Power Brokers from the Detroit Show
Times are changing — automakers are working hard on cleaner and more fuel efficient cars. Still, when someone says "Detroit" images of hairy, earth-shaking muscle cars come to mind. And this year's North American International Auto Show demonstrates that despite wildly fluctuating fuel prices, there still is something about a powerful car that captures the imagination.
2009 McLaren SLR Stirling Moss
It won't be sold in America, but that doesn't mean the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss isn't an awesome machine in its own right. Only 75 copies of this rebodied car will be built — the styling changes intended to mimic the mighty SLR Stirling Moss drove to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia. Styling cues include new lenses over the headlamps, no windscreen and dual-hoop rollbars behind the sport seats. The supercharged V-8 produces 650 bhp, giving the car 0–62 mph acceleration of less than 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph.
2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro
Few cars can turn heads like the mid-engine Audi R8. And now, with added horsepower, the 2010 R8 5.2 FSI Quattro is likely to cause a bit of whiplash as well. The standard model's V-8 has been supplanted by a 518-bhp 5.2-liter V-10. Complementing this infusion of power are bolder side vents, cleaner front intakes and new twin oval tailpipes. Audi says the V-10 R8 can accelerate to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds.
