2009 Detroit Autorama Show Coverage

The 2009 Detroit Autorama once again was packed with tons of nice cars, some rarities, and lots of people. In fact, this year is probably the most packed I have seen it. Surprising, considering that this year's North American International Auto Show had the lowest attendance I had ever seen. Perhaps people just aren't as enthused about the new products coming out, or the fuel efficient direction things are headed. Not that a great number out there won't why these next generation of cars, as I believe it's the future of the automobile. I simply am assuming that the passion for the auto just ain't there. The passion that was lost sometime after the 60's, maybe into the 70's even, where a growing number simply saw the automobile as a means of transportation, and no longer a character statement, or even a means of enjoyment.

Let's face it, how many people could even change their oil today? Hell, how many could even find where the dipstick is under the hood? Even stepping it down a notch, how many people even wax their cars these days? The automobile today is seen more as a throw away purchase more so than ever. Drive it for 3 years, turn the lease in. Buy it, and people turn around and sell it shortly after it's paid off. Aside from the few remaining niche cars, like the Mustang, Camaro, Challenger, Vette, and a few others, the attachment is long gone.

So how was this year's show?

I enjoyed it as much as ever! Yet at the same time, nothing much blows me away anymore. I've seen the over the top cars costing hundreds of thousands to build, and I honestly still don't understand the point of a chrome plated brake rotor, never to be used for it's designed purpose. A good number of the cars have evolved into nothing more than artwork, which while not a form of functioning art, I suppose they have their place. At the same time, the polar opposite in Cobo's basement, the whole Rat Rot....lol....that was a typo, but a Freudian slip for sure. Don't get me wrong, I totally admire the "throw it together with what ya got" mentality, but how many rusted out/rotted out cars can one really stomach? Anymore, it seems it's not about how unique it is, it's "How rotted out/unroadworthy is the car? Oh man, that's cool, a rolling death trap!"

I'm quite surprised what I DIDN'T see this year. It almost seemed as though things took a step back, as I saw very few cars sporting modern powertrains. I saw a few new EFI Hemis in cars, though can't recall but a few LS1's and Ford 4.6's. Everything already seems headed back to carbs. Nothing wrong with that, I just found it surprising considering how praised the new efi engines are out there, and not to mention, how easily they seem to make major horsepower!

My game plan for my Camaro hasn't really changed, and truth be told, it's 9+ year old dated restoration would still stand out amongst the crowd. The color, stance, and small body mods would separate it from the few dozen other 1st Gen Camaros I saw. Don't get me wrong, there are a few extreme exceptions, but the vast majority were.....yawn....simply boring.

So without further delay, here are some of the pictures I took at this year's show.

For more pics, click below.

2009 Detroit Autorama Pictures

The new Camaro Z28

These days, perhaps the pony car's last stand, one has to wonder not whether or not the Z28 will be built, but more importantly, how long with the Camaro itself be built? As Motortrend states, these are highly unusual times, one in which every move by the auto industry will be under great scrutiny by big brother. What will be said about a Camaro SS with 422 hp and gets in the low 20's mpg? Dare they even make mention of a 550+ hp Z28 that likely wouldn't even hit 20 mpg? I've been saying in recent entries, I feel this second coming of fun and exciting cars will be short lived. Who will be the first to fall? Initially, I meant of the Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger. Yet in reality, which one could refer to GM, Ford, or Chrysler. People grew to accept German control of Chrysler, but what about Italy? Forget Italy, as most probably don't even realize Fiat is Italian. What will people think about a company ran by "Fix It Again Tony?" With Chrysler's recent drop in quality ratings, such an unwanted acronym/cliche tag line is the last thing they probably want.

The new Z28...

I figured it was in the works, though am truly surprised that plans moved forward with the ZR1 engine, albeit a tad detuned. I figured something along the lines of the 505 hp Z06 engine would come in it. The reality is, the Z28 will be pushed outside of the price range most Camaro buyers would be willing to spend, thus, it will likely be relatively low production numbers, akin to the 1st generation Z28 with the high revvin' 302. As much as I'd love a Z28, the SS with it's 422 hp is likely much closer to a reality for me in regards to a future purchase. I just gotta figure out where I'm gonna store all these cars! So as these days of uncertainty pass us by, the Z28 may fall victim to the times. The baddest of bad Z's that never makes it beyond concept. Maybe it is possible that GM could sell all the parts through GM performance, allow dealerships to equip/rebadge them into Z28's. It wouldn't be so different than when they delivered the crossram intakes in the trunks back in 1969 and the dealer installed them. Perhaps it's all just wishful thinking. Glory days, well, they'll pass you by....

