2010 DETROIT AUTO SHOW: What Were The Two MOST Exciting Cars In Motown? Hint, They Were Not American...

Contrary to what I may have said about the 2010 Detroit Auto Show being somewhat dismal, that does not mean 2010 will be a sub-par year. There are still plenty of great cars coming out this year! For instance, after touring Cobo Hall, there are two particular autos that I am very interested in and I am eager to get behind the wheel. As a matter in fact, these may be the two out of four cars I sat in at the show.

Nothing else got my blood pumping.

And after driving just about everything you can imagine, I must admit, it takes a lot to muster up some excitement these days.


2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery



The first vehicle is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG "Gullwing." Yes, I am a sucker for the Gullwing doors. Although I have never attempted, something tells me I could never fit into the classic 1950s Gullwing -- being 6'8 -- so, this is as close as I will ever get.

Additionally, the SLS is the first Benz to be produced at AMG from the ground up; this means it will be jam packed with the most up to date technology and advancements from the AMG division. Featuring a 6.3 liter V8 churning out 563-horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque it is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in production. Uh, awesome?! Why wouldn't you want to drive this?

Although getting in it is a bit goofy -- duck under the door, step over the HUGE door sill and twist into the seat -- once you are in, it is like a glove. The seats wrap around you and once you close the door, the essentials are surrounding you like a cockpit should.

And, the best part, I fit!

Moving along...


2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery



My second pick, without a doubt, has to be the Lotus Evora. By far one of the coolest designs to emerge in 2009, the Evora channels some cues from the Lancia Stratos and has one of the most gorgeous interiors known to man. It's exterior is akin to pornography and the interior is a hip-looking, posh lounge.

Aside from looking damn good, it has a mid-engine layout that will be equipped with a V6 pushing out 276-horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. Not to mention it is a Lotus, so that means two things will be prominent. 1) It is lightweight, coming in just under 3,000 pounds. 2) If it is a proper Lotus, it will handle like it is on rails.

After the Elise/Exige made its way stateside and revived the brand, after the cult classic Esprit, this car is theoretically the daily driver with a bit more room and sophistication. But, after getting a look at it in the flesh, it appears to be more of a two plus none.

Regardless, I am optimistic about giving this car a thorough work out.

What are some NEW cars that YOU want to drive in 2010? Voice your opinion here on AutoSpies...

2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery










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Joe_Limon - 1/17/2010 12:20:58 AM

+4 Boost

"it is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in production."

Say what?

Ferrari 458 570hp
Ferrari 599gtb 612hp
Lamborghini Murcielago 670-4 and 640 at 670hp and 640hp respectively
Dodge Viper 600hp

Just to name a few.

Carboy - 1/17/2010 12:28:47 AM

-2 Boost

I think he means most powerful NATURALLY ASPIRATED V8.

Joe_Limon - 1/17/2010 12:36:59 AM

+3 Boost

The 458 is a v8 and it's even of a smaller displacement.

Agent00R - 1/17/2010 2:06:03 AM

-6 Boost

@Joe

I guess you got me with the Ferrari 458.

I failed!

Agent00R - 1/17/2010 11:51:08 AM

-4 Boost

@Joe

Ah, I see where I went wrong.

Initial reports for the 458 said it would be 562-hp and I did not do my fact checking when I wrote the story.

pennfootball - 1/18/2010 10:02:06 AM

+1 Boost

Initial reports are 562 but Ferrari claimed a 7 hp increase from a ram air affect built into their air intake...since Ferrari's are Italian they "bend the rules" a bit.If you have a problem with that talk to Montezmo or Piero about how to "build" car's and "rate" horsepower and see how far you get!

"I only care about the Ferrari's!!!"

Agent001 - 1/17/2010 12:38:39 AM

0 Boost

Remember, 00R is from New Jersey ;)

001

Agent00R - 1/17/2010 2:06:44 AM

0 Boost

Says the man from Buffalo, pft!

Agent00R - 1/17/2010 11:52:21 AM

-1 Boost

C'mon the XTS?

That is a large sedan that does not really speak to me.

Agent00R - 1/17/2010 2:36:17 PM

-1 Boost

Here's the real problem with the XTS.

I can't drive it THIS YEAR.

veyron1001 - 1/17/2010 3:36:13 PM

-1 Boost

What does xts stand for?
What makes the xts stand out from the other cts blt ftl acronym variants?
Everyone knows what a Cadillac is since its a 12in ruler design.
It either has a V6 or a V8.
A 6 speed auto or manual transmission.
nothing special

Joe_Limon - 1/17/2010 5:10:59 PM

+1 Boost

lol eww, it looks like they got the same interior decorator as the stirling moss abomination.

Yonder7 - 1/17/2010 6:04:52 AM

+1 Boost

As an MB fan...the SLS is not what I was specting...for "my" taste....it is an ugly car. I recognize the engine as "one" of the most powerful NATURALLY ASPIRATED engines. There other with more power but not with same torque....and regarding the weight, the engine (AMG 6.2) is lighter than 4.0 BMW used on the M3 which means for me than the materials used on the AMG engine are better.....by far....and it also have already several awards as the best engnine on it´s category of the 2009.

Agent00R - 1/17/2010 11:54:20 AM

-3 Boost

It is powered by a 6.3 AMG

pennfootball - 1/18/2010 10:04:26 AM

+2 Boost

It is GERMAN they build what they want the customers to buy and what the Engineers like and tell you if you don't buy their car you are a lessor mortal. They are not uggly in Germany in the eyes of the Gestapo!

upwards - 1/17/2010 10:48:04 AM

+3 Boost

Bad choices

Agent00R - 1/17/2010 11:52:55 AM

-2 Boost

What do you think was better?

What spoke to you at the show?

JUGNU - 1/17/2010 12:35:20 PM

0 Boost

I read two magazines monthly, Car and Evo and both of them gave Car of the Year 2009 to Lotus Evora. Don't know how many other magazines also chose it but new Lotus seems be very good.

JUGNU

Agent00R - 1/17/2010 2:03:27 PM

+1 Boost

I mean, they are SOMEWHAT bias because they're British publications and it is a British car...but still

M53R - 1/17/2010 4:42:51 PM

+1 Boost

" Uh, awesome?! Why wouldn't you want to drive this?"

Because I think it's ugly. And knowing MB, it will also be overpriced.