The 2007 Detroit Auto Show Is Here
The NAIAS will be in Detroit from January 13-21, 2007. What can you expect to come from it? Here’s a sneak peek:
Camaro Convertible Concept
The Camaro concept was one of the stars of the 2006 show. For 2007, Chevy unveils the convertible version of the Camaro concept. The concept, wrapped in Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat paint with twin gunmetal gray sport stripes, is based on the original Camaro concept, with only minor changes required to accommodate the convertible body style. Chevrolet already has announced production plans for the Camaro, which goes on sale in 2009. A production convertible model will be added later that year.
Ford Interceptor Concept
According to Ford, the Interceptor celebrates the modern American muscle car with the sporty elegance of 1960s sedans and “Built Ford Tough” attitude. Based on the Ford Mustang, the Interceptor features traditional rear-wheel drive. Its Ford Racing 5.0-liter Cammer engine runs on E-85 ethanol and produces 400 horsepower. The performance engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The Interceptor incorporates Ford’s patented four-point “belt and suspenders” design in the front and rear seats. In addition, inflatable safety belts are included for rear seat passengers.
Jaguar C-XF Concept
The four-door sport sedan, which “blends design purity with unmistakable dynamism,” the C-XF is a clear indication of the design direction that the next generations of Jaguar sedans will take, the British automaker said. The exterior design is intended to be pure, athletic and beautiful. It’s contemporary but pays homage to classic Jaguars. The four-seat cabin uses traditional materials but is fashioned in new and contemporary ways. The technologies and innovations are typical of Jaguar features – and preview others that are still under development. The powertrain is the proven supercharged V-8 with a six-speed automatic that delivers lightning-quick manual gear changes.
MINI Convertible Sidewalk
The Sidewalk makes its debut while the second-generation MINI Cooper and Cooper S have their North American premiere in Detroit. The Sidewalk will be available in spring and is an exclusive package on both the MINI Cooper Convertible as well as the MINI Cooper S Convertible at a cost of $4,000. The Sidewalk package offers an exclusive look, featuring special light-alloy wheels, attractive interior surface trim and leather upholstery developed specifically for the package. In addition, the car comes with a host of options and equipment. The Cooper Sidewalk includes 16-inch bridge spoke wheels and sport seats. The Cooper S Sidewalk includes 17-inch Night Spoke wheels and Xenon headlamps. Both models come with English leather sport seats in malt brown color and Sidewalk interior surfaces and graphics.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe
Going into production this summer, the two-door, four-seat marries a sleek, streamlined convertible body to a lightweight, but rigid all-aluminum space-frame chassis. Exterior lines echo the timeless styling of the great Rolls-Royce cars – a long hood, large-diameter wheels, short front and long rear overhangs and the quintessential dynamic line descending along its flanks. Two new features are the brushed steel hood and A-pillar, and the teak decking for the rear hood cover. Unique to Rolls-Royce, the doors dramatically transform the Phantom’s looks, giving a side profile reminiscent of classic sports cars of the ‘60s. The fabric hood is the largest of any modern convertible car and is lined with cashmere. Layers of material ensure that the cabin remains quiet at any speed. Power is supplied by the same 6.75-liter V-12 engine found in the sedan.
You’ll also see concepts from BMW, GM, Nissan, Toyota, Volvo and more. For more information on the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, visit www.naias.com.
