The Automotive Addicts crew had the opportunity to attend the 2011 Miami Auto Show. During our visit, the highlight that took our breath away was the Cadillac Ciel Concept vehicle. Below is a video of this stunning concept car that hopefully Cadillac will bring to fruition one day.

This past Saturday our Orlando, FL based photographer Brandon Connelly headed out to Route 46 Entertainment District, home of Orlando’s Cars & Cafe every month, for the Ultra Evolution: Summer Jam car show. The show was a hot one with temperatures as of late reaching the near 100s and we can say we were lucky enough to escape the rain as well!  However, the heat did not keep the true car enthusiasts away as many decided to brave the heat and either show their cars or just check out the show. Cars were parked as tight as possible since R46 isn’t exactly the largest of areas but none the less, it was a nice turnout of rides.

Everything from an Ariel Atom from Real Street Performance to some very clean imports of all makes along with some nice domestics showed up. Another nice thing about the show was that it brought in crews and teams from Jacksonville, Tampa, Ocala and other areas of Florida.  A big thanks to Ultra Evolution for putting on this show as well as all the vendors and other patrons, including the FloridaLancers.com crew, who survived the day to make this event happen. Enjoy the exclusive images below from our photographer Brandon Connelly.

View additional images on Brandon’s Flickr page here!

Image: © GM Corp.

After months of speculation, the new uber-Camaro was revealed today at the Chicago Auto Show. To the surprise of many, the car didn’t carry the expected Z/28 nameplate; instead, Chevy opted to label the car the Camaro ZL1. Don’t feel bad if you don’t know the significance of that name, since it was used only once, as an internal order code for an aluminum-block racing engine option on the 1969 Camaro. Only 69 were ever built with the ZL1 order code, and their performance and value is the stuff of legend. What better way to honor the name than by building the most powerful and most capable Camaro in Chevrolet’s history?

Image: © GM Corp.

As rumored, the ZL1 gets powered by the LSA, 6.2 liter supercharged V8 from the Cadillac CTS-V. The ZL1 loses a few ponies in the translation, since the CTS-V is a Cadillac and the Camaro is a Chevy. If you want specifics, the ZL1 gets rated at 550 horsepower versus the Caddy’s 556, while torque drops to 550 ft lb from the CTS-V’s 551. It’s academic, really, and I suspect that both cars would put out nearly identical numbers on a dyno. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to find that the ZL1 has a similar zero to sixty time (3.9 seconds for the Caddy), but Chevy isn’t publishing those numbers just yet.

Unlike Camaros of old, the ZL1 is designed to excel at racetracks other than drag strips. The engineers raided the GM performance parts bin, and pulled the good stuff for use on the ZL1. It gets the Magnetic Ride Control suspension from the Corvette ZR-1 and the Cadillac CTS-V, it borrows the dual stage exhaust system from the Corvette and it swipes the amazing Brembo brakes from the CTS-V, although these are tuned specifically for the Camaro. GM engineers spent a considerable amount of time lapping the Nürburgring, so it’s safe to assume the ZL1 is the best-balanced Camaro in history, not just the most powerful.

Image: © GM Corp.

Inside, Chevy freshened up the interior for ZL1 duty. Gone is the deep dish steering wheel from last year’s Camaro, which fit my oddly-shaped hands perfectly. Seats are black leather with microfiber suede inserts and ZL1 logos embroidered on the headrests. A four pack of gauges sits atop the center console, and ZL1 cars get unique badging, door sills and alloy pedals. Just in case you want to hear something other than the satisfying rumble of a 6.2 liter V8, Chevy also includes a Boston Acoustics audio system.

Image: © GM Corp.

It’s too early to speculate on cost, availability or delivery dates, but I’ll do it anyway. Expect the ZL1 to cost more than a $49,000 Mustang Shelby GT500, but not all that much more. Expect Chevy to build as many as customers want to buy (at least for a year or two), but expect to pay a premium if you want to be the first on your block with a ZL1 in the garage. As for the “when” part, I’d expect deliveries to start in the first quarter of 2012. It’s no secret that the end of the second muscle car era is fast approaching, so here’s some free advice: if you’re a Chevy guy, do whatever you have to do to scrape together the cash for a ZL1. Chevy’s not going to build them forever, and I seriously doubt we’ll see many more cars like the ZL1.

