Automopedia’s Philly Auto Show Preview
Automopedia is FINALLY actually going to an Auto Show – In The City of Brotherly Love. The 2010 Philadelphia Auto Show – Live & in Person. We’ll be covering opening and closing day ceremonies for the Epic Auto Event – and checking out some of the more anticipated vehicles being introduced in Center City, including the 2011 Buick Regal, Cadillac CTS -V Coupe, Honda Crosstour and Tesla’s Electric Roadster.
Aside from the same old American / Foreign sports cars, luxury models and green hybrids, there’s a ton of exotic vehicles and concepts headed to Flipadelphia next weekend. Have a look at a selection of fancy rides we want to personally check out January 30th thru February 7th at the Convention Center in Philly. Yes – the one a block from the Greyhound station where just the other day I was offered pocket-loads of speed and crack from someone I thought was a cab driver waiting to pick up fares.
Aston Martin — DBS
The Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 powered, race-bred, two-seater shaped by the aerodynamic demands of high performance, with an exquisite interior that marries beautifully hand-finished materials with the very latest in performance technology. A combination of elegant design, innovative manufacturing processes, race-derived materials and components and Aston Martin’s unrivaled hand-build expertise makes the DBS a luxury sports car without equal. The DBS is the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of ultra-light carbon-fiber body panels. Its high level of performance is delivered by the combination of inherent light weight, near-perfect weight distribution, a supremely powerful and flexible V12 engine, and a performance-honed six speed transmission.
Bentley — Continental Flying Spur Speed
The 200 mph GTC Speed is Bentley’s most powerful convertible ever. The latest GTC range is refined and extended with two new models. The new GTC delivers enhanced style, comfort and choice. The new GTC models share a fresh frontal appearance. The radiator grille is more upright with a more pronounced square edge, accentuating the Bentley profile, and bolder lower air intake. These latest models are further distinguished by chrome headlamp bezels, the availability of two new exterior paints and a new color hide. The GTC Speed’s 600bhp W12 engine develops 9 per cent more power than the standard GTC. However, it is the 15 per cent increase in torque that really distinguishes the Speed model, which now develops an impressive output of 553lb ft.
Cadillac — Cyclone
Built on a 104″ chassis, the Cyclone is 197″ long and stands only 44″ tall; the body is made of steel (not fiberglass, like some experimental models); power is provided by the standard 325 HP engine fitted with a low-profile carburetor, a cross-flow aluminum radiator and two fans. The initial white pearlescent paint was replaced later with silver; at the same time, the GM Air Transport logo disappeared from the tall fins, to be replaced by an oblong, vertical Cyclone name badge placed at the extremity of each rear fender. The seats are silver leather.
Ferrari — California
This new car joins Ferrari’s 8-cylinder range which is made up mostly of very high performance models. It is enormously innovative and will more than fulfill the expectations of even the most discerning clients, offering breathtaking driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel as well as extreme versatility of use and in-car comfort. It is available exclusively as a convertible with retractable folding hard top in either a two-seater version with a traditional rear bench or in the 2+ version which sees the rear bench equipped with seating for one to two passengers. The Ferrari California sports a new dual clutch gearbox (7-speed + reverse) with the now traditional steering wheel-mounted F1-style paddles. This is an innovative system that guarantees a superb combination of performance and ride comfort.
Lamborghini — LP 560 Spyder
Since its introduction, the mission for this “baby Lamborghini” has been to maintain the style and attitude of Lamborghini’s 12-cylinder cars but be more livable in everyday use. Without too much difficultly, one can claim that the Gallardo LP560-4 is Lamborghini’s best sports car ever. The Gallardo is powered by a 5.0-liter V10 good for 552 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission with gated metal shifter is standard, while an automated six-speed sequential-shift manual transmission known as e-gear is optional. Expect 0-60 times in the high-3-second range. In terms of layout and design, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is a true exotic. To keep weight down, the chassis is a composite blend of alloy stampings, extrusions and castings.
Maserati — GranTurismo 4.7
The Maserati GranTurismo, a two-door coupe to complement the Quattroporte sedan, is yet another Italian beauty. The GranTurismo is powered by a 405-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 found across the Maserati range. Power is sent to the rear wheels through the ZF-built six-speed automatic transmission. Expect a weight distribution of 49 percent front/51 percent rear, which should ensure excellent maneuverability. Meanwhile the GranTurismo’s suspension will be a double-wishbone setup, but it’ll be supplemented by Maserati’s Skyhook active damping system. Throughout the rest of the car, extensive use of carbon composites and aluminum should provide the GT with an exhilarating power-to-weight ratio. A hardtop convertible version of the GT, powered by a larger-bore version of the 4.2 and delivering around 470 hp, should arrive later in the year.
Rolls-Royce — Phantom Drop Head
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a large, five-seat ultraluxury sedan available in regular and extended-wheelbase as well as a Coupe and Drophead models. A long-wheelbase version known as the Phantom EWB adds an additional 10 inches of backseat legroom. Most of today’s top luxury features come standard, including HID headlights, 20-inch wheels, parking sensors, automatically closing rear doors and trunk, four-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, an integrated communication system and a navigation system. A surround-sound audio system, designed by Lexicon, features a single-CD head unit with an instrument panel-mounted changer and auxiliary input jack. The Phantom is powered by a 6.7-liter V12 with 453 horsepower. The key to this Roller’s 5.7-second 0-60 time is the engine’s 531 pound-feet of torque and its six-speed automatic transmission.
Cheese steak photo via: kendralovely.blogspot
Vehicle descriptions via: PhillyAutoShow
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