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 Aston Martin DB9 Volante
 At the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show, Aston Martin introduced the gorgeous DB9 coupe. It’s hard to argue with the stunning lines of the coupe, so much so in fact that it became the ride of choice for Mr. Bond. Volante is the name used by Aston Martin when referring to its drop-tops. The DB9 Volante is one sexy beast. Its aggressive lines are backed by some impressive statistics. It boasts a 48-valve, 5.9-liter, 450-hp V-12 mated to either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual. Acceleration to 100 km/h is estimated in the sub-five second range.
 Audi A8L W-12
 We knew it was only a matter of time before Audi packaged the A8L with the W-12 powerplant. BMW and Mercedes are already offering 12 cylinder engines in their flagships so we are glad to see Audi following along. This version uses a 6.0-liter W-12 engine that produces 444-hp and 428 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission choice is a six-speed automatic. Expect to see the A8L hit North American shores sometime in 2005.
 BMW 645 Ci Convertible
 BMW chose to launch this impressive automobile in the middle of North American winter just as a blanket of snow was covering Detroit. Unlike its competitors from Cadillac (XLR), Lexus (SC430) and Mercedes-Benz (SL500), the 645 Ci Convertible comes equipped with a multi-ply cloth roof that is all-season durable. According to BMW the roof is just as quiet as a metal top. The benefits are sleeker profile when raised and less trunk space consumed when lowered. The engine is the familiar 4.4-liter V-8 that pumps 325-hp.
 Chevrolet Corvette – C6
 Although termed as a ‘comprehensive upgrade’, the new C6 is not a new model but a major improvement. Dimensionally, the C6 is five inches shorter and almost an inch narrower. Surprisingly, there is no loss to usable space. The design, with exposed Xenon headlamps, shorter overhangs, is leaner, tauter, and more muscular. Although rear or side profile is pure Vette – some may argue the front clip is a bit too similar to the Viper. Power comes from a new LS2 6.0-liter small-block V-8 that delivers estimated 400-hp and 400 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices are a carry over from the C5 in the form of either the Tremec six-speed manual or the Hydra-Matic 4L65-E four-speed automatic. Chevy projects fuel economy at an impressive 22.6-mpg combined city/highway. The new Vette also wears larger wheels with 18-inch in front and 19-inch in rear. Suspension is mostly a carry-over from the C5 with minor redesign to cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars, and steering gear. You can spec your Corvette with three suspension choices: Standard, Magnetic Selective Ride Control and Z51 Performance Package. I have always been a huge fan of the Vette’s appearance. It was the interiors that were somewhat disappointing. Well no more. Chevrolet made extensive use of cast skin, which retains the look and feel of genuine leather. In short, the interior now competes with the quality, look and finish of such class leaders as BMW and Audi. Nicely done. Features to look forward to include: GM’s Keyless Access with Push Button Start technology.
 Chrysler 300C/Dodge Magnum
 The exciting concept from 2003 becomes a reality this year. Chrysler finally showed us the production versions of Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum. Say good-bye to the front drive Concorde, 300M and Intrepid in the next few months. Say hello to rear-wheel drive and future option for 4-wheel drive. The Mercedes relationship continues to influence new vehicles from Chrysler. Both the 300C and Magnum are based on the previous generation Mercedes E-class sedan, including its five-speed transmission. Engine choices include 2.7-liter, 3.5-liter V-6’s and the mighty 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. The V-8 will make 340-hp and 365 pound-feet of torque. Expect 0-100 km/h in a swift 6.3 seconds. If you want the Magnum – they will not be available till “late spring”.
 Chrysler ME Four-Twelve – Show Stopper
 Last year Chrysler blew away Detroit with the Viper-powered Tomahawk. This year they topped that monster with the ME Four-Twelve. Chrysler’s top exec’s wanted something exciting, motivational and inspirational – something completely unexpected from Chrysler. They delivered a mid-engined supercar with the help of AMG and Pagani. I missed one more point – Chrysler also wanted to introduce a car capable of spanking such supercar icons Ferrari Enzo, McLaren F1, Porsche Carrera GT and Ford GT. According to Chrysler’s figures and estimates – they met and exceeded expectations. The ME’s mid-mounted 6.0-liter V-12 features four turbochargers and four intercoolers. This combo is good for 850-hp and 850 pounds-feet of torque. Power is delivered through a purpose-built seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission from racing-gearbox-maker Ricardo. What’s all this hardware good for… how about 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a quarter mile melted in 10.6 seconds at 142 mph (228 kph). Top speed is estimated at 240 mph (386 km/h) plus… Race-style suspension will subject the driver’s body to 1.15 g’s on the skidpad. The ME weighs a mere 2900 pounds (1315 kg). Chrysler execs would not commit to the future of the ME, although they did say this is a “prototype” and not a “concept”. We are all keeping our fingers crossed. After all, this “prototype” comes to us from the makers of Viper.
