Detroit Show Highlights, Part 2: Concept Cars Point the Way Forward

Lexus LF-A Detroit 2007 concept

The first Lexus LF-A supercar concept, introduced at the 2005 Detroit auto show, was just a pure teaser concept car, said Lexus VP Bob Carter. “This one is much closer to something that could go into production,” he said, “and we’re certainly monitoring people’s reactions to it.” Of course, two years ago, Jim Press said that LF-A was “a realistic vision of how we might explore the boundaries that define the exotic sports car landscape.” The new LF-A is still a concept supercar, apparently, although there was a not-so-subtle pause and glance at the LF-A when Carter discussed what could possibly come as the next Lexus “F” performance vehicle. The LF-A part two is powered by a V10 engine capable of more than 500 hp and mounted in a front mid-engine layout (the entire engine is aft of the front axle) with a rear-mounted transaxle for better weight distribution. Lexus is aiming for a top speed of 200 mph and it seems as if a production supercar based on the LF-A concept would be poised to compete with the upcoming Nissan Skyline GT-R and Acura’s forthcoming NSX replacement.

Lincoln MKR concept

The Lincoln MKR concept is “more sporty than stately,” said Ford’s North American design chief, Peter Horbury. What really sets the MKR apart from its Lincoln forbears is its huge twin double-wing grille, which blends into the slit-like headlights in a toothy, dramatic chrome grin. Horbury says the grille was designed to look like “the bow of a boat cutting through the water.” The MKR’s new styling motifs may carry Lincoln’s big message, but its engine is also notable: a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 that will power a number of upcoming Ford and Lincoln models in the next five years. Here it produces 415 hp and 400 pound feet of torque, for an unheard of 118 hp per liter. The engine is also E85-capable.

Mazda Ryuga concept

The Mazda Ryuga seems to be only a small step down from the L.A. auto show’s way-out-there Nagare concept, an ephemeral dream-car. The Ryuga translates new “flow” design language into more realistic terms that will work on its future production vehicles. The Ryuga (pronounced ree-yoo-ga) is Japanese for “gracious flow,” and the design is inspired by Japanese rock gardens, said Laurens van den Acker, Mazda’s general manager of design. The third and fourth chapters of Mazda’s latest epic concept-car journey will be at the Geneva show in the spring and the Tokyo show in the fall. The Ryuga four-seat compact sport coupe is powered by a 2.5-liter E85 ethanol-capable version of Mazda’s four-cylinder MZR engine family and has a six-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive concept

The Ocean Drive concept introduced by Mercedes-Benz is of an especially rare body style: the four-door convertible. Currently no large mainstream automotive manufacturer offers a four-door convertible — partly because this body style presents structural challenges not found on two-door convertibles. The Ocean Drive concept is based on the platform of the 517-hp twin-turbo V12-powered S600 sedan and features distinctive LED headlights and taillights as well as door handles that fit flush with the bodywork. A hydraulic system smoothly powers the fabric roof up and down, while a complex window mechanism allows all side windows to roll down completely for a true open-air experience. The interior is fitted with maple wood trim and soft leather. Mercedes-Benz's neck-level heating system called AirScarf reaches all four passengers thanks to vents in upper seat backs. Mercedes-Benz is officially calling this a one-off design study, though CEO Dieter Zetsche said that if there is enough interest, the automaker may build it. The last open-air four-door model made by Mercedes-Benz was the 1962 300d Cabriolet.

Mercedes-Benz Vision GL420 Bluetec concept

With its line of cleaner, low-emission Bluetec diesels, Mercedes-Benz is hoping to convince the U.S. market that high-miles-per-gallon diesel engines are ideal for the kind of driving and vehicles — especially large ones — Americans favor. The automaker introduced a new version of its full-size GL-Class SUV equipped with a new diesel V8 that makes 290 hp and an especially strong 515 pound-feet of torque. Particularly impressive is the 24 mpg fuel economy figure anticipated for the model, which would allow a range of more than 500 miles. CEO Dieter Zetsche hinted that the automaker will greatly expand its diesel lineup next year, and the GL420 Bluetec is a shoo-in. Now that ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is widely available in the U.S. (low sulfur content is key to low emissions in diesel engines), the automaker insists that the Bluetec system will meet emissions requirements in all 50 states.

Mitsubishi Prototype X concept

Mitsubishi’s Prototype X should be a very strong hint of what the upcoming Lancer Evolution will look like. Although the company is not divulging engine statistics yet, the eagerly anticipated Lancer Evolution X will likely feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing around 300 hp to place it in competition with the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Mitsubishi says the next Evo will feature more comforts along with its increased performance, including automatic climate control, new Recaro seats and paddle shifters for its sequential-manual transmission with an automated clutch. Mitsubishi says the new Lancer Evolution will be available in the first quarter of 2008.

Nissan Bevel concept

The oddly shaped Bevel, a far-out concept aimed at aging, empty-nester men who do home-improvement projects, incorporates a number of useful design features with an overall style that’s very Jetsons. Part station wagon, part utility van, the Bevel has a low ride height and a cavernous cargo area, with a fold-down workbench and wide-opening hatch. Cargo-carrying “pucks” help tie down roof cargo, while weird-looking rubber protectors keep the wheels from being scuffed by curbs. Perhaps the wackiest element of the Bevel is its front end, where the retro-futuristic grille is asymmetrical and the headlights are hidden within a Lite Brite-like grid. Throttle, braking and steering are all by wire (which means they’re electronically controlled), and power would be provided by a hybrid-electric powertrain. Solar panels are mounted on the roof, presumably to help charge the hybrid system.

Toyota FT-HS concept

Toyota rolled out its FT-HS, a very low, wedge-shaped hybrid sports car concept for drivers who the company says are “not satisfied with cars that are simply fast.” The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-plus-two coupe (a term that basically denotes a small rear seat) has a 3.5-liter V6 combined with a new-generation electric motor drive to produce about 400 hp of combined power. Toyota anticipates that this gas/electric hybrid powertrain is good for zero to 60 mph in about four seconds. “The FT-HS would be a true ‘attainable exotic’ with 21st century performance,” said Kevin Hunter, head of Toyota’s Calty U.S. design studio. A sports car based off of the FT-HS concept could fill a void left long ago with the departure of Toyota’s well-loved Supra model. Toyota said that, if priced correctly, this could be the "it" car two years from now for those who want to go fast and be green.

Volvo XC60 concept

Volvo officially unveiled its XC60 concept, which it said provides a “good indication of how the ‘real’ XC60 will look,” referring to the crossover vehicle with the same name that the automaker is readying for model year 2009. The exterior design is similar to that of the XC90, but it’s more distinctive, including a glass hatch like that of the upcoming C30 hatchback. The floating center stack, already a design centerpiece for much of the current Volvo lineup, has been redesigned to be even more simplified and minimalistic. “You could almost say, a wall of ice,” design director Steve Mattin said about it. The model also features the upcoming City Safety low-speed accident avoidance system. The concept is powered by a 265-hp, ethanol-fueled six-cylinder engine.

Read our in-depth coverage of the Volvo XC60 here.

Find out more about Volvo’s City Safety system here.

Return to: Page 1

Page: 1   2