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This year's NAIAS was without a doubt the best I've ever been too. The sheer number of new cars and stunning concepts took two days to fully absorb. All of the hard times we read about are all forgotten for a few hours by buyers and executives alike it seems. It also shows that when some in the automotive industry are in trouble the creative thinking (or survival skills) kicks into high gear. Since this is the luxury board I'll mainly discuss the luxury car scene at Detroit this year.
Audi - Audi is, for the first time feeling themselves in the U.S. Their model line brochures now read "Arguably The Best Cars in the World". Looking at the S8,S6,RS4, and Q7 you get the feeling that you could seriously entertain that notion. The S8 is absolutely stunning, inside and out. The B&O sound system arrives this fall for 8K! The S8 on display didn't have the system (come on Audi, why not?). The RS4 is an A4 on something powerful. The S6 is just a smaller S8 with a little less power. There was also an A8 W12 there with a 26K(!) interior package from Quattro GmBh. Stunning, but not worth that kind of money, the whole car stickered for over 150K! Despite all the performance vehicles on display, the real important intro for Audi is the Q7. It has the typical Audi high-quality, high-style interior, and it is a looker. There will be a 3.6L V6 model sometime this summer, same engine as the Passat 3.6 (276hp). I predict success for this vehicle for sure. Audi's future is as bright as it can be IMO. They're pouring on the performance this year to better compete with that other performance minded German luxury brand. There isn't an unattractive or loser car in their lineup.
Cadillac - Very impressed with the STS-V overall, but like so many GM products the interior isn't up to the price and the XLR-V at 100K is just wishful thinking. There is no way the car is worth that. The good news and all the crowd yowling took place at the Escalade stand. There they were the Escalade, Escalade EXT and Escalade ESV, all in black. I've always liked the EXT version (the one with the pickup bed). The only fly in the buttermilk is that the interior plastics look great as does the interior design, but if the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon are anything to go by, the plastics are still of the hard and cheap variety. The CTS seemed incredibly dated. Just looking around the Cadillac display I get the feeling something is missing, a true flagship vehicle to compete in the big leagues is needed.
Mercedes-Benz - Two S-Class models on display, a S550 and S65 AMG. The S-Class fender arches don't appear as big in real life as the do in photos. Now the S-Class with the AMG wear like the S65 had is stunning and very aggressive looking. The basic S without the AMG kit looked a lot better than I originally pictured it. The car is huge, but still very sleek and hides its bulk extremely well. This is no 1992 S-Class by any means when it comes to looking bulky. Interest was very high for the S, GL, SLR (of course), SL and CLS. There was a black CLS55 AMG tucked in the corner of the display. This particular one had the AMG Performance Package. Absolutely stunning! This car had people standing around with their mouths open as did the SLR. I happen to walk up at the right time because I got a chance to sit in the previously locked SL55. With all the hoopla about the S-Class and CLS, I had forgotten about how much I love the SL. The car fells custom made. Separate from Detroit, the SL facelift details have been revealed. See Article. They had two samples of the new GL there. The GL looks a lot more distinctively Benzish in person. There is even a hint of the real "G" there too, the real G (a G55) was also on display. However, the GL's interior isn't going to hold a candle to the Range Rovers I saw. No chance. MB had better not go looking for a direct confrontation on price with Land Rover on this one. Apart from having a merely "nice" interior as opposed to s stunning one, the GL is larger than it looks in pictures. The third row could actually be used by smaller humans. No CL on display, guess it is farewell to my favorite Benz design from 2000-2005, the new model will be shown in March at Geneva. The diesels start arriving this fall. First the E320, then the ML320 and R320 and then a GL320 next spring. The C-Class is showing its age for sure and the E-Class (while mobbed) is showing some age also. The biggest problem I saw here is that the interiors of the ML,R and the GL to a lesser degree aren't up Benz's car interiors. This is done on the instance of MBUSI still trying to save a buck. All three have "nice" interiors that would pass muster in lesser-named vehicles, but not in a Mercedes when the S,CLS,SL,CLK are sitting right there nearly feeling and looking like they're built by someone else. Overall, Mercedes-Benz still draws a huge crowd and all the oohs and ahhs. Crisis? What crisis?
