grossman, Sanderson Sales & Marketing.RIGHT: Photos courtesy of Russo and Steele; Sanderson S&M, Larry Edsall, Petersen Museum, DaimlerChrysler, Dan J. Gardner.

C

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2003

AB

DExperience Scottsdale Air Center, a full service ground support general aviation facility. FBO amenities include:8 25,000 sq.ft. terminal comfort 8 72,000 sq.ft. hangar accommodations 8 300,000 sq.ft. flight line concrete

8 ExxonMobil Premier Care Avitat flight line service 8 State-of-the-art weather & pilot services 8 Professional management services

8 Top shelf concierge services at a moment’s notice 8 New & used aircraft sales & marketing services 8 Charter accommodations

8 Aircraft maintenance 8 Avionics installation & repair

Look for us in February! One block west of Hayden between Raintree and Costco • Scottsdale Air Center • 15290 N. 78th Way • Scottsdale AZ 85260 • 480-951-2525

4 • January/February 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER

H uge! This thing is going to behuge. That’s what we keephearing about our new magazine.And we certainly hope it’s true.

Our editorial focus is one that getspeople excited. And our readership reachis engineered for those with vehicles ofenthusiast appeal in the garage or on thewish list, who enjoy their vehicles morethan average and have the means anddesire to add to the fleet, upgrade, modifyand enjoy. If you live in Arizona and enjoyreading about cars, trucks and SUVs...maintenance, performance and training... events, road trips and destinations ...we hope you are already one of the luckyones receiving this publication. If you arenot receiving us yet, then hang tight andwatch us grow.

And if you are in the automotivebusiness here, here’s a great opportunityto get your message to your perfectaudience, in a very focused publication.

What a great place for this subjectmatter, as easily evidenced by thisissue’s features on the five—count ’em,five!—major auctions happening right

here in the Valley. We hope you get achance to attend each and every one ofthem. And, as if that’s not enough, ourneck of the woods has been chosen asthe best place to launch the newlycreated 1967 Shelby G.T.500E Mustangand to celebrate automotive legendCarroll Shelby’s 80th birthday. Moreabout all this in these pages.

That said, we are on to our second year,easily enough done following a Novem-ber/December launch. We have plenty ofsubject matter lined up for you over thecoming months. We also plan to expanddistribution into other key areas of theValley and beyond as we progress.

We aim to be informative and enter-taining, in a way that has particularinterest to the drivers of Arizona. We’dlove to hear from you... drop us a line!

Joe SagePublisher/

Executive Editor

Publisher/Executive Editor:

....................................................Joe Sage

Contributing Writers:

................................................Jill Amadio

..............................................Larry Edsall

..........................................Dan J. Gardner

.............................Bill & Barbara Schaffer

Contributing Photographers:

..............................................Larry Edsall

..........................................Dan J. Gardner

........................................Chad Grossman

Design & Production ................AdZoneAZ

Advertising Sales............Robin J. McNeely

ARIZONA DRIVER MAGAZINEPUBLISHED BIMONTHLY BY ADZONE ARIZONA LLC

PO Box 13387 - Scottsdale AZ 85267

www.azdrivermag.com

M A G A Z I N E

START YOUR ENGINES: FROM THE PUBLISHER CONTACT : MESSAGES FROM OUR READERS

Write us at:PO Box 13387,Scottsdale AZ85267

dragracing.com

I received your first issue of Arizona Driverjust about one week ago and was thrilledto see a magazine devoted to one of thegreat “driving” states. I’m a long time carenthusiast...

I was very happy to see that you haveaccepted advertising for events like SCONights. One idea I was thinking about is anevent focused on the NE Scottsdale area

for teens, rais-ing awarenessof options openfor racing legal-ly, as opposedto street racing(which seems

to be a growing problem in this area).David Schneider

- via emailThanks, David. We actually were going tohave such a feature in the premiere issue,but it was delayed by the writer’s schedule.It’s a great idea, though, and we will surelypursue it in the future. We agree that thebest way to hone a young driver’s skills isthrough training and experience.

Rally coverage

I have some suggestions of things you cancover in the next month that are prettyinteresting in Arizona... the (unintelligible)Rally, which is an FIA rally, part of aninternational rally series... and also the(unintelligible) Magellan SUV Rally, all at theSouth Rim of the Grand Canyon onDecember 13-15. I'm just a participant, butmaybe it’s something you’d be interested in.Mike M

- via voice messageOur publishing cycle is bimonthly and ourfirst issue was November/December, soDecember events have, of course, passedby now. We do encourage our readers,though, to send us information for ourEvents Calendar (see page 15) about 3-4weeks in advance, and we will includewhat we can. Editorial coverage takes alittle more planning, but we’re game. Dropus a line at our PO box.

Viper vs. Viper

Hi, got the premiere issue... looks prettygreat! Onequestion: onpage 12, thephoto captionsays that thesidebar will tellwho won in

Viper vs. Viper. But the sidebar does not. So-- who won? What were the times?Richard Stevens

- via emailAs the jet went airborne and the Dodge didnot, there were no conventional track timeresults provided. The event producers’intention seems to have been to purposelyleave the declaration of a “winner”somewhat ambiguous, but a good time wassurely had by all! Our advice: if you areoffered a chance for a ride, a chance to pilot,or a chance to own either one... take it.

Photo enforcement

Yes, I’m holding your first copy ofArizona Driver. I’m wondering why youhave to be a sycophant for the policearound here; the bottom line of photoradar or photo (unintelligible) equipmentis it’s a revenue-pro-ducing system for thepolice department. Thepolice should worryabout themselves, theway they’ve been wip-ing themselves out andkilling people in Chandler.Peter P.

- via voice messageThis was a simple Q&A interview, not aninvestigative piece. As for Chandler, that’soff topic for this article. But self-serving? Ifwe run the radar, we will get nailed same asyou, regardless of our editorial content.

Congratulations

Nice going on the first issue! The Vipercover is very cool. Keep up the good work.Lisa B.

- via email

Fabulous first issue.Jim & Joyce Y.

- via email

I live in the area, I received your first copyof Arizona Driver, and what a terrificmagazine... what a great publication! You

really did a good job putting it together, Ihope they continue to come; if you have anopportunity, I’d be glad to tell you howmany wonderful things I thought therewere in here.Stan Joseph

- via voice messageWell, thanks!

Subscriptions and such

I live in Detroit, Michigan. My family livesin Arizona; they sent me a copy of yourmagazine, Volume 1 Number 1. I was won-dering if I can get a subscription? Pleasegive me a call and leave a message.Mark Blake

- via voice message

I received Arizona Driver the other day inthe mail. It is an excellent publication and Ienjoyed it very much. Will consumers beable to order the magazine online, andhow much of the magazine will beavailable online?Brian Flynn

- via email

I would be interested in learning moreabout your magazine and where I might beable to obtain copies.Shawn Laverty

- via emailThe best way to learn more is to keepreading... welcome to our second issue!Arizona Driver is a controlled circulationpublication, sent to select demographicsby mail. We wish we could send it toeveryone, but there are over 5 millionpeople in Arizona alone. At this point,Arizona Driver magazine is not availableby individual sale nor by subscription, butwe will be gauging the demand and re-sponding accordingly.

Feature contents are not posted online,for two reasons:a) on a bimonthlycycle, the contentwould age quicklyby web-surfingstandards, and b)that use is notincluded in rightswe purchase. Thewebsite is simplyan overview forthe generally curious ... for now. We dolook forward to establishing links toseveral partner sites of ongoing interest,and when we do you’ll find someentertaining reading there.

Thanks for your compliments, though...and keep reading!

ARIZONADRIVER • January/February 2003 • 5


car events. The auction begins at 10amdaily, Friday through Sunday, with generaladmission of $15 for adults and $5 forchildren. The Kruse auction is held atRawhide Wild West Town, on ScottsdaleRoad four miles north of Bell and FrankLloyd Wright. Call 800-968-4444 for moreinformation, or visit :

www.kruseinternational.com

RM AuctionsBILTMORE RESORT & SPA • PHOENIX

JANUARY 17: Eighteen extraordinaryCorvettes from the personal collection of“Mr. Corvette” Mike Yager will be a part ofRM Auctions’ 2003 Vintage Motor Cars inArizona collector car auction. Nearly 100of the finest classics, exotics and collectorcars including vintage Ferraris andPorsches have also been collected for thisone-day event at the Biltmore Resort andSpa in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday,January 17, 2003.

Corvette collectors will have a chance toacquire some of the cleanest and mostsignificant of America’s foremost sportscar to cross the auction block in sometime. Each will be offered with No Reserve.

Nearly 100 other highly collectiblevehicles consigned at press time includesuch classics as: 1922 Detroit Electric;1934 Packard Twelve 5-Passenger Phaeton;

1935 Packard Twelve Convertible Coupe;1936 LaSalle Convertible Coupe; 1941Cadillac Series 62 Coupe; 1946 ChryslerTown & Country Convertible; 1955Mercury Montclair Convertible.

Last year’s event was highlighted by thesale of a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540KSpecial Roadster once owned byHollywood mogul Jack Warner whichbrought an auction-record $3,630,000.

From their start in 1994, RM AuctionsInc. has amassed an enviable roster ofprestigious venues in North America, andsales have grown steadily each year, ex-ceeding $50 million in 2000. For moreinformation, call 310-246-9880, or visit:

www.rmauctions.com

Russo and SteeleSCOTTSDALE ROAD & MAYO BLVD. AT 101

JANUARY 17-18: Presenting a select groupof European sports, American musclecars, street rods and customs, Russo andSteele Collector Automobiles launchestheir event on the evening of January 16with a Charity Benefit Preview Gala. TheRusso and Steele Auction is presented byprincipals Andrew and Josephine Alcazar.Drew brings many years’ experience andthe fruits of his wide ranging contacts inthe enthusiast world to this event,drawing cream-of-the-crop vehicles, while

Phoenix native Josephine also ownsEvents With Taste, ensuring that theevent’s planning and catering serviceslive up to her top-flight reputation. Theauction program runs Friday andSaturday January 17 and 18, with gatesopen at 10am. Gate admission is $10 forthe Preview. For a list of entries or formore information, visit:

www.russoandsteele.com

Silver Auctions - Ft. McDowellFT. MCDOWELL CASINO • ARIZONA HWY 87

JANUARY 10-13: Auction season kicks offwhen the first vehicles arrive to check infor this event on Thursday January 9.Auction bidding begins Friday january 10at 2pm; 150 cars cross the auction blockby 9pm, then it’s on to a rock’n’rollconcert till midnight. The fun resumeswith hundreds more vehicles auctioned,plus more rock’n’roll shows, on Saturdayand Sunday. A final round of biddinghappens on Monday from 11am-5pm.

www.silverauctions.com

If you can make it through all of thoseand not end up needing a new half acreand a 7-car garage, more power to you.The temptations are top-notch, the pro-fessionalism is world-class, and the funnever stops. See you there! ■


Auction Mania!Arizona is the center of the universe for midwinter auction action

Auction Mania!Arizona is the center of the universe for midwinter auction action

J anuary means one thing to anyserious automotive collector orinvestor: a trip to sunny Arizonafor a chance to see, touch and feel

the leading edge of the hobby’s availablecollectibles, to mingle with like-mindedsouls, many with big buckets of cash, andto learn where the collector car market isheaded in the near term. These auctionsare the bellwethers of the hobby; forgetwhat the pricing guides say about avehicle’s value ... if it sells at any price inArizona this January, the books will berewritten accordingly.

