North American International Auto Show in Detroit (NAIAS)

Now to the big story of the Detroit Auto Show, the return of the Ford GT. The new GT is a mixture of the original GT40 and the 05-06 GT, while adding its own unique flavor to the mix. The front gets large air vents, a carbon-fiber front splitter, a massive air vent, and LED headlights. Around back are massive air ducts, two massive exhaust tips, an active spoiler, and the round taillights. The GT's interior is minimal in its layout with a flat-bottom steering wheel, a fully digital and customizable gauge cluster, and the new Sync 3 infotainment system. You can't move the seats due to seats being a key part of the carbon-fiber passenger, but Ford has made sure that the st…

Anyone else with me here in thinking that the CTS Coupe Concept will be voted Best Concept at NAIAS? It is simply breathtaking!

Fisker Karma @ Autoblog All I have to say is... Wow. Spectacular.

I'm not a big Audi fan and this concept hasn't really changed my mind. It looks nice enough, but I just don't find it to be very impressive. If this is Audi's entry in the "4-door coupe" category, then I think I would rather go with the Passat CC instead. Link: Visit My Website Source: Autoblog

NAIAS Preview: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer November 10, 2006 -- CYPRESS, Calif. -- Ninety years after starting car production (with the 1917 Model-A), Mitsubishi has embarked upon its most ambitious automotive project ever through the launch of its first global platform. Known as "Project Global", and already successfully previewed with the second generation Outlander, it will be showcased at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit by its highest volume variant: the all-new 4-door Lancer sports sedan. Dynamic Designed at Mitsubishi Motors studios in Europe and Japan, the Lancer sports sedan shares its stunning design language with the much-acclaimed Mi…

I hate classifying vehicles by gender, but this "toy" definitely falls under the category of "Chick Truck". Link: Visit My Website Source: Autoblog

Preview: Mercedes-Benz Concept Ocean Drive Detroit, Dec 20, 2006 -- At the North American Auto Show Detroit, Mercedes-Benz is adding to its reputation as a pioneer and design trendsetter among premium carmakers with the presentation of its Concept Ocean Drive four-door convertible. This study is a one-off creation by Mercedes-Benz which revives the tradition of large luxury convertibles. Not having to work to a design brief or production specifications left the designers free to get on with the job of developing the world's most comfortable and elegant convertible. The Concept Ocean Drive is an aweinspiring jewel on wheels. As a four-door convertible, it belongs in a lu…

Preview: HUMMER H3 Open Top Concept DETROIT – The 2007 HUMMER H3 has an available oversized power sunroof for an open-air feel, but the H3 Open Top concept goes a step further with ASC’s unique sliding fabric “Infinivu” roof system. The expanded opening provides a nostalgic, safari-style experience in a thoroughly modern midsize SUV. The look and fun factor are classic, but the ease of operation, durability and weather resistance are strictly contemporary. Black chrome finish on the numerous H3 Chrome Appearance Package items available from HUMMER Accessories offsets the sparkling silver paint. Inside, the primary upholstery material is Townsend lambskin leather with Ga…

Mercedes-Benz has officially revealed the 2017 E-Class tonight at an event before the start of Detroit Auto Show tomorrow. We've already given you the details on what it looks like inside and out thanks to a leak last week. Now we have more information to delve out. When the E-Class launches this summer, it will only be offered in the E300 trim. Power will come from a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder (Really Mercedes? E300 for a 2.0L? I digress. -WM) producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A new nine-speed automatic routes the power to the rear-wheels. The power output seems a little underwhelming when you consider the size of the E-Class, but Mercedes h…

DETROIT – The 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV, debuting at the North American International Auto Show, is the largest member of the Escalade family. Combining power, size and strength with trademark Cadillac styling and technology, the full-size Escalade ESV has strongly positioned Cadillac in the large luxury SUV market. The vehicle is 21 inches (53.4 cm) longer than Escalade, and that translates into more premium seating and cargo-carrying capability. It features all the same elements and features as the Escalade, but adds an extra DVD system with large 8-inch flip-down screen for third-row passengers. Based on General Motors’ all-new full-size SUV platform, the ’07 Es…

I saw this pitcure and tag line and had to share: The Detroit Free Press Yak with 2007 Ford Edge The Detroit Free Press Yak takes in the view of Ford's new display through the panoramic vista roof of the all new 2007 Ford Edge at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan 10 January 2006. Their mascot is a Yak! Ugh.

