Detroit Auto Show

[Porter]

The winter time is slow, here are some links to keep us amused.

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_detroit/ TARGET=_blank>http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_detroit/

http://www.motortrend.com/autoshows/coverage/112_0401_detroit/ TARGET=_blank>http://www.motortrend.com/autoshows/coverage/112_0401_detroit/

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=31&article_id=8973 TARGET=_blank>http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=31&article_id=8973

The competition is fierce, it keeps the General on his toes and hopefully ahead of the pack.

Porter

[Mike #19861]

 I always look forward to the Detoit Auto Show. It has become the harbinger of what is in the pipeline for the American auto makers. The first see for their show cars.

 As usual, there are the whimsical and bizzare interpretations of the questions nobody asked like the Jeep Hurricane, and the cars that could be the must haves for the enthusiast like the Chrysler Firepower and the Ford Shelby GR-1.

 The first looks of the newest models from the manufacturers like the STS-v, the Magnum SRT8 and the next generation V-8 powered Impala/Monte Carlo and Grand Prix.

 But in all this, where is the newest Cadillac show car? The next in line after the show stoppers such as the Cien and Sixteen. Maybe they are banking on the spotlight of the new STS and the STS-v derivitive.

 But, the common denominator here is that the traditional rear wheel drive V-8 powered American sedan is back. With the introduction of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, Chrysler has once again shaken the establishment into a rethink of the domestic market. No doubt about it, the 300 and Magnum is a major home run. GM has scrambled by stuffing V-8s in to the workaday Impala and the Grand Prix while they no doubt are at work on new RWD V-8 powered sedans.

 Ford, of coarse misses the whole point by introducing yet another boring underpowered front driver with the 500. and flogging what may become a dead horse in the big SUV market. Continuing to pound out the ancient Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria simply because it sells in the police and taxi markets on its default status as the only big RWD car on the market, until, of coarse the Charger becomes available as a fleet vehicle. Does Ford have a successor? Doubt it.

  Mike