Rootski

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Went to the Cleveland Auto Show today. Saw a lot of cool cars.

2006 RX-8 Shinka



They had a new Shinka, in that gorgeous Copper Red color. Really nice seats, too. Mazda's showing at this show was actually a bit of a disappointment. They just had the CX-7, no Kabura or anything.





Here's a shot of the engine bay of the Mazdaspeed 6. You can see the turbo air screen and the intake that fits over it stuck to the hood.

Mercedes SLR McLaren



This was, hands down, the most gorgeous car there. Hell, it's the most gorgeous car ever built. You can see the cop in the background assigned to protect the thing. It looks like what I dreamed the Batmobile would look like until Batman Begins crushed my hopes.

Cadillac XLR



This was the only roadster I sat in that had a decent interior. Very nice cars, and one of the few that look it deserves to cost 90 grand. But, why, for the love of god, does it only come in automatic? It's blasphemy.

Cobalt SS

I was curious to check out this car, as they are quite the fanboi ride around here. All I can say is, I feel sorry for anyone who thinks this is any kind of sports car. The interior is crap, the specs are laughable, and the huge wing, already pointless with front wheel drive, is as flimsy as cardboard. Not worth it.

In fact, as the day went on, I became more and more disenchanted of any Chevy with the "SS" designation. It implies a lot more cash, but not enough extra performance to warrant it. Chevy did have a great Dyno exhibit, though, with a small-block V8 with the driveshaft going straight into the dyno.

Camaro Concept



I'd trade my eight for one of those in a heartbeat; they are that gorgeous. I think the picture speaks for itself. There's 400hp V8 under the hood, and it's riding on 21's. Comes with free hottie.

Pontiac Solstice



I have to admit, this is a hot little car. For the amount you pay to get it off the lot, it also comes with some nice features. However, I find its sister car, the Saturn Sky, has better lines:



Not a great photo, I know, but my other ones came out blurry.

Lotus Elise



This being the first time I've ever seen one of these in person, I was amazed at how tiny it is. It looks like a very pretty go-kart. This pic shows how totally bare the interior is.

Ford Mustang- Shelby GT





Ford Reflex Concept Car



The illegitimate child of a 350z and a Delorean. It's actually very cool looking, and it has basket-weave pattern seats like the Kabura. No seatbelts, though. Must be in next year's model.

I tried to get around to all of the vehicles that people keep comparing the RX-8 to around here. I got in a 350z Roadster, an EVO IX, an STi, an '06 Eclipse, and a Crossfire. In terms of interior and features, I walked away very happy with my 8. The 350z, as it has been said before, feels like a plastic bathtub. The EVO would be nice without that big dumb wing. The STi's interior was not as bad as I'd been told... it's about on par with an 8's sport package interior. The outside, however, still looks like a rat on skates. The Eclipse line still fails to impress me (and it's got a big *** now). The Chrysler interior is in no way up to par with what you should be getting in a $50k+ car.

Anyone else here in Ohio get a chance to go?

zaglo6204

good post; some nice pics. that camaro actually does look very good. & very big.

Ike

I really don't get why people like the copper red so much. Worst color ever for the RX-8 IMO.

Rootski

iTrader: (1)

Who wouldn't want to drive a blood-red sports car?

I forgot, I also took a look at a Honda S2000. Great looking cars, and they seem to be solid performers, but the layout of interior controls is abysmal. Lots of people like the push-button starter, but honestly I don't see the point, and the driver's audio controls are in a very awkward place, as well as many other buttons in odd places.

Kings8

Damn! That Camero concept is hot!

Ike

Me for one. Unless it's an exotic I will never own a red or yellow car. As far as reds go thats not blood red, unless the blood is dried up. To me Velocity red is a very nice red and suits a sportscar, copper red looks like it should be on a Chrysler family car or minivan.