* Chrysler says it is close to building a plastic car body made from beverage-bottle plastic (PET). The body parts can be made large enough to reduce the present 80 parts for a typical car body to six. Additionally, the plastic could halve the price of a car and would require no paint.

* Greater fuel efficiency is a common R&D theme for the Big Three at this year's show. GM unveiled several prototypes of mid-sized cars that would get 60 to 80 miles per gallon and said that one of the designs would be ready for mass production in 2001 and another by 2004. Ford is displaying a mid-sized sedan weighing just 2,000 pounds -- 1,300 less than a similar Ford Taurus, while Chrysler is showing off its latest design for a car powered by both diesel and electricity.

* Manufacturers' Model News (alphabetical):

Overview: What's new Buick is showing off its Signia concept vehicle at the auto show, but the automaker introduces no new models this year. The Skylark is no longer being sold to retail customers, although it will be offered this year to fleet buyers and then eliminated. A new dealer-installed option on all models is GM's OnStar communications system, which combines a voice-activated cellular phone with emergency and navigational data, plus travel support. OnStar notifies the message center if airbags deploy, or if the car appears to have been stolen.

Century: A year after its overhaul, the mid-size sedan gets reduced-force air bags and three new body colors. The 4T65E automatic transmission, with electronically-controlled capacity clutch -- designed to improve fuel economy and provide smoother shifting -- is now standard on both the LS and GS models. The GS adds a rear-window antenna and a six-way power driver's seat.

Regal: The same automatic transmission that's in the Century is now standard on the lower-priced LS version as well as the GS. Like the Century, the GS version of the Regal also adds a six-way power driver's seat and a rear-window radio antenna.

LeSabre: Cruise control is now standard on both the Custom and Limited sedans. Limiteds get optional heated mirrors. A new 4T65E four-speed automatic transmission, with electronically-controlled capacity clutch, becomes standard.

Riviera: A supercharged engine, formerly an option, now becomes standard, along with leather bucket seats, six-way power seats, a six-speaker CD/cassette stereo system, heated mirrors, and front/rear temperature control. Alterations also have been made in the steering and suspension.

Park Avenue: Folding power mirrors become standard. The supercharged Park Avenue Ultra also gets heated, electrochromic-dimming mirrors, a new passenger-side mirror that tilts down to aid parallel parking, and a new convenience console which includes a center armrest, dual cupholders, flip-up writing surface, and dual power outlets.

Overview: The Seville has been redesigned inside and out. Now built on GM's G-body platform, the Seville has a more robust structure and a more spacious cabin. Other improvements include an upgraded Northstar V-8 engine with 300 and 275 horsepower for the STS and SLS; continuously variable, fast-acting shock absorbers; an all-speed traction-control system; 4-channel anti-lock brakes and the latest edition of an acclaimed stability-control system. Also, the STS introduces Performance Algorithm Shifting, which controls the transmission as a professional driver driving a manual transmission would during performance maneuvers.

Cadillac introduces a new family of radios, all equipped with Theftlock. Some have a radio data system, which enables the user to tune to a station by program type, view song titles and artists' names, hear emergency broadcasts in situations in which the radio interrupts the CD or cassette player, check pager messages, view stock quotes, sports results, directions, or other information, and switch to alternate frequencies for continuous reception of network programming on long trips. Anti-lockout, which keeps drivers from inadvertently locking their keys in the car, has been upgraded.

Eldorado: Gets heated seats as a standard feature; "curb view," which tilts the passenger side mirror downward when the car is in reverse, to give the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers; and improvements in the electronic compass feature.

DeVille Concours: Customer personalization feature has been made more user-friendly. The Concours now has a standard 3,000 lbs. towing capacity and newly designed 16-inch wheels, available in cast aluminum or optional chrome. Curb view (see above) is standard on the DeVille Concours and Deville d'Elegance, and optional on the DeVille.

Catera: Has a newly combined anti-lock brake and traction control system, anti-lockout enhancements, a three-point lap/shoulder belt for the center rear passenger, and an optional electrically activated power rear sunshade for the rear window. Another option is OnStar, an elaborate in-vehicle communications system that combines cellular phone service with an array of safety, security and convenience services.

