There may be a lot of new green cars on the floor at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but powerful cars still have a strong presence. We take a look at the new Ford Shelby, Jaguar R series, Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro, the last SLR, and a new supercar from Revenge.
Ford updated its Mustang for the Los Angeles Auto Show, and rolls out the 2010 Shelby GT500 for Detroit. With horsepower increased to an estimated 540 from a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8, the car should be called the GT540. Shelby's Cobra emblem appears around the car, but we couldn't find a single blue oval.
Ford changed the gearing on the car's six-speed manual, raising fifth and sixth for better freeway economy. Aerodynamics and suspension tuning have also been improved for better handling, although the car still uses a solid rear axle. Stability control now includes a Sport mode for track use.
The cabin is nicely appointed in leather and brushed aluminum, while the shifter gets a special cue ball top. Ford Sync is standard, while navigation with Sirius Travel Link is optional.
Jaguar complements its new XF model with the XFR, the R being Jaguars traditional designation for performance tuning. With the XFR, that means a new supercharged 5-liter V-8 producing 510 horsepower, taking the XFR from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
Besides XFR badges on the rear, hood vents, inscribed with the word "Supercharged," distinguish the XFR model. The car also features continuous computer-controlled suspension damping and active differential control for better handling.
The cabin shows the plush features we found in the base XF model, with leather, wood, and metal surfaces, keeping plastics to a minimum. The dial shifter is still present, controlling a six-speed automatic sport-tuned and upgraded to handle the engine power.
Similar to the XF, the XK coupe gets its own XKR performance version. This model is an update to the previous XKR, and uses the same engine, suspension tuning, and transmission as the XFR.
The supercharged 5-liter V-8 in the XKR puts out 510 horsepower, similar to the XFR, but gets the XKR to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, and has a governed top speed of 155 mph.
The big change in the cabin for the 2010 XKR is the adoption of the dial shifter, the same as used in the XF and XFR. Paddle shifters complement the dial, giving the driver manual control over gear selection.
The previous R8 delivered supercar performance for half the price of a Ferrari, and now Audi ups the engine power for 2010. The R8 5.2 also differs from the base 4.2 model with LED headlights.
The new 5.2-liter engine is a direct injection V-10 producing 518 horsepower. Redline comes at 8,700rpm, and peak torque is 390 pound-feet. The R8 5.2 gets to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 196 mph.
Revenge has only been around since 2006, and has been providing performance mods for existing cars. The GTM-R is its first production car. The car uses a fiberglass body, although we're told Revenge is considering carbon fiber. Weight is only 2,550 pounds, and the car has an adjustable air suspension.
The engine, sourced from GM, is an LS7 427, similar to that used in Corvettes. It produces 505 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Revenge estimates a top speed of over 200 mph.
The cabin features racing harnesses, leather, and a carbon fiber panel. But electronics are present in the form of a navigation system and much needed reverse camera.
This special edition SLR is the last of the line, with no more SLRs planned from McLaren. Going out with a bang, it features a supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 producing 650 horsepower and 605 pound-feet of torque.
The car is designed as an open top roadster, with no convertible top included. Similarly, there are no side windows, and the windshield is about 2 inches high. There are covers for passenger and driver areas, so you can park the car outside.