Press Release

ZL1: Chevrolet Camaro Enters The Realm Of Advanced Performance Technology

2011-02-09

* LSA 6.2L supercharged engine will produce an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW) and is matched with a six-speed manual transmission with a dual-disc clutch system
* Packed with performance technologies, highlighted by Magnetic Ride Control, and advanced materials – including a vented carbon fiber hood insert. Extensive aerodynamic development designed for high-performance driving
* Development ongoing, targeting launch at the beginning of 2012

CHICAGO – The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debuted today at the Chicago Auto Show. It is the highest-performing Camaro and the most technically advanced car ever developed in its class. The new ZL1 continues the momentum of Camaro, propelling it into an entirely new realm of leading-edge performance technology. It is planned to launch at the beginning of 2012.

Motivated by a supercharged V-8 engine producing an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW), the Camaro ZL1 will be the fastest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet. And more than just power, the ZL1 features technologically advanced and highly developed chassis and suspension systems that help it deliver balanced, track-ready handling and braking power to complement its high engine output. Rigorous development of the ZL1 is ongoing, and official estimates of the car’s capabilities will be released later in 2011, as testing nears completion.

“Camaro ZL1 is about high-tech performance and design, and is a type of car no one has ever brought to this segment previously,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “It’s the most technically advanced Camaro ever, so we’ve chosen a name from the most elite and exclusive Camaro in history.”

The ZL1 name is derived from the all-aluminum racing engine of the same name, which was developed in the late 1960s and installed into a handful of regular-production 1969 Camaros. Only 69 were built with the engine, but they’ve achieved mythical status among enthusiasts, as they represented the pinnacle in Camaro performance – until now. The 2012 ZL1 model is designed to be a major leap forward for the Camaro, bringing a new level of performance capability to the segment.

The central goal of the car’s development was creating something new – a Camaro intended to reach optimal lap times on top road-racing circuits and excellent driving dynamics on the street. To achieve that goal, engineers evolved many of the existing Camaro’s systems, as well as incorporated new technologies such as electric power steering and Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension system.

Camaro ZL1′s design communicates and supports its performance mission. Rather than using decorative elements, ZL1 is visually differentiated from other current Camaro models with elements vital to the car’s elevated capabilities.

“Everything about the ZL1′s design is directly related to its technology and serious performance, especially aerodynamics,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. “Our designers’ goal was to execute that function-oriented design with beautifully sculpted forms, creating an imposing, powerful persona. Function becomes the aesthetic. The intent is a car that delivers on the attitude it projects.”

Major elements of the ZL1′s design are a new front fascia and hood with air extractors, designed in tandem to create aerodynamic downforce to aid handling. The car’s hood includes a signature center section constructed of carbon fiber and rendered in satin black finish. New rocker panels, wide tires, 20-inch wheels and exhaust tips portray the car’s handling and power.
The ZL1 badge appears on the grille, hood and the brake calipers, all key areas portraying the technology within.

Tech overview
Supporting the dynamic track and street performance of the ZL1 is the LSA 6.2L supercharged engine, which will produce an estimated 550 horsepower (410kW) and 550 lb.-ft. of torque (677 Nm), with specific features for the Camaro. Built on GM’s legendary all-aluminum, small-block V-8 architecture, the LSA features an intercooled supercharger system, premium heat-resistant aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and other details designed to ensure its exceptional performance is delivered with smoothness and refinement. Components and design elements that contribute to the LSA’s performance include:

* Balanced, lightweight reciprocating assembly
* High-strength hypereutectic pistons
* Sixth-generation Eaton supercharger with four-lobe rotors
* Piston oil squirters.

Because the Camaro ZL1 uses electric power steering, the engine does not incorporate a conventional hydraulic power steering pump on its accessory drive system. This enhances performance, because no engine power is used to turn a steering pump pulley.