Camaro Z28

2009 Detroit Autorama

Just a reminder that the 2009 Detroit Autorama takes place this upcoming weekend, March 6-8. Expect my pictures from the show to be posted in the days following the show.

2009 Detroit Autorama

Drag Racing on Ice?

Just when I thought I'd heard it all in terms of motorsport racing.

The Big Picture: Why Detroit Matters.

Good Editorial that was in Motor Trend recently.

The Big Picture: Why Detroit Matters

2009 North American International Auto Show Coverage

Just got back from spending a few hours at the North American International Auto Show. First off, let me say that today was the lightest crowds I've ever experienced, even for a weekday. That for me, is a good thing, yet for the show and the city, a bad thing. It was nice to actually have room to walk around, take pictures, and enjoy the show bumping into some stranger every step of the way.

First impression: It's obvious that this is a transitional year. Auto makers are scrambling to get new hybrid/electric technology to market. Most every large automaker had some sort of electric vehicle on display this year. Surprisingly, I found quite a few of them very interesting. The American companies seem to realize that people want good looking cars with cutting edge designs. There were many exceptional "green" cars at this year's show in which even the hotrodder in me would be willing to slide behind the wheel of.

After looking at all the cars for several hours, my heart is still set upon one true love....the new Camaro SS. I actually got to slide into the seat and feel what it's like for the first time, and me likey!!! I also sat in the Challenger, and had spent much time behind the wheel of the current Mustang while conducting dyno tests at my last job. To me, the Camaro is far and above it's competition. I even like the interior better than the $104,000 Corvette ZR1 that I sat in. The Camaro interior just seems...I don't know, next generation?

I got down on the floor to inpect the underside, as I had a burning question on my mind "Did this new Camaro finally have a TRUE dual exhaust?" To my surprise, yes it does! Gone is the annoying passenger side hump in the floor pan and intermediate pipe feeding a muffler that splits into what leads most to think is dual exhaust. Not that the LT1 and LS1 F-Body didn't have a good sounding exhaust, but the Mustang just aways sounded better....even to this Chevy boy. Now, onto the cars!

First off, I'm gonna start with the three pony cars, the Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger. I believe this is the first show in which all three production versions have been on display.

The bad boy of the bunch, the Chevy Camaro SS.

The "Black" Camaro. The V6 is no slouch, with 304 hp, it's only about a dozen horses shy of Ford's V8 powered Mustang GT.

The Challenger is a sweet ride, but to somebody who's owned the original, the 1970, it just looks overweight to me. All aspects of the body look like they've put on that freshman 15.

Dig the scoop! Hope that's available on production cars.

The newly designed 2010 Mustang GT500.

While I thought the current Mustang captured the heritage of the car, it was based more on the early 64-67 Mustangs. I always thought those years lacked the muscularity a muscle car needs. In 69-70, that was addressed, with more buldging fenders/quarters to go with a more aggressive front and rear. The 2010 Mustang's rear is probably the greatest improvement. Though subtle, it was just enough to add some toughness to the package.

The King of the Hill that's been beating up on Italy's finest! 638 hp and handling to match, this baby has been setting a new standard for performance.

Puts "window shopping" into a new perspective.

Here he comes, here comes Speed Ra-cer.

The Revenge...essentially a kit car, though a very good looking one at that! Powered by a Corvette Z06 engine putting out 505 hp, the car was getting a lot of attention.

Pontiac Solstice Coupe....sorta strange looking, not sure whether I like it or not.

CTS-V...is doing to the Beemers what the ZR1 is doing to the exotics. May have something to do with the Corvette engine that resides between the fenders.

Proof that when done right, low rider trucks are still cool. Digging the Challenger hood and air bag suspension.

Factory offroader, the Ford SVT Raptor, pretty sweet.

