THE OFFICIAL WEBPAGE
OF ROBERT D. WEST
Portland International Auto Show 2007
The Portland International Auto Show was held January 25-28, 2007 at the Oregon Convention Center in downtown Portland, Oregon. I attended with some friends on Sunday the 28th.
The Portland International Auto Show is sponsored by the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association, which was founded in 1914 and represents nearly 100 area car dealers. The 2007 show features cars from about 35 manufacturers, as well as some special features.
As Portland is a smaller city, the automakers rarely bring their exciting concept cars to Portland. However, this year was an exception, with several automakers bringing in some of their concept cars. As before, the Association brought in the exotic sports cars, race cars & motorcycles, but new this year was a group of aftermarket dealers and customizers. These vendors bought in a selection of exotic and highly customized vehicles to demonstrate their products and services. Another new feature was a gallery of classic cars from the 1930s through the 1950s in the lobby.
Exotics Gallery
Ferrari
The Ferrari
F40 was produced from 1987 to 1991. A total of 1,315 were
built. The F40 is powered by a 2.9 liter 470 horsepower turbocharged V8
and was the first street-legal production car to have a top speed of 200
miles per hour. This F40 was displayed at the show by
Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo.
This
convertible is the
Ferrari
F430 Spyder. The F430 was introduced in 2005 and is powered by a 483 horsepower 4.3
liter V8. It
was displayed by Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo.
This
is the hardtop version of the
Ferrari F430, the F430 Coupe. It is otherwise
essentially the same as the F430 Sypder. Like the Spyder, it was displayed courtesy of
Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo.
This
is the
Ferrari F599
GTB Fiorano, which is a new model for 2007. It is powered by a
6.0 liter 620 horsepower V12, which makes it the most powerful Ferrari
production model, and gives it a top speed of over 200 miles per hour.
This example was displayed by
Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo.
Lotus
This
is a Lotus
Elise roadster.
The Elise is powered by a Toyota-based 190 horsepower 1.8 liter DOHC four-cylinder
engine with a 6-speed close-ratio transmission. The Elise can
accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 150
miles per hour, while still delivering fuel economy of 24 city/29
highway. The British-built Elise was introduced in 1995, and this new
version was released in 2000, but it was first made available in the
United States in 2005. This example from
Lotus of Portland displays the optional insulated removable
hardtop.
This
is a
Lotus Exige
from
Lotus of Portland. It is the coupe version of the Elise, with the same powertrain
and a fixed fastback top. The Exige was launched in 2000, but wasn't
unveiled in the United States until 2006.
Maserati
The
Maserati Gran Sport Coupe is powered by a
400 horsepower 4.2 liter V8 with a
6-speed automatic transmission. It is available in Portland from
Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo, starting at around $100,000.00. It is also
available in a convertible form known as the
Gran Sport Spyder for
about $1,000.00 more than a similarly equipped Gran Sport Coupe.
Like
last year, the only sedan in the Exotic Gallery is the
Maserati Quattroporte.
"Quattroporte" literally means "four-door" in Italian. It is powered by
a 395 horsepower 4.2 liter V8 with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Available in
Portland from
Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo; prices start at over
$100,000.00.
Saleen
This
is a Saleen S7
Twin Turbo, currently the ultimate American supercar. The
twin-turbo version of the S7 was introduced in 2005. It is powered by a
750 horsepower twin-turbocharged 7.0 liter V8. This S7 was displayed by
Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo.
Ducati
The
1098S is Ducati's
new top-of-the-line high-performance sports bike. It's 2.0 liter
two-cylinder engine produces 160 horsepower and can accelerate the
motorcycle to 60 miles per hour in less than 2.8 seconds and bring it to
a top speed of 186 miles per hour. The 1098S is priced at $20,000.
Motorcycle/Aftermarket Gallery
This
motorcycle is the 1949
Harley-Davidson Pan-Shovel Custom Memorial built
by Rudy Chappelle of Custom Harley & Auto in St. Helens, Oregon.
Chappelle named the bike as the Custom Memorial because it is built
using spare parts left behind by friends in the Gypsy Jokers club and
members of other motorcycle clubs that have passed away. Chappelle built
the bike in 57 days for the
Speedchannel television series
V-Twin TV.
