DETROIT - Ever since 1989, Detroit's auto show - held in January at Cobo Hall, along the city's riverfront - has been called the North American International Auto Show. That was the year when the show gained international recognition and official endorsement. Prior to 1989, the show had served as a local event. Thus, it was far less notable than the Chicago and New York auto shows, despite the critical importance of Detroit to the auto industry, dating back to the early days of the automobile.
In years past, 6,000 to 7,000 journalists have squeezed into Detroit's Cobo Hall, to the point that news conferences turned into stifling ordeals. This year, the difference was dramatic. Seats often were available, and exhibit spaces had significantly more elbow room.
Show promoters had promised some 40 world and North American premieres of production and concept vehicles. On January 11 and through the morning of January 12, a total of 17 major news conferences were held. Smaller auto companies hosted fives media presentations on Day Two, along with several suppliers and other organizations.
Representatives of the Federal government bracketed the first Press Day, starting with a 7:00 a.m. presentation by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (left). LaHood was the first of many speakers to refer to a "new beginning" for the auto business, after the disastrous sales slump of 2009.
Cash for Clunkers, last summer's government incentive program, resulted in sales of more than 800,000 vehicles, LaHood told the early-morning audience, which seemed to consist of almost as many photographers as journalists. Automakers "now have the kind of resources and innovative thinking needed" to forge ahead, LaHood concluded, "building products people want to drive." Like so many industry people who've employed that final phrase, LaHood left a hazy impression that nobody wanted to drive American cars in the past - a viewpoint that's only partially correct.
At the conclusion of Day One, a Congressional delegation led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (right) filed onto the small stage at the end of Cobo Hall. "We're optimistic as we go back to Washington," Pelosi said, after the group's day-long visit to Detroit. What's needed, added Michigan Congressman John Dingell, is "to restore and bring back the American automobile industry."
Another visitor, House Majority Leader Stanley Hoyer, explained that "as I was growing up, [a] symbol of America's greatness was the automobile." Now, at the auto show, there are "products that we all would like." Hoyer also noted that "we beieve environmental interests are at stake," along with national security.
Veering into political commentary, Pelosi added that the Obama Administration's "recovery package has stirred research, investment, and progress." Asked about the possibility of a gasoline tax increase, she acknowledged that "there certainly is an advocacy for this position," but not in Congress.
At last October's Tokyo Motor Show, electric cars and hybrids took the spotlight. Detroit show organizers also chose to promote alternative propulsion methods, even setting up what they dubbed "Electric Avenue" at one end of Cobo Hall.
Whether pertaining to battery-powered cars or conventional models, many automaker announcements fell short of truly newsworthy status, relying more on enthusiasm than on tangible new products. With apologies to William Shakespeare, a few could be described as "Much ado about nothing" - or at least, about rather little.
After helping to introduce the next-generation Ford Focus, executive chairman Bill Ford - great-grandson of Henry Ford, the company's founder - headed a presentation on forthcoming battery technology, focusing on Michigan. BYD, a major Chinese automaker, appeared at Detroit's show for the third time, bringing an e6 electric crossover model. Toyota revealed a compact hybrid, called FT-CH, in concept form. Honda showed its CR-Z hybrid sport coupe, as a ready-for-production model. BMW revealed an ActiveE hybrid concept. Volkswagen had another in its series of hybrid show cars.
General Motors turned more to the luxury and performance fronts. Buick unveiled a hot GS edition of its coming-soon Regal. Chevrolet promoted a sporty RS version of its not-yet-ready next-generation Aveo subcompact. Cadillac had a CTS-V coupe on hand, packing a 512-horsepower wallop - a far cry from the mild-mannered hybrids and electrics scattered around the show floor. Also from Cadillac: an XTS Platinum show car.
Lincoln showed off its "freshened" MKX crossover wagon. Mercedes-Benz introduced an E-Class convertible, while Audi featured its reworked A8 luxury sedan as well as an e-tron electric-powered concept coupe. Exotic-car manufacturers had a low profile in Detroit, if they appeared at all. Bentley was the exception, flaunting its new Mulsanne sedan. A lone Ferrari stood at Chrysler's exhibit space, suggesting the connection to Fiat.
North American Car and Truck of the Year honors went to two Fords: the Fusion Hybrid sedan and the Transit Connect van.