Detroit is turning out to be a somewhat busy show with introductions seemingly every moment. But alas, we (Drew and myself) can't be at all of the press conferences. So this will be a summary of the other vehicles we didn't get the chance to see when they were revealed. We'll be updating this as the day goes on. Audi had two big showings for Detroit. First was the North American introduction of A4. When it goes on sale in the spring, it will come with a turbocharged 2.0L with 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed dual clutch automatic routes power to either the front or all four wheels via the optional quattro system. Pricing starts at $38,250 wit…

The theme of Lexus' press conference for the introduction of the LC 500 was 'New Chapter'. Phrases such as 'cars that fill the heart' were thrown around during the presentation done by Akio Toyoda today. Considering what the LC 500' intent is, it does mark something new. In terms of looks, LC 500 looks very similar to the LF-LC concept shown four years ago at Detroit. Yes, there is an imposing predator grille which will be likely sticking point for a number of people. But there are some other touches such as the fanged lights, intergrated door handles, and a rear end that makes a call back to the orignal SC from the 90's. The LC rides a new rear-drive platform tha…

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/08/detroit...akes-things-up/ Yes, I know it's a knock-off, but it aint Chinese, and Hyundai cars are matching the Japanese in terms of quality and reliability (so I heard), but something about this car is not bad, maybe because there is no Hyundai badge! Lol I think it's the biggest bang for the buck still. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyundai_Genesis

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit...ile/2#c16513964 Ford has a major-league hit on its hands with the 2009 Flex crossover – with the media. Sadly, despite its varied and considerable charms, sales haven't met the Blue Oval's admittedly lofty expectations. Blame the recession, blame the marketing department, blame the Flex's divisive styling, blame what you will, but Dearborn is plainly going to have to find more volume for its D4 platform. Enter the 2010 Lincoln MKT. It doesn't take more than a brief glance to realize that Ford's stylists have exacted much more than a quick nip/tuck on the rectilinear Flex en-route to minting this new Lincoln. But beyond t…

ALL-NEW CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT SPORT UTILITY TRUCK DEBUTS AT NAIAS DETROIT – Debuting at the North American International Auto Show, th e all-new 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT sport utility truck expands the Escalade family of vehicles with a new look that’s still instantly recognizable as a Cadillac. With elements of a luxury SUV and pickup truck, the Escalade EXT has attracted new generations of buyers to Cadillac and helps introduce the next step in the brand’s ongoing renaissance. Based on General Motors’ all-new full-size SUV platform, the ’07 Escalade EXT features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems deliver th…

More media that needs a little more knowledge, or at least some fact-checking: http://yahoo.businessweek.com/autos/conten...0111_142895.htm Some choice lines: The Chevrolet Camaro, ... first introduced in 1969 Chrysler's Crossfire... runaway hit Also lumping the new "44%" bigger RAV4 to "smaller cars". Ugh.

Not sure if I am able to start a thread here mods, and because it appears that if you want a Ford thread started around here, one has to do it oneself...I took the liberty. Behold the yet to be challenged and bad-arsed 2017 Raptor, http://www.caranddriver.com/features/2017-ford-f-150-raptor-in-depth-feature

Mitsubishi Motors Introduces Next-Generation 2008 Lancer December 11, 2006 -- Cypress, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) will introduce, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the all-new, 2008 Lancer compact sport sedan, delivering driven-to-thrill dynamics, "class-up" value, advanced safety and available cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. The new-generation Lancer models arrive in Mitsubishi dealerships in early 2007. The 2008 Lancer brings the bold, dynamic lines of the show-stopping Mitsubishi Concept-X to the showroom. First shown in 2005, the stunning Concept X previewed not only the next …

For full article, please see http://www.leftlanenews.com/kia-borrego.html

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http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/photos...id=54671&ofs=20

The 2010 Chevy Equinox showed its new face alongside the 2010 Cadillac SRX in Detroit today, and it was a tossup as to which looked better. Regardless of where you stand on the Equinox' appearance, the new CUV is a far more sophisticated vehicle than the crossover it replaces. Power will be provided by a choice of two direct injection engines, with the four-cylinder model able returning 30 mpg on the highway and the new 3.0L V6 packing 255 horsepower. It also features a gorgeous interior that should look familiar to anyone who's looked inside a Malibu or Traverse. While this is an evolution of the Theta architecture, the dimensions are almost identical to the old one an…