Overview: The first of GM's new generation of pickups -- successors to the top-selling C/K trucks -- makes its worldwide debut at the auto show: the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado. It feeatures rounded corners, a larger and more comfortable cabin, improvements in the frame and cab, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and more powerful engines with smaller displacement. The trucks go on sale in the fall, in regular-cab and extended-cab versions. A third door is standard on extended-cab models. All of the Geo models are now called Chevrolets, and one of them, the Prizm, has been redesigned. The Blazer sport-ute also has undergone a makeover. The compact Cavalier drops its LS convertible in favor of a smaller, sportier Cavalier Z24 convertible.

Astro: The minivan adds GM's Passlock theft-deterrent system as standard equipment.

Blazer: The redesigned compact sport-utility now has dual airbags, the Passlock anti-theft system and an integral step rear bumper.

Camaro: Chevrolet adds even more power and speed for 1998, giving the Camaro Z28 a 5.7-liter V-8 Corvette LS1 engine that produces 305 horsepower (320 in the SS model), along with new front-end styling. Four-wheel disc brakes become standard on all models, along with second generation air bags, a theft deterrent system and body-colored door handles. The RS model has been eliminated; the SS model continues, but with interim availability during the model year; the Z28 models get a black roof. White leather interior is available in all models.

Cavalier: A new Z24 convertible has replaced the LS convertible in an effort to attract more young buyers. Cruise control becomes standard on the RS, LS, and Z24; power windows and remote keyless entry are no longer available on base cars. Second generation airbags debut on all models.

Corvette: Redesigned last year, the fifth-generation Corvette is available in 1998 as a convertible, too, with a manually operated top.

Crew Cab: The full-size pickup gains a standard theft deterrent system and a different tailgate lettering. The Sport package has been dropped.

Lumina: The On-Star mobile communications system is a dealer-installed option. Second generation air bags become standard. A new LTZ sport sedan model gets a 200-horsepower 3800 V6 engine and machine-faced aluminum wheels.

Malibu: Aluminum wheels have been revised on the mid-size sedan, and a sunroof can be ordered. Leather trim is a new option on the LS. Monte Carlo: The Z34 model of the mid-size coupe gets a new 200-horsepower 3800 V6 engine and new wheels.

Prizm: Redesigned for 1998, the Chevrolet Prizm has larger, 120-horsepower engine, optional side airbags, second-generation front air bags, and an optional handling package for LSi models consisting of larger tires and a front stabilizer bar.

S10: The compact pickup shows a restyled front end, sporting a hefty horizontal chrome bar and thin, wide headlights. The rear bumper also has been redesigned, along with the interior, which has dual, second-generation airbags, new radios, automatic headlight control, and a theft deterrent system. Four-wheel-drive models now have 4-wheel disc brakes.

Suburban: Chevy's jumbo utility vehicle gains an automatic four-wheel drive system, a standard theft deterrent system, optional heated seats, and less-forceful second generation airbags. Tahoe: A theft deterrent system becomes standard on the sport-ute. A new optional four-wheel drive system called Autotrac switches from 2WD to 4WD automatically as conditions warrant. A new option package includes heated seats and heated exterior mirrors.

Tracker: The main difference is it's called a Chevrolet Tracker now, not a Geo. The Lsi models have been dropped, although an LSi equipment package is available on base models. Second generation airbags are standard. An all-new design is expected next year.

Venture: The minivans get side-impact airbags, power rear window vents, a wider variety of dual door models, an optional power sliding door on regular wheelbase vans, and an optional OnStar mobile communications system.

Overview: Chrysler unveils two full-size production sedans, the high-performance 300M and the luxurious LHS. The LHS will serve as Chrysler's North American flagship, while the 300M is destined mainly for export markets. Both cars will have a new overhead-cam 250-horsepower 3.5-liver V-6 engine. Three new concept vehicles also are expected, including a new high-tech Intrepid ESX 2, a successor to the l ESX concept car; an ultra-luxury V-12 sedan called Chronos; a hybrid utility vehicle called Jeepster; and a topless roadster called the Pronto Spyder. The dramatically redesigned 1998 Chrysler Concorde is roomier, smoother, quieter, more comfortable and more powerful than its predecessor. Two new V-6 engines are available: a 2.7-liter that produces 200 horsepower, and a 3.2 liter that produces 225 horsepower.

Cirrus: Chrysler has pared down its compact sedan line, dropping the four-cylinder models. The Cirrus comes only in an LXi model for 1998, with a V-6 engine.

