The Detroit Auto Show is in Full Swing

On Monday one of the most important auto shows in the US got underway. This is not just a time to show off in-dash navigation screen systems and car radio units that are smarter than the average college grad. No these shows are about all things new and automotive. Each year the Detroit Auto Show is the spot where the car industry strut’s their stuff for the US audience. Not only do they show what they can do but they also show what “you” as a consumer can buy.

Honda came in with new models under the Honda name as well as some updated Acura models.  Over the last few years the Honda models have become kind of stagnant, boring style and out dated looks. The reveals of two of their major designs may have changed that, the Accord Coupe and TL Sedan both got a major 2012 update, which looks great. Chrysler showed off a number of new updates for current models, the 200 got the super S pack which seems to be the closest thing to a tuner package Chrysler has ever offered.

Chevy stepped into the arena with a few concept cars that are supposed to be aimed at the younger crowd. While they are unique, I think many car companies forget that a car has to look good before it can be “cool”. The example of this sis the 130R and the 140S which both are supposed to be hip…but are not good looking. This is an issue that many car companies run into, in concept vehicles or production.  Toyota and Subaru are a great example together they created the FT-86 concept. A great looking 2 door coupe but once it hit production it had been so toned down and softened it just blend into the car world like a failed Taurus model.  Mini stopped by to show off the Mini coupe convertible which looks great while Cadillac showed off their new 3 series competitor.

The show continues till the end of the say today and gives the people of Detroit the chance to get an up close and personal look at the ideas coming up for grabs. Not only could people see the concepts but they also get to give input and change how the future of the automobile will change.

Concept Cars a Plenty in Frankfurt

Every year there are a host of car shows and events where manufacturers show off their new creations and new ideas. From components like car radio units and car navigation system units to complete concept vehicles the Frankfurt motor show has always been a haven for the automotive ideas of the world. It’s not just cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale that take center stage in this arena. Cars like the Ford Festiva ST are huge crowd pleasers because of their real world attainability.

This year was no different with Ford, Subaru, Fisker and many others throwing down some amazing ideas.  Ford showed off their Focus and Festiva ST model’s which are both set for a global release…that means we will actually be able to have them here in the states. This is a big announcement since the US never gets the fun models of cars…type R, Old School Nissan GTR, even the old focus St none of them ever saw US shores, well legally anyway.

One of the most stunning models is the Jaguar C-X16 which is slated for production for the 2013 model year and has to be one of the best looking cars ever built. The great thing about this car …yep it is set to go head to head with the Porsche Cayman so the price won’t be out of this world. Sadly for the US market the Focus ST wagon will not hit our shores so we will have to make do with the Cadillac CTS-V wagon and its petty 600HP. Porsche showed off their new 911 but it is hard to tell the new one from the old, as opposed to KIA who dropped the GT concept on an unsuspecting public. The GT concept is KIAs fist RWD platform and if it comes out looking like the concept it will be a huge head turner. There was also a 1000+HP electric super car that was teased but not that much is known about it yet. For a full list of all the action cars and events at the show hit up Google and look for the Frankfurt auto show then sit back and enjoy the glory. 

This Year’s Monterey was Something Amazing to Behold

There are car shows and then there are CAR SHOWS, Monterey is the latter. This show it the crème de la crème of the automotive world. We are not talking about Ponitiac fuel pump and fuel injector units here. This is a no hold barred brawl of the most beautiful and amazing car that the world has ever seen.  As an example there were a number of cars carrying price tags so high that even Steve Jobs might think twice. Yeah lets be honest it wouldn’t phase him to buy one but still 2.6 Million dollars for one car is quite the asking price.

One such insane car is the new SSC Tuatara which is the latest offering from the Shelby company and the word bespoke is used a number of times when this car is mentioned. This car is a space age material covered high speed monster that will be a contender for the fasted production car on the planet for sure. The Tuatara features a 7.0L turbo charged motor creating more than 1300 HP and is looking to not only top the 270MPH barrier but also capture the fastest time for a production car around the Nurburgring. The best part about this car is it looks like something out a movie based years in the future and yes it is the car in the main image of this blog.

Bugatti had one of the more interesting cars that has been shown in many years but not for the reason you may think. This particular car is in fact a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport that has been custom built with porcelain worked right into the pain and while not everyone may agree with the styling of the car it can be said it is quite stunning to behold even if it is just in high def pictures. One last think about the car it has clear tail lamps and cops love to pull people over for clear tail lamps. Over 2 million for a car and a top speed of over 260MPH and you get stopped for something that trivial. Just saying it would be funny.

If anyone who could not get into the show it-self was feeling left out there was really no need, the parking lot of the even was any car guys dream. Just in a few short minutes walking around the grass lot that was the parking many Porsche carrers GTs and Lamborghinis can be seen. Enough Ferraris, Rolls Royce and Bentlys to make Rodeo drive loot like the poor house and even a Veyron or 2 all making me think why pay for a ticket. The other thought in my head is what do these people do for a living and how nice it must be to have that kind of speed at your finger tips …well toe tips.