Camaro ZL1 is a complete high-performance car, not just a Camaro with more power. Key technical highlights include:

Transmission – The high-performance Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual is matched with the LSA engine. It is the “MG9″ version of the transmission, with a higher torque capacity. It is used with a dual-mass flywheel and twin-disc clutch for easy operation and shift smoothness. A new, shorter-throw shifter actuates the gear changes.

Exhaust – ZL1 is equipped with a dual-mode exhaust system, which alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm. First used on the legendary Corvette, and specifically tuned for Camaro ZL1, the dual-mode exhaust will give the car a signature sound.

Drivetrain – It is revised with a stronger driveshaft and rear axle system, featuring a larger and stronger cast iron differential housing, stronger axles and heavy-duty limited-slip differential. This patent-pending system is designed to ensure that ZL1′s tremendous power is delivered smoothly to the ground.

Suspension – The suspension features completely revised tuning and the inclusion of segment-exclusive Magnetic Ride Control. ZL1′s Magnetic Ride system will include driver selectable modes (Tour and Sport) tailored for the preferred style of driving. It uses advanced magneto-rheological science to produce shock damping with the highest level of precision, enabling body control optimized for excellent performance in everyday driving as well as track situations. This technology appears on only a small roster of some of the world’s finest performance cars. Other chassis elements are redesigned to support the car’s high-performance limits. Rear stabilizer bars have drop links repositioned outboard of the control arms. This makes the bars more effective in controlling body roll in turns, with crisp response to driver commands.

Brakes and Steering – Camaro ZL1 features an advanced track-capable braking system, developed in conjunction with experts from Brembo. The large 14.6-inch (370 mm) two-piece front rotors have six-piston calipers; the 14.4-inch (365 mm) rear rotors have four-piston calipers. ZL1 marks the entry of a new electric power steering system to Camaro. It is being developed to ensure precise control and feedback to the driver, with greater variability of effort for high-performance driving.

Exterior – ZL1′s signature from the front is the redesigned fascia and aluminum hood with a raised, carbon fiber insert. The fascia includes a front splitter and new vertical fog lamps. The fog lamp area includes air intakes designed for brake cooling. The hood features front-mounted air extractors that direct air precisely over the car. Visually, this center section, in satin black carbon fiber, communicates the car’s high-performance intent as a visual contrast to the car’s exterior color. Functionally, the air extractor is a key in connecting airflow closely to the bodywork, creating aerodynamic downforce. The carbon fiber center section reduces the mass of the hood. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and fog lamps are standard. The rear of the car includes a diffuser and spoiler, also functional elements that enhance the car’s aerodynamics.

Wheels and Tires – New-design, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, which are lighter than the 20-inch wheels used on the Camaro SS, are used with new Goodyear Supercar F2 ties developed specifically for the ZL1.

Interior – ZL1 is tailored for high-performance driving. The front seats feature microfiber suede inserts. Other enhancements include a redesigned steering wheel, alloy pedals, Head-Up Display with unique performance readouts and the “four-pack” auxiliary gauge system featuring a boost readout.

Production details
All of the Camaro exterior colors will be offered with the ZL1, but black is the only interior color. The unique exterior features are complemented with a black center section on the hood. Inside, the Camaro ZL1 has heated leather seats with microfiber inserts and ZL1 logos embroidered on the front headrests. Microfiber suede is repeated as an accent on the instrument panel, adding a richer look to the interior. The ZL1 will include the same content as the current 2SS package and include the following new or unique features:

* Six-way power driver and passenger seats
* Unique instrument panel and door panel inserts; and ZL1-logo sill plates
* Steering wheel audio controls with Bluetooth capability
* Wireless PDIM and USB-port
* Boston Acoustics premium audio system
* Rear parking assist
* Rear camera system (displayed in the inside rearview mirror).

Engineers have already driven Camaro ZL1 prototypes extensively at demanding road courses in the U.S. and Germany, with final testing being completed through the balance of 2011.

