Press Preview Days are now over at the North American International Auto Show. Here at Auto Credit Express, there were many vehicles that we expected to see, while there were a few surprises as well. Here is an update to the original list of production vehicles that were introduced this week.
Production Vehicles
These are the cars that you can touch and sit in, as well as look at. If you get to the show soon enough, you can even catch a whiff of that new car smell, but it doesn’t last long, given the fact that annual attendance hovers around the 800,000 mark.
So here it is, the final update until we are able to get to the show and bring back pictures, descriptions and actual videos of the show, itself.
2009 TTS – Available in either roadster or 2+2 coupe (small children, only, in the back two), the “S” designator represents the sport version and, as such, it’s blessed with 265hp, bigger brakes, 18” wheels and adaptive suspension technology. Look for it to appear in U.S. showrooms sometime in November.
2008 MINI Clubman – The newest member of the MINI family is 9.4 inches longer and sports a wheelbase extended by 3 inches. Two rear side hinged doors are complimented by a second rear hinged door on the right side of the vehicle. Design elements mimic the MINI Traveller of yore and this version is available with both standard and turbocharged versions of its 1.6 liter engine – with the turbo version found in the Cooper S edition. Expect the Clubman to hit showrooms in February.
2009 Dodge Ram Pickup – In one of the more entertaining intros of press week, the Dodge boys roped off Washington Boulevard in downtown Detroit and introduced the new Ram Pickup in the midst of 120 Longhorn cattle and 10 cowboys. Hoping to make hay with its newest truck, Dodge has equipped it with a coil spring multi-link rear suspension fitted to a solid rear axle, as well as Ram’s first-ever crew cab.
2009 Ford Flex – The Flex made its debut at the New York Auto Show in April and will go on sale this summer. Featuring Ford’s trademark three bar grill, the Flex features a full compliment of air bags as well as available options that include a refrigerator, Multi-Panel Vista Roof, Ford Sync in-car communications as well as ambient interior lighting. Ford dealers should see the Flex this summer.
2009 Cadillac CTS-V – The high performance version of the CTS sedan makes its debut in Detroit. Now available with a six speed automatic transmission, courtesy of the ZR1, Cadillac’s flagship sports sedan will sprint from 0-60 in under 5 seconds. This tire smoking power is provided by a 6.2 liter engine that produces 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque.
Visitors from the East
Adding to the international flavor of the show will be no less than four manufacturers – up from one last year – from China. Joining Changfeng Motor from last year will be BYD Auto, Chamco Auto and Geely.
Stay Tuned!
We’ll keep you up to date following our personal visit to the show next week with new pictures as well as video clips.
