Official Detroit Auto Show Thread

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept

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We're aware of only one way in which the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible concept is like Christmas: The knowledge that it's coming and will be shown at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show does little to diminish the excitement when it arrives.

We find this also true of Oktoberfest, but that is another story.

The existence of the Camaro Convertible concept was so predictable, in fact, that any number of Photoshop manipulators, both amateur and professional, have already built their own. Or at least they have made virtual versions of it for fun or profit. In the last 12 months an entire cottage industry has cropped up around digitally chopping the top off last year's Camaro Coupe concept.

Well, those Photoshop junkies are about to be put out of business. Here's your first real look at the production version of the Camaro convertible, which will go on sale around the middle of 2009, several months after the coupe's launch. Looks good from where we sit, but too bad about those Z28 stripes.

Chop, chop
We don't want to understate what the folks at GM design have done here, but the convertible concept is, in effect, a coupe with its top chopped off.

And we mean the company literally chopped the top off. The team, headed by Exterior Designer Tom Peters, popped a fresh fiberglass Camaro-coupe-concept body out of the mold used for last year's showcar and got to cutting.

It is a testament to the tedious and time-consuming detail work of the design team that the car doesn't really look much different from the coupe. Although the doors and front end are unchanged from the coupe, the upper half of the car's rear section is entirely different. According to Peters, if you measured down 2 inches from the top of the rear fenders, everything above that line is new.

Consider the rear spoiler, for example. The one on the convertible looks the same as the little lip on the trailing edge of the coupe, but it's not. It's shorter and is set at a different angle to the rear deck. This and thousands of other minute contouring changes are aimed, paradoxically, at making the convertible look like the coupe making it appear as if you could construct your own version given only a Camaro coupe and a reciprocating saw. To endure a description of each example of surface-change minutia, one would have to be paid a great deal of money by General Motors.

Huggably soft
It is perhaps more fruitful, or at least less painful, to discuss the more obvious changes to the vehicle. Possibly, you've noticed that the convertible concept's body is covered in retina-searing orange paint. This is more officially referred to as Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat. The paint treatment, both the Hugger Orange and the dual gray stripes, nicely represent the thinking behind the convertible concept.

It is at once more overtly retro and also more frolicsome-looking than the stern silver coupe concept was. "Hugger" was the Chevy marketing department's nickname for the Camaro in 1969, because it "hugs" the road. Hugger Orange first appeared on Camaros in 1969, the model year that inspired the current concept and was the color of the stripes on the Camaro convertible that paced the 1969 Indianapolis 500. (An advertisement from that year read: Why is the Camaro the pace car again? Because it's the Hugger.)

The thick double stripes on the hood and deck lid, which were used on the Z28 model beginning in 1967, are obviously another retro touch. Instead of white or black stripes that were most common 40 years ago, Chevy went with decidedly modern gunmetal gray stripes for the new concept. It's just that kind of interplay between retro inspiration and modern finish that made the Camaro coupe such a success. The problem is, Chevy never built a first-generation Z28 convertible, so we question the choice.

"We wanted the convertible to have a more fun, sporty personality to it," said Peters. "The coupe had machined seriousness to it which was partly inspired by the T2 [Terminator 2] robot."

Certainly the new wheels were designed to strike the same balance. Intended as a modern interpretation of the classic Chevy Rally wheels, they're the same size as those on the coupe (21 inches front, 22 inches rear) and have become a focal point. The way the radial lines of the spokes are carried to the very edge of the rim makes the wheels look enormous. And the combination of a highly polished rim, gray-painted spokes and raw aluminum centers keeps your eyes' attention for longer than the relatively austere, machined five-spokes of the coupe. There's also more retro in the wheels' orange pinstripe that mimics the look of old red-line tires.

To temper the coupe's malicious mien, the designers added a few more shiny bits to the body. The convertible's taillamp surrounds are now highly polished as is part of the exposed racecar-style fuel filler. The windshield, which is about 10 millimeters shorter than that of the coupe, is also covered in bright anodized metal.

