New Mustang really gallops

Associated Press

CHICAGO – Declaring “the venom is back in the Cobra,” Ford Motor Co. on Thursday took the wraps off the 390-horsepower 2003 SVT Mustang Cobra during a media preview at the Chicago Auto Show.

Both a coupe and convertible version of the sports car will go on sale this summer. Pricing hasn’t yet been set, but Ford division president Jim O’Connor said it will be under $35,000.

The SVT Mustang Cobra features a 4.6-liter double overhead cam V8 engine that can launch the car from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds.

Ford also showed off an SVT version of the Focus that goes on sale this summer for under $18,000.

Kia Motors America introduced its new sport utility vehicle, the 2003 Sorento. Larger than the Sportage, the Sorento seats five and is available in two- and four-wheel drive.

“This is a signal to the public the company is moving forward, a mainline competitor,” said Peter Butterfield, Kia executive vice president and chief operating officer.

The Sorento is designed to compete with the Ford Escape and Jeep Liberty and will be priced “competitively,” Butterfield said.

General Motors Corp. unveiled three new versions of Pontiac models, including the Grand Prix G-Force. The G-Force shown in Chicago is the basis for the new production version that will go on sale in about a year. It sports an upgraded chassis, wider stance and StabiliTrak vehicle stability control system.

Under the hood is a powerful supercharged engine that produces 280 horsepower and 280 foot pounds of torque.

“The G-Force shows the evolving direction for Pontiac,” said Robert Lutz, chairman of the GM North America division.

A special limited edition Bonneville will go on sale next year. Named the Bonneville G/XP, the car went from drawing board to reality in less than four months, said Pontiac-GMC general manager Lynn Myers.

The car is painted in a tricoat “dark Argentinian blue” finish, has smoked headlight and taillight lenses, and an integrated flush-mounted spoiler.

The Bonneville G/XP is powered by a supercharged V6 engine that produces up to 270 horsepower.

The 2003 Pontiac Sunfire represents an extreme makeover for the compact car. It has a new front end, giving it a more aerodynamic appearance, a new rear end and a 60/40 split fold rear seat.