Happy New Year

Well, the the holidays have come and gone, along with their attendant (obsolete word alert!!)hoopla and fol de rol. Presents were given and received (thank you and you're welcome - you know who you are). The new year was anticipated, welcomed and enjoyed, in that order, by many. The new calendar, which like the new model cars has new visuals but the same stuff "underneath", was hung.

Speaking of cars, the new year also brought my annual trek to the NAIAS - North American International Auto Show - held in Detroit at Cobo Hall and Arena. Like last year's show there was an emphasis on "green" cars and technology. Unlike last year's show, the crowds were bigger, a sure sign of a slightly improved economy in the region. The number of fanciful "concept" cars was again low, and again the emphasis was "green" for those that were displayed. There was lots to see, and I saw most of it.


Personally, a few cars stood out from the rest, for various reasons. First and foremost were the hybrids. The "star" of those was, not suprisingly, the Chevrolet Volt. There was one on a turntable, and another on the show floor "open for inspection" as well as an entire "loft" area dedicated to its technological underpinnings. The production Volt is a surprisingly "normal" looking 4 door hatchback, not as stunning as the concept but more acceptable to the mainstream.

Unfortunately, at over $45K "out the door", it is a little out of my price range. What would be in my range, were I in the market, was not (gotcha!) the Toyota Prius but rather the new Honda Insight. If the long term durability of gas/electric hybrid technology were not an unanswered question, this vehicle would be very attractive. Again, a 4 door hatchback, smaller than the Volt, with a sticker price of $20K.

Among the "normal" cars, nothing really stood out to me. The "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" cars, like Porsche, Lexus, and Ferrari were stunning, as usual, with Porsche returning after a 1 year absence. (Interesting aside, every person who approaced any of the Porsches tried the door handle to get in...... they were disappointed.) The Mini (of course, I had to look) stand was mobbed with people checking out the new Clubman (4 full doors and available All Wheel Drive). I'll look at one next time I'm at my dealer - fewer people and free coffee. Chrysler showed a slew of their Mini fighter Fiat 500 (Cinquocento to the cognoscenti). It exhibits lots of panache, but I have questions about the Italian engineering and durability as opposed to the Germanic roots of the Mini's.

The one car that really caught my eye was a classic. Hidden at the rear of the Mercedes exhibit was an absolutely pristine 1954 300SL "Gullwing" coupe. It was silver, of course. From an engineering standpoint, it was decades ahead of its time. Some of the features were lightweight, but strong, construction, 4 wheel independent suspension, and direct gasoline fuel injection. This last technology is used in the newest high efficincy engines just being introduced here and abroad.


All in all it was, as usual, an enjoyable experience. For a few hours one can roam the show and forget the cold and snow outside. At least in my mind's eye, I am driving down the highway with the sun on my face and the wind in my hair.