Preview: smart fortwo Stuttgart, Dec 20, 2006 -- For the very first time on US soil: the new smart fortwo, celebrating its USA premiere at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 7 to 21, 2007). The new smart fortwo will be available in the USA beginning in the first quarter of 2008. The car shown in Detroit is an European version of the new smart fortwo. Model lines to be available in the United States will be announced at later date. smart, like Mercedes-Benz and Maybach, is part of the Mercedes Car Group. The exhibition stand is directly opposite Chrysler and Dodge in Oakland Hall (inside Cobo Center). Written in large letters on the st…

So it sounds like a few members from here will be hanging around the auto show this week. I'm heading up to the proving grounds tomorrow afternoon and will be meeting with GM executives on Wednesday. Afterwards, I'll be at the show.. Who's going to be there?

Just after showing off the the production intent version of the Karma plug-in hybrid sport sedan, designer Henrik Fisker had his models pull the cover off a new concept: the Karma S. The Karma S takes the drivetrain and platform and loses two doors and the roof. The Sunset has a retractable hardtop over its four seats and, as usual in such configurations, the rear seating area loses out. Thankfully, the top folds into fairly compact pieces, so the Karma S doesn't suffer from long deck syndrome. Under the hood sits a GM 2.0L turbocharged and direct-injected EcoTec four-cylinder with 260 hp driving a generator to keep the car going after its 50-mile battery range has been d…

Ya...come to daddy. Chevy Kodiak CK4500 Pickup.

tC Release Series 3.0 on Display at 2007 NAIAS January 5, 2007 – Torrance, CA - Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the tC Release Series 3.0 (tC R.S. 3.0) will be on display at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and 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 ta…

Photos of Jaguar's new C-XF concept leaked today, less than two weeks ahead of its official unveiling. As the name implies, the C-XF is a concept version of the forthcoming XF sedan. The XF will replace the S-Type in 2008, for the 2009 model year. The C-XF has the same 400 horsepower 4.2-liter V8 as the S-Type R. The production model will be offered with a wide range of powerplants, similar to the existing S-Type. The production model will have a less sloped roofline, since the XF is intended to compete with the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class, rather than the Mercedes CLS. Gallery after the jump… This looks damn good to me, sorta like an Aston Martin.

INTERVIEW WITH DON BUTLER V.P. of MARKETING - CADILLAC 2011-01-12 V. V. Haldavnekar Having a one-on-one conversation with cur guys is always fun as they are almost always willing to drop a hint or two underneath the hawk eyes of the HR representatives. Don Butler opened up with us along with few other bloggers on the first day of the NAIAS. Mr. Butler reiterated Cadillac's commitment on bringing the best vehicles in their respective segments. He gave a perfect American vernacular of the top of the line item being a "Cadillac" of the item and not a BMW, Lexus or Mercedes of the item and hence the desire to regain the mantle of the standard of the wo…

Leftlane News 738 lb-ft @ 1,750 RPM, 0-62 in 5.5 seconds? Sign me up!

We're just only month away before the Detroit Auto Show kicks off and automakers are beginning to tease out what they'll be showing. Today, Lexus has announced that the next-generation LS will debut at Detroit. Not much is known about the next LS aside from it using the all new Global Architecture-Luxury (GA-L) that debuted on the LC coupe this year. It would not be surprising if we see the 5.0L V8 (473 horsepower) with the 10-speed automatic and hybrid powertrains from LC being used in the LS. Source: Lexus Press Release is on Page 2 New Lexus LS Flagship Sedan to Make Global Debut at the 2017 NAIAS TORRANCE, Calif. (December 8, 2016) -- Lexus announced toda…

2007 Mazda Ryuga Concept Another zoom-zoomer, this time with gull wings. by Marty Padgett (2006-12-12) Link to Original Article @ TCC Mazda says it's bringing a concept to the 2007 Detroit auto show that's built around the concept of flow. Included in that flow are, if the accompanying sketch is to be believed, a pair of gullwing doors. The new concept has been dubbed the Ryuga. Paired with the Nagare concept unveiled at last month's Los Angeles auto show, the Ryuga will emphasize richness and luxury. Mazda promises "rich fabrics, engineered fits and hidden details" in the new concept, "portraying unique Japanese beauty." Chief designer Laurens van den Ack…

