2008 Detroit Auto Show Notebook
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Detroit MI January 10, 2008; The AIADA newsletter reported that the
North American International Auto Show, held each year in Detroit, is a
chance for automakers to show off their goods.
It opens to the public Jan.
19; the media get an early look starting Sunday, but many automakers could
not wait for the show and released their models early.
One of USA Today's
favorites is the Subaru Forester. Subaru's crossover SUV gets a longer
wheelbase, more ground clearance, and an available navigation system in a
complete redesign. It also includes new features like Start Assist, which
keeps the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on a hill using the
manual transmission.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz's
Vision GLK Freeside is one of the most important concept vehicles in the
show; a thinly disguised version of the luxury brand's new compact SUV.
The concept is given Mercedes' 170-horsepower
four-cylinder Bluetec diesel engine with a seven-speed transmission. It's a
clean diesel that could go on sale in every state, even those with stricter
emission standards, such as California.
For more early releases from USA Today, CLICK HERE