Some pictures from the 2003 Dallas Auto Show. Let me apologize in advance for the quality of the following pictures - I'm sitll figuring out how to use this new digital camera. ;-)

A really beautiful example of a 1965 Corvette Stingray convertible.

Ford's Mustang Concept. A very muscular take on the old Mustang design cues, and it works very well, in my opinion. I've never been a big Mustang fan, but I'd give this one a second look, especially if it drives half as good as it looks.

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish. The first time I'd ever seen one in person, and very nice.

Mercury's Messenger Concept. Based on a shortened version of the new Mustang platform, this is a pretty sharp looking 2-seat sports car. The wheels are hideous, but the overall proportions are very nice, especially the ultra-short front and rear overhangs.

The forthcoming Subaru WRX STi. It seems that the redesigned front end merely serves to highlight the other aesthetic shortcomings of the overall design. The gigantic nose scoop may flow more air to the revised intercooler, but it looks ridiculous. I'm sure its performance will more than make up for it, but I was really disappointed upon seeing this car in the flesh. This weird variation of World Rally Blue didn't help, either.

And then there is the Ferrari Enzo. Wow! This car is just drop dead gorgeous in person. Of course, for a car that costs well over half a million dollars, it ought to be, right?

Another shot of the Enzo. This car just has a presence about it that is unmistakable. Very eye-catching.

Back to the more mundane (and affordable) performance cars. Here is a picture of the 2003 Mistsubishi Lancer Evolution. This car looks a lot more muscular and much less cartoonish in person than it does in the magazines. Almost the exact opposite of my reaction to the WRX STi. I like this car, and I hope Mistubishi is successful with bringing it to the States. (Note: Funny how times change, eh? As of this writing in July of '04, I wouldn't touch an Evo with a ten-foot pole. Nothing like a company that preemptively restricts people's warranties for taking the street derivative of a WRC homologation car to an autocross.)

Another shot of the Evo. The wing is a little over the top, although I understand there is a less aggressive rear spoiler available .

The 2004 Mazda RX8. This was the most suprising car to see at the show in person. Since the first spy shots were published, I've been less than enthusiastic about the looks. Seeing it in person, however, completely changed my mind. The RX8 is low - I mean, really low - and lean. I was very pleasantly suprised by the RX8.

Another shot of the RX8. Even my wife, who can be very aesthetically critical, really liked the looks of the RX8. Hopefully that bodes well for trying to add one to the family garage in a couple of years... ;-)

RX8 from the front.

Page 1: Open track pictures
Page 2: Autocross pictures
Page 3: "Street" pictures
Page 4: Sparco Sprint installation detail page
Page 5: Hard top & Kosei K1 pictures
Page 6: Wheel weight pictures
Page 7: Enkei RP-F1 pictures
Page 8: Enkei RP-F1 track damage pictures
Page 9: Pictures from the 2003 Dallas Auto Show
Page 10: Positive pressure brake bleeder cap construction
Page 11: Interior modifications (including NA seats)
Page 12: RS Edition (Royal Black) Rota Circuit 8 pictures
Page 13: Pictures from the 2004 Porsche Parade concours