detroit

The man within the Packard plant

April 11, 2012 by Gary Grant

Through all of the trials and hardships the city of Detroit has gone through, the iconic Packard plant has stood by as a reminder of how far the city has fallen from its past glories. The graffiti riddled property has become a mecca for urban explorers, artists and photographers since being abandoned a decade or so ago.

While most abandoned properties receive random visits from security companies, the owners of the former Packard plant have taken a somewhat unorthodox approach. Urban “Farmer”, Allan Hill lives in the vacant building along with a pack of pooches. While Hill’s abode lacks niceties such as hot and cold running water, the rather eccentric gent fares quite nicely. He even has a full welding setup and the internet.

Part of a video series called This must be the place follows Allan Hill as he wanders through the structure and gives his thoughts on his city.

Watch the captivating video after the break.

Source: Jalopnik

Filed Under: abandoned, alan hill, detroit, Featured Stories, packard, packard plant, this must be the place, Video, Vintage

Detroit’s Packard Plant Set for Demolition

March 3, 2012 by

In a post from Autoblog today, plans were announced to raze the massive 3.5 million square foot Packard plant in Detroit, Michigan. A car has not rolled off the assembly line since 1958, but this leviathan automotive complex has stood for decades, idle and crumbling. The Packard plant was built in 1903, and covers two entire city blocks. To add to the mystique of the Packard complex, there is an underground tunnel system.

Packard was once one of the premier American automotive makers. When I get the chance I always take a moment to admire my uncle’s 1948 Packard two door hard top. Due to poor management, Packard was never able to get is footing in Post World War II America, and slipped into the history books. Apart from my love of cars, I am a fan of photography and urban decay, and as such I am thrilled to offer a link to detroiturbex.com for a gorgeous display of the Packard plant in its current state, before it is finally demolished.

Filed Under: Commentary, detroit, Featured Stories, Memorabilia, mi, packard, Photography

Pathfinder Concept shows new direction for Nissan

January 12, 2012 by Gary Grant

Since 1986, the Nissan Pathfinder has been a leader in the SUV category, blending style, utility and reasonable value that appealed to many consumers. Each generation of the Pathy has been a clear descendant of the previous model. Until now that is. The “concept” that Nissan is showing at Detroit is a drastic departure from the historic two box shape that has always defined the truck.

One of the keys to Pathfinder’s success has always been that it was, first and foremost, a truck. A body on frame constructed truck that was capable of doing real work while also being comfy and looking sharp. The new unit will be a unibody construction, essentially turning the Pathy into a very large crossover.

For some consumers, boxy may not be good, as Volvo learned by staying with the box for too many years before becoming sexy. The new Pathfinder is certainly sexy and may just draw a whole new segment of buyers into the showroom. Let’s just hope they don’t lose the ever important utility part of the equation by moving away from the tried and true truck platform.

Photo gallery and Nissan press release after the break.

Nissan press release
01.09.2012 , DETROIT

NISSAN REINVENTS THE PATHFINDER AS THE NEXT GEN SUV WITH NEW AERODYNAMIC STYLING AND ENHANCED FUEL ECONOMY

– Preview Concept Shows Dramatic New Styling Emphasis; One of 20 New or Redesigned Products Set to Arrive Within Next Two Years –

Nissan is reinventing its popular Pathfinder SUV to appeal to customers looking for SUV capabilities with more passenger comfort, innovative technology and fuel-efficient performance. The Pathfinder Concept, on display at the North American International Auto Show, previews the all-new look, style and attitude Nissan will bring to the segment when the next-gen Pathfinder goes on sale in fall 2012 at Nissan dealers nationwide. Pathfinder, Nissan’s best-known nameplate in the United States, is one of 20 new or redesigned products Nissan plans to introduce in this market within the next two years.

“Nissan is in a great position today. Sales are up, market share is increasing and our dealers have a great selection of 2012 Nissan cars, trucks and SUVs in inventory,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “This new Pathfinder Concept is just the beginning of a far-reaching wave of new products on the horizon for Nissan. By the end of 2012, more than 70 percent of our sales volume will be all-new or redesigned.”

Pathfinder Concept: Modern Design, 7-Passenger SUV Capabilities
At first glance, it is clear the Pathfinder Concept is a game-changer for the Nissan brand. The stylish fourth-generation Pathfinder design brings a new look and packaging that’s ideal for adventurous owners who need versatility and SUV capability without compromise. The sweeping character lines of the Pathfinder Concept give a hint of a design language that will carry through future Nissan models. The Pathfinder Concept also features innovative 3-row interior flexibility and room for seven passengers.