For release: Dec. 20, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EST. HEIR APPARENT: 2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1 RECLAIMS DOMINION AS THE ‘KING OF THE HILL’ New, Supercharged LS9 V-8 is the Heart of a Bedeviling Performance Experience DETROIT – The rumors are true. The speculation ends. And the UFO sightings on desert highways were not of extraterrestrial craft – but they were of a low-flying object capable of seemingly otherworldly performance. Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 – an American supercar that not only establishes new benchmarks for production-based power and performance, but challenges global competitors with a world-beating driving experience that also com…

For release: Dec. 20, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EST MORE THAN PERFORMANCE: CORVETTE ZR1’S CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION DELIVER A CONFIDENT, COMFORTABLE DRIVING EXPERIENCE DETROIT – Its supercharged engine twists out more than 600 horsepower and nearly 600 lb.-ft. of torque. Its racing-inspired dual-disc clutch channels that power to a set of massive, 20-inch by 12-inch rear wheels, helping push the ZR1 to more than 200 mph (320 km/h). It also corners with the grip of a hungry Kodiak bear – delivering more than 1g of lateral acceleration – and stops with exceptional immediacy. Yet for all its astounding performance attributes, the 2009 Corvette ZR1 has a refined driving experience …

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For release: Dec. 20, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EST PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN DESIGN SUPPORTS THE CAPABILITY OF THE CORVETTE ZR1 – AND GIVES IT AN UNMISTAKABLE ATTITUDE DETROIT – In 1990, the Corvette ZR-1 caused a stir with its wider quarter panels, convex rear fascia and squared taillamps. They were the visual clues that identified the special car – the shark fins that made the ZR-1 stand out in a sea of feeders. Spotting the ’09 ZR1 at a glance is a snap, too, with its unique, carbon-fiber dual-port fenders , exposed carbon-fiber roof panel, rockers and front splitter, as well as a unique rear spoiler. Also exclusive to the ZR1 is a raised, carbon-fiber hood with a polycarbonate…

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will not be debuting any new products Detroit Auto Show, instead announcing that it will be debuting a vehicle at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. “As with any international auto show, sometimes product cycle launches do not coincide with show dates,” said Rod Alberts, NAIAS executive director to the Detroit Free Press. Stephanie Brinley, senior analyst at IHS Automotive agrees with Alberts. FCA is right in the middle of developing the 2018 Jeep Wrangler and next-generation Ram 1500. Both models are expected to be revealed within the next 12 to 18 months. “Not having a car in Detroit is much more about FCA's product deve…

Linkity BYD e6 - Dual Mode Plug-in Hybrid Crossover PRESS RELEASE 2009 BYD e6 As the latest star in a rapidly expanding portfolio of green, high-tech products, the all-new BYD e6 electric vehicle is being unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The five-passenger e6 will be marketed as a family-oriented crossover vehicle. The pure-electric e6 features BYD's revolutionary battery technology - what we call the Fe battery. The range per charge is expected to be a remarkable 249mi (400km). Performance is surprisingly brisk, with 0-60mph (0-100km/h) acceleration in less than 8 seconds and a projected top speed of 100mph (160km/h).…

For release: Dec. 20, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EST CORVETTE ZR1: IT’S GOOD TO BE THE KING DETROIT – Few new cars have ever caused the stir that whipped up around the 1990 Corvette ZR-1. It started with fuzzy spy photos and Detroit gossip about a high-powered, “King of the Hill” model. Chevrolet was coy, neither confirming nor denying the grist of the rumor mill. Rumor became fact at the 1989 Geneva Auto Show, when the ZR-1 officially debuted. It was a time when performance cars were only beginning to regain some of the underhood strength enjoyed during the heyday of the muscle car, and the ZR-1’s 375-horespower (280 kW) LT5 V-8 engine – with its DOHC configuration and four-…

Linkity BYD F3DM Plug In Sedan PRESS RELEASE: As the latest star in a rapidly expanding portfolio of green, high-tech products, the all-new BYD e6 electric vehicle is being unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The five-passenger e6 will be marketed as a family-oriented crossover vehicle. The pure-electric e6 features BYD's revolutionary battery technology - what we call the Fe battery. The range per charge is expected to be a remarkable 249mi (400km). Performance is surprisingly brisk, with 0-60mph (0-100km/h) acceleration in less than 8 seconds and a projected top speed of 100mph (160km/h). The Right Size What sets the…

