In anticipation for the 2009 North American International Auto Show
(NAIAS) I am a mixed bag of excitement and disappointment. With the
economy in it's current lull, there are some major manufacturers that
have announced their departure from the show; on the Japanese front
Nissan and Suzuki have announced their withdrawal, with some reports
that Mitsubishi has also followed suit (however they remain on the
exhibitor list on the NAIAS official website). In the European end of
the spectrum Land Rover, Rolls Royce, and, most disappointingly for me
personally, Ferrari have all pulled out from attending this years
event. But the Big 3 will still be representing themselves on the home
turf.
Ferrari at NAIAS 2008 by; Michael Vann
On the bright side, there are some manufacturers that have yet to
attend the show in my years of coverage that I am very excited to see.
Primarily on this list are such firms as Lotus, Alfa Romeo/Stile Bertone, Bugatti, Morgan, and Tesla
(even though they are American, due to the Lotus ties I consider them
on the European front). Along with these new, to me if not to the show,
exhibitors, most of Neuwerks perennial favorites will be there as well,
including; Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Smart, Volvo, Aston Martin, Bentley, Maserati, Lamborghini and of course Volkswagen.
A few of the new cars that are eagerly anticipated by the Neuwerks "staff" include:
The Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro Not called the R10 as many
people have anticipated, Audi is set to officially unveil the 518 hp
V10 version of the R8. With a slightly detuned version of the V10 found
in the Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi's Quattro system and a six speed
manual (or optional R-tronic sequential automatic), this Audi should
prove to a relatively affordable "super-car".
Audi at NAIAS 2008 by; Matt Wellumson
Audi is also set to pull the wraps off of the A7 Concept.
Similar to family of ever growing 4-door "coupes" such as the Aston
Martin Rapide, Porsche Pamamera, Mercedes-Benz CLS, and (Passat) CC.
With a variety of potential drivetrains including a six-speed manual,
seven-speed dual-clutch, and an eight-speed automatic; and powerplants,
including a supercharged 300 hp 3.0L V6 (a detuned version of the motor
due in next generation S4), a 395 hp 4.2L V8, and a monstrous
twin-turbocharged 600 hp 5.2L V10 slated for in the RS version this
should prove to be an interesting concept mechanically, if not visually.
Mercedes-Benz will be bringing its newest iteration of the SLR, the SLR Stirling Moss.
As a last hurrah for the SLR, Mercedes-Benz is paying tribute to Sir
Stirling with this roof and windshield-less retro styled SLR.
Saab is creating a Griffin Edition of both the sedan and wagon versions of the 9-5.
Other cars of interest include the:
New MINI Convertible
Volkswagen Scirocco
Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera?
And anything the afore mentioned "new to me" manufacturers might have to offer.
