New Car Specifications Explained What do all those numbers mean to the car buyer? Automotive Design Mr. Graves

Body Styles Sedans – the typical “family” car Coupes – sportier 2 – door models Hatchbacks – sedan with extra cargo space Station Wagon – large hatchback Van – higher station wagon Light Truck – cab and bed SUV – truck and sedan

Drive Wheels Front-Wheel-Drive – (fwd) more traction, better winter driving Rear-Wheel-Drive – (rwd) better dry road performance, fun All-Wheel-Drive – (awd) power to all wheels. Best in rain, snow and sand

Seats Shows how many adults can be accommodated. Not always represented as comfortably accommodated. Often seeing “comfortable for short journeys”

Trunk Space Expressed in cubic feet, these numbers should be used for comparison. It’s difficult for the average consumer to visualize 7 cubic feet.

Weight GVW gross vehicle weight Weight is of utmost importance in determining performance and fuel economy. – Lighter cars save on fuel. – Performance is judged by “power-to-weight ratio” More power with less weight transfers to improved performance.

Wheelbase The distance between the center of the front wheels and center of the back wheels, when viewed from the side. Longer wheelbase usually means a better ride

Engine Size Number of cylinders 3,4,5,6,8,10 Described in CID – cubic inch displacement, or liter displacement Size usually translates to power

Transmission Typical – 4 speed automatic 5 and 6 speed automatics are currently on upper end vehicles Sporty vehicles offer 4 or 5 speed manual transmissions CVT (continuously- variable-transmission) Has no gears – belt driven – provides the best performance and economy at all speeds

Brakes Disk brakes – run cooler and provide better performance – more expensive. Drum brakes – cheaper but not as efficient in performance. ABS anti-lock brakes prevent brakes form “locking-up” causing a loss of vehicle control.

Airbags Driver, passenger, and side impact airbags protect passengers in the event of a collision. T-boning and rollover accidents have made side impact airbags almost standard today. Airbags are only helpful if all passengers in the vehicle are wearing seatbelts.

Fuel Economy Government EPA – Environmental Protection Agency estimates in perfect conditions. These estimates should be used for comparison, but may not accurately reflect actual mileage

Warranty Protection from manufacturers defects. Preventive maintenance is the responsibility of the car owner. Power train warranty covers the engine, transmission and all engine-to-drive-wheel components.

Starting Price Represents the lowest available price a vehicle model can be purchased for. Add-on packages and options can add as much as 60% to a vehicles final cost. Nissan Sets Starting Price of All-New Z at $26,269 (1/20/2002 2:15:18 PM) Customer Pre-Order System In Place For Deliveries Starting in August Nissan today announced that pricing for its all-new Z® sports car, which goes on sale this August, will start at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,269 (excluding destination and handling). The new Z® is being displayed at major North American auto shows, beginning this week in Detroit and Los Angeles. The new Z® coupe will be offered in five well-equipped models, including an Enthusiast Model, Touring Model, Performance Model and Track Model. Two of the models are available for under $30,000, while the top equipment package, the Track Model, lists at $34,079.

In review Body styles Drive Wheels Seats Trunk Space Weight Wheelbase Engine Size Transmission Brakes Airbags Fuel Economy Warranty Starting Price