For release: Dec. 20, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EST 2009 CORVETTE ZR1 POWERED BY THE MOST POWERFUL PRODUCTION ENGINE EVER FROM GM: THE SUPERCHARGED LS9 SMALL-BLOCK V-8 PONTIAC, Mich. – When it arrives next summer, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be the most powerful and fastest production car ever produced by General Motors, with performance enabled by a new, supercharged 6.2L LS9 small-block V-8 engine. Incorporating the engineering experience already found in the Corvette Z06’s LS7 engine and the new-for-2008 6.2L LS3 of the Corvette, GM Powertrain is targeting 100 horsepower per liter for the LS9, or 620 horsepower (462 kW), and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque (8…

For release: Dec. 20, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EST 2009 CORVETTE ZR1 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS Overview Model: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Body styles / driveline: 2-door hatchback coupe with fixed roof; rear-wheel drive Construction: composite and carbon-fiber body panels, hydroformed aluminum frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis components Manufacturing location: Bowling Green, Ky. Engine 6.2L SUPERCHARGED V-8 (LS9) Displacement (cu in / cc): 376 / 6162 Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92 Block material: cast aluminum Cylinder head material: cast aluminum Valvetrain: overhead valve, 2 valves per…

List of NAIAS Debuts Aston Martin DBRS9 (*)(**) Audi Q7 V-12 TDI prototype (*)(**) BMW 3-series convertible Chevrolet Camaro Cadillac CTS Chevrolet Malibu Changfeng Group -- Liebao CS6 and CS7 SUVs, CY3 and CY6 pickups and concept vehicle Chrysler Town & Country minivan Chrysler Nassau concept car Dodge Avenger Dodge Grand Caravan minivan Ferrari 599 GTC (*) Ford Focus refresh/reskin (sourced from SmartMoney Dec. 6) Ford Super Duty pickups Great Wall (Chinese Automaker) (*) Great Wall Hover SUV (*) Honda Accord Hummer H4 concept Hyundai CV minivan (*) Hyundai Terraron (*) Hyundai Veracruz Infiniti Concept Q (*) Infiniti QX56 MCE (announced …

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?A...34/1001/opinion That HHR in the pic :AH-HA_wink: looks like a new color.

NAIAS 2009 Exhibitor Press Conference Schedule / as of December 11, 2008 Sunday, January 11, 2009 7:00 am Media Credential Office Opens / Oakland Concourse 8:30-8:55 am Johnson Controls / D2-15 9:00 am Show Floor Opens 9:10-9:30 am NAIAS 2009 Opening Ceremony / Michigan Hall Stage 9:30-10:00 am North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards / Michigan Hall Stage 10:10-10:35 am General Motors 10:50-11:15 am Lexus / Riverview Ballroom 11:25-11:50 am Ford / Cobo Arena 12:00-12:25 pm Chrysler 12:35-1:00 pm BMW 1:10-1:35 pm Volkswagen 1:45-2:10 pm Bentley 2:20-2:45 pm Kia 2:55-3:20 pm Audi 3:30-3:55 pm MINI 4:05-4:30 pm Lambo…

This year at the Detroit Auto Show saw Mercedes-Benz introduce the new E-Class sedan and this kicked off a year-long introduction of other E-Class variants such as the wagon and AMG models. Next year at Detroit, Mercedes will finish up the E-Class with the all-new coupe. The E-Class coupe follows the same design formula as the C and S-Class coupes. This means a diamond-shaped grille up front, a b-pillarless side profile, and an uncluttered rear end. Inside is the same as the E-Class sedan with two screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, uncluttered center stack, and seats wrapped in leather. Space is said to be increased for passengers thanks to a …

For release: Jan 8, 2006 at 12:01 AM EST SATURN VUE GREEN LINE HYBRID DELIVERS GREAT FUEL ECONOMY THROUGH NEW, LOWER-COST HYBRID SYSTEM DETROIT – Saturn unveiled the production version of the 2007 Vue Green Line Hybrid, the first GM vehicle powered by a new, more affordable hybrid system. The Vue Green Line delivers an estimated 20-percent improvement in fuel economy, depending on driving conditions. It is expected to deliver an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and the best highway mileage of any SUV at 32 mpg. The Vue's hybrid system will cost under $2,000. The full vehicle price will start at less than $23,000. “The Vue Green Line is expected to be the lowest-cost…

