While it may not have been any warmer in Detroit than Cleveland, it was hot inside Cobo Hall where all of the latest concept and production models were on display at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. Given the economy, focus was given to production vehicles over flashy concepts, but there was still plenty of glitz.
The show started January 10 with the announcement of the Chevy Volt and Ford Explorer as North American Car and Truck of the Year. The Volt won another well-deserved award while Ford garnered praise for its re-designed Explorer crossover. Then, the real action began.
Concepts
Korean automakers had the most fun concepts. Hyundai showed the Curb, a small crossover that would compete with the Nissan Juke. Kia rolled out the KV7, a large people mover with next century interior and gullwing doors.
Honda debuted previews of the 2012 Civic that are edgier evolutions of the current designs, which should keep customers happy. Ford unveiled the Vertrek concept, a near-production version of the all-new Escape. Going large, GMC showed the All Terrain HD Concept, an off-road take on the brand’s heavy duty trucks. Much smaller, the Mini Countryman-based Paceman coupe has been given the green light.
Toyota’s Prius hybrid is in a family way with the roomier 2012 Prius V wagon, but it also showed the Prius C concept that reduces weight with Aeron-style seats, small footprint, and minimal interior appointments. Over time, Family Prius will grow.
Production
All of the concepts are definitely cool, but automakers are clearly spending their efforts on production models that will substantially change their fortunes. The most significant launches were the 2012 VW Passat, Buick Verano, Chevy Sonic, and Chrysler 300.
The larger Passat flaunts an Audi-inspired design that looks expensive and makes passengers feel like German Kaisers. To manufacture the new Passat, VW built a high-tech new plant in Chattanooga, TN. In every way, the Passat is more American without losing what makes it German.
Verano and Sonic prove GM can build impressive small cars – in the U.S. Verano shares its platform with the Chevy Cruze, but is available with a beautiful woodgrain and leather interior, ambient lighting, and heated steering wheel. Sonic replaces Aveo as Chevrolet’s sub-compact entry, and while it was developed by GM-Daewoo in S. Korea, it is built in Michigan.
Chrysler chose Detroit as the perfect venue to debut the 2011 300. The iconic muscle sedan shape remains, but has been smoothed and tightened for a more upscale appearance. Sculpted chrome slats and a new winged logo give the front dimension while interiors embrace a different league of refinement. If you must tinker with the design, and many will, eggcrate and Bentley-style grilles are optional. Chrysler Group also showed the more expensive-looking Compass and 70th Anniversary trim for all Jeep models.
Journalists got their first close look at the facelifted 2012 Mercedes C-Class, including a new wagon, with E-Class-style dashboards and revised headlamps. BMW showed the 1-Series M Coupe and the new 6-Series Convertible while Audi brought its elegantly restyled 2012 A6. Hyundai’s 2012 Veloster will enthrall young buyers with an efficient engine, coupelike exterior, hatchback, and a third door to take friends anywhere. Going green goes safe with the 2012 Volvo C30 electric car.
Ford continues to light up the industry with the C-Max mini-mini van, 2012 Focus, and Transit Connect. To put a jolt into competitors’ plans, the automaker will also introduce an all-electric 100-mile 2012 Focus, C-Max hybrid, and plug-in electric C-Max.
As you look out your window at the cold and snow, look towards spring and these hot models from Detroit! Like spring, they’ll be here sooner than you think.