All Cars, All the Time

Jim Dunne on Autoline Detroit


A recent guest on the TV show Autoline Detroit was spy photographer Jim Dunne. There are two segments to watch, the regular TV version and the unrated, director's cut EXTRA version where they talk about some additional spy shots.

We've seen most of the photos that Jim brought to the show, but there are a couple of interesting items:

Firstly, Jim shows a rendering of a future high-end Cadillac coupe. Now, the drawing is a bit laughable, but the information behind the sketch is interesting. This car could be a $70k-$100k vehicle that may be the next generation XLR. It may have a 7.2 liter V12 (two 3.6L V6 engines) to keep the Cadillac on top of the Z06. One insider, when discussing whether or not it should get the green light said, "How can you not build a car when it's as beautiful as this?"

Fast forward to the Escape/Mariner twins. We've seen the Escape picture, but the Mariner photo was less publicized and is arguably better looking that the ultra shiny front end of the Escape.

In the bonus section is a shot of the PT Cruiser mule with a much larger hood. Perhaps a V6 will arrive someday?

The bonus section also makes reference to Dunne's purchase, years ago, of some property in Phoenix that looked right into Chrysler's proving grounds. Not only was this a huge source of "money shots" but Dunne made out like a bandit when Chrysler sold their proving grounds and his property became highly valuable.

There might be some snickering while watching these guys struggle to name the Ford Edge and talk about "new" digital cameras, but they are veterans. I think that the show's host, John McElroy, is a pretty sharp guy and if he misses a beat, he usually corrects himself shortly thereafter.

Watch the TV segment here and the EXTRA segment here.

Added bonus? Click here to enter the show's contest for a Nissan Titan hat and 350Z print. It's the world's easiest contest: you have to name the brand and model of the car pictured. The picture of the Renault has the model name Clio on the license plate. Enter by May 4, 2006