Ford Explorer S2RV Concept	Ford Explorer S2RV Concept interior

Ford Motor Company's latest technology concept vehicle, unveiled at the Ford Centennial Celebration, combines advanced accident avoidance systems and intelligent vehicle technology. Based on the Explorer, the concept is called S²RV, which stands for "Smart, Safe Research Vehicle." Many of the features of S²RV can be separated into two categories - those that represent new "smart" technology and those new features that make the vehicle more "safe".

The vehicle features "telematics", which blends computers and wireless telecommunication technologies. The term has evolved to refer to automobile systems that combine global position satellite tracking and other wireless communications for automatic roadside assistance, remote diagnostics and other purposes.

The S²RV "Smart" technology includes:

• Voice System — controls vehicle functions including the instrument clusters, phone and accident avoidance systems.
• Reconfigurable Displays — allow the driver to choose gauges and instrument cluster presentation, including font sizes.
• Reconfigurable Switches — allow the movement and placement of switches and controls to where the driver or other occupants use them most. These switches also create a "plug-n-play" environment for aftermarket entertainment systems, or for assistance technologies such as a hydraulic seat.
• Bluetooth™ Phone — the voice and vehicle systems access the driver's Bluetooth phone for wireless, seamless, hands-free operation. "Bluetooth" is a wireless technology that connects electronic devices to each other over short distances.
• Tire Pressure Transducers — Radio signals indicate tire pressure and temperature.
• Passive Entry System — This system automatically unlocks the vehicle when the driver approaches. Possession of the key fob is all that is necessary.
• SmartNAV -- A smart navigational system that uses vehicle-to-vehicle communication, as well as incident report information from local municipalities. The S²RV can provide real-time traffic routing for a vehicle's specific location. When a traffic jam is detected on the roadway in front of the S²RV, the SmartNAV system will automatically recalculate a route based on the information being gathered from all surrounding vehicles. The navigation system is also capable of preventing a cellular phone from ringing when traffic conditions become too dangerous for the driver to be distracted by answering the call.

S²RV "Safe" features are those that improve safety performance by helping to prevent accidents, but if they do they protect occupants from harm. Features include:

• Active Night Vision — a laser, invisible to our eyes but visible to a camera, illuminates an area larger than the high beam headlights. An infrared sensor located inside the vehicle just above the rear view mirror views the scene and the image is presented on a heads-up display mounted on the dash.
• Adaptive Headlights — This technology changes the directional beams of the headlamps to help the driver see more effectively as the direction or curvature of the road changes.
• TrafficView™ — forward pointing cameras give the driver a clear view around large vehicles in front. The cameras are mounted on the outboard side-view mirrors and can be monitored in the instrument cluster to give drivers a wider field of vision.
• Wireless Proximity Warning System — When two vehicles in a potential accident situation are equipped with the appropriate sensing devices, the Wireless Proximity Warning System acts as a pre-crash sensing technology to warn drivers of imminent danger
• Accident Avoidance Camera System — a pair of cameras installed in the high mount console identify potential collision partners, track their position, speed and movements and then assess the potential collision risk.
• Rear Collision Warning System — Sensors mounted in the rear bumper register vehicles on a collision course with the rear of the S²RV.
• Retractable Safety Belts — motorized, reset-able, shoulder belt tensioners gently but firmly tighten the safety belt before a collision.

The S²RV was designed to test new technology in real-world driving conditions. Though Ford currently has no plans for production, the automaker said that many of the concept vehicles' features will be used in future products.

Toyota recently announced Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices for the all-new Camry Solara sport coupe, which went into production this month. The second-generation Solara sport coupe features a new exterior design, a roomier interior, enhanced safety technology and sportier performance.

As in the previous generation, Solara offers both four-cylinder and V6 engines. But for 2004, the model gets a significant performance boost from a new optional 3.3-liter VVT-i V6 engine. Available in all Camry Solara models, the new V6 produces 225 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 240 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM, compared to 198 horsepower and 212 lb.-ft. of torque from the previous 3.0-liter V6. The V6 is paired with a new five-speed sequential automatic transmission. Compared to the four-speed automatic transmission used previously, the new unit offers a wider gear-ratio spread for quicker acceleration. The driver is able to control the five-speed sequential automatic with a new gated shifter that allows manual shifting for a sportier driving experience.

Solara comes with a standard double overhead cam (DOHC) 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 157 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. In both the four-cylinder and new V6 engines, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) ensures an even spread of power for sporty response across the engine speed range. The four-cylinder engine comes with either a standard five-speed manual transmission or the optional four-speed automatic.

All Solara models will be equipped with standard side impact airbags (SRS). Optional front and rear side curtain airbags are available for additional head protection. New seatbelt extension arms make it easier for the front seat occupants to reach and engage the belts.

Solara is now available in three model models: SE with a sporty metallic-finish interior trim, SE Sport that includes an aggressive body kit and unique interior styling, and the SLE with up-level content and a woodgrain-style interior trim.

The MSRP for the SE model with a four-cylinder engine and manual transmission is $19,120 - $245 less than last year's model. With an automatic transmission, the SE four-cylinder will carry an MSRP of $19,950, or $215 below the 2003 model. The 2004 SE V6 has been positioned $1,035 below last year's model with a base MSRP of $21,450.

The four-cylinder SE Sport starts at $20,615 with the manual transmission and $21,445 with the automatic. Equipped with the 3.3-liter V6, the SE Sport starts at $22,945.

The SLE V6 will carry a base MSRP of $25,995, an increase of $1,320 above last year's model. This increase is due to the addition of many new standard features, including automatic climate control, power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar, power moonroof, heated exterior mirrors, auto-dimming inside and driver's side mirrors, JBL premium 3-in-1 audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and eight speakers in six locations, HomeLinkR garage door opener, and security system with engine immobilizer. SLE V6 models also receive a leather-trimmed interior with heated seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.

New options for the 2004 Solara models include Satellite XM radio capability and the latest generation in Toyota's DVD-based navigation systems. The system features more than five million verified data points and its route searching capabilities are more than twice as fast as competitive systems.

All Solara models receive California Level II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) and EPA Tier II Bin 5 certification.