Detroit Auto Show/NAIAS, Anyone else go/plan to? Options

[Akimbo]

I just got back, very good. Downstairs had some modified cars. The GT-40 is pretty schweet. I LOVE SCIONS. Downstairs had pimped out cars, and they had an xA and xB. Scion was also showing the tC, which was very nice indeed. The new 7th gen was there, and I didn't see a big difference. I talked to a Toyota rep and they assured me that the Celica won't be discontinued in the United States because, "that would be absurd".
Sadly, they did say that they have no plans to make a new Supra, at least not for a long time as they are swinging into an economical mode. Toyota had some hybrid econo cars, not too bad of stuff for daily drivers.

Acura had what is, I'm guessing, the new NSX. It was called the HPC or something for short, and was a concept. The new Eclipse was pretty neat, kind of odd looking though.

I snagged a bunch of free goodies, posters, books, bags, stuff like that. The best stuff was from Scion, they gave away nice pewter-looking keychains, and a music CD sampler with 29 tracks.

Who else went? Or is going to go? Costs 12 bucks to get in, and bring a drink in your vehicle, pop is 3 bucks for a 20 oz and hot dogs are 4 bucks.

Edit: I didn't have my digicam, unfortunately a regular film camera, but I will scan them if they come out decently.

This post has been edited by Akimbo: Jan 10, 2004 - 4:50 PM

[qatar11]

I went, I saw, I enoyed, I left....


Toyota better enjoy they're ride while they can, the only thing keeping them so high is they're quality. They have already lost this fan's excitement. Their cars no longer strike a cord in my imagination, there is no excitement in their lineup. Its very mass market friendly - which is a good way to make money if you are in the business to make money. I think Toyota used to be in the business to make cars - the same thing happened to GM and Ford and I think (big LEAP of faith) they may be trying to get back into the business of making cars... a good eample is the new Vette which comes standard with the 5 speed now. It used to come standard with an Auto... The Automatic would appeal to more people but its like cutting the balls off that car.

The new Celica hasn't changed since '99 thats criminal, its as bad the cavilere if you ask me. Toyota is going... Joe Nascar with they're vehicles they have a nas truck thing.. and that V8 RWD Celica???? (nothing says import car more than a V8 powered, RWD tube frame with a fiberglass body and stickers for headlights) Its a matter of time before Toyota enters into hick racing (read NASCAR) and "dominates" a race that relies on 40 year old technology (CARBARATION) with unified body shapes Turning Left. F'in Joke

back to the Autoshow - sorry to all the ladies on this board but the eye candy at the autoshow was not the cars gentlemen - the girls here are among the most beauftiful and I will hold that up against Cal or Fla.

THE CARS - The tC was interesting - optional TRD supercharger.... the Saturn Red line is under powered - they won't compete with the SRT-4. Hyundia or Kia had a new car - the S... something it was blue - looked sharp, i didn't see power numbers. The tuner stuff downstairs was mildly annoying - I have no interst in seeing a "tricked out" aztec at this show - and the DUBS display was also rather obnoxious. The Mopar display was pretty slick - they support their cars here like TRD i assum does everywhere but in this country. There is a stage 3 turbo kit for the Neon - and actual larger turbo. which as you may or may not know - 1/2 of the Turbo is molded into the exhaust manifold. they also offer 580? cc injectors and PCM upgrades which can control optional water sprayers... Slick

No Enzo Ferrari - sorta suprising - I guess after Sergei left no one was in the area to loan one for the show...
The Saleen S7 was the one in Bruce Almighty - he charged the movie people $27K for them to be able to drive it down that stretch in the movie. Thats what... a months car payment? lol...

The autoshow here in the D, needs to get bigger - its much too crowded and the NAIAS has threantened to bolt for chicago who recently opened a facility that is 4 times larger than Cobo. I would also like to give a big FU to the people at Cobo for trying to sell me a $3.00 bottle of water. Also Booo to Subaru and Mitsu - both the Evo and STI where ropped off.. I can sit in 90,000 Jags and Audi's but i can't sit in 35K car? FU.

One last joke 150 HP Saleen Focus - are you serious? SVT focus is 170 HP and the RS is over 200 - someone at Saleen is going ot loose they're job.

My Top 10 cars at the NAIAS
1. Ford GT 40 - Perfect in every detail this car is amazing
2. Mercedees SLR McLaren - Finally saw it with all the doors and hood closed
3. Austin Marin Vanquish - Not new... but.......... DAYM
4. Cadillac CTS - redisgned with some SLICK lines - its going in SCCA looked HOT
5. Corvette - Shortened by 5" and much needed redesign of the ass end
6. Neon SRT4 - Very impressed with Mopar's support of the car
7. Kia and Hyundia - Their new cars are all fresh and don't carry a cheap stigma
8. Scion tC - Slick car with some possibilites
9. Mazda Speed MX5 - a very slick, very well done Miata
10. BMW //M3 coupe - ya its over priced at 48K but it holds a special place

This post has been edited by qatar11: Jan 11, 2004 - 12:04 PM