Friday, Feb 4, 2005
2005 North American International Auto Show
Coming off an incredible 2004, the automotive world had high expectations for the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The anticipation increased in the weeks before the show as manufacturers gave hints, sketches, and preliminary specifications to the cars that would be introduced at the show. Models that had already made their international debut, like the 997 911 Carrera and BMW M5, made their North American debuts. Dozens of cars were introduced, and Drew Phillips and Nathan Leach-Proffer were there to capture all the excitement. Here are some of the highlights from this year's show:
General Motors
The most anticipated car introduced at Detroit this year was the Z06 version of the C6 Corvette that Chevrolet introduced a year earlier. While photos of the car had leaked from GM nearly two months earlier, everyone wanted to get a more detailed view of the car and its 7.0 liter small-block V8 engine. The C6-R was introduced alongside the new Z06, and the visual similarities between the two cars can be seen instantly. This is because the two cars were developed together, with much of Chevrolet's racing knowledge carrying over to the street car. "The new Z06 is the dividend from competing so successfully in endurance racing," said Corvette's chief engineer Dave Hill. "It combines the strong attributes of the new, sixth-generation Corvette with the spirit, technology and know-how from the race program to form an American supercar with outstanding credentials." Along with the increased power of the new LS7 engine, weight was kept reasonably low with an all-aluminum body structure and the use of lightweight materials like carbon composites and magnesium. To handle the increased power, the brakes Z06 also received a stiffer suspension and larger brakes. Performance should be on par with current supercars with a price tag under $70,000. The C6-R is scheduled to make its debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March.
<< Home