Added: 01/20/2006 |
2006 Detroit Auto Show Highlights Legendary Sports CarsSeveral auto manufacturers revamped versions of their legendary sports car for feature space at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. Lamborghini, BMW, Jaguar and Ferrari all premiered concepts or new models to the public. The Chicago and New York auto shows later this year should bring more surprises. These later shows usually bring major announcements from manufacturers, which means that hardcore fans of legendary sports cars have much to look forward to!
Lamborghini took the opportunity to debut a tribute to one of their legendary sports cars, the Miura. This concept car, redesigned by Head of Lamborghini Design Walter de' Silva, does away with some of the superfluous details of the original 1966 model such as the headlight eyelashes and the B-pillar strakes. The concept model maintains the original flowing lines, laid-back headlights, curved fenders and rocker panel scoops. Without a doubt, this high performance sports car was the belle of the ball.
BMW brought out the 2006 M Roadster, returning the M model to its line of legendary sports cars. This model takes its six-speed manual transmission from the M3 and body structure from the Z4. The suspension and steering systems are brand new. Changes to the exhaust system slightly reduce power in the new roadster. It is rated at 330 horsepower, a slight decrease from the M3's 333 horsepower rating. This high performance sports car will have better acceleration and braking capacity than the M3 due to the difference in weight - it is 220 pounds lighter than the M3 Competition Package.
Jaguar premiered the 2007 XK convertible, which will hit dealerships this spring. Coming in at 200 pounds lighter and 50 percent stiffer than the previous model year, this version also includes active front lighting, keyless entry and starting, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, larger brakes and better all-around handling than the outgoing model. Consumers can still choose between 18- and 19-inch wheels.
Ferrari, renowned for their legendary sports cars, wowed the crowd with their 2006 FXX. Although Ferrari Deputy Managing Director Amedeo Felisa claims that the FXX is only a prototype, the company is selling it for $1.8 million making it a production car by definition. Ferrari modified the Enzo by stripping out 500 pounds of excess curb weight and utilizing a more powerful 6.2 liter engine. Power has significantly increased - the FXX features 800 horsepower to the Enzo's 660 hp. All 29 models slated to be built by Ferrari have already been presold, and owners will be expected to complete a high-performance driving course at the Fiorano Circuit in Italy as well as compete in 14 track events across Europe. Sadly, the FXX will not be street legal.
Other sports cars featured at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show include a 400 horsepower Chevrolet Camaro concept car, the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, and the 2007 475 horsepower Ford Mustang model Shelby GT500 Convertible. Still up this year are the Chicago Auto Show in February and the New York Auto Show in late March. These later shows usually bring major announcements from manufacturers, which means that hardcore fans of legendary sports cars have much to look forward to!
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
