2005 Detroit Show Wrap-up Part I: Production Cars

2006 Dodge Charger

Picture by John Cooke

Some cynics are crying "blasphemy" over Dodge's decision to bring back the legendary Charger with two-too-many doors. (Where were these critics when the 1982-87 Omni-based Charger was around? -Ed.) Others are having a hard time with the NASCAR tie-in knowing full well that there's as much similarity between the production car and the car you'll see at the Daytona 500 as there is between Ashlee Simpson singing live and, well, not. Forget Chrysler's dichotic fluff calling the Charger a "muscle-car coupe sedan". The reality is this four-door Magnum will be the cheapest way to get into a HEMI-powered LH car. And for that, my car zealot friends, we should all be thankful. Imagine an SRT-8 Charger with a stick!

Available: Summer 2005
Base price: $29,000 Cdn. (est.)
Future competitors: Chevrolet Impala, Ford Five Hundred, Pontiac Grand Prix


2006 Infiniti M Series

Picture by John Cooke

Lasting only three years, the original Nissan Cedric/Gloria-based Infiniti M45 made an initial splash, and then faded as if admitted into the witness protection program for cars. With a honking V-8 stolen from big-brother Q, the old M was an Oriental Mafia Express--kinda like a Japanese 300C. Building on the more mainstream success of the G35 sports sedan, the new M is a stretched rendition of the G35's FM platform, and its looks support that. If you ever wanted a G45, but with legroom, the M45 is as close as you'll get. Makes you wonder how many new Qs Infiniti will sell this year?

Available: Spring 2005
Base price: $64,000 Cdn. (est.)
Future competitors: Acura RL, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac STS, Jaguar S-Type, Mercedes-Benz E Class


2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Picture by John Cooke

I don't know if the late 1990s qualifies as "retro", but that's exactly what Mitsu has done with the looks of its new Eclipse. Taking inspiration from the popular 1995-98 model, and the Concept-E shown around the show circuit last year, the new Eclipse ditches the "bio-mechanical" Pontiac-like cladding in favour of a more cab-forward (remember cab-forward, that was so '90s!) dynamic stance. In addition to Mitsubishi's industry leading warranty, a free Smashing Pumpkins CD will come with every new Eclipse sold.

Available: Summer 2005
Base price: $25,000 Cdn. (est.)
Future competitors: Acura RSX, Chrysler Sebring, Hyundai Tiburon, Toyota Celica