Like the first rite of spring the North American International Auto Show swept through Detroit’s Cobo Hall January, 15 – 23, 2005.

The Auto Show featured cars of the past, present and future. Here you have cars that few can afford to buy, cars that will hold the whole family and ones barely with room for two. What car companies are hoping is that one of them will catch your eye. A car that draws a crowd with ohhs and ahhs will have a chance at production. Long gone are radical designs, now the focus is on a product that people will actually buy.

Let’s first look at what few can afford, gas guslers and cars that are just darn flat out fast. First on the muscle list is the Chevy Corvette slick and fast. The power plant that drives the wheels is a LS2 V8. The engine is 6.0 Liters, 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.

Ford, not to be out done, has entered the fight swinging with both fists. I think that Ford has the ability to deliver quite a punch. Let’s look first at a concept car the polished skin of the Shelby GR-1.

The engine is a large 605-horsepower 6.4 liter double overhead cam V10 with a top speed of 200mph. Ford has made this statement before with the revamped Mustang and Ford GT. Both on rotating platforms at the Auto show.

Dodge enters with the Magnum part station wagon, all fun. Magnum is powered by the now famous Hemi engine, a huge V8 that pushes 340 hp with 5.7 liter displacement.

Now we turn to the family auto and start with the Chrysler 300. This car has been turning heads since its conception. With is retro design it harkens back to the day of large engines and lots of chrome. Today the engine is an option but not the chrome. But it will seat five persons comfortable. Chrysler is selling all that it can make.

Ford has countered with the new Ford 500. This car doesn’t look as boxy still holding on to its curves, while offering the room and space of an ounce larger car. It features a V6 engine that will more than serve consumers needs.

Pontiac responded with the new G6; it looks more at the imports than over its shoulder into the past. A sleek new design that will get a second glance this car say’s “hello” to a new period for GM. Looking the imports square in the eye.

Final a car built for two, the Saturn Sky. This car comes as Saturn is integrated into the GM universe. No more the lone UFO attempting new things. However, it was at least a tried grand plan. But I digress, here we have a car that will pop eyes for the under thirty set. Some where between college and the family comes the fun of open air driving for two. The Sky will offer a new attempt to reach that market.

The North American Auto Show at Cobo Hall will be open to the public from January 15 to the 23rd. Hours are 9:00AM to 10:00PM the hours of the final day January 23rd are 9:00AM to 7:00pm. Ticket prices are adult 12 dollars seniors are 6 dollars, kids under 12 attending with their parents are free.

Photos by Marcus D. Kelly