01/10 2004 NAIAS, TURNING UP THE HEAT*
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Fri, Jan 16, 2004
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
01/10
2004 NAIAS, TURNING UP THE HEAT*
By Contributing Editors CHRISTOPHER MERLO and CHUCK DAPOZ
Part 2
ASTON MARTIN DB9 VOLANTE
Aston Martin DB9 Volante (production)
The Aston Martin DB9 Volante is the convertible version of the DB9, which was
introduced in Frankfurt in September. The underpinnings of both cars are identical,
including the 6.0L V12, which rockets either DB9 to 62 mph (100 kmh) in under
five seconds. Aston Martin says the Volante body is stiff because the DB9 was
designed as a convertible; in other words, the Volante is not merely a coupe
with the top removed. The DB9 goes on sale in the spring at a price of $155,000, followed by the Volante about a year from now at $168,000.
BMW 6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE
BMW 6-Series convertible (production)
The "6" is back! Following the introduction of the coupe in Frankfurt
in September, this is the first ever convertible in the 6 Series lineup. This
is one satisfying design ## but honestly we'll take the coupe. That aside,
the new 6 Series' road presence is poetry in motion. The lines flow smoothly
around the car to form a harmonious sculpture. Lower the roof and there's an
array of advanced technologies that put the fun in open-air driving including
Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control and active steering. However, the
real fun begins when you press the accelerator. A 4.4L V8 delivers 325 hp and
332 lbs-ft that take you from 0 to 100 mph in 6.1 seconds with a top speed of
155 mph.
CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Chevrolet Corvette (production)
The world premier of the 6th-generation Corvette (C6) was one of the most highly
anticipated introductions at this year's show. We're struck by the car's elegant
simplicity that presents a leaner, more compact, more muscular, more expressive
design. Overall, it's shorter and narrower than the current car. This is the
first Corvette since 1962 to feature fixed headlamps. The new design achieves
a slippery .28 Cd, making this the most aerodynamically efficient Corvette ever.
All the better for high-speed stability. One of the hallmarks of Corvette is
the legacy of its small-block V8. The new LS2 6.0L small-block V8 is the largest,
most powerful small-block engine ever offered in a Corvette. Paired with a six-speed
manual and four-speed automatic, the engine pumps out 400 hp and 400 lbs-ft.
Yes, the numbers impress, but the C6 delivers more than just raw performance
offering a choice of three suspension settings for overall handling refinement
and driving precision. Coming to Chevrolet showrooms this fall.
CHEVROLET NOMAD
Chevrolet Nomad (concept)
The Chevrolet Nomad wagon is one of two concepts (see Saturn Curve) and one
production vehicle (see Pontiac Solstice) based on General Motors' new Kappa
architecture. This small, flexible, adaptable platform, developed in just under
two years, is the basis for a series of new and future rear-wheel-drive roadsters.
It features a rigid structure with a 50/50 weight distribution, ideal for sporty and functional 2+2 designs. The compact, two-door Nomad wagon was
inspired by the Chevrolet Nomad concept shown at the 1954 Motorama. The simple
yet expressive design features round headlamps mounted on gently curving fenders,
a trademark Corvette grille and forward sloping B-pillar. Under the hood, there's
a turbocharged 250 horsepower 2.2L Ecotec four-cylinder engine teamed with a
five-speed automatic transmission.
CHRYSLER ME FOUR-TWELVE
Chrysler ME Four-Twelve (prototype)
The unveiling of the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve was the only one in Detroit that
produced a gasp from the press. The reason was a new peak in supercar performance: 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds, 0 to 100 in 6.2, a quarter mile in 6.0
at 142 mph and a top speed of 248 mph (400 kph). The name comes from its configuration
of a Mid Engine with four turbochargers and twelve cylinders. The 6.0L engine,
developed with AMG, produces 850 hp; that works out to 142 horses per liter.
The ME Four-Twelve is head-turner ## and arguably looks both American and
like a Chrysler. Our biggest question concerns how it fits into the Chrysler
brand image, and why DaimlerChrysler wants to build a car that competes with
the Mercedes SLR McLaren. Lest anyone think this was only a show car, Chrysler
executives emphasized, "This is a prototype, not a concept car." Road
testing gets underway next month, and test-drives for the automotive press are
promised in the summer.
