Below is footage taken of the unveiling of the BMW Z4 at NAIAS 2009

Mike, Katherine and I have finally been out on the floor for the first time this year. The show is defiantly different when compared to last year, mostly due to the fact of some automakers either not being present, or reducing the complexity of their display to save money.

For instance, Nissan and Infinity are both completely absent from NAIAS 2009, this made it possible for Lamborghini and Bentley to be situated directly next to Audi's floor stand. It is a nice change, easily simplifying our work to cover these automobiles, however, the absence of Infinity in the area is also a present feeling. Next to Audi, BMW has expanded into the space that used to be occupied by Porsche, an other brand that has decided to pull out of NAIAS 2009. Lastly, Chrysler corporation has decided to cut costs at the show, and did away with their elaborate waterfall for the Jeep Stand, Gone is the large Dodge ram Horns, as well as elevated stands for the other brands.

We are going to be spending quite a bit of our time on the floor today, and also plan on uploading photos, videos, and obviously special episodes of Neucast podcast. Currently we are in the process of uploading preview images of the NAIAS 2009 floor , with more photos to follow!

2009 marks the 102nd anniversary for the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS – also known as the Detroit Auto Show).  While not a milestone for the show itself, it does mark my 5th year in attendance and Matt's 10th year here.  With two somewhat seasoned veterans at the helm, and the assistance of Katherine Helmetag of cardomain, Neuwerks hopes to bring you the best coverage we can.

The higher sales have come from Europe, Asia, and Asia-Pacific markets most exclusively. In the US, sales have gone down for a second consecutive year with just under 88,000 cars sold to Audi's 3rd largest export market. 

 

 

 

^{Dubbed the R8 V10 by some, Audi is upping the bar once again with it’s somewhat famous super car. While the V8 did give the car a great feel on the track (according to those who drove it), it lacked some of the soul that lie within cars such as the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430. Unlike the competition, the R8 equipped with the 4.2L V8 engine, provided a highly fuel efficient way to show off on the track. This fuel economy was proved by Top Gear in a season 11 episode, by which the car was the last of it’s competition to run out of fuel in a milage competition. (in that competition all cars were started with only one gallon of fuel in their tank).}

 

 

As speculated by our friend Kevin Billings over at Bimmerforums.com (on Neucast #23 ), BMW has today announced that  it will unveil the Z4 Roadster at NAIAS on on Sunday January 11th.

The new Z4 will feature a retractable hardtop similar to the current 3 Series convertible. Powertrain enhancements will also include the twin turbocharged 3.0L inline-6. The model featuring that engine will be coined the Z4 sDrive35i, somewhat of a long name, for what could potentially be the best convertible ever built by BMW.  BMW states that the Base engine for the US will be the 3.0L 255HP inline-6.

Also up for refresh, the flagship 7 Series with the inclusion of 2 versions, the 750i and 750Li. The new 750 will feature the twin turbocharged 400hp V8 similar to the unit installed in the X6. Thankfully the design team was awake when creating the new 7, as it is finally a car that shows some individuality in a somewhat bland automotive segment.

Neuwerks plans on attending the BMW press conference and assist Bimmerforums.com with BMW coverage this coming weekend, so keep tuned for news and images regarding these new vehicles!

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.

 

 

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^{Episode #23 - Bimmerforums Kevin Billings joins us in discussing NAIAS 2009 and looking into what else we would like to cover from the event.}

We prepare for NAIAS 2009 with Bimmerforum's Kevin Billings. Listen in as we discuss BMW models that we intend to cover at the show. The group also discusses how the economy is effecting the show by detailing the high amounts of withdrawals from the show, as well as newcomers for 2009.

 

MP3

(16mb 33 Minutes)

Listen Now!

 

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