The year of home-branded studs
By Keith Buglewicz
|
April 17, 2007
Introduction
2007 Auto Show Studs – Photo Gallery: Reflection is a funny thing. With the 2007 auto show season all wrapped up, our staff took some time to consider the highlights we’d seen over the past several months. The goal was to agree on the top 15 concept and production debuts, a list we expected to include a fair number of exotics and a few updated top sellers thrown in for good measure, meaning more than one Honda and Lexus. Both of those brands made the cut, but surprising us were the eight domestics. We realized things were on an upward swing, but didn’t fully comprehend how positive the future looks for at least two of the Detroit Three.
BMW M3 Concept
We think very highly of the 335i coupe, which comes close to duplicating the previous generation M3’s performance. We think so highly of it that we sometimes wonder how much better an M3 version of that car could really be. After all, as good as the previous generation 330i coupe was, the M3 version was an order of magnitude better. Can this new M3 really duplicate that feat? Good lord we hope so.
2008 Cadillac CTS
Note to BMW dealers: That grille filling up your rearview mirror may not carry a Lexus badge after all. Shocker of shockers, if you look closely you will see a crest, a Cadillac crest, followed by the unmistakably angled snout of the 2008 Cadillac CTS. Redesigned on the inside, touched up on the outside and strategically improved in its road manners, the CTS is joining the luxury sedan party – and this time, it’s not wearing blue hair, bifocals or a clown nose.
Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept
It looks like the most deliciously mean Creamsicle ever – with racing stripes – and the perfect complement to the concept that debuted last year. Highlights of the exterior design, which harkens back to the 1969 Camaro but with a fair amount of modern style, feature a long hood, a short deck and wheels measuring 21 inches in front and 22 in back pushed out to the corners. Other highlights include that Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat color with gunmetal gray racing stripes. The original Hugger Orange, by the way, was offered in the 1969.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Blurring the lines between midsize and full-size, the redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu gets a longer wheelbase than and almost identical head and legroom measurements as the supposedly larger Impala. Based on the same platform as the Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura, the new Malibu is basically a Chevy flavor of those two cars offered in LS, LT, LTZ, and, to be introduced later, hybrid trim. Gone is the sporty SS and the funky Maxx hatchback, replaced by a sleek sedan wearing the new face of Chevrolet: a dual-port grille. A midsize Chevy sedan on a list of studs? We’re either crazy, or the Malibu promises to be one of the best four-door domestic competitors to hit the streets in quite some time.
Chevrolet Volt Concept
Company pitchman, Bob Lutz, calls it his company’s own little “inconvenient truth.” Referring to the recent environmental flick, GM’s most recognizable executive implied that the Chevrolet Volt concept car, which runs primarily on electricity with flex-fuel engine assist only after the 40-mile range has been exceeded, might be an inconvenient truth for those who demonize companies like his. In a best case scenario, commuters could travel to and from work without ever needing the engine’s assistance, meaning they wouldn’t need to buy, or burn, any fossil fuel. That’s a claim which should sound like music to the ears of commuters everywhere, and maybe even Al Gore.
2009 Ford Flex
Say goodbye, Freestar. And you, too, Taurus X (Freestyle), though we may be getting a little ahead of ourselves with that claim. Chased out of the minivan game by Honda, Toyota and others, Ford has regrouped with what looks to be a modern, seven-seat crossover vehicle named Flex. Built on the same platform as the Taurus (Five Hundred) and Taurus X, the Flex will be available at the end of the year and promises uncompromising style with room for everyone in the family.
Honda Accord Coupe Concept
The Accord Coupe Concept revealed at the Detroit Auto Show represents the look and design of the new eighth-generation Accord set to hit the streets in the next few months. Since its introduction in 1976, some 9.5 million units of Honda’s flagship have been sold, and it is frequently Honda’s best selling model year after year. With that kind of responsibility, a redesign is a tricky thing. For 2008, Honda appears to be taking a step away from its typically conservative styling with the Accord Coupe Concept. With a lot of eye-catching competition such as the Saturn Aura, it’s an important move for Honda to keep the Accord the most desired car in its class.
Hyundai Concept Genesis
In concept form, it’s called the Genesis, though we suggest Phaeton for the production version. That’s the name Volkswagen gave its luxuriously magnificent and exorbitantly priced uber sedan, the one that few bought because it wore a VW badge. A similar scenario would feature a company like Hyundai offering a rear-wheel-drive “sport” sedan, slated in above the already spacious Azera and rumored to be powered by a V8. The difference, of course, is that Hyundai has proven successful in every applicable segment with its focus on quality, safety, and value.
Infiniti EX Concept
OK, so maybe there are enough smallish luxury-type crossovers to build a bridge across the Atlantic. And we would agree that the last thing needed on this side of the Pond is a swoopy import CUV. But wait…hold on for just a second. There may be room enough for just one more, if that one is the Infiniti EX Concept. Debuted as a concept vehicle at the 2007 New York Auto Show but with a date for production later in the year, the Infiniti EX Concept looks to give the Acura RDX and the BMW X3 a hard time, with a more powerful engine and a list of innovative safety technology devices.
