A glittering array of new automobiles and concept vehicles were on display at the Dallas Auto Show, held at the Convention Center March 14-18. But the most photographed event at the show was the four Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders and team owner Jerry Jones, as they announced an extension through 2018 of the close relationship between Ford Motors and "America's team."
There were 40 auto manufacturers demonstrating 700 new vehicles at the Show. Luxury vehicles on display included the Aston Martin V-8 Vantage coupe convertible with a base price of US$114,550, and the DB9 sporty convertible coupe with a 6.0 LV-12/450 hp, 6-speed Touchtronic or manual transmission with a starting price of US$167,110. Aston Martin announced earlier in March that the prestigious British sports car manufacturer had been sold to a consortium ending almost 20 years as part of Ford Motor Company.
An exciting-looking vehicle drawing "oohs and ahs" at the show was the silver Spyker C8 Spyder convertible with an aluminum Audi V-8/400 hp engine and 6-speed manual transmission, and an estimated base price of US$296,000. The Spyker D12 Peking to Paris SSUV (base price US$320,000) is a four-wheel drive, four-door, four-seater luxury vehicle with a high performance W-12 500 hp engine, an all aluminum body fitted to an aluminum space frame, and all on 24-inch Aeroblade wheels.
The 2008 Dodge Avenger concept car was unveiled at the show, with a starting price of US$18,895 (well below the comparable, outgoing Stratus), and offering excellent fuel efficiency of 7.84 liters/100 km. The Avenger is Dodge's first mid-size car to offer all-wheel-drive with sport-tuned suspension, performance steering, and electronic stability program with traction control. The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 is a muscle sedan capable of all-around performance and was featured at the show in the Super Bee Special Edition with a Detonator Yellow paint job and optional rear seat video system. The estimated base price for this honey of a car is only US$38,495.
Now, let's talk about what's affordable and makes the most sense for someone concerned about the environment, and the day-to-day uncertainty of prices at the gas pump. General Motors brought their fuel economy expert Eric Kaufman to the show to talk about the company's move towards energy diversity. The U. S. Department of Energy figures show that, from 2003-2030, worldwide energy demand will grow an average of 2 percent per year, meaning the world will need 70 percent more energy in 2030 than it did 4 years ago.
GM is developing alternative sources of propulsion, with plans to continue to improve the efficiency of the internal combustion engine, and increased efforts to displace traditional petroleum-based fuels by building more vehicles that run on alternative fuels such as E-85 ethanol.
GM is also building more hybrids such as the Saturn Vue Green Line, that delivers an estimated 20 percent improvement in fuel economy with 8.71 liters/100 km in town and 7.35 liters/100 km on the highway. GM also plans to bring a hybrid version of the best-selling Saturn Aura to the market this spring, with an estimated base price less than US$23,000.
Here are my personal favorites from the Dallas Auto Show, starting with the beautiful all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS. The folks at Cadillac said they tried to take every element "to the next level" with this luxury sedan that combines the performance of a sports car with a 3.6 L 300 hp direct injection engine and all wheel drive system. The CTS has a double-sized sunroof system that covers over 70 percent of the roof area so both front and back seat passengers can see the sky, while the interior wraps passengers in total luxury. There's a Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound System with 10 speakers and 300 watts for concert-quality sound, and the car is unbelievably beautiful with its redesigned wide stance giving it a distinctly modern attitude. Take a look for yourself at Cadillac.com. In 2007, the CTS had a base price of just under US$30,000, but the 2008, which will be out this fall, is likely to be a little higher because of the new features.
The 2007 Pontiac G6 sedan and coupe are also beautiful cars that allow drivers and passengers to enjoy panoramic views with traditional power sunroofs, while the sedan comes in a retractable hardtop that opens in only 30 seconds to become a convertible. The G6 has a base price of US$18,730 and comes in 4 or 6 speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmissions with a 2.4 L engine or optional 3.5, 3.6, or 3.9 L.
Nissan's Sentra is much larger and more efficiently designed than previous models, with a 60/40 split double-folding rear seat, a special trunk divider panel creating a hidden trunk storage compartment, and a driver's integrated overhead CD holder. With a 2.0 L, 140 hp engine and 6-speed manual or Xtronic CVT transmission, and an estimated base price of US$14,750, this is a great starter car for young drivers.
Another great starter vehicle is the Scion tC that features steel wheels and seven-spoke wheel covers, a fixed glass panorama roof, and special treatment to the grille and headlight garnish with a 2.4 L 161 hp engine, and a base price of US$15,000. Scion will launch a new xA wagon 2008 model this spring priced at an estimated US$12,370, while the xB for 2008 will cost an estimated US$14,000 plus.
The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser is available in an eye-catching convertible with a power soft-top, extra storage space, turbocharged 2.4 L engine with hp of 150, 180, or 230, and 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. The seats may be configured nine different ways, and the cost is a low US$14,560.
The 2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan is available in a Hybrid edition with a 1.3 L engine plus an electric motor for combined 110 hp, and a 5-speed automatic or 5 or 6 speed manual transmission for a starting price of US$14,810.
Jo Ann Holt is a Dallas-based journalist and a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association.
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