Barrett-Jackson AuctionWESTWORLD • SCOTTSDALE

JANUARY 15-19: This automotive eventhas evolved over thirty years into alifestyle and social happening that’sconsidered a “must-attend” for thousandsof collectors and enthusiasts annually.Whether looking for a fabulous coach-built classic car, a championship race car,high-performance American muscle or aone-of-a-kind custom hot rod, collectorsand spectators know they will find it here.

Besides the auction proper, everyonecan enjoy the Showcase Pavilion &Lifestyle Expo, with a preview of featurecars and over 300 vendors indoors andout, offering automobilia, food and drink,

and much more.Additionally, visit the Dodge-Chrysler-

Jeep Pavilion to see these makers’ newestconcept cars on display, and sign up fornew model test drives.

Gates open at 8am, the automobiliaauction runs from 8:30-10am, and thevehicle auction runs from 10am until “aslong as it takes.” Free parking is available,and valet parking is $20/day.

Admission for adults is $20 onThursday or Sunday, $25 on Friday orSaturday, per day. There are discountedrates for kids, seniors, students andmilitary, and kids 5 and under are free. afour-day adult pass is $80, seniors $60.

A $300 bidder registration includespasses for the bidder and a guest,preferred parking, admission to theopening night gala ceremony, and accessto reserved bidder seating and an openbar. The fee is refundable with the suc-cessful purchase of an auction vehicle.

The Barrett-Jackson Auction is alsocovered on Speed Channel TV both Fridayand Saturday. Visit their website at:

www.barrett-jackson.com

Kruse International / eBayRAWHIDE WILD WEST TOWN • SCOTTSDALE

JANUARY 10-12: This is the 32nd year forthis, one of the world’s largest collector

Pho

tos:

Bar

rett-

Jack

son

Pho

tos:

Rus

so a

nd S

teel

e

Pho

to: R

usso

and

Ste

ele

Pho

tos:

Silv

erA

uctio

ns

Pho

tos:

RM

Auc

tions

SPECIAL EVENTS : VALLEY AUCTIONS IN JANUARY

and Cobra models, while the basic V-6version will have a more premium look.The new cars should be in showrooms bythe fall of 2004, which would coincidewith the 40th anniversary of the originalMustang debut.

MORE POWER FOR THE CADILLAC CTSiThe Cadillac CTS is a wonderful drivingcar with excellent handling, great stylingand other good features, but the 220-horsepower engine just didn’t have theacceleration to compete with other carsin the class. Now Cadillac plans to up thestakes for 2004 with a new V-8 poweredversion, the CTSi, with power comingfrom the same 5.7-liter V-8 that powersthe Corvette. Current talk pegs the horsesat 350, but it could be higher. The onlytransmission available will be a six-speedmanual. All models will get a freshinterior, probably less industrial, and thestandard V-6 engine will get more power,still with a choice of manual or automatictransmissions.

AUDI EXPLORING SUV MARKETAudi is considering an SUV style vehiclebased on the same platform as theVolkswagen Touareg which is due in theUnited States in mid-2003. The newvehicle would slot somewhere between awagon and SUV in size and height. Thereis speculation they may use the

Volkswagen Magellan concept shown inJanuary 2002 at the Detroit show, whichseated six, and was powered by a W-8engine rated at 275-hp. A morecompelling contender, perhaps, is theAudi Steppenwolf show vehicle shownhere. Either would give the company atrue off-roader. Currently Audi’s closest

thing to an SUV style vehicle is the Allroadquattro that sells for about $41,000.

LINCOLN MAKES MAJOR CHANGES TO LSLincoln has made major changes in theLS to help it stay competitive in the toughsport sedan market. More than 500redesigned components and systems willhave been changed when it arrives atLincoln showrooms late this year. Theengine gets a new variable intake valvetiming that boosts horsepower of the 3.9-liter V-8 by 28 up to 280 hp. It also willget the first automotive application of the

THX sound system firstpioneered for theatersby George Lucas.

MERCEDES E-CLASS PUSHES ENVELOPE,ONCE AGAINNew technology andthe introduction of anew Mercedes-Benzalways go hand inhand. The all-new E-Class is filled withfeatures that havetrickled down fromthe S-Class and SL

roadster along with many industry firsts.Here’s just a partial list of new featureson the E-Class: Dynamic Drive seats thatautomatically adjust pressure in aircushions in response to driving input;electronic braking; eight airbag adaptiverestraint systems; dual control AirmaticDC air suspension that eliminates the

compromise between handing and ridecomfort; and Distronic radar basedadaptive cruise control. The list goes onwith a panorama sunroof includingpower shades and a solar panel whichpower an interior venting system;Keyless Go ignition that doesn’t need akey; a power trunk closer; and even aheated steering wheel.

VW MAY HAVE PLANS TO DROP THE W8 ENGINEThe innovative eight-cylinder W8 enginethat Volkswagen just introduced in the USis likely to be dropped from the EuropeanPassat when the car is redesigned for2005 or 2006. While European sales havelagged behind expectations; US buyers

have already purchased the first yearallocation. If the eight-cylinder continuesfor the Passat, it will probably be a newnarrow angle engine currently underdevelopment. The W configurationengines are likely to continue in a 12-

CORVETTE AND CADILLAC XLRTO SHARE PLATFORMSThe upcoming 2004 Cadillac XLR sportscar and the next-generation 2005Chevrolet Corvette may be built on thesame basic platform and in the sameBowling Green, Kentucky, plant, but that’swhere the similaritiesend. Sources say theXLR will have a 4.6-liter375 hp version of theNorthstar V-8, while theCorvette will have a 405hp 5.7-liter V-8. The XLRgets a new version of thesame five-speed auto-matic transmission GMmakes for the BMW 5series, while theCorvette has a choice ofsix-speed manual orfour-speed automatic.The XLR will have aretractable hardtop, while the Corvetteconvertible maintains its fabric top. DavidHill, vehicle line executive for bothvehicles, says the cars are aimed atdifferent markets. The XLR will be morerefined and sophisticated to competewith luxury sports vehicles like the Jaguar,Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

NEW APPROACH FOR NEXT MUSTANGFord plans to make the next generationFord Mustang last longer without theregular facelifts. Rather, the sporty two-door will get annual special models likewas done with the Bullitt in 2002 and theMach I in 2003. The new Mustang, due in

2004 as a 2005 model, will be built onthe same platform as the Lincoln LS andFord Thunderbird. The basic V-6 modelwill resemble the original 1965 and 19662+2 fastback, while the GT and Cobramodels will get their inspiration from the1967 and 1968 models. Special editionvehicles will likely be limited to the GT


■ The 2004 Cadillac XLR, Neiman Marcus Limited Edition, at Pebble Beach Golf Course in August.

■ The Audi Steppenwolf concept vehicle crosses over several lines. ■ The piston arrangement of the Volkswagen W8.■ The first Mach I is nonetheless one of the last of this generation.

■ For 2003, the US receives both 221 hp V6 E320 and a 302 hp V8 E500 (shown above) sedans.


AUTO INDUSTRY UPDATE

KEEP RIGHT >>

Pho

tos:

Gen

eral

Mot

ors

Pho

to: M

erce

des

-Ben

zP

hoto

:Vol

ksw

agen

Pho

to:A

udi

Pho

to:F

ord

Mot

or C

omp

any

TheCarCornerR A D I O S H O Wwith Bill Zervakos

and Bob Jones

There are other automotive shows on radio, but nothing quite like The Car Corner. On otherprograms, you’ll hear people talking about their

vehicle’s problems, but on The Car Corner, you’ll find out about what’s happening in the

industry that impacts you, the motoring public.Some things you’ll hear about:

News from the IndustryExpert Tech TipsTrivia with Prizes

New Car EvaluationsGuest Interviews

Contests and More

Saturdays 7-8amXtra Sports 910 AM

tread compound delivers the highest“AA” quality grading label for wettraction. The design also deliversmaximum handling acceleration andbraking performance with a minimumof noise while still providing acomfortable ride. The new Goodyeartires are available in 39 popular ultra-performance 15- to 21-inch tire sizes.They are designed especially for sportycars, sport trucks and the growingcategory of highly modified compact-car “tuners”.

VW’S INTERPRETATION OF THE BENTLEY GTGot $147,000 and a bit of patience? If sothen the next Bentley GT coupe may bejust the car for you. It starts with exotic,elegant styling adds state-of-the-artluxury and more power than one canimagine: a 6.0-liter W12 with twinturbochargers. It produces 550 horse-power and 675 lb.ft. of torque. Thetransmission is a six speed paddle-typeelectronic shifter. The 4,700 poundBentley goes into production next springand is expected to be available in the U.S.

about November 2003. Now owned byVolkswagen, Bentley is targeting sales(and heavy leasing) of about 9,000 unitsannually. That’s about 10 times as manyas are being sold currently.

GM & FORD JOIN FORCES TO BUILD A NEW TRANSMISSIONIn an unprecedented business arrange-ment Ford Motor Company and GeneralMotors have signed an initial “memo-randum of understanding” to worktogether to develop a high-volume, front-wheel-drive 6-speed automatic trans-mission. This is the first time the two autogiants have made a business arrange-ment to advance technology together.The end result will be a transmission thatwill benefit customers by producingbetter performance and fuel economy,thereby benefiting the environment. Thecompanies have been both working onthe technology independently, but thisjoint effort should result in a betterproduct, faster. Only the basic transmis-sion architecture design will be incommon, in the end each company’sadaptation will have a distinct feel and

performance, since they will be mated todifferent engines, and the respectivevehicle programs will have uniqueperformance dynamics and calibration.The new 6-speed would be availablebeginning in mid-to-late decade on front-wheel-drive cars and sport-utility vehicleswith mid-to-large displacement engines.

HONDA TO SELL NATURAL GAS VEHICLEHonda has been selling the natural gaspowered Civic GX to government fleetbuyers since 1998 and now plans call forit to go on sale to retail consumers. Witha lack of natural gas filling stations, acompany called FuelMaker (whichHonda owns a 20 percent stake in) isabout to start marketing a home-basedfueling appliance that can be mountedin your garage and taps into the existingnatural gas supply. The fuelingappliance, named “Phill”, is expected togo on sale in late 2003. ■

cylinder variation for the new Phaetonand Touareg sport utility and as a W-16for the Bugatti Veyron.

BMW MAY DROP MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS IN “M”Future high performance BMW “M”vehicles may come with a standardSequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) saysRolf Scheibner, product manager for Mcars. The SMG is similar tothe racing-style paddleshifters but without thetraditional clutch pedaland gearshift lever.According to reports,Scheibner said drivers canshift faster with the SMGand it’s better for theengine, the clutch and thetransmission, plus with theM cars, top performance isthe key, and that’s whatthe SMG offers. Currentlythe SMG is an option onthe M3 and will be also onthe next M5.

ACURA UPGRADES MDX AFTER ONLY 2 YEARSVowing to keep ahead ofLexus, Acura has increasedhorsepower, handling andsafety features on the MDXsport utility vehicle afteronly two years. For 2003Acura is upping horsepowerfrom 240 to 260, changingthe transmission to a morecompact five-speed auto-matic that is lighter andquieter and recalibratingthe four-wheel drive systemto increase traction onslippery roads. There willalso be improvements tothe front brakes, plus stiffersprings and revised shocks.The body will be 35 percentmore rigid, the navigationsystem is improved, andthere will be an optionalbuilt-in rear camera todisplay the area behind thevehicle on the nav systemscreen when backing.