This
is another of Chappelle's bikes. He calls it the Pro Street Chopper. It
is based on a Softail-type frame with a 127ci engine and a 5-speed
gearbox. It also features a pushbutton electric start and turn signals.
This
unusual bike is the Dodge
Tomahawk concept bike. It is powered by the
same V-10 engine that is used in the Dodge Viper, which Dodge estimates
could take the Tomahawk over 400 miles per hour. Due to the large
engine, the Tomahawk has four wheels for stability, but still handles
like a motorcycle.
The
Honda
Valkyrie Rune was introduced in 2004 and is
powered by a 1.8 liter six-cylinder engine. It is a limited-production
motorcycle proced at over $25,000.
The
Atom, built by the
Ariel Motor
Company of Somerset, England, appears to be an oversized go-cart,
but it is actually a sports car capable of 150 miles per hour with a 2.0
liter four-cylinder engine. The performance is due to the Atom's light
1000-pound weight, made possible by its open-web exoskeletal combined
body/chassis and a lack of a roof, windows or other "luxuries." The Atom
is distributed in the United States by
Brammo Motorsports
of Ashland, Oregon. This Ariel Atom was displayed by
503 Motoring.
The Bentley Continental GT is powered by a 552 horsepower 6.0 liter turbocharged W12 with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It can accelerate from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 198 miles per hour. This Continental GT was displayed by 503 Motoring.
The
Bentley
Continental GTC is a convertible version of the Continental
GT. Despite being a top of the line luxury convertible, the Continental
GTC still features a soft top instead of a retractable hard top. This
Continental GTC was displayed by
The Sound
Choice.
The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of BMW's 6-series coupe and convertible, powered by a 5.0 liter V10 engine. This M6 was displayed by Apex Restoration.
The
Ferrari 360 Modena was built from 1999 to 2004. It is
powered by a 400 horsepower 3.6 litre V8. This 360 Modena was displayed
by 503
Motoring.
The
Lamborghini
Murcielago coupe was introduced as a 2002 model. It is
powered by a 6.2 liter V12 engine. This Murcielago was displayed by
503
Motoring and Cats
Exotics.
Another Lamborghini Murcielago was displayed at the Pirelli display by Gran Prix Imports.
The
Lamborghini
Murcielago LP640 is an upgraded version of the original, with
a more powerful engine and other improvements. This Murcielago LP640 was
displayed by
503 Motoring and
Cats Exotics.
This 2006 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG was displayed by The Sound Choice. The car is powered by a V12 engine producing over 600 horsepower.
This
customized Dodge
Ram was displayed by
BTL Auto Sports & Off-Road. Among its many features was a
hydraulics system that could raise and lower the truck over a large
range.
This very large subwoofer was displayed by Kingpin Car Audio.
One of a large number of wheels and tires on display in the aftermarket gallery was this 30-inch chrome wheel with a Pirelli low-profile tire.
Just outside the aftermarket gallery room was a group of all-terrain vehicles, including this unusual Twister drag racing quad.
Racing Gallery
Like last year, one of the special features of the auto show was a road racing gallery put together by the Oregon Region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). This years gallery features a different group of cars.
Nick Fluge's 2006 Corvette Z06 has a top speed of 198 miles per hour and can accelerate from 0 to 60miles per hour in 3.9 seconds.
This 2006 Panoz GTS also belongs to Nick Fluge.
Matt Crandall became Oregon Region GT2 Champion in this 2006 Panoz GTS.
Gary Bockman's Mazda MX-5 Miata finished first at the 2005 Mazdaspeed Runoffs.
Todd Harris finished in third place at the 2006 SCCA National Runoffs in his Spec Racer Ford.
Renny Watt's Swift Sports 2000 competed in the Sports 2000 Division.
Paul Rosen's 2006 Stohr WF1-D competes in the Class D Sports Racing Division.
John Zupan's Porsche 914/6 is a six cylinder version of Porsche's normally 4-cylinder-powered 914 that was built between 1969 and 1972.
Monte
Shelton's 1986 Porsche 962 LeMans Longtail was a Le Mans
and International
racing car. It is powered by a 650 horsepower 3.2L turbocharged
six-cylinder engine and has a top speed of 226 miles per hour.
