The Minneapolis Auto Show has finally arrived. I must admit that I look forward to the show every year. The show is not large compared to others and, in reality, many concept cars go to the larger shows and skip us. The reason I like our show is it is local and I am on my own time. I can go with my friends with no scheduled agenda. The big shows like Chicago and Detroit are a lot of fun but this is just different having a show near home.
The show was busier then I expected. I talked to quite a few people that noted how the attendance numbers were up from last year already on the second day of the show. The economy is in a slightly better place and car sales are starting to pick up and the attendance at the show is reflecting it. I am guessing that Ford was a major sponsor this year as many new Taurus’s were strewn about outside of the entrances. I overheard several consumers commenting on how they liked the look of the new Taurus and most didn’t even know what it was.
Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Concept
Some of the highlights included the special edition Synergy Green Camaro and the Silverado ZR2 Concept truck from Chevrolet. Though many General Motors concept cars were missing, I was surprised to see the Cadillac Converj concept at the Cadillac Stand. Ford had the new 2011 Edge along with the new 2011 Fiesta Sedan. The updated 2011 Shelby GT500 Mustang was on the show floor with the hood open and, although the doors were locked, it was what was under the hood that was important. Audi had the mighty R8 5.2 in a copper brown color with carbon fiber side blades.
2010 Audi R8 5.2
Some things I noted about the show: BMW, PorscheInfiniti were all absent. While a few talked about Porsche, I’m not sure anyone noticed Infiniti was gone and the largest complaint of the show that I heard was “Where’s BMW?” I spoke with one of the local BMW dealerships and they said that their research indicates that they do not sell enough cars by being at the auto show to warrant the expense. This absence just gave the competition such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz a chance to have BMW owners sit in their cars. Another anomaly was Nissan. They found it important to have the GT-R with a base price of $80,790 but not to have a 370Z, which starts at $29,990. I was told that the reason was, “That is what they sent us…”. Not a terribly good answer in my opinion.
Ross Testing the Man Step
I personally think many manufactures should take notes more from Ford. They have been building terrific booths at the shows lately. They engage the consumers and have a lot to look at, and I am not just talking product. There are interactive games such as foosball and driving simulators not to mention the computers filled with information.
Overall the show was better then last year. With more manufacturers in attendance and consumer attendance up, the atmosphere was a bit more upbeat. The Minneapolis Auto Show’s tag line is “Your License to Dream” and I believe that is exactly what this show did for many consumers this year and with the products coming in the next year, I am sure next year will be even better for consumers.
This past weekend, Autorama’s World of Wheels show came to the Twin Cities. This show travels around the nation and is one of the premier custom car show series. The show itself is put on by Championship Auto Shows. Sponsors include everyone from O’Reilly Auto Parts to Meguiar’s. I went with Jason Pawelsky and we agreed, without question, that the show had its high points and low points. So! Let’s get to it.
1970 Mach1 Mustang
Without a doubt, there were some really nice cars there. A Ford Mustang club was in attendance with a booth filled with Mustangs. One that really stood out was a 1970 Mach1 with gorgeous canary yellow paint. It was one of the highlights of the show and was just a great looking car. It looked terrific and was sitting next to a fourth generation Mach1 (circa 2000). Not to be outdone, the Mustang section had competition from their fierce rival, Camaro. A Chevrolet Camaro club had a section with classic Camaros from yesteryear including a gorgeous Camaro SS featuring a 427 in the engine bay. Of course, quite a few new Camaros were on the show floor as well, sitting next to their vintage elders.
A number of old Chevrolet 210 sedans, along with the older Corvettes, were scattered throughout the show floor. A 1961 Chevrolet Impala was getting quite a bit of attention, probably because it was un-restored and yet looked great for its age. The car’s paint was not terrific and the interior was slightly faded but many of these cars on the floor were full restorations so it was nice to see something that was original and in rather good condition.