BMW - I'll take an M6 please. Very impressive in that it can "clobber" Aston-Martins (as the BMW rep advised). This was my first time really seeing the 2006 7-Series up close. I'd only seen it on the road and/or just driving by the dealership. It looks a lot better, but it still doesn't cut it for me in the style department. I will say that the white 760Li on display had a back seat of supreme comfort. Very bold and brash, but not pretty. The M3 continues to be a favorite as does the 650i Convertible. I gave up on trying to sit in the M5, too many people and I'd already sat in the M6 long enough to get on the nerves of some folks waiting to sit in it. The BMW Coupe Concept is a peculiar item, though it looks worlds better than the previous Z3 Coupe. I've always liked the Z4, and now the M Roadster slots in for duty. Should be a real thrill ride with a 330hp version of the M3's I6. It is still MB,Audi, and BMW for me, but BMW is gaining ground and isn't so distant to Audi anymore.
Porsche - The 997 is timeless. I particularly like the C4 versions with their wider bodywork. Combine that bodywork with a Cabrio top and you have the best looking 911 in years. Of course the important introduction was the Cayman. Nice, but I want a 911. The Cayenne Turbo S is going to be a short lived model because the Cayenne is due for a facelift for 2007, to be shown at Geneva in March and on sale here this fall. Why they didn't wait until then is a mystery.
cont.....
Infiniti - The Coupe Concept was a letdown. I expected a new car. The concept is nothing more than a current G35 Coupe with a new interior and nose. The rear is nearly the same as before. The G35 sedan is dated. I remain a fan of the M45 Sport and FX45. None of the Infiniti reps knew anything about a Q45 replacement.
Jaguar - Unfortunately I have mixed feeling about their star of the show, the new XK. The car is gorgeous from the rear and side, but that nose isn't so hot. They didn't have a Super V8 Portfolio there either! "It was being used for the L.A. show" was the reason I got for this.
Bentley - The Bentley rep told me that the Continental GT is selling so well that they didn't feel they needed to display one this year. It and the Continental Flying Spur (brick, IMO) are nothing to look at and Bentley are supposed to be gorgeous. They did have the new convertible Azure there, pure old-school Bentley. My favorite Bentley, the Arnage was there either. Boo!
Maserati - Is it me or do the Italians have an unmatched sense of style? Their display was just the most tasteful setup and the cars aren't bad either. The Quattroporte has only one 4-door rival from a styling and interior point of view. This car was shown in two forms, the Sport GT and Executive GT. I like the Executive version better. The paint (dark blue) and interior (deeper than life tan leather and dark wood) were very sheek looking. As much as a like the Spider, it is time for a replacement, though it looks as gorgeous as ever in Gransport trim.
Ferrari - The favorite Ferrari is the F430 Spider. On hand and stunning. The 612 Scagletti is too long and looks unbalanced. To bad the recently announced 575M replacement - the 599 GTB won't be shown in public until March/Geneva. unlike last years, there wasn't any F1 news to be found anywhere and for good reason.
Maybach - A surprise with the 57S. Another brand using L.A. as an excuse as to why they didn't have more cars on display. The Maybach 57S looks so much better than the standard versions with its black paint and whitish leather. I'll take one of these over the Rolls Phantom any day.
cont...
Land-Rover - A winning lineup of SUVs. The best luxury SUVs going IMO. My favorite is the Range Rover Sport of course. Ford had Land Rover and Jaguar next to each other and they compliment each other nicely. Nothing new here, but a few people seemed to be shocked at the nearly 100K sticker on the Range Rover Supercharged.
Acura - Acura has long since been replaced by Infiniti as my favorite of the Japanese luxury three. There is nothing exciting to look at when it comes to Acura. Just nice, reliable, vehicles...no spice. The TSX and TL are nice cars, as is the RL, but they simply don't excite any way style wise. The RDX I'm sure will be a hit. Now bring on that new NSX and we'll have something to talk about here.
Notes, Trends and Details:
BMW, Maserati and Bentley all had their sedans in Dark Blue with either cream or tan leather. This just happens to be my favorite color combination for big luxury 4-doors. Some type of dark Blue or Green are my favs on these type of cars. Everyone has a Black or Silver MB/BMW etc.