The new Pathfinder’s aerodynamic body is combined with a refined V6 engine and next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to make it one of the most fuel-efficient 7-passenger vehicles on the market. It is projected to deliver an expected 25 percent increase in combined City/Highway fuel economy (over the previous V6-equipped design). In addition to offering an intuitive four-wheel-drive system, the new Pathfinder will also have towing capacity competitive with the leaders in the segment.

While the Pathfinder Concept making its world debut in Detroit provides a full glimpse of the exterior design direction the production vehicle will take, details on the interior and technology inside will have to wait. It is safe to say, however, that the next-gen Pathfinder’s roomy cabin will deliver innovation and class-above craftsmanship – with excellent legroom in all three rows and ample cargo room behind the 3rd row. Additional information will be available soon.

Filed Under: concept cars, detroit, detroit auto show, Featured Stories, naias, nissan, Pathfinder, pathfinder concept, SUV

Chevy shows the Wonder Twins at Detroit

January 12, 2012 by Gary Grant

As some of the traditional imports work their tails off to capture the youth market, General Motors has their work cut out for them as they try to capture some of the younger demographic. Rather than attempt to decide for the public what format the masses want, The General launched 2 distinctly different concept cars wearing the Chevy Bowtie at Detroit.

One, the Code 130R is a rear wheel drive, four seat coupe that looks like a mashup between Chevy’s big boy Camaro and the ever so popular BMW 1 Series. The other is a 3 door hatch that looks more like a Chevy-fied Mitsu Eclipse than anything else on the road. Like the Eclipse, the Tru 140S would be a front wheel drive layout.

Both cars look great, but my nod goes to the Code 130R as the most likely candidate to steal some thunder from the upcoming Toyota / Subaru twins.

Check out the full press release and a gallery of both cars after the break.

Chevrolet press release

Oshawa, Ontario (January 9, 2012) – Chevrolet today introduced two concept coupes at the 2012 North American International Auto Show aimed at inspiring next-generation buyers to take the wheel and suggest ideas for a car they can co-create.

“Chevrolet has always stood for making the aspirational attainable for all generations” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “These two concepts interpret that vision for a new generation. We’re seeking out our newest customers’ opinions, listening to their advice, and engaging them in new ways.”

According to U.S. Census data, there are 80 million American consumers approaching 30. They represent 40 percent of today’s potential car-buying public and a combined $1 trillion in purchasing power.

Over the past year, Chevrolet has conversed with young consumers across the United States. Based on their feedback, the Chevrolet concepts explore the styling and functionality this group of new buyers says they are looking for in a car.

Code 130R, the first Chevrolet concept, is a four-seat coupe with a simple upright profile. Painted in an all-new red metallic paint with matte anodized gold wheels, Code 130R features heritage performance-inspired styling and rear-wheel drive. With an aggressive front fascia, Chevrolet fender flares, straight body side and Chevy crossflag emblem, Code 130R makes a link to Chevrolet’s performance heritage.

Code 130R’s designers conceived the turbocharged engine to be tuned to work in tandem with eAssist technology. By shutting off the engine at stops, recapturing braking energy, and smoothing torque during acceleration, this concept takes automotive electrification to the next level and balances turbocharged performance with fuel economy.

Tru 140S, the second Chevrolet concept is a front-wheel-drive, “affordable exotic” four-seat sporty coupe. The three-door hatchback was designed to be an attractive-yet-affordable sports car. Shown in an all-new matte white with Chevy performance chrome wheels featuring crossflag emblems, Tru 140S is designed to look confident, exotic, expensive and fast. Tru 140S is based off the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and the groundbreaking Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range.

Tru 140S designers want to demonstrate technologies typically found in more expensive cars, including direct injection and a starter-based stop-start technology, balancing internal combustion and electrification to deliver high value and improved fuel economy.

The concepts share attributes younger buyers say they value:

Sedan-sized functionality in performance coupe form that seats four passengers
Interior connectivity and convenience featuring innovative storage, WiFi, smart phone integration with Chevrolet MyLink and heads-up display
40 MPG with a 1.4L Turbo Ecotec engine with approximately 150 horsepower
“Young customers tell us they want functionality with coupe-like aesthetics. Both the Code and Tru body styles resonated with this audience,” said Frank Saucedo, director of the GM North America Advanced Design studio in Los Angeles where the two concepts were developed.

Inside the concepts, connectivity and personalization enable the individualization that the generation says is essential.

