With so much new product being rolled out one can
get overwhelmed pretty easily. So, we are going to
do a little warm-up for this weekend’s main event,
the 2005 North American International Auto Show. Do
your best to keep up as we show you what LA has shown
us thus far and what Detroit still has in store.
DaimlerChrysler
We saw the Chrysler Firepower and the Jeep Gladiator
a couple of weeks ago, but DCX is just getting
started with the real firepower. SRT is flexing its
muscles with the Chrysler 300C SRT-8, and now the
Dodge Magnum SRT-8, sporting the same 6.1L HEMI V8.
Power remains at a very healthy 425 horsepower, just
what the doctor ordered. Not enough for you? Check
out the Viper SRT-10 Coupe. It is still packing 500
horsepower but now with a tin top.
Ford Motor Company
For 2006 Ford is coming out with a full armada of
new vehicles. The Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr are
covering the volume entry-level category based off a
version of the Mazda6 platform. Both come in front
wheel drive packing a 210 horsepower 3.0L V6 with a
6-speed automatic. A 2.3L 4-cylinder is standard on
the Fusion with the auto and a 5-speed manual. The
Ford Explorer Sport Trac is now larger, based off of
the current Ford Explorer. Even the independent rear
suspension carries over while the styling hints at
what a revised Explorer will look like. Moving up
the family line Ford is showing off yet another of
the popular Harley-Davidson trucks, this time being
built off of the new F-150. The back in black Hog is
available with either 2wd or Awd, a first for Ford
trucks. Rolling off the assembly line in Flatrock,
Michigan, the Mustang Convertible is topless and
ready to soak up some rays (though I would wait
until the snow melts). Prices bump up a bit over the
coupe, with a V8 GT Deluxe starting at $29,995.
We’ve shown you the Range Rover Sport, but now we
are hearing that the full size Range Rover will also
be receiving two new engines from Jaguar, a 4.4L V8
and the 4.2L Supercharged 390 horsepower V8. Also
expected in Detroit is the Shelby GR-1 concept
originally shown at Pebble Beach; be careful not to
pull a muscle as you oodle over the 604 horsepower
V10 this sexy two door is packing.
General Motors
Pontiac showed off its first ever SUV, the Torrent
(they seem to be infatuated with this first ever
stuff). If after looking closely at it you swear you
have seen it before, you have. Only it was under the
skins and badges of the Saturn VUE and Chevy
Equinox. Chevy rolled out two mainstream hitters,
the ’06 Impala and Monte Carlo. Not terribly fond of
the new styling, but it is an improvement, and the
powertrain received a much-needed boost. Top engine
for the SS’s is the 5.3L V8 from the Grand Prix GXP
with 303 horsepower. Also breaking cover is the
STS-V. The V receives more aggressive styling inside
and out, as well as a 440-horsepower supercharged
Northstar V8. Pontiac introduced two new variants of
its G6 in the form of a new hardtop convertible and
coupe. We will also see a couple of good looking
Saturns (Did we just use "good looking" and "Saturn"
in the same sentence?!) at Detroit. The Sky roadster
based off of the new Kappa platform and a thinly
disguised production midsize sedan called Aura seek
to add some serious credentials to the beleaguered
Saturn brand. Though the noisemaker of late is the
Corvette Z06. From one of the biggest small blocks
you will find, a 7.0L 427 cubic-inch monster, 500
horsepower cranks out at 6200 rpm. Extensive carbon
fiber and aluminum throughout the car keep weight in
check.
There are only a few hours left until the doors
of Cobo Hall are thrown open and we'll be inside
bringing you exclusive pictures and reports from the
show floor. Be sure to click back here Sunday
evening for our big first day recap!
In the meantime make sure to
read our NAIAS
preview located here.
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