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Home / Detroit Show Gives Sneak Peek of Latest Cars
Detroit Show Gives Sneak Peek of Latest Cars
BMW, Chevrolet, and Hyundai are just a few of the brands debuting important new models in Detroit this year.
by MICHAEL BETTENCOURT,
ForbesAutos.com
The annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit usually features many significant debuts from car companies around the world, but particularly from domestic manufacturers. Below are the cars being unveiled for the first time. The show is open to the public January 19-27.
On Sale: Fourth quarter 2008
Base Price: Around $45,000
After driving the regular Audi TT all-out on a race track head-to-head with other sport coupes, we consider it to be one of the most enjoyable cars around, thanks to superb balance and tenacious all-wheel drive that allows the car to be flung through turns with abandon. Audi will make the TT even more exciting starting in November, when a sportier version, called the TTS, goes on sale in North America.
The TTS will come as a coupe or convertible, and make use of a 265-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which Audi says will propel it to 60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds. Top speed on this mighty mite will be just over 155 mph.
More-aggressive looking front and rear bumpers provide visual punch. Other unique touches include special LED daytime running lights and a quad-tip exhaust outlet.
On Sale: Second quarter 2008
Base Price: Around $60,000
The 2009 BMW X6 is part of a trend to spice up four-door cars with swoopier styling. Think of it as a sportier-looking and less practical version of BMW’s midsize X5 SUV. What it adds in style, the X6 loses in convenience, with less room for rear occupants and cargo.
A concept version of the X6 was unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show last September (including a variant with hybrid technology); the final production version debuts at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
New on the X6 is Dynamic Performance Control, which integrates traction- and stability-control systems with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system for better handling. The X6 also ushers in a new convoluted naming system: the X6 xDrive35i will use a six-cylinder 300-hp engine; the X6 xDrive50i receives a 4.4-liter V8 with 400 hp. Both engines feature twin turbochargers and other technology designed to enhance performance and fuel efficiency.
On Sale: Fourth quarter 2008
Base Price: Not yet determined
Diesel engines, long popular in Europe for their superior fuel efficiency, are just now hitting the U.S. One of the first BMW vehicles to get a diesel engine is the X5 SUV.
Until now, diesel engines haven’t been able to comply with exhaust emissions regulations in all 50 states. But the new X5 xDrive35d, like the latest diesel vehicles from Audi and Mercedes-Benz, will be sold in all 50 states, thanks to new technology that helps reduce emissions. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and others have worked together to develop a system that injects urea into the diesel exhaust gases to neutralize toxic nitrogen oxides. BMW calls this technology “BluePerformance,” Mercedes calls it “Bluetec.”
The X5 xDrive35d achieves 265 hp, a massive 425 pound-feet of torque, and an estimated 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. That’s much higher than the comparable gasoline-powered X5, which gets 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway. The diesel X5 may sip fuel, but it’s no performance slouch and achieves 0-62 mph acceleration time of 7.2 seconds, BMW says.
On Sale: Fourth quarter 2008
Base Price: Not yet determined
It’s one thing to offer diesel engines on high-end SUVs, many of which can certainly use a reduction in fuel consumption, but BMW will also bring its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine to the heart of the luxury market with the 335d variant of its 3 Series Sedan.
The impressive output is the same as in the diesel X5 discussed above: 265 hp and 425 pound-feet of torque. Yet with a smaller and lighter body, the 335d achieves better mileage: 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, with runs from 0-62 mph elapsing in 6.2 seconds, BMW says.
On Sale:
Base Price: $33,000 - $39,000
Although pictures and detailed specs of the car were available last fall, the 2009 1 Series Convertible is officially unveiled in Detroit, just months before the 128i convertible is set to arrive in U.S. showrooms.
Unlike the 3 Series Convertible, which has a folding hard top, the 1 Series Convertible gets a power-operated folding fabric top. It lowers in 22 seconds and works at speeds up to 25 mph. BMW is touting a unique black fabric for the convertible top that shimmers in sunlight.