Sebring: The convertible gets optional all-disc brakes with traction control, and a "Smart Key" immobilizer is available.

Town & Country: The minivans now have a 3.8-liter engine (except those sold in California, Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut, which have a lower-emission 3.3-liter engine.

Voyager: Four-speed automatic transmission is now available with the 3.0-liter V-6 minivan. A Quad Command left seat becomes optional this year, tilting forward for easier access to the rear. Mechanical lumbar adjustment is optional on the low-back bucket seats.

Breeze: In mid-1997 the Breeze began offering a more powerful 2.4-liter engine, producing 150 horsepower. Paired with four-speed automatic transmission, it's an option for the 1998s. The base models have a 2.0 liter engine with either manual or automatic transmission. A new engine mount system has reduced noise. An "Expresso" decor package adds items such as 14-inch wheel covers, fascia accent colors, and an AM/FM cassette radio. A power sunroof is now optional.

Neon: A structural oil plan has been added to reduce rattle in the chassis. A new ignition key lock has been added, plus four new colors. A new "Style" version of the subcompact will be available later in the year.

Overview: Introduced last fall, the 1998 Durango mid-size sport-utility vehicle shares parts and styling cues with two Dodge trucks, the smaller Dakota and the larger Ram pickup. Early vehicles are equipped with either a 5.2-liter or 5.9-liter V-8, which boosts trailer-towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. In January, Dodge will add a Durango SLT 4x4 with a smaller 175-horsepower 3.9-liter V-6. Four-speed automatic transmission is standard; part-time or full-time four-wheel drive is optional. The Durango can be ordered with third-row seats and accommodations for up to eight. Like the Chrysler Concorde, the Dodge Intrepid sedan is totally redesigned for 1998, although its exterior isn't quite as audacious as its sibling's. The front end includes dramatically-shaped headlamps and an aluminum hood; the rear end bears a resemblance to the ESX show car. Two new V-6 engines are available: a 2.7-liter that develops 200 horsepower, and a 3.2-liter, 225 horsepower. A deep trunk increases the volume over last year's Intrep

id by about 2.5 cubic feet. On the interior, white-faced gauges distinguish the Intrepid from the Concorde. All Chrysler products are equipped with "Next

Generation" less-forceful air bags.

Avenger: The ES version of the compact coupe has a new optional "Sport" package, new 16-inch aluminum wheels and a rear sway bar to improve handling. Interior fabrics are offered in all trim models.

Caravan, Grand Caravan: The largest of the four engines offered with the minivans -- the 3.8 liter V-6 -- now produces 180 horsepower instead of 166. Four-speed automatic transmission now is available with thhe 3.0-liter V-6. e. Rear-seat mounted grocery bag hooks have been added, plus a driver's-side easy-entry Quad seat.

Dakota: A new, sporty Dakota R/T pickup will be introduced this spring, It will have a 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 engine, sport bucket seats, a sport-tuned suspension and new wheels. The passenger air bag can now be deactivated in all Dakotas, regular and extended-cab. Neon: A new R/T Group option includes a new sport fascia with fog lamps, racing stripes, sport suspension, sport-tuned engine controller, 14-inch wheel covers, four-wheel disc brakes, and Tango interior fabric. A structural oil plan has been added to reduce rattle in the subcompact's chassis.

Ram: The Ram Quad Cab becomes the first pickup with two rear access doors. All Rams get a redesigned interior, a cutoff switch for the passenger-side air bag, and front seat belts integrated into the front seats, to allow better rear access.

Stratus: A 2.4-liter engine with automatic transmission is now standard on the ES sedan, which also gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. A power sunroof becomes available. Noise-reduction improvements include structural changes to the oil pan and transmission case, molded door silencers, and the addition of a cowl screen.

Overview: Ford is previewing its upcoming four-door pickup trucks, due to be phased in over the next year: the 1998¾ Ford Ranger SuperCab, 1999 Ford F-150 SuperCab and 1999 Ford F-SuperDuty SuperCab. The extended-cab models will offer more legroom. A concept version of a new compact sport-utility vehicle targeted for 2000 also will be shown. The Ford Escort ZX2, a successor to the Escort GT, has a 2.0 liter twin-cam four-cylinder engine that makes 130 horsepower paired with five-speed manual transmission. (That's 20 more horsepower than the regular Escort.) A sport package adds bigger 15-inch aluminum wheels and tires, rear spoiler, fog lamps and chrome exhaust tip. Four metallic colors are exclusive to the ZX2.