GOODYEAR’S NEW EAGLE F1 TIREGoodyear has a new ultra performancetire with a sweeping new tread patternand sophisticated sidewall design. TheEagle F1 has long groves cut in a flatsurface that not only provide excellentdry road traction, but the highest wettraction rating. The dramatic V-shapedpattern makes the tires even look fastwhile standing still. The advanceunidirectional V-TRED technology and acustom-blended triple-polymer AAtrax

■ No matter how you shift it, the BMW M Series is one hot ride.

>> cont’d

Auto Update is a summary of auto news fromindustry sources, trade journals and consumermagazines compiled for Arizona Driver by BILL &BARBARA SCHAFFER of Auto Digest.

■ The Goodyear F1 aims to meet or exceed the Europeans.P

hoto

:BM

WP

hoto

:Goo

dye

ar

FOOD COURTTEXACO

Texaco Gas/Diesel

Weiss Guys Car Wash

Weiss Guys Detail Shop

Weiss Guys Window Tint

Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki

Blue Saguaro Sandwiches/Coffee

Rave Fabric Care

Sushi ’N Rock KaraokeRestaurant & Bar

MailBoxes Etc.

Easy accesson Hayden

One block south of Costconext to Schumacher European

SCOTTSDALE AIRPARK15111 N. Hayden Road

Scottsdale • 480-561-2611

10 • January/February 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • January/February 2003 • 11

■ The Acura MDX has many internal changes for 2003.

Pho

to:A

cura

egendary Cobra creator Carroll Shelby, grizzled but

game as he celebrates his eighth decade January 11, is

still spewing out mechanical venom via his

awesome machines forty years after he built his

first snappy little roadster in 1962, inspired by British

MGs and Allards. That year, he shipped a 289 Cobra with

its small block Ford V8 to Europe and blasted every other

race car there into oblivion. It was the fastest production car ever

made at the time, streaking from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. Shelby had

already spent ten years campaigning successfully in Europe,

wearing farmer’s overalls as a racing suit and winning in virtually

every formula and sports car series in the world, including Le

Mans. His goal was to beat Ferrari, Aston Martin, Maserati,

Porsche, Jaguar and Lotus at their own game. And indeed he did.

For an encore Shelby retooled Ford’s Mustang GT program in

1965 and 1966, with a G.T.350 boasting a 306 hp 289 V8. In 1967 and

1968, the Mustang was reengineered and restyled, as the Mustang

had grown in size to accommodate a big block motor. It also

underwent a few cosmetic changes such as a longer nose and a

unique grille, new scoops and louvers. Then came Shelby’s elegant,

racy, beautifully-balanced G.T.500. The biggest change for the

Shelby Mustang was under the skin. Speed fiend Carroll Shelby

bumped up the engine displacement to 428 cubic inches and

horsepower to an advertised 335 (thought by most to be

much higher). Back then, that was a lot of ponies.

The Shelby G.T.500E “Eleanor”

Deciding his cars weren’t providing all the heat he

needed, this quintessential entrepreneur went off in a

totally different direction for a couple of weeks and gave

birth to the World Chili Cookoff. However, the diversion didn’t

mean he’d forsaken his search for the ultimate high performance

street car, and in 1989 his monstrous Dodge Viper threatened

every driver on the road.

But nostalgia still draws Shelby, and this year he debuts the

reincarnation of his muscle-bound 1967 fastback Mustang as the

G.T.500E. The E designation stands for Eleanor, the code name

given to the car stolen by thieves in the remake movie, “Gone in

60 Seconds.”

Carroll’s 2003 Eleanors are not reproductions but highly modified

restorations of vintage 1967 Mustang fastbacks. Scouring the

Southwest for the 35-year old cars, he figured he’d find them in

better condition here than anywhere else in the US.

“I’m real picky about them being rust-free,” he said, “and I like

their interiors to be in pretty good condition.”

Working through auto brokers, the Internet, and Mustang and


Shelby 2003

BY JILL AMADIO

Shelby 2003Just in time for his 80th birthday, Carroll Shelby has reinterpreted the 1967 Shelby Mustang.

The first production model, a Performance edition, will be auctioned in Scottsdale in January.

The first Super Snake has already been purchased by a Scottsdale enthusiast.

And... Carroll’s birthday candles will be lit here as well !

BY JILL AMADIO

Cobra clubs, Shelby and his marketing arm, Sanderson Sales &

Marketing in Plano, Texas, are seeking several hundred Eleanors for

primping. So far, fewer than one hundred have been found, but the

switchboards are beginning to be flooded with offers to sell.

“These here are what I call continuation Shelby Mustangs,” he

said. “We plan to sell a Limited Edition of up to four hundred of

them.” A dozen buyers placed orders as soon as word got out.

The original G.T.500s sold for $4,195 back in 1967. Today’s new

sought-after collectible, the G.T.500E, is based on the fastback (the

sleekest of the series that also included a coupe and convertible). It

will set buyers back $80,000, $120,000, or $150,000 depending on the

package and the kind of extensive engine and suspension modifi-

cations and horrendous horsepower lurking under the hood.

Delivery time averages four to five months.

“They’ll have the right stuff to stomp the competition,” said Shelby,

“with spectacular performance, a dynamic performance handling

package, timeless good looks, and cutting edge technology.”

Putting it all together

While the V8s are tuned and provided by Carroll’s Cobra/Shelby 1

factory shop in Las Vegas, the cars are completely rebuilt and refur-

bished at Unique Motorcars, of Irving, Texas, where some of the

country’s top restoration master craftsmen preserve historic vehicles.

The company built the prototype Eleanor based on a body kit pur-

chased from a company that supplied cars for “Gone in 60 Seconds.”

Original Mustang fastbacks are arriving at Unique in various

stages of disrepair, some requiring total overhauls and that they be

be stripped down to the bare body. Some of these donor bodies

arrive in pretty sad shape and are offered at bargain-basement

prices, anywhere from $3,500 to $8,500.

“But Unique Motorcars has all the parts we need to make them

new again,” said company owner Doug Hasty, “because most

Mustang parts are all reproduced these days, anyway.”

Bobby Mikus, Unique’s veteran chief mechanic and renowned

restorer of classic race cars, noted that the most frequently needed

part in the old Mustangs is a new floor pan.

Standard, Performance, and Super Snake

Eleanor is being built as three different packages, “with the best

engine, suspension, brake and comfort components on the market,”

said Shelby. The $80,000 G.T.500E base model is equipped with

the new 302 power plant, with 320 horsepower (without nitrous). The

$120,000 version is the 0-60 mph / 4 second Performance Package,

carrying Shelby’s 351W engine with 465 horsepower (again, without

nitrous), a high-torque starter, 670 CFM Holley carburetor, coilover

conversion suspension, and Baer four-wheel disk brakes, along with

a host of other exceptional equipment. Top end speed jumps sky-

high when mated to the T56 six-speed transmission. The flagship

$150,000 Super Snake is similar to the Performance Package but

packs a lot more punch with Shelby’s 427 aluminum engine that

shoots out 750 horsepower with a supercharger option, or 650

without. Still hungry for more power? Each level includes a fully

KEEP RIGHT >>

Pho

tos:

Cha

d G

ross

man


installed but unfilled nitrous oxide system.

While the growly exhaust sound is free on all

three models, optional equipment can add an odd buck or two for a specialized

drive train, brakes, upgraded suspensions, upgraded chassis, the supercharger,

and exclusive paint jobs. Each model is still constructed of metal and fiberglass,

with an aluminum dash and retro vinyl seats. The hand-built G.T.500Es are

numbered and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Buyers will find few sophisticated 21st century technology gadgets, although all

the gauges are by Phantom II AutoMeter. The only concession to any significant

new technology is a satellite tracking system to foil theft, and the ubiquitous CD

player. Arizona and other Sunbelt customers can also rejoice in the use of a

modern air conditioning system.

“We totally rewire the car and upgrade it with new fuse boxes,” said Mikus. “No

airbags, of course, since the Eleanors are exempt as already-manufactured cars. The

engines are all crank motors and brand new from Shelby. We implant the engine,

redo the upholstery, paint the trim and exterior according to the customer’s prefer-

ences, and add whatever options the buyer wants—within reason, of course.”

#1 production model and #1 Super Snake both selling in Arizona

Interest is global. Unique is taking calls from Saudi Arabia, England, and other

countries, all wanting a Shelby G.T.500E. Most orders are for the $120,000

Performance Package. Two high dollar Super Snake versions are on order, one

of them destined for Arizona. While drivers on any roads across the country may

want to give the G.T.500E a wide berth, state drivers need to be particularly

aware that Registration #1 of the top of the line restoration, the $150,000

supercharged aluminum 427 cu.in-powered Super Snake G.T.500E, has already

been purchased by a Scottsdale demon who wisely prefers to remain nameless.

He picks his hellraiser up this month during the January 15-19 Barrett-Jackson

Classic Car Auction at WestWorld. Highlight of the event will be the auctioning

off of Registration #1 Performance G.T.500E. With no reserve, bids are expected

to come fast and furious. Shelby’s most recent auction success was in Las Vegas

last June, where his 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Cobra sold for $205,000

within twelve minutes.

Carroll Shelby’s Scottsdale birthday bash

During this year’s auction a huge birthday bash will highlight the Barrett-Jackson

gala on January 15. One of the largest annual social gatherings on the collector

car world calendar, the Scottsdale event brings together more than five thousand

enthusiasts, all of whom will celebrate Carroll Shelby’s 80th and pay tribute to his

accomplishments as an automotive designer, race driver, business executive,

and philanthropist as founder of the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.

“Carroll has been one of my lifelong heroes,” said Craig Jackson, who named

his daughter Shelby after the American icon.

So what’s next for this brilliant, indefatigable automotive designer, World War II

flight instructor and test pilot, former oil roughneck, chicken farmer, teen drag strip

racer, and currently the longest-living heart transplant recipient? He’ll rescue and

restore the 1965 G.T.350R. Gentlemen, place your orders. ■


International award-winning journalist JILL AMADIO has covered the automotive and motorsportsscene for 20 years. The author of six books, her latest is a biography, “Günther Rall: Luftwaffe Aceand NATO General.” She writes a monthly column for Entrepreneur magazine, and also writes forAMI Auto World and www.thecarconnection.com. She has written for Road & Track and CondeNast Publications, and her syndicated car column has appeared in the Washington Times,Houston Chronicle and 124 other newspapers. She was the first female syndicated automotivecolumnist for Gannett Newspapers. For five years Jill Amadio worked with the Skoal Bandit IndyCar, NASCAR, Can Am and drag racing programs as a publicist.

Pho

tos:

Cha

d G

ross

man

Pho

to: S

helb

y A

mer

ican

Arizona RacewaysFIREBIRD RACEWAY

20000 Maricopa RoadChandler AZ 85226 • 520-796-0531www.firebirdraceway.com

JANUARY 18-19National Time Trials

FEBRUARY 20-23NHRA Checker Schuck’s Kragen Nationals

MARCH 1-2NHRA Division 7 Opener

MANZANITA SPEEDWAY

3417 West Broadway RoadPhoenix AZ 85041 • 602-276-7575 www.manzanitaspeedway.com

JANUARY 5Factory Stocks, Bombers & ClaimersNew class: Pit Stop Races, $100 win.

JANUARY 12Factory Stocks, Bombers & ClaimersWheelbarrow Race, $100 to win. Driver Change Race.

JANUARY 19Factory Stocks, Bombers, Claimers & Mini EnduroClaimer Blindfold Race - 2 seats.

