steenbag

Did anyone in the DC area go to the Washington Auto Show this weekend?

I ended up going Friday night after work, and they had some pretty interesting stuff.

Some Highlights:

• 2011 Mustang: They had two different prototype models there that I saw. It looks like its going to be a cool little car. Couldn't sit in it, but it was cool to look at.
• 2011 Focus: Suprisingly roomy and comfortable. I got to see the new MyFord Touch which was pretty cool.
• Got to sit in a Raptor for the first time.
• A local mustang club brought up a bunch of their cars. They had a wide varienty including a sick 65 Fastback and a GT 500.
• Sat in a Lincoln MKS, which was also a nice little car.
• Looked at the Corvette ZR1, Camaro, Volt and a few trucks over in the GM section.
• Saw the Audi A8 and R8, which I will someday own
• Took a Camaro for a test drive, which was a religious experience. lol

I think the only thing I didn't like was the 2011 Super Duty prototype. They had two there, and I just can't get over the grill... It's hideous.

Overall it was a pretty good show, saw a lot of cool stuff.

Oh yea, in Toyota's booth they had guys banging on trash cans... We thought they were trying to drum up business.

Lenn

So what were your opinions after driving the Camaro? I drove one at the local dealer here. All they had were 2LT's so that is what I drove. I drove a black 2LT with the RS package. I was disappointed somewhat. Granted it was a 6cyl but with a 300hp rating, I feel like my wife's 168hp 2.3L 4cyl Mazda6i Sport will keep up with it easily. The windshield is TINY and the nose is LONG. Bad combo. The C pillars created a hellacious blind spot and the steering wheel felt like it was about 2" too small and 3" too fat.

steenbag

The one I drove was a yellow 1SS. Its definitely not the fastest car around, but seemed to have a good bit of get up and go (moreso than my 3 ton monster anyway).

The interior was comfortable, but it seemed claustrophobic because of the window sizes (all around, not just the windshield).The size of the windshield and side windows make it feel like you are sitting deep down inside the car. They could have made them a few inches taller and really opened up the feel inside the car.

The size of the car was a bit of a turnoff (it sat higher than I expected). I felt the same way about the Challenger I sat in. The pillar placement does create some blind spots, but I didn't think they were too terrible. Not quite as bad as driving a Magnum, which is essentially one big blind spot.

I was impressed with the car, but then again I have basically been in love with it since I found out they were re-launching it.