IMG 0461
I was glad to get a chance to finally break out my scarf. It was definitely necessary--it didn't make it into the double digits until early afternoon in Ann Arbor.
IMG 0462
After grabbing some breakfast at a nearby restaurant (we decided not to sleep after I came in at 6:30 on my red-eye), it was time for a tour of the UMich campus. It is nestled in the cute little down-towny area of Ann Arbor, which is very walkable (if a bit chilly).
IMG 0468
Here is a random shot of some of the cuter buildings on the UMich campus. No people, I know.
IMG 0472
Ali in the entry arch to the law school, which is very nicely built in my opinion.
IMG 0473
Another pic of the law school. After we finished our tour of UMich, we decided we needed to get outfitted for snowboarding tomorrow. I was lucky enough to be able to bum a pair of gloves and socks from Leslie, but I still needed a pair of pants. After going to three places (I kept balking at the idea of paying $200 for a pair of pants), we finally found some "entry level" ones at REI. All I can say is women's medium, $45.
IMG 0475
Once prepared for Saturday, we headed to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). It took us about an hour to get to the door once we got within 1 mile of it, and I think we beat most of the crowds. Here is a bit of our traffic hell for posterity.
IMG 0476
GM world headquarters. Most normal, well-adjusted people will want to stop looking at the pictures here as all that follows is a whole lot of pictures of cars that only occasionally involve me or Ali. You have been warned.
IMG 0479
The balding hordes.
IMG 0481
New Carrera. From here on out I'm counting on Doug to correct any fuck-ups induced by the fact that I have slept only 3 of the last 36 hours and that I really don't know that much about cars anyway.
IMG 0487
Introducing one of the main themes of the show: carbon fibre. Everywhere. Any excuse is good enough. At least this stuff looks real (patchy).
IMG 0488
Looks like Porsche had cooling problems like Apple, and decided to make lemonade in the same way: covering the product in a huge metal mesh.
IMG 0490
A close up of the exhaust headers (?) from the GT engine. It seemed beautiful to me.
IMG 0493
BMW's fancy electronic center differential.
IMG 0494
Bryan rides a crotch-rocket, deutsch-like.
IMG 0499
VW's concept: a sand-buggy.
IMG 0501
IMG 0501
IMG 0503
VW's new phaetally phlawed luxury sedan. The passat was already classy, guys. This is cheap imitation.
IMG 0504
For Steven: the 2.0L TDI
IMG 0505
Lust.
IMG 0507
Audi concept. Why do I think of Chrysler?
IMG 0508
Phaetal attraction II: the attack of the Audi 12-cylinder sedan.
IMG 0509
Audi's CVT
IMG 0511
Finally, a reasonable car.
IMG 0512
I had mixed feelings about this one...feels like SUV and yet, it's a hybrid. Kudos for them, I guess.
IMG 0513
And that's what they called it.![IMG 0514](users/overt/_data/i/users/overt/menalto_albums/friends/20040116/IMG_0514-sm.jpg "IMG 0514 (1866 visits) Uh, yeah. If you can't read that, it says "STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE" and then something a...")
IMG 0514
Uh, yeah. If you can't read that, it says "STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE" and then something about 469 horsepower and 516ftlb of torque. Whatever.
IMG 0515
Why would you want to see an ugly engine when you open your hood? Instead, look at our attractive shroud.
IMG 0516
Apparently Honda's concept team got 2004 confused with 1984 and hired De Lorean to do their design.
IMG 0517
It's Honda's new SUT. As Ali put it: stupid ugly tank.
IMG 0518
Finally, Honda does something right. The new NSX body. Very nice, I think.