I've been attending the '04 North American International Auto Show Press Week here in Detroit. I thought I'd give you guys some info and eye candy on what I think is an awesome upcoming year in the automotive world.

The biggest shock to me was the Chrysler ME-4-12. Everyone is doing supercars nowadays, and Chrysler of course can't be left in the dust, so out comes the big guns. The ME-4-12 uses an AMG 6.0L V-12 with QUAD turbo's for 850HP and 850lb-ft, providing 1/4 mile times of 10.5 at 145MPH


Cheers - no wait, Motor-On,
Ryan

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Great Pix Ryan. :smile: Great post.

 

Was the 6-series nicer in person? I've yet to see one. Are they in showrooms yet?

 

The 6-series is not bad in person; I think it is accurately photogenic - unlike recent other Bimmers like the latest Z4 or 5, which photograph poorly. Personally, the 6-series was the biggest disappointment of the show. It's interior is of decent quality, however it's design leaves just about everything to desire. Rear seat room is actually an oxymoron, even slender me (5'9" 135lbs.) could NOT fit in the rear seats. When you open the trunk of the 6-series, the rear end looks like a Porsche 911! Honestly, the best thing in the BMW space was their Cafe' upstairs (which rocked!). Ok, the best automobile in the BMW space was the recently new 330Ci Performance Package. Its' alcantara interior beautifully and functionally enhances the already very nice 3-series interior. Besides the 330Ci PP, the next closest BMW was the new '06 Lexus GS sport sedan. It looks like the 5-series should have, and it's technology is more transparent, not the anti-intuitive iDrive and just-plain-odd Active Steering. Acura's TL and TSX also play the BMW game better than BMW's current lineup, which is unfortunate for a die-hard BMW fan like me. Even the Volvo S40 and V50 may pose serious threat to the 3-series marketshare - they certainly have more character. I think BMW is erroring by relying too heavily on Brand Image, rather than a strong product line that caters to their now-false mantra "The Ultimate Driving Machine."

Competition is very tough in the automotive market. Nothing but Perfect will do any more!

 

Did you take any pics of the new Lexus GS? I've been itching to see that. Lexus is so damn good about keeping a tight lid on things until the right time.

 

Thanks for the pictures Ryan,
Nice stuff coming. Makes the current cars seem so plain.

 

The 2006 Lexus GS430



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