2008 Infiniti G37
Those with money to spend and a desire to drive something sporting with a modern style will appreciate the 2008 Infiniti G37 in much the same way thousands of happy drivers liked the G35. It's a difference maker on the road, a special car for people who have earned the privilege of driving something slightly impractical and supremely fun. More power, a new style and strategic upgrades throughout make the G37 – so named for its engine – something worth waiting for, even if you have to wait until later this summer.
2008 Lexus IS-F
Words such as lower and wider do not commonly define sex appeal, but in the case of the delectable new 2008 Lexus IS-F, they’re right on the money. Add stronger and faster to that list as well. Finally, after years of flirting with BMW-style performance with the IS, Lexus is dropping a bomb on Germany with this hot new high-performance sports sedan.
Lincoln MKR Concept
Bring it on! The MKR is a handsome concept and no one wants to see a domestic slip into a coma. The MKR has the possibility of breathing new life into the Lincoln brand, and if executives and bean counters don't force a possible production model to stray too far from the MKR concept, Lincoln could have a hit on its hands.
2008 Pontiac G8
Good looks, a Corvette-sourced V8, rear-wheel drive, an optional manual transmission, and everyday usability. It’s about freakin’ time the domestics produced a car like this (in the 21st century), and it’s especially satisfying to see it come from a brand that prides itself in being all about performance. With its V6, the G8 will be offer average car buyers a family sedan with a different take on styling, but more importantly for Pontiac, enthusiasts will likely be clamoring for a test drive in a GT with a clutch and six cogs. Count us among them.
2008 Saturn Astra
Congratulations, Saturn. You've finally figured out how to battle the imports – with imports. The 2008 Astra is good looking, class competitive, and has a certain “it” factor that Ford's Focus and Dodge's Caliber lack. The Astra's main competition is the more powerful and more sophisticated Mazda 3, but if the price is right and this Saturn proves just as fun and functional as the Mazda, it can win sales. At the very least, it's a huge step forward.
Toyota FT-HS Concept
Check out the world’s first hybrid-powered sports car, the Toyota FT-HS Concept. This front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car is projected to accelerate from 0-to-60 in the four-second range. That impressive result is achieved through a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine coupled to a 21st century sports hybrid system. With this hybrid powerplant, Toyota is shooting for a total power output of about 400 hp. Other performance features include a lightweight, carbon fiber Kevlar roof which incorporates an aerodynamic longitudinal depression down its center, and a speed activated wing that elevates during high velocity driving.
We think very highly of the 335i coupe, which comes close to duplicating the previous generation M3’s performance. We think so highly of it that we sometimes wonder how much better an M3 version of that car could really be. After all, as good as the previous generation 330i coupe was, the M3 version was an order of magnitude better. Can this new M3 really duplicate that feat? Good lord we hope so.
2008 Cadillac CTS
Note to BMW dealers: That grille filling up your rearview mirror may not carry a Lexus badge after all. Shocker of shockers, if you look closely you will see a crest, a Cadillac crest, followed by the unmistakably angled snout of the 2008 Cadillac CTS. Redesigned on the inside, touched up on the outside and strategically improved in its road manners, the CTS is joining the luxury sedan party – and this time, it’s not wearing blue hair, bifocals or a clown nose.
Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept
It looks like the most deliciously mean Creamsicle ever – with racing stripes – and the perfect complement to the concept that debuted last year. Highlights of the exterior design, which harkens back to the 1969 Camaro but with a fair amount of modern style, feature a long hood, a short deck and wheels measuring 21 inches in front and 22 in back pushed out to the corners. Other highlights include that Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat color with gunmetal gray racing stripes. The original Hugger Orange, by the way, was offered in the 1969.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Blurring the lines between midsize and full-size, the redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu gets a longer wheelbase than and almost identical head and legroom measurements as the supposedly larger Impala. Based on the same platform as the Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura, the new Malibu is basically a Chevy flavor of those two cars offered in LS, LT, LTZ, and, to be introduced later, hybrid trim. Gone is the sporty SS and the funky Maxx hatchback, replaced by a sleek sedan wearing the new face of Chevrolet: a dual-port grille. A midsize Chevy sedan on a list of studs? We’re either crazy, or the Malibu promises to be one of the best four-door domestic competitors to hit the streets in quite some time.
Chevrolet Volt Concept
Company pitchman, Bob Lutz, calls it his company’s own little “inconvenient truth.” Referring to the recent environmental flick, GM’s most recognizable executive implied that the Chevrolet Volt concept car, which runs primarily on electricity with flex-fuel engine assist only after the 40-mile range has been exceeded, might be an inconvenient truth for those who demonize companies like his. In a best case scenario, commuters could travel to and from work without ever needing the engine’s assistance, meaning they wouldn’t need to buy, or burn, any fossil fuel. That’s a claim which should sound like music to the ears of commuters everywhere, and maybe even Al Gore.
