Hey, just thought I'd post the updates and the newest cars that are being shown off at the auto show:

Audi S8:
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_Audi_S8_02.jpg
(Sport version of the A8, with a 450HP V10)

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_BMW_Z4_M_Roadster_19.jpg
BMW M Roadster, like the M5 and M3, except this is a Z4...

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_Ferrari_FXX_01.jpg
Ferrari FXX

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_Ford_Reflex_Concept_01.jpg
Ford Reflex

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_GM_Camaro_concept_01.jpg
GM Camaro Concept

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_Honda_Fit_02.jpg
Honda Fit

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_Hyundai_HCD9_Talus_09.jpg
Hyundai HCD9

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_Kia_Optima_02.jpg
Kia Optima

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_Lamborghini_Miura_05.jpg
Lamborghini Miura

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_Lexus_LS_460_051.jpg
Lexus LS460; thought by many to be the star of the show. While it may not look impressive on the outside (what Lexus is?:thumbsup: ) it is very impressive on the inside. Boasting a 8-speed (first ever) auto transmission mated to a 380HP V8 that hits 0-60 in 5 seconds. Lexus building a Performance Luxury car...who would have thought:rolleyes:

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_Lincoln_MKS_02.jpg
Lincoln MKS; another thing we didn't see coming. So Ford isn't starving Lincoln after all...315HP V8 with a six speed auto and AWD...Looks like Lincoln is stepping up to compete with Cadillac finally...:rolleyes:

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_Mazda_Kabura_Concept_26.jpg
Mazda Kabura

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_Mitsubishi_Spyder_Eclipse_01.jpg
Mitsubishi Spyder

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_Toyota_Camry_03.jpg
Toyota Camry. Surprise indeed. Toyota will finally be giving the Camry a REAL sports package with a 270HP V6 and some other goodies. America's #1 car is finally not so bland anymore...

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/as/autoshow2006/photos/l_Volvo_C70_01.jpg
Volvo C70

Well thats about it. There are more cars, but I just picked the interesting ones. Hope you enjoyed the show:thumbsup:

That Lincoln is badass, and wow for technology in that LS460!!

Yeah, I'd have to say I was pretty impressed by the Lexus. I mean, they're really going after the S-class and 7-series now...And that was a nice surprise from Lincoln too...

I was dissapointed with GM though...They should have showed off a Cadillac coupe or something...or one of those new Saturns...

Damn I mean an 8 speed! Do you even need that many gears?

Probably not. I think its more of one of those things to try and embarrass the American Auto makers in their home town, but to do it subtlely (sp?). I mean, GM and Ford are just now starting to use 6-speeds and here Toyota has gone a made an 8-speed...

Honda really embarrased them though; they won both best pickup and best car at the show in Detroit; (The Civic and Ridgeline). Granted, this is an INTERNATIONAL show and many judges were from Europe, Japan, etc. At least the Ford Fusion came in Second place. It's good the domestics finally have a good bread and butter car.

I fear for GM though; with the Camaro years away, and GM's entire new lineup being almost all SUVs...:thepan: While the Japs are pumping out hybrids left and right and just building more efficient NA engines (like the one in the new Civic and Camry):rolleyes:

(GM executives in 1974)

"boy these jap-an-ese cars are really gonna kill us with their fuel efficency...its time we get back at them with something they'll never have....massive muscular monstrous V8 power!!!!!!!"

(then the CEO pops the champagne bottle and they all dance around and have a sexy party) :sneaky:

http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/images/richardwinskill/2005/08/01/sexyparty.png

An 8-speed? The only reason you would ever need 8 speeds is if your power band was 200 rpm wide and looked like a church steeple!

Well, it must work, I mean, Toyota isn't one for doing things that would compromise their position as Number 1 in the USA:cool2:

(GM executives in 1974)

"boy these jap-an-ese cars are really gonna kill us with their fuel efficency...its time we get back at them with something they'll never have....massive muscular monstrous V8 power!!!!!!!"