Lighten up
Lead Interior Designer Micah Jones gave the convertible's cockpit a fairly large dose of Prozac compared to the unremitting almost German-level somberness of the coupe's cabin. Only a designer could claim that white is both retro and modern. Technically white isn't even a color. But we see where Jones is going here: White is the color of that ubiquitous totem of modern design, the iPod and the stark contrast of white and black interior pieces and upholstery is reminiscent of the old black-and-white houndstooth upholstery offered four decades ago, certainly in combination with Hugger Orange.

The interior's basic design is unchanged from the coupe, with the same uncluttered dash and cool four rectangular auxiliary gauges just forward of the shifter. But now the deep-dish, retro-unreadable gauge faces are white instead of aluminum and are trimmed with blue light. And to make room for the top mechanism, the rear bucket seats are squeezed nearer each other. Actually, that's not true: There is, in fact, no top mechanism because there is, in fact, no top. It's a concept, OK? There's nothing under that black hard tonneau cover.

The unspeakable dirty bits
There's a reason we haven't mentioned the powertrain, suspension, brakes or any other dirty bits yet in this story: They are unchanged from the coupe. Even Chevy's public relations people don't mention how much horsepower the 6.0-liter small-block V8 makes or the number of gears in the manual transmission. When pressed, they'll say it's "carryover" from the coupe, meaning 400 hp, six speeds and rear-wheel drive.

The suspension is all-independent just as it will be when the production version, based on an Australian-designed Holden platform, arrives in about two years. Likewise, the top engine will be the big pushrod V8, while base cars will receive V6 power.

Like we said, nothing too surprising but we're still excited to see and drive the real thing.
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2008 Ford Five Hundred

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What's special about it?
We are among the only car hacks who think that the current Ford Five Hundred is not a bad-looking car, what with its vaguely Volkswagen Passat-like proportions and roofline. So OK, it isn't pretty, exactly. But neither is it plug-ugly like a Toyota Avalon or Chevrolet Impala. But we surely hate the weak-kneed 3.0-liter V6 that is mated, in AWD models, to a silly continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is continuously annoying. But we digress.

Ford has, in its own words, "applied some of the Fusion magic to the new Five Hundred for 2008." This means that the full-size Five Hundred now has the rectangular chrome three-bar grille. Certainly the headlights of the '08 model, which will arrive in showrooms this summer, are also modified and planted at either side of the grille. Ford stresses that this is more than just a "re-fresh" of the old model and, indeed, close inspection reveals that most of the front end is technically different from the outgoing Five Hundred.

Casual viewers will be forgiven for not noticing some of the smaller detail changes, as reflections from the shiny, shiny new grille will have seared their retinas. The taillights, though the same triangular shape as those of the outgoing model, now have pronounced horizontal trim over clear lenses. Ford says this further ties the '08 Five Hundred's styling to the hit Fusion. They now also look much more like the units applied to the not-a-hit Mercury version of the Five Hundred, the Montego. Call it six of these or a half-dozen of those.

The new obsessively horizontal nose, with its straight grille straps doesn't match up too well with the arched roof and generally soft contours of the rest of the body. Like seemingly every new Ford design, the company has pierced a hole in each of the front fenders, surrounded it with chrome and called it a vent.

For 2008, the Five Hundred also gets the new and soon-to-be-ubiquitous 3.5-liter V6. The Five Hundred version, making 260 horsepower, is down a few ponies from the versions used in the Edge crossover and Lincoln MKZ sedan. But it does pump out more juice than either of the available V6s offered in the Impala and is within 10 hp of the Avalon's V6.

Possibly more important than the engine upgrade is the Five Hundred's transmission swap for '08. The company has ditched the CVT that was the only transmission offered with the all-wheel-drive system in favor of the company's new six-speed automatic. We've driven this transmission, which is the result of a joint project between Ford and General Motors, in the Edge and found it smooth and responsive. Ford reckons that the new powertrain should be able to chop 1.5 seconds from the Five Hundred's 0-60-mph sprint. According to the company's estimates then, it'll do the deed in about 6.5 seconds. That's quicker than a V6-powered Chrysler 300C but about a half-second slower than an Avalon.

