January 19, 2008

NAIAS Draws Thrilled Buffs

If you are a certified auto buff and distance is not a restricting factor, you could be at the NAIAS too.

The North American International Auto Show has its surprising ways of drawing thrilled buffs closer. What holds their excitement? Of course, the hypnotic concept cars, breathtaking background, and the rest of the enticing experience…

To give you a clearer perspective, Associated Press writes:

Desmond Parks was torn between a sports utility vehicle with high-tech features and a colorful coupe, both by Infiniti. He’s 13 and has plenty of time to choose before he’ll actually drive anything, but he decided he was most impressed by the Infiniti FX45 SUV at the first public day of this year’s North American International Auto Show. "The moving seats, navigation system, steering wheel, XM Radio — I could actually drive this," he said before running to the next shiny display.
Desmond and his sister Travey Parks, 32, were among the thousands of visitors who flocked to the show in Cobo Hall as temperatures outside were in the teens. Travey was looking forward to an escape from her leaking 1995 Dodge Neon, what she called a "$500 special." "My dream car is a Cadillac," she said. "Any kind of Cadillac."
 
First-timer Mitchell Mattice liked the Jeep display and concept cars. "The Jeep display with the waterfall blew me away," said Mattice, 30, of Omaha, Neb. "The auto show back home is nowhere near the size or magnitude of this show."
 
His brother, Clayton Mattice, 28, of Elkhorn, Neb., was impressed by the Pontiac G8, which had its own spinning platform and presenter. He said the car was aimed more at his generation. "The style of it and the attention to detail give it a bit more of an edgy feel, but not over the top," he said.
One of the stunners at NAIAS is Dodge Zeo. What made it standout? Know the specs…
 
Dodge Zeo Specifications:

Weight/GVWR 2650 lbs./3400 lbs.
Length 172.8 inches/4390mm
Width at H-point 68.6 inches/1743mm
Height 50.8 inches/1290mm
Wheelbase 109.9 inches/2792mm
Couple 1-2 29.2 inches/742mm
Front overhang 32.8 inches/832mm
Rear overhang 30.1 inhces/765mm
Track front/rear 64.1 inches/1628mm 65.8 inches/1671mm
Approach angle 10.2 degrees
Departure angle 24.6 degrees
Turn circle 40 feet/12.2m
Maximum width 76.5 inches/1944mm
Tire size front P225/40R23x8 30.1 inches/764mm
Tire size rear P255/40R23x9 31.0 inches/788mm

Key Performance Attributes:

0-60 mph 5.7 seconds
Standing ¼ mile 11.0 seconds
Top speed 130 mph
All-electric range 250 miles
Equivalent mpg 120 mpg

[credit: allpar.com]

The Renegade

The North American International Auto Show is one of the biggest events of its kind and it is only fitting that the new concept vehicle from our beloved Jeep was unveiled. Named the Jeep Renegade, the concept vehicle is already becoming a show stealer at the event.

We all know that Jeep is all about building vehicles which can tackle any off-road surface.  But the automaker has upped the ante and raises the bar for its competitor with the unveiling of the Renegade. Said vehicle is created by a group inside Chrysler that goes by the name of ENVI.  This group has been tasked to design quality vehicles which are also as eco-friendly as they come.  No doubt, the arrival of former Toyota head Jim Press is instrumental in the development of green vehicles.

What powers this advanced concept vehicle is a dual electric motor which can produce as much as 268 horsepower.  Since Ni-MH batteries are said to be not enough for automotive application, the Renegade’s power is stored in a Li-ion battery pack.  The concept uses two electric motors on each axle thus making it easier for the car to crawl over rocks as there are two power sources driving the front and the rear wheels independent from each other.

The automaker announced that the Renegade concept’s Li-ion battery pack can power it for more or less 40 miles. If the battery pack lacks power, a 1.5-liter BLUETEC diesel engine will come to life to recharge the battery and power the vehicle.  Hopefully, the automaker can bring the cost of production so that it can be mass produced already.  I know many people will be lining up to own one of these green off-road machines.