Most significant cars and concepts at the Show
Introduction
| 2007 Detroit Auto Show – Preview: "Detroit in January? Are you kidding?" That's the sentiment when the time comes to cover the North American International Auto Show, but suffering through blood-freezing cold is not only an enthusiast's rite of passage, but also worth it once automakers heat things up with gotta-have-it new cars. Okay…so sometimes there are more duds than studs. However, 2007 has some definite winners, such as a Camaro Convertible concept, a new CrewMax Tundra, a cool Volvo crossover dubbed the XC60 and a peek at the next Honda Accord. Click "next" for some heads-up info and be sure to check out all of our coverage, straight from the show floor. | |
| Rumors make the auto world go 'round, and the whispers get wild when the calendar turns to December and the North American International Auto Show gets near. Here’s a few of the rumors that turned out to be just that, with a little wishful thinking tossed in: | |
| Cadillac CTS Preview - 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Note to BMW dealers: that grille filling up your rearview mirror may not carry a Lexus badge after all. Shocker of shockers, if you look closely you will see a crest, a Cadillac crest, followed by the unmistakably angled snout of the 2008 Cadillac CTS. Redesigned on the inside, touched up on the outside and strategically improved in its road manners, the CTS is joining the luxury sedan party – and this time, it’s not wearing blue hair, bifocals or a clown nose. | |
| Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: This one is a no-brainer. At the 2006 Detroit show, General Motors took the wraps off the next-generation Chevrolet Camaro concept, a modern interpretation of a fan favorite, the 1969 model. The response was clear: Build it. General Motors decided that'd probably be a swell idea, considering that even if only a tiny fraction of that interest turns into sales, the 2009 Camaro will be a success. That's even more likely now that the Camaro Convertible Concept was so well received when it made its debut at this year's North American International Auto Show | |
| Chevrolet Malibu Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Blurring the lines between midsize and full-size, the redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu gets a longer wheelbase than and almost identical head and legroom measurements as the supposedly larger Impala. Based on the same platform as the Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura, the new Malibu is basically a Chevy flavor of those two cars offered in LS, LT, LTZ, and, to be introduced later, Hybrid trim. Gone is the sporty SS and the funky Maxx hatchback, replaced by a sleek sedan wearing the new face of Chevrolet: a dual-port grille. | |
| Chevrolet Volt Concept Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Company pitchman, Bob Lutz, calls it his company’s own little “inconvenient truth.” Referring to the recent environmental flick, GM’s most recognizable executive implied that the Chevrolet Volt concept car, which runs primarily on electricity with flex-fuel engine assist only after the 40-mile range has been exceeded, might be an inconvenient truth for those who demonize companies like his. In a best case scenario, commuters could travel to and from work without ever needing the engine’s assistance, meaning they wouldn’t need to buy, or burn, any fossil fuel. That’s a claim which should sound like to music to the ears of commuters everywhere, and maybe even Al Gore. | |
| Chrysler Nassau Concept Preview - 2007 Detroit Auto Show: As is evidenced by this image, the Chrysler Nassau concept is a "four-door coupe" with a hatchback and rather short rear overhang. Chrysler suggests that this four-passenger ride could represent the look of the brand's future models, complete with the bold front end and curvaceous roofline. | |
| Ford Interceptor Concept Preview - 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Leave it to the domestics to offer a new take on the bad-ass family sedan. OK, the Ford Interceptor concept isn’t exactly new since we saw the similar 427 concept years ago, and the market currently supplies a Hemi-powered Chrysler 300. That German-inspired Chrysler offers its own take on aggression and four-door transportation, but even it doesn’t match the Interceptor’s pavement-emulsifying six-speed manual tranny. Couple that to the 400-horsepower racing engine that drinks E-85 ethanol, not to mention the four-point belts that inflate for rear passengers, and you’ve got one helluva fun corn burner. Too bad it’s just a concept. | |
| Honda Accord Coupe Concept Preview - 2007 Detroit Auto Show: The Accord Coupe Concept revealed at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show represents the look and design of the new eight-generation Accord set to hit the streets as a 2008 model. Since its introduction in 1976, some 9.5 million units of Honda’s flagship have been sold, and it is frequently Honda’s best selling model year after year. With that kind of responsibility, a redesign is a tricky thing. The Accord Coupe Concept steps away from Honda's typically conservative styling. With a lot of eye-catching competition such as the Saturn Aura, it’s an important move for Honda to keep the Accord the most desired car in its class. | |
| Hyundai Veracruz Preview - 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Things are heating up in the full-size crossover segment. Honda has tweaked its Pilot a bit, Acura has redone its MDX, and GM has unleashed a trio of all-new rides for delivery to Buick, GMC, and Saturn dealers. Find a spot for the Ford Edge in there, and you've got yourself a party. Hopefully there's room for more, because the Hyundai Veracruz just showed up and it's demanding a seat at the table. According to company officials, the Veracruz is larger than the Pilot, utilizes a fold-away third-row seat to transport up to seven passengers, and will offer car-like comfort and handling. All-wheel-drive traction will be available, and power will come from a 3.8-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. | |
| Jaguar C-XF Concept Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Mention four-door luxury cars, and your mind may imagine stately Rolls-Royces, generic Lexus models, or a barge behind a Cadillac crest. But with the release of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the picture of pricey four doors is starting to change, a fact exemplified by the Jaguar C-XF concept. Hinting at an upcoming production model as well as future technological possibilities, the C-XF symbolizes a new styling approach from this struggling British marque, one that aims to authoritatively blend the best of Jaguar heritage with the needs and desires of future luxury car buyers. | |