CHRYSLER 300
Chrysler 300 (production)
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size sport sedan built on an all-new, rear-wheel-drive
platform. It replaces the front-drive Concorde and 300M. Like its sibling, the
Dodge Magnum, the 300 rides on 18-inch wheels and has a hulking presence. Engines
range from a 200-hp, 2.7L V6 to a 340-hp 5.7L "Hemi" V8 capable of
0 to 60 in 6.3 seconds. A Multi-Displacement System, which Chrysler refers to
as "MDS," allows the Hemi to run on only four cylinders while cruising,
resulting in a 10 to 20% improvement over Chrysler's current 5.7L powerplant.
Prices start at $23,595 for the base V6 model, with the 5.7L 300C at $32,995.
The 300 goes on sale in April.
CHRYSLER PT CRUISER CONVERTIBLE
Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible (production)
Chrysler says its PT Cruiser Convertible is more than a quick chop job to renew
interest in the retro-styled PT Cruiser. We're told this two-door was designed
to be a 150-mph convertible, with exceptional body strength making it quiet
and tight. The base 2.4L engine generates 150 hp, and a turbocharged version
pumps 180 hp. There are nine seating configurations, and a pass-though trunk
opening adds to its versatility. The PT Cruiser Convertible goes on sale in
March, with prices starting at $20,585.
CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE ROADSTER
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster (production)
One glance tells you the Chrysler Crossfire was meant to run without a top.
It takes 22 seconds for the soft top to retract under
the hard tonneau. Wheels are 19 inches in the rear and 18 inches up front, accentuating
the Crossfire Roadster's wedge shape. Under the hood is the same powerplant
as in the coupe, a 3.2L V6 that produces 215 hp, driving the rear wheels. A
retractable spoiler extends automatically at 60 mph. The Crossfire Roadster
goes on sale this summer.
CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
Chrysler Town and Country (production)
Chrysler Town and Country Stow 'n Go System
The Chrysler Group holds 38% share of the minivan market, and the Town and Country ## along with its near twin, the Dodge Caravan ## represents an attempt
to remain the segment leader. An innovative feature of the new minivan is the
Stow 'n Go seating system, available only on long wheelbase models, which
allows both the second- and third-row seats to fold into tubs beneath the vehicle
floor, providing a truly flat interior floor. Any of the seats can be folded
down individually, and the third-row seats can be flipped back into a tailgate
mode. Chrysler claims 250 seating configurations. When the seats are up, the
tubs become large storage bins with cargo nets. Chrysler claims the Town and
Country platform was reworked substantially to accommodate Stow 'n Go.
It's a shame the same can't be said about the exterior, which received
minimal freshening. The 2005 Town & Country goes on sale in March, with
prices starting under $20,000.
DODGE SLING SHOT
Dodge Sling Shot (concept)
The Dodge Sling Shot is a low-cost sports car that's both coupe and roadster
because of a retractable roof. Powered by a 90-hp, three-cylinder engine that
delivers 45 mpg, Dodge claims the Sling Shot is a driver's car due to its light weight and four-wheel independent suspension ## though we're skeptical a 0-to-60 time of 10 seconds meets many enthusiast's definition of sporty. No word on whether it might be developed further, but Trevor Creed, Chrysler Group's senior VP for design, says the Sling Shot was built with off-the-shelf components and can readily be produced.
DODGE MAGNUM
Dodge Magnum (production)
Dodge unveiled the 2005 Magnum, which brings a new look built on a new rear-wheel-drive
platform to showrooms this spring. Available with traction control as well as
an all-wheel-drive option, the design of this low slung, full-size wagon pays
tribute to the customized road cars of the Fifties with a distinctive modern
interpretation. Like its companion, the Chrysler 300 sedan, the Magnum is aggressively
priced and sure to get a second look in the showroom. The SE model sells for
$22,495, while the Magnum RT with the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine goes out the door
for $29,995 (including destination charges).
FERRARI 612 SCAGLIETTI
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (production)
For the first time in its history, Ferrari has unveiled a car in America, the
612 Scaglietti. This all-aluminum 2+2 is named in honor of Sergio Scaglietti,
the famed coachbuilder who worked in Modena when Ferrari was founded. It replaces
the 575 Maranello, which Ferrari claimed was the fastest four-seater in the
world. The 612 Scaglietti is bigger, faster and stronger is virtually every
measurement. The 5.7L V12 produces 540 hp, up from 515 on the 575 Maranello,
and can reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Though it's roomier, weight is reduced
by 132 pounds because of its space-frame construction, and Ferrari claims structural
stiffness has been increased 60 percent. The 612 Scaglietti goes on sale this
spring. Prices have not been announced.
