Hi 61 / Lo 49
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Volume 72, Issue 80,
Monday, January 29, 2007
Life & Arts Auto Show gives car fans much to drool over by ADAM BARRERA
Each year, the world's automakers set up shop at Reliant Center to gauge receptiveness to industry developments. Today, the Houston Auto Show has grown into a priceless salute to Houston's freeway culture. In an effort to drum up support before national competition this May, UH's Society of Automotive Engineers is staffing a stand nestled between the fastest cars at the show. Their 575-pound racecar is projected to jet from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds, leaving the neighboring Porsches dazed and forgotten. Towering above an FJ Cruiser wrapped in Mossy Oak brush camouflage -- and last week's recall of over half a million vehicles -- is Toyota's attempt to convince the heartland of its delusion of U.S. citizenship. The Tundra CrewMax 4x4 is the hulking yin to every lithe hybrid's yang, drinking a gallon of gas as it barrels through 14 inner city miles. It's the biggest indication so far that Toyota's commitment to ecology is on par with other major manufacturers, not above. As long as there are hard hats and hand tools, there will always be a need for tough trucks. Foremen and farmhands that tow more than 11,000 pounds won't find a suitable Tundra, but next year's Ford Super Duty might save the day. For this truck, hauling up to 24,500 pounds is all in the line of duty. Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution X didn't make it to Houston, but the Lancer GTS on display looks like a Honda Civic's worst nightmare. Gaping air inlets feed a hungry 152-horsepower four-cylinder, and the rear decklid spoiler is big enough to pin down a cruise ship. It's been a long time since a compact car has had such expressive styling. At Suzuki, special modifications transform the SX4 and Sidekick into rock-ripping rally racers. The red and yellow pair draw on a rich off-road heritage to make the Suzuki stand one of the most attractive of the show. Visual appeal is nice, but smoke and mirrors can't
do the trick in an industry that banks on innovation. Cars at the Houston
Auto Show form a sea of promises kept, forgotten and yet to be made. Only
one person will hold the manufacturers accountable: the showgoer.
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