The all-new 2002 Ford Thunderbird has made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich. Evoking the Thunderbird legacy, the dramatic design of this vehicle is likely to stir the emotions of any car enthusiast, as well as attract attention from many consumers. The bold, confident feel of the new 2002 Thunderbird is embraced in the two-seat, rear-wheel-drive, V-8 powered convertible roadster design with markedly modern adaptations. When Ford decided to revive the Thunderbird nameplate, designers went to work studying the original cars of the 1950s. The engineers of this 2002 model have taken great care to borrow classic styling cues, but to never lose the modern look. Among other details, the car's two-seat configuration, hood scoop, round headlamps, egg-crate grille and porthole windows all pay homage to the past, with 21st century materials, technology and design style. The 2002 Thunderbird integrates the latest engineering technologies to instill confidence for today's driver. In 1955 the car did not even come with safety belts! However the new vehicle comes with some of the most advanced safety technology systems such as driver and front passenger seats outfitted with standard air bags, making this the first Ford convertible equipped with combination head and chest side air bags. Another "first" is the advanced child-seat anchor system called LATCH (for lower anchors and tethers for children). Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) employ electronic brake force distribution (EBD) speeds and higher-level road feel at highway speeds.