The SVT Contour is an affordable compact sport sedan for would-be BMW owners. (SVT stands for Ford's Special Vehicle Team.) Ford designed this car to appeal to young men, with throaty exhaust noise, five-speed manual transmission, upgraded suspension, 16-inch Goodyear GS-C radials mounted on five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels, perforated-leather seats and complicated instrument panel. It has a modified twin-cam 2.5-liter Duratec V-6 engine. Three 1997 models have been dropped: the Aspire minicar, the rear-drive Aerostar minivan, the Probe sport coupe. A fourth model, the venerable Thunderbird, won't be available in 1998, but it likely will reappear in a new guise in a year or two.

Club Wagon, Econoline: The full-size vans have new interior and exterior packages. Three engine choices are available, and Ford says it will introduce a natural gas version of the 5.4-liter V-8 later this year.

Contour: The first of the redesigned 1998 models were introduced in the spring of 1997, so Ford has dubbed the ones coming off the line now as 1998.5 Contours. The model line has been pared down to two versions, the base LX and the performance-boosted SE. Legroom has been increased by two inches.

Crown Victoria: The full-size sedan gets a formal roofline this year, identical to that of the Mercury Grand Marquis. Improvements have been made to steering and handling, and the option list has been pared down.

Escort: Ford makes few changes on the heels of significant improvements to the 1997 models. The Escort is available as a coupe, sedan or wagon.

Expedition: No changes in the big sport-ute after last year's successful introduction. A minor facelift is likely for 1999.

Mustang: New standard equipment includes air conditioning, power window and door locks and premium sound. GT models get a more powerful 4.6 liter V-8 engine. Expect more significant changes in 1999 and a redesign in 2002.

Taurus: The midsize sedan and station wagon have a slightly different shape in the front end. Fewer options are offered.

Windstar: Ford widens the driver's door and adjusts the driver's seat as a stop-gap measure for buyers who want passenger access from the left side. The 1999 Windstar will have a fourth door. A new top-of-the-line Limited model has larger tires, fog lights, chrome grille surround, high capacity air conditioning, auxiliary heater, overhead console premium sound system, leather bucket seats, power lumbar support for front passenger, and other features.

Overview: This spring, both the Jimmy and its larger sport-ute stablemate, the Yukon, will introduce new, upscale models under different names. The Jimmy's fancy version will be called Envoy, featuring leather trim and a restyled instrument panel. The upsale Yukon is called the Denali. The redesigned 1999 Sierra pickup will be unveiled at the auto show.

Jimmy: The front bumper, grille, and headlights have been redesigned, along with the side cladding. . All-wheel drive is no longer available. All models acquire four-wheel disc brakes. The interior also has been overhauled, with improved climate controls and dual second-generation air bags, plus a cutoff switch for the passenger side air bag. Premium sound systems are available.

Safari: The rear-wheel-drive minivan gains a theft deterrent system and a new automatic transmission.

Savana: GMC's full-size van gets more more power for the optional diesel engine, a theft deterrent system, a new steering wheel with a mini-module airbag, and seat belt comfort guides for the rear seats. The transmission has been adjusted to reduce noise levels. Five sound systems are offered, and the uplevel sound systems have been improved.

Sierra: A theft deterrent system and second-generation air bags are standard. The extended cab versions get rear heater ducts, and the diesel engines acquire more power and torque. A redesign of the full-size pickup is due in 1999.

Sonoma: The compact pickup gets a modest overhaul inside and out, producing a sleeker profile and better passenger comfort and ergonomics. Towing capacity has been increased, and a center cutout in the rear bumpers improves access to the cargo bed. New standard equipment includes dual second-generation air bags (with a cutoff switch on the passenger side), four-wheel disc brakes on 4WD models, and uplevel stereo systems.

Suburban: New standard equipment on the big truck-ute includes the PassLock theft deterrent system, a power driver's seat, electrochromic rearview mirror, carpeted floor mats and cargo area mat, and automatic four-wheel drive on K-series models.