Here's the Detroit rundown, in alphabetical order:
Audi split its attention between conventional and alternative powertrains. On one hand was the appearance of the redesigned full-size A8 flagship sedan, which had first been seen in Miami this past fall. Also revealed in Detroit was the e-tron concept (left), a sleek and sporty-looking electric car that weighs only 1,350 kilograms (under 3,000 pounds). Two electric motors in the e-tron produce 150 kilowatts of power - sufficient to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, according to Audi. Rupert Stadler, chairman of the Board of Management, told journalists that Audi is "skipping the mild hybrid step," moving instead into "full hybrids" that promise "more customer relevance."
As for the A8, an eight-speed automatic transmission works with a direct-injected V-8 engine, which generates 22 more horsepower than in the prior generation: now 372 hp. Audi claims fuel economy has improved by 22 percent.
Audi promises eight new-model launches during 2010, including a hybrid-powertrain version of the Q5 crossover SUV.
Bentley brought two newly-launched models to Detroit: the flagship Mulsanne sedan (right), and a Series 51 "designer" edition of its Continental GTC coupe. The Series 51 designation recalls the year when Bentley first established a styling department, which went on to create the stylish Continental models of the Fifties.
Billed as the "pinnacle of British motoring luxury," according to Christophe Georges, president/COO of Bentley in America, the Mulsanne carries a lofty $285,000 sticker price. Production will begin in summer 2010, inspired by the 8-liter models that were developed by Bentley's founder, way back in the 1920s. Bentley's 505-horsepower V-8 engine issues 750 pound-feet of torque, at speeds down to 1800 rpm. Craftsmen need more than 170 hours to assemble each car's interior.
BMW also emphasized two diverse segments of the automotive spectrum, introducing an alternative-fuel concept along with a high-performance rendition of its two-seat sports car. A pure-electric design study, the Concept ActiveE is based upon BMW's 1 Series coupe. A 125-kilowatt electric motor, mounted in the rear axle, produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration to 60 mph would take about 8.5 seconds, and the lithium-ion battery pack has a claimed range that approaches 100 miles.
A 355-horsepower engine goes into the new sDrive35si edition of BMW's Z4 two-seat sports car. Torque output comes to 332 pound-feet of torque, developed between 1500 and 4500 rpm. Hot-footed drivers who aren't content with that much energy can use the overboost function to eke out another 37 pound-feet, to cut 0-60 mph acceleration down to 4.7 seconds or so. BMW's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is specially programmed for this version of the Z4, and an adaptive suspension lowers ride height by 10 millimeters (less than half an inch).
One of four remaining "core" brands in the General Motors fold, Buick faces a tough road ahead, striving to attract younger customers who have up to now shunned the long-lived brand. To demonstrate its current approach, Buick unveiled a sporty GS concept model based on the revived Regal that will soon join the lineup. In this GS concept, a 255-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine works with a six-speed manual tranmisssion and specially calibrated all-wheel drive. Acceleration to 60 mph should happen in less than 6 seconds, according to Buick. An Interactive Drive Control System features Normal, Sport, and GS modes, and this show car sits 10 millimeters lower than a standard Regal. Twin through-fascia exhaust outlets bring up the rear, while the driver benefits from Recaro seats and a flat-bottomed steering whee.
As stated by general manager Brian Sweeney, General Motors needs to "reestablish" the Buick driving experience, looking at the company's past as well as its future. On sale this spring, the regular Regal will be based upon the European Opel Insignia. No plans have been stated for a GS edition, though Buick has used that Gran Sport designation for its upper models in the past. The last Regals went on sale in the 2004 model year.
BYD Last year, two Chinese automakers brought their wares to Detroit. This year, only BYD (Build Your Dreams) made the trip, to promote the e6 electric-powered crossover (left) as a coming-soon entrant into the American marketplace. Seating five, the "full-size" e6 has a top speed of 87 mph and can accelerate to 60 mph in under 14 seconds - painfully sluggish for a regular car, but more acceptable for an electric. Operation costs amount to one-third of the price of running a comparable gasoline automobile, according to BYD. In cruise mode, the e6 has a claimed range of 205 miles. Battery life reaches beyond 10 years.
Established in 1995, BYD is the fourth largest automaker in China. The company's goal is ambitious: to be Number One in China by 2015, and tops in the world by 2025.
Here, said Henry Li, general manager of the auto export trade division, "elecric vehicles have become the mainstream solution." BYD intends to bring the e6 to the U.S. market by the end of 2010, and hopes to establish research and sales organizations in America.
