Carolinas A Better Place to Be

Raleigh Auto Show 2-23-03

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Old Feb 23, 2003 | 07:26 PM
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Default Raleigh Auto Show 2-23-03

The show was rather disappointing. Subaru was not there, so no Sti. Mazda did not have the Rx-8. Mitsubishi didn't have an Evo which didn't make any sense since the car is brand new to the market. Hell, Dodge didn't even bring a Viper. I will not post any pictures of the SUV's for fear of being flamed. Land Rover did have their version of the Isuzu Amigo, I didn't catch the name of this awful machine . But there were a few concept cars and other nice rides. It was tough getting pictures without having 3 or 4 children climbing on the cars, but here's what I got. I apologize if the pictures aren't the best quality. The convention center was slightly dark with all of the lights being aimed at the cars.


By far the nastiest car at the show was the Benz SL55 AMG. Can you say 493 HP and 512 torque from a supercharged V8. I believe this is the same engine that is in the AMG E55. If I could've taken any car from the show this would be the hands down winner since I already have an S2000.



This car drew a lot of attention, and for good reason



The steering wheel has a button on the back of each side to upshift and downshift, similar to the Ferrari padels. I think it might be difficult to see the silver button in this picture, but PM me and I will send you the higher quality picture if you want a better look.



Porsche had two cars there. The new 911 Targa with a tinted retractable glass roof and the Cayenne SUV.



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Old Feb 23, 2003 | 07:32 PM
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Cadillac had the 2-seater XLR on display.





The Chrysler 300 Hemi convertible, and yes those are 20" wheels.



The Jaguar S-Type R......V8 400+hp 400+torque...I don't remember if it had a supercharger or not. I believe it did. Killer grill.

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Old Feb 23, 2003 | 07:36 PM
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G35


Very unimpressive interior.


Saleen Mustang, this car does not have a supercharger.
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Old Feb 23, 2003 | 07:44 PM
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Dodge Super 8 Hemi Concept Car


Check out the wrap around windshield.


Super 8 Hemi exhaust


The largest crowd was gathered around the Lincoln Continental Concept. V-12 418HP 413 ft/lbs torque.
This car has a humidor, THX surround sound system that can be customized for each passenger's seat in the car, DVD, and a system similar to OnStar that you use to make reservations at restuarants, hotels, or booking airline tickets.


22" wheels


Completely automatic trunk, hydraulics lift the top and then slide the trunk outward for easy access. Luggage included. Very fun to watch, but also slow.
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Old Feb 23, 2003 | 07:49 PM
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Save the best for last The Honda S2000 was on a platform and not open for people to crawl all over, unlike the Z4, SL55, 911, or G35. RESPECT!!!
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Old Feb 24, 2003 | 06:02 AM
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by E-Heezy
[B]Save the best for last
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Old Feb 24, 2003 | 07:57 AM
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D'oh, oh well...at least in my head the platform with rails meant something.
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Old Feb 24, 2003 | 01:32 PM
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Yeah I went on Sunday and was also dissapointed. The highlight for me was also the SL55. What an awesome car!! Now I just have to find somewhere where I can test drive the SL55. Is it just me or did the G35 look almost exactly like the 350z?
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Old Feb 24, 2003 | 02:15 PM
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I actually really like the interior of the G35. Very simple and nothing outlandish.



-Matt
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Old Feb 24, 2003 | 02:44 PM
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The G35 is built on the 350Z platform. It is essentially the same car. I believe the G35 had a little more HP, but don't quote me on that.
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