Showstoppers

The British International Motor Show opens its doors in a couple of weeks to more than half a million visitors, and the line up is set to be the biggest and best to date.

Visitors can look forward to six world debuts, two European premieres and more than 45 United Kingdom debuts, as well as an area of the show dedicated to specialist sports car manufacture.

The brand new Ferrari Enzo will make its first outing alongside the elegant Bentley GT coup, the Caterham Superlight R300 and a new TVR. International players such as Ford, Land Rover, Renault, Vauxhall, Citron and Volkswagen are also getting ready to show-off their latest models to one of Europe's largest car markets.

With a racing heritage renowned the world over, it comes as no surprise that the biggest stars, the most popular personalities and the most glamorous machinery from the racing world will be heading to Birmingham for the ever-popular Motor Sports Days on Friday and Saturday, November 1 and 2.

But it is not just new cars and celebrities that pull in the crowds at the UK's biggest consumer exhibition. A whole host of attractions and exciting events are planned, like MINI Adventure Live! with stunt driving featuring the British-built MINI, air displays and live action stage shows.

Formula One fans can experience pit lane thrills by taking part in an F1 wheel change challenge, while off-roaders will be queuing up to live life on "The Edge", a 21-tonne steel structure that will take visitors on the white-knuckle ride of their lives.

Commenting on this year's Show, SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: "Our aim is to give visitors a major league motor show, which will keep them entertained all day. At this year's event there will be something for everyone, loads of fun things to do and see, better amenities and, of course, a truly international line-up of new cars."

THREE special effects stunt cars filmed for the brand new James Bond movie Die Another Day will get their world public debuts at the show.

In the movie, James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) takes the wheel of Aston Martin's latest addition, the new Aston Martin Vanquish. The movie's villain Zao will drive a modified 400bhp Jaguar XKR convertible and the latest Bond girl, Halle Berry, the new Ford Thunderbird. All three cars will be in Hall 4 at the National Exhibition Centre.

VOLVO'S new, next-generation SUV, the XC90, and the high performance, hi-tech S60 R and V70 R all wheel drive models will take pride of place on its stand.

The XC90 brings Volvo quality and design into the large Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market for the first time, and provides a handsome exterior, car-like handling, new safety technology, and a luxurious and innovative interior offering the flexibility of up to seven forward facing seats.

The return of Volvo's "R" models will also cause a stir at the show. With 300bhp and 400Nm of torque, the new S60 R and V70 R offer abundant performance on demand, subtle sporting styling, and bristle with the latest technology, including Haldex all-wheel-drive, Volvo's unique "Four-C" (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) active chassis system with three choices of suspension settings available at the push of a button.

Also at the show are next year's S40 and V40 models featuring the latest interior and exterior enhancements, and the XC70 which offers the all-road ability and the ground clearance of an SUV in an estate car and is now available with the company's D5 diesel engine and Haldex all wheel drive.

The V70 will also be on the Volvo stand along with the S60 sports saloon, the exclusive C70 convertible, and an executive S80 saloon with Volvo's Bi-Fuel engine that operates on gas as well as petrol.

THE all-new, three-door Ford Fiesta will lead a line-up of 62 vehicles on the Ford stand. As well as making its UK debut, pricing will be announced for the latest Ford supermini.

An insight into the possible future of Britain's best-selling car will also be on display in the Focus C-MAX Concept. Another UK debut, this signals Ford's thinking on this fast-growing segment.

The result is a concept for a modern family vehicle with contemporary style, appealing technology and features that help to extend an active lifestyle.

Ford's most advanced environmental vehicle, the Ford Focus hybrid fuel cell vehicle (FCV) concludes its European testing tour at the Ford stand. This vehicle is the first in a small Ford fleet, which will be used in test programmes with customers during the next few years.

During recent test programmes, the Focus FCV has demonstrated 160-200 miles (250-320 kms) of operating range - a significant improvement on previous fuel cell vehicles. The top speed has for technical reasons been limited to 80mph (128 kph).

The prominence of the new Ford sporting stable will be evident with the Focus RS leading the pack. Raring to get into the hearts of everyone looking for a performance car to get them noticed, the Focus ST170 and Mondeo ST220 will also be turning heads throughout the show.

Two more UK debuts feature Ford's sexiest roadster, Streetka and the zesty new Sportka. The contemporary edge of the Ka range will be evident with Streetka the jewel in the crown of Ford's iconic Ka design.

Ford is renowned for a British institution, the Ford Transit, the best-selling commercial vehicle in Britain for 36 years. The British public will get to see Ford Transit's new brothers, the Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect.

The commercial vehicle genetic story does not end there. Among a large display of commercial vehicles, the new-generation Ford Ranger will make its UK debut.

It has now inherited more of Ford's American F150 truck series look. This will be the first opportunity the public will have to see the pillarless cab design that will be unique on UK roads next year.

FIAT's new mid-size Stilo MP Wagon, together with the new Ulysse people carrier, will be making their United Kingdom debuts prior to going on sale here early next year.

The new Fiat Stilo MP Wagon, which will become available with two petrol and two JTD diesel engine options, will be represented on the stand in left-hand drive form. Like the three and five-door Stilo hatchback, the newcomer possesses all the latest safety equipment, including up to eight airbags, six of which are standard equipment.

The new Fiat Ulysse offers four engine options, two petrol units and two common rail direct injection

Updated: 09:25 Friday, October 11, 2002