About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free” solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible. Image: Chrysler Group, LLC

If you’re at the Chicago Auto Show this week, chances are good you’re not driving a convertible (at least not with the top down). The cold weather isn’t stopping Chrysler, who plans to unveil the new 200 Convertible in Chicago. Chrysler wants us to know the 200 is no Sebring drop top, and their press release emphasizes the changes. The 200, we’re told, is “redesigned, re-engineered, re-packaged and re-priced for 2011”. In other words, throw out any preconceived notions you may have had about Chrysler convertibles based on past experience.

One of the areas stressed by Chrysler is the new car’s “elegant craftsmanship” and “refined driving experience”. The improvements in handling come largely from a suspension that has been thoroughly redesigned, retaining only six suspension bushings (of 28) from the old Sebring. Engine choices are new for 2011, and include either the 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 or the 2.4 liter World Gas I4. On the inside, the cars get a redesigned interior, complete with an available media center, voice command infotainment system, Sirius Travel Link and a 30 Gb hard drive for storing images, music or movies.

Prices start at $27,195 for a base Chrysler 200 Convertible Touring, and go up to $31,990 for a well equipped Limited version. Chrysler also has a sport version in the works, called the 200 Convertible S, but didn’t provide details on pricing. Expect Touring and Limited versions to hit dealer showrooms early in the second quarter, with S model convertibles following later in the year.

Source: Chrysler Group, LLC

Ford isn’t calling their Vertrek concept a replacement for the aging Escape just yet, but the writing is on the wall. Ford’s published comparison charts showing the Vertrek against both the Escape and the E.U. market Kuga; if I were a betting man, I’d be comfortable putting money down on the Vertrek as a global platform replacement for both existing compact SUVs. It’s based on their C-Segment architecture, and it’s no secret that Ford has ambitious plans for the platform in the coming years. It’s an ideal fit for both the 1.6 and 2.0 liter EcoBoost engines (on this side of the pond), and Ford has stated that the 2.0 liter Duratorq diesel will fit under the hood in the EU (where 96% of Kugas are sold with diesel motors). I’m pretty sure it’s a matter of “when” we see it in dealer showrooms, not “if” like most concept vehicles.

Image: Ford Motor Company

Dimensionally, the Vertrek is longer, lower and wider than the Escape, and that’s a good thing for both handling and appearance. Like the redesigned Explorer, the Vertrek will offer a more car-like ride, more passenger legroom and improved cargo capacity. Better ride quality is something that the Escape replacement definitely needs, since the current Escape isn’t up to standards set by others in the class (including Toyota’s RAV4 or Honda’s CR-V). Fit and finish of the current Escape isn’t up to standards set by other Ford products, either.

Image: Ford Motor Company

Expect to see some of the Vertrek’s exterior styling toned back for production, but I hope they keep more than just the feel of the concept car’s lines. Compact SUVs, even the latest generation, tend to suffer from utterly bland styling, designed not to offend the masses. Ford deserves credit for adding some flair to an otherwise uninspired market segment, but don’t expect production vehicles to come with the Vertrek’s woven leather floor mats or lederhosen inspired velour leather upholstery. If we’re lucky, it won’t come to market with that name, either.

Source: Ford Motor Company

The Pininfarina 2ettottanta; yes, please.

Concept cars are a lot like Playboy centerfolds: they’re generally enhanced to focus on beauty over function, you usually can’t gets your hands on one and if you do, chances are it won’t meet your expectations. Like centerfolds, concept cars are meant to be things of ethereal beauty, unattainable to mere mortals. The best we can hope for is a trickle-down effect, where styling elements from concept cars (or centerfolds) make it to production cars (or your girlfriend). Each year, manufacturers highlight the work of their design studios at auto shows around the globe. Most of these concepts will never see production, but will live on the body panels and interiors of cars yet to be built.