The less expensive 128i is powered by a smooth, non-turbocharged 230-hp six-cylinder engine. The 128i will be followed later this year by the more powerful 135i convertible, which will feature BMW’s acclaimed twin-turbocharged six-cylinder gasoline engine already used in the 3 Series. The 135i drop-top will take about a half second more to sprint to 60 mph than the 135i coupe, which does so in 5.1 seconds. That’s because the convertible weighs more, thanks to extra safety reinforcements to compensate for the lack of a rigid roof. That said, it should still be one of the quickest convertibles on the market.
On Sale:
Base Price: Around $60,000
General Motors is making a statement with the new Cadillac CTS-V, just like with the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1: it wants top vehicles from across the company to compete with the best in the world. We think that the new CTS-V (and Corvette ZR-1) have what it takes.
The CTS-V is a higher-performance variant of the recently updated CTS sedan and includes a version of the supercharged V8 engine in the new Corvette ZR-1. It’s less powerful but still unleashes an estimated 550 hp and about as much torque. As such, it’s more potent than at least one of its major rivals, the BMW M5, whose larger V10 engine puts out 500 hp.
The CTS-V has some new technology that the regular CTS doesn’t, including an optional six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, a light in the instrument panel that tells you when to shift just like on a race car, a variable suspension system calibrated for sharper handling, and a Performance Traction Management system that maximizes acceleration and cornering grip.
On Sale: July 2008
Base Price: $100,000 estimated
To car buffs, the “ZR1” moniker carries a lot of weight. When applied to the Corvette, that label has come to signify the ultimate in American performance, but it hasn’t been used since the 1990s.
The 2009 Corvette ZR1 edition will produce at least 620 hp from its supercharged V8 engine — outdoing the current Corvette top dog, the Z06. The ZR- is designed to compete with the most exotic European sports cars. “Cars like this may really be legislated out of existence,” said Bob Lutz, General Motors vice chairman, referring to looming federally mandated increases in fuel-economy.
Upgrades on the ZR1 include massive carbon-ceramic brake rotors — used for their superior heat dissipation — and suspension tweaks designed to keep the car planted when all that power hits the pavement. The ZR1 will reportedly be priced around $100,000, which is outrageous for a Corvette but a bargain when looking at competitors in this performance bracket. Chevrolet aimed for a sports car that could match the power and performance of a Ferrari or Lamborghini at less than half the price.
On Sale: Fourth quarter 2008
Base Price: Starting around $22,000
Dodge arranged for a cattle drive on the streets of Detroit to celebrate the debut of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, one of the most important introductions for the Cerberus-owned Chrysler. To go along with a logo that is now 250 percent bigger, the '09 Ram crams 35 new or improved features and 380 hp into truck that is sleeker than its forebear. “This is a real truck and that ain’t no bull,” said Chrysler Vice Chairman and President Jim Press at the debut.
The new Ram features a coil-spring rear suspension as well as a “grille-forward” design, with an aluminum hood with large power bulge contributing to the best aerodynamics in its class. The truck will be available in a regular cab, Quad Cab, and for the first time ever in a Ram, a crew cab.
Despite a slimmer body, the Ram has twice as many storage places as the previous model. Of special note is the RamBox cargo management system, which includes weatherproof, lockable storage spaces on both sides of the bed. The Ram also sports electronic features most often found in family vehicles, like SIRIUS Backseat TV and a back-up camera.
On Sale: 2010
Base Price: $80,000
The Fisker Karma is a plug-in hybrid from the mind of Henrik Fisker, who until now was best known for designing vehicles for Aston Martin and BMW. Fisker also runs a custom car-making (called "coachbuilding") operation that heavily revises models from BMW and Mercedes. He's now in the luxury hybrid business, and the sleek four-door Karma is his first model.
The Karma uses a gasoline engine paired with an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. These are the kind of batteries found in laptop computers, only much larger. Fisker claims that the Karma can cover 50 miles on electric power alone, and can go from 0 to 60 mph in just under six seconds. Its top speed is 125 mph.
The Karma's production is slated to begin at the end of 2009 so it can hit showrooms in 2010. During its development, Fisker said the car would sell for less than $100,000, and the $80,000 tag on the Karma shows that this boutique builder is serious about taking on the big luxury manufacturers. The Karma's closest competitor, the Lexus LS 600h L, sells for more than $100,000.