The optional all-wheel-drive system is new, too. This new system is identical to the one offered on the Edge and replaces the Volvo-based gear that was previously available. Ford took this opportunity to gussy up the interior a bit with optional shiny koa wood trim and a new center console. The company also retuned the suspension with the aim of improving ride quality and added more sound-deadening material around the interior. Other than the new powertrain, though, the most compelling pieces of news for the Five Hundred are the availability of an electronic stability control system and the optional Sync system.

Sync, which will be offered on the 2008 Focus first and later in the model year for the Five Hundred, is a Bluetooth-based system that allows you to operate mobile phones and iPods (and other portable digital media players) with voice commands. Developed with Microsoft, Sync can read aloud your incoming text messages, even translating "LOL" to "laugh out loud." Through the integrated USB 2.0 port in the center console, users can connect a flash memory stick loaded with music or plug in a digital media player, such as an iPod or Microsoft's Zune. Once plugged in, a user can operate his iPod using voice commands to choose the category of music, artist or song title. The USB port also charges the device's battery. All of this will no doubt confound the Five Hundred's older owners.
 
Redesigned Subaru Legacy and Outback Debut at NAIAS

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6-Cylinder Models Gain SI-DRIVE System

  • [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]New Legacy 3.0R Sedan is First US 6-Cylinder Legacy Model and Features SI-DRIVE [/FONT]
  • [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]All 6-Cylinder Models Gain SI-DRIVE System[/FONT]
  • [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]VDC Stability System Availability Expanded [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Subaru of America, Inc., today presented the North American debut of its re-designed 2008 Subaru Legacy and Outback models, at the 2007 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Hall. Subaru also debuted its new flagship sedan model, the Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited, a first-ever 6-cylinder Legacy model for the North American market. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]An All-Wheel Drive pioneer, Subaru is the only brand to equip all its models with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard. The Legacy 3.0 R is positioned to compete against midsize All-Wheel Drive performance sedans and introduces a performance-oriented paddle-shift transmission along with Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) performance-control plus Bilstein Sport Suspension and 18-inch wheels and tires. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The 2008 Legacy and Outback model lines are each distinguished by revised styling for 2008, featuring new grille with chrome crossbars and a central Subaru logo that represents the company’s aeronautical heritage. The new 2008 Subaru Legacy features all-new front sheet metal with a larger grille opening, new front and rear bumper fascias, and new headlights and taillights. The new front and rear bumpers feature reduced overhangs for a sportier and more contemporary appearance. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]For 2008, the Subaru Outback also debuts new front sheet metal, but features a larger and more upright grille for a bolder appearance. Combined with the new grille and front fascia, the re-designed fenders and hood deliver a more rugged look. The Outback also features unique fog lights and new wheels for the XT and six-cylinder models.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Inside, Legacy and Outback models gain a redesigned instrument panel and revised interior fabrics. A telescopic steering column and a new integrated ignition key/remote entry unit are now standard. Distinctive electroluminescent gauges, formerly featured only on the turbo Legacy and Outback models, will now be on the 6-cylinder models for 2008. On the premium models, a redesigned steering wheel offers additional controls, including the audio system, cruise control, the multi-information display and separate SI-DRIVE controls. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]For 2008, the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction system will be offered in more Legacy and Outback models, and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is now standard on all Legacy and Outback models. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Legacy and Outback Safety Leadership[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The Subaru Legacy has garnered the highest award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – “Top Safety Pick” – in the midsize car segment. Both the Outback and Legacy achieved the highest rating (“Good”) in IIHS frontal offset, side and rear impact tests. In addition, both the Legacy and Outback received 5-star ratings for the driver and front passenger and rear passengers in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Legacy 3.0 R Limited: The Complete Grand Touring Sedan[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The 2008 Legacy 3.0 R Limited Sedan takes its place above the 2.5 GT spec.B model as the model line's performance/luxury flagship sedan. The new 6-cylinder 3.0 R Limited, with a 245-hp 6-cylinder Boxer engine, shares a similar Bilstein Sport Suspension, but with different components and tuning. Overall, the Legacy 3.0 R Limited is designed to provide the refined, sophisticated, and exciting performance typically expected from premium European All-Wheel Drive sedans. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B, equipped exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, will continue to emphasize exciting turbo performance, with blistering acceleration (0-60 mph in less than six seconds) and maximum driver involvement. Both of these high-performance models features 18-inch alloy wheels, each model distinguished by its own wheel design.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]New Paddle-Shift Transmission[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]In the turbo and 6-cylinder Legacy and Outback models equipped with the 5-speed automatic transmission (standard on 6-cylinder models), new steering wheel paddle shifters add a new dimension of driver involvement. The driver will be able to manually control gearshifts by using either the console shift or the paddle shifters. Adding to the driving excitement with this transmission is a new “downshift blipping control” that gives the rev-matching behavior of an expertly shifted manual transmission. This transmission also features improved shift quality and performance for 2008.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]SI-DRIVE: Three Levels of Performance in One Car[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The 2008 Legacy 3.0 R Limited shares its 3.0-liter DOHC 6-cylinder Boxer engine with the Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition. This smooth powerplant produces 245 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 215 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing system, in concert with Active Valve Lift System (AVLS) technology, helps optimize power at all engine speeds. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]In the 2008 Legacy 3.0 R Limited and 6-cylinder Outback models, the driver will enjoy exercising more control over this turbine-smooth engine with the SI-DRIVE system. SI-DRIVE, which was first introduced for the 2007 model-year Legacy and Outback turbo models, allows the driver to maximize engine performance, control and efficiency by choosing from among three selectable modes – “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp.” The driver selects the performance mode by using a rotary dial on the center console or, newly added for 2008, a button on the steering wheel.