Cars as Marketing Tools: What a Concept!

The Cadillac Cien, from the Spanish word for 100 and named to mark the company’s 100th anniversary, is chiseled along the lines of a stealth bomber. The model has been prominently positioned as the design theme statement for General Motors’ luxury division. (TERRIL YUE JONES / Los Angeles Times)

Jan. 15, 2002 4:29 PM PT

Manufacturers with an eye on the bottom line now want a little pragmatism built into their dream cars.

The Chevy Bel Air, with its all-aluminum 3.5-liter, in-line five-cylinder engine, is GM’s answer to the reborn Ford Thunderbird. (TERRIL YUE JONES / Los Angeles Times)

The rear-wheel-drive Dodge Razor is named for its licensing partner, Razor USA, manufacturer of the ubiquitous scooter. (TERRIL YUE JONES / Los Angeles Times)

Infiniti’s FX45 blurs the line between passenger car and sport-utility vehicle. (TERRIL YUE JONES / Los Angeles Times)

The sleek Saab 9-3X is also among the concepts that defy categorization as either passenger car or sport-utility vehicle. (TERRIL YUE JONES / Los Angeles Times)

Lincoln's chief designer with an auto show visitor.

Lincoln’s chief designer, Gerry McGovern, right, discusses the wide-open structure of the Lincoln Continental concept car with a visitor during the model’s debut at the Los Angeles auto show. (JOHN O’DELL / Los Angeles Times)