Last Updated on Tuesday, 26 January 2010 09:10
I attended the 2010 North American International Auto Show
(a.k.a. The Detroit Auto Show) earlier this week as a guest of General
Motors. As always it is great to start
off a new year with my "other family" of journalists, PR pros and
automotive executives at what I call the mother church of the auto industry -
Detroit.
The show was smaller than in years past and as a result, it
was a bit more manageable. There were
amazing concept cars shown like the Buick Regal GS and the GMC Granite (click
here to watch the press conference), the Chevrolet Aveo RS (video of press
conference) and the Audi e-Tron and VW's New Compact Coupe.
2011 Lincoln MKX
The 2011 Lincoln MKX that debuted at the 2010 Detroit Auto show is the latest Lincoln to undergo a styling update. It is not an all-new vehicle but the styling enhancements are significant. The entire front end is new and it brings the MKX up-to-date with the Lincoln design language - for better or for worse. Actually, the Lincoln grill is growing on me and while not as elegant as the MKZ, the new schnoz on the MKX is distinctive and gives it an entirely new character. The rear of the MKX has been redesigned as well.
The biggest news concerning the MKX is the new elegant interior featuring the first application of MyLincoln Touch - a system of electronics that allow owners to customize the features and information shown on the dash and in the center screen. The system is not only slick, it makes a LOT of sense as the majority of the owners of the MKX will be older and less comfortable with the massive amounts of information available. They can simply opt to show just the basic information. For those of us who want it all, a few clicks of the controls and you have all the information you want displayed beautifully on the dashboard.
The 2011 MKX features a new 3.7-liter V-6 mated to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission. It pumps out 305 HP and helps the MKX get up to 25 MPG on the highway.
2011
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Mercedes-Benz debuted an addition to their lineup with the E-Class Cabriolet. Eschewing the trend towards hard top convertibles, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet features a soft-top. The benefits are less weight and more cargo room when compared to a folding hard-top. It also allows the designers more freedom to keep the lines true to the E-Class DNA.
Speaking of tops, the soft-top on the E-Class keeps the
noise out via extensive sound-damping insulation. Mercedes claims that it is
the quietest four-seater convertible in its class. It can be operated at speeds
up to 25 mph and goes down in 20 seconds. Perfect for entertaining yourself and
others during a boulevard cruise.
Mercedes worked hard to stay true to their motto of
"four seasons, four people" with the new E-Class Cabrio. It features
an electric AIRCAP® wind deflector that reduces wind turbulence inside the
cabin with the top down. Optional features include the next-gen AIRSCARF®
heating system built into the front seat. It blows warm air from adjustable
vents in the head rests to keep your head and neck toasty like and invisible
scarf.
Looking at the photo, I think you'll agree the E-Class Cabrio is one of the few cases where soft is better than hard.
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
Cadillac used the Detroit show to officially launch their loosely-held secret - the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. The CTS already looked the part but with the advent of the V-Series, it has even more performance to backup its dirty-hot looks.
On sale in early summer of 2010, the CTS-V coupe has a 6.2L
supercharged V-8 pumping out 556 horsepower to the rear wheels through either a
6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. All the oomph delivers a
0-60 time of 3.9 seconds! Cadillac's excellent Magnetic Ride Control will allow
for spirited performance whilst delivering a comfortable ride and Brembo brakes
promise to drag the driver back into reality after reaching warp speeds.
The interior is the same design as the CTS coupe with a
unique Saffron interior trim color.
We won't go as far as saying the CTS-V Coupe is beautiful. Rather, from some angles it looks heavy and cumbersome but there something about the design that gets enthusiasts warm in the loins....it is far from lithe and flowing. It is stocky, muscular and looks like it can kick the ass of its competitors...and that is why we like it.
2011 Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is a very important car for Ford. It represents one of the largest segment of vehicles sold around the globe and the platform that underpins it will be the basis of up to 10 vehicles sold around the world representing 2 million units annually by 2012.
The first Focus sold in the U.S. did well despite some initial quality hiccups. The current generation has been a bit of a disappointment to those who know what Ford is capable of overseas so it is with great anticipation that the 2011 Ford Focus arrives on our shores.
The 2011 Ford Focus will feature a new direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that is more powerful and more efficient than the current model. It will be mated to a 6-speed "PowerShift" automatic transmission.
The Ford Focus will also debut the MyFord Touch - a system of technologies in addition to their excellent Sync system that will allow owners to configure their vehicle interface to meet their whims.
Pricing and full specifications have not been announced. We can say that the 2011 Ford Focus looks amazing!
2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe
Honda was the first car company to launch a hybrid in the U.S. in 2000, beating the Toyota Prius by a few months. The 2000 Honda Insight was futuristic looking, got amazing fuel economy but was limited by its limited seating and lack of any real cargo capacity. Honda eventually canceled the Insight and their Accord Hybrid which left them with one hybrid vehicle, the Civic Hybrid.
Honda seems to be getting back into the hybrid game with their debut of the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe. It is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid-electric system for a combined peak engine output of 122 HP.
The 2011 Honda CR-Z combines the sporty look and functionality of the old Civic Si with the proven and well-loved hybrid system from the Insight. Pricing has not been announced.
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