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]SI-DRIVE enables three distinctively different modes of vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the engine control unit (ECU) – as well as the transmission control unit in the automatic transmission models – and by fine-tuning the electronically controlled throttle. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]With "Intelligent" mode selected, the system reduces engine torque and maximum power and switches to a more relaxed throttle response curve and is an excellent choice for smoother response while commuting in traffic congestion, for example, where it can also help boost fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent. In addition, “Intelligent” mode’s more relaxed responses and lower torque output make it an ideal complement to the low-traction-surface driving capability provided by the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The SI-DRIVE system’s “Sport” mode yields quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration. In “Sport Sharp” mode, the SI-DRIVE system modifies the engine’s electronic throttle mapping to deliver quickest throttle response and more power earlier. Delivering maximum driving enjoyment, “Sport Sharp” mode is ideal for tackling twisty roads and for confidently merging or overtaking other vehicles on the highway.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]With the 5-speed automatic transmission (standard on 6-cyl. models), SI-DRIVE affects the transmission’s shift patterns with the performance mode selected and holds each gear longer, through the rpm range and downshift quicker under hard acceleration, making it an ideal performance partner for the new paddle-shift automatic transmission.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The SI-DRIVE system includes instrument panel displays that allow the driver to monitor performance. The multi-information display located in the tachometer face – in addition to providing trip computer functions – denotes the selected SI-DRIVE mode and provides an active torque curve display. When “Intelligent” mode is selected, an “ECO” gauge encourages efficient driving habits, and in vehicles with a manual transmission, a shift-up indicator blinks to signal the optimal shift point for maximum fuel efficiency. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Bilstein Sport Suspension [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The Bilstein Sport Suspension equips the Legacy 3.0 R Limited with performance-tuned shock absorbers for improved cornering. Though similar to the Bilstein Sport Suspension used on the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B, the system on the 3.0 R Limited differs in components and tuning and is configured for a ride-and-handling balance unique to this model. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the 2008 Legacy 3.0 R Limited, standard 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with 215/45 R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE92 all-season tires (Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer performance tires in the same size on the 2.5 GT spec.B model). A 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is standard on all Legacy models. The 3.0 R Limited features the same 4-wheel vented disc brakes as the 2.5 GT Limited and 2.5 GT spec.B models.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Stealthy Design, Luxurious Interior[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The Legacy 3.0 R Limited exterior is distinguished by subtle aerodynamic side ground-effects moldings with chrome trim. This model also features an exclusive 7-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheel design. This new, sophisticated performance model projects an even “stealthier” appearance than its 2.5 GT spec.B sibling, without that model’s tell-tale functional hood scoop that is featured on all turbocharged Subaru models. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The Legacy 3.0 R Limited and 2.5 GT spec.B models also differ in interior design. The 3.0 R Limited emphasizes a more subtle, luxurious cabin with standard perforated leather seats. The Subaru Navigation System will also be standard on the 3.0 R Limited. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Standard luxury features in the 3.0 R Limited include performance-design power-adjustable front seats with 2-position memory system for the driver, dual-zone automatic climate control, power glass moonroof, 4-stage heated front seats, and heated exterior mirrors. The standard audio system includes an in-dash 6-disc CD changer and Satellite Radio capability.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Subaru All-Wheel Drive systems are organized under the “Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive” branding umbrella. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a total system that integrates a lightweight horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine and a full-time power distribution system. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Subaru will again offer three different versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in the 2008 Legacy and Outback models, each tailored to the type of transmission. The 2008 6-cylinder models (and the turbo Legacy and Outback models equipped with the 5-speed automatic transmission) use a version of the system called Variable Torque Distribution (VTD). A planetary gear-type center differential works with an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. The VTD system normally directs more power to the rear wheels (45:55) to enhance handling agility, and it continuously adjusts the power distribution in response to driving and road conditions. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Models with the VTD system are also equipped with the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction system. VDC is designed to help keep the vehicle going in the direction the driver is steering, especially in slippery road conditions. The VDC system can be deactivated for conditions that require some wheel slippage, such as extricating the car from deep snow. VDC will be available on additional Legacy and Outback models for 2008.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]In all Legacy and Outback models with a manual transmission, a viscous-coupling locking center differential distributes the power 50:50 front to rear. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power to the opposite set of wheels. On 4-cylinder Legacy and Outback models equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission (standard on 2.5 i Limited models), an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration and available traction, also transferring more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Other vehicles exhibited[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif](models marked with * will be exhibited only while the show is open to the general public)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Subaru Impreza WRC 2006 prototype (reference vehicle)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]B9 Tribeca ( 7-passengers Limited, 5-passengers* Limited and 5-passengers* model )[/FONT]
  • [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Outback 3.0R L. L. Bean Edition 2.5i L. L. Bean Edition*[/FONT]
  • [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Legacy ( 3.0R Limited sedan and 2.5GT spec. B* sedan *)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Forester ( Sports 2.5 XT, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition* and 2.5 XT* )[/FONT]
  • [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Impreza ( WRX STI, WRX TR* and 2.5i Sports Wagon* )[/FONT]
 