A more opulently equipped version of the Karma is also scheduled for production, with a price just topping the six-figure mark.
On Sale:
Base Price: $17,000-$40,000 (est.)
The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck in the U.S. for more than 30 years and with Ford fighting for its survival, the big question is, “How will the company carry that momentum forward, even as market trends indicate that big, fuel-thirsty trucks are on the outs?”
One strategy is to play up the luxury angle as in the range-topping version of the latest F-150, called the Platinum series. The Platinum F-150 features a satin chrome grille, standard 20-inch wheels, and special stitching on the leather seats — all details that luxury cars rely on to stand out from regular vehicles.
Ford calls it the most luxurious F-150 ever. Inside, it includes an advanced version of Ford’s Sync system that allows hands-free cell phone and audio system control, Sirius Travel Link satellite radio service that can display detailed information like fuel prices at nearby gas stations, and a 700-watt, 10-speaker Sony sound system.
Ford says there will be 35 variants available when the new model goes on sale in the fall. Offerings include a choice of three V8 engines, four or six-speed automatic transmissions, three body styles, seven trim levels, and 13 different sets of wheels.
Some features that seem particularly useful at first glance include an integrated step on the side of cargo bed, a tailgate step with a handrail, and a bed extender system that stows out of the way.
On Sale: Second quarter 2008
Base Price: Around $27,000
Befitting a trend where more cars are getting transparent roof panels, Ford shows off a glass-roof Mustang in Detroit. The option will be available on both V6- and V8-powered Mustang Coupes starting this summer for $1,995, which represents about half the price jump from a Mustang Coupe to a Mustang Convertible.
The fixed glass roof lets in lots of light, which is a good thing because the Mustang Coupe’s small side windows normally make the interior feel claustrophobic. The roof glass is tinted to go some way toward protecting occupants from the sun, but the sliding sunshade integrated into the roof headliner will better block out light and damaging UV rays.
On Sale: Later this year
Base Price: $28,000-$40,000
Honda pulled the wraps off the 2009 Pilot SUV in Detroit, and rumor has it that the prototype at the show won't be much different from what hits showroom floors later this year.
The exterior design of the eight-seater has been tweaked specifically to add more room on the inside. Legroom has increased in all seating positions, allowing for an adult male to sit comfortably in the third row. Both the second and third rows fold down flat for optimum cargo space.
Honda's fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology allows the six-cylinder engine to run on just three or four cylinders to save fuel. The previous Pilot had similar technology, but could only run on six or three cylinders.
The Pilot employs a gasoline engine for now, but Honda has said that it feels hybrid powertrains are ideal for smaller vehicles and diesels are bettrt for larger ones. With a diesel engine reportedly in the works for Acura, few will be surprised if one is optionally available in the Pilot before long.
On Sale:
Base Price: Less than $30,000
Hyundai’s first rear-wheel-drive sedan, the 2009 Genesis, is designed to provide the space, power, and features of twice-as-expensive Lexus and Mercedes-Benz models. It will also compete with the likes of the Chrysler 300 and upcoming Pontiac G8.
The Genesis will start at less than $30,000 when it goes on sale this summer. For that relatively modest price, it will offer high-end options such as adaptive headlights that illuminate the road around curves, active cruise control that automatically slows the car when it senses another vehicle ahead, a rear back-up camera, and traffic reports via satellite radio, among others.
Performance will also be in line with top luxury sedans. Two high-output V6 engines will be offered, as well as an all-new 4.6-liter V8 that produces an estimated 368 hp — more power than the BMW 750i and Lexus GS 450h can muster.
A 268-hp 3.3-liter V6 will be the base engine; a 3.8-liter V6 upgrade engine brings close to 290 hp. Hyundai points out that all the engines slated for the Genesis, including the powerhouse V8, are designed to use regular gasoline. By comparison, most luxury sedans can only use more expensive premium fuel.
On Sale:
Base Price: $27,000-$30,000
All RX-8s receive front and rear end styling tweaks, as well as new wheel designs that help differentiate them from the current model. The new R3 sport package includes a rear spoiler, new bumpers and body moldings, and 19-inch high-performance tires and wheels.
