2009 North American International Auto Show
"Maybe the best show ever?"
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Believe me ... that title was chosen with great care. These words were written as I was winging my way west after an eventful and fulfilling four days in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show. While those manufacturers that decided to skip this year's fiesta were sorely missed (Nissan, Infiniti, Porsche, Mitsubishi, Land Rover, Suzuki, Ferrari and Rolls-Royce), it was the variety from those manufactures that filled some of the available space (and the resulting extra elbow room!) that made it such an interesting show. If 2009 proves to be as intriguing as this kick-off, we are in for an exciting automotive year.
Tesla Roadster
Who took some of the extra space, you ask? Nothing less impactful than two electric sports car companies, Tesla and Fisker, and two Chinese companies - Brilliance and BYD, or "Build Your Dreams." While it is easy to giggle at the Chinese vehicles for their 2002 Hyundai Sonata-level style and refinement, or the fact that their manufacturers promised years ago to be on sale here in the U.S. in 2007, the fact is that they have the confidence and chutzpah to join the big boys on the main floor. Much respect.
2011 Chevrolet Volt Sedan
And just for fun, allow me to introduce a new award on an already crowded auto award stage: the "Bell Ringer." In celebrating these winners together, you will be ready to hold court when the subject of cars comes up at your next bbq or cocktail party. All of this from a website you enjoyed from your warm and comfy computer desk rather than trekking to snowy and frigid Detroit in January. These Bell Ringers are the cars that shook me and confirmed my suspicion that the auto biz is the most innovative, important and sexiest on the planet. How many machines do you know that can inspire passion while taking you in quiet comfort to visit your Aunt Doris in Duluth?
Cadillac Converj Concept
Concept Vehicle -- Cadillac: My big concern last month was that GM might not have enough cash on hand to pay its insane show stand electric bill. Now my worry is that the upcoming Chevrolet Volt will not be delivered as promised in late 2010 ... because I want GM's follow-up Range Extended Hybrid -- the Cadillac Converj. When it rolled out of the shadows, all I could mutter was "Lamborghini Gallardo." Yes, you heard that right. Cadillac wants to make a car that rivals some of the best from the Italian masters ... with 40 miles of all-electric range. Enough said. I want.
2010 Ford Taurus
Production Vehicles -- Ford: These two words from my fingers are going to shock you ... Ford Taurus. Wow. I can't believe I really typed that. But it is true, as the new Taurus will ask, nay, demand that you throw away your memories of this classic nameplate and think of this new "bull" in a very different way. Stylish ... innovative ... safe ... high-tech ... efficient ... all fronted by a "Blue Oval" now dedicated to value more than ever before. Trust me.
2010 Toyota Prius
"Green" Production Vehicles -- Toyota: A new dawn has passed in the auto biz, and that mid-morning sun is now shining on a selection of vehicles that make no compromises when it comes to exciting yet responsible efficiency. This award could easily be shared by four different vehicles: the Honda Insight for its ability to offer a true hybrid lifestyle at a lower price point, the Ford Fusion hybrid for making 42 MPG as comfortable, stylish, and easy as any midsize car could ever be, or the Audi A3 TDI (diesel) for its ability to merge heavy throttle fun with light throttle emissions and economy. But the car that stood just a bit taller than these is the 2010 Toyota Prius. Here are the facts -- 50 MPG, solar roof panel, radar cruise control, lane departure control, pre-collision warning system, more horsepower and five more cubic feet of interior space than the already surprising outgoing model. And all of this hybrid goodness is wrapped up in a design that pays tribute to the current Prius' rockstar status but slices through the air cleaner than any other production vehicle on the planet.
2010 Chevrolet Equinox
Shock of the Show -- Chevrolet: The only segment that showed positive prospects in 2008's slow crash and burn were those vehicles best described as crossovers - SUV/truck style with car-like smoothness and efficiency. GM showed me that it was worthy of my recent government-backed loan support when it rolled out the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. It isn't that this vehicle does anything worlds better than many of its current and expected competitors. No, what makes it such a stunner that it is from GM. Get yourself into a Chevy showroom this summer to see what I am talking about. This is the ONE vehicle that should do more to narrow the perceived quality/style/value gap with the imports than any that have come before.
Posted on 2009-01-16 | Permalink | 
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