Yukon: The two-door model has been discontinued. New standard equipment includes a power driver's seat, a theft-deterrent system, an electrochromic rearview mirror, and a new automatic 4WD system on K-series models. A rear seat air conditioning system is optional, as is a Luxury Convenience Package that includes heated seats, heated exterior mirrors, a power passenger seat, and a HomeLink transmitter.

Overview: The Jeep Jeepster concept vehicle has an electronically controlled adjustable suspension that raises or lowers the vehicle four inches for on-road or off-road driving. The Grand Cherokee gains a powerful top-of-the-line version called the 5.9 Limited. The Cherokee adds two new models, the Limited and the Classic. The Wrangler is touting revised gearing with a higher rear axle ratio.

Grand Cherokee: Jeep boasts that the new 5.9 Limited is the world's fastest sport-utility, powered by a 5.9 litre V8 that delivers 245 horsepower and 345 pound-feet of torque. The 5.9 Limited joins the Laredo, the Limited and an options-loaded "Special Edition" Laredo in the Grand Cherokee series. Safety features include heated side mirrors, electrochromic mirrors that automatically dim to reduce nighttime glare, and high-strength steel side-guard door beams.

Cherokee: The Limited trim model comes with leather interior, a power equipment package and an overhead console; the Classic comes with aluminum wheels, roof rack and all-terrain tires. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the SE and the Sport; a three-speed automatic transmission is optional on 2WD SE models, and four-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Classic and Limited. The SE's standard engine is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder; the other models feature a 4.0 litre Power Tech I-6 engine. Wrangler: The rugged off-road classic comes in three models: the SE, with a 2.5 litre 4-cylinder engine; and the Sport and Saraha, which have the Cherokee's 4.0L Power Tech I-6 engine. For added off-road strength, the Dana 44-3 rear axle with 3.73:1 ratio is optional on Sport and Sahara. A new dual-top option allows buyers to order a hardtop, a soft top and full doors together.

Eagle: The lone Eagle for 1998 is the Talon sports coupe, available in four trim models. A new black and gray interior has been added this year. A new four-speaker CD/cassette player is now optional on the ESi, and 200-horsepower all-wheel drive is available in the top-of-the-line TSi Turbo AWD. The Eagle nameplate will disappear altogether in 1999.

Overview: The Town Car is re-designed to appeal to more younger buyers. The Continental also has undergone extensive revisions inside and out. Lincoln already has a hot-seller on its hands for 1998: The new luxury sport-utility vehicle the Navigator, launched last summer with an extensive ad campaign.

Continental: The redesigned, front-wheel-drive Continental has a sleeker profile, a new console, upgraded traction control and upgraded engine electronic control. New reflector-style headlamps have been added, and radio controls are now on the steering wheel. The cockpit sports bird's eye maple trim and leather upholstery, while the seats have a power lumbar adjustment. They've added two cupholders in the rear and an optional mobile cellular phone with a hands-free feature. The twin-cam 4.6-liter V-8 produces 260 horsepower.

Town Car: This year a smaller, shapelier Town Car debuts with lines that hint of Jaguar and Bentley. But it's still a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan that can seat six comfortably. Among the standard equipment is a steering wheel with audio and climate controls, dual exhaust, solar tinted glass, 16-inch aluminum wheels, heated outside power mirrors, rear window defroster, concealed antenna, chrome grille and body molding, memory seats and mirrors, and heated front seats. The 4.6-liter V-8 produces 205 horsepower. Safety features include dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, antitheft system, traction control. The top-of-the-line $42,500 Cartier Town Car edition adds chrome strips on the exterior and Cartier emblems on the door handles. There's also a Signature Touring Sedan, which adds dual exhaust and, like the Cartier, increases the horsepower to 220. The Executive version of the Town Car features 16-inch gear tooth aluminum wheels.

Navigator: Lincoln's full-size sport-ute shares many of the best attributes of its cousins, the Ford Expedition and the Ford F-150. The four-wheel-drive Navigator is today's largest sport-ute, seating seven. The 5.4 liter V-8 engine provides 230 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. An air suspension system produces a smoother ride. Standard features include a built-in towing package and running boards. Inside, there are bucket seats in the second row with their own console; a third row bench seat; a separate climate control module for rear seat passengers; a steering wheel trimmed with tulipwood; thicker carpeting than the Expedition, and more sound-deadening insulation. A two-wheel drive model also is available.