RODSCALIP5 said:
My thoughts exactly, as an american it's painful.

seriously. i'm not a huge ford fan, but they need to be competitive. it'll make everyone better, in the end. unless they're coming out with something huge in the next day or two. this can't be good.
 
2007 Scion tC Release Series 3.0

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Scion announced that the tC Release Series 3.0 (tC R.S. 3.0) will be on display at the 2007 NAIAS hit dealer showrooms beginning in mid-February.

The 2007 tC Release Series 3.0 will come in a frosty Blizzard Pearl white and be decked out with a front and rear KenStyle ground effects kit. Other tC R.S. 3.0 exterior features include darkened headlights, and a custom wide intake-style upper grille with a honeycomb insert that matches the lower grille. This package also has Scion Genuine Accessory clear LED taillights with unique gray trim.

The tC R.S. 3.0 has black Alcantara seats detailed with a gray perforated center seating surface on a white background. Alcantara is a suede-like material often found in luxury or performance vehicles and on aftermarket racing seats. A Blizzard Pearl RAZO weighted shift knob with black leather insert is also standard.

A Pioneer six-inch subwoofer with 35-watt maximum power complements the standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system and is tuned specifically for the tC. This compact subwoofer is mounted in the under-floor storage area, keeping it out of sight and leaving the cargo floor clear. This unique vehicle is completed by an individually numbered brushed stainless steel badge.

Only 2,500 units of the tC Release Series 3.0 will be built. The tC R.S. 3.0 model will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,580 over the base price. The base MSRP for the tC starts at $16,400 for the manual transmission model and $17,200 for the automatic transmission model.
 
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Edag's Pontiac Solstice Cop Car Revealed

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DETROIT — Edag's Pontiac Solstice police car, which is on display at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, has drawn lots of attention from the Detroit police.