Scotty B. White set qualifying and lap records at the 2006 SCCA National Runoffs for Touring I Class with this 2006 Dodge Viper.
Lobby
Panoz
The Panoz Auto Development Company was founded in 1989 by Danny Panoz. The company is based in Hoschton, Georgia. The company builds high performance sports cars and racing cars.
The
Esperante is currently the main model of the Panoz line. It is available
in various forms, as either a street-legal sports car or as a track-only
racing car. The cars are powered by modified Ford V8s. I believe this
model is a 2005
Panoz Esperante GTLM.
The Panoz
GTS is a racing version of the Esperante. As a racing car,
the GTS is not street-legal and is intended for track use only. Like the
Esperante, the GTS is powered by a Ford V8, in this case producing 430
horsepower in a car weighing just 2,700 pounds.
Spyker
Spyker Cars is a manufacturer of handbuilt sports cars from the Netherlands.
The
C8 is Spyker's main model. It is available in several versions, one of
which is the C8 Spyder, illustrated by these two examples.
The C8 is powered by an Audi 4.2 liter V8.
Classic Car Gallery
Another new feature of the 2007 Portland International Auto Show was a gallery of classic cars from the 1930s to the 1950s. These cars were displayed by the Road Angels Hot Rod Club of Portland.
|
1940 Ford Coupe |
1932 Ford Coupe |
1947 Ford Pickup |
|
1932 Ford Roadster |
1933 Ford Coupe |
1940 Ford Coupe |
|
1933 Plymouth Coupe |
1937 Chevrolet Coupe |
1934 Ford |
|
1941 Ford Super Deluxe |
1932 Ford |
1932 Ford |
|
1939 Chevrolet Coupe |
1946 Ford Coupe |
1957 Cadillac |
2007 Model-Year Highlights
Audi
The
Audi R8
is a mid-engined sports car that was introduced in Europe in 2007. It
will come to the United States in 2008. It is based on the Lamborghini
Gallardo and is powered by a 420-horsepower 4.2 liter V8. It is priced
at over $100,000.
Audi introduced an all-new second-generation TT
coupe in 2007. The TT Roadster follows as a 2008 model. It is available
with either a 2.0 liter 200-horsepower or 3.2 liter 250-horsepower
engine.
BMW
The
M5 is a high-performance version of the 5-series, and is
BMW's fastest and most powerful offering. Powered by a 500 horsepower
5.0 liter DOHC
40-valve V10 with a 7-speed sequential manual gearbox, the M5 can
accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 155
miles per hour.
The BMW display also featured some display cases with BMW accessories and memorabilia, and models of past and present BMW cars. Here a a couple of the more interesting models.
The
BMW 503 was produced as a coupe and convertible from 1955
to 1960. Only 412 were built: 273 coupes and 129 convertibles. The 503
was powered by Germany's first postwar V8, a 3.2 liter 140 horsepower engine
capable of accelerating the 507 to 118 miles per hour. The 507 body was
made entirely of aluminum, and the convertibles were the first German
cars to feature electrically-operated power tops.
The
BMW 507 roadster was produced from 1956 to 1959. Only 252
of the V8-powered sports cars were built, as BMW lost money on every one
sold. One of them was owned by Elvis Presley.
Chevrolet
The
Chevrolet
Cheyenne concept pickup was created back in 2003. It is powered by a
500-horsepower 6.0 liter V8 and includes unique features that have yet
to be used in a production pickup, such as side access doors to the bed
located right behind the cab.
Chrysler
The
Chrysler
Imperial concept debuted in 2006 and hinted at Chrysler's
possible future return to large luxury cars using a proud name that
hasn't been used since 1993. Naturally, it is a rear-wheel drive sedan
powered by a Hemi V8.
The concept's
styling recalls Imperials of the 1960s along with
the current Chrysler 300C.
Dodge
The
all-new Dodge Avenger premiers as a 2008 model to replace the Dodge Stratus. It is
available with various powertrain options, including four-cylinder and
V6 engines, four-speed and six-speed automatic transmissions, and front
or all-wheel drive.
The Dodge
Charger SRT8 isn't new anymore, but equipped with the 425-horsepower 6.1 Liter Hemi V8,
it is Chrysler's most powerful production car.