Mark VIII: The rear-wheel-drive, luxury sports coupe was redesigned in 1997 and is largely unchanged for 1998. Powered by a 4.6-liter, 280-horsepower InTech V-8 engine, the Mark VIII uses 4-speed automatic transmission. The LSC model boosts the horsepower to 290 and adds a sport-tuned suspension and aluminum wheels. Standard features include automatic climate control, a JBL audio system, leather upholstery, 6-way power front seats, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The LSC upgrades with sport-tuned suspension, painted cast aluminum wheels, and a body-color grille. Options include a power moonroof, a trunk-mounted CD changer, heated seats and a cellular phone that enables the user to display call information on the dash.

The 1999 Mercury Cougar: The 1999 Cougar, a four-seat sports coupe, is being introduced, based on the platform used for the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique. It is the first car in North America to feature Ford's New Edge design, using hard lines to define the otherwise sculpted body. The Cougar will be available in 4- and 6-cylinder powertrains with either manual or automatic transmission. In the meantime, there will be no 1998 version of the

Cougar; the 1999 edition will be built in Flat Rock.

Mountaineer: Mercury's sport-utility vehicle gets a new grille designed to distinguish it from the Ford Explorer. The liftgate design also is new. The standard engine is a 205-horsepower 4.0-liter V6. On models with the optional all-wheel drive system, a 5.0-liter V8 producing 215 horsepower is available. Automatic transmission is standard, as well as dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, running boards, fog lights and a luggage rack. Leather interior is optional.

Mystique: The '98 Mystique adds more rear-seat space and new integrated cup holders on the full console. The more luxurious sibling to the Ford Contour comes in three models: base, GS, and LS. A 125-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine powers the base and GS; the LS has a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter V6. Side-impact protection, child safety locks, tinted glass, power steering, a tilt steering column and rear-seat heater ducts are standard, along with a five-speed manual transmission. Options on LS and GS include a 4-speed automatic transmission, a rear spoiler, air conditioning, a power moonroof and a CD player. Leather-trimmed seats are available on the LS.

Sable: The mid-size sedan and wagon have a new Premium Group for the LS models that comes with a 200-horsepower V-6 Duratec engine, electronic automatic temperature control, automatic on/delay off headlamps, dual illuminated visor mirrors, power antenna, remote keyless entry system, autolock, and perimeter anti-theft and key pad. Sable now has a flip-fold center console that can convert into an extra seat, and a 60/40 split-fold rear seat for cargo flexibility. Sable's particulate air-filtration system keeps out more than 90 percent of the pollen and road dust.

Tracer: The compact sedan has noise-reduction features such as Teflon-coated door hinges, a stiff instrument panel with crossbeam, and sound-deadening material in the A-pillars to help keep out wind and road noise. The wagon now has a standard 12-volt power point outlet. Both are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder SPI engine that can go up to 100,000 miles before its first scheduled tune-up. Five-speed manual transmission is standard; 4-speed automatic is available. Villager: The minivan adds a Special Edition Package that includes a rear spoiler, bodyside tape stripes, unique badging, and front floor mats with embroidered "Special Edition" logo.

Overview: The Altima has been redesigned for 1998. The midsize sedan is bigger on the interior and the exterior, and gains standard features such as wood trim accents and a CD player.

Maxima: The sporty sedan now has optional side-impact air bags on the SE and GLE models.

Pathfinder: The sport-ute adds chrome bumpers to the XE model, additions to the XE sport package, and air conditioning to the standard equipment of the XE and SE.

Sentra: The compact sedan adds a new trim model: the SE, which has the more powerful 2.0-liter 140-horsepower engine found in the 200SX SE-R sport coupe. New front and rear fascias have been added to all versions.

200SX: The econo sport coupe has new headlights, taillights, front and rear bumpers, and grille.

What's New: The midsize 1999 Alero will make its worldwide debut at the auto show. Alero will be offered in a coupe and sedan, available in three trim levels. Built at GM's Small Car Group facility in Lansing, the Alero will arrive in dealerships in the latter half of 1998. While it hit showrooms last summer, new for 1998 is the successor to the Cutlass Supreme: The 1998 Intrigue, a sporty sedan with some of the looks of the Aurora. A cousin to the Pontiac Grand

Prix and Buick Regal, the Intrigue seats five comfortably. It's powered by a V6 engine, with second generation airbags as standard equipment, along with ABS, traction control, aluminum wheels and a tilt steering wheel.