There's the fact that the police badge on the side is not strictly standard issue — and there's the problem that it's just too much of a tight squeeze for Detroit's men in blue. "The police say, 'We'll never fit our big guys in that car,' " says John Van Rooyen, Edag Engineering and Design sales account manager.

But the Edag Solstice is not meant for the mean streets. It's a one-off, fun vehicle done up for the Detroit show to demonstrate the company's removable hardtop, which hits the streets in mid-February with a $2,499 price tag. A removable hard top for the Saturn Sky follows in April, priced at $2,799.

Van Rooyen says Edag made no powertrain improvements to its Solstice police car but just used a stock Solstice and added the 115-pound hardtop. The hardtop allows you to keep the Solstice's convertible top in place as the top fits over it. A modified deck lid adds another 42 pounds to the car.
 
LOL @ the new 500 sedan. What is it with fords absolute fascination with trucks? Not everything they make has to look like a truck.

The IS-F. I'm REALLY not feeling the profile, especially the front. The bulge in the hood looks way too large and the overall shape does not flow or mesh well together. It looks like some kid pieced together the body kit.

Camaro. That was cool uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh last year.

Scion. yay the same thing.

Dodge. Good thing they restyled it, the original droopy eyed headlights look ucking fgly.

Honda Accord. I like it overall; however, the nose is too snoutish maybe they'll refine it after 2 years but I like it. The wack ass altezza lights need to go.

Mitsubish Lancer EvOMG!!!!!!!!!!! Hotness!

Cadillac CTS. That car's got a heck of a snout on it, but I think its a very handsome car overall. I'd rock one.
 
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Honda Accord: You know, it doesn't really look like like a Honda. Almost looks like an domestic :(

Evo X: Anyone else notice it's an automatic?
 
DaimlerChrysler's city car is coming to America

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Americans' newfound love affair with small cars is about to be tested with the arrival of the 2008 Smart Fortwo. Encouraged by the success of the Mini, DaimlerChrysler is hoping to encourage forward-thinking urbanites to try its diminutive two-seater. With a little help from the United Auto Group, which has signed an exclusive deal to distribute the car, the Smart Fortwo will arrive in the U.S. in January 2008. It will be available as both a coupe and a cabriolet and priced from around $11,000-$14,000.

What is Smart?
It's difficult to think of a car company with a more unfortunate history than Smart. It began life in the early '90s as a partnership between Mercedes-Benz and the Swiss watch manufacturer, Swatch. They had a vision to create a small, funky city car for the 21st century, but the relationship broke down and Mercedes was left to complete the project. The first Smart arrived in Europe in 1998, but suffered from handling problems and had to be redesigned and then relaunched.

The original plan was for Smart to develop a comprehensive range. The original two-seater CityCoupe was followed by a Roadster and a Roadster-Coupe and then by a larger four-seater called the Forfour. The roadster was cute but expensive, while the Forfour, developed with Mitsubishi, was dull and overpriced. Neither sold well and Smart continued to suffer heavy losses.

To the slaughterhouse went the roadster and Forfour, and earlier this year, DaimlerChrysler was openly considering either shutting Smart or selling it. Only the enthusiasm of DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche saved it, and now Smart has a new business model built around a single model, the Fortwo.

The new Fortwo
The new Smart is larger than the original, but not by much. It's 7.6 inches longer than before and almost 2 inches wider, with a roughly 2-inch-longer wheelbase. This increase was required to provide additional luggage capacity and to meet pedestrian safety requirements. But despite this, the Fortwo is still a tiny car. At 106 inches long, it's more than 3 feet shorter than the new Mini.

Clever packaging makes the most of the space. Just one engine will be offered in the U.S. — a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder developing 71 horsepower and 68 pound-feet of torque — and it's mounted under the trunk floor, just in front of the rear axle. The steeply raked rear hatch provides a surprisingly spacious load bay. There are 7.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which gives it an edge over the Mini. Occupant space is also generous. The passenger seat is positioned slightly behind the driver seat to optimize shoulder room, and this 6-foot-4-inch scribe had no trouble getting comfortable.

Smart would like you to think that its new styling has 'grown up'. The exterior shape, while still instantly recognizable, is more angular and masculine than before. Inside, the cutesy curves of the original have been replaced by a blocky center console that's disappointingly conventional. At least the periscope-like rev counter and clock — trademark Smart features — have been retained.