My favorite concepts this year:
1. Chevy Camaro - without a doubt the best concept of the show and the best one GM has ever shown. They finally had a concept to rival the Concept Car King - Chrysler. The Camaro manages to pay tribute to the past while brining the classic ponycar theme into the future. It isn't a complete duplicate of the past like the Mustang and Challenger. That puts it ahead of those two with me.
2. Mazda Kabura - small, light, sleek and shaped just right. Built on the Miata chassis and very doable. There is something about the side profile and stance of this car that makes it a winner with me.
3. Dodge Challenger - Retro taken to far? Unlike the Camaro, the Challenger is a exact duplicate of the original. Still stunning, but not as much so in person after seeing the futuristic Camaro.
4. Chrysler Imperial - This car had folks mesmerized. Heavy, big, large, etc. etc. The sentiment seemed to be that since the 300 is seen as a knockoff Bentley, why not build this as a knockoff Rolls. I agree. Priced right (40-50K) this would be a hit for Chrysler. Make the 340hp Hemi standard and the 425hp version standard on the top line version.
5. Mini Concept - A natural follow up to the current hit. Mini should offer a hybrid IMO. That would go real well with their imagine and marketing slant on small cars.
6. Volvo C30 - Very Golf-like. I doubt if we'll see it here, but it will undoubtedly do well in Europe.
The crowds for Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston-Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati were as thick as ever. These cars draw attention no matter what they have on display.
Overall you get the sense the GM and Ford are really trying. Ford seems to be serious about giving Lincoln some actual cars to sell besides the age/livery cast Town Car. The MKS seems like a step in the right direction as is the MKX crossover. While Ford seems to be concentrating on more mainstream products with the Ford and Lincoln brands, GM seems to still be concentrating in niche products like the Camaro and Solstice GXP. These products won't save them. The need a mainstream hit like the Chrysler 300.
Don't think for a minute that the Dodge Challenger won't be in a showroom near you in summer 2007 as a 2008 model. I'd even wager that the Imperial will be built also.
Now the one GM concept that I saw that held the most promise (besides the Camaro) is the Buick Enclave. This is what GM needs, a good looking, modern mainstream product, not niche vehicles.
Some disappointments were the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Infiniti Coupe Concept, the Chevy Tahoe's interior material quality. I expected more with all three of these considering how they each have been represented in pictures.
Pics to follow in a few days. There you have it, the "Merc1" 2006 NAIAS report!
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I too wonder why the delay on the 100EX (Corniche). It is a stunner in pictures.
Concur on the Imperial: a huge seller if DC builds it.
Glad the S class looks better in the metal than in pics. What color were the S classes on display? What was it about the GL interior you didn't like?
On interiors: the Brits and Italians do interiors so much better than the Germans, Japanese and Americans. I concur: cream/ivory interiors look great.
Challenger and Camaro: best sellers in the making.
Time for a new CTS. Sales increased again last year: get the new model on the fast track to keep it moving. I also think the Escalade trio will bring Cadillac SUV sales back to life.
You mention a sense that Cadillac is missing a model. Obviously it is the Sixteen - Caddy should build it!
Yes the British and Italians do interior better imo. They have a way of working the wood and leather in a way that the rest of the world hasn't figured out. Only Audi gets close the same "way" of doing it.
Just think if Chrysler can score a hit with the Challenger, Imperial and the next generation mid-size sedans! Their new found success will definitely be sustainable.
Yeah I want to see a true flagship car from Cadillac. The DTS ain't it.
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The Audi Q7 has really piqued my interest.
Should be a big hit in the $50-60K luxury SUV category.
HD - The Q7 is a nice vehicle for sure. Now if gas prices don't spike to high the spring/summer Audi, Mercedes and Cadillac should all find plenty of buyers for their new SUVs.
A few other things:
Bugatti wasn't there. I was looking foward to seeing this million dollar, 16-cylinder car in person. Of course it was being shown in L.A. which will likely be its biggest market. I can understand that I guess.
VW has two displays, one on the upper level and one on the lower level. The Phaeton was on the lower level and locked up tight. It is a goodbye for this car for sure though people seemed interested in it.
