A brief summary of the concept vehicles on display at this year's auto shows: 
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Buick Bengal - A Graceful, Powerful Roadster With a Key Difference 

Buick leads this year's youth-appeal movement with dangerous curves, a long hood and wheels at the corners. The Bengal is a hot little front-wheel drive, V6, two-seater ... except that it seats four. A retractable tonneau cover over the rear seats slides back and a third door on the driver's side admits two more passengers. Or, a pair of custom golf bags also fits into the rear compartment when it's just two of you on the way to the links.  

Key Innovations in the Bengal:

• Ingenious 2+2 seating scheme with custom golf bags.
• Innovative transmission improves weight distribution and creates shorter front overhang.
• Quiet Servant voice-activated controls.
• NXT flat-panel speaker across the entire dashboard. 

Cadillac Vizón - A Self-Assured Beauty with Brains and Brawn

It's not a wagon, not an SUV, but rather the best of both, wrapped in Cadillac's luxury style. Continuing the Cadillac house style, which melds art and science, the Vizón features a sensuous interior, state-of-the-art infotainment systems for passengers and the latest in traction control, collision avoidance and V8 power.

Key Innovations in the Vizón:

• Adaptive Cruise Control improves highway safety.
• StabiliTrak(tm) lends superior road handling.
• OnStar Virtual Advisor places telephone calls by voice commands.

Chevy Borrego- It's Tough, Young, and Most of All Fun

The Chevy Borrego is a rugged and fun "sports adventure vehicle" that just happens to be practical for commuting. A unique reconfigurable mid-gate behind the front seats shifts backward into the cargo area to make room for two more passengers. GM also displays its global reach here by adapting an all-wheel drive, H-4 drivetrain from its alliance partner, Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries).  

Key Innovations in the Chevy Borrego:

• Reconfigurable mid-gate for expanded 2+2 seating.
• Built-in air compressor and water tank.

GMC Terracross - An Industrial-Precision Crossover SUV, Clad in Grace and Beauty

Great driving performance and show-stopping good looks distinguish this successor to GMC's house style. More refined and graceful than the no-holds-barred 2000 GMC Terradyne, this vehicle is aimed at a young, sophisticated consumer who wants to entertain guests in style.  

Key Innovations in the TerraCross:

• Unique three-panel roof opens huge.
• Swivel chairs turn the interior into a conversation pit.
• Wheels at the corners for superior handling.

HUMMER H2 SUT Concept- Sport. Utility. Truck. All to the Max. 

The word "vehicle" doesn't quite cover the HUMMER H2 SUT concept. This is the most daring, indestructible, capable power tool of a truck you could ever hope for. (Except, of course, for its big brother, the HUMMER H1.) It is nearly infinitely adaptable to meet the demanding customer's needs for hauling stuff and people. This is the most capable off-road vehicle GM has ever built, period.  

Key Innovations in the H2 SUT Concept Vehicle:

• Unique retractable bulkhead and world's largest sunroof.
• Roof-mounted, 360-degree infrared night vision.
• State-of-the-art technology, including OnStar Virtual Advisor and GPS.
• Highly adaptable exterior, allowing endless customization.

Oldsmobile O4 - Open-Air Poise, Eye-Opening Performance

A seamless blend of European-influenced design and General Motors innovation graces both the interior and exterior of this gorgeous convertible. Based on an

Opel platform and the assured Ecotech engine, the O4translates to open air, four-season fun. Seats four comfortably, but can pass for a sports car as well.

Key Innovations in the O4:

• "Info Ring" minimalist instrument panel with reconfigurable displays.
• Flexible, lightweight targa top allows several roof configurations.
• Ultra-bright projector beam lighting in front and rear. 

Pontiac REV - A Muscle Car That's Right at Home on Dirt Roads 

Blend a Firebird's torque and road handling with an SUV's versatility and you've got some serious fun forayouthful driver. This isn't just another concept that promises to be all things to all people; it's a high-performance car that transitions to dirt roads without hesitation. The REV's power comes from a 3-liter V6 at 245 hp and all-wheel-drive.

Key Innovations in the REV:

• Reconfigurable display on instrument panel.
• Interior and exterior materials borrowed from high-end sporting equipment.
• Unique rear cargo compartment with dropping end-gate for lower loading.
• Headlights that track with steering.

All Photos: GM

(Nov. 10, 2000)