PHOENIX INT’L. RACEWAY

PIR Ticket Office: 602-252-2227phoenixinternationalraceway.com

FEBRUARY 1NASCAR Winter HeatNASCAR Winston West Series

FEBRUARY 2PIR: 2003 Season Terrace Club

MARCH 22Indy Racing Infiniti Pro Series

MARCH 23Copper World Indy 200

TUCSON RACEWAY PARK

12500 S. Houghton RoadTucson AZ 85747 • 520-762-9200www.tucsonracewaypark.com

Arizona Events–AutoPHOENIX - VALLEY OF THE SUN

JANUARY 5Porsche Club of America Sunday Drive

JANUARY 16-19World of WheelsCivic Plaza, Phoenix. 480-892-8439.

FEBRUARY 1Corvette Night at the Pavilions(See next item.) 602-569-9014.

EVERY SATURDAY NIGHTThe Pavilions Saturday Night Car ShowThe world’s largest weekly custom,antique and classic car show, at therock’n’roll McDonald’s, Pima andIndian Bend, just off the 101. EverySaturday night, 5-9pm, weatherpermitting.

FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTHSun Country Corvette ClubA social club, dedicated to the funof owning America’s first sports car.Visit our website atwww.suncountrycorvette.com

FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTHDesert Corvette AssociationMeets at Brown & Brown Chevrolet,7:30pm. www.vette.org

COLORADO RIVER - WESTERN AZ

JANUARY 10-12Wings and Wheels Cruz-InBlue Water Resort and Casino,Parker AZ. 775-751-9701.

Arizona Events–GeneralPHOENIX - VALLEY OF THE SUN

JANUARY 6Taste of the ArtsHors d’oeuvres, vignettes by Valleyarts organizations, Pat McMahon asMC. 602-253-6535.

JANUARY 11/1211th Annual West Valley NativeAmerican Arts FestivalLitchfield Park. 150+ authenticIndian artisans, dances, musicalperformances, demonstrations,ethnic food, children’s area. 10am-5pm, West Valley Fine Arts Center.623-935-6384.

FEBRUARY 6Harlem Globetrotters World TourAmerica West Arena, 480-784-4444.

TUCSON - YUMA - SOUTHERN AZ

JANUARY 7All States PicnicYuma Civic Center. 928-344-3800.

FEBRUARY 16Sons of the PioneersPence Auditorium, Coolidge,2:30pm. 520-426-4223.

FEBRUARY 2078th Annual Tucson Rodeo ParadeWorld’s longest non-motorizedparade, 300 entries, 9am at South 6th& Irvington, Tucson. 520-294-1280.

FEBRUARY 22Sonoran Shindig - Celebration of the DesertAjo Chamber and Cabeza PrietaNational Wildlife Refuge festival,exhibit, entertainment, vendors &food. Free from 11am-3pm, BudWalker Park. 520-387-7742.

FEBRUARY 22¡Fiesta! & Downtown P’Art’YCasa Grande. Especially for fami-lies, with free hands-on children’scrafts, food, entertainment, histor-ical reenactments, free, 10am-2pm. 520-421-8677. www.cgvhs.org

COLORADO RIVER - WESTERN AZ

FEBRUARY 1Red Riding HoodMohave Performing Arts Serieswith the Missoula Children’sTheatre, 2 & 7:30pm, Lake HavasuAquatic Center. 928-505-7365.

FEBRUARY 2Chocolate Sunday Dessert FantasyAll you can eat buffet withentertainment, Lake Havasu AquaticCenter. 928-855-7486.

FLAGSTAFF - NORTHERN AZ

FEBRUARY 1WinterfestWildlife presentations, animal trackidentification, slide show onmountain lions, children’s crafts andmore. 9am-5pm, free. Arboretum atFlagstaff. 928-774-1442.

California EventsAUTO EVENTS - CALIFORNIA

THROUGH JANUARY 26Million Dollar CarsA spectacular exhibit celebratingautos whose blend of style, perfor-mance, craftsmanship and raritycombine to make them the mostsought-after and valuable vehicleson earth. Petersen AutomotiveMuseum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., LA.323-930-CARS.

THROUGH APRIL 13Kustoms With a “K”The classic era of the custom car inAmerica. Petersen AutomotiveMuseum, 323-930-CARS.

FEBRUARY 8 - MAY 26Wild Wheels: Art for the RoadSee page 19. Petersen AutomotiveMuseum, 323-930-CARS.

FEBRUARY 16South Bay Mustang Owners Car Club ShowPetersen Automotive Museum, 323-930-CARS.

GENERAL INTEREST - CA

JANUARY 15Big Band Dance PartyPalm Desert. www.palm-desert.org

JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2Bob Hope Chrysler ClassicPalm Desert. www.palm-desert.org

FEBRUARY 16 - 23Date Festival / Riverside County Fairwww.palm-desert.org

Nevada EventsAUTO EVENTS - NEVADA

THROUGH MARCH 28 2003GTO: Leader of the PackExhibit in Masterpiece Circle,National Automobile Museum,Harrah’s. 775-333-9300

New Mexico EventsGENERAL INTEREST - NM

JANUARY 14New Mexico Symphony OrchestraHobbs NM

JANUARY 18/1912th Annual Wells Fargo Mesilla Valley Balloon RallyLas Cruces NM

JANUARY 22 - FEBRUARY 117th Annual Taos Winter Wine FestivalTaos NM

JANUARY 23Balloons to Bombers: History of Albuquerque Aviation -Corrales NM

www.nmculturenet.org

Utah EventsGENERAL INTEREST - UT

JANUARY 18Duck Creek Drag RacesKane County (Kanab). Bring yourown snowmobile. Events, includingsome for juniors, will go on all day.435-682-2526.

Mexico EventsGENERAL INTEREST - MEXICO

JANUARY 1Año Nuevo - New Year’s Daywww.puerto-penasco.com

JANUARY 14Geronimo Educational Tour of PeñascoTravel & education study grouptour, three days departing fromTucson. Have fun and learn aboutmarine biology on the beaches ofRocky Point. $259/person doubleocc. 888-472-6643.

JANUARY 27Kayak CapersThe Center of Deserts & Oceans,inc., presents a fun-packedafternoon paddler’s theme trip atEstero Morua, with expert guide,local ecology talk, full day kayakrental and elegant full course mealwith beverages, $100 (18 and older).www.cedointercultural.org

FEBRUARY 1Blessing of the Fishwww.puerto-penasco.com

EVENTS CALENDAR>> cont’d

Let us know about your event. Send info 2-3-4 months out. Arizona Driver Magazine, PO Box 13387, Scottsdale AZ 85267.Information is derived from a variety of sources and may not be final or accurate; check all info. Listings represent no specific affiliation with nor endorsement by Arizona Driver magazine.

down through sandy washes and upthrough a somewhat rough mountainpass. The Butterfield Pass Trail basicallyfollows the old stagecoach route throughthe Maricopa Mountains southwest ofPhoenix, and shares part of its path withthe also historic Mormon Battalion Trail.

Our favorite off-road guidebook, Back-country Adventures Arizona, rates theButterfield Pass Trail a “3” on a 10-pointscale, and that means it recommendshigh-clearance 4WD vehicles. But evenwith its all-season tires and the absenceof a low range, our Highlander has notrouble dealing with this route that takesyou through a forest of tall saguaro,through a succession of washes, somevery tight turns and up through a narrowpass in the mountains.

We find the Highlander to be trucktough but car comfortable, and note thatit’s built in Toyota’s Kyushu facility inJapan, recognized by J.D. Power as theworld’s best automotive productionfacility for initial quality.

Our Highlander wears 225/70R16Goodyear Integrity all-season tires on itsoptional alloy wheels. Combined withfour-wheel MacPherson suspension andthe car-based chassis, the Highlander’scomponents work together to provide avery car-like ride on pavement. TheHighlander is calm, quiet and comf-ortable at Interstate speeds. In fact, wemuch prefer the ride, handling andsensation of power the Highlanderprovides to its twin the RX300, even

though the differences beneath theirskins are minimal.

But there are differences. The High-lander sits on a 3.9-inch longer wheelbaseand has a slightly wider front and reartrack than its more luxurious twin.

Although it weighs only 44 pounds lessthen RX300, the Highlander seems to snapoff the line when the light turns green.

A tilting steering wheel, 17.4:1 steeringratio and supportive but comfortableseats give the driver a secure feeling ofcontrol. Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and brake-assist technologies andtraction control and skid-control systemsare on the options list. Front seats haveanti-whiplash features and there are threeheadrests for the back seat. Our testvehicle was equipped with optional sideairbags for the front seat positions.

Those sitting in the rear seat have lotsof legroom and four cupholders. Thecargo area has four grocery bag hooks, apower outlet and storage in the right-sidequarter panel and in the spare tire well.The optional cargo cover mirrors the backseat’s 60/40 split so you can fold part ofthe seat flat and still cover the cargobehind the upright seat back.

Base price for the V6 4X4 is some$2,500 less than the base, front-wheel-drive RX300.

Too soon, our week with the ToyotaSUV is over. Often, we’re eager for thearrival of the next vehicle for testing,but we’re definitely not glad to see thisHighlander go. ■

W e are in the office on thesecond floor as the silversport/utility vehicle comesaround the corner and into the

parking plaza below the window. “Nicestance,” we think as we head down thestairs to accept the keys to the ToyotaHighlander.

Toyota’s mid-sized SUV not only lookswell-planted, but we soon discover that itsdoors close with the solid, baritone sort of“thunk” that we usually associate with aluxury car.

We climb inside, but hesitate to start theengine. Instead, we take a couple of min-utes to just sit here and appreciate the nicemix of colors and textures in theHighlander’s interior.

The cloth seats and door panel trimhave a charcoal-colored geometric pattern.The top of the dash is done in a dark grayand the lower part was a lighter gray. Inbetween, where most vehicles have wood-grain trim, the Highlander has a deep gray-metallic colored surface that reminds us ofa granite kitchen counter. Later we learnToyota calls this trim “hammer” tone.

The other thing about the interior designthat immediately strikes us is that thegearshift lever is mounted just below the

audio and climate controls in the centerstack of the dashboard, leaving the entirefloor between the standard front captain’sseats open to hold a briefcase or purse.Where most vehicles have a centerconsole that separates the seats, the High-lander has open space, and the openfeeling of the interior extends into the bigrear seat and cargo area.

But we can sit still for only so long. It’stime to see if the Highlander is asenjoyable when it’s in motion.

The Highlander is the younger fraternaltwin to the hugely successfulLexus RX300. Both are builton a unibody platform basedon the Toyota Camry/LexusES300, though while theRX300 looks more like abulbous station wagon, theHighlander has the hand-some look and solid stanceof a sport/utility.

The Highlander’s baseengine is a 155-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit. Standard on the RX300 andoptional on the Highlander is a 220-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6. Both engineshave variable valve timing technology.

Our Highlander has the V6 and four-

wheel drive that uses a center differentialand viscous coupling to split power asneeded between the front and reardifferentials, which apply that power to theleft- and right-side wheels as needed. Thereare no levers for the driver to adjust, nor isthere a low range, though there is a “snow”mode that launches the car in second gearto limit wheel spin on icy roads.

As one of the three largest automakersin the world, Toyota is in a position toprovide a vast variety of vehicles, sopeople who want a truck-based mid-size

SUV for serious off-roading can stay withthe venerable andtruck-based 4Runner.But those who want amore car-like ride anddynamics can opt forthe Highlander. (Withthe introduction of theHighlander and theTundra-based Sequoia,

Toyota’s SUV range runs from the RAV4 tothe 4Runner, Highlander, Land Cruiserand Sequoia.)

