The North American International Auto Show: Detroit

Sunday, January 9, 2005

2005 Ford Mustang

2005 Chrysler 300 North American Car of the Year

2005 Chrysler Crossfire roadster

Hummers

2005 Ford Mustang

Concept Buick Velite roadster

Dodge Ram display on floor

Concept Jeep Hurricane

Pontiac G6 Convertible

2005 Pontiac Torrent SUV

2006 Hummer H3

2006 Pontiac Solstice roadster

2005 Ford Thunderbird. 50th Anniversary

2005 Ford Mustang taillights

2006 Saturn Sky Roadster

Concept New Beetle Ragster

Concept New Beetle Ragster interior

Concept Ford SYNus ("Synthesis of an Urban Sanctuary").This armored tank of a concept vehicle is based on the Ford Freestyle design and takes its cues from bank vaults and armored cars! Complete with 45" LCD flat screen monitor on the interior of the back tailgate.

Concept Ford SYNus

GM panel of divesity suppliers, management

Escape Hybrid No. Amer. Truck of the Year

Line up of Chevrolets for 2005

Concept Saturn Aura: Good potential to be made into a production car

Kicking off the Detroit North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) was a host of concept and production vehicle introductions from most of the major automotive manufacturers. Catering to some 6,700 automotive journalists from all over the world, NAIAS 2005 began its 3-day debut for the automotive media today. We were treated to more than 40 press conferences and the unveiling of some 55-65 new models.

Announcing the North American Car and Truck of the Year was first up. Forty-eight journalists from the U.S. and Canada selected the Chrysler 300/300C as North American Car of the Year (runners up were Ford Mustang, Chevy Corvette), and Ford Escape Hybrid as North American Truck of the Year (runners up out of 12 trucks: Land Rover LR3 and Ford Freestyle.

Since 1992, this jury of journalists representing magazines, newspapers and TV honor a new car and truck that are "benchmarks" in performance, innovation, dollar value, ride and handling and safety. Recognized by OICA (Organization of International Construction of Automobiles) 14 years ago, the Detroit Show is "the" show of auto shows. OICA has created over the years, 8 million direct jobs in the automotive industry and 8 million indirect jobs. A $66 billion dollar investment worldwide.

Worldwide Production introductions at the 2005 NAIAS Detroit Show included BMW 5-Series AWD (530i Sport Wagon featuring xDrive with Hill Descent Control and panorama sliding roof); BMW M5’s U.S. debut (5.0-liters, 10 cylinder, 500 hp), redesigned Cadillac STS-V (performance version STS sedan; Chevy Corvette Z06 (500 hp.); Dodge Charger (return of a legend); Ford Fusion (new midsize car); Ford F-150 Harley version; Honda Ridgeline pickup (a first for Honda); Land Rover Range Rover Sport SUV (new addition to the brand, fitting between LR3 and Range Rover); Mercedes-Benz M-Class (new version of the M-Class); ML350 (268 hp., 3.5-liter V6, longer, wider and lower than the first generation).

More of the Highlights:

Mini Cooper S with a 6-speed automatic transmission, Kia Rio-redesigned for 2006 with a longer wheelbase, wider track, more horsepower and six standard airbags and full-length side-curtain airbags. The Saturn Sky, a 2-seat roadster with rear-wheel-drive, on sale in early 2006 and under $25,000, with a 2.4-liter, 170 horsepower, 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual).

Porsche introduced the Carrera and Carrera S Cabriolet, based on the 911 and S Coupes released in 2004. These faster-than-lightning Porsches have an electronic softtop that opens and closes in 20 seconds and operates with the car moving at up to 30 mph. Look for them to go on sale in early 2005.

Lexus introduced the upgraded GX470 with enhanced performance, and the Lexus RX330 Thundercloud, a limited edition version with Thundercloud Metallic exterior paint. For Lincoln Mercury, it’s the Zephyr and Lincoln Mark LT (the latter a luxury vehicle with SUV cabin and pickup bed). Mitsubishi unveiled an updated, restyled Eclipse with more power, and bringing back an old name from Dodge, the Raider truck, based on the Dodge Dakota.

Subaru introduced its first crossover vehicle, the B9x, which by the way, is a great looking vehicle and should sell well knowing Subaru’s long-standing AWD record and prowess. Toyota restyled the luxury performance sedan Avalon for 2005 and Aston Martin gets the prize for the fastest-ever Aston Martin, the Vanquish V12.

Audi redesigned the A6 for 2005 and plans on continuing to update their line for the coming years.

Dodge and Chrysler made a big bang with their clever concept vehicles the Jeep Hurricane and Gladiator. Introducing them with a video on hot wheels, it won the hearts of all Baby Boomers in the audience as we remembered our coveted Hot Wheels collections of years past. "When did your love of cars begin," they asked. Blending old with new, function with fun and flexibility, this "disciplined pizzaz" allows for thinking outside the sandbox.

Jeep Gladiator looks like a combination of a truck and the Hummer H2 SUT. A four-seater with back doors that swing out, it is a very versatile and flexible truck. With a pickup bed (5’ 8"), side-mounted spare tire, open air roof and canvas top, the Gladiator also has a winch and skid plates for getting real work done. The back glass lowers down like the H2 SUT allowing for more bed space. When folded it makes into an 8’ bed. Powered by a 2.8-liter, 4-cylinder turbo with 163 horse and 6-speed transmission, Gladiator is a must have.