For release: Jan 8, 2006 at 12:01 AM EST CHEVROLET TAHOE WITH TWO-MODE FULL HYBRID EXPLOITS FUEL SAVINGS, SUV DRIVING PLEASURE AND PERFORMANCE DETROIT – The Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUV has earned its outstanding reputation with independent consumer studies recognizing its sales and quality leadership. With the addition of the world’s first two-mode full hybrid propulsion system, the Chevrolet Tahoe takes its outstanding reputation even further with a 25-percent improvement in fuel economy and a superior driving experience that SUV customers know and love. “The Chevrolet Tahoe Two-mode Hybrid combines the functionality and comfort of a full-size SUV with a two-mo…

GM @ NAIAS Preview Link to Original Article @ Autoblog We briefly interrupt coverage of the LA Auto Show for a moment to bring you a preview of what General Motors has planned for the '08 Detroit Auto Show. At dinner with a group of bloggers last night, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz spilled the beans. GM is going for a full personality split in January with their fastest cars ever and some of their most environmentally friendly. The long-awaited Corvette ZR1 will finally drop alongside the new Cadillac CTS-V. On the other side of the coin, Saturn will show the next three generations of green in the shape of the Two-Mode Hybrid Vue, the plug-in version of the Two-Mode Vue an…

2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1 photos #1-15

2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1 photos #16-30

but does everyone see the leaked camaro shot over on Autoblog? Road and track put up a video two days early I guess. I can't find the video now but Autoblog still has the shot of it up. it is so sexy. sigh. damn them. we can't break embargos. they get all the free traffic, I'm shocked GM isn't all over that.

Well, I just got back to southern California after spending three whole days at NAIAS and I wanted to share my thoughts, for better or for worse, and see if anyone agrees/disagrees with me...... My overall feeling was that, with a few exceptions (Camaro, et al) I am more and more (unfortunately) convinced that General Motors and Ford, if they continue on their current course, will be a fraction of the entities they are even today. There were some bright spots so let me talk about those first....... Buick Enclave - I voted it best-in-show (even over Camaro) and most-significant of the domestic companies. It's simply as beautiful in person as it was in pictures and if…

Preview: Volvo XC60 Pics of Volvo's conceptual small crossover, the XC60 were sucked into the black hole of the Web this morning, as the company prepares to show off the prototype at the Detroit show next month. Based on the same platform as the Land Rover LR2, the baby XC90 is expected to debut in production trim for the 2009 model year. More pics at... Jalopnik

Ford Airstream Concept DETROIT, Mich. , Jan. 7, 2007 – Playing to win in the growing crossover segment, Ford has joined with another iconic company to showcase how it could further expand its lineup of expressive crossovers with the Ford Airstream Concept. “Crossovers are an increasingly important part of our business, and Ford is going to continue developing an expressive range of these vehicles,” says Peter Horbury, executive director – Design, The Americas. “The Ford Airstream Concept is a futuristic look at crossovers. It’s the ultimate modern touring vehicle that delivers flexibility and capability with dynamic design that evokes the spirit of the journey.” Th…

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Volkswagen's BlueSport Concept Darn Porsche! I bet Volkswagen would have built something like this by now were it not for them meddling around in the company's affairs.

Overall, not a bad show. Only my second time ever attending (the first time was the year the SRT-10 was unveiled), but I had a great time. Woke up at 6:45 with my two friends, got to Tim Horton's by 7:45 and we were at Cobo by 8:15 (good thing this dude in a Celica was pacing around 90 because we kept with him the whole way.. ranging from 75-105 MPH lmao). Then, we stood in lines until about 9:10. Suddenly, I was yelling at my friends to "hurry your asses up.. my f***ing car's waiting!" They laughed and I pretty much ran to the Camaro (thanks so much for your "Aiyeee! Camaro! Camaro!" map, Chris). Which leads me to the list (concepts first, then production models, then ov…

sent this in a PM to a fellow C&Ger last week. thought i'd post for those that are interested. ......show was good. my dad and i went with a colleage of mine from work. i drove my dad's 2003 Benneville SLE there and back. we stayed in windsor and took the windsor transit over on saturday morning. we were at cobo at 8:30. it was packed. there was a huge line for ticket holders to get in and a separate line to buy tickets. i jumped in ticket holder line while the rest bought tickets (my friend's nephew lives in windsor so he tagged along as well). by the time 9am rolled around there were several lines of ticket holders. it was really quite a mess. i should…