On deck for '99

A sneak peek at what's around the corner.

BMW Z3 Coupe: The spirit if the pratically sporty MGB GT and Volvo P1800ES live on in BMW's Z3 coupem to be assembled in Spartanburg, SC. Derived from the sporty M Roadster, whose chassis, suspension and 240-hp inline six it shares, the little hatchback coupe is expected to debut in the U.S. next fall. Volume should be around 10,000 units in the first (1999) season, bumping Spartanburg's output to beyond 50,000 cars.

AUDI TT COUPE: Due in the U.S. in early '99, Audi's TT coupe is built on the VW Golf/Audi A3 platform (as is its TTS roadster sibling, due Stateside in 2000). The TT will be powered by 150-hp and 210-hp turbocharged 1.8L inline fours, with five valves per cylinder. Drivelines will include 6-speed manual gearboxes, standard front-wheel drive and optional Quattro all-wheel drive, and possibly a continuouslyvariable transmission.

1999 GMT800: This heavily disguised GMT8OO is GM's long-awaited answer to the stylish Dodge Ram and Ford F-series. The disguise hides a more aggressive split grille and more rounded front-end. Underneath, the truck is a technological hotbed with hydroformed rails and dramatically reduced part counts. A new V-8 code-named L18 is also under development that will compete head-to-head with Chrysler's V-10. Horsepower target is in the 300+ range. Chevrolet will market the new truck as the Silverado.

FORD RANGER: A new Ranger 4door should hit U.S. showrooms in two years. The modified crewcab arrangement sharply cuts down on bed space. It's less than six feet. A 4-cylinder diesel is reportedly scheduled for overseas delivery only. Another Ranger variation, a show truck called the Adrenalin, is still planned for a future lineup.

1998-1/2 LEXUS RX300: This is the concept car version of the upcoming Lexus RX300, but it's practically identical to the production vehicle. The RX will be spun off the ES300 platform and sport four-wheel-drive and the Lexus 3.0L engine. Lexus hopes the new vehicle will establish a niche between station wagon buyers and sport-utility owners. Price, of course, is not established, but Lexus officials say the objective is to make the vehicle surprisingly affordable.