Jeep Hurricane is, according to Daimler-Chrysler CEO, a "build what you can imagine" vehicle. Hemi-powered–not once, but twice–there is a 5.7-liter engine in the front and one in the back! Both exposed, they put out 330 horsepower each, (read: total 670 horsepower!), and 740 lb. Ft of torque. This thing screams! A dual transfer case, split solid axles and 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds, Hurricane is just that: a blast of air. It also has the ability to go from 4 to 6 to 16 cylinder mode, has a 4-wheel steering system and steering at both front and rear tires, Hurricane can spin on its own axis. Made out of carbon/fiber, the body and chassis are lightweight. With minimalist styling, Hurricane provides more than 14" ground clearance.

Hurricane rides on 20" wheels with 37" of outer diameter for different terrain. Turning on a dime, it sports the original 7-slot DC grille so you’ll never forget what makes a Jeep a Jeep!

Also introduced in Detroit was the Daimler-Chrysler Firepower, an elegant grand tourer and cross between the Crossfire and Viper. Hemi-powered, Firepower is a beautiful racing machine, with muscular Viper lines and a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 SRT engine under the hood. Zero to 60 in less than 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph, Firepower floats on 19" tires in the front and 20" tires in the back.

Another promising concept is the New Beetle Ragster: ragtop, roadster. As they have with other NAIAS concept introductions, Volkswagen just may build this versatile ragtop/speedster. A 2+2 seater, this looker has quilted sports car bucket seats, sports car steering wheel with mounted ragtop control switch and start-stop engine button. The back two seats are retractable and when folded provide a cargo area. The ragtop opens and closes electronically with the flip of a switch, as the side windows fully retract.

Bob Lutz, Chairman of General Motors, North America introduced the Corvette twins: ZO6 and C-6R Corvette. Handing out earplugs, GM began Act III-the final act-with adrenaline, and lots of revving noise.

Ron Fellows of Corvette’s Racing Team drove out the C-6R Corvette. A redline of 7000 rpm, this Corvette goes from 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds, with a top speed of 190 miles-per-hour and a weight of 3.130 pounds.

Tom Stephens, vice president GM Powertrain gave the crowd a few stats on the Corvette in its 50^th anniversary. Equipped with the largest, most powerful and legendary small block V8 engine, Corvette is a car everyone knows, and many covet. Over 90 million have been manufactured since 1955, a cumulative 27 billion horsepower. For 2005, Corvette’s engine is lighter with fewer parts (427 cu. in., 7.0-liter).

Chairman Lutz also introduced the new supercharged Northstar V8 4.4-liter, 440 horsepower 2006 Cadillac STS-V. A V-series car, the STS is Cadillac’s most powerful engine to date, combined with a 6-speed rear-wheel-drive transmission. Delivering all its torque to the tires, the STS-V joins the CTS-V in the "exclusive under 5 Club" (0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds). With leather interior done by Drexel (the same folks who outfit the Maybach), it’s a classy, powerful ride.

Mazda introduced a vehicle highlighting a new direction consideration as they build their lineup, the MX-Crossport. Designed in Japan, MX is a crossover-type vehicle, somewhat resembling the RX-8 but a sport-utility.

Mercedes-Benz introduced its concept, the Grand Sports Tourer Vision R, the newest generation 4-plus-2 seater with production potential. Vision B, the compact sports tourer was first shown in Paris.

General Motors introduced the Sequel, Ford the next generation Explorer Sport Trac SUV with a pickup bed. Also shown in Detroit was the Ford Fairlane, a next generation vehicle aimed at the Baby Boomers to include safety, interior spaciousness, first-class second row, functional rear utility area, triple-action tailgate and "rolling kitchen" concept.

Acura displayed the RD-X, a hint at what’s upcoming from Acura in the entry sport-ute category for 2006. Aimed at Active Urban Professionals, RD-X will appeal to those with busy lifestyles.

ASC’s first "modern" 4-door convertible the Helios was on display, reminiscent of the only other 4-door convertible in history: The Lincoln Continental. Along with Infiniti’s future SUV design, the Kuraza, was GMC’s Graphite, a refined SUV with 4-wheel drive capability, 25 percent improved fuel economy, hybrid propulsion system and V-8 engine.

From Kia came the KCD II concept, a potential new product segment. Body-on- frame sport utility vehicle with three rows of seats, dual full-length sunroofs and 192 inches in length. The new Hyundai Sonata was on hand in Detroit, the first vehicle produced at the new Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Alabama.

The first concept car created at the new Nissan Design America, Inc. studios in Farmington Hills, MI, the Nissan AZEAL Coupe wowed viewers; an affordable high-performance entry-level coupe emphasizing personality and aggressive styling. The Opel Astra diesel was constantly surrounded by the media, and featured on local TV. A front-wheel-drive vehicle, equipped with GM’s multipatented Advanced Hybrid System 2, 1.7-liter CDTI engine, Astra brags a 25 percent increase in fuel economy, plus performance. Based on the production version Opel Astra GTC, Astra is built in Germany.

A real knockout is the Saturn Aura, the newest entry into the midsize segment. This sedan has great lines and promises new life at Saturn. The Aura takes its wheelbase from the Malibu Maxx, powered by a 3.6-liter, 250 horsepower V6 engine with 6-speed automatic transmission. Features on the Aura include panoramic roof, four sliding glass panels, 19" wheels, ABS, Traction control, stability control, side airbags and side curtain airbags.

Suzuki Concept-X, the first-ever midsize sport-ute vehicle concept, "adventure inspired" is a muscularly styled vehicle outside and inside, with versatility and function to match.

The Mercury Meta One is a showcase of the future active safety technologies, and Volvo’s 3CC, an environmentally friendly car with three rows of seats, powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Jaguar introduced a new production car, the XK Coupe, a luxury 4-seater, and Subaru, its new B9 Tribeca SUV, with potential to become a flagship vehicle for Subaru.