In 2010, most automakers were still reeling from the global economic collapse of 2008-2009. Budgets that would have gone to funding concept car design (or even attending auto shows) disappeared as automakers struggled to pay employee salaries, keep the lights on and keep their doors open. Concept cars may not have been as flashy or over-the-top as in years past, but there were still plenty of concept car introductions last year. Here are 10 that Automotive News named as their favorites:

VW New Compact Coupe

More substance than flash, the VW New Compact Coupe debuted at the Detroit Auto Show, and is remarkable for its hybrid drivetrain and 45 mpg fuel economy.

Cadillac XTS Platinum

Another Detroit Auto Show introduction, the Cadillac XTS Platinum featured all wheel drive and a plug-in-hybrid drivetrain. Unlike most concepts, the XTS will most likely see production.

Mazda Shinari

As shown at the L.A. Auto Show, Mazda’s Shinari concept will never see production. What will see production, however, is the Kodo design language embodied by the Shinari, which replaces the stoned-guppy look of Mazda’s outgoing Nagare design. And that’s a good thing.

Nissan Allure

Also introduced in L.A., don’t expect to see the Allure at a Nissan dealer anytime soon. Instead,expect to see design elements (like the Ninja warrior inspired grille) on future Nissan sedans.

Audi eTron

Although this debuted at Frankfurt in 2009, I guess it was close enough to the 2010 show circuit to include it in the mix. Audi will build the eTron, and they’ve already warned us that it’ll be the most expensive product in their lineup. You can’t expect 3,319 ft lb of torque, or a zero to sixty time of 4.7 seconds to be inexpensive, I suppose.

Subaru Impreza Concept

Debuted at the L.A. Auto Show, the Impreza concept gives us a good idea of what future Subaru styling will look like. Expect to see this “Confidence In Motion” design theme carried across both Impreza and Legacy product lines.

Porsche 918 Spyder

Introduced at this year’s Geneva Auto Show, Porsche has given the green light for production of the uber-hybrid, based on customer demand. Expect over 700 combined horsepower, a fuel economy of 78 mpg and a price tag north of $600,000 when the car is built.

Alfa Romeo 2ettottanta

Shown at Geneva to mark Pininfarina’s 80th anniversary, the Alfa Romeo / Pinninfarina 2ettottanta gets my vote for concept I’d most like to see built, but with a pronounceable name. Given Alfa Romeo’s financial struggles, it isn’t likely that the 2ettottanta will see production, but we can still hope that design cues trickle down to the next Alfa Spyder. Assuming there is one.

Toyota Sienna Supreme Swagger Wagon

Shown at SEMA, the Swagger Wagon Supreme is an example of an ad campaign gone too far. The ads were funny for about 15 minutes, now they’re just pathetic. Toyota isn’t going to build this beast, so if you want one, better phone B.A.D. Company to get your own copy built. Just paint it black and include a stripper pole on the inside, OK?

Jaguar CX75

Shown at the Paris Auto Show, the Jaguar CX75 demonstrates that Jaguar can still build stunning cars. The concept used for electric motors, one at each wheel, generating a combined 780 horsepower. Two small gas turbine generators (non functional on the concept) would, in theory, charge the batteries. Sadly, all this beauty is for naught, as Jaguar has no plans to produce the CX75.

AutomotiveAddicts.com’s owner and editors had the chance to attend the 6^th annual Cars For The Cure show in Lake Mary, FL this weekend. A plethora of exotic cars were in attendance. Also present at the show were a few rare automobiles including an astonishing 1958 Porsche. We captured several images of these vehicles and wanted to share a select few of them with you. Enjoy!

Cars For The Cure 2009

Cars For The Cure 2008

This year’s Festivals of Speed shows held in Orlando, FL and Miami, FL welcomed some of the most expensive and beautiful cars around. We were more than happy to be one of the many prominent sponsors of such an event. Below are two videos of the events, one covering Orlando and the other Miami. Enjoy!

Festivals of Speed Orlando, FL Video
World Class Car, Motorcycle, Watercraft and Aircraft Show

Festivals of Speed Miami, FL Video
Shot and edited by Left Lane 6 Films. Editor and camera op : William Brown and Thomas LItteer, Still Photography : Steven Moore, Audio: Ryan Cronin

View our exclusive images of the Festivals of Speed Orlando, FL event here!