2009 Detroit Auto Show: Buick LaCrosse

General Motors has another winner with the newly redesigned Buick LaCrosse.  The 2010 model was introduced at the North American International Auto Show this week.  In a word-- GORGEOUS!  In another word-- LUXURIOUS!

It appears GM is looking to attract new, younger customers to Buick. LaCrosse joins the Enclave crossover as models I would seriously consider based on their visual attractiveness.  Certainly not my grandfather's Buick, and he loved them.

The new LaCrosse model moves to the same global platform as the award winning Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Malibu models.  My guess is, the LaCrosse will follow those tire tracks and garner a trophy or two of its own.

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2009 Detroit Auto Show: Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz is introducing the new E-Class sedan in Detroit.  This is the last of the German automaker's sedan models to get the latest redesign.  The flagship S-Class and entry level C-Class were redesigned for 2007 and 2008, respectively.  The popular midsize E finally gets its new look for 2010.

Like the flagship, the new E-Class lines borrow heavily from the Benz's ultra luxury Maybach sedans.  I also see shades of the hot CLS four-door coupe in the side panels.  At first glance, I love everything except the tail lights.  But, since I am a big fan of Mercedes Benz, I'm sure they will grow on me.  It will be interesting to see what the AMG division does with this model when they introduce the super-tuned version.  The interior appears to maintain current dimensions and amenities with one noticeable improvement-- the COMAND system video screen is higher, level with the main instrument panel.  Other nifty safety features include drowsy driver and blind spot warning systems and a night vision camera that displays hard to see objects on the dash mounted screen.

Mercedes is also showing off three concept vehicles, all variants of what it calls BlueZERO.  The common denominator is electric power and zero emissions.  The BlueZERO is all electric with a reported range of 125 miles on a single charge.  The BlueZERO E-cell has a reported electric range of 60 miles and adds a small gasoline engine that kicks in to recharge the batteries and extend the driving range.  The BlueZERO F-cell, according to reports, uses a fuel cell to convert compressed into electricity to produce a more than 300 mile driving range with zero emissions.

On the opposite end of the fuel efficiency/emissions spectrum is the ultra exclusive Mercedes Benz-McLaren SLR Stirling Moss.  One look at this and you think massive power, massive thirst for gas, and massive money needed to buy.  This car has a 650-horsepower, supercharged V8 engine that pumps 650 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels.  That kind of power sounds awesome!  But I know I'll never drive one.  The darn thing costs 750,000 euros.  As of this writing, that's $988,050 based on the current exchange rate.  Not to worry.  Mercedes will only make 75 of these and none will be sold in the States.  But, since Jay Leno bought the first SLR-McLaren a few years ago and only current SLR owners will be able to buy the Stirling Moss, I'm sure if Jay wants to add this to his collection, Mercedes will sell him one.

Oh, Good Evening!

2009 Detroit Auto Show: Chrysler Electric Cars

There is much speculation about whether Chrysler, LLC will survive as a stand alone automaker, but clearly the company is moving forward as if it will be around for a while.  That considered, it is no surprise that like its GM and Ford counterparts, Chrysler is developing electric vehicles.

The Dodge Circuit EV is hot looking sports coupe and one of four electric models Chrysler has plans to produce.  According to reports from the NAIAS floor, the primary propulsion for the EV models comes from an electric engine which can take you 40 miles with zero emissions.  A small gasoline engine is onboard to recharge the batteries and extend travel range to as much as 400 miles with far less emissions than a larger, gasoline-only propulsion system.  The other EVs on the drawing board are a Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, and Chrysler Town & Country. Chrysler hasn't said which model might hit showrooms first, but the conventional wisdom from Detroit is at least one 2011 EV model introduced in late 2010.

Chrysler also introduced a new electric concept called the 200C-EV.  The sedan is based on a shortened version of the company's rear drive platform that underpins the popular Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger models.  I like the look.  The exterior has a refined near-luxury look on the level of Lexus or Infinity.  Photos of the interior show a very luxurious cabin with futuristic touch screen controls and hot looking leather seats, all of which will never make a production model, at least not in the immediate future.  (This is what I hate, most, about concept cars!)  If they can maintain the overall look in production and install an interior that-- at least-- equals the 300C, I think this would sell.  See the auto show introductions below.

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Chrysler's Electric Lineup

2009 Detroit Auto Show: Toyota Prius

The world's top selling hybrid vehicle gets a redesign for 2010.  At first glance, the new Prius looks a lot like the previous model.  But, according to reports filed from the North American International Auto Show now underway in Detroit, they cosmetic changes may be subtle but less visible changes are not.  And, those changes result in less weight, more power, and even better fuel efficiency.  How does 0-60 in 9.8 and 50 mgp sound? 

Pricing has not yet been announced.  With all of the R&D that went into creating the new technology (100 new patents), I would normally expect a price bump.  But, with the global economic crisis pushing sales down the drain, that could be risky.  

Word on the street is that despite what some would call brisk sales of Priuses in recent years, Toyota does not make money on the model.  The company is said to be developing a dedicated Prius-sibling for the upscale Lexus lineup which would distribute costs over another model.  From what I've seen of the Lexus HS250, it's a hottie.  Far more attractive than the Prius.  Judge for yourself below.  The question is, will it be worth the likely markup becuase it's a Lexus?

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Lexus' Luxury Hybrid

2009 Detroit Auto Show: Cadillac Converj & SRX

The 2009 version of the North American International Auto Show is underway in Detroit.  The economic downturn is preventing me from attending in person this year but I am watching from afar by way of the internet.

On Sunday, General Motors previewed plans for several vehicles then unveiled a hot Cadillac concept car called "Converj."  It's a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle which utilizes the Chevrolet Volt technology.  As you can see in the photo, the car looks great.  But then, so did the Volt in concept form.  My fear is that GM will do what it often does after teasing the public with a hot concept-- turn down the heat in production leaving us with a ho-hum, uninspired, run-of-the-mill looking vehicle that evokes about five percent of the excitement of the concept.

I was in love with the Volt until GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner unveiled the production version late last year.  When the car rolled out on stage, it sucked all of the wind out of my sails.  The biggest reason given for toning down the design was aerodynamics and safety regulations.

One of the problems I have long had with GM is the propensity to design concepts that can't be produced.  You can't unveil something that people get excited about, decide to produce and sell it, and when it arrives in dealer showrooms the car looks nothing like what people saw at unveiling.  In recent years, GM got it right with the HUMMER H2 and Chevy Camaro, and Buick Enclave models.  The concepts were all production-ready, for the most part.  GM blew it with the old Pontiac Montana and Aztec, and now the Chevy Volt.

In this day and age, I wouldn't waste time developing concepts that only work in a designer's imagination.  If it can't be produced, move on to the next project.

Cadillac also introduced the new 2010 SRX crossover vehicle.  It has been totally redesigned and now appears to share a platform with the Chevrolet Equinox/Pontiac Torrent/Saturn VUE.  I like it.  Learn more in the video below.

Oh, Good Evening!

Cadillac Design and Technology