The Americans are gearing up for their biggest-ever assault on the British car market. Traditionally, US cars have struggled to make an impact upon the UK buyers, a trend reflected across Europe. But the Detroit Motor Show in early January could herald a new dawn of exciting, desirable American motors on these shores, led by the stunning all-new Corvette, shown here undisguised for the first time.
CHEVROLET CORVETTE
These amazing pictures are the first undisguised shots of a car Chevrolet bosses have been working hard to keep under wraps before its world debut in Detroit. The beautifully aggressive lines are revealed just a week after we showed a heavily-clad mule being put through its paces at the Nürburgring in Germany. Powered by a 425bhp version of the 5.7-litre unit from the current car, the new C6 is based on sister company Cadillac’s XLR. UK sales should start in 2005, although right-hand drive production still hangs in the balance.
CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE
Chrysler is putting the fire into its Crossfire coupé by adding a 349bhp supercharged V6 version, the SRT-6, capable of 0-60mph in 5.0sec.
The SRT-6 has been developed by Chrysler’s newly-formed Performance Vehicle Operation and will go on sale in the US in May, and in right-hand-drive form in early ’05.
The SRT-6 uses the same 3.2-litre V6 that powers Merc’s SLK 32 AMG, and will be available with a six-speed manual or five-speed auto ’box.
The SLK-based Crossfire received a reserved reception at its launch earlier this year, in part due to the lacklustre performance provided by its 215bhp V6. The SRT-6 will answer those complaints.Expect the coupé to cost around £35,000 – some £7,500 more than the normally-aspirated Crossfire.
CROSSFIRE ROADSTER
Chrysler lifts Crossfire’s lid next May with a new soft-top Roadster version, developed by Karmann in Germany. The two-seater features a power-folding fabric top with glass rear window and manual latching. It stows beneath a hard tonneau panel.
Design chief Trevor Creed says Chrysler decided against a Merc SLK-style folding metal hardtop for ‘cost, looks and weight’ reasons. The fabric top also allows a decent-sized boot. To reduce weight, the hood’s framing and linkages are made of lightweight aluminium and hefty roll hoops are mounted behind each seat.
Two versions of the new Roadster will be offered– the 215bhp normally aspirated model, and the potent SRT-6 version detailed above. Expect both to land in spring ’05.
PT CRUISER TURBO
The hot turbo version of Chrysler’s retro-styled PT Cruiser is heading to the UK in an about-turn for Chrysler, which originally claimed the PT’s 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder couldn’t be homologated for Europe.
Add your comment