Although the Highlander is designed forthose who plan to stay on pavement, wetake it on a narrow, off-road trail that goes


TRAIL TEST : THE NEW TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Butterfield Pass TrailTACKLING IT IN TOYOTA’S TRUCK-TOUGH HIGHLANDER

Butterfield Pass TrailTACKLING IT IN TOYOTA’S TRUCK-TOUGH HIGHLANDER

by Larry EdsallPhotos by the author and Toyota

■ The Toyota Highlander (above, and V6 lower right) took us where the toughest outlaws may have

feared to tread. The Limited (interior, upper right) adds premium sound system, fog lamps, anti-theft,

digital climate control, roof rack, color-keyed trim and rear spoiler, wood-grain interior trim,

HomeLink®, leather steering wheel plus shifter, and much more, with no toughness traded.

After working as a sports editor for daily newspapers in Michigan, LARRY EDSALL was on staff for 12 yearsat AutoWeek magazine, most of it as managing editor. He has driven more than half a million miles testingcarson four continents. He moved to Phoenix to help launch www.izoom.com, an automotive website, andalso helped to found PAPA, the Phoenix Automotive Press Association. His book on concept cars isscheduled for publication in Italy in the fall of 2003.

Pho

to: T

oyot

aP

hoto

: Toy

ota



ART CARSFantasy icons of automotivepop culture transform thePetersen Museum with thesepowerful, playful, poignant, and eye-popping works ofrolling sculpture.

The Petersen Automotive Muse-um Foundation, a non-profitcharity, will feature a powerful,

exciting and humorous exhibit of amore than a dozen visually striking auto-mobiles when Wild Wheels: Art for theRoad debuts on Saturday, February 8,2003. These manifestations of mobilepublic art, which represent theindividual ideas, values, beliefs anddreams of their creators, are highlypersonalized automobiles that arequintessential examples of the Art Carculture. Like any powerful modern art,Art Cars will evoke strong emotions andinitiate animated conversations amongMuseum visitors.

“These vehicles are an art form thatresponds to the automobile’s influenceon American life and culture,” says DickMesser, director of the Petersen Auto-motive Museum. “It’s also a modern artform that connects perfectly to theaudience in Los Angeles, a city known forits dependence on the automobile and itsfree-spirited independence regardingideas and personal expression.”

The Art Cars on display range fromimaginatively painted but otherwisestandard vehicles, to extravagant sculp-tures whose original vehicle originshave disappeared under collage, mixedmedia, body sculpting, textile and fabricmanipulations and special metal andglass fabrications. Art Car creators useeverything from foam, paper mâché,mirrors, cameras, beads, and marbles to

fill their vehicle canvases.Most of the Petersen Automo-

tive Museum’s exhibition carsare actually “daily drivers,”—street-legal, weather-resistantmobile works of art thatgenerally serve as their owner/artists’ primary vehicles, and asa type of performance art.Others are conceptualized carsspecifically designed to delightgallery and museum visitors orparade viewers and are notdriven on a regular basis. A feware product cars, crafted asintriguing advertising and pro-motional tools. Many Art Carsremain works in progress astheir owner/artists expand onnew ideas or acquire additionalnon-traditional materials to add

to their existing designs.Art Cars first emerged across the

country during the 1970s and 1980s.This contemporary art form shares itsroots with other 20th century examplesof pop culture including Outsider Art,Funk, Graffiti and collaborative publicart like Los Angeles’ Watts Towers.During the past 10 years, Art Cars haveengendered parades and festivals inmany major metropolitan areas, includ-ing Houston, Oakland and SanFrancisco, which is the starting point ofthe ArtCar Fest 2002 caravan to the SanJose Museum of Art.

The Petersen Automotive Museum’sWild Wheels: Art for the Road featuresvehicles by both self-taught and trainedartisans and reveals the true spirit ofindividuality that prevails among Art Carartists. These imaginative creations willbe on display from February 8, 2003through May 26, 2003. ■

“WILD WHEELS: ART FOR THE ROAD” February 8 - May 26, 2003

The Petersen Automotive Museum

Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3)

charity. The Museum is located at

6060 Wilshire Boulevard (at Fairfax) in

Los Angeles. Admission prices are

$10 for adults, $5 for seniors and

students with ID, and $3 for children

ages 5 to 12. Museum members and

children under five are admitted free.

Covered parking is available for $6.00

per car. Museum hours are Tuesday

through Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

For general Museum information, call

323/930-CARS or visit the Museum’s

web site at www.petersen.org

ARTCARS

PETERSEN MUSEUM - LOS ANGELES : WILD WHEELS: ART FOR THE ROAD

■ Glass Quilt., CameraVan, MadCad


BMW’s New Z4 Design InspiresSingle-Seater for Young Enthusiasts

Young enthusiasts can indulge in the thrill of driving a BMW roadstermade just for them. BMW has introduced the Z4 Children’s Vehicle, areproduction of the all-new BMW Z4 roadster that went on saleOctober 26. This sporty kid’s vehicle is destined to be the envy of the

neighborhood, and will be sold at BMW’s 340 dealerships nationwide. The single-seater Z4 Children’s Vehicle is available in both pedal and electric

versions, the latter powered by 6V batteries. It is designed for children fromabout three to five years of age (up to 66 pounds) and features an adjustableseat to accommodate growing bodies.

First on the market was the Z4 pedal car, due at BMW dealers in November2002, shortly after the arrival of the grown-up version in showrooms acrossthe US. At a mere 16.5 pounds and with adjustable pedals for children ofdifferent heights, the self-propelled vehicle offers unlimited hours ofentertainment. The suggested retail price is $189.

Early this year, a battery-powered model joins the line-up, offering childrenone and a half hours of continuous driving pleasure before needing to berecharged. Weighing in at approximately 25 pounds, it can reach a top speedof about two and a half miles per hour and runs in both forward and reversegears. A battery charger is included.

Made to last for many years, the BMW Z4 Children’s Vehicle’s sturdy designfeatures a chassis made of painted steel tubing and a body made of highlyresistant non-toxic plastic. Parents will also be pleased to know that bothversions come largely preassembled. ■

Auto Spa / Convenience / GasDanny’s Family Carousel15515 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-348-1909

Food Court Texaco / Weiss Guys Car Wash15111 N. Hayden Road • 480-561-2622

Service & RepairAirpark Auto Service8115 E. Raintree • 480-998-1605

Greulich’s Auto Repair8180 E. Raintree • 480-483-8186

Jiffy Lube14704 E. Frank Lloyd Wright • 480-767-0337

Body & PaintDentz Etc.Valleywide Mobile Service • 602-864-3898

Greulich’s Auto Body & Collision8180 E. Raintree Drive • 480-483-0355

Ultimate Auto Body Works16049 N. Greenway-Hayden • 480-991-5153

Auto Glass & TintingRaceway Auto GlassMobile valleywide • 480-545-9575

Vision Autoglass Systems8149 E. Evans Rd. Suite 5 • 602-684-1858

Car Audio & ElectronicsArizona Automotive Accessories602-722-3532 • 866-MOBIL TV

Tires & WheelsGroup A, Inc.251 E. Chilton Drive • Chandler • 866-764-8729

Jax Wheel & Tire7333 E. Butherus Drive • 480-607-2248

Parts / AccessoriesMolten Image Design866-489-7287 • www.moltenimagedesign.com

NAPA8241 E. Evans Road • 480-991-0161

Parts Plus7777 E. Paradise Lane • 480-368-8812

Auto Dealers - SpecialtyAZ Thunder Cars/Cycles15001 N. Hayden Road • 480-905-3200

Auto Network USA8135 E. Butherus Drive • 480-951-8040

Dream Machines14825 N. 82nd St. Suite C • 480-951-9524

Motor Sports of Scottsdale8230 E. Raintree Suite 110 • 480-483-9300

Scottsdale Lotus8355 E. Raintree Suite 170 • 480-922-6242

Auto DealersAudi North Scottsdale18088 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-4000

BMW North Scottsdale18018 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-3900

Lou Grubb Ford8555 E. Frank Lloyd Wright • 480-991-3333

MINI North Scottsdale18018 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-6464

Porsche North Scottsdale18000 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-3850

Van Chevrolet8585 E. Frank Lloyd Wright • 480-991-8300

Towing ServiceHayden Towing8180 E. Raintree Drive • 480-922-3779

Motorcycle DealersAZ Thunder Cars/Cycles15001 N. Hayden Road • 480-905-3200

Hacienda Customs USA15750 N. Northsight Blvd. • 480-991-7977

Hacienda Harley-Davidson15600 N. Hayden Road • 480-905-1903

Desert Motorsports15001 N. Hayden Road •480-443-4567

Information is derived from a variety of sourcesand may not be final or accurate; check all info.Listings represent no specific affiliation with nor endorsement by Arizona Driver magazine.

A U T O R E S O U R C E S D I R E C T O RY

■ It’s a tough choice, the kid’s Z4 or the big kid’s Z4 (below).

Both are new for ’03, both are at your BMW dealer, and both

surely offer an exhilarating ride for their target customers.

TOYS BIG & SMALL: BMW Z4

restrictive exhaust system. A turbo noisefilter has been added for, as Volkswagenstates, “even less turbo detection.” Um,okay, but what if you’re a turbo enthusiastand you like to hear the whine? ApparentlyVW doesn’t think you do.

Simplified lineup and optionsGone are the GLS and GLX trim levels.Simply decide what motor you’d like, andthen add options to your liking (or none atall if it pleases you). The 1.8T starts at$19,460, the very same base price—to thedollar—as Honda’s Civic Si. Coincidence?With fierce benchmarking, we don’t thinkso. Our test car came equipped with theLuxury Package, Leather Package, and 17-inch alloy wheels, which bumped the priceto an even $22,000.

On the outside, the GTI maintains aconservative but very European look. The17-inch wheels and tires help to fill outthe wheel wells, and make the car look

quarter century ago: That’s whenVW dropped a rev-happy 1.6-literengine, a sport-tuned suspension,and some sport seats into a Golfand christened it the Rabbit GTI.

An eager traffic squirter and backroadcarver was born, but perhaps moreimportantly, an entire segment was bornas well—the hot hatch. Other manufac-turers later caught on, and today, we’vegot cars like the Honda Civic Si, FordFocus SVT, and MINI Cooper S. All aregreat cars of course, but there’s stillsomething special about the originalformula found in the GTI, and Volkswagengets everlasting credit for coming up withthis endlessly entertaining concept. Herein Arizona, we’re blessed with fabulousbackroads, and we always relish theopportunity to drive cars that are a hootto navigate quickly in the twisties.

The current GTI preserves the generallook of the original, but it’s different inmany other ways. It’s gotten progressivelybigger, heavier, more powerful, and more

luxurious through each succeeding gener-ation. But VW has made pretty clear thatthis GTI is a GTI for a bit different kind ofbuyer. It’s for a buyer who likes to explorean open desert road, yes, but it’s also forthe buyer who wants refinement and thefeel of soft leather. If you’re looking for thenimbleness of a 2,000-lb car, you won’tfind it here. On the otherhand, if you’re looking for acar with plenty of kick underthe hood, a host of luxuryamenities, and the ability totour in comfort, this GTImight be for you.

180 hp, 200 hpAvailable with either a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine orVW’s famous VR6 narrow-angle V6, theGTI caters to both the forced-inductioncrowd and the bigger-is-better crowd.Though we love the VR6 and havesavored it in almost every application it’sever been used in, it does make the car

close to 100 lbs heavier. Helping to offsetthat, though, are 200 horsepower, up thisyear thanks to the motor’s new four-valves-per-cylinder design. With 180horsepower and 174 ft-lbs of torque ontap, the 1.8T is no slouch either.