The
new V6-powered Dodge
Nitro SUV was introduced as a 2007 model. As a compact SUV, it fills a
gap in Chrysler's line that has previously only been filled by Jeeps. It
is available in either rear-wheel drive or with part-time all-wheel
drive.
The Viper SRT10
roadster, powered by a 500 horsepower 8.3 liter V10, is unchanged from
2006. There is actually no 2007 model of the Viper; Dodge extended the
run of the 2006 model to cover the time until the improved 2008 model is
ready.
Ford
The
Ford Bronco concept car was introduced in 2004. It is powered by a 2.0 liter turbodiesel engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Most of the
styling is inspired by the original Bronco from the 1960s. The Bronco
concept features an intelligent four-wheel drive system that was later
used in the Ford Escape.
Ford's
Shelby Cobra concept car features a 605-horsepower 6.4 liter aluminum
V10 powering a 3,000 pound car that is shorter than a Mazda Miata. It is
based on a shortened Ford GT chassis and shares many components with its
relative, but, like the small 1960s roadster that inspired it, it
intentionally lacks such luxuries as a radio, side windows or a roof.
Built
at a cost of $2.2 million and unveiled in 2005, the Shelby GR1 concept car is powered by the same 605-horsepower 6.4 liter
aluminum V10 as the Shelby Cobra concept and features an unpainted
polished aluminum body.
It
was here last year and its back again: the Shelby GT500, which,
with a 450 horsepower supercharged 5.4 liter V8 is the most
powerful Mustang ever released from the factory.
This
Ford
E350 van has been converted into a four-wheel drive Sportsmobile motorhome with
running water and a pop-up roof by
Sportsmobile
West, Inc. Pricing starts at $55,000 and goes up from there
depending on options.
Though
it went on sale in January of 2007, the new
Ford F-350 Super Duty pickup is a
2008 model. In addition to an all new body (including the touted
tailgate step), the new Super Duty also offers an all-new 6.4 liter
diesel engine that replaces the previous diesel engine.
Honda
The Honda
S2000 roadster is largely unchanged since its introduction back in 2000.
The S2000 is powered by a high-revving 2.2 liter four-cylinder engine
that produces 237 horsepower.
Infiniti
The
Infiniti
M35 Sport isn't a new model, but I got a good look at it
and I was impressed by the interior, especially the dashboard with its
sweeping curve and built-in touchscreen for the climate control, audio
and navigation, which can also be controlled by voice command.
Jeep
The Jeep
Commander was actually new last year, but I missed it, so to make up for
it I've included it this year. The Commander is Jeep's largest model,
and is available with three engines, the largest of which is a 5.7 liter
Hemi V8.
The Jeep
Hurricane concept is powered by TWO 5.7 liter Hemi V8s, producing 335
horsepower each! That's 670 horsepower total! The Hurricane is a
four-wheel drive Jeep with 20 inches of suspension travel that can go
from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under five seconds. In addition, the
Hurricane features four-wheel steering, allowing it to turn around
within its own length, and a one-piece carbon fiber body/chassis with
aluminum accessories.
The Jeep
Patriot is new for 2007. It features styling that resembles the classic
Jeep Cherokee, but the Patriot is actually a smaller compact SUV. It is
powered by a 2.4 liter engine with a continuously variable transmission.
The base Patriot is front-wheel drive, but the model can be equipped
with four-wheel drive and other options to meet Jeep's "trail-rated"
qualifications.
Beginning
in 2004, Jeep
stretched the classic Wrangler into a long-wheelbase version called the Wranger Unlimited. This year, the Wrangler is all-new, and
the Wrangler Unlimited is a 4-door version of the classic
Jeep. Both the 2-door and 4-door Wranglers have very little in common
with the previous generation. Even the classic American Motors inline
six-cylinder engine has been replaced with a Chrysler V6. And, even
though the doors are still removable, power windows and locks are
available for the first time.
Lexus
The
flagship of the Lexus
brand, has been given a major redesign for 2007, becoming the LS460, and
gaining a long-wheelbase version, the
LS460L, which is the first Lexus long-wheelbase model. Both versions are
powered by a 380 horsepower 4.6 liter V8 with the world's first
eight-speed automatic transmission.
