The 2013 North American International Auto Show is well underway and all the latest models and concepts have been unveiled. Unlike last year, auto makers had relatively few concept vehicles. This year the focus was on production vehicles for the 2014 model year. The highlight of the show has been the 2014 Corvette Stingray, but there are plenty of other important new models. Check them all out in the gallery below. Please note: all links will take you to the full article by Autoblog.
Carroll Shelby with the latest Shelby GT350
Few in the auto industry have their name on a vehicle. Carroll Shelby has been synonymous with racing and with the Ford Mustang for well over forty years. On Thursday, Carroll Shelby died at the age of 89. He had a full life, one that impacted the both the racing world and the auto industry.
Shelby Cobra
Shelby began his racing career in 1952. He was quick to win several races and was named Driver of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 1956 and 1957. As he became more successful in the racing world, he began to expand into the business world. He opened his first car dealership in 1957 in Texas. After winning the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1959, Shelby began working to create a new race car with Ford. Using Ford’s small block V8, Shelby designed the Cobra Roadster. The car would hit the race track in late 1962 with its first win coming in January 1963. The Cobra was driven by a number of drivers including Phil Hill, A.J. Foyt and Dan Gurney.
Shelby released the 427 Cobra with Ferrari as its target. It was successful in the 1964 season. Shelby’s relationship with Ford extended in 1965 with creation of the Shelby GT350, a modified Ford Mustang. The car went on to win the Trans Am Championship in 1967. Also in 1967, Shelby built the final 427 Cobra. The Cobra had won a number of races and championships. Shelby helped Ford develop the successful Ford GT40 as a followup to the Cobra. Today, original Shelby Cobras sell for well over $10 million.
1965 Shelby GT350
Ford ended its relationship with Shelby in 1970, but he continued to tune cars…for Dodge. In the early 1990s, Shelby helped Dodge with the original Viper after having a heart transplant in 1990. Shelby renewed his relationship with Ford in the 2000s with the return of the Ford GT, but it was the return of the Shelby GT500 Mustang in 2007 that excited auto enthusiasts. In 2011, the Shelby GT350 was also recreated by Ford and Shelby. Both cars have been very popular with Mustang enthusiasts and car collectors alike.
Carroll Shelby has had a tremendous impact on the auto industry. His racing career, his business sense, and his ability to tune cars has gained him international recognition. The Shelby name is sure to live on with the GT500 and GT350 Mustangs that bare his name. The auto industry lost a true icon, a man who will truly be missed.
A number of tributes to Carroll Shelby have posted online. Shelby American, Inc., Top Gear, Motor Trend (a nice timeline), Car and Driver, and Road & Track.
Listen to Carroll Shelby tell his life story in his own words (from 2011):
A great documentary about Shelby’s racing career with interviews and historic footage:
The North American International Auto Show kicked off this week with major product unveils from Ford, General Motors, and Toyota. This post, a first in a two part series, will explore the production models that were unveiled in Detroit this week.
The Sunday before the Auto Show, Dodge and Cadillac announced their much anticipated new models. Dodge unveiled the 2013 Dodge Dart with its Alfa Romeo platform and economic engine options. Cadillac, on the other hand, announced the 2013 Cadillac ATS, a car it hopes will compete head on with the BMW 3-Series. This is a lofty goal as the 3-Series is hailed as the ultimate sports sedan.
2013 Ford Fusion
Ford began Monday morning’s show with the all new 2013 Ford Fusion. Ford surprised the crowd by announcing that the Fusion would be available in 3 models: standard gasoline (with three engine options), hybrid, and electric. The design of the Fusion incorporates Ford’s new, agressive, grille and the Fusion is a major part of the current “One Ford” strategy. This car is my favorite from the show and is likely to shake up the mid-sized car segment with its range of engine options and its impressive technology packages.
Other production models unveiled at the show included the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL, Dodge Charger Redline, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS, 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 2013 Lexus LX 570, 2013 Acura RDX, 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Bentley Continental GT V8, 2013 Mini Roadster, Audi A4 Allroad, Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid, Buick Encore, Toyota Prius C, and the 50th Anniversary Edition Shelby Mustangs.
Unfortunately, I do not have the space to give my impressions of all of the models, but I will highlight a few. The major unveils from list include the all new Buick Encore. A small SUV from Buick (who wants that?!). In addition, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe received a facelift and a series of new engines, but it is still not powerful enough to compete with Mustang or Camaro. The Toyota Prius C is expected to cost less than $19,000, being the cheapest hybrid on the market.
From the production models, however, we see that the auto industry is, once again, very healthy. Tomorrow I will post an article on the concept models from Detroit.
If you get a chance to visit the Detroit Auto Show, the show will be open to the public through January 22. If not, check out the reviews of each car listed above by clicking the link (will take you to Autoblog). Also, be sure to check out the gallery below.
Tomorrow begins the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The show is being hosted by the COBO Center and will run from January 9 – 22. If you are in the area, you should really check it out. One day passes are only $12 for adults.
Throughout the upcoming week, automakers from around the world will unveil their latest models and concepts. Sure to be favorites at this year’s show will be the 2013 Ford Mustang, 2013 Ford Fusion, 2013 Dodge Dart, 2013 Cadillac ATS, and the 2013 Bentley Continental GT / GTC V8. All the major auto manufacturers from around the world (that sell cars in the United States) are expected to attend. Expect entries from Toyota, BMW, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, and just about everyone else!
I love the Detroit Auto Show for its concepts and upcoming model reveals. I will try to keep up with the major unveils on the blog, or perhaps I will review each day with the major models added with a photo gallery. Nevertheless, Monday is back to school for me, so my time may be limited, but I will certainly provide all the coverage I can.