2009 Ford Flex
Say goodbye, Freestar. And you, too, Taurus X (Freestyle), though we may be getting a little ahead of ourselves with that claim. Chased out of the minivan game by Honda, Toyota and others, Ford has regrouped with what looks to be a modern, seven-seat crossover vehicle named Flex. Built on the same platform as the Taurus (Five Hundred) and Taurus X, the Flex will be available at the end of the year and promises uncompromising style with room for everyone in the family.
Honda Accord Coupe Concept
The Accord Coupe Concept revealed at the Detroit Auto Show represents the look and design of the new eighth-generation Accord set to hit the streets in the next few months. Since its introduction in 1976, some 9.5 million units of Honda’s flagship have been sold, and it is frequently Honda’s best selling model year after year. With that kind of responsibility, a redesign is a tricky thing. For 2008, Honda appears to be taking a step away from its typically conservative styling with the Accord Coupe Concept. With a lot of eye-catching competition such as the Saturn Aura, it’s an important move for Honda to keep the Accord the most desired car in its class.
Hyundai Concept Genesis
In concept form, it’s called the Genesis, though we suggest Phaeton for the production version. That’s the name Volkswagen gave its luxuriously magnificent and exorbitantly priced uber sedan, the one that few bought because it wore a VW badge. A similar scenario would feature a company like Hyundai offering a rear-wheel-drive “sport” sedan, slated in above the already spacious Azera and rumored to be powered by a V8. The difference, of course, is that Hyundai has proven successful in every applicable segment with its focus on quality, safety, and value.
Infiniti EX Concept
OK, so maybe there are enough smallish luxury-type crossovers to build a bridge across the Atlantic. And we would agree that the last thing needed on this side of the Pond is a swoopy import CUV. But wait…hold on for just a second. There may be room enough for just one more, if that one is the Infiniti EX Concept. Debuted as a concept vehicle at the 2007 New York Auto Show but with a date for production later in the year, the Infiniti EX Concept looks to give the Acura RDX and the BMW X3 a hard time, with a more powerful engine and a list of innovative safety technology devices.
2008 Infiniti G37
Those with money to spend and a desire to drive something sporting with a modern style will appreciate the 2008 Infiniti G37 in much the same way thousands of happy drivers liked the G35. It's a difference maker on the road, a special car for people who have earned the privilege of driving something slightly impractical and supremely fun. More power, a new style and strategic upgrades throughout make the G37 – so named for its engine – something worth waiting for, even if you have to wait until later this summer.
2008 Lexus IS-F
Words such as lower and wider do not commonly define sex appeal, but in the case of the delectable new 2008 Lexus IS-F, they’re right on the money. Add stronger and faster to that list as well. Finally, after years of flirting with BMW-style performance with the IS, Lexus is dropping a bomb on Germany with this hot new high-performance sports sedan.
Lincoln MKR Concept
Bring it on! The MKR is a handsome concept and no one wants to see a domestic slip into a coma. The MKR has the possibility of breathing new life into the Lincoln brand, and if executives and bean counters don't force a possible production model to stray too far from the MKR concept, Lincoln could have a hit on its hands.
2008 Pontiac G8
Good looks, a Corvette-sourced V8, rear-wheel drive, an optional manual transmission, and everyday usability. It’s about freakin’ time the domestics produced a car like this (in the 21st century), and it’s especially satisfying to see it come from a brand that prides itself in being all about performance. With its V6, the G8 will be offer average car buyers a family sedan with a different take on styling, but more importantly for Pontiac, enthusiasts will likely be clamoring for a test drive in a GT with a clutch and six cogs. Count us among them.
2008 Saturn Astra
Congratulations, Saturn. You've finally figured out how to battle the imports – with imports. The 2008 Astra is good looking, class competitive, and has a certain “it” factor that Ford's Focus and Dodge's Caliber lack. The Astra's main competition is the more powerful and more sophisticated Mazda 3, but if the price is right and this Saturn proves just as fun and functional as the Mazda, it can win sales. At the very least, it's a huge step forward.
Toyota FT-HS Concept
Check out the world’s first hybrid-powered sports car, the Toyota FT-HS Concept. This front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car is projected to accelerate from 0-to-60 in the four-second range. That impressive result is achieved through a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine coupled to a 21st century sports hybrid system. With this hybrid powerplant, Toyota is shooting for a total power output of about 400 hp. Other performance features include a lightweight, carbon fiber Kevlar roof which incorporates an aerodynamic longitudinal depression down its center, and a speed activated wing that elevates during high velocity driving.
Photos courtesy of: Staff and the manufacturers