2011 Detroit: Top 10 Must Sees

By John LeBlanc DETROIT – Although there were considerably less new concepts and production car debuts during the one day of media presentations at the 2011 Detroit auto show than in previous years, the officially-named North American International Auto Show still offers a staggering amount of fresh metal to peruse. Here are my top 10 must-see cars from the Cobo Hall floorshow:

10. 2012 Chrysler 300C

If you want to know how Chrysler handled replacing its iconic 300C sedan, get over to its now Fiat-managed Detroit stand. If not as revolutionary as the original 2004 model, Chrysler designers have gone for a more refined look with the 2012 300C, pictured above, that goes on sale this spring. Sort of like a poor-man’s Audi A8. Chrysler claims a new V6 engine delivers best-in-class 292 hp and fuel economy, while the inside of the 300C sports much more upscale trim, and an iPad-mimicking central touch screen.

9. 2012 Audi A6

Audi’s A8 luxobarge is a technological tour-de force, arguably the most refined and sophisticated pick in a competitive class that includes the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S Class. But its $100,000-plus price may give your accountant a stomach ache. So why not try the new midsize Audi A6, a slightly smaller version of the A8. In addition to a gas (and maybe a diesel) engine choice when the Audi midsizer goes on sale later this year, a new A6 gas-electric hybrid (an option not available in the rival BMW 5 Series or ‘Benz E Class) powered by a 211 hp 2.0-litre turbo-four gas engine and a 33-kilowatt (45 hp) electric motor (to be shared with the Q5 Hybrid will arrive later in 2011) will join the lineup later this year.

8. Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe Concepts

If you’re interested to see how Honda is reacting to stiff competition from new compacts like the Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze and Hyundai Elantra, check out the Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe Concepts, basically thinly disguised versions of the ninth-generation 2012 models set to go on sale in Canada this April. Despite the aforementioned compact barbarians at Honda’s gates, the new Civic’s design is evolutionary, with styling inspired by the current Accord. Dimensions are close to the current car, while the suspension remains the same. Honda didn’t release any engine details. But expect a similar four-cylinder engine lineup, which will include a base version, a higher-output variant for the sportier Si trim, and a new hybrid using lithium-ion batteries.

7. 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

If you see some of BMW’s recent announcements and offerings (cue the X6 Hybrid, and the upcoming front-wheel-drive small cars) as attempts to be too many things to too many people, check out the new 2012 1 Series M Coupe. It’s the kind of car that can resurrect faith in a brand that owes its success to driving enthusiasts. The first 1 Series with an M badge is here to remind you of the first-generation 1988 M3. To do that it, it sports an M-specific cockpit, aluminum suspension originally conceived for the current V8 M3, a six-speed manual transmission, and a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six making 335 hp and 332 lb-ft (plus an over boost function to briefly increase torque 369 lb-ft.) BMW says it will go from naught to100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. It arrives this spring. And with only a limited number coming to Canada, the Detroit show may be your only place to see one.

6. Ford Vertrek Concept

If you want to see the successor to one of the most popular SUVs in Canada, get over to the Ford stand in Detroit, and take a peek at the Vertrek Concept, essentially the next Escape compact SUV. Like every new Ford, the Focus-based Escape-replacement will come with smaller, more fuel efficient powertrains. For example, a 1.6-litre turbo gas four (with Ford’s new stop-start technology and regenerative braking—formerly a hybrid exclusive) powers the Vertrek. In addition to the gas engines, expect a gas-electric hybrid Vertrek when it goes on sale for 2012.

5. New Prius Family members

In addition to the current third-generation Prius, in Detroit, Toyota is showing off its new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle, all-new Prius V (as in “versatility”) and the Prius C Concept (seen above), making Prius a four-member family. The Prius V shares the current models platform and gas-electric powerplant. But a larger body will add over 50 per cent more interior cargo space than the current Prius when it goes on sale later this year. Toyota says the Prius C Concept, will go on sale in the first half of 2012 as the “most value-oriented hybrid” in the Canadian market (i.e. priced less than $23,900 Honda Insight) with the highest mileage of any “cordless” hybrid.

4. Kia KV7 Concept

If you want to see the next stage in Kia’s maturation into a full-line automaker, take a look at the funky KV7 Concept, the perfect vehicle for Rio and Forte owner who need more room. The Korean automaker’s Kia brand has been busy replacing its entire lineup. But one area Kia has never had much success is in large people movers. Its Borego SUV will stop being sold in Canada this month. And its Sedona minivan is aging, and sells mainly on price alone. Cue the U.S.-designed KV7, a modern day “activity van” with gull-wing second-row doors and swiveling second-row seats, powered by new Hyundai-Kia Motors 2.0L turbo four with 285 hp—or about 50 hp more than Ford’s forthcoming EcoBoost four.

3. Ford’s “electric circus”

Toyota’s new Prius family members weren’t the only EV news from Detroit. Ford unleashed a host of electrified vehicles, led by the all-new 2012 Focus Electric (seen above), which will go on sale in the U.S. in late 2011. Based on the all-new Ford Focus gas version, but sporting an Aston Martin-like grille, Ford says the electric compact hatch will offer “adequate electric range to cover the majority of daily driving habits”, a mile-per-gallon equivalent better than Chevrolet Volt, and charge in half the time of a Nissan Leaf. The also-new Ford C-Max mini-minivan, will be offered as an Energi model (plug-in hybrid EV) and as a “regular” hybrid in 2012. Ford says the C-Max Energi will deliver better “charge-sustaining” fuel economy than the Chevrolet Volt.

2. 2012 Hyundai Veloster

While the Japanese are retrenching, (see the “new” 2012 Civic), check out Hyundai’s courageous Veloster, a small coupe that defines innovation. The 2+2, front-drive Hyundai hatch sports a rear door on the passenger side. Its the first Hyundai with an interface designed specifically to use Blue Link, a system operated through a central touch screen that offers automatic crash alerts, roadside assistance, voice-to-text message capability and other infotainment applications. Better yet, a 1.6-litre gas four powers the Veloster (it goes on sale this year) hooked up to a Hyundai-developed dual-clutch transmission—a first for the Korean brand. Hyundai expects the Veloster to have a 40-mpg highway fuel economy rating.

1. Porsche 918 RSR Hybrid Concept

If you want to see what Porsche will be racing when it makes its return to France’s famous Le Mans 24 hour race in 2012, the 918 RSR Concept gives big clues. Although the hardtop racing coupe version of last year’s open-top 918 Spyder Hybrid is meant to conjure up images of the German automaker’s all-conquering LeMans sports cars from the late 1960s and early 1970s, there’s nothing retro about the 918 RSR Concept’s engineering. A mid -mounted 4.5-litre V8 gasoline engine and a pair of electric motors at the front wheels combine for 767 hp. After it wins LeMans (according to Porsche’s script, beating the diesel Audi race cars), the 918 RSR Concept will be turned into a road going model, set to go on sale in 2013 alongside the Spyder.

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