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Highlights from the 2004 Detroit Auto Show.

Article Excerpt
Like TV's "Six Million Dollar Man," the new cars and trucks revealed at this year's Detroit Auto Show are better, stronger and faster than ever before. And for the first time in many years, they're not necessarily bigger or equipped with four-wheel drive. While a number of new SUVs and pick-ups were on display, including the '05 Lincoln Mark LT and Nissan Frontier, there was an obvious renewal of interest in passenger cars, models like the retro-themed 2005 Ford Mustang, the 400-horsepower C6 Corvette and the snarky little Suzuki Reno--a cute five-door "crossover" wagon with plenty of built-in fun factor and a budget price of between $13,000 and $15,000.

Here are some of the highlight of the 2004 Detroit Auto Show.

Sports Cars and Coupes

2005 Ford Mustang: The first of the "pony cars" is not only the last one still standing after more than 40 years of continuous production, the '05 model is the first completely new Mustang since 1979. Ford finally retired the ancient "Fox" platform (descendant of the long-gone Fairmont of the 1970s) that formed the basis of every Mustang from '79 all the way to 2004. The '05 chassis is "clean sheet": it shares nothing with previous Mustangs and features a number of improvements, including lightweight cast-aluminum front-control arms and coil-over Macpherson struts. The standard V-6 and V-8 powered GT will retain the familiar (and simple) "live axle," non-independent rear suspension with coil springs and shocks--which is in keeping with the American pony-car tradition and also helps keep the 'Stang's cost in check. Independent Rear Suspension will, however, be fitted to the more expensive, ultra-performance SVT Cobra. In addition to the gorgeous retro-themed bodywork and interior, power for both base and GT models is way up. The standard V-6 is bumped from 3.8 to 4 liters and now makes an impressive 202 horsepower, as much as the GT's V-8 did not so long ago. The optional 4.6-liter V-8 comes in at an even 300 horsepower--the most power of any regular production Mustang ever. It can be teamed with either a Tremec heavy-duty five-speed manual or--another first--a new five-speed automatic. Prices will range from just under $20,000 for a V-6 coupe to nearly $30,000 for a well-equipped GT. Convertible and Cobra versions--with as much as 450 to 500 horsepower--will appear later in 2004.

2005 Chevy Corvette: Though its bodywork looks evolutionary, the new Corvette ("C6" in Chevy-speak) is completely revised, from its larger 6-liter, 400-horsepower V-8 to its Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) suspension system that uses electricity and magnetism to adjust ride quality and shock firmness continuously. The new Corvette also rides on a longer wheelbase even though its body is 5 inches shorter overall. This should make the car feel less "big"--a common complaint leveled against previous Corvettes--while improving handling over the already excellent '04 model. Corvette fans will also notice the traditional pop-up headlamps that have been a Corvette mainstay for decades are gone replaced by more conventional (and aerodynamic) flush-fitted...

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