Supercharged LS9 V8
Another highlight was a 1957 Chevrolet 210 2-door sedan. This car was being done by L’Cars Automotive Specialties in Cameron, WI. A customer brought the car to the fine people at L’Cars and they have created one heck of a beast for the lucky owners. Starting with an Art Morrison GT sport chassis and a Ford 9 inch rear end, including a limited slip differential as the base, the engine is a crate supercharged LS9 V8 from the Corvette ZR1 with a Hennessy cold air intake feeding the engine. The supercharged LS9 is pushing out 700 hp to the rear wheels and 650 ft-lb through a GM 6L80E six-speed automatic transmission. The exhaust is a polished stainless steel set up from Borla with dual 2.5 inch oval tips in the rear. The exhaust system has an electric cut out system with straight outlets under the car. Bringing all this to a stop is 13 inch Wilwood drilled and slotted rotors in the front and rear with 6 piston calipers in the front and 4 piston calipers in the back. This whole vehicle was 99% completed and they were just working out some fuel delivery issues. Without a doubt, this was one of the coolest cars at the show.
1957 Chevrolet 210 2-door Sedan with supercharged LS9 V8
GNX
Then there were the low points. One of the saddest things I saw was a GNX and, if you know me at all, you know how much love and respect I have for the GNX. It was just this particular GNX that just made me sad all over. I was excited when I saw it across the show floor but as I got closer and closer, my excitement turned to devastation. The paint was in terrible condition with swirls all over and the rear window had a tint job that looks like a child performed the deed with a break in the middle of the rear window where a new piece of tint was spliced in. The interior was actually in fairly decent condition but the engine bay, which needs no help after leaving the factory, was chromed out. From the ugly, oversized manifold in black and chrome to other oversized things, it was all over the place under the hood. Do not even get me started on the stickers! The thing was just a hot mess, except for the interior. There were more low points because several cars had terrible paint jobs with swirls in the finish. It is one thing when you have original paint, but to restore a car with a new paint job and improperly use a buffer is just sad.
OMG its Doc Hudson!
Overall the experience was fun. People were enjoying the cars and the atmosphere. A special attraction for the kids was the Hudson Hornet aka, Doc Hudson, from the movie Cars. Friends know I am a huge Cars fan and so seeing Doc Hudson was yet another highlight for this big kid. Overall, the show was a great way to spend a Winter Saturday afternoon as Spring and the season for fun cars approaches.
Classic Chevrolet was the number one volume Chevrolet dealership for the past four years. This past weekend I had the opportunity to interview the general manger Hagen Durant about the key to their success.
This past weekend the International Motorcycle Show was in Minneapolis, presented by Cycle World. Upon entering the show you are greeted immediately by a person handing out a Progressive Insurance bag for all the swag you might find at the show. Throughout the show I noticed how much advertising Progressive was doing. There were stickers on the floor featuring “Flo” everywhere you went along with the massive booth that they had with people talking about their motorcycle insurance. Progressive was not alone as Allstate was there with a nice sized booth of their own. Seems insurance companies are making a push for the motorcycle crowd.
Everyone at the show seemed to be an enthusiast of some kind. Some were adorning full leathers while others merely wearing a t-shirt with a companies logo on it. Everybody seemed to be representing something. Many families were at the show and the kids all seemed to be drawn to the sport bikes. There was a member of the Ducati freestyle team at the show, and they had a whole section of the floor to perform a show every few hours.
Each manufacturer had specialists to answer questions and show off the latest features and bikes. I over heard a specialist at the Yamaha booth asking a customer if they really needed the power of 1000 cc or if 600 cc might do it. The Ducati booth had an espresso bar with laptops loaded with information on their current line up of bikes which was very cool.
I met a group called ZeroGravity, a local Minnesota based group of sport bike riders. There are plenty of forums and groups out there, so what made them stick out? I held a conversation with the groups founder, Bjorn Iverson, about what exactly makes them different. He explained to me he used to be part of quite a few forums and while they were informational, people did not interact offline. Bjorn thought there was a better way and thus ZeroGravity was founded. The group hits the open road together, “spank twisties” and tear up the back country roads. While this all seems normal, what really got me was how much they all interact outside of motorcycles. The ZeroGravity members are a tight knit group that always welcome new comers. They hangout outside of the motorcycle realm doing everything from dodgeball to bowling. Nothing is out of the question, and they all just want to have fun together. The motorcycle is just the common object that brings them all together. They are nearly 700 members strong and growing quickly. If you are a motorcyclist in the MN/WI area, I suggest you check them out for sure.
