One of the last cars introduced at this year's North American International Auto Show was the Honda CR-Z. First seen over two years ago in Tokyo as the CR-Z Concept, the styling of the new two-door coupe is clearly inspired by the CRX of the 1980s. Whereas the CRX of old used a powerful VTEC engine, the new CR-Z uses an altogether greener hybrid drivetrain. The 'IMA' system uses a 1.5 litre four cylinder and an electric motor that produce a combined 122 bhp. Although the mileage and emission figures are very impressive we can't help but hope that Honda will expand the CR-Z range with a more powerful engine. At the second day of the show, General Motors revealed most of their new cars. These included the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept. This luxury sedan also uses a hybrid power-train but this one is good for a more appealing 350 bhp. The production version of the XTS is not expected to differ much from the Concept launched at Detroit. Saleen launched a new iPhone application and a website at Detroit and showed two Mustang variants that were already launched last year. We had missed the Saleen S281 when it debuted at SEMA. Powered by a 485 bhp supercharged V8, it is the most powerful Saleen available this year.
One of the new cars on display at this weekend's Autosport Show is the SDR WR3 V-Storm. This minimalistic track car is similar to the Ariel Atom but has a unique three-seater layout. The latest version is powered by a Subaru engine that produces 285 bhp stock. The V-Storm is available as a kit or a fully built car. British Auctioneer Coys will host an auction during the Autosport Show with an interesting array of racing cars. Our favourite is the ultra-low Piper GTR. Built for the 1969 24 Hours of Le Mans, it was not allowed to start because only one driver had completed enough laps during practice. This very rare machine was fully restored and has been raced in various historic events and it is ready to take part in this summer's Le Mans Classic.
Another fabulous car to come to auction this month is the Talbot Darracq Grand Prix. Three of these racing cars were built for the 1925 season but they struggled against the similar Delage 15 S8s. They were raced and modified extensively for another twenty years. Remarkably at least two have survived and one of these exquisite Grand Prix racers will be offered by Bonhams at Retromobile on January 23rd. Our article includes both known survivors.
Enjoy the links:
2010 Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept - Images, Specifications and Information
2010 Honda CR-Z - Images, Specifications and Information
1969 Piper GTR - Images, Specifications and Information
2010 Saleen S281 - Images, Specifications and Information
2010 SDR WR3 V-Storm - Images, Specifications and Information
1926 - 1927 Talbot Darracq Grand Prix - Images, Specifications and Information
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Originally Posted by RacingManiac
