My Pictures and Commentary from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show

[Merc1]

As you can imagine, the mood was very different this year. There was a sort of pall over the entire show and Cobo Hall. Chrysler seemed like a dead man walking, while Ford and GM tried their best to appear upbeat. The Chinese invaded Detroit this year, both BYD and Brilliance were there. Really, they're awful, stinky, poorly built cars. I would never, ever buy one. Of course the Europeans were there in full force, MB, BMW, Audi, Mini, Lambo, Maserati. Conspicious by their absense were Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Porsche. Well anyway going to start posting pics now.....



M

 

[Merc1]

I'm going to make you German car lovers wait for the good stuff, so I'll start with DUB. DUB creations have gone from just wheels to an entire "lifestyle" and state of being.












This used to be a Chrysler 300 at some point and time.



This certainly isn't your father's Lincoln anymore:










(notice the whoop-ass kit)







A nice Olds Cutlass:







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[Merc1]

Ford seemingly has spent their money pretty wisely, lots of refreshed or new products. Too bad the new Taurus is kinda funny looking, but the Mustang...specifically the GT500 is a stunner.













The Taurus:












This car is the twin to the Lincoln MKS, which looks a lot better IMO. Ford has re-positioned the Taurus to be a upscale car alternative, like in the same class as the Maxima, Avalon, Passat etc. No longer the alternative to the Accord/Camry class. We'll see if it works.


"Regular" Mustang GT:






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[Merc1]

The Volvo S60 Concept:
















Very swoopy for a Volvo, lets see how much translates over to production.



Surprise, surprise...I also liked the new XC60. It is just the right size and the seats are some of the best in the industry, as are all Volvo seats. Just as good as any BMW, Mercedes or Audi as far as comfort seats go. Couldn't really get any good shots of it, will try again at the Chicago show next month.


M

 

[Merc1]

Jaguar had a unique display this year. You had to wait in line to get into the enclosed area. I overheard the Jaguar folks saying that corporate is tired of cars being damaged and things being stolen from them. Yes, people do steal knobs, switches and other things from cars at an auto show. Sad. Anyway, the Jags may not have photographed well in White, but let me tell you they are stunning in person.

The XFR:













They also had the speed record breaking XF on hand:







The XKR:
























The reps were free with information too. The next XJ will land in America in spring 2010 as a 2011 model. There may even be a V12 version so they say.



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[Merc1]

Some quick odds and ends......

Hyundai Genesis Coupe:



Good looking car, interior is kinda cheap though. They only had one on hand and it was mobbed so I didn't wait around to take any more pics.


Why did I like this car:






Was it the wierd look combined with the awesome capability?


M

 

[Merc1]

Ok, time for some real eye-candy, ASTON-MARTIN. Finally got to see a DBS in person and it did not disappoint:














I could not stop gawking at this car. Oh well here are the other cars that Aston-Martin make and sell:












Best looking lineup of cars in production IMO. This will change when that 4-door arrives next year.


M

 

[SDNR]

Looks like I checked in on a good day -- great pictures Marcus!

 

[Merc1]

Little-bitty Lotus was on hand also:










No Evora.


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[Merc1]

The award for the most sinister looking car at the show goes to the Chevy "Camaro Black". I mean look at it:















Not sure if they're going to produce it, but they should.


They had one production version on the floor for you to sit in, and of course it had a line waiting to do so:








Should be a hit for GM. Lord knows they need it.


Chevy Beat:










Another production Camaro:






The car that GM really needs, the Chevy Cruze:







Appears to be from a different world from our current Cobalt.



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[Merc1]

Maserati always has one of the best stands, this year was no different.

A vintage racer:




Various Quattroportes:
















Customization is the name of the Maser game:




GranTurismo:






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[Merc1]

My favorite regular brand, VW was on hand also.

This little mid-engine sports car concept should be built:
















My new favorite VW, the CC:










A lot of the other VWs and every Audi (except the Sportback and R8 V10) all wore White this year. Their displays were megawatt bright compared to the others.





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[Merc1]

Fisker....absolute gawker cars. Sexiest way to "save the planet".


















When and if these cars become a reality look for the celeb set to dump their Priuses and LS600hLs with the quickness.


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[Merc1]

Maybach I guess has decided that plain Black and White won't do anymore:















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[Merc1]

Lamborghini:








Bentley Continental GTC Speed:








Azure:




No Brooklands or Arnage Final Series on hand!


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[Merc1]

BMW........two very important first sightings, the 7-Series and Z4.


The 7-Series:










I think I love the interior. Extremely comfortable and so much more stylish than before. The front end isn't as bad in person, but its still too big to be a "pretty" or "graceful", still though this car is a major improvement. To me the 750i looks better proportioned than the 750Li.



Next up was the Z4:













Very handsome little roadster with classic roadster proportions. Interior gives you that real sports car feel/fit. Should be another hit for BMW. Will there be an M version? There should be.


My favorite BMW, the M3:









The X5 diesel:




Concepts:






335d Diesel:




Performance 135i:




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[Merc1]

Audi...which has IMO the best looking lineup of "regular" cars on the market, showcased most of their current production cars in White this year. Kinda hard to get a lot of shots due to the crowds and placement of the vehicles.


TTS:




S5:




R8 V10:












S4:





Sportback Concept:






















Very handsome, but not earth shattering. Will have to wait until the production version shows up on the street. It does however have some serious potential.


Audi had a lot of little things on display:










Q5:





Couldn't get a decent picture of the new facelifted A6 3.0T to save my life. Too many people around.


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[Merc1]

More after a brief intermission.....whew.

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[Merc1]

The much talked about Buick LaCrosse:












Pontiac G8 GXP:






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[Merc1]

The very, very handsome Chrysler 200C Concept:
























Though the press seems to think this is replacing the Sebring, I'd bet that it isn't. RWD is no-no in the Sebring class. This is your next "300" for the 2010 or 2011 model year.


M