Aurora: Second generation air bags are added. The rearview mirror has an integrated compass. A three-channel garage door opener is standard.

Bravada: The styling of the luxury sport utility gets a modest overhaul in the front, along with new body side cladding and a new dashboard. A heated driver's side exterior mirror becomes standard, along with battery rundown protection and a theft deterrent system. A new option is heated front leather seats.

Cutlass: The base model sedan is now called a GL model; the GLS version comes with alloy wheels, leather seats, remote keyless entry and plenty of other options. A smoker's package becomes standard.

Eighty Eight: Little has changed for the full-size family car. Second generation airbags are standard, and the Eighty Eight gets new ABS wheel speed sensor.

LSS: Oldsmobile makes only minor adjustments in this full-size model: Improvements in the anti-lock braking system, a new electrochromic rearview mirror, and improved access to the rear seat belts.

Regency: Same improvements as on the LSS.

Silhouette: The minivan makes side-impact airbags standard in the front seat, and converts front airbags to the less forceful second generation style. The base model is called GS, the GL model adds remote keyless entry, theft deterrent system, power sliding right side door, power seats, and deep tinted glass. The GLS adds a touring suspension package, rear climate controls, traction control, alloy wheels and optional leather seats.

Overview: Pontiac's concept vehicle for the auto show is the Montana Thunder, a minivan for the sportminded minivan hater. "Thunder is a cross-over that began as a truck," said Roy Roberts, general manager of General Motors Corp.'s Pontiac-GMC division. "It has sports car styling and a cockpit interior." The Montana Thunder has sport mesh seats, an integrated bicycle rack on the tailgate and dual power sliding side doors. The Grand Am has been remodeled for 1999, arriving in showrooms this summer. It will be available in two-door and four-door versions. At the auto show, Pontiac is scheduled to unveil a new concept vehicle.

Firebird: The sports car's front end has been redesigned, from a new hood and fenders to new pop-up headlights. The new engine, adapted from the Corvette, is a 5.7-liter V-8, producing 305 horsepower. The WS6 Ram Air package boosts it to 320 horsepower. A sport appearance package is a new option.

Bonneville: Few changes to the full-size sedan. The base SE version comes with a standard decklid spoiler, and the sportier SSE adds an eight-speaker Bose sound system and Head-Up Display as standard equipment.

Grand Prix: Supercharged models get traction control as a standard feature. All models meet federal standards for side-impact protection, and bumpers are designed to withstand a five-mph impact with no structural or lamp damage.

Sunfire: The Sunfire is available in coupe, sedan and convertible body styles. The coupes have a rear spoiler this year; the base model's 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine receives a boost in low speed torque; and a new six-speaker sound system is offered.

Trans Sport: Side air bags are standard on the minivan, and dual sliding doors and power sliding doors are options. A white two- tone paint job is offered. The standard engine is a 3.4-liter, 180-horsepower V6.

Overview: The 1998 Solara coupe, a new mid-size two-door model, makes its debut at the auto show. The Solara will be built in Cambridge, Ontario. A new minivan, the front-wheel-drive Sienna, replaces the Previa. It sports a194-horsepower V-6 engine, with standard anti-lock brakes, low tire-pressure warning systems, and 5 mph front and rear bumpers. The revamped 1998 Corolla compact was introduced last fall, with a new engine and body, side-impact airbags, and sound-deadening improvements. The 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine produces 120 horsepower and is paired with 5-speed manual transmission.

Avalon: A modest overhaul for the full-size Avalon includes new headlights and taillamps, grille, trunk lid, and body molding, plus side-impact airbags.

Camry: Side-impact air bags have been added to this sedan, and front air bags are now lower-powered. The theft deterrent package now includes an engine immobilizer feature.

4Runner: The sport utility vehicle gets rotary HVAC controls and a new four-spoke steering wheel. RAV4: The compact sport-ute shows subtle changes to the grille, headlights, and taillights, plus minor changes in the interior and new seat fabrics.

Tacoma: Last year the 2-wheel-drive models were freshened; this year the four-wheel drive trucks follow suit, with a larger bumper, new grille, aero-style headlights and swooping fenders. The passenger's side air bag can be deactivated with a switch. A new off-road option package is available for extended cab models.

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