OMG Geely, the Chinese brand! I predict utter failure for this venture. I wouldn't be so sure the Chinese brand that come over after Geely will fail however. I think they'll know better than to bring over such a dated, forgettable car.
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The S8 and S65 are nice cars, but not collector cars. They certainly arent something you should buy as an investment. I also shudder to think how expensive it would be to try and maintain a 30 or 40 year old Audi MMI or Mercedes COMAND system.
I suppose that won't happen.
Really? I didnt get that impression at all. First of all, the nonsensical, last minute change from Aviator and Continental to "MKS" and "MKX" is probably one of the dumbest things they could possibly do. The MKX is entirely a bandwagon vehicle that is 10 years to late, and has absolutely nothing to set it apart from the competition, nor does it look anything like a Lincoln. Its some kind of hodge-podge rip-off of 18 other crossovers currently on sale. Its actually less interesting than the Ford Freestyle, I didnt think that was possible.
The MKS is actually worse, I think. Its like a GS430, minus all of the styling excitement. They took this:
And ended up with this. Talk about a step backwards.
The same goes for all of these high-tech luxury cars 30-40 years from now. None of them are going to be cheap and/or going to last that long without some major money being spent to keep them going.
About Lincoln, I just got the feeling that Ford is at least trying to breathe some life into Lincoln. People seemed to be impressed with both the MKS and MKS. The MKS is the direct kin of the new Volvo S80 for sure. I had figured Ford would give up on Lincoln but they aren't. Will they topple Cadillac or compete with the brands we talk about here? Heck no. I agree the name change was dumb. Aviator sounds so much better MKX (Mark X) to me, but to Lincoln fans it may resonate. Though I know nothing about a last minute change from Continental to MKS. The Continental name is kinda tired for Lincoln and maybe a fresh start is what is needed. The MKS really isn't a bad car and certainly can't hurt Lincoln.
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NOBODY, and I mean NOBODY, would buy that thing over here. It's ugly as sin and has ZERO style or image to it. People with the wherewithal to spend that kind of money on a car don't do it "just because." They do it because of the image and style that a car of that price should convey in addition to the luxury of it.
The LS excitement bears out my feelings that this car is going to be a smash. I'm curious to see the S in person to see if I agree on the wheel arches. One thing for sure September and later big lux sedan sales will be heavily dominated by Lexus and MB.
I finally got a chance to read your posts. Some of these other "old-timers" are more familiar with you than I am . . . so, I must say that you continue to amaze me as I read more of your writings over time. It is truly a pleasure. From a personal standpoint, I was awaiting your feedback most of all for the GL, the S-Class, and the LS460 (and L). . . but I enjoyed every word of your report. Again, a little later than some of the others, but my first opportunity to say a well-deserved "THANKS" to you. And . . . welcome back!
TagMan
I finally got a chance to read your posts. Some of these other "old-timers" are more familiar with you than I am . . . so, I must say that you continue to amaze me as I read more of your writings over time. It is truly a pleasure. From a personal standpoint, I was awaiting your feedback most of all for the GL, the S-Class, and the LS460 (and L). . . but I enjoyed every word of your report. Again, a little later than some of the others, but my first opportunity to say a well-deserved "THANKS" to you. And . . . welcome back!
TagMan
Dated? Geez, next you'll be telling me that my Aries K looks dated.
All the first hand reports, article links, thoughtful comments, insights and predictions have been great.
Edmund's is one of the best resources I know for automotive info, both subjective and objective.
I have to agree with you here, Len. The relationship between the ES and the GS300 has always been confusing to me, even understanding the large technical differences between them.
For example, in about a year I will be looking for a replacement for my '98 E320 (extremely low mileage) that my wife is now driving, and I can't figure out what to get for her. She's no sports car driver, but unless an AWD version of the ES becomes available, I'm not sure I'd want to see her in a FWD car. And the GS300AWD is too small in the back seat to be practical, but the LS is more car than she wants. She's not going to like the interior of the 5-series, and neither of us can stand to look at the nose of the A6. And I'm not ready to assume that MB has fixed the reliability problems of the E yet, although perhaps by then I will be - but I think a new version will be coming out around then, and that really makes me nervous! All of which leads me to believe that if the Majestic has a better back seat than the GS (the pics make it look like it does), it might be the answer for her.
