CyberPMG
01-20-2006, 12:39 PM
For those who want to view all the pics taken at the show, go hit this link: http://fatrings.smugmug.com/Cars/150970
For those who want to read the review with a sample of pics, keep on reading...
This made my 4th trip up to Detroit to witness the 99th annual North American International Auto Show. Overall, the show was good. Great presentations (far more elaborate than what's shown at Cleveland). Somehow, though, I found it to be lacking this year. Most of the domestic divisions were busy focusing on new SUVs, trucks, and hybrid SUVs as that's the hottest selling market in the US. I don't have any interest in them, so my focus was mostly on the car segment which wasn't offering too many new models for 2006 (or really significant updates).
Here's a breakdown of what I've seen...
Audi
I really loved the display by Audi[/bias mode]. Audi was showing off 4 new models: the RS4, S6, S8, and the Q7. They also unveiled a new concept car, the Roadjet Concept.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52860483-M.jpg
The RS4 was exactly everything I had expected it to be. The 19" wheels are stunning. The flared wheel fenders and bodykit make this the only B7 design I like. The car was locked, but I was able to take a peek inside. It has the B7 center console, so it won't get the "start" button (see? glad I didn't order it!). The sad thing is that the US version will not get the Lambo steering wheel or composite Recaro seats that are offered in Europe.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52859843-M.jpg
The S6 was a real sleeper. You wouldn't know that there was a 5.2L V-10 with 420 HP lurking under the hood. The only way to know for sure is the "V-10" sticker below the side turn signal and the tiny "S4" badges. It may not be a total looker, but I'm sure it sounds and performs like a performance sports sedan.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52860180-M.jpg
The S8 just look right. Sitting low on it's air suspension. 20" wheels. V-10 power. Perfect. It also had Audi's newest stereo surround setup by their new partner, Bang & Olufsen.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52859768-M.jpg
The Q7 is Audi's entry into the luxury SUV market. It shares the same platform with the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. Audi's Q7 has stretched the frame to allow a third row for seating up to 7 total. I was hoping for more, but it's a SUV designed to haul many people and items. Not my style.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52860782-M.jpg
The Roadjet concept is not sized between the A4 and the A6 as was stated in the press presentation. Looking at it in person, it matches the basic size of a slightly larger A3 Sportback. In fact, I've heard that if this concept receives a favorable response at the Detroit Show, this will become the S3 to begin construction sometime this Fall or early Spring 2007. Good design and shape. Don't count on the LED lights and electronic gadgets inside anytime soon.
[b]Porsche
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52862237-M.jpg
While the Michelin booth had the Audi R8 2005 LeMans winner on display, Porsche unveiled their new race car. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to see it in action at Mid-Ohio for the ALMS race.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52862513-M.jpg
The Porsche Cayman S was my focus of interest. To me, they've delivered on a design that is well executed. They've taken the Boxster and developed a hard shell around it to produce a design that easily identifiable as a Porsche. The car has hints of the 993 up front while having some hint of design from the late '60s in the back. I believe this to be a well made entry coupe for Porsche and will not step on the toes of it's big brother.
The 997, Boxster, and Cayenne are impressive in their own way, but I was only focusing on the Cayman since it was a totally new model.
BMW
Overall, the Bangle influenced design has taken away the charm and style that set BMW above the others. It's still way too edgy inside and outside. Maybe it will take a few more years for it to blend in or tone down. Still, there are a few exceptions to the rule.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52864150-M.jpg
The Z4 Coupe concept must be built! Great looks. The overall look has a design that picks up some of the retro styling of some late '60s Jaguar coupes. This would be a hot item that would be a big sell for BMW. Just imagine what a M Coupe would be (and the performace it could do)!
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52864391-M.jpg
The M6 was there as well, but most people were gawking at the M Roadster. I liked this one (although the back end needs to be smoothed out more) and all of it's V-10 goodness.
VW
Great display as usual. [cool] The GTI was everywhere to be seen. An added bonus was two of the SEMA cars also made it to the show. The .:R GT Passat and .:R GT Touareg were on the scene. I also liked the Eos which will be available starting this Fall.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52865418-M.jpg
The Mk V GTI is finally here! It's starting off pratically shaved (only need to remove the side rub strips). It does look better in person than what is photographed. I think what's throwing off most people is the fact that the sides are almost flat and smooth without any features. I think this calls for a widebody kit, a set of 19s, and lowered suspension. Interior is really good. It's getting features from Audi's parts bin (like the cruise control stick) and has good fit and finish.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52865612-M.jpg
The Eos was one of my favorites. Built on the Mk V Jetta platform, it's a hardtop convertible with sliding glass sunroof. That's a mouthful! The whole thing operates similar to the Mercedes Benz SLK. The trunk flips open in reverse (make sure there's room behind the car) and the roof flips up in two pieces. The top of the roof is all glass with a center section that will pop up and retract back if you wanted fresh air without having the whole top down. The roof will take away a lot of room from the trunk when folded. There's a lof of mechanical parts involved with this, so I'd be a bit cautious on how well it will work. I think this can sell well as an all-season drop top (with the 2.0T FSI engine!).
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52866969-M.jpg
Ari (friend I was with at the show) was drooling over this big time! We rode in his Touareg to the show. The SEMA Touareg was there in all its splendor. I really love the wheels (one-off AVUS design) and bodykit that integrated well with the body panels. The drop on it works well too. I think this stirred a lot of ideas for Ari's ride.
