Detroit Motor Show 2008
 The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a bona-fide American heavyweight sporting a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 09 January 2008 Vijay Pattni takes a look at the show stoppers set to tear up the tarmac. View our exclusive Detroit Motor Show 2008 slide showChevrolet Corvette ZR1 An American motor show would not be complete without an all-American muscle car, and fans will not be disappointed with this – the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Set to make its debut at the Detroit show, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a bona-fide American heavyweight. Propelling the Chevy’s 1500kg bulk is a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 kicking out 620bhp – enough power to give it claimed cornering forces of 1G. Subaru Forester Taking its cue from the likes of the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, the 2009 Subaru Forester aims to blend SUV utility with on-road dynamics. The re-designed model features a longer wheelbase and more sophisticated suspension at the back to provide ‘crisper’ handling, while offering up Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system for off-road ability. A new 2-litre petrol engine will power the Subaru Forester, available in naturally aspirated or turbocharged guises. Land Rover LRX The concept LRX marks an important direction for Land Rover – the recent unveiling of the hot new BMW X6 has paved the way for the burgeoning coupe-SUV market, and Land Rover is keen to test the waters with this stunning two-tonne crossover. The Land Rover LRX is based on a lowered and shortened version of the Freelander, and will appear on UK roads in 2009 if production is given the green light. It features full-time four-wheel-drive and hill descent control, while its compact size is said to be ‘on-road biased’. Mazda Furai and the new RX-8 The Japanese giant has not released official pictures of the new RX-8, but it is widely expected to take styling cues from the crazy Taiki concept first shown last October. But more important is the stuff underneath. The RX-8 will be powered by an all-new RENESIS 1.6-litre rotary engine, which uses lightweight materials to reduce emissions and weight. And sitting next to it at Detroit will be the 450bhp ‘Furai’ concept car, based on its American Le Mans Series racing car. Mitsubishi Concept RA With an eye on the environment, Mitsubishi will unveil this – the stunning Concept RA. Powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 200bhp, the ‘Evo-coupe’ will feature Mitsubishi’s famous four-wheel-drive system and a host of driver aids seen on the Lancer Evolution models, including Active Yaw Control, Active Stability Control and Sport ABS. The Concept-RA features an aluminium space frame body, with bumpers and outer panels made from high-impact and recyclable plastic. Hummer HX concept Featuring a pair of removable roof panels and a sloping rear window, the monster Hummer HX concept is set to enter the coupe-convertible market – but on steroids. But this giant won’t destroy the earth – powering the American icon is GM’s biofuel engine which runs on a corn-based fuel. Mercedes GLK Mercedes’ answer to the BMW X3, the new ‘Vision GLK Freeside’ is set to appear on American shores at the start of 2009 – but it hasn’t been confirmed for the UK market. The GLK borrows from ‘the forefather of all Mercedes Benz SUVs’ – the G-Class – and will feature a seven-speed automatic gearbox, permanent four-wheel drive, and a range of engines including the new BLUETEC four-cylinder 2.2-litre diesel engine, producing 170bhp. And eager Mercedes fans can expect AMG to work their magic on the baby off-roader – will the Stuggart firm’s famed tuning division install the 450bhp 6.3-litre V8 into the GLK? Nissan Forum While this year’s Detroit theme is SUV-biased, Nissan seems to have taken the game one step further with its futuristic MPV dubbed ‘Forum’. Nissan explains its Forum is ‘conceived as a gathering place’, featuring two distinct ‘zones’ – the driver and front passenger are cosseted in aluminium and wood up front, while the 2nd row of seats can turn around via a turntable, creating ‘family-style’ seating for up to five people. Hyundai Genesis The new Hyundai Genesis is set to take the premium saloon market by storm – with prices starting at under £15,000. A choice of three engines are on offer, including the range-topping 4.6-litre V8 producing 370bhp, the rear-wheel-drive Genesis is taking the fight squarely to the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8. And with a BMW-rivalling weight distribution of 53/47, the new Genesis aims to be as much a driver’s car as it is luxurious – couple this to a five year/60,000 mile warranty, and it suddenly seems a bargain. |
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