Two Cadillac models made up the Detroit show lineup: one strictly a concept (though clearly poised for production), and the other an energetic offshoot of a production model. The XTS Platinum concept (right) is considered the next expression of Cadillac's Art & Science philosophy. "Every detail is attended to with handcrafted perfection," said design director Clay Dean. The plug-in hybrid powertrain includes a gasoline V-8 engine, working with all-wheel drive. All future Cadillac models with be offered in either Platinum or V-Series editions, Dean said.
Speaking of V-Series, Cadillac also unveiled the eagerly-anticipated CTS-V Coupe - a super-performance offshoot of the CTS coupe that is joining the CTS sedan this year. To make sure no one missed its performance connotations, the introductory video presentation mixed shimmering lightning bolts with thunderous blasts and the ever-familiar sounds of squealing tires. A supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine generates 556 horsepower, using either a manual or automatic six-speed transmission. Magnetic Ride Control is installed, along with 14-way Recaro seats and Brembo brakes. Production begins in summer 2010.
Chevrolet is focusing on fuel-efficiency this season, and not just with the still-not-ready Volt. Even so, the main attraction at Chevrolet's exhibit space was the Aveo RS - a sporty show car that's meant to signal the shape of the next-generation Aveo subcompact. At the same time, it has "a lot more attitude," according to executive design director Mike Simcoe, and "looks like a performance car." Separate headlamps are "very menacing," according to Simco. Door handles are hidden within C-pillars, and this Aveo is a little longer and wider than the current production subcompact. A turbocharged 1.4-liter engine sits beneath the hood of the RS show car.
Late in 2011, Chevrolet will begin to market a Spark minicar. Company head Jim Campbell described the Spark - which is already sold in Europe - as "big on style, big on fuel economy, and big on value." Also coming soon is the larger Cruze, which first saw the light of day at the Paris Motor Show in fall 2008.
Chrysler held no news conference at all. That's mainly because despite the new connection to Fiat, the company has no new products ready for display - apart from the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, that is, and that one debuted at last spring's New York Auto Show. Chrysler's stand did contain a pair of Fiat 500 minicars (left), promoting the electric powertrain that's expected to go into these models soon. Small cars are still a "hard sell" in the American market, but Fiat 500s are expected to roll into dealerships before long. Fiat has not marketed a model in the U.S. since the 1980s.
Also at Chrysler's exhibit space was a Lancia model, curiously wearing Chrysler badging. This was evidently intended to give observers a little taste of what else might be coming from Fiat/Chrysler one day soon.
As expected, Ford introduced the next-generation Focus compact sedan, in a morning presentation at the Joe Louis Arena, which adjoins Cobo Hall and is ordinarily used for sports and entertainment events. "Small is growing quite big," said Mark Fields, president of the Americas for Ford Motor Company. The 2011 Focus features electric power steering, fuel-efficient active grille shutters, and new front/rear subframes. A new 2.0-liter engine delivers up to 20 more horsepower, with a substantial fuel-economy boost. Dynamic Cornering Control will be available when the Focus goes on sale. A "My Ford Touch" interface system will be installed, with navigation and communications features.
Later in the day, Ford held a separate news conference to promote new battery technology that's under development, with a special emphasis on activites in the state of Michigan.
Granite is the name of the concept vehicle prepared by GMC for unveiling at the Detroit show. With its open-wide side doors, the Granite "urban utility vehicle" looked inviting and appealing, but a production version - if approved - would doubtless change considerably. Two feet shorter than a GMC Terrain crossover SUV, and derived from Chevrolet's Orlando model, the Granite is called an "urban utility vehicle." GMC now builds vehicles "outside the traditional truck boundaries," said Dave Lyon, executive director of Buick-GMC Design. Some observers questioned the wisdom of that approach, which veers a bit away from GMC's reputation as a maker of tough trucks. Lyon described the Granite as "a tool for urban living, neatly packed in an industrial case."
Turning away from traditional rough-and-ready trucks in another way, GMC also promoted the new Denali edition of its Acadia crossover SUV. Perforated leather seats are installed, along with 20-inch chrome wheels. Sales begin this fall.