End of Part 1
For those who want to read the review with a sample of pics, keep on reading...
This made my 4th trip up to Detroit to witness the 99th annual North American International Auto Show. Overall, the show was good. Great presentations (far more elaborate than what's shown at Cleveland). Somehow, though, I found it to be lacking this year. Most of the domestic divisions were busy focusing on new SUVs, trucks, and hybrid SUVs as that's the hottest selling market in the US. I don't have any interest in them, so my focus was mostly on the car segment which wasn't offering too many new models for 2006 (or really significant updates).
Here's a breakdown of what I've seen...
Audi
I really loved the display by Audi[/bias mode]. Audi was showing off 4 new models: the RS4, S6, S8, and the Q7. They also unveiled a new concept car, the Roadjet Concept.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52860483-M.jpg
The RS4 was exactly everything I had expected it to be. The 19" wheels are stunning. The flared wheel fenders and bodykit make this the only B7 design I like. The car was locked, but I was able to take a peek inside. It has the B7 center console, so it won't get the "start" button (see? glad I didn't order it!). The sad thing is that the US version will not get the Lambo steering wheel or composite Recaro seats that are offered in Europe.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52859843-M.jpg
The S6 was a real sleeper. You wouldn't know that there was a 5.2L V-10 with 420 HP lurking under the hood. The only way to know for sure is the "V-10" sticker below the side turn signal and the tiny "S4" badges. It may not be a total looker, but I'm sure it sounds and performs like a performance sports sedan.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52860180-M.jpg
The S8 just look right. Sitting low on it's air suspension. 20" wheels. V-10 power. Perfect. It also had Audi's newest stereo surround setup by their new partner, Bang & Olufsen.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52859768-M.jpg
The Q7 is Audi's entry into the luxury SUV market. It shares the same platform with the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. Audi's Q7 has stretched the frame to allow a third row for seating up to 7 total. I was hoping for more, but it's a SUV designed to haul many people and items. Not my style.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52860782-M.jpg
The Roadjet concept is not sized between the A4 and the A6 as was stated in the press presentation. Looking at it in person, it matches the basic size of a slightly larger A3 Sportback. In fact, I've heard that if this concept receives a favorable response at the Detroit Show, this will become the S3 to begin construction sometime this Fall or early Spring 2007. Good design and shape. Don't count on the LED lights and electronic gadgets inside anytime soon.
[b]Porsche
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52862237-M.jpg
While the Michelin booth had the Audi R8 2005 LeMans winner on display, Porsche unveiled their new race car. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to see it in action at Mid-Ohio for the ALMS race.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52862513-M.jpg
The Porsche Cayman S was my focus of interest. To me, they've delivered on a design that is well executed. They've taken the Boxster and developed a hard shell around it to produce a design that easily identifiable as a Porsche. The car has hints of the 993 up front while having some hint of design from the late '60s in the back. I believe this to be a well made entry coupe for Porsche and will not step on the toes of it's big brother.
The 997, Boxster, and Cayenne are impressive in their own way, but I was only focusing on the Cayman since it was a totally new model.
BMW
Overall, the Bangle influenced design has taken away the charm and style that set BMW above the others. It's still way too edgy inside and outside. Maybe it will take a few more years for it to blend in or tone down. Still, there are a few exceptions to the rule.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52864150-M.jpg
The Z4 Coupe concept must be built! Great looks. The overall look has a design that picks up some of the retro styling of some late '60s Jaguar coupes. This would be a hot item that would be a big sell for BMW. Just imagine what a M Coupe would be (and the performace it could do)!
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52864391-M.jpg
The M6 was there as well, but most people were gawking at the M Roadster. I liked this one (although the back end needs to be smoothed out more) and all of it's V-10 goodness.
VW
Great display as usual. [cool] The GTI was everywhere to be seen. An added bonus was two of the SEMA cars also made it to the show. The .:R GT Passat and .:R GT Touareg were on the scene. I also liked the Eos which will be available starting this Fall.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52865418-M.jpg
The Mk V GTI is finally here! It's starting off pratically shaved (only need to remove the side rub strips). It does look better in person than what is photographed. I think what's throwing off most people is the fact that the sides are almost flat and smooth without any features. I think this calls for a widebody kit, a set of 19s, and lowered suspension. Interior is really good. It's getting features from Audi's parts bin (like the cruise control stick) and has good fit and finish.
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52865612-M.jpg
The Eos was one of my favorites. Built on the Mk V Jetta platform, it's a hardtop convertible with sliding glass sunroof. That's a mouthful! The whole thing operates similar to the Mercedes Benz SLK. The trunk flips open in reverse (make sure there's room behind the car) and the roof flips up in two pieces. The top of the roof is all glass with a center section that will pop up and retract back if you wanted fresh air without having the whole top down. The roof will take away a lot of room from the trunk when folded. There's a lof of mechanical parts involved with this, so I'd be a bit cautious on how well it will work. I think this can sell well as an all-season drop top (with the 2.0T FSI engine!).
http://fatrings.smugmug.com/photos/52866969-M.jpg
Ari (friend I was with at the show) was drooling over this big time! We rode in his Touareg to the show. The SEMA Touareg was there in all its splendor. I really love the wheels (one-off AVUS design) and bodykit that integrated well with the body panels. The drop on it works well too. I think this stirred a lot of ideas for Ari's ride.
End of Part 1