Increasing the performance potential of the RX-8 R3 are upgraded shocks and suspension that are filled with foam, an addition that Mazda says will help smooth out the ride and reduce the noise traditionally associated with stiffer suspension systems. The R3 model also features supportive Recaro front seats and a 300-watt Bose sound system.
On Sale: Fourth quarter 2008
Base Price: $25,000 - $30,000
GM says its 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line Two-Mode hybrid will be the most fuel efficient V6-powered SUV on the planet. It will offer a 50 percent increase in fuel economy over the non-hybrid Vue with a V6 engine and a range of more than 500 miles per tank, the company says. Performance numbers are impressive too, with an estimated 7.3-second 0-60 mph acceleration run, and the capability to tow 3,500 pounds.
The two-mode Vue is the second in what will be three variants of Saturn’s Vue Green Line. The first launched in 2007 with a "mild-hybrid" setup that uses a four-cylinder engine and electric starter/generator. Unlike the new two-mode Vue Green Line, the existing mild-hybrid version can’t run only on electricity. The third Vue Green Line variant will be a plug-in version.
The two-mode Vue Green Line uses a hybrid powertrain similar to that found in GM's Cadillac Escalade Hybrid and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. It will be able to run on electricity alone at low speeds, and then work in combination with the gas engine at higher speeds.
By next year, Vue buyers will have four engines to choose from: four- or six-cylinder gasoline-only Vues, plus the upcoming two-mode hybrid and the mild hybrid that is currently on sale.
On Sale: Second quarter 2008
Base Price: Around $25,000
As with most redesigned vehicles, the 2009 Subaru Forester grows in size, although its engines remain similar to what has come before. The biggest change is the addition of what is called a redesigned “independent” rear suspension, which means rear wheels can move up and down independently of one another. This setup, already used up front, should improve handling and make room for a larger cargo area as well.
A navigation system and satellite radio will also become factory options for the first time, while Subaru’s unique all-wheel-drive system remains a staple on all its vehicles.
There is a choice of 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines, one turbocharged, the other not. Subaru says low and mid-range power is improved on both. Manual and automatic transmissions will continue to be offered.
Models equipped with the manual transmission — a rarity among crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) these days — get a new hill-holder function to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting to move from a standstill while on an incline.
On Sale: Later this year
Base Price: $20,000 - $25,000
Toyota’s 2009 Venza crossover sedan will go on sale in North America later this year. Preliminary information suggests that it will resemble a high-roofed Camry hatchback, similar to the way the Toyota Matrix is a tall-hatchback take on the Corolla. And yet the “sedan” moniker implies something more like Subaru’s short-lived Outback sedan, which had a trunk instead of a rear cargo bay and which never sold as well as the Outback wagon.
The Venza may also take cues from the FT-SX concept shown at the 2005 Detroit auto show, which was based on the full-size Toyota Avalon platform. Toyota says the Venza will be a five-passenger vehicle (meaning no third-row seats), and provide easy ingress and egress. The Venza will be built at the same Kentucky plant that currently puts together the Camry and Solara.
On Sale:
Base Price: Not yet determined
The dubious trend instigated by German luxury automakers of mislabeling four-door sedans as “coupes ” — a term traditionally used for sportier two-door cars — now extends to the mass market with Volkswagen’s new Passat CC. Like the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, this “coupe” actually has four doors, not two, and is simply a dressed up version of an existing sedan, in this case, the regular Passat Sedan.
For the sake of swoopier styling, the rear seating area and trunk have been made smaller. The engines and transmissions offered on the Passat Sedan carry over to the Passat CC. These include a 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine por a 280-hp V6. Both come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. One new feature specific to the CC will be a large glass roof panel that partially retracts.
In Europe, high-end items like an auto-park feature, active cruise control, and lane-departure warning system will be available, but Volkswagen of America has not said whether some or all of these features will make it to U.S. versions.
In Pictures: New Vehicles Debuting at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show
Diana Britton helped report this article.
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Published on 2008-01-11
Copyright 2007 Forbes.com LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be republished or redistributed without permission.
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