Of course, the best answer may be to convince her to take my LS, and then I can justify getting the new one! :shades:
Bottom line questions for lexusguy: wouldn't it be nice to have a "baby LS" in the showroom, rather than just a gussied-up Camry and 2 versions of an poorly-sized sport sedan? Would the Majesta fill that role?
Toyota has engines and other systems in place that would enable them to roll out world class sedans, roadsters and coupes in the $100-250,000 bracket.
They now have great cabin designs, at least at home. The interiors Toyota offers in Japan rival what the British and Italians are building.
Good suggestion, lexusguy. I never have looked at the RL closely. It had just come out when I got my LS in October '05. The early reviews all commented on the small size of the back seat, and that was a big deal for me (carrying 2-3 people in back for business meetings, and carrying my two teenagers on family outings), so I never pursued it. And the styling of the front of the car was singularly unexciting to me. But that certainly is something to consider if nothing else comes along before then that takes her breath away.
Of course I am, thanks! This year was like the best show ever since I've been going. The sheer number of concepts and production debuts were a lot to take in. I enjoyed going through the trouble of trying to do so.
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Article
Also, Autolies has some gorgeous pics of the new S at a Phoenix AZ launch party.
Autospies Pics
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1. Technology: WOW. Sounds like they once again have achieved making a large car drive better than anyone believes it should. Seats and stereo sound amazing. But is there still no easy big dial to increase the volume of the radio? I love those 2 big rotary dials on my LS that let me (or my less tech-oriented spouse next to me) kick up the volume or slide up a few MHz to another station without having to think which button or combination of buttons I need to press. AND NOTE THE FOLLOWING: "Dynamic control invasive if the car begins to oversteer. And the system cannot be disabled." I wonder if germancarfans will knock this the way they knock the Lexus cars for this.
2. Styling: I can't wait to see it in person to judge for myself. The wheel flares and trunk bulge still turn me off in the pics, especially in the light colors where the shadows exaggerate the design elements. Maybe I could live with it in real life? I'd hate to have to rule the car out just on a design, like I have had to do with the A8 based on its just too, too ugly nose. NOTE TO GERMANCARFANS: NOT MUCH WOOD ON THE DASH, BUT THERE IS ON THE STEERING WHEEL! Oh no, MB goes Lexus just where I dislike it the most....
3. Reliability: Can you imagine trying to maintain this car once the warranty is over- even if MB's past problems are resolved? Scary....
4. Pricing: Starting at $86K, and then adding $18K more in options! Ow. I don't suppose there will be a well-equipped S430 version for a lot less than that? But I guess MSRP (and to a lesser extent, long-term reliability)doesn't matter if you can lease it for no money down, $499/month for 36 months.
Any way you cut it, it's sure going to be interesting to compare the new S and the new LS!
And Merc1, ditto everyone else's comments on a great and comprehensive report on the Detroit show!
Where do I sign?
Overall, the technology in that car is impressive, the ride equally impressive, about the biggest complaint for me is the price - $86 to 104K ??? Ouch !!! That is serious money to shell out, lease or purchase. Maybe the lease rate will be generous and you can get one leased for under $1200/month... The car will be hot, and should do very well in the market.
Good job, MB..
"LS460 Base $64,900 (fully loaded $85,000)
LS460L Supposedly only comes fully loaded - $89,900
LS600hL $115,000 (only comes fully loaded)
He said Lexus is trying to reduce the number of packages available to make it easier for them to produce.
Also, he said the new LS600hL will have 140hp more than the LS460. So, that equates to about 520hp. It will get 35MPG in town. 460L will get about 20-21 in town.
LS460L and 600hL will have AWD standard."
Edmunds gets the lowest 0-60 times for all cars, probably because they don't torque brake. For example, the got 6.1s for the IS350.
C&D got 5.3s 0-60 for the S550 in their recent test.
I asked all these question to MB reps in Detroit. I was told by one person that there will be no S450 and that there will be by another. The first rep came over during our conversation and said that there will be NO S450. Doesn't make sense to me. They both agreed that the new S320 CDI will be sold here sometime in 2007. The S450 and S63 AMG remain a mystery at this point. There is no way Mercedes developed a new 4.6L V8 for just the GL450.
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