(then the CEO pops the champagne bottle and they all dance around and have a sexy party) :sneaky:

http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/images/richardwinskill/2005/08/01/sexyparty.png

(GM Executive in 1979)

"oh man, whats this Datsun thing doin' here. These Jap cars weren't sposed to be a threat! Those damn Arabs and their oil embargo! Don't worry boys. I have just the plan to stop this madness....We'll call it...the Cavalier:histeric:"

(then the CEO pops the champagne bottle and they all dance around and have a sexy party) :sneaky:

(GM Executive in 1989)

"oh man, what's this Lexus thing. A Japanese Luxury Car? Whos gonna buy that?! Just a tin can piece of crap with leather seats if you ask me! Boys, lets bring out the big guns; Get to work on a Seville redo...just in case..."

(GM Executive in 2009)

"well, it was good times, but Toyota's buyin' us next week. Maybe they can do something we couldn't - make cars that people wanted:histeric:."

the end:rolleyes:

(GM Executive in 1979)

"oh man, whats this Datsun thing doin' here. These Jap cars weren't sposed to be a threat! Those damn Arabs and their oil embargo! Don't worry boys. I have just the plan to stop this madness....We'll call it...the Cavalier:histeric:"

(then the CEO pops the champagne bottle and they all dance around and have a sexy party) :sneaky:

(GM Executive in 1989)

"oh man, what's this Lexus thing. A Japanese Luxury Car? Whos gonna buy that?! Just a tin can piece of crap with leather seats if you ask me! Boys, lets bring out the big guns; Get to work on a Seville redo...just in case..."

(GM Executive in 2009)

"well, it was good times, but Toyota's buyin' us next week. Maybe they can do something we couldn't - make cars that people wanted:histeric:."

the end:rolleyes:

Lol you took my idea and pushed it farther! Nice idea!

Nice preview, but one question:
How did that Kia make your list? :p

I'll be there this weekend and will try to bring back a few more pics.
Too bad there were no Cadillac concepts this year. GM always takes the show with those.

Nice preview, but one question:
How did that Kia make your list? :p

Well, I picked cars that were vast improvements over their predecessors, and the Kia is supposed to be. Not that I would ever buy one. A Hyundai, maybe. A Kia, never:sneaky:

Just dropped the wife's Aviator off at the dealership and got to talking with the service advisor. He showed me some pictures of the upcoming MKS. First of all, I had no idea it was supposed to REPLACE the Town Car, and secondly, after looking at the pictures HE had, the car looks strikingly like the Lexus GS.
Wow, this really got me to thinking, what's going to happen to the fleet industry? That MKS is NOT going to be a good livery car at all IMO. VERY poor replacement for the Town Car in that market. Is Ford going to also dump the other platform siblings, the Crown Vic and Marquis?

Is Ford going to also dump the other platform siblings, the Crown Vic and Marquis?

Honestly, it would be long overdue for them to either do away with or reinvigorate that platform. I know many of you think of it fondly, but it is really starting to show it's age.

That concept replacing the TownCar is good news though. If it comes to market looking like that with those numbers, and is in fact the same size as the recently remodeled DTS or larger, Cadillac may have some competition on their hands (at least until the DTS gets a true redesign). Much nicer design than the cruise ship looking TownCar, AWD, and finally a powerplant to match that mass? There might be life left in Lincoln yet.

Camaro! BRING IT ON!

Honestly, it would be long overdue for them to either do away with or reinvigorate that platform. I know many of you think of it fondly, but it is really starting to show it's age.
That concept replacing the TownCar is good news though. If it comes to market looking like that with those numbers, and is in fact the same size as the recently remodeled DTS or larger, Cadillac may have some competition on their hands (at least until the DTS gets a true redesign). Much nicer design than the cruise ship looking TownCar, AWD, and finally a powerplant to match that mass? There might be life left in Lincoln yet.

Yeah, I get all that, and even agree with you BUT....
Does that mean Lincoln is walking away from the livery industry? And on a larger scall, will Ford walk away from the commercial car market? Those are HUGE markets that they have dominated for years, especially since 1997 when there was no longer a Fleetwood. I just don't see the MKS being able to work for the professional car buyer. It "looks" to be more able to compete with a Lexus GS which is a more "personal" luxury sport sedan, than a Lexus LS which is more of a "traditional" full-size sedan. I see the MKS as being more of an updated Continental than a replacment for the Town Car.