Overall, the whole show was a blast. I am glad to have met the crew at ZeroGravity. I saw a lot of innovation at the show. Many manufacturers listen to what the customers are saying and try to implement just that. There are a lot of different segments in the motorcycle industry from stunters, racers, hardcore riders and just the casual cruiser and yet there was something for everyone.
Most people do not know it but Minnesota has the highest boat per capita in the United States. Further then that Minnesota boats have the lowest average hours used on those boats in the United states. It all stems from us having so much water (i.e. Land of 10,000 Lakes) which leads many people either to have a cabin up north or just enjoy time out on a lake somewhere during the summer months. The reason we have the lowest average hours on those boats is simple, we have a short summer. Since we have so many boats/boaters the Minneapolis Boat Show is one of the best places for boat sales men to meet quotas. Many of the sales people on the floor at the show actually told me that this show is where they sell the most boats out of the entire year.
When I started this blog I said I would write about anything with a spark plug. The first comment I got back was, well diesel engines do not have spark plugs. To that I say touché. I also say boats have engines, some of them massive, and those engines have spark plugs so here goes.
I ran into Cydney at the show!
There were many vendors as well as boats at the show. The state of our economy was evident a the show most noticeably some prominent OEM manufactures were absent due to bankruptcy filings. These included Crestliner, Lund, Glastron, and many more. One of the first things that struck me as I was walking the show floor is the jet skis. When I was a kid jet skis were quickly becoming popular. Years ago they were truly personal water craft. Sure some said they fit three but that was in a pinch. Now these things are literally huge! If you saw a jet ski from 15 years ago next to a brand new one you would be shocked at how much they have grown in mass. Along with the mass is the engine. The average jet ski in 1995 would top out around 45-50 mph. That was fast enough for a recreational small water craft. Now if you buy a jet ski they can top out at over 80-90 mph!! I ride jet skis during the summer and know exactly what people do when on them including full throttle 360’s. I do not know if doing a 360 at 80 mph would be considered safe. I can throw myself off a jet ski doing a 360 at full throttle as it is, now if I was going twice as fast, I could imagine a trip to the emergency room or worse. I can see on open water why going fast in a straight line would be useful, but I know what many people do on jet skis and this could get dangerous!
Blown Small Block V8
Like cars many people buy old boats and restore them. One company in particular that stood out to me was Shipwreck Boat Repair. They had a 1990 Donzi Classic 18 on display that had been fully restored. With a small block V8 that had been completely redone including a pro charger supercharger. This engine had already been hooked up to a dyno and is putting out 575 hp with 11 lbs of boost after all modifications and restoration. A mere four months and now the boat is gorgeous and looks like new. With a great white on blue color scheme the boat is terrific looking. The total bill came to $30,000 for the restore including the engine. While some of you may think that is a ton of cash on a boat, you do not even want to know what a new Donzi would cost.
The show had more then just boats and jet skis. Two huge tanks of water were set up with ramps in between them. This was used for wake board shows. Top professionals were on hand doing multiple shows for crowds. Using a machine to tow them through the first tank they would launch off the ramps doing flips, twits, and much more only to land in the second tank. It was a very cool extra to have at the show.
The Screen in between the Tachometer and Speedometer has the Video Camera Feed
The biggest trend I saw at the show was technology. Many manufactures seemed to be working hard to incorporate technology into their boats in any way possible. I saw one ski boat that had a small camera in the wakeboard/ski rope tower at the top. The camera relayed a feed straight to the center console between the tachometer and the speedometer. This allows the driver to see what is going on behind the boat. I can only assume this video can also be recorded and taken off the boat for use on a computer. Another use of technology was having the same screen in the same spot on other boats but without the camera. The screen would be used for GPS navigation or radio functions. As a tech guy I love the idea that these manufactures are trying new ways to incorporate technology into the boating experience. The camera idea, just pure genius. What an easy way to video tape yourself or a buddy water skiing or wake boarding.