The Tridion safety cell helps define the Smart's styling. (It's the two-tone element you can see in photographs.) This is a deliberate attempt to reassure customers that such a small car can be safe. Front and side airbags are standard, while the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is designed to help drivers avoid an accident in the first place.

Fixing the problems
The old Smart was heavily criticized for its slow-witted steering and ponderous, jerky gearchange. Both elements have been updated for the new car. The automated manual gearbox now offers five speeds instead of six and the semiautomatic shifts are said to be smoother and faster than before. A fully automatic mode will also be available, and Smart is redesigning the gear selector to make it more intuitive for American customers. The steering is 10 percent more direct than the old car, according to Smart.

The longer wheelbase and wider track should also help improve both the Smart's handling and its notoriously harsh ride. With 71 hp on offer, it should prove capable of keeping up with the cut and thrust of city traffic, and with a top speed of 90 mph, it's highway-capable.

The U.S. pitch
In America, the Fortwo will be distributed by the United Auto Group, a U.S. dealer group owned by racing legend Roger Penske. It will start with the Pulse at around $11K, which will have steel rims and no air-conditioning. The more upmarket Passion will cost around $13K and add air, alloys and a transparent polycarbonate roof. Topping the range will be the $15K convertible, which boasts an electrically folding soft top that can be opened or closed at any speed.

"When people commute they're often alone, so why would they want to take on the cost of a four-seater vehicle?" asks Roger Penske. "The Smart will achieve over 40 mpg at a time when fuel costs are higher than I can ever remember. This is a metro car for a high-density market. The Smart will sell around the ownership experience, its value and the Mercedes name plate."

Penske is remaining tight-lipped about his volume aspirations. "In Canada, Smart sold 4,000 vehicles in its first year," he continues. "The U.S. market is 10 times bigger, but you cannot apply a simple multiple. We need to maintain a profit for the dealer and a profit for the OEM [the manufacturer]." Smart will initially launch with around 50 dealers. These will be a mix of existing Mercedes, United Auto Group and Chrysler/Jeep dealers, concentrated in high-density urban areas.

The responsibility of marketing the new car falls to David C. Schembri. "This is the only car in the non-luxury segment that has both rational and emotional appeal," he says. "Its appeal is not defined by age and income. We've been approached by everybody from college students to some of the most high-profile people in the United States." Neither Penske nor Shembri regard the Mini as a natural competitor. "A typical Mini will be $6,000-$7,000 more expensive," says Penske, "and the ownership costs are higher."

The marketing campaign will be led by a road show, which will take the Smart to urban centers. "The road show will allow people to see the cars, sit in the cars and drive the cars," says Shembri. "It's the best way to understand Smart. I call it 'Discovery marketing'." The 21-week road show will begin next spring and should reach 66,000 people.

More mature than before
Smart's President, Ulrich Walker, reckons that his business model is not dependent on U.S. success, but there can be no doubting that the new car has been developed with the world's largest market in mind. The new Fortwo is larger and more mature than before, and Smart will be hoping that it captures the imagination of environmentally friendly metrosexuals who fancy something different. Only time will tell if they're right.
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there is a puddle of drool on my keyboard tray after looking at that srt8 magnum.. goddamn that's hot.
 
what the fack ford???

the focus is hideous, and the 500 is even LESS attractive now.. garbage.. just garbage!
 
Rogue said:
Honda Accord: You know, it doesn't really look like like a Honda. Almost looks like an domestic :(

Evo X: Anyone else notice it's an automatic?

it isn't, just the optional SMG
 
Kansei said:
it isn't, just the optional SMG
that's not an SMG. From what I've found, it's actually a DSG type transmission (think VW). That's why it has a PRND and optional +/- shifting. Kinda sucks.
 
that evo x is the absolute s***...is that the final production design? also who in the hell would want to drive the nissan bevel???????//
 
Rogue said:
that's not an SMG. From what I've found, it's actually a DSG type transmission (think VW). That's why it has a PRND and optional +/- shifting. Kinda sucks.

err that's what I meant.. is there a difference beside the fact that the SMG uses a normal-looking shifter and the DSGs use paddles?
 
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