After displaying it at the Tokyo Motor Show in concept form, Honda brought its coming-soon CR-Z hybrid sport coupe (right) to Detroit - now set up as a production model. Inspired by Honda's tiny CRX two-passenger sport coupe, marketed in 1984-1992, the CR-Z follows a similar line ot sportiness mixed with fuel-efficiency. Honda's executive vice-president John Mendel asserted that this global car "indulges [young people's] spirit of adventure and their responsibility."
Sporty behavior will be limited, however, by the fact that the CR-Z has a hybrid powertrian, similar to the one that goes into Honda's Insight and Civic Hybrid. The 1.5-liter gasoline engine, which works in concert with the battery pack, is rated at a modest 122 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) will be available, as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox. Honda claims fuel economy will reach up to 36 mpg in city driving, rising to 38 mpg on the highway.
Hyundai brought its Blue-Will hybrid concept model, but didn't say too much about it during their news conference. A four-passenger compact sedan, the Blue-Will can travel about 40 miles on battery power, at which time the gasoline engine starts up. Rather than being a likely candidate for production itself, the futuristically-styled Blue-Will serves as a forerunner for the hybrid-powertrain Sonata sedan that goes on sale later in 2010.
On a more immediate note, Hyundai revealed the redesigned Santa Fe crossover SUV, which is one of seven "new" products anticipated in the coming two years. Apart from a fresh grille and front fascia, the Santa Fe hasn't changed too much in appearance, but two new engines will be offered. The four-cylinder gets an estimated 28 mpg in highway driving, and the new 3.5-liter V-6 (replacing a 3.3-liter) promises 15 percent greater gas mileage. Hyundai's airbag system adds rollover sensing, and a touch-screen navigation system with XM Traffic information will be available.
Even though Kia had no new vehicles to promote, the South Korean automaker held a rousing news conference to talk about the current product line, as well as a bit of new technology for its vehicles. Powered by Microsoft, UVO (Use Your Voice) may be programmed to recognize certain voices, and is intended to reduce distracted driving. It's a "safe alternative to staying connected," said marketing vice-president Michael Sprague, who acknowledged the possibility that legislation may ultimately halt use of such devices. Sprague also advised that a redesigned Sportage crossover SUV and Optima sedan will emerge later in 2010.
Lincoln unwrapped a "freshened" MKX crossover wagon. Going on sale as a 2011 model, the next MKX should attract a "new generation of luxury customers," according to executive chairman Bill Ford. Lincoln claims the 3.7-liter engine yields more horsepower and torque than any V-6 in this class, while promising highway gas mileage of up to 25 mpg.
Appearance has not changed dramatically. Mark Fields, president of the Americas for Ford Motor Company, emphasized the MKX's "classic" Lincoln arch in the front fenders. Inside, no knobs or switches protrude from the instrument panel. A new "My Lincoln Touch" system provides seamless and "intuitive" integration of communications and navigation functions. Lincoln claims eight class-exclusive features, including an optional Traffic Alert system.
Auto-show visitors could also gaze at a classic Lincoln from another era: a 1941 Continental convertible, which ordinarily resides at the estate once owned by Edsel and Eleanor Ford, in nearby Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan.
Following up on the debuts of several body styles in its redesigned E-Class lineup, Mercedes-Benz introduced the new Cabriolet (convertible). Seven airbags go into the four-passenger soft-top, which features automatic rollover bars in its headrests, along with an Attention Assist system. A new AIRCAP system curtails interior drafts, especially in front seats - though a woman sitting in the front seat, wearing a beehive-style hairdo reminiscent of the Sixties, seemed to need such "protection" most urgently. An AIRSCARF system delivers neck-level heating, which could prove welcome in colder temperatures. Even while the car is moving at up to 20 mph, the acoustic soft-top may be raised in 20 seconds.
In other Mercedes-Benz news announced at the show, Dr. Thomas Weber said an E300 BlueTec diesel hybrid sedan will reach dealerships in 2011. Two pure-electric models are expected even sooner, including a B-Class F-cell model. Company chief Dieter Zetsche showed a video that gave a hint of another coming-soon model, aimed to "whet your appetite."
Mini: Beachcomber is the name given to the latest Mini concept model, and this one looks the part. Doors and a roof are absent, though a soft top and lightweight doors could be installed if weather turned troublesome. Said to be inspired by the Mini crossover that's expected to go sale soon, the Beachcomber calls to mind the similarly-open Mini Moke that was built in England in 1964-68 - the period when Mini first captured worldwide attention. Entry cutouts in the Beachcomber extend all the way down to seat bottoms, easing access to both front and rear seats. A new ALL4 all-wheel-drive system is installed below what Mini calls a "radically open body" that "offers extreme freedom in driving."
