It’s practically a tradition that the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is accompanied by the worst weather of the season.  The second week in January in Detroit is rarely a pleasant place, but this year’s show was preceded by unseasonably warm and sunny weather.  All thoughts of global warming aside, it seemed to indicate a subtle change in the climate of the automotive industry as well.  No-shows included Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Jaguar/Land Rover, but all of the major industry players were present.

Several years of economic hardship (and more than a few casualties) have left the auto industry cautious; the wild abandon that characterized auto shows past is long gone.  In its place, there’s a pragmatic realism–but for 2012, that realistic outlook is also optimistic.  In addition to the upcoming products that are useful refinements of existing vehicles, Detroit also saw the debut of some honest-to-goodness concept cars, showing that the industry may have scaled back on the wildest flights of fancy, but it hasn’t forgotten how to dream.

Chevrolet Code 130R:  Chevrolet showed a pair of sporty concept coupes designed to please the “next generation.”  In addition to the familiar Hot Wheels Camaro that’s been showed before, the Code 130R and Tru 140S are clean-sheet dream cars with one foot firmly grounded in reality.  The Code 130R is a high-roofed two-door coupe that’s almost retro thanks to distinct hood and trunk lines.  It’s rear-wheel drive, and powered by the 150-horsepower 1.4 liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder engine that powers other compact Chevy products. In addition to its sporty look, this concept also features fuel-saving engine-shutoff technology.  Could they build it?  Yes.  Should they?  It would make an interesting counterpoint to cars like the Scion tC and Kia Forte Koup, but would ultimately probably have limited, HHR-like appeal.  In short, yes.

Chevrolet Tru 140S: The Tru 140S picks up the “affordable exotic” concept where Mitsubishi’s Eclipse left off, exhibiting a slickly drawn three-door body that’s very much unlike any Chevrolet you’re familiar with.  It’s sized like a compact sedan on the inside thanks the sharing the Cruze’s platform, and its 150-horse Ecotec turbocharged engine is good for 40mpg. The Tru 140S is a concept, but it looks close to road-ready–Chevy’s even gone so far as to include a heads-up display and Chevrolet MyLink infotainment.  Could they build it? Yes.  Should they?  If the lukewarm sales of the “affordable exotic” Eclipse are any indicator, the prognosis isn’t spectacular.


Volkswagen E-Bugster: Volkswagen showed a concept Beetle to go along with that car’s recent infusion of attitude.  The E-Bugster takes the classic California street rod look and applies it to the latest Beetle, with blanked-out rear windows, a lowered top and smooth flanks.  The E-Bugster’s still firmly grounded in the current automotive realities, however; it’s also fully electric, powered by a 114-horsepower electric motor with a lithium-ion battery.  The electric drivetrain will find its way into future Volkswagen products and has a range of about 100 miles.  Could they build it?  Yes.  Should they?  The electric drivetrain is more likely to find its way into a less overtly sporty vehicle.

smart for-us:  The urban jungle-bred smart fortwo expands its utility with the conceptual for-us.  This happy-faced concept car rides two inches higher than the fortwo it’s based on and adds a tiny pickup bed out back for carrying large items—especially a pair of Smart’s new electric bicycles.  The for-us is just as electrified as the bikes it’s designed to carry, as well, as it’s powered by smart’s second-generation electric-drive system.  The smart ebike is headed for production as well, and include disc brakes and a USB connector for MP3 players.  The for-us has a docking station in its cargo bed that charges the bikes, which have a 60-mile range on batteries alone.  Could they build it?  Not as extravagantly as the concept.  Should they?  Smart already appeals to a miniscule slice of the market; the number of folks truly ready to buy a smart-camino is probably less than a thousand.

Acura ILX Sedan:  Though the youthful Integra and RSX practically made the brand, Acura hasn’t had a sporty, entry-level model for quite some time.  The all-new, Civic-based ILX, which debuted in concept form in Detroit, hopes to address this concern.  Entering the lineup below the TSX, the ILX Concept offers the brand’s signature styling, high technology and will offer Acura’s first hybrid-electric powertrain when a production version goes on sale this spring.  The 2.0 liter, 2.4 liter and 1.5 liter hybrid powerplants are shared with the Civic.

Acura NSX Concept: Acura’s hinted, teased and withdrawn the idea of a new NSX supercar so many times now that it’s hard to believe they’re serious. Acura says that this one’s the real deal, though, and not only is it going into production in a year or three, but it’ll also be developed and built in Ohio.  Technical details are scanty, but a mid-engine V6 like the last NSX (which departed in 2005) is likely.  Acura also suggested that a production NSX would utilize the brand’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system as well as electric motors to boost horsepower, making the upcoming NSX a hybrid sports car.