In 2001, the very same 1.8-liter motormade a comparatively wimpy 150 horse-

power and 155 ft-lbs oftorque, so the added 30ponies and 19 ft-lbs oftorque are certainly awelcome addition byany hot-hatchophile’syardstick. The motormakes its peak torque ata very useable 1,950rpm and doesn’t dropuntil the tach ticks past

5,000 rpm. The power gains can beattributed to new electronic control unit(ECU) software that optimizes air intake,ignition timing, and fuel mixture for avariety of driving styles and environments.Also contributing to the robustness is a less


ROAD TEST : 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 1.8T

A LEGEND ROLLS ONA LEGEND ROLLS ON

KEEP RIGHT >>


■ The fundamental hot hatch package remains sound as the VW GTI approaches 25 years. In the

1.8T, lean is 180 hp mean. The four-valves-per-cylinder 200 hp of the VR6 is appealing to the

bigger-is-better crowd, but the extra displacement carries an obvious trade-off in curb weight.

Volkswagen GTI 1.8TBASE PRICE

(includes destination): $19,460.

PRICE AS TESTED

(includes destination): $22,000.

OPTIONS ON TEST CAR

Luxury Package (includes Monsoon

sound system and power sunroof)

$1,240, Leather Package (includes

leather upholstery, heated front seats

and washer nozzles, and leather-

wrapped steering wheel and shifter)

$900, 17-inch alloy wheels (includes

225/45R17 all-season tires) $400.

HOT

Powerful turbocharged motor, room

inside for plenty of adults and/or

cargo, refinement, quality materials,

wears the GTI badge.

NOT SO HOT

Getting kind of heavy, no 25th

Anniversary Edition in the US, body

roll, body roll, body roll.

FINAL WORD

Powerful, poised, and with a

plethora of luxury amenities, this

GTI is easy to like. Just don’t expect

a body lean free experience.

by Dan J. GardnerPhotos by the author

and Volkswagen of America

Pho

to: V

olks

wag

en o

f Am

eric

a

driven a turbocharged car, you’ll knowexactly what we’re talking about. Eitherway, that alt-fuels-tagged Honda Insight hasjust made quick work of you before youeven finish the ramp onto the 101.

Track testWe were able to get a 7.1 second 0-60mph time and we tripped the 1320 in 15.5at 90.5 mph. Our best run, unfortunately,was rendered meaningless when our radargun failed to track the vehicle. We feelconfident that the car, once your feet aredialed in, is a sub-seven-second performer.Slowing the car down was a breeze, with agreat ABS system that returned a 60-0mph distance of 127 feet.

Now for some disappointment. Wheth-er on the track or on the street, makeaggressive turns and this car plows andleans like the Titanic in full iceberg-avoidance mode. Body roll? All over, allthe time. This has been one area VW hasneglected for a long time and as the GTIhas gotten heavier over the years thisunenviable characteristic has becomeeven more pronounced. It’s a tall car withsuspension that’s far too mushy, whichtranslates into handling that is, to beperfectly honest, occasionally scary. Wehear that the 25th Anniversary Editioncar introduced in Europe mutes much ofthis behavior with some seriouslyreworked suspension. When we caught

wind of a limited edition car coming ourway a few months back, we started tosalivate in anticipation. But we had toquickly reel in our tongues, as the car westatesiders received (the GTI 337) had nosuspension massaging whatsoever. Whoknows? Maybe that long barge ride fromGermany gives the GTI a case of sea-legsit never recovers from.

Two-thousand three is the 20thanniversary for the GTI in the US,. andwe’ve head rumors floating around thatmaybe sometime this year we’ll actuallyget a car that has unlearned this queasybehavior. If not, you shouldn’t expect anyCaprio-esque “king of the road” momentsany time soon.

With 18 cubic feet of cargo capacity (awhopping 41.8 feet with the seats folded),a useable back seat, plenty of luxuryamenities, fabulous build quality, and apowerful turbocharged motor, this GTI’sbits and parts do blend together to makefor an appealing concoction.

If you value handling above all else, theMini Cooper might be a better choice. Butif you’re looking for a hot hatch that’s aweekend track drag king with a ton ofutility, this GTI won’t disappoint. Also, ifyou’re the type of guy that still wearsChuck Taylor All Stars because, hey, they’rethe original, this is where the buck stops. ■

ARIZONADRIVER • January/February 2003 • 2322 • January/February 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER

more aggressive. While the Cooper mightbe termed “cute,” the Focus “edgy,” andthe Civic “round,” the GTI’s design isfairly timeless. Good news for Arizonans,as the weather allows our cars to last forwhat seems like forever.

Step one foot inside the GTI, and you’llthink you’ve just stepped into an entry-luxury segment car. Quality leather,plastics, and soft touch dash materials all

contribute to this overall feeling.Ergonomics are good and build quality istop notch. Not only does the GTI’s interiorshame all others in the hot hatch segmenthere, but it puts even Porsches to shame.It’s really that good. A pump-operated seatheight adjuster (unique to VW) is intuitiveand efficient. A few pumps up and the seatrises, a few pumps down and the seat falls.

Once you’ve got your seat position set,you’ll find that the gearshift comes tohand easily, but is a bit on the light side

as you row through the gears. We’d likesome additional heft here. It’s also asomewhat vague-feeling gearbox whichwe suspect may be due in part to its cableshift linkage. As you’re shifting, you’ll findthe motor pulls strong with almost noperceptible turbo lag.

First-in-class power brings big grins, butharnessing that power for optimal launchesis tricky. Too few revs and the motorabsolutely bogs, too many and the tiresspin and screech and smoke. If you’ve ever

■ The VW GTI upholds its heritage well against the MINI Cooper S, Honda Civic Si and Ford Focus SVT in the off-the-shelf hot hatch segment today.

DAN J. GARDNER was born in Hollywood, grew upin Chicago, and following a zig here and a zagthere returned to California to pursue automotive-related endeavors. Gardner enjoyed a stint at Carand Driver, assisting with track testing, copyediting, and reader relations. He now contributeshis words and photography to Sport Compact Car,Auto and Parts News, Sports Car International,Bimmer, Benzo, Velocity and, of course, ArizonaDriver. In addition, Dan does public relationsconsulting at the OEM and aftermarket level.

GTI at the TrackSometimes it’s easy to salivate over0-60 times or slalom speeds, butthey only tell a part of the story. Howthe vehicles actually behave whenpushed to the limit may or may notcoincide with their absolute perfor-mance envelope. So with that said,here’s a bit of insight into just howthe vehicle actually behaved (ormisbehaved as the case may be)when pushed to the limit. As a note,normally we’d include skidpad test-ing in our battery of tests, however,the facility we used no longer has auseable skidpad. All printed perfor-mance numbers are uncorrectedand represent what we actuallyattained on the given test day.

CONDITIONS

Temperature: 69.7 degrees FHumidity: 60%Barometric Pressure: 29.78 inches

ACCELERATION

Very tricky to launch, making timesvery inconsistent. You’re either wayinto the boost or way off the boost.There’s no in between with this car.Either the tires absolutely light upand you get no forward momentumas they spin and spin, or you arecompletely off boost as the car bogs,dying momentarily before hurtlingaway. We’re confident that given afew more runs we could have brokenthe 7 second barrier to 60 mph.

BRAKING

There’s a lot of skidding here,though the ABS system itself is fairlyrefined. There’s lots of dive, but it’ssupremely consistent with regardingto stopping distances. Pedal is firmand has very short travel, perhaps abit too short.

SLALOM

Faster through the course than onemight imagine. Pretty easy to placewith good visibility. Large tiresperhaps make up a bit for thetremendous amount of body rollhere. Car is almost always gettingsideways through the gates as itexits the course, requiring lightningquick reflexes to keep it from turningaround.

>> cont’d

Pho

to: V

olks

wag

en o

f Am

eric

a

■ The interior is clean, clear and functional.

■ These hot pedals weren’t on our test car!


dealerships that have been chosen to sellthe car. Gabor Kristof, the gentleman tosee to order a Maybach at Phoenix MotorCompany, opens his design studio duringJanuary. The first of his orders for carsarrive in June. He has traveled toGermany and the Mercedes-Benz USheadquarters in New Jersey to test theMaybach, and calls it “fast, extremelyquiet, comfortable, unique, and handlesvery nicely.”

At the Chandler Maybach dealership,representative Steve Williams pointed outthat customers can enjoy the completeMaybach experience in his design studio.“A big-screen television will take buyersinto a virtual reality world that allowsthem to choose colors, fabrics, leathers,

and wood for trim and upholstery andexterior paint colors, and see them on thecar,” said Williams. “They’ll be able to seeexactly, in great detail, how their car willlook. They can feel the actual leathers,woods and swatches of fabrics I have onhand, and ‘try on’ different colors andmaterials through the image on-screen toachieve the style that reflects their ownpersonality. It’s just like commissioning ayacht. Buyers will also be able to watchthe progress of their car as it is being builtin Sindelfingen, Germany, via our videoconferencing centers.”

Williams, too, has already received afew orders, from both men and women,along with the requisite $50,000 downpayment. Favorite colors so far are a

■ The top model of this luxury brand is designated the Maybach 62, indicating its length of 6.17 meters (over 20 feet). Passengers are offered

unequalled spaciousness and seating comfort, with an aluminum, wood and glass partition that can be electrically raised and lowered, plus made

opaque at the push of a button. Overhead instruments let rear passengers keep an eye on road speed, outside temperature and time. The electro-

transparent panoramic roof is divided into two halves; the front contains 30 solar cells which drive the blower of the front climate control system,

while the sliding section is fitted with electro-luminescent foil which, at the push of a button, diffuses pleasant lighting during the evening.

Pho

tos:

Dai

mle

rChr

ysle

r

KEEP RIGHT >>

I f you want to ensure you’re drivingthe most expensive sedan in Arizona,in fact, in the entire United States,you’ll mosey along to Mercedes-Benz

of Chandler or the Phoenix MotorCompany and plunk down $350,000 fora Maybach 62 (that’s pronounced MY-bock). Or you could get the moreaffordable model, the Maybach 57,which sells for a mere $300,000.

The reincarnation of MarleneDietrich’s favorite mode of transpor-tation back in the 1920s and 1930s, the2003 Maybach—a separate brand fromMercedes-Benz under its parent,DaimlerChrysler—is the most sump-tuous, elegant, super-luxurious, extrav-agant yet conservative touring car in thecountry. It is also the most powerfulproduction sedan on the road, with a 5.5-liter, 543-horsepower, twin-turbo V12engine. The 57 model needs more thaneighteen feet of curb space to park. Thelonger wheelbase version, the Maybach

62, is twenty feet long, with a trunk thataccommodates twenty cubic feet ofluggage, or room for almost all of theDiamondbacks’ team equipment.

These magnificent steeds are not for afamily with a gaggle of teenagers. Thecars are spacious but seat just fourpeople. If you have achauffeur with the 62version, then only threepassengers can ride. Thosewho sit in the rear compart-ment of the upscale modelare the most fortunate,traveling in true style. That’sbecause the seats areseparate first-class airline-style lounge chairs that canunwind and stretch out to an almosthorizontal position. Between the seats is arefrigerator that will chill the Maybach’ssterling silver goblets. Twin televisionsets face the rear, along with two smallcoffee tables, and a 21-speaker surround-

sound DVD-CD player. If you’re crassenough to want to do business whileriding, captains of industry can use thebuilt-in fax hook-up and Internet PCconnector.

