As the 2009 Detroit Motor Show prepares to open its doors to the world’s automotive press, Adrian Hearn looks at some of the big launches.
The American motor industry is experiencing one of its worst ever periods with Ford, General Motors and Chrysler all struggling.
But this hasn’t stopped the North American International Auto Show aka Detroit Motor Show taking place this year – and there are some fancy cars making their debuts.
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Audi R8 V10
Following on from the successful launch of the V8 R8 in 2007, Audi has added the V10 engine from the Lamborghini Gallardo to its excellent supercar.
The result is a mid-engined 514bhp supercar which will accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds before reaching 196mph – making it the fastest Audi ever.
Audi will also be unveiling a brand-new design study, which is being kept a closely–guarded secret.
BMW Z4
After just over five years the BMW Z4 is getting an all-new overhaul, becoming longer and wider than the current model found on Britain’s roads.
For the first time in BMW’s history, the German company will be fitting one of its cars with a retractable hard-top roof which will open or close in less than 20 seconds.
Fisker Karma
The Fisker Karma is a stunning-looking four-door sports saloon with an ace up its sleeve – it’s a hybrid.
With a two-litre turbocharged engine and two electric motors, the Fisker Karma develops the equivalent of 408bhp and 959lb/ft of pulling power.
With Maserati-esque looks, 60mph taking less than six seconds and the all-important green credentials, the Karma could be one of the successes of the 2009 when full-scale production begins at the end of the year.
Ford Shelby Mustang GT500
You can’t have the Detroit Motor Show without a Ford Mustang making an appearance.
And the Shelby GT500 has the most powerful engine Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) has fitted to a Mustang, developing 540bhp and 510lb/ft of pulling power.
Honda Insight
The Insight is Honda’s answer to a budget hybrid and is expected to cost around £15,000 when it goes on sale in the spring.
There are no official details on the Insight, but it’s expected to feature a host of components from the Civic Hybrid.
Come back in a couple of weeks for our Honda Insight review.
Jaguar XF-R
Although not officially confirmed, it’s expected the BMW M5-rivalling Jaguar XF-R will be making its world debut in Detroit.
Spy shots of the XF-R have surfaced in recent weeks and it’s anticipated the super-saloon will be getting a 5-litre V8 engine with 500bhp, a 0-62mph time of about 4.5 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.
Maserati Quattroporte S
The Italian car maker will be debuting its Quattroporte Sport GT S.
The four-door super-saloon gets a few cosmetic upgrades and a 4.7-litre V8 engine which develops 433bhp and which should ensure a sub-five second 0-62mph time.
First details: Maserati Quattroporte S
Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss
This 650bhp supercharged speedster will probably be the show highlight thanks to its radical looks, limited production and eye-watering price-tag.
Limited to a run of 75 and only available to previous SLR owners, the £700,000 Stirling Moss is the last hurrah for the Anglo-Deutsch hypercar.
First details: McMerc SLR Stirling Moss
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Mini Convertible
The new Mini Convertible is lighter, greener, faster and cuter than its predecessor.
Available as an entry-level Cooper or hot Cooper S, the Mini Convertible gets a novel new touch known as the ‘Openometer’, which records the time spent by the driver with the roof down.
We’re driving the Mini Convertible in February so don’t forget to come back for our first verdict.
First details: Mini Convertible
Revenge Designs GTM-R
While not very well known in the UK, American company Radical Designs is looking to make a big splash at Detroit with its GTM-R supercar.
And the numbers definitely got our attention: 650bhp, 0-62mph in 3 seconds and the standard quarter mile in 11.6seconds are pretty impressive.
Revenge says it uses a GM engine but with no further details expect it to be either a 6.2-litre or 7-litre V8 courtesy of the Corvette range.
Volvo S60 Concept
The S60 four-door coupe is arguably one of Volvo’s best ever looking cars with sleek lines, twin exhaust pipes and 20-inch wheels.
The most important part is the engine, which is a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection developing 180bhp, yet emitting just 119g/km of CO2.
Volvo will be fitting versions of this new engine in some of its models later on this year.
Detroit Motor Show press day is Sunday with the show opening its doors to the public on January 17.
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