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| 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123) |
The sky was gloomy and threatening rain, but not enough to overshadow to excitement going on underneath. With the Yaris unveiled, it was time to take a more detailed look around at some of the exhibits from other manufacturers.
Volkswagen was present in a big way with their Phaeton - which is available with a 335 horsepower 4.2 liter V8 engine for serious power, or a six liter W-12 with 420 horsepower if you've forgotten to take your meds. Pricing starts around $100,000 and the Phaeton looks the part of a competent performer as well- it's got a stealthy looking fascia, a mature looking silhouette and interior amenities that wouldn't look out of place inside the cockpit of an executive jet.
Performance fans listen up! Chryslers RT and SRT lineups were out in full force showcasing the latest and greatest from the people who really want you to have a really, really fast car. The Charger SRT-8 sat atop a podium so fans could get a close look at its upgraded brakes, chrome rims and subtle styling accents like the hood-scoop and front air-dam, behind which
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| 2005 Dodge Viper SRT-10 (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123) |
lives a 6.1 liter V8 with a concussion-inducing 420 pounds feet of torque. The 300C SRT8 was also soaking up attention. Dodges desire to provide the most amount of performance for the smallest relative amount of money has never looked so good. The SRT6 Crossfire sat outside showing off all of its low-slung, wind in your hair elegance while only giving subtle clues as to the 330 horsepower, supercharged German punch packed under its hood. The real stars of the SRT show were the Viper and Ram, both wearing SRT-10 nameplates. They share the same 500 cubic inch engine, with 500 horsepower. The Ram was made to haul around cargo, people, and maybe a trailer of some sort, the SRT treatment ensures it can haul ass, too. The Charger Daytona was a hit, with everybody trying out its over-bolstered seats and discussing how absolutely cool looking it is, whether or not the old one was a four door. What's wrong with a 4 door Charger? You have probably had children since your old Charger, and they can ride in back of this new one. Whatever- the old one was fast, cool looking, and made a statement wherever it went, and so does this new one, especially in Daytona trim.
The only thing better than a Mazda 6 is a Mazda 6 with boost, which they call the Mazdaspeed 6. The extra speed comes by way of a 2.3 liter engine with a direct injection system and a turbocharger with intercooler to generate over 270 horsepower and drive all four wheels via a six
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| 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123) |
speed gearbox. Larger brakes are included in the upgrade as well to keep the extra 54 horses in check. This powerful sedan is intended for grown-ups: It doesn't have gold rims, a hood scoop or even a massive mini-bar spoiler on the back. Its very subtle but very purposeful at the same time, in fact you might even have trouble distinguishing it from the normal 6, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your taste. My favorite part? The Mazdaspeed 6 will burn through 0-60 in under 6.5 seconds. (Dear Mazda...please, pretty please put this engine in the 3 sport!)
