Green is everywhere this year at the Detroit Auto Show. A sea of hybrids and electric vehicles has flooded the show floor — and every single manufacturer is responsible. This overflow of fuel-efficient automobiles promises big things for the future of mobility. To illustrate the trend, 7 out of our top 10 are either fully electric or hybrid powered vehicles. Here they are the in alphabetical order:

Audi e-tron

Audi executives claim that the “e-tron” name, which will soon designate the brand’s electric vehicles, will become as widely recognized as “quattro” in just a few years. In the meantime, they showcased a second e-tron prototype in the form of a TT-sized two-seater with a pair of 150 kW lithium-ion batteries. The available range is 250 kilometres in optimum conditions. The chassis is made of aluminum, just like the body panels, except for the doors, hood and trunk lid (carbon fibre). With 0-100 km/h times of under 6 seconds, this mean green machine obviously idolizes the R8 supercar.
Will it go into production? Audi say it’ll reach the production lines in 2012, although expect a more “civilized” variant. Read more…

BMW ActiveE

Disguised as a stylish 1-Series coupe, the ActiveE concept uses an electric drive system delivering 125 kilowatt and 249 N.m of torque as soon as you dip the throttle. The car sprints from 0 to 60 km/h in 4.5 seconds and from 0 to 100 in less than 9 seconds. Only three hours are needed for a full charge of the lithium-ion battery, which provides a range of up to 160 kilometres (in gentle driving, of course).
Will it go into production? Later this year, select BMW customers will take delivery of pre-production models for evaluation purposes. By 2015, a first production electric car will hit the market.

BYD e6

The electric crossover van from BYD is not new. Actually, the model made its debut at this very same event a year ago, flashing its exclusive lithium-ion iron phosphate battery.
Will it go into production? Market release is scheduled for late 2010, an ambitious goal for a company that also aspires to become the leading car maker in China within the next 5 years and across the globe within the next 15! Representatives explained that early availability would be limited to a few hundred units. I guess they believe in the old Tibetan proverb which goes something like this: “Slow oxen, patient land”!

Cadillac XTS

Cadillac signals its intention to kill two birds (DTS and STS sedans) with one stone (XTS). This new plug-in hybrid concept using a 3,6-litre, direct-injected V6 makes a bold statement with the brand’s latest design cues and marks a radical departure from your grandfather’s Fleetwood. Of course, a production model based on the XTS would likely do without the fancy 20-inch wheels.
Will it go into production? Yes! Announced as a 2012 model, it will share many similarities with the XTS shown in Detroit. Watch the video…

Chrysler Delta

The Chrysler Delta is nothing more than a marketing ploy to gauge US consumer interest in a large hatchback. In fact, you may want to call it a rebadged Lancia Delta. At least the company didn’t stamp an “Imperial” logo on the trunk of a Maserati Quattroporte! Viva Italia!
Will it go into production? Forget it.

Ford Focus

The next-generation Focus has been designed and engineered in Germany as a true “global” car. Under the bonnet is a 2,0-litre, 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine combining advanced direct injection with turbocharging, not to mention a 6-speed, twin-clutch PowerShift transmission. An electric variant is also being developed. What an evolution from the old Tempo!
Will it go into production? Yes. The car will arrive in showrooms in early 2011. Read more…

GMC Granite

GM’s first counter-strike to Toyota’s Scion might not wear a golden bowtie after all. The GMC Granite concept is shorter than the Chevrolet HHR and reportedly rides on a variant of the Cruze’s platform. The side doors swing in opposite directions to provide generous access to the cabin. Young folks should love it!
Will it go into production? GM stays mum for now. Better keep your fingers crossed! Watch the video…

Honda CR-Z

The CR-Z is the first affordable AND roomy hybrid two-seater for the city. It’s also a fun and sporty alternative to the iconic smart fortwo. Fuel economy is a bit lower, though, with a Jazz-derived 1,5-litre engine mated to Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology. A 6-speed manual gearbox and a CVT will be available.
Will it go into production? The CR-Z has already been announced for mid-2010! Read more…

Toyota FT-CH

Here’s what a scaled-down Prius might look like. Such an addition to the Toyota lineup would fall under the “Hybrids-Purely Hybrids” category. The manufacturer claims that hybrid car buyers look to stand out and make a statement with their rides, hence the need for a stand-out car. Penned by Toyota’s French design studio, the FT-CH is both shorter and wider than a Yaris. As for power, the engine bay remains empty… for now.
Will it go into production? Toyota executives say no, but should we believe them? Read more..

Volkswagen NCC

Volkswagen is quickly becoming a master in the fine art of mouth-watering car design. With the NCC (“New Compact Coupe”), the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer gives a small preview of the future Jetta and points to the possible addition of a two-door model. In keeping with the theme of this year’s NAIAS, the NCC relies on a thrifty hybrid powertrain which combines a tiny but spirited 4-cylinder (both supercharged and turbocharged) with a battery-fed electric motor. Total output is rated at 130 kW, enough to reach 100 km/h in just a tad over 8 seconds.
Will it go into production? Let’s hope so. Read more…

Adapted from Auto123

The Chevrolet Aveo RS show car is on display at the Detroit Auto Show. Featuring a European-inspired hot hatch look, designed to appeal to young enthusiasts, the Aveo RS hints at the next-generation Aveo.

“We hope the Aveo RS show car will demonstrate that we are as serious about redefining the Aveo and its place in the small-car segment as we were about reinventing the Malibu,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager.