Subaru brought along the Hybrid Tourer with swing-up doors that had been seen at the Tokyo Motor Show, but no new production models were revealed. Instead, the Japanese automaker emphasized the still-troubling credit crisis. "Credit, and access to it, is fundamental," said executive vice-president Tom Doll. In a year that saw nearly every automaker lose sales drastically, Subaru has been one of the few successful companies.
Toyota unveiled yet another hybrid model, in concept form. Called FT-CH, this one is a shapely compact model with curvaceous European styling. Built on a wheelbase 6 inches shorter than that of the popular Prius hybrid, the FT-CH imeasures 22 inches shorter overall. Yet, interior space is only slightly smaller, said Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales, and this show car "thrives in the inner-city environment."
A pure-electric vehicle with a lithium-ion battery pack is expected to go on sale by 2012. During the current decade, eight new hybrid models are under development. A current global program features 600 Prius plug-in hybrids, 150 of which are for U.S. evaluation. Plug-in hybrids are able to travel up to 13 miles using battery power alone, at speeds up to 60 mph. Toyota hopes to sell a million hybrids per year, globally.
Volkswagen unveiled yet another concept model with an alternative-fuel powertrain. Named NCC, the four-passenger concept coupe has a hybrid powertrain that includes a 150-horsepower gasoline engine, plus a 27-horsepower electric motor. Volkswagen's dual-clutch Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) sends the hybrid-produced power to the wheels. Volkswagen claims fuel economy could be 45 mpg. Because it's a "full" hybrid, the NCC coupe could be driven using battery power alone.
A midsize sedan will be built at the German automaker's new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. "Volkswagen is at home in America," said CEO Stefan Jacoby. In the late 1970s, Volkswagen was among the first foreign automakers to build vehicles on American soil.
CT&T calls itself the biggest maker of electric cars in the world, and the company's exhibit space was packed with low-speed examples - mainly for commercial applications. The group included little cafe vans, cargo carriers - even a police vehicle intended for parking enforcement.
"Through the circular motion of wheels," a video narrator explained, "humanity has achieved its ... progress." Now, "we need to change this circulation." Three new models were introduced: an e2 sports car, an E-zone Plus passenger car, and an amphibious vehicle that can go 40 mph on land or 9.5 mph in the water.
COO Joe White stated the CT&T mission: to "lead the way [in] offering solutions" to our overreliance on oil. CT&T vehicles, he said, are safe, envirtonmentally friend, and fun to drive. CT&T strives to assemble its vehicles at the point of sale, and claims that more than 38 million householes are "poised to take advantage of new segmentation in electric" vehicles. CT&T vehicles are available now, on the East and West coasts.
Commuter Cars introduced what might have been the most attention-getting automobile at the show: the battery-powered Tango. This is an electric with a difference. Measuring only 39 inches wide, it's 5 inches narrower than a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. For that reason, the company promotes its ability to squeeze along half-lanes. Two occupants sit in tandem: passenger behind the driver, like a motorcycle setup.
Despite the Tango's startling narrowness, Commuter Cars claims it has a rollover threshold equivalent to a Porsche sports car: 56 degrees. The roll cage has been certified for racing, and the Tango - which weighs about as much as a Toyota Camry - has four times the amount of steel in its doors as the largest SUVs. With 1,000 pound-feet of torque on tap, the Tango is biled as one of the fastest cars in the world - just short of a Bugatti Veyron. For now, at least, the price is a whopping $150,000. Of course, buyers can be sure they won't be seeing many other Tangos on the road for a while.
Several automakers took exhibit space at the Detroit show, but held no news conferences to announce new products or company details. That list included Nissan (which exhibited the coming-soon Leaf electric car). Volvo omitted a media presentation, but exhibited an electric-powered version of its C30 compact hatchback, which is a likely prospect for eventual sale. Mitsubishi, for one, didn't even set up an exhibit space at the Detroit show.
The 2010 North American International Auto Show opened to the public on Saturday January 16, and ran through Sunday the 24th. Showgoers even had an opportunity to take rides in some of the hybrid and electric vehicles, at an indoor course set up on the lower level of Cobo Hall.