Lexus LF-FC:  At a glance, Lexus’ LF-FC concept looks like standard dream-car fare, with a voluptuous 2+2 grand touring coupe body, a glass roof and hints of future Lexus designs in its curves.  The LF-FC also embodies concepts for a greener future, though; this high-luxury, high-performance vehicle has been designed to utilize an advanced hybrid-electric system.  Lexus announced no plans, but the brand’s expertise in producing luxury hybrids makes the LF-FC a dream that could some day be attainable.  Could they build it?  Probably.  Should they? If it were my car company, I’d wait and see how the Fisker Karma fares first.

2013 Ford Fusion:  Ford unveiled an all-new Fusion mid-size sedan in Detroit.  The complete redesign picks up some of the styling cues of the new Focus and Fiesta.  It also happens to look a lot like a miniature Aston Martin, though this is perhaps merely a coincidence. Three new engines are offered:  1.6 and 2.0 liter four-cylinders with Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharging system, and a new Fusion Hybrid whose new lithium-ion batteries help to improve its fuel economy to 47 city/44 highway. As with the Taurus before it, Ford has boosted the technology quotient as well, adding an automatic start-stop system, available adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping technology, blind spot notification and an active parking assist.

2013 Dodge Dart:  Dodge hopes to follow in the footsteps of Chevrolet, whose subcompact lineup recently underwent a name change in the process of morphing from also-ran to contender.  Dodge’s new Dart has one advantage that the Chevy Cruze doesn’t; a familiar and classic nameplate. The all-new Dart’s nothing like the last one, sold in 1976. Dodge’s new subcompact has Alfa Romeo DNA, and a choice of four-cylinder engines ranging from 160 to 184 horsepower.  Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are offered.  A premium has been placeed on customization, with numerous options and even a reconfigurable instrument panel.  Dodge announced an MSRP of $15,995 when the Dart goes on sale later this year.

Audi Q3 Vail: Audi’s upcoming compact crossover got the special-edition treatment, showing up in unique “Vail” trim and ready to tackle the ski slopes, or at least the roads leading to the lodge.  The 314-horsepower Q3 Vail is a crossover vehicle that’s gotten SUV treatment, with big off-road tires on twenty-inch wheels and a two-tone body. The grille and headlights are surrounded by unique trim, while an aluminum skid plate protects the drivetrain.  The roof racks are designed to carry skis and snowboards.  It was a shame that there wasn’t any snow in Detroit, because the Q3 Vail is more than ready for it.

Bentley Continental V8:  No one’s ever going to accuse Bentley of being sensible or reasonable, but that hasn’t stopped the brand from considering fuel economy.  In fact, the British manufacturer’s latest Continental V8 features a forty-percent improvement in economy and emissions.  A new 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 is at the heart of the upgrade.  Direct-injection fuel delivery and a cylinder shutoff provide improved efficiency while keeping the output at a more-than-respectable 500 horsepower.  An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard.  The Continental V8 joins the 6.0 liter Continental in GT and GTC form later this year.

2013 Cadillac ATS:  Slotting into the lineup below the CTS, Cadillac’s new small sedan breaks tradition from past compact Cadillacs in that it doesn’t look like a cheap imitation of its larger siblings.  The lightweight ATS has been developed for entertaining performance.  Three engines are offered: a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 270 horsepower, a 2.5 liter four with 200, and Cadillac’s powerful 3.6 liter V6 with 320 horses.  All three engines use direct-injection fuel delivery and six-speed transmissions in manual and automatic flavors.  Inside, a simplified center stack is in keeping with the minimalist styling.  Cool details like illuminated door handles, real wood and carbon fiber trim and ambient interior lighting give the ATS luxury credibility.

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo:  Hyundai’s quirky new Veloster is still wet behind the ears, but it’s never too soon to pick up some street cred.  To that end, the wraps were pulled off of a turbocharged version.  The little front-wheel drive coupe’s light weight should serve it well with a 201 horsepower 1.6 liter direct-injection four-cylinder under the hood.  It’s over two hundred pounds lighter than the Volkswagen GTI, and the Veloster Turbo will still return 38mpg on the freeway.  To appeal to the sport-compact crowd, the Veloster Turbo will be available with cutting-edge matte paint.

2012 MINI Roadster: After the recent debut of the sporty, two-seat MINI Coupe (not to be confused with the traditional MINI Cooper), the Roadster can’t be much of a surprise.  The brand that helped to redefine automotive fun drives into the two-seat roadster arena with a funky, chunky face and MINI’s signature personalization features.  Powertrain-wise, the MINI Roadster is available in base, Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, producing 121, 181 and 208 horsepower respectively. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are offered.  Stability control and electronic power steering are also standard, and the curious aerodynamics of the stubby body are offset by a retractable spoiler.

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet:  Porsche was also thinking topless in spite of the wintry weather, and unveiled the latest soft-top 911 Carrera.  132 pounds lighter than the previous version, the new 911 Carerra Cabriolet also features a flexible roof that neatly matches the hardtop’s roof line when it’s closed.  0-60 comes up in 4.4 seconds in the 350-horsepower Carrera, and 4.1 in the 400-horse Carrera S.  Pricing starts at $93,700 for the Carrera and $103,800 for the Carrera S.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid:  Volkswagen’s traditionally gone with diesel when it comes to alternative-fuel vehicles, but have no fear; the hybrid Jetta doesn’t replace the much-loved Jetta TDI.  The Jetta Hybrid does stand out with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a compact 1.4 liter turbocharged engine that produces 150 horsepower.  A 20-kW electric motor adds another 27 horses.  Thanks to the lightweight engine and transmission, the Jetta Hybrid is within 250 pounds of the standard version’s curb weight, so performance should not be dramatically affected.  Stop-start technology and an aggressive “coasting” mode shut the engine down whenever it’s not needed for additional fuel savings.

2013 Buick Encore:  Buick continues to flesh out its lineup of affordable luxury vehicles with the new Encore.  The name’s slightly misleading, because the Encore’s rather unique.  Rather than waiting for BMW and Audi to bring their small crossovers to North America, Buick’s aiming to get there first.  The diminutive Encore is a five-seater with a high driving position and over 18 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats.  A 1.4 liter four-cylinder engine provides power and transmits it to the road via a six-speed automatic transmission.  Buick’s signature elegant styling ensures that the Encore won’t be mistaken for anything else.

2012 Toyota Prius c:  Last year, Toyota introduced a slightly larger Prius; this year, the hybrid brand is going a bit smaller.  The “c” stands for “city,” and the Prius c is sized to be a competent urban commuter.  It’ll be one of the lowest-priced hybrids on the market, with an MSRP of under $19,000, and its compact size enables it to use a smaller gasoline engine than that of its big brothers.  A 1.5 liter four-cylinder is coupled with a 45kW electric motor for a total system output of 99 horsepower.  Fuel economy is rated at 53/46.  The Prius c goes on sale this spring.

Toyota NS-4 Concept: Toyota’s flights of fancy are all about hybrids these days, but the NS-4 is not as far-out as it looks.  This design and technology exercise is Toyota’s vision of a mid-sized plug-in hybrid for 2015.  The Hybrid Synergy Drive is lighter and has better range than the version currently in production, and charge times have also been reduced.  Anti-fogging, anti-UV glass is used to improve visibility and comfort.  Other safety features include a blind spot monitor, pedestrian-collision friendly hood, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights and a smartphone-inspired touch screen console.  Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?  Ultimately the most significant thing about the NS-4 is what it suggests about Toyota’s future styling direction.  Could they build it?  Yes.  Should they?  Toyota could do worse than to let the Camry evolve into this.

Lincoln MKZ concept:  There’s a new Lincoln MKZ on the way shortly, and Lincoln showed off a conceptual version of its new design in Detroit.  The styling of Lincoln’s forgettable entry-level sedan has gotten a lot more distinctive, thanks to a new split-wing grille that’s sized just right to avoid looking like a beak.  The MKZ looks long and low, two things Lincoln has always done well, and a panoramic roof brings the sun inside.  MyLincoln Touch is accessed via an eight-inch touch screen on the console, and rear poplar wood gives the MKZ Concept’s interior a warm feeling.  Could they build it?  Absolutely; it’s in the plans.  Should they?  Yes.

2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid:  Mercedes adds a new dimension to the versatile E-Class for 2012 with the introduction of the lineup’s first hybrid.  With its 302-horsepower direct-injection V6 supplemented by a 27-hp electric motor, the E400 Hybrid returns 24/31 fuel economy.  That’s respectable enough, but like Mercedes’ BlueTEC diesel models, the real fun starts when you consider the electric motor’s 184 pound-feet of torque.  The E400′s combined torque is almost 400 foot-pounds, and that’s some serious grunt.  Additionally, a “sail” function allows the gasoline engine to shut off at freeway speeds, letting the electric motors take over when acceleration isn’t needed.  The lithium-ion battery pack is integrated seamlessly into the vehicle with no impact on interior room, making the E400 a “secret” hybrid.  It’ll be available in the second half of 2012.

There’ll be a second post about some of the other debuts, including the 2013 Audi A4 allroad and RS 5, the 2012 BMW 3-Series, 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth, 2012 Honda Accord Coupe concept, the Nissan Pathfinder Concept and eNV200, the Maserati Kubang concept, the Chrysler 700C concept, Tata eMo, and Infiniti Etherea.

 

 

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