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The 17th North
American International Auto Show in Detroit is taking place
this week. Bigger, bolder, and more important than ever
before, the USA's premiere automotive event has seen the
debut of the Ferrari Superamerica, which takes its place as
the world's fastest convertible berlinetta.
The Detroit
Motor Show, actually started in a 'Belles Beer Garden' way
back in 1907, when 33 vehicles from 17 carmakers were
informally presented. Now in its 89th year, the last 17 of
those being accorded with 'international' status, this motor
show has in recent years grown very rapidly in stature.
This year car
giants from across the globe have once again chosen the
Detroit Motor Show to unveil a raft of new and important
models, right in front of what is the world's most valuable
marketplace.
The US giants
have all made a big splash over the last two days as they
bid to outdo each other on their home turf. Ford have a
whole host of new cars on show, from the tough-looking SYN
US to the unique Fairlady, as arch-rival General Motors
unveil two cutting-edge new concepts, the GM Sequel and GMC
Graphyte, that contrast with two out-and-out new performance
machines, the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac STS-V. Meanwhile,
Chrysler have weighed in with the twin HEMI-powered Jeep,
and new production Dodge Charger, both these vehicles bigger
and bolder than ever before.
From Europe, the
German prestige marques are taking the this motor show more
seriously than ever before. Mercedes-Benz have revealed the
new M-Class, VW presented the new Jetta, Porsche unveiled a
new 911 Convertible, BMW stormed in with the new M5, while
Audi are offering the Allroad 'Quattro' concept. Other
European big hitters include the brand new Jaguar sports
coupe concept, and the powerful new Range Rover 'Sports'.
In the Japanese
corner Lexus led the way with the LF-A 'super sports car'
concept, while at the other end of the scale Nissan have
revealed the AZEAL, a sharply styled, entry-level coupe
concept. Honda have taken the wraps off their first
US-targeted pick-up, while Mazda have weighed in with an SUV
'crossover' concept.
Into this heady
mix comes the three Italian sports car manufacturers:
Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini. Ferrari, never wishing to
be outdone by anyone, have presented in public, for the
first time, the 'Superamerica', a 575 M derived sportscar,
that offers a unique glass folding roof system, as well as
giving the mid-size, V8-engined, 360 Modena-replacing F430,
its North American debut.
Emphasising just
how important Ferrari regard the North American new car
market, this is the second consecutive year that the
Maranello-based marque have presented a model at the show
for its 'World Premiere'. Last year in Detroit it was the
turn of the 5.75-litre V12-powered 2+2 'Gran Tourer', the
612 Scaglietti.
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