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Coming Next Issue
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Chip Foose |
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VW Phaeton W12 |
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Long Term Storage |
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Ultimate Ears |
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2005 Detroit Auto Show:
Moderation at NAIAS (continued) |
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Thankfully, despite all of the focus on practicality and responsibility at this year's show, we were still able to find cars that got our pulses pumping. And once again, the boys from GM led the pack with the introduction of such heavy hitters like the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the all new 2005 Cadillac STS-V. Together, they produce nearly 1000 horsepower and are sure to satisfy the power junky in all of us. The Z06 is especially exciting as its all new 427 cubic inch small-block V8 promises to propel the car to sixty in under four seconds, hit the quarter mile somewhere in the eleven-second range and reach more than 190 miles per hour, all for about $65,000. Massive brakes complete with six-piston, six-pad calipers up front should provide adequate stopping power.
Cadillac adds excitement by way of its V-series STS. The 2005 STS-V utilizes a supercharged 4.4 liter Northstar V8 to produce a whopping 440-horsepower. The twin-screw, intercooled supercharger should prove more than capable when it comes time to mix things up with the likes of the BMW M5 and the AMG E55, both of which cost substantially more than the STS-V.
Ford showed off its exciting Shelby GR-1 concept, a highly polished aluminum-skinned two -seater with butterfly doors and a 6.4-liter V10 monster that generates 605 horsepower and 501 pound-feet of torque. Rumor has it that it took more than 2200 hours to polish the aluminum to its show ready shine, so don't expect that finish to be an option should the GR-1 see production.
Chrysler followed-up last year's ME FourTwelve with the Firepower, a 425-horsepower, 6.1 liter hemi-powered two -seater that sprints to sixty miles per hour in 4.5 seconds, while treating passengers to a refined, grand touring inspired interior. The body is shapely and elegant and features a panoramic glass roof with hatchback, and was well received by everyone in attendance. We can only hope that Chrysler has plans to produce the Firepower, especially after announcing that the ME FourTwelve has been scrapped.
And no supercar talk can be complete without mentioning Ferrari and Porsche. Ferrari took the wraps off its Superamerica, a limited-edition 12-cylinder super tourer that boasts an electrochromatic, folding glass roof that can raise or lower in about ten seconds. The big V12 generates 540-horsepower, which should be good for 0-60 times of around four seconds and top speeds of 199 mph. The price for one of the 150 cars that Ferrari will build? About $300,000.
Porsche unveiled its Carrera convertibles, which are for the first time ever, available with two motor configurations. The 997 chassis is the basis for the best 911 to date, and the convertible option promises to deliver plenty of top down fun.
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