CraftsmenThe Detroit Auto Show has hosted plenty of firsts over the years — like the unveiling of the Jeep Grand Cherokee in 1992. So it’s no surprise to learn that the 2012 show is still mowing new trails as the launch site for Craftsman’s new CTX-series of lawn tractors. Yes folks, you read that correctly. Lawn mowers have stormed the auto show.
To be fair, the CTX-series are actually being displayed outside of the Cobo center in Detroit, but that’s just splitting hairs in the eyes of industry titans like Bob Lutz, the former exec at BMW, Chrysler and GM, who is more than a little miffed that “garden implements” have found a place in the show. We’ll avoid taking a stance on the marketing approach and instead focus on the advanced aspects of the CTX series, which truthfully boasts more car-like features than any other grass master we’ve ever seen.
The entire line sports Briggs & Stratton motors, packing 30 HP for top forward speeds of 8 mph or 3 mph in reverse. Piling on to that strong core are 54-inch cutting decks, a hydrostatic automatic transmission, electronic fuel management (goodbye carburetor), electronic cutting height adjustment control, digital instrumentation, tilt steering, cruise control, automatic traction control that splits power independently between the rear drive wheels and even an 12 volt iPod jack and beverage holder (with the higher-end models). Craftsmen’s says the new line will range from $2,999.99 to $6,499.99 in price and feature two lower-end garden tractors and two, more versatile lawn tractors.
Buy Now: $2,999+ (Available February 2012)