The last thing I wanted to note was the marketing of the show. This year the Minneapolis Boat Show struck a personal cord with me. They embraced social media. I saw someone retweet them and instantly started following the account. Upon digging further I saw they had a Facebook fan page. When I walked into the show the first thing I was greeted with was a sign proclaiming that the Minneapolis Boat Show was on Twitter and has a Facebook fan page. This to me is great. Showing that they are trying to embrace new ways to not only market but to engage with the consumer.
The show overall had many people in attendance. I saw everyone from young couples to families. At about the price of a movie ticket, the boat show was a great way for people to get out and do something different.
The current Aveo is pretty much less then competitive. Seen as the joke of the line up, no one really wants to like the current Aveo, which it is not hard to fault them. GM is serious about the next generation Aveo, and the Aveo RS concept gives a glimpse of what we will be getting. Of course the show car stuff, neon lights, center exhaust, huge wheels and brembo brakes probably will not make production. I suppose the center exhaust on the Cadillac CTS Coupe concept made it to production, so who really knows. Hopefully an Aveo RS model will come along with the normal, “plain Jane” model. This is something a “tuner” could enjoy and maybe even have it be fun to drive.
I had the opportunity to look at the concept Aveo RS on stage up close. I was somewhat impressed with the details. The interior did have a “leather covered” dash though we will all be realistic knowing that it definitely will not make production. The seats were very well bolstered, and I am not sure that those particular seats will make production either. The gauge cluster will definitely make production and the center stack is more then likely the real deal. I actually had the opportunity to see the production exterior at the product technology event last August. The front facia on the Aveo RS Concept is very close. The exposed headlight bezels, dual port grill and sharp front clip are all there. The neon lights and other extras are more show than go and probably will not be in the production model. I will note, when we spoke with Ed Welburn it was asked if the RS model would get the show cars neon halo’s around the headlights. It would make sense for them to make it to production on the RS model due to the Camaro RS model having neon halo’s. It was suggested to Ed Welburn that all RS models should have the halos. I personally think this would be a great idea. We will see as the production Aveo should hit the sales floors in late 2010.
Buick Regal GS
The new Regal is not even on sale yet but Buick knows it needs to be a ringer. The LaCrosse started bringing in lower age customers and GM is hoping the new Regal for Buick will continue that trend to an even further extent. The new Regal will be hitting show rooms this spring, and this is certainly a preview of a production Regal GS to come. This is merely a rebadged Opel Insignia OPC, but with a different engine (according to the paperwork). I got some seat time in the Regal GS concept and the Recaro seats were phenomenal. The back seat was not quite as spacious as I thought it might be. I was comfortable in the car, but getting in and out was not an amazing experience. The C-pillar in the rear was quite close to my head, and I would have easily whacked my head upon exiting the rear had I not been paying attention. The rear has just enough head room with a fast roof line that cuts it close. The interior roof is sculpted out so you are not hitting your head. The front was very nice with the aforementioned seats, a flat bottom steering whee, and the six speed manual transmission, which felt like short throws.
GM is saying the GS model of the Regal would come with the optional 2.0 liter engine from the CXS trim variant but with more boost going through the turbo. GM is pegging the numbers at 250 hp and 295 ft-lb. This is all very interesting because the Opel Insignia OPC has a 2.8l turbo charge V6 putting out over 300 hp and 300 ft-lb. The problem with that engine is it is thirsty for gas. I think GM is trying to gauge the publics reaction to maybe a I4 instead of a V6 in the Regal GS variant. I asked if I could open the hood and was instantly told no! The press photos of this car showed a V6 engine cover which was the same engine cover in the Opel Insignia OPC. My guess is this was an Insignia OPC with swapped out badges, so the V6 was still under the hood. While we really do not know what engine will come, one thing is for sure, the Regal GS variant will probably be coming sooner then later. I for one am definitely ready to see if this can be a budget Audi S4 because that would really help stick Buick on the map. Afterall, that is what the Regal GS is supposed to do anyways.
