I went to the DC Auto Show last night. I wasn't that impressed. Probably the most interesting car was the new GT350, a preproduction copy in white with blue stripes, which was roped off in the corner of the Ford area. You could walk around it, but not get closer than about 10 ft. The Ford display was extensive, but not interesting. For example, there were no views under the car or under the hood. Even the regular '15 cars, you could not open the hood--the Ford folks had removed the hood release handles.
There was a cut-away display of the Ecoboost V-6 engine, which I examined carefully. I noted that the intake and exhaust manifolds are built into the head casting, so there are no external manifolds. The turbo bolts directly to the head on each side of the engine. Other than turning up the boost, I don't know what you can do to augment its power without going into the engine and making major modifications. And I suspect that turning up the boost is more electronic than mechanical, as I didn't see where the waste gate goes. It's a very interesting design in other ways: The engine block is not one piece as in typical V engines. It is composed of a lower block of aluminum that holds the crankshaft, an upper block of cast iron that holds the cylinders, then the heads on top of the upper block. Those heads are intricate and precise castings.
GM had the usual assortment of models, with a Z-06 on the turntable, and several versions of Camaros nearby. At least they let you look under the hood.
Toyota had a couple of interesting 3-wheel personal transportation concepts on display. Chrysler had neither a new Viper (or even an old one) nor a Hellcat Challenger. Pretty lame effort.
In the super car category, Audi had the R8, Mercedes had the AMG GT 2-door coupe and there were a few Ferarris, McLarens and Lambos.
Otherwise, it was all stuff you could find in your local dealer showrooms.
They did have a GM Futureliner (#10) and several early '50s concept cars that were part of the Parade of Progress show, including the Buick Wildcat II, a Chevy precursor to the original Corvette, and a Caddy concept car, but these were all roped off, so you couldn't get closer than about 8 feet. All had fiberglass bodies, which was a new material for that time. Several antique clubs had displays, including a couple original Mustang Shelby GT350s, original Boss 302, etc. There were almost no aftermarket vendors.
All in all, I'd say pass on this show, if you haven't bought tickets yet, and try to catch one where there will be more interesting hardware.
There was a cut-away display of the Ecoboost V-6 engine, which I examined carefully. I noted that the intake and exhaust manifolds are built into the head casting, so there are no external manifolds. The turbo bolts directly to the head on each side of the engine. Other than turning up the boost, I don't know what you can do to augment its power without going into the engine and making major modifications. And I suspect that turning up the boost is more electronic than mechanical, as I didn't see where the waste gate goes. It's a very interesting design in other ways: The engine block is not one piece as in typical V engines. It is composed of a lower block of aluminum that holds the crankshaft, an upper block of cast iron that holds the cylinders, then the heads on top of the upper block. Those heads are intricate and precise castings.
GM had the usual assortment of models, with a Z-06 on the turntable, and several versions of Camaros nearby. At least they let you look under the hood.
Toyota had a couple of interesting 3-wheel personal transportation concepts on display. Chrysler had neither a new Viper (or even an old one) nor a Hellcat Challenger. Pretty lame effort.
In the super car category, Audi had the R8, Mercedes had the AMG GT 2-door coupe and there were a few Ferarris, McLarens and Lambos.
Otherwise, it was all stuff you could find in your local dealer showrooms.
They did have a GM Futureliner (#10) and several early '50s concept cars that were part of the Parade of Progress show, including the Buick Wildcat II, a Chevy precursor to the original Corvette, and a Caddy concept car, but these were all roped off, so you couldn't get closer than about 8 feet. All had fiberglass bodies, which was a new material for that time. Several antique clubs had displays, including a couple original Mustang Shelby GT350s, original Boss 302, etc. There were almost no aftermarket vendors.
All in all, I'd say pass on this show, if you haven't bought tickets yet, and try to catch one where there will be more interesting hardware.
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