“This buyer prizes connectivity. Allowing them to stay connected by integrating their personal devices through MyLink and WiFi enabling the vehicle to be their own docking station,” said Saucedo. “The interiors currently exist in 2D only. This allows us the flexibility to continue the discussion and encourage more dialogue as we continue to develop these concepts.”

From Detroit, the pair of Chevrolet concepts will travel to major auto shows, key lifestyle events, one-on-one experiences and other venues such as college campuses. Chevrolet also will engage customers using the social media tools that young consumers use to talk with one another.

“For the car company that can successfully engage this generation, there is a tremendous opportunity,” said John McFarland, senior manager for Chevrolet Global Marketing, who heads youth research for the brand. “At Chevrolet, we want to build authentic and meaningful relationships with these customers on their terms. We want to hear what they have to say, engage them in our design process, and give them what they want – not what we think they want.”

Filed Under: camaro, chevrolet, chevy, code 130r, concept-car, detroit, detroit auto show, Featured Stories, naias, tru 140s

The 17th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise

August 21, 2011 by

Every year in August, car enthusiasts descend on the greater Detroit area for the annual Woodward Dream Cruise. The cruise route begins on Woodward Avenue at 8 Mile Road in Ferndale, goes north 12 miles to Pontiac, Michigan, where it loops around the town and cruisers head south again back towards 8 Mile Road. Parks, shopping centers, lots and any other car-sized piece of real estate in the towns along the route are co-opted for car shows. A mind-boggling array of restored classics, muscle cars, rat rods, roadsters, art cars, performance-enhanced modern cars, monster trucks, low riders and cars that simply defy categorization are on display for the approximately a million and a half attendees.

Many people choose to cruise up and down Woodward, where stadium seats and folding chairs under tents are set up for prime car spotting. For those in car shows, they generally have to keep their hot rod on display until 4 p.m., when everyone revs their engine and joins the massive cruise up and down the avenue. The Pontiac Event Area features a car show, live music, dj’s and a main street lined with cars and separate parties happening in local restaurants and bars. While the official ribbon cutting for the beginning of the 17th Annual Dream Cruise was Friday evening, people cruised all week and participated in various events surrounding the cruise.

The Dream Cruise is free for the public thanks in large part to the Big Three’s sponsorship. Ford had 9 Mile Road blocked off for it’s popular Mustang Alley, where Mustangs from every production year – and every state – preened in the sun with hoods up. In addition to a lot full of Shelby Cobras, the blue oval boys had another lot showing off various rally cars, crate engines, and even a dyno demonstration of the Boss 350 Mustang. The new 2012 Focus ST was front and center at the 9 Mile Road entrance.

Driving north on Woodward to 13 Mile Road, once you peel your eyes from the amazing park full of mouth-watering classics, Mopar feeds your muscle car jones with classic Challengers and Chargers. Offical Mopar gear was for sale, and vendors line the lot selling food, smoothies and water. Chrysler also showed off their race cars, Dodge trucks, and monster trucks. Not to be left out of the fun, FIAT rounded out the Chrysler display with 500′s, old and new.

Yet another mile up, slightly past 14 Mile Road, main sponsor Chevrolet was celebrating their 100th Anniversary in style. I got there right as it started raining, but before the torrential downpours, I was able to gawk at some beautiful Bel Airs. Camaros and Corvettes lined the footprint, with the 100th Anniversary Corvette and the 45th Anniversary Camaro top and center. Earlier in the week there was a parade of Volts, and on Saturday they were proudly displayed accompanied by several Sonics.

At this point, thunderstorms blew in and wreaked havoc in the Royal Oak area. I walked back to my car parked off Woodward in a neighborhood to see whole trees down on people’s property and fire trucks putting out electrical fires due to downed power lines. Woodward was, at one point, almost completely devoid of cars – shut down by police because of the dangerous weather. As the rain stopped, I decided to stick around, and was not disappointed – the cruisers persisted! In spite of police encouraging people to go home, by 6:30 the cars were back out on Woodward and I just hung out with everyone else along the road ogling cars until the sun went down. Like everyone else, I just wasn’t ready for the cruise to end; the heart and soul of the cruise is the people and their love of their cars.

Woodward Dream Cruise takes place yearly on the third Saturday in August. With over 40,000 cars cruising, it’s an overwhelming experience – this was my second year attending, and the accompanying photographs were taken over two very full days. If you go once, you’ll want to go again; the cruise is so massive you don’t even begin to experience everything. See you next year!

Filed Under: cruising, detroit, Events, Exotic Cars, Featured Stories, Hot Rods, Vintage, woodward avenue, Woodward Dream Cruise