2012 Ford Focus
The embargo was up and the pictures/specifications were, for the most part, out in the public view. That did not stop Ford from throwing one heck of a reveal for the upcoming 2012 Focus. Coming in both hatchback and sedan form, the new Focus gives us style and class, things the current Focus is sorely lacking. Let us not forget the awesome technology that will be available in the new Focus. That latest generation of Microsoft powered SYNC will be onboard and the new MyFord interface will of course be an option. Ford had one sedan and one hatch on display. I was given the opportunity to see the interior of the sedan up close. The quality of materials was terrific, though I was told this was a hand built one off vehicle. They are not even in preproduction, so I was not allowed to sit in it. The hatchback was off limits, so I was not able to touch that either. The wheels on these two at the show were 19 inches, but I would be surprised to see something that large even as an option. Interesting note about the gas cap on the hatch back, it is well integrated with cut lines and it somewhat blends in. That is just one example of how Ford stressed about the small stuff on this car. The new Focus will go into production late this year and hit dealerships in early 2011.
2011 Lincoln MKX
The refreshed 2011 Lincoln MKX made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show and it was truly a great spectacle. Ford had the woman who sings the song in one of the most recent Lincoln commercials on stage signing as the MKX came on stage. Of course the rest of the current Lincoln line up rolled onto stage with the exception of the Town Car. That was not a real shock, but notably absent nonetheless. The updated MKX gains the split wing grill that is quickly becoming Lincoln’s signature mark again. The rear has new tail lights and finally a back up camera is along for the ride. I note the back up camera because on the last generation it was not even an option! The interior materials get a major upgrade as does the design. The technology is all new with this being the first vehicle to get the now standard MyLincoln. This is the same thing as MyFord with the dual 4.1 inch screens on either side of the speedometer and an 8 inch touch screen on the center stack. The luxury crossover market is heating up and this is just another player that is helping to change the game.
Cadillac XTS Concept
Cadillac rolled out a concept they are calling the XTS. This vehicle foreshadows what we will see from GM as a replacement for the aging (not gracefully I might add) Cadillac STS and DTS. Riding on a stretched Buick LaCrosse platform, the XTS would come in both front wheel drive and all wheel drive. The concept is a dual mode plug-in hybrid featuring a direct injection V6 and an electric motor. It is supposedly putting out 350 hp and 295 ft-lb. There is definitely a good chance this powertrain, along with a regular gasoline engine, will make production for this vehicle. Technology is a high point for this car and it is very well connected. The center stack is essentially void of most buttons and mostly touch. The gauges are all virtual and everything is “connected.” The interior was gorgeous, and I am definitely interested to see what details from the concept make it to production. Speaking of production, we should see the XTS in showrooms for 2012/2013.
Honda CR-Z
Honda released the first hybrid in America to have a manual transmission. Many were hoping for a remake of the CRX, and to be frank, many have said they are disappointed. I think the main thing people are not happy about seems to be the lack of rear seats. The car itself does not even post amazing mileage numbers. The power will be provided by a 1.5 liter making 122 horsepower while estimated to get 36/38 mpg. This is all mated to the CVT (continuously variable transmission). The manual transmission seriously kills the gas mileage, taking it down to an estimated 31/37 mpg. The CR-Z will come in two trim levels and will probably have a base price around $18,000 when sales start later this summer.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S was there along with two Roadster Sports. The Roadster Sports start their lives as a Lotus and get gutted by Tesla to receive the battery pack and electric drivetrain. The Model S is the next production vehicle we will see from Tesla. This four door “sedan,” the Model S, has a rear hatch instead of a traditional trunk which allows room for the optional jump seat. This would make it so the sedan can seat seven, though the extra two in the jump seats will be small children only. The interior has almost no buttons or switches. The center stack is one large touch screen with virtual switches to flick and swipe. The door handles are flush with the car and slide out when you touch them. The whole thing is quite impressive. Some call this car vaporware, meaning it will never see production or be on sale. The honest truth is those same people said that the Tesla Roadster was vaporware and that car has been on sale and is already in the hands of many happy owners. Tesla says the Model S should see production in the next few years.
Full Disclosure- My NAIAS travel and accommodations were provided by General Motors