It's
been around for a few years, but the sleek, V8 powered Lexus
SC430
coupe, with its retractable aluminum hardtop, is still an impressive
luxury convertible.
Mazda
The
third generation of the
Mazda MX-5
Miata roadster was introduced for 2006. At mid-year, a new
retractable hardtop version became available for the first time.
This
example of
Mazda's rotary-engine-powered RX-8 has been
customized with many accessories from Mazda's Mazdaspeed racing and
tuning branch, including the front bumper and the front strut tower bar.
Mercedes-Benz
The
CLS550 is considered Mercedes-Benz
to be a "four-door coupe" and with its sleek, sweeping roofline, its
styling reflects that. It is powered by a 382-horsepower V8, but is also
available with a V6 or as a more powerful AMG model.
The
Mercedes-Benz
R-Class crossover wagon was introduced in 2006. In 2007,
Mercedes-Benz introduced the
R320 CDI, a version powered by a 215-horsepower turbocharged V6
diesel engine that delivers up to 24 miles per gallon. It also features
a 7-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC™ four wheel drive
Last
year, Mercedes-Benz
showed off the
all-new, and not yet available, 2007 S550 sedan, while the 2006
models were still on the dealers' lots. This year, the new S550 is back,
and now its really available. The S550 is powered by a
382 horsepower 5.5 liter DOHC aluminum V8 that requires 91-octane
premium gasoline, but if you can afford a car that starts at over
$80,000, you probably don't have to worry about gas money.
Mitsubishi
This
is the Mitsubishi
Eclipse Ralliart concept car. It originated in 2005 and was built by the Aria
Group for Ralliart, Mitsubishi's motorsports arm. It is a
highly-modified version of the 2006 Eclipse coupe, with a 400-horsepower
engine and all-wheel drive.
The
Mitsubishi
Eclipse hardtop was all-new in 2006, but the new convertible
version, the
Eclipse Spyder, wasn't released until 2007. It is available as
either a162-horsepower GS or as a 260-horsepower GT.
Pontiac
The Pontiac G6 was introduced in 2005 as a replacement for the Grand Am. It is available as a sedan, coupe and a convertible with a retractable hardtop.
It's not new, but the V8-powered Grand Prix GXP, is Pontiac's flagship sedan.
Pontiac's
Solstice roadster was introduced in 2007. In 2007, Pontiac added the
turbocharged Solstice GXP, with a 260 horsepower 2.0L
engine instead of the base 177
horsepower engine.
Porsche
The
911 Carrera is
Porsche's flagship sports
car, and is available in various versions. The 911 Carrera is powered by a base 3.6 liter engine or a 3.8
liter in the
911 Carrera S, and is available with all-wheel drive in the 911 Carrera
4 and 4S.
Saturn
All-new
for 2007 is Saturn's
first-ever convertible, the Sky roadster. It is based on
the same platform as the Pontiac Solstice, which was introduced in 2006.
This example is a turbocharged Red Line model.
Subaru
Subaru's
performance model is the Impreza WRX STi. A decendent of Subaru's World
Rally Championship cars, the WRX STi is powered by a 293 horsepower 2.5
liter turbocharged engine and features a 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel
drive.
Toyota
This Toyota
Sienna minivan is equipped with a
Bruno Lift-Up Power
Mobility Seat. This seat can be installed in either the front or middle
position and can lift up to 330 pounds. It rotates 90 degrees and
lowered to within 17 inches of the ground. The seat is an actual Sienna
seat that matches the other seats in the van.
The Toyota Camry Solara Convertible was given a minor redesign for the 2007 model year.
Volkswagen
The
all-new Volkswagen
Eos is basically a 2-door convertible version of the
Volkswagen Jetta. It includes the unique feature of a
retractable-hardtop with an integrated glass sunroof that collapses into
the trunk.
Related Links:
Portland International Auto Show
Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association
Also See:
2008 Portland International Auto Show
2006 Portland International Auto Show
1997-2000 Portland International Auto Shows
All website content, including graphics and pictures are © Robert D. West unless otherwise noted. Content is not to be used out of the context of this webpage without expressed permission. Any opinions expressed herein are mine and are not necessarily shared by the Milwaukee School of Engineering, or anyone else.
Questions? Comments? Critiques? Corrections? Concerns? Email me at westr@msoe.edu.