The good news for individualists whodemand exclusivity is that most people

can’t buy one and notwo will look alike,except for their silhou-ette. Fewer than fivehundred of the total onethousand built annuallyin Germany for globaldistribution will crossthe Atlantic to arrive onthese shores, and theywill all be specifically

commissioned and tailored to eachbuyer’s personal preferences.

ARIZONA’S MAYBACH DESIGN STUDIOSMercedes-Benz has created designstudios for each of the 90 or so


NEW VEHICLE : MAYBACH 62

My, my, my...Perhaps the new Maybach is headed to your garage,or maybe it’s just time for some serious window shopping...either way, this design and engineering marvel is sure to amaze.

My, my, my...Perhaps the new Maybach is headed to your garage,or maybe it’s just time for some serious window shopping...either way, this design and engineering marvel is sure to amaze.

by Jill Amadio

ten years later, built the first volume-production twelve-cylinder engine, theType 12. It was considered the pinnacle ofengineering at the time, boasting 150horsepower at 2,800 rpm. This was laterincreased to 200 hp at 3,200 rpm. Theengine was described back then as “twobanks of six cylinders forming a 60-degreeV and the cylinders in each bank offset bythe width of the big-end bearing.”Maybach used a single crank arm on theeight-bearing crankshaft to control eachpair of cylinders, a brilliant design whichmeant that effectively the V12 was able tooperate with just a 6-cylinder crankshaft.

In 1930, Karl Maybach built the largestGerman luxury limousine available, andcalled it “Zeppelin,” then in 1938 virtuallyabandoned making cars in favor ofproducing engines for tanks and assaultboats as World War II approached. By1941 not a single Maybach rolled off theassembly line.

Only 1,800 were sold between 1921and 1941, but they were all one-offindividual, hand-built models thatincluded racy two-and seven-seat coupes,

dashing cabriolets, sporty roadsters, andstately limousines, one encrusted withrubies. The instrument panel included anodometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, eight-day clock, oil pressure gauge, starterbutton, manual throttle and a choke valveactivator. Standard equipment alsoincluded two spare tires with a smallpump to inflate them, and an integratedjack for each of the Maybach’s fourwheels. Mindful that repair shops werefew and far between in those days, themanufacturer also supplied 45 tools and15 replacement parts with each new car.

Their owners could fill a celebrityWho’s Who directory: Enrico Caruso,boxing champ Max Schmeling, EthiopiaEmperor Haile Selassie, King Paul ofGreece, Princess Juliana and PrinceBernard of Holland, and the usual coterieof wealthy Indian maharajas. Today, it issaid that King Abdullah of Jordan hasordered a Maybach, although the com-pany won’t confirm its famous custo-mers; it doesn’t release names of buyersto protect their privacy.

Daimler estimates that 152 of the

original models are still around. Indeed,some show up at the prestigious PebbleBeach Concours d’Élegance from time totime. One of the more recent occasionswas in 1997 when a magnificent 1939Maybach Spohn convertible, resplendentin red exterior paintwork and chrome-accented running boards, was exhibited.

GERMANY TAKES CENTER STAGEAnd buyers need have no fear ofresponse should—gasp—their car breakdown. Whether you’re in Monte Carlo,Malibu, or the foothills of Mount Everest,you are assured of a highly qualified teamof Maybach experts ready to fly to yourside and swarm around your car, thanksto the Mercedes-Benz satellite center thatcan probably pinpoint a location on Mars.

On a final note, it is rather interestingthat the three premier and mostexpensive sedans on the road are nowfrom German companies: Rolls Roycefrom BMW, Bentley from Volkswagen,and the Maybach, although it should benoted that Bentleys are still built inCrewe, England. ■

■ Interior finishes include fine leather, discreet chrome, high-sheen switchgear, and over 100 hand-crafted wood trim parts matched by shade and grain.

■ Wood trim elements and storage compartments are generously applied throughout. An entertainment center and bar include a a refrigerator and

sterling silver champagne flutes with built-in grips. The console sprouts folding tables. Laminated three-section decorative trim is an industry first.


two-tone dark/light gray, midnight black,and white.

“The people buying these sedans arepretty conservative, and so far arechoosing traditional colors,” said Williams.

FINISHES THAT JUST WON’T QUITAmong the wood trim selection is aveined amboyna, burr walnut, and atriple-scalloped cherry. Seven sunroofoptions including a panoramic style thatswitches between opaque and clear glasscan take time to decide upon, as can allthe minutiae of the interior fittings suchas Levant Morocco, Cabretta, or Shagreen

leather, Chinese silk or Scottish tweed,and a polished metal or a gold leaf finishon the dashboard controls.

The sedan’s styling stands out more asthat of an understated, restrained, seriousmotorcar than as a glamorous machinethat costs as much as a custom-builthouse. But there’s no denying itspresence, which is underscored by itsimmoderate but elegant length. TheMaybach echoes a few design cues fromseveral different design eras, but the mostnotably nostalgic is the hallmark two-tonepaint on the body sides, bookmarked thelength of the panels by graceful chrome

trim, that was in vogue so long ago duringthe first decades of the last century.

Today, the Maybach revives thetremendous power and impressive torqueof the engine, that is capable of amaximum torque of 66-lbs-ft at 2,300rpm, and 550 hp at 5,250 rpm, whilesophisticated Daimler technologydominates the electronics inside theMaybach, particularly the complexCOMAND navigation and telematicssystem and the computerized airsuspension with which the S-Classmodels are equipped. Although fueleconomy figures are not yet available, it isdoubtful any owner will care. What mayget his/her attention more is the fact thatthe 29.1 gallon gas tank has the capacityto take you a few miles along the !-17without having to stop for gas too often,and the ten airbags that help cocoonriders from head to stern in a crash, plusthe double M emblem—for MaybachManufaktur—that adorns the hood.

ZEPPELIN AND MERCEDES TIESThe provenance of the opulent newMaybach grand touring sports sedan is sohistorically rich it brings back some of themost fascinating names in automotiveand airship history: Graf Ferdinand vonZeppelin, Gottlieb Daimler, and Wilhelmand Karl Maybach, and of pre-World WarII celebrities who bought the Maybach inits heyday.

Germany’s Wihelm Maybach (1946-1929), who studied at Lausanne andOxford universities, was a long-timecolleague of Gottlieb Daimler, and iscredited as the spiritual father of the firstMercedes, built in 1901. He thus becameknown as the King of Design. In 1909 heteamed up with Zeppelin to developpowerplants for the airships, the “ZR III”and the “Graf Zeppelin.” In 1919 he builthis namesake, the Maybach, on aMercedes chassis, with his son, Karl, who,

■ Two four-door convertible 1930 Maybach DS 7s, in front of the Friedrichshafen Zeppelin factory.

■ Close-up of the Maybach’s distinctive high-tech projection headlights.

■ The 12-cylinder 36-valve engine, rated 550 hp at 5250 rpm, carries the 7436 pound Maybach.

■ Smooth, elongated lines and elegantly modeled forms give the body a full and flowing figure.


currently being co-developed withYamaha initially for the XC90. Initial dataindicates the engine will be about 4.0-liters with 300-hp. It should competewith larger wagons built by Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.

■ Juergen Hubbert, DaimlerChrysler boardmember for Mercedes-Benz passengercars told Automotive News the companyplans to bring the Mercedes A-Classsubcompact to the North America by 2004when the second generation of the front-wheel drive sedan is built. The A-Class isslightly smaller than a Mini Cooper. It isunique because the car body sits high ontop of a rigid box-style frame. Hubbert also

said the Smart, which is about the lengthof the wheelbase of the Mini Cooper willalso be brought over in 2005.

■ Prestone has launched a new productcalled Quick Fill™, designed to maketopping off a radiator a simple task.Rather than adding antifreeze and anequivalent amount of demineralizedwater, Quick Fill is ready to usewithout mixing. It comes in aconvenient resealable plastic bottlewith the recommended 50 percentPrestone/50 percent demineralizedwater mixture.

■ BMW will not be offering an “M”version of the current 7 series sedanaccording to a Helmut Panke,chairman of the board ofmanagement of BMW AG. MotorTrend magazine says the upcoming6 series coupe will likely get the “M”modifications to the tune of a 500-hp V-10 engine.

■ Dodge had planned to build a hybridDurango SUV in 2003 with a combinedgas and electric propulsion system, butnow that has been set aside. Instead, the

Chrysler Group will build a Dodge RamHEV Contractor’s Special that uses a smallgas engine with an onboard electricgenerator to power tools.

■ Audi will bring the smaller A3 to NorthAmerica some time in 2004 according toMotor Trend magazine. TheEuropean version is availablein 3- and 5-door variations.Later there will probably be anS3 performance version mostlikely powered by the 3.2-liter241-hp VR6 engine thatpowers the Golf in Europe.

■ In addition to the upcomingsmaller BMW X3 4-door SUV,which will be built in late2003, the company isconsidering a two-door version called theCruiser. The Cruiser’s cargo area will betopped by an easy-to-operate roof madeof moving panels that will slide forward toopen the top area about three timeslarger than a typical sunroof. The tailgatewill have a power window that retractsinto the door. The system will allow thevehicle to carry taller cargo such as dirtbikes or other adult toys.

■ Ford has delayed the redesign of itssmall-size Ranger pickup to save money.The all-new wider design was originallyscheduled to debut in 2003, but that datewas moved to 2006 and may be bumpedeven further to 2008. This could poten-

tially damage sales in that marketsegment, as a new version of GM’s smalltruck is due later this year.

■ Ford is adding a small “access panel” tothe rear of the door of its 2004 regularcab F-150 pickups. The extra door will beabout one-half the size of the rear door on

an extended cab pickup, but without thewindow so it will still look like a regularcab. The reverse hinged door will be usedto make it easier for everyone fromtradesmen to luxury buyer to more easilystow things behind the seat.

■ The next generation Pontiac GrandAm sedan, which debuts in 2004, will bebased on the GM front-wheel-driveEpsilon platform. In 2005 there will be acoupe and then in 2006 a retractablehardtop version will be added.

■ The Toyota Prius is the first hybridelectric-gasoline automobile to becertified by the United States InternalRevenue Service as eligible for a $2,000clean-burning fuel tax deduction.

■ The small Infiniti G20 sedan will bediscontinued at the end of the 2002model year and will be replaced by thehighly rated G35 as the company’s entry-level model. The G20 was a front wheeldrive configuration and the G35 is a rear-wheel drive platform. This will leave theI35 (which is based on the NissanMaxima) as the only front-wheel-drivevehicle in the Infiniti lineup. The I35 isexpected to be getting all wheel drivewhen it is reconfigured in 2004.

■ General Motors has plans for a thirdand smaller Hummer, called the H3, inabout 2006. While the recently releasedH2 was based on a Tahoe/Suburbanplatform and drive train, the H3 will getits start from the midsize Trailblazerplatform/drivetrain. Plans also call for atruck version of the new H2 in 2004. Atruck bed possibly with a mid-gatesystem like the one used on the ChevroletAvalanche will replace the current rearcargo area. ■

A summary of auto news from industrysources, trade journals and consumermagazines compiled for Arizona Driver byBill & Barbara Schaffer of Auto Digest.

■ Although $113,915 may not seem likea bargain, when it comes to style andperformance, that price buys one of themost civilized and fastest cars availabletoday, the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG.

With its supercharged 493-hp V-8 engine,state-of-the-art technology and elegantstyling the price is a bargain.

