The 1999 Detroit Motorshow has become quite a different this year. For one thing, this motorshow has showcased a lot of new and exciting concept cars from different car manufacturers who have different visions for the future. Nonetheless, a closer look reveals that the future is not slowing down in anyway, as sports cars of all shapes and sizes take center stage at this year’s show. Some of the highlights:
Mercedes-Benz Vision SLR
Luxury automotive maker Mercedes-Benz seems ready to take on the challenge of Ferrari not only on the Formula One circuit, but on the autobahn as well. The Vision SLR is powered by a supercharged V8 engine which cranks out 557 horsepower. The design of the car is inspired by the gullwing 300SL of the 60s and the modern McLaren-Mercedes Formula One car of Mika Hakkinen. Production is rumored in 2002 by McLaren Cars Ltd., to battle with the 550 Maranello.
Cadillac EVOQ
Though the EVOQ will not be produced in the near future, Cadillac says that the EVOQ is an indication on where Cadillac is headed into the next millenium. Powered by a supercharged 4.2 liter V8 engine, the EVOQ also has a sort of vario-roof system (ala SLK), which means a folding metal top replaces the usual sporster canvass top. However, if Cadillac wants to trade in its stodgy image, they should seriously consider the production of this wedged-shaped sportster.
Toyota Echo
Toyota asked hundreds of American teens on their ideal car…the result: the Echo? Basically, this car is a Toyota Yaris with a trunk. Nonetheless, it weighs less than 2000 pounds which could mean more power from a smaller engine displacement. The biggest feature is that its safety is equal to that of the Toyota Camry.
(My) Mercury
Underneath, the (My) Mercury is a 4 x 4 Ford Modeo platform which could give hints at the company’s SUV meets MPV future. Ford designers say that this car would give the driver’s a coupe feel despite the SUV lay-out.
Ford Thunderbird
A retro-inspired car, the Thunderbird has been given the go signal for production and in hopes will be completed by the year 2000. Based on the Jaguar S-Type platform, the Ford Thunderbird is actually a 4-seater coupe, with a convertible to soon follow. Pricing will make it enter the BMW Z3 / Mercedes SLK territory.
Toyota XYR
A lightly disguised version of the all-new Toyota Celica, the XYR is powered by a 1.8 liter 16 valve inline-4 with VVTi technology. This means a performance of about 140 bhp in its base form. The XYR is almost near production in Japan, and Toyota hopes that this car can capture the sports coupe market back, which they lost with the overpriced Celica.
Chevrolet Nomad
Another retro-inspired car. The Nomad is actually on a stretched Camaro platform powered by a 305 horsepower V8. It seems that the Volkswagen New Bettle really had a big influence on the American industry.
Chrysler PT
Easily mistaken for a concept car, the PT (Personal Transport) is one of the company’s production car which will be launched in 2000. Powered by a 2.0 engine, the rear seats can be folded flat or removed, giving this car an MPV versatility.
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