 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
 Last year Ferrari brought the world class-leading performer in the Enzo. This year they decided to lay claim to another market segment – the grand touring market. The Scaglietti (named after Sergio Scaglietti, who built many of the most recognizable Ferrari sports racers of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s) is a four-seat grand-touring monster. The 612 comes with 5.7-liter V-12 mounted behind the front axle for more rearward-biased weight distribution (46 percent front, 54 percent rear). You may be shocked to find the 612 has the same distance between the front and rear wheels as the ‘enormous’ Chevy Tahoe (116.1 inches). The increase is eaten up by the 533-hp engine and slightly more interior space. At 4050 pounds (1,840 kg) this Ferrari is not a lightweight, but the willing powerplant will propel the 612 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds – thanks in part to Enzo derived V-12 and massive 433 pound-feet of torque. Ferrari is releasing the Scaglietti with two transmission choices: a 6-speed manual or a version of the F1 paddle-shift, clutch-pedal-less unit.
 Ford Mustang GT
 As a snot-nosed teenager I owned a Camaro IROC Z28. My goal in life was to seek every 5.0-liter Mustang out there just so I could engage in a tire smoking light-to-light warfare. Although the Mustang had impressive and comparable power characteristics – I simply preferred the esthetics of the Camaro. Fast-forward a few years to 2003, and the introduction of the Mustang concept. The concept was stunning - reminiscent the pony car from the 1960’s. The 2005 Mustang rides on the DEW98 platform that it shares with the Lincoln LS, Jaguar S-type and Ford Thunderbird. Ford claims 100 percent increase in torsional rigidity over the old Mustang. Curb weight remains virtually the same at 3300-3500 pounds. To keep the cost down and to keep the street racers/quarter-milers happy the Mustang will not be equipped with independent suspension. Power options are 4.0-liter V-6 with 202-hp and 235 pound-feet of torque. The GT will initially be equipped with a 4.6-liter V-8 good for 300-hp and 315 pound-feet torque. Expect low 5’s for 0-100 km/h with a manual. Standard rim/tire package consists of 17” rim and 235/55WR-17 tire. The GT rides on 255/45 tires and 18” wheels.
Ford Shelby Cobra – Runner-up Show Stopper
 Ford first resurrected the GT40. This year they teased us with perhaps one of the greatest icons of American power – Shelby Cobra. Carroll Shelby was a hands-on contributor to the concept. The overall length of the concept is within millimeters of the original. The original Cobra was all about brutal power. The concept does not disappoint. Power comes from a 6.4-liter V-10 that produces 605-hp and 501 pound-feet of torque. Only transmission choice is a 6-speed Ricardo tranny. Thanks to the sticky BFGoodrich racing slicks, 0-100 km/h arrives well under 4-seconds.
 Honda SUT Concept
 Realizing that perhaps a pick-up truck might increase sales, Honda introduced their interpretation of truck. They are calling it an SUT, which stands for Sports Utility Truck. Expect to see production in 2005. Good news for us Canadians, as the truck will likely be produced at the Alliston, Ontario plant. Key features include: seating for five, five-foot cargo bed, reinforced unibody chassis, four wheel independent suspension and an all aluminum VTEC V-6 engine coupled with an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system. According to Honda, they concentrated on active young fathers, or “cool dads” who mix work, family and play. Given Honda’s involvement in manufacturing of motorcycles, ATV’s and personal watercraft – the combo might just work. Bring it on Honda!
 Land Rover Range Stormer
 History was made by Land Rover in Detroit by unveiling its first ever concept vehicle – the Range Stormer. Setting its sights directly at BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, Stormer raised eyebrows with the cool scissor doors and aggressive styling. Unlike Rover’s successful off-road line-up – this Rover is street biased. Expect the power to come from a supercharged V-8 likely supplied by Jaguar. Key innovation to look forward to is Land Rover’s new “Terrain Response” which essentially alters the settings for throttle, suspension, traction control, four-wheel-drive and steering based on road conditions. The driver simply selects one of six available Terrain Response settings and the rest is done by the onboard electronics.
 Pontiac G6
 This is the replacement for the Grand Am. Expect power to initially come from a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 200-hp and 220 pounds feet torque. Transmissions offered are a four-speed automatic transaxle in the base or a manumatic in the GT. Expect the GTP version to arrive sometime around 2005 with a 240-hp, 3.9-liter V-6.
 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT
 Subaru’s success in North America is largely based on the mighty WRX. Thank you Play Station and the success of WRC (World Rally Championship). But Subaru is more then just the WRX. Enter the redesigned, upgraded and improved flagship Legacy sedan and wagon. The Legacy arrives in the spring as a 2005 model loaded with a 2.5-liter turbocharged and intercooled boxer-four that produces 250-hp and 250 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices are five-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic. As always, all-wheel drive is standard. We welcomed the updated sheetmetal. The Legacy is sleeker and sexier, although some may argue it lost some of its uniqueness. Overall, the whole package appears a lot more upscale with such features as dual-zone automatic climate control, sport seats with four stage heating, a Momo designed three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 120-watt AM/FM stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD changer.
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