■ Subaru’s performance image, alreadyupgraded thanks to the WRX, may getanother shot in the arm in 2005 when thenext generation Legacy debuts. CurrentlySubaru sells a twin-turbo version of theLegacy called the Liberty B4 outside theUS, and company officials have statedthat they expect a similar vehicle to cometo the US. The B4 is powered by a twinturbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine prod-ucing 255 hp and capable of 6.5-second 0to 62 mph times.

■ The new Mazda 6 sedan platform willalso be used for a handful of SUV-stylevehicles by the 2005 and 2006 modelyears. The 6 platform will be used for thenext-generation Ford Escape and Mazda

Tribute, along with the next-generationversion of the Land Rover Freelander. Itwill also be the basis of a new smallerVolvo XC50 and a smaller Mercury SUV.

■ Alfa Romeo plans to sell a full line ofcars in the United States again, but notuntil 2007. Previously the Italian auto-maker expected to be ready for the USmarket by 2004, but meeting US safety

and emission regulations,plus a lack of funding fortheir marketing campaign,have delayed the assault.Alfa plans to offerreplacements for existing137, 156, Spider and GTVcoupe models, plus a newfull size sport wagon.

■ As Ford kills the giantExcursion SUV after the 2003 model yearit will be adding an extended version ofthe Expedition in a manner similar tohow Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMCYukon/Yukon XL are marketed.

■ The all-new 2003 Honda Pilot and2003 Acura MDX are the first midsizesport utility vehicles ever to earn theFederal government’s top Five Star safetyrating for the driver, front passenger andrear seat passengers in both front- andside-impact crash tests, according to theNational Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration (NHTSA).

■ John DeLorean, who became famousfor the Pontiac GTO in the 1960s and thegull-winged sports car bearing his namein the early ’80s (among other things), isback in the specialty manufacturingbusiness. This time, DeLorean is starting

by selling $3500 stainless steelwatches with the company’s DMC2name boldly emblazoned across thewatch face. Each of the timepieces isreportedly engraved with a numberthat puts the owner in line topurchase one of the new hot rod carsDeLorean plans to bring to market inabout three years. The newDeLoreans are expected to sell for a

little under $1 million each.

■ Look for a high-performance version ofthe all-new Hummer H2 and perhaps ofother models. The faster H2 will be pat-

terned after the BMW M series andMercedes-Benz AMG vehicles. It’sexpected to be priced in the low $60,000range (current H2 models are pricedaround $50,000), and it will also havemore luxury features.

■ Lexus is expected to offer a V-8version of its highly regarded IS 300(probably to be called the IS 430). The CarConnection website has shown photos ofa prototype being tested on the

Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. Thephoto shows wider front and rear fenders,additional air intakes, a rear spoiler andbigger wheels. The car also has a largesingle exhaust running down the centerof the chassis. Horsepower would likelybe in the 320 hp range. Lexus, however,has not yet mentioned the car.

■ Volvo is working on plans for a largeflagship wagon called the V90. If it getsapproval it will likely be a 2006 modelwith an available 32-valve V-8, which is

THE INSIDE TRACK: BRIEFS & RUMORS


Pho

tos:

Mer

ced

es-B

enz

Pho

tos:

Ford

Mot

or C

omp

any

Pho

tos:

Gen

eral

Mot

ors

Pho

tos:

Lexu

s

Pho

to:D

aim

lerC

hrys

ler

Pho

to:A

udi A

G

Pho

to:I

nfin

iti


Of national interestMOTOR MUSEUMS

Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village20900 Oakwood Blvd. • Dearborn MI 48124www.hfmgv.com • 313-271-1620

Imperial Palace Auto Collections(see Nevada listings)

Motorcycle Hall of Fame MuseumPickerington OH 43147www.motorcyclemuseum.org • 614-856-2222

National Automobile Museum(see Nevada listings)

National Corvette Museum350 Corvette Drive • Bowling Green KY 42101www.corvettemuseum.com • 800-53VETTE

Petersen Automotive Museum(see California listings)

Shelby American Collection(see Colorado listings)

ArizonaATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

Chiricahua State ParkHCR 2, Box 6500 • Willcox AZ 85643520-824-3560

Grand Canyon National ParkPO Box 129 • Grand Canyon AZ 86023923-638-7888 Visitor Info Recorded Message

Lake Havasu State Park699 London Bridge Dr. • Lake Havasu AZ 86403928-855-2784

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument10 Organ Pipe Drive • Ajo AZ 85321-9626520-387-6849 Visitor Information

Petrified Forest National ParkPO Box 2217Petrified Forest National Park AZ 86028928-524-66228 Visitor Information

Saguaro National Park3693 South Old Spanish Trail520-733-5153 Visitor Info Rincon Mtn District

Sport Compact Drag RacingEvery thursday at Firebird Racewaywww.dragracing.com/phx

Wupatki National MonumentFlagstaff Area National Monuments6400 N. Hwy 89 • Flagstaff AZ 86004928-679-2365 Visitor Information928-526-1157 Visitor Information, HQ

CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

Palm Desert Visitor Information Center72-990 Highway 111 • Palm Desert CA 92260800-873-2428 • www.palm-desert.org

MOTOR MUSEUMS

Petersen Automotive Museum6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax) • LA CA 90036323-930-CARS • www.petersen.org

ColoradoATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

Colorado Activity Centers, Inc.737 N. Tenmile Drive - Suite 35PO Box 129 • Frisco CO 80443800-777-8642 • 970-668-5259www.coloradoinfo.com

MOTOR MUSEUMS

Shelby American Collection5020 Chaparral CourtPO Box 19228 • Boulder CO 80308-2228www.shelbyamericancollection.org303-516-9565

NevadaATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

Las Vegas Tourism Bureau6120 W. Tropicana Ave. • Las Vegas NV www.lasvegastourism.com

MOTOR MUSEUMS

Imperial Palace Auto CollectionsFifth floor parking facility of Imperial Palace.702-794-3174www.imperialpalace.com/auto.html

National Automobile MuseumThe Harrah Collection10 Lake Street South • Reno NV 89501775-333-9300 • www.automuseum.org

New MexicoATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

New Mexico Department of Tourism800-733-6396 x 0643 • www.newmexico.org

Santa Fe Chamber of CommercePO Box 1928 • Santa Fe NM 875048380 Cerrillos Rd. Suite 302 • Santa Fe NM 87507505-983-7317 • www.santafechamber.com

RESORTS / LODGING

Inn on La Loma Plaza315 Ranchitos Road • Box 4159 • Taos NM 87571800-530-3040 • www.VacationTaos.com

Inn on the Alameda303 East Alameda • Santa Fe NM 87501505-984-21221 • www.innonthealameda.com

UtahATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

San Juan County Tourism117 S. Main Street • Monticello UT 84535800-574-4386 • www.southeastutah.org

Southern Utah Scenic ToursPO Box 1113 • Cedar City UT 84720888-404-8687 • www.utahscenictours.com

RESORTS / LODGING

Desert Rose Inn & Cabins701 W. Highway 191 • Bluff UT 84512888-475-7673 • www.DesertRoseInn.com

MexicoRESORTS / LODGING

Puerto Peñasco Mexico OnlineBeachfront home rentals in Rocky Point.623-935-0507 • www.puerto-penasco.com

ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

Baja California State Tourism OfficeBlvd. Diaz Ordaz s/nEdificio Plaza Patria Nivel 3CP 22400 Tijuana BC(66) 81-9492

Chihuahua State Tourism OfficeCalle Libertad No. 1300Edificio Agustin Melgar, 1er PisoCP 31000 Chihuahua, Chihuahua(14) 29-3421

Sinaloa State Tourism OfficeAv. Camarón Sabalo esq. TiburonEdificio Banrural 4 PisoCP 82100 Mazatlán, Sinaloa(69) 16-5160

Sonora State Tourism OfficeCentro de GobiernoEdificio Estatal Norte 3er NivelComonfort y Paseo RíoCP 83280 Hermosillo, Sonora(62) 17-0076

Information is derived from a variety of sourcesand may not be final or accurate; check all info.Listings represent no specific affiliation with nor endorsement by Arizona Driver magazine.

D E S T I N A T I O N D I R E C T O R Y

Catch Spring Training Fever!modernerabaseball.com presents its popular 2003 Spring Training Travel Guide.

Updated annually, this useful .pdf guide features hundreds oflinks and personal recommendations for hotels and

attractions, airline and rental car info, plus details onseating, ticketing and the history of each Spring Training

facility. The guide can be purchased exclusively onlinefor $16.99 as an easy-to-use email attachment.

Plan your spring training road trips now!

www.modernerabaseball.com


UPCOMING FEATURES

■ HKS USA took four fine tuners and tuned ’em good for the annual SEMA show. Included are a Ford Focus ZX3 at 305-plus hp, a 245 hp supercharged Hyundai Tiburon,a Mazda Miata turbo-cranked up to 235 hp, and a Subaru WRX with a mind-blowing 385 hp. Each car is totally done up, including ICE (in-car electronics) and styling details.

HKS FORD FOCUS ZX3 HKS HYUNDAI TIBURON HKS MAZDA MIATA HKS SUBARU WRX

HKS TUNER COMPARO

INSURANCE AND OTHER QUESTIONS...

HEADING SOUTH?

■ It’s a lot of fun to have Mexican beach resorts just a couple of hours’ drive from the Arizona line, but have you actually made the trip? If not, you probably have the usualquestions about insurance, laws, whether to even bring your own vehicle or perhaps rent one. Your trip should be a blast... but first, we’ll try to clear up a few issues.

SMA H2 : SMA H1 :SMA H2 : SEMA GM DESIGN AWARD “BEST SUV” SMA H1 : FOLLOWING IN THE TRACKS OF THE H2

AWARD-WINNING SMA H2 MATCHED WITH NEW H1

■ At the world-renowned SEMA show at Las Vegas in November, SMA of Scottsdale took home the General Motors design award for best SUV vehicle. SMA received thestock 2003 Hummer H2 in August of 2002 and quickly began its transformation. The H2 was outfitted with an SMA Heavy Duty Brushguard, Swing-away spare tire carrier,SMA interior and exterior billet aluminum kit, SMA Exhaust, supercharger, custom brake rotors and brake pads, and a variety of other products. SMA’s next project: the H1.

PRESENTS:

S C O T T S D A L E

THE WORLD’S GREATEST CLASSIC CAR AUCTION

1970 PLYMOUTH SUPERBIRD20,000 miles from new.

1929 FORD “ALUMATRUCK”Latest Boyd Coddington project.

1967 SHELBY GT500 E FASTBACKFirst authorized ‘Eleanor’ series.

1957 JAGUAR XK SS CONVERTIBLEVIN# XKSS 719

B A R R E T T- J A C K S O N A U C T I O N C O M PA N YT E L : 4 8 0 . 4 2 1 . 6 6 9 4 FA X : 4 8 0 . 4 2 1 . 6 6 9 7 W E B : W W W. B A R R E T T- J A C K S O N . C O M

3 0 2 0 N S C O T T S D A L E R D , S C O T T S D A L E , A R I Z O N A 8 5 2 5 1

JANUARY 15-19, 20 03WESTWORLD • SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

AUCTION OF 800 CLASSIC, COLLECTOR, SPORTS CARS AND HOT RODS WITH AN UNPRECEDENTED NUMBER OF CARS OFFERED AT ‘NO RESERVE’.

JANUARY 2002 AUCTION RESULTS - 87% CARS SOLD AND $26.9 MILLION IN SALES.

FOR BIDDER REGISTRATION, CONTACT:

NO RESERVE NO RESERVE NO RESERVE

shelby g.t.500e ‘eleanor’ mustang - arizona...

Documents