| Lexus IS-F Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Words such as lower and wider do not commonly define sex appeal, but in the case of the delectable new 2008 Lexus IS-F, they’re right on the money. Add stronger and faster to that list as well. Finally, after years of flirting with BMW-style performance with the IS, Lexus is dropping a Japanese bomb on Germany with this hot new high-performance sports sedan with more than 400 horsepower. | |
| Lexus LF-A Concept Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Originally shown in different form two years ago, the latest iteration of the Lexus LF-A Concept is much closer to production reality. To enthusiasts, this is a very good thing. It’s no secret to people who love to drive that Lexus has been flogging a sports car development mule around Germany’s famed Nurburgring race course, and the newest LF-A Concept provides an even clearer glimpse into the future of Japanese performance. | |
| Lincoln MKR Concept Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: The Lincoln MKR is a concept car that uses elements of past models to signal the look of Lincoln's future. Designers used available parts such as a stretched Mustang platform, suspension modules previously developed and shelved, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 developed for use in other vehicles to build a strong business case for quick production. The MKR's distinctive "face" is based off the 1941 Cabriolet and is likely one element that will carry into the future of all Lincoln models. Designers had hoped to incorporate the rear-hinged "suicide" doors from the 1961 Continental, but added costs to meet safety standards nixed that idea. | |
| Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive Concept Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Though we see countless Mercedes-Benz badges here in southern California, we have yet to see one glued to a four-door convertible. The Ocean Drive, while only a concept, is nonetheless based on the S-Class and is more production than a design-based concept exercise ought to be, leaving one to ponder what it is we'll see from Mercedes when 2009 rolls around. | |
| Mitsubishi Lancer Preview - 2007 Detroit Auto Show: It's one of those cars that makes people ask "What's a Lancer?" or "They're still making those?" The current Mitsubishi Lancer has its strengths, but it does battle with an army of fierce competitors, nearly all with better name recognition. However, the winds may start blowing in another direction when the redesigned 2008 Lancer hits the streets in early 2007 with a fresh, aggressive look, a thoroughly overhauled interior, a 152-horsepower four-banger (143 hp and PZEV rated for California), and an optional CVT transmission with magnesium paddle shifters. Try finding that on a Corolla. Another item you won't find on a 'Yota is the Evolution badge. We'll see a new Evo X soon enough, based based on the new Lancer platform. | |
| Nissan Rogue Preview - 2007 Detroit Auto Show: What you see here is the all-new Nissan Rogue, a small crossover that's due to go on sale in late 2007 as a 2008 model. Nissan promised dramatic styling, "exceptional handling, all-wheel-drive capability," and a versatile interior; we can't comment on most of that, but we wouldn't exactly call the styling "dramatic." The Rogue fills a gaping hole in NIssan's lineup, giving it a CR-V and RAV4 competitor at last. | |
| Porsche Cayenne Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: When it goes on sale this February, the 2008 Porsche Cayenne will offer revised styling and added power. Base models will house a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine good for 290 horsepower, which results in a reported 0-62 mph run of 8.1 seconds. Cayenne S models feature a new 4.8-liter V8 with VarioCam Plus valve control, direct injection, and a bump up to 385 horsepower. Porsche claims a 6.6-second 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) time for the S. Drivers of the 2008 Cayenne Turbo S will have 500 horsepower at their disposal, and can attempt to personally verify the 5.1-second 0-62 mph run. | |
| Toyota FT-HS Concept Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Check out the world’s first hybrid-powered sports car, the Toyota FT-HS Concept. This front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car is projected to accelerate from 0-to-60 in the four-second range. That impressive result is achieved through a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine coupled to a 21st century sports hybrid system. With this hybrid powerplant, Toyota is shooting for a total power output of about 400 hp. Other performance features include a lightweight, carbon fiber Kevlar roof which incorporates an aerodynamic longitudinal depression down its center, and a speed activated wing that elevates during high velocity driving. | |
2007 Toyota Tundra CrewMax
| Toyota Tundra CrewMax Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Give Toyota credit for coming up with a way to generate some buzz about a totally redesigned model that goes on sale right after the holidays, in the middle of winter, and amongst a flurry of news from a bevy of auto shows. The vehicle in question is the overhauled Toyota Tundra, which is probably last on the list of rigs currently short on attention. But, attention it will get, especially with the arrival of the CrewMax model in Detroit. Expect dimensions in line with those of the Dodge Ram Mega Cab. Engine choices for the Tundra family include a 4.0-liter V6, a 4.7-liter V8, and a 5.7-liter V8 that helps out with a 10,000-lb. maximum tow rating. | |
Volvo XC60 Concept
| Volvo XC60 Concept Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Here's a look at the future of Volvo. Company officials claim that the XC line will grow for the 2009 model year, so expect to see the XC60 or a derivative at that time. In addition to a design that is both muscular and elegant, the XC60 concept offers a tailgate similar to that of the 2008 Volvo C30 hatchback, a thinner version of current Volvos' center stack, a sliding gear shift selector, and primary controls that are sensitive to touch. The XC60 also demonstrates Volvo's City Safety technology. Engineered for low-speed accidents, the system can determine whether to offer brake assistance or to skip the assist and brake automatically.
Photos courtesy of the auto manufacturers, and the Autobytel staff Source : http://www.autosite.com | |
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