That MKS is NOT going to be a good livery car at all IMO. VERY poor replacement for the Town Car in that market.

The MKS is not going to replace the Towncar.

According to several recent news articles, there is another Lincoln that is larger than the MKS in the works.

The MKS is supposed to show us Linclons the new design direction.

Well according to my local dealer, the MKS IS the Town Car replacement. If it's not, that would be good.

When Lincoln redoes the Town Car in 08 or 09 or whenever, do you think they should make it loyal to the Town Car name (large, very smooth riding, not a great handling car, 6 seater) or should they make a car that can compete with an S Class, at a lower price meaning it has 5 passenger seating, 320+hp V8, and a more european feel.

The Town Car is in an interesting position, its pretty outdated, but it pretty much is the only car in its field, which means that the people who want a solid, RWD, body on frame four door full size luxury sedan have only one real choice.

THAT new Lincoln doesn't call to mind any Lexus. It looks just like an Infiniti M45 !
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/04images/m45_concept_1.jpg
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/04images/m45_concept_2.jpg

When Lincoln redoes the Town Car in 08 or 09 or whenever, do you think they should make it loyal to the Town Car name (large, very smooth riding, not a great handling car, 6 seater) or should they make a car that can compete with an S Class, at a lower price meaning it has 5 passenger seating, 320+hp V8, and a more european feel.
The Town Car is in an interesting position, its pretty outdated, but it pretty much is the only car in its field, which means that the people who want a solid, RWD, body on frame four door full size luxury sedan have only one real choice.

They should keep Town Cars the way they are now. That's the only real luxury car left and there are still people who like them and buy them. Same with the Crown Vic and the Grand Marquis. Who cares that someone who likes new cars thinks they're outdated?

I hope Lincoln doesn't get ride of the Town Car. I'm not a fan of Lincoln, but i think it'd be a bad idea to get rid of it entirely.

Is anyone here going to NAIAS? I'll be there on the last saturday, the 21st. :)

Well according to my local dealer...

I don't beleive what my local dealer tells me about the cars that are currently on his lot, let alone the cars that might someday appear on his lot!! ;)

And if my memory is correct, you heckled another forum member recently for using his local Detroit GM dealer as a source of Camaro information. :hmm:

Michael Peyton, Lincoln marketing manager, said that as the brand seeks to attract younger buyers, it is not abandoning its loyal Town Car customers. (http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=111&sid=669077) -WTOP 103.5

The MKS represents the smaller and sportier of the two Lincoln sedans in development. (http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060109/FREE/60109001/1041) - Autoweek

The Town Car (or whatever they intend on calling its replacement) MUST/NEEDS to be soft-riding, very big, comfortable and quiet. The ONLY changes needed are a complete update to the exterior/interior, technology and features to compete with Lexus, Audi, BMW, Mercedes. It doesn't need to handle like a 7-Series BMW. It doesn't NEED to be European. Let it remain American. There are no more big, luxurious luxury cars...

The Autoweek article seems to point toward Lincoln adopting a strategy similar to the Lexus GS/LS cars. I'm glad that it sounds like the MKS is not going to be the Town Car replacement per say. My bet would be the currently unknown larger, less sporty full-size sedan would be targeted toward that goal. Only time will tell I guess.
If it was out there, I knew you'd find it Jeff.

The Town Car (or whatever they intend on calling its replacement) MUST/NEEDS to be soft-riding, very big, comfortable and quiet. The ONLY changes needed are a complete update to the exterior/interior, technology and features to compete with Lexus, Audi, BMW, Mercedes. It doesn't need to handle like a 7-Series BMW. It doesn't NEED to be European. Let it remain American. There are no more big, luxurious luxury cars...

Yes, there are! The Cadillac DTS should qualify as well as the 213" long, 63 inch high forthcoming Imperial and how about the all new forthcoming Volvo S80 Elite for 07.
http://www.bilnorge.no/export/bb_34278.jpeg

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If it was out there, I knew you'd find it Jeff.

I'm surprised that you didn't read this in Autoweek yourself, Kevin.

I read so many magazines and e-news alerts, it was just a matter of finding where I'd read it.

I'm an AutoWeek subscriber too! I'm always managing to miss stuff in there. Maybe because I only read it in the bathroom. :hmm: