Automotive Reviews
Editorial
NAIAS 2010 Part 2: New production cars
1855 days
by Emmy Jackson
in Editorial
In no particular order, here are the new cars introduced in Detroit:
2011 Ford Focus: The current Focus has taken a lot of flak for being a bit, well, half-assed. With a fantastic Focus on sale in Europe, there’s been a lot of questioning Ford’s decision to keep the U.S. version on a capable but outdated platform, with an indifferent design and limited body styles. That all changes in early 2011 when a more grown-up Focus arrives, this time shared between the United States and Europe. Powered by a 155-horsepower 2.0 liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine hooked up to a dual-clutch six-speed transmission, the Focus features a laundry list of high-technology options including standard stability control, Active Park Assist, pushbutton start, a backup camera and the all-new MyFord driver-information system, which is a real-world version of the LCD touch-screen infotainment interface that’s been appearing on concept cars for the last five or six years. MyFord uses cell-phone type buttons and an improved voice interface to work with Ford’s Sync system as well as a pair of configurable LCD screens to display a wide range of info. On the performance front, understeer-reducing Dynamic Cornering Control and new electronic power steering suggest that the next Focus will build upon the fun-to-drive elements of the current car. There’s also a full-electric version set to debut shortly after the new car’s launch.
2011 GMC Acadia Denali: GMC also showed the production version of the high-luxury Denali version of the new Acadia crossover, which looks very much like you’d expect an “Acadia Denali” to look, if you’re familiar with the Denali versions of GMC’s Yukon and Sierra. If you’re picturing a chrome honeycomb grille, monochrome body paneling, fender flares, mahogany wood and leather on the interior and all of the luxury options available for the Denali in one package, you’ve pretty much got it.
2011 Buick Regal: Buick stopped selling the Regal here a while back, but you might not know that the nameplate continued to be sold in China. For 2011, it’s coming back. Riding a European Opel Insignia chassis, the Regal nameplate returns to the U.S. Buick lineup to bring a measure of sports-sedan performance to the rapidly evolving brand. A choice of four-cylinder engines offers 182 or 220 horsepower and is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s definitely more distinguished than the last Regal we saw in 2004, with a cool toothy Buick grille and a very handsome interior that does a great job of modernizing Buick’s aesthetic. The switchgear and appointments are appropriately elegant yet approachable without obviously copycatting anyone else. The Regal’s on sale this spring with cars like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60 in its sights.
2011 Honda CR-Z: This two-seater is both a hybrid and a sort-of reincarnation of the legendary Honda CR-X. There have been rumors that a CR-X successor would be a hybrid, and with the recent departure of the S2000, Honda’s taking the opportunity to merge its sporting and environmental intentions into a single vehicle. The stubby styling reminds immediately of the original car, especially from the truncated rear aspect with its vertical glass panel in the hatch. Up front, the CR-Z sports an impish smile, indicative perhaps of the cheerful performance promised by its 122-horsepower 1.5 liter four-cylinder with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid-electric drive. A choice of six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmissions will be offered when the CR-Z goes on sale this summer, slotting into the lineup below the Insight and Civic Hybrid. Will it truly resurrect the spirit of the original CRX? That remains to be seen.
2010 Jeep Islander and Mountain: Jeep showed off a pair of special-edition Wranglers and a Liberty with a new Renegade package. Tape-and-paint upgrades are rarely earth-shattering news, except of course to hard-core fans, but hey–it’s a tactic that’s worked for the Ford Mustang for many years, so why not? The Islander gives the Wrangler a tiki-party mien, while the Mountain sports a more rugged look. All three Jeep special editions boast additional standard equipment as well.
Just for the sake of thoroughness, Chrysler and Dodge also unveiled special editions of existing products: the Plum Crazy Challenger, the Nitro Heat, Nitro Shock and Nitro Detonator, the PT Cruiser Couture Edition and the Walter P. Chrysler Edition Town & Country. Got all of that?
2011 Lincoln MKX: Lincoln’s crossover is tweaked just enough to keep it at the forefront of the growing wave of luxury crossovers. Between the Lexus RX350, Cadillac SRX, Audi Q5 and Infiniti EX things are starting to get a little crowded, so Lincoln’s given the MKX’ face a deeper, larger grille and arched front fenders so it stands out more. LED taillights add flair to the rear, and the 3.7 V6 has been bumped to a surprising 305 horsepower, while still getting up to 25mpg on the freeway. The really big news is Ford’s MyLincoln Touch infotainment system, which is standard and replaces all of the buttons associated with the Sync driver-information system with a pair of programmable touch screens. MyLincoln Touch uses touch-sensitive screens for all radio and climate control functions, and includes an expanded version of Sync that incorporates iTunes tagging for HD radio and other features. Standard Lincoln tech like the adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning with cross-traffic alert, AdvanceTrac stability control and a keyless start are also a part of the new MKX.
2010 Mercedes S400 Hybrid and ML450 Hybrid: After several years of teasing and hinting, Mercedes’ luxury hybrids are finally ready to meet Lexus on the road. The S400 Hybrid looks just like the conventional “Esser,” but is powered by a V6 and electric motor combo that bumps fuel economy to 19/26. The ML450 Hybrid gets a 3.5 liter gasoline engine paired with two electric motors for a total of 335 horsepower and a reported 46% improvement in fuel economy compared to the V8-powered ML550. Both are packed with the usual raft of Mercedes goodies, and both are on sale.
2010 Mercedes E-Class convertible: Much more interesting than the new hybrids was Mercedes’ E-Class convertible, which arrives to complete the new E-Class lineup. This car’s arguably the star of the high-tech, full-size luxury range, offering all of the high-tech driving aids and taking it all a step further. Not only does the new E-Class convertible allow the sun to shine in when its soft-top is dropped, but the January introduction was fitting as well. The E-Class convertible might well be the world’s first all-season convertible; Mercedes’ AIRSCARF shoulder- warming system is combined with AIRCAP, a power-operated wind-deflecting panel that raises to all but eliminate cabin wind buffeting at speed. With these two devices in place, cruising comfortably with the top down in thirty-degree weather is possible, should one be so inclined. I’ll certainly give it a try.
2011 Bentley Mulsanne: Bentley’s new flagship sedan is the massive Mulsanne, which elegantly meshes classic Bentley styling cues with modern muscle. The good news is that the tactile experience is more of the same from Bentley, only handsomer. Chrome, leather (in one of twenty-four hides) sumptuous carpet (you can choose from twenty-one different colors) and light-colored wood trim (there’s a choice of nine veneers) slather the interior, and closing the door shuts out the outside world with shocking effectiveness. High doorsills are set off by an elegant (it’s hard not to overuse that word with this car) fender crease that runs from front to rear, making the Mulsanne imposing but not as off-putting as a Rolls-Royce, which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending. Performance hasn’t been neglected, either; the hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine has been lightened and puts out 505 horsepower, the better to move this massive sedan with authority. The Mulsanne goes on sale this fall. The price of entry? $285,000.
2011 Cadillac CTS-V coupe: Cadillac’s new CTS coupe has spawned a high-powered V version, the better to bring sharp angles and American muscle to the luxury sport coupe market currently dominated by the BMW M3 and Audi RS. You’ve got to admit that a supercharged 6.2 liter V8 pushing out 556 horsepower is cool. Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control is augmented by an even wider track than the CTS-V sedan and Brembo brakes riding under 19-inch wheels. Visual distinction is conferred by larger air intakes and a chromy grille up front, by touchpads replacing traditional door handles and by LED light pipes in the taillights. When will this beast hit the road? Early this summer.
2011 Audi A8: Audi’s redesigned range-topper made its public debut in Detroit. Touted as the “sportiest sedan in the luxury class,” the new A8 features an evolutionary styling upgrade that smoothes the sharp edges and is available with LED headlights. The new body is aluminum-intensive, so it’s carrying less bulk than it appears to, and that will no doubt improve the economy of the new diesel-powered 4.2TDI model. A new eight-speed Tiptronic transmission gets the power to the road, and the A8′s reputation as a technobarge is safe thanks to a radical touch-screen interface for the MMI system, an adaptive air suspension, more intelligent adaptive cruise control, night vision, Audi Lane Assist and a camera that can read speed limit signs and display the posted limit for the driver.
2011 Kia Sorento: “It’s so amazing, it traveled from the future to go on sale now!” Kia’s enthusiastic pitchman crowed about the 2011 Sorento in a cheerfully silly, high-energy press conference that wasn’t shy about poking fun at the dry delivery of many of the other execs on hand. The new Sorento features burlier styling and will also debut Kia’s new UVO system. UVO is shorthand for “Your Voice,” and was developed by Microsoft just like Ford’s Sync infotainment system. Like Sync, UVO offers voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, HD radio and Sirius satellite radio as well as a gigabyte of internal music storage capability. Kia says that UVO also goes Sync one better with individual voice recognition that can be trained to understand its owner. The Sorento will also be available with a backup camera and a sub-$20,000 starting price when it debuts shortly.
2012 Chevrolet Spark: Small is the new big, and as the Chevrolet Aveo grows for its next generation, it leaves a gap at the bottom of the lineup. Enter the Spark. This adorably stumpy little five-door will show up in a couple of years, but so far Chevy has been quiet on the details.
2010 Volvo C30: Volvo’s adorable C30 coupe gets a facelift for 2010, with a more distinctive and assertive face and a revised tail. The basic chopped-off silhouette stays the same, but the C30 looks higher-class, with deeper detailing. A revised optional sport suspension with sharper reflexes is also available.
NAIAS 2010 Part 4: Previously introduced cars
1855 days
by Emmy Jackson
in Editorial
In no particular order, here are the cars I met for the first time in Detroit, regardless of where they were introduced.
2010 Maybach Zeppelin: Maybach’s range-topping Zeppelin isn’t new (it was officially unveiled last spring), but it is fun to look at. The stately, super-sized luxury sedan looks good with its two-tone paint and ridiculous amenities. Maybach is arguably the least respected of the “big three” ultra-luxury manufacturers (the other two being Rolls-Royce and Bentley) but I like ‘em anyhow. That said, given the choice between a Zeppelin and the new Bentley Mulsanne, the Bentley wins.
2010 Hyundai Sonata: I missed the new Sonata’s debut in Los Angeles as well. Getting face-to-face with the newest Accord/ Camry competitor, you’ll immediately notice a much more striking design than before. The extravagantly curved looks are especially unusual on a car that calls itself a family sedan, and is reminiscent of the current “four-door coupe” trend in European luxury sedans. Inside, a V-shaped dash and sporty seats enable the Sonata to stand out further. A 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine provides 198 horsepower and class-leading 23/35 fuel economy when equipped with the optional six-speed automatic transmission.
2011 Hyundai Equus: Hyundai’s ultra-luxurious Equus is on the way as well, and the Korean brand had one on the floor accompanied by elegant piano music just to push this point home. The Equus is devoid of Hyundai badging, and is powered by a 368-horsepower 4.6 liter V8 putting the power to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The stately exterior wraps a large, four-passenger interior with a large, Bentley-style rear cabin, and the whole package is scheduled to go on sale in the summer of 2010.
Fiat 500: Fiat’s purchase of Chrysler has car enthusiasts and fashionistas alike salivating at the thought of the cool Fiat 500 making it to the United States. There are promises that it’ll appear, and Fiat kept the dream alive by plunking a couple of them down right in the middle of the Chrysler display. There aren’t any on-sale details yet, but these plump little subcompacts are plenty of fun to look at, aren’t they?
2010 Mazda2: Speaking of plump, fun little subcompacts, Mazda’s Mazda2 was on the stand, presaging its upcoming North American debut. In case it wasn’t obvious, the Mazda2 is smaller than the Mazda3, and shrinks Mazda’s fun-to-drive spirit down to compete with cars like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris.
2010 Morgan Aero Supersports: Morgans aren’t a common sight on this side of the Atlantic (they’re pretty thin on the ground in their native England, for that matter), so I had to stop by and say hello to the ultra-traditionalist sportster. Modernized though it may be, the Morgan still has one foot planted firmly in the past. The performance is all future, though; a 368-horsepower V8 propels this ultralight targa to a 170-mph top speed, which accounts for the $189,000 price tag.
2011 Jaguar XJ and XJL: Jaguar’s new flagship sedan may be old news to some folks, but this is the first time I’ve met ‘em. The newest cat rolls out with a blend of XF and Mercedes CLS styling that completely obliterates any memory of the previous, classic-styled XJ. This is definitely a Jaguar for the future. The XJL is more distinctive at a glance; with its stretched wheelbase it makes the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept seem a bit superfluous. Jaguar’s excellent 5.0 liter AJ V8 resides under the hood, and puts out anywhere from 385 to 510 horsepower depending on whether you want it supercharged or not.
Down in the basement, the NAIAS once again featured a mini-test track where various electric cars could be sampled. I took a short drive in the Mitsubishi i-MIEV, which went on sale in Japan last year and is slated to come to the U.S. sometime in the next twenty-four months. Mitsubishi’s four-door urban commuter may look like a glorified neighborhood electric vehicle, but it’s got a strong structure and pleasant low-speed dynamics that place it firmly in the “car” instead of the “golf cart” category. At low speeds it’s not unlike a slightly larger smart fortwo, though the cabin has a bit more elbow room.
Tesla Model S: Sports-electric manufacturer Tesla has been making headlines with its on-again, off-again four-door sedan. The Model S is currently on, and Tesla promises to have it in production by 2011. The Model S was on display in Detroit, and its proposed $49,900 starting price is significantly more reasonable than that of the six-figure Tesla Roadster. Tesla says the Model S will have a 300-mile range and performance comparable to a conventional sports sedan.
Lexus LF-A: Lexus’ LF-A supercar edges closer to its inevitable release, and it graced the podium again in Detroit this year, quietly reminding the world of its existence. As if we’d forget? The LF-A is powered by a 552-horsepower 4.8 liter V10 hooked up to a sequential transmission. Any preconceptions one might have of Lexus as a mere luxury manufacturer are about to be turned on end–though whether the LF-A will have the same time-tempered emotional spirit as the competition from Ferrari or Porsche remains to be seen. But hey, that’s an X-factor. The on-sale date of the hamster-cheeked LF-A–December 2010–is definitely marked on the calendar.
2011 Toyota Sienna: Minivans? They still make those things? Yes, indeed. The all-new Sienna’s gotten less boring, with shades of the Nissan Quest in its slicker styling and a raft of cool features inside: an expandable center console, larger navigation screen, dual sunroof, simpler dash layout, power-folding third row seat, sliding second row seats with recliners and footrests, a wide-screen rear-seat DVD system that can play a single large video or two separate small ones and an available second-row seat that extends to ease ingress for handicapped passengers. The Sienna is also available with a four-cylinder engine for the first time, as a testament to both the need for improved fuel economy and the power of Toyota’s 187 horsepower 2.7 liter four-cylinder powerplant. Family-minded speed demons, don’t fret; the 3.5 liter V6 is still available. The Sienna goes on sale in March.
2010 Mercedes SLS AMG: The SLS AMG made its debut in Frankfurt, but Detroit was my first chance to look at the new gullwing in person, and it’s gorgeous. With an aluminum space-frame body, 563-horse 6.3 liter V8 and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, this long-nosed exotic is larger than life, and continues Mercedes’ tradition of not following the mid-engined, scissor-doored herd when it comes to high-powered supercars. Just watch your head when you’re getting out.
2010 Audi R8 Spyder: Audi’s R8 supercar drops its top for 2010. Planing the roof off of the dramatic mid-engined fastback changes its look somewhat, but the enjoyment on hand from the 525-horsepower 5.2 liter V10 can only be improved with additional exposure to the elements. Full LED headlights and a separately retractable rear window are also a part of the package.
2011 Chevrolet Cruze: The new big-on-the-inside Chevrolet Cruze made its official production debut last month. Chevy’s got a hard row to hoe in this segment; it hasn’t had a well-received compact since, well, ever. From the Vega through the Cavalier and recently-departed Cobalt, it seems that Chevrolet just can’t get it quite right–or, in some cases, even close. The Cruze hopes to turn that record around, with a pair of modern four-cylinder engines, available turbocharging, much-improved fit and finish and standard stability control. Fuel economy in the base Cruze could top 40mpg on the freeway, according to Chevy.
2011 Chevrolet Volt: The much-ballyhooed Chevrolet Volt goes on sale later this year. Touted for the past year as the Next Big Thing in alternative-fuel vehicles, the Volt is looking more like it’ll be a serious Toyota Prius competitor when it finally hits the streets. It’s one of the first of a new wave of range-extended electric vehicles which use compact gasoline engines to generate power for the electric motors which turn the wheels full-time.
2010 Toyota 4Runner: Toyota’s next-generation 4Runner made its debut at the Texas State Fair this fall, and made its way to Detroit so I could say hi. There’s a bit less to see than you might expect; the new 4Runner is longer, wider and taller but looks more or less the same. Drivetrain choices and this SUV’s rugged mission in life haven’t changed much; the most significant edits to the 4Runner are the addition of a “Trail” off-road version and an available third-row seat.
Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept: Subaru’s big gullwing sedan carries a hybrid powertrain and made its official debut in Tokyo last year, but this is the car’s first trip to Detroit. The turbocharged 2.0 liter flat-four under the Hybrid Tourer’s hood uses direct injection and a continuously variable transmission, and it’s assisted by a pair of electric motors. The two-mode hybrid system allows for full-electric operation as well. Subaru plans to bring a hybrid to the market some time in 2012. The Hybrid Tourer’s gullwing doors serve to highlight its spacious interior, which features a low, completely flat floor thanks to clever packaging of the hybrid system’s batteries.
Volvo C30 electric: This unassuming electric vehicle hints at big things. You wouldn’t know this Volvo C30 was an electric vehicle if it weren’t for the funky wheels and paint, but underneath the skin it’s powered by lithium-ion batteries and features a 94-mile range on full electric power. Performance is comparable to that of the conventional C30. Volvo plans to put about fifty electric C30s into real-world testing in 2011 as the first step toward series production.
Toyota FT-EV II concept: The FT-EV II has been around for a while, but this is the first time I’ve met the extravagantly-styled urban BEV in person. “BEV” is an acronym you’re likely to hear bandied about more frequently in the coming years. It stands for “battery electric vehicle,” and is a new corporate-speak way of referring to full-electric vehicles (as opposed to hybrid-electrics which rely on gasoline engines for propulsion). The FT-EV II is a smaller version of the FT-EV that was shown in Detroit last year, and features 2+2 seating in a ridiculously small footprint made possible in part by a drive-by-wire, joystick-type control system which also enables some very unusual window placement. Toyota announced plans to offer a BEV for sale in 2012.
NAIAS 2010 Part 3: Concept Cars
3855 days
by Emmy Jackson
in Editorial
In no particular order, here are the new concepts that were introduced in Detroit:
GMC Granite concept: This concept vehicle is “a new type of vehicle for GMC,” according to the talking heads from GM. The snarky response would be, “What, is it a car?” Um, well, it kind of is. Think of a Kia Soul as restyled by Audi, and you’ve got the Granite in a nutshell. GMC calls it an “urban utilty vehicle,” and it’s got the usual handsomely intricate show-car interior, suicide doors and interesting folding seat setup that expands to create enough space for a wheels-on mountain bike inside. A full two feet shorter than the compact GMC Terrain, the Granite is powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is unlikely to see production.
Buick Regal GS concept: Buick fired a shot across Acura’s bow with the Regal GS concept, which features more aggressive lines, a six-speed manual gearbox and a five-horsepower bump over the sportiest Regal. Four-cylinder turbo power is still used, but the Regal GS also adds all-wheel drive and handsome 20-inch wheels.
Toyota FT-CH concept: CH stands for “compact hybrid.” Toyota’s expressed an intent to expand its hybrid lineup, and the FT-CH is 22 inches shorter than the Prius. Intended as an urban commuter, the FT-CH is lighter and more efficient than the Prius, of course, and offers city-friendly dimensions. Fun “eight-bit” styling is inspired by classic video games, according to Toyota; it’s most noticeable in the blocky wheels and square graphics housing the turn signals. The FT-CH is ultra-smooth and even though it’s a concept, it’s easy to see that a production version would have a sportier look than the current Prius. Toyota’s rumblings about expanding the scope of its hybrid lineup are competition-driven, of course–specifically by Honda, which aimed for a two-fer with the production version of the sporty-yet-efficient CR-Z.
Chrysler/Lancia: What the hell is that thing? I asked myself. It’s not the love child of a PT Cruiser and a Pacifica, though you’d be forgiven for thinking so. What it actually is, is a European Lancia Delta with Chrysler badges, a possible product of the Chrysler-Fiat marriage. Not familiar with Italian manufacturer Lancia? Not a surprise. They haven’t been sold in the U.S. since 1982, though that’s likely to change soon. Interestingly enough, most car-savvy Europeans I’ve talked to think the current Lancia Delta is a rather mediocre car, so I’m not sure what bringing it to the States as a Chrysler would accomplish.
Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept: This big, razorblade-y styling exercise from Cadillac serves to underscore the brand’s commitment to its “Platinum” badge, which denotes the highest-luxury versions of its products. Cadillac says the XTS Platinum concept is a vision of a “personal headquarters.” It’s not a bad HQ either, especially considering the overhead console, etched suede leather interior trim and generous rear cabin with full infotainment capability. The XTS Platinum has surprises under the hood, too; a two-mode plug-in hybrid 3.6 liter V6 engine provides power to all four wheels.
Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Hybrid concept: Volkswagen staged the world debut of the NCC in Detroit. This elegant, sporty four-seat coupe looks production-ready, so there’s a good chance that there’s a Jetta or Passat coupe in the wings waiting to use this sheet metal. Whatever they call it, a vehicle like the NCC would be a decent addition to the lineup–even if critics are going to say the look was cribbed in part from an old BMW template. A 150-horsepower four-cylinder engine is coupled to a 27-horse electric motor and a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, resulting in 45-mpg fuel economy and a 141-mph top speed. The NCC is a dual-mode hybrid that can power itself on full-electric drive as well. Volkswagen plans to introduce its first hybrid shortly–though it’ll be an SUV, not a front-wheel drive coupe.
BMW Concept ActiveE: Though the basic message of BMW’s press conference was, “We’re not sucking quite as badly as the other guys,” the brand managed to be upbeat about the future. The Concept ActiveE may look like a 1-Series, but it’s a fully electric vehicle that’s schedule to go on limited sale in 2011. It’s the second evolution of the electric propulsion system that premiered in the MINI-E this year. BMW says the system offers the equivalent of 170 horsepower and a range of about 100 miles on a charge. A range-extending “Eco” mode is also available, and the electric drive and batteries have been installed without negatively affecting the 1-Series’ 4-passenger capacity.
MINI Beachcomber concept: The Beachcomber concept is a harbinger of the upcoming crossover vehicle from MINI. The question of whether the MINI lineup needs to expand at all aside, the door-less, roofless Beachcomber is a fun concept, with shades of the classic Mini Moke beach buggy. The raised off-road stance and tall tires are combined with all-wheel drive and a longer, taller body that’s still clearly a MINI to produce an open-air beach cruiser. Look closely and you can see the lines of the MINI crossover that’s likely to turn up in the next year or so. A “Center Rail” accessory system extends through the car from the dash and allows a variety of accessories to be plugged in.
Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid: Kind of low on the visual-interest scale is Toyota’s Prius plug-in hybrid. Why do we care? Plug-in hybrids are able to charge their batteries using standard household outlets, and offer expanded full-electric driving capability. It’s the same as the familiar Prius, but with a dramatically extended gasoline-free range. The Prius plug-in hybrid charges in about three hours from a 110V or 220V outlet, and can drive about thirteen miles at speeds up to 60mph on full-electric power. It’s a stepping stone between hybrids and fully electric vehicles, and offers a handy compromise between the two.
Hyundai Blue-Will concept: Hyundai’s pushing its Blue Drive system, which foreshadows a hybrid-electric Sonata to come from Hyundai in 2011. The complex and intricate Blue-Will concept is powered by a 1.6 liter, 152 horsepower direct-injection gasoline engine with a 100kW electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. That’s not much different from most compact hybrids. What is different is the “thermal generator” which boosts efficiency by capturing hot exhaust gases and converting them into electric energy to power the auxiliary systems. The interior is extravagant show-car fare, with floating white leather seats and thin-film LED lighting forming the instrument panel.
Chevrolet Aveo RS Concept: The inexpensive Chevy Aveo has occupied the bottom of the automotive food chain for a few years now, and from the look of things it’s tired of being the butt of all the jokes. An all-new Aveo is on the way soon, and it’s preceded by the hot-hatch Aveo RS Concept. This five-door features aggressive three-door styling, a central exhaust and a 1.4 liter 138-horsepower turbocharged engine (borrowed from the much larger Cruze) that’s connected to a six-speed manual transmission. It’s larger on the inside, and many of the details, including the motorcycle-inspired “mini-cluster” instrument panel should appear on the production version.
Audi e-tron concept: While I was missing Audi’s press conference in order to get lunch (what do I look like, a machine? A body’s gotta eat, you know), the German manufacturer unveiled its second “e-tron” electric vehicle concept. The e-tron looks like the R8, but it’s smaller. The styling actually hints at Audi’s upcoming R4 mid-engine sports coupe. Unlike the R4, the e-tron features a lightweight plastic-and-aluminum body and 204-horsepower electric drive system. Audi predicts a range of about 155 miles on a charge, but the e-tron is focused on performance as much as it is on efficiency. Light weight and a short wheelbase offer nimble handling, and the heavy battery pack is mounted in the middle of the car for mid-engine vehicle balance. Audi introduced the first automotive heat pump for interior climate control on the previous e-tron, and Detroit’s version was so equipped as well. The cabin is clean and almost devoid of switchgear other than Audi’s familiar MMI interface.