The new Ford Taurus, a car Ford is hoping has the same impact it did back in 1986.

The Chevy Cruze, another vehicle GM is rushing to get out in hopes of righting their ship.

Chryslers electric concept, the 200V I think. Good looking styling, likely showing the future face of Chrysler.

The Chevy Volt, perhaps GM's wildcard that will keep them alive.

The "Cadillac" of electric cars. Utilizing Chevy Volt technology, if sales of the Volt are strong, expect this car to come to market in the next few years.

The new Cadillac SRX, a great improvement over the current model.

The Lincoln "C" I believe. Kinda looked like somebody tried to flatten a mini...yet very cool/futuristic just the same.

Chrysler's electric sports car, built with the aid of Lotus I believe.

Fisker Karma, perhaps the most elegant looking electic at the show.

Tesla...an electic sports car.

Penny Racer.

Penny racer mini.

2009 North American International Auto Show

2009 North American International Auto Show

January 17th-25th, the Detroit North American International Auto Show opens to the public. This year will be a transitional year. Where as in years passed, glamour and glitz were the name of the game, this year will be more about business and displaying the product. While there were several hybrid vehicles these last few years, this year will truly be a break through year, with much more focus on these types of vehicles. This year, hybrids will be in the spotlight, as opposed to simply an alternative option among the displays.

Over the last few years, my focus has been on the few remaining muscle cars Detroit has to offer, and other cars where the styling catches my interest. I did cover some of the bybrids last year, as well as a few imports here and there. Expect the focus to be on what the Big 3 has to offer to continue to be my main focus, as this is Motor City Muscle, not Motor City International Auto Show Muscle. As for those upset over the auto makers that pulled out, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Rolls Royce, Land Rover, Ferrari, and Porsche, how many attendees really buy their vehicles in this region any way? I'm looking forward to seeing what the new Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger have to offer in Detroit's second coming of the pony car battle.

North American International Auto Show

Pontiac kills El Camino

It's hard to say how well this car would have been received, or more importantly, how well it would have sold. I personally liked the idea, as gas prices will surely be back on the rise before long, and there are those who still like the convenience of a truck. This car would have filled small niche market of those looking for a car with truck capabilities. Yet at the same time, it's not a Pontiac, it's a Chevy El Camino, GMC Sprint, or GMC Caballero. Marketing as a Pontiac was a poor move on GM's part. I would like to see the car resurrected and imported to the U.S., but in today's volatile auto industry, this will be one of those car that likely never makes it to the scene.

Pontiac kills the G8 ST sport truck for 2009

Jamie LaReau
Automotive News
January 6, 2009 - 1:41 pm ET
UPDATED: 1/6/09 2:39 p.m. EST



DETROIT -- General Motors told dealers today it has decided to cancel a G8 sport truck that was scheduled to debut this fall.

The reason, in part, is GM's "continuing vehicle review" to make the company viable, said Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson. That includes turning Pontiac into a "niche brand" according to a plan GM presented to Congress late last year.

"With Pontiac being more focused on sporty, fun-to-drive cars, we took a long look at the ST and it didn't fit with what our future vision of Pontiac would be," Hopson said. "At that point, we decided to not proceed with this vehicle."

Pontiac launched the G8 sedan in March 2008. The vehicle is built off the rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform at GM's Australian unit, Holden.

When GM unveiled the G8 ST last spring at the New York auto show, no one at the company foresaw the national economic meltdown.

"The way the business is today, we want the dealers to focus on the great products we do have: the G6 sedan and the Vibe," Russ Clark, executive director of product marketing for Pontiac, Buick and GMC, said Monday during an interview with Automotive News.

"We want everyone focused on the volume products and the long-term viability of the company. We and the dealers only have so many resources to promote our products."

GM considers the G8 ST to be a low-volume niche product, and Clark said there are no plans to build it for another GM brand.

"What we want to do with Pontiac is what we did with Buick," Clark said. Buick went from having seven nameplates in 2005 to three now.

"We'll be bringing the entries down in Pontiac," Clark said. "It's six right now. It'll be less than six but more than one, so what it'll be ultimately? We're working on that now."

Pontiac kills the G8 ST