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From Chevrolet to Volvo, a highlight gallery of concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show
Introduction
Cadillac Converj
What is it?
The best analogy we could make is that the Converj is the Cadillac version of the Chevrolet Volt, or as one GM executive put it, "the Cadillac of electric vehicles." Capable of achieving 40 miles of gas- and emissions-free electric driving with extended-range capability, the Converj has a silly name, but awesome potential.
Cool Concept Feature
No rearview or outside mirrors; cameras provide surrounding images on the instrument panel for a panoramic view.
Chances of it making it
If GM can find the money, you will see this car.
Photo Courtesy of: MotorAuthority.com
Chrysler 200C
What is it?
This is Chrysler's most compelling attempt yet at a plug-in hybrid, capable of driving up to 40 miles on battery-only power. It uses a small gasoline engine and electric generator to extend the driving range to 400 miles.
Cool Concept Feature
The interior has no switches or levers. All vehicle functions are controlled via touch screens.
Chances of it making it
It's anyone's guess on the powertrain timeline, but we hope to see this exterior design on future Chryslers.
Photo Courtesy of: MotorAuthority.com
Page 3
Chevrolet Orlando
What is it?
Consider the Chevy Orlando a much more attractive version of the Chevrolet HHR that also happens to have room for 7 passengers. Europe has had these fuel efficient people-haulers for years, and you can expect to see more in the United States soon.
Cool Concept Feature
LED fog lights
Chances of it making it
It's actually official. GM will bring this to Chevrolet dealerships in 2011, and our guess is you are looking at a 90-percent final version of the vehicle.
Photo Courtesy of: MotorAuthority.com
Page 4
Fisker Karma S
What is it?
The Karma S is a four-seat, plug-in hybrid hardtop convertible based on the ready for
production Karma sedan. It has a battery-only range of 50-mile battery range and an on-board engine and generator to extend the range of the vehicle. Did we mention it's drop-dead gorgeous?
Cool Concept Feature
The first plug-in hybrid with a retractable convertible top
Chances of it making it
If we've learned anything from the debut of the production Karma sedan, it's never to doubt Fisker Automotive.
Photo Courtesy of: Fisker Motors
Page 5
Dodge Circuit EV
What is it?
This is an all-electric sports car (i.e. zero gasoline consumption, zero tailpipe emissions) with a 150-200 mile driving range, and performance of 0-60 in less than 5 seconds. Consider it Dodge's answer to the Tesla Roadster, and the polar opposite of the Dodge Viper GTS.
Cool Concept Feature
Can be powered up by plugging it into a household socket
Chances of it making it
Dodge insists this has a real chance of making it to dealerships.
Photo Courtesy of: MotorAuthority.com
Page 6
Kia Soul'ster
What is it?
Jalopnik referred to the Kia Soul'ster as a "Korean Geo Tracker." Not like that's a bad thing, the open-aired Tracker had a lot of fans in its day. Based on the upcoming 2010 Kia Soul, the Soul'ster opens the cabin up, lowers the roofline, and incorporates a rear storage bed.
Cool Concept Feature
Heavy use of LED lighting in headlamps, fog lights, and turn indicators
Chances of it making it
The underlying vehicle is production ready, so with enough demand you might actually see the Soul'ster.
Photo Courtesy of: MotorAuthority.com
Page 7
Subaru Legacy Concept
What is it?
This is basically a big hint at what the next generation Subaru Legacy will look like. Sure, it's laden with concept crazy things like a video screen for rear-view mirror and no buttons (very iPhone mode), but other than that it is more production than concept.
Cool Concept Feature
"Ultimate Silver" metallic paint job
Chances of it making it
Expect the next-generation Subaru Legacy to look a lot like this, but don't expect the Star Trek interior.
Photo Courtesy of: NAIAS
Page 8
Volvo S60 Concept
What is it?
A clear indication of what the next generation Volvo S60 will look like, and it's also a showcase for upcoming Volvo safety features, particularly in the area of pedestrian safety.
Cool Concept Feature
A floating center stack made out of handmade, solid Orrefors crystal (we have no idea what Orrefors crystal is)
Chances of it making it
Items like a crystal center stack won't see the light of day, but if you like the concept, hopefully you'll love the real thing when it debuts in 2010.
Photo Courtesy of: MotorAuthority.com
Page 9
Audi Sportback
What is it?
On the surface it is a design study, a way of communicating to the public what visual cues to expect from Audi in the coming years. On a deeper level you are looking at potentially the upcoming Audi A7, Audi's take on the four-door coupe concept (think Mercedes-Benz CLS).
Cool Concept Feature
The large glass roof above the entire vehicle cabin
Chances of it making it
It won't look exactly like this, but the A7 won't be too far off.
Photo Courtesy of: MotorAuthority.com
Page 10
Lincoln Concept C
What is it?
The Lincoln Concept C is an attempt to demonstrate what a smaller Lincoln might look like in the future, a step in the direction away from the "big luxury" notion many still might associate with Lincoln. Based on the next-generation Ford Focus platform, the Concept C is actually quite roomy inside, and of course comes packed with technology.
Cool Concept Feature
On-board virtual avatar, nicknamed "EVA", that responds to conversational commands from vehicle occupants
Chances of it making it
Maybe not in this form, but the notion of a more compact Lincoln is highly feasible given market conditions.
Photo Courtesy of: MotorAuthority.com
Page 11
Jeep Patriot EV
What is it?
The Patriot EV (EV = electric vehicle) is another addition to the growing list of EV vehicles we might one day see from Chrysler, this time in the body of a Jeep Patriot SUV. It has a total driving range of 400 miles, with 40 of those miles produced in all-electric mode.
Cool Concept Feature
Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (sounds awesome, right?)
Chances of it making it
By virtue of being based off of a current production vehicle, it has potential, though it's still hazy when we might see the first Chrysler plug-in hybrid.
Photo Courtesy of: MotorAuthority.com
Page 12
Volkswagen Concept BlueSport
What is it?
Created to embody Volkswagen's new direction "maximum driving fun with minimal fuel consumption", the beautiful Concept BlueSport appears to do just that. Using 2.0-liter clean turbodiesel inline-four, Volkswagen claims 0-60 in 6.2 seconds and close to 62 mpg when operating in "Eco" mode.
Cool Concept Feature
"Eco" mode activates an automatic start-stop system and energy regeneration
Chances of it making it
It's a gorgeous concept, and we believe the design is within the realm of production possibility.
Photo Courtesy of: MotorAuthority.com
Page 13
See the production car debuts
Want something you can get your hands on this year? Check out all the production cars that debuted at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. From the new Toyota Prius, to Cadillac's brand-new SRX crossover, we have all your coverage here on MyRide.