Finished in electric ‘Borcay Blue’, the Aveo RS show car wears global Chevrolet design cues such as the dual element grille, round tail lamps and fender flares, but designers turned up the attitude on the show car with low openings and a lower mouth, trimmed in a combination of brushed and polished aluminium. Front fog lamps are integrated into an exaggerated brake-cooling inlet that flows into the front fender flares, creating an aggressive-looking face.

Exposed headlamps, with their brushed aluminium structural surround, are inspired by the designers’ affection for motorcycles. The sleek side profile is characterized by uninterrupted body side lines, a high beltline and low roofline. The side mirrors with amber-coloured turn signal indicators carry the same shape as the car and seemingly disappear into the profile. At first glance, the car actually looks like a three-door hatch because the rear door handles are discreetly located in the “C”-pillar area.

“The Aveo RS show car demonstrates how progressive design can inject personality into a small car,” said Michael Simcoe, executive director, North American Exterior Design. “We want customers to see it and have an emotional reaction to it.”

No performance-minded car earns its street cred without large wheels and tyres. The Aveo RS show car’s wheels are 19-inch, five-spoke with a gun metal metallic finish Chevrolet logo. The wheel openings reveal large Boracay Blue brake callipers.

The rear of the show car continues the sport theme, with an integrated spoiler that flows from the roof, a centre-mounted exhaust and chrome exhaust tips. The exposed motorcycle-inspired rear tail lamps feature tinted aluminium housings and a discreet Bowtie logo.

Inside, a matte black interior, highlighted by gloss black, metallic and blue accents, the Aveo RS show car reflects as much attention to detail as the exterior. The Boracay Blue theme continues inside, with accent stitching across the dual cockpit instrument panel, front and rear door insert, steering wheel rim, gear shift boot, parking brake, leather seat bolster and even the floor mats. The integrated centre stack holds the gearshift, HVAC controls and the sound system, including a USB port. Ice-blue backlighting on the audio display, telltale indicator screen and knobs augments the blue stitching. The interior is as functional as it is stylish, with storage compartments in the centre stack and doors. The rear seats fold flat for carrying larger items.

The Aveo RS show car is powered by an efficient 103 kW 1,4-litre I-4 Ecotec turbocharged engine. A six-speed manual transmission is designed to ensure the car will provide a spirited driving experience.

For the show car, designers created a special engine cover in graphite silver with a brushed aluminium insert. The coolant and power steering fluid fill caps are rimmed in ice blue, and the honeycomb vents flanking the centre of the cover are matte-finished in shadow chrome and designed to match the wheel colour.

The next generation Chevrolet Aveo will be available in South Africa in the near future.

Source: GMSA

Audi has unveiled yet another version of its e-tron electric über coupé at the Detroit Motor Show. But unlike past events purely showcasing the car, Audi has revealed a production date. 2012 is when they say their Tesla rival will enter production.

The new e-tron functions much like designs on-show at Frankfurt and Los Angeles. For example, the latest e-tron retains the two electric motors delivering a combined 150kW and the 45 kWh li-ion battery pack that Audi claimed will be good for a “realistic” 240 km range. Drive will be sent to all four wheels, with a 60:40 split in favour of the rear. The car’s top speed will be electronically limited to 200 km/h. Apart from the obvious styling changes made to e-tron’s front-end between the various models, the latest car is a whopping 250 kg lighter than before and just over 203 mm shorter than its petrol-powered R8 brother. The improved packaging and diet will see the e-tron hit 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and cover a 60 – 120 km/h sprint in just over five seconds.

Audi has also confirmed that ‘e-tron’ will become a sub-brand eventually filled with a range of alternative models. Ford now though, Audi is keeping quiet about details of what these ‘alteranative models’ could be, as well as the potential price of its 2012 e-tron.

Making its world premiere at the Detroit motor show alongside the 409 kW Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, is the XTS Platinum Concept. GM calls it a concept model, but the 5,17 meter long XTS is expected to heavily influence Cadillac’s upcoming flagship sedan that will replace the DTS, and quite possibly, the STS also.

The full-size sedan, which most likely shares the vehicle platform with the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, keeps all the usual styling cues of modern Cadillacs, such as the sharp creases and vertical lights.

The concept’s interior blends leather, wood and other high quality materials with modern technology like the Organic Light-Emitting Diode (O-LED) displays that replace the traditional gauges and screens.

Under the Caddy’s bonnet is GM’s 3,6-litre V6 engine with direct-injection plus a plug-in hybrid system that deliver a combined output of 257 kW and 400 N.m of torque.

Adapted from CarScoop

Toyota brought a scaled down version of the small hybrid Lexus LF-CH concept that was unveiled in Frankfurt to the Detroit Auto Show today. The FT-CH Concept not only offers small hybrid mentality with a Toyota badge, it could also be a tremendous sales success if it ever makes it to production.

Toyota didn’t say this concept is definitely heading for the showroom floor, but they were hinting at it. The reason we can see this being popular is that, if Toyota sells it, the FT-CH would be priced below the Prius and aimed at a younger audience. The FT-CH is smaller than the Prius too, coming in at just 3.88 meters long and 1.74 meters wide.

The four-seat concept was designed by Toyota’s European Design and Development center in Nice, France with an 8-bit mentality. That’s not a put-down. It’s actually the style that designers were going for with the FT-CH, and the press conference included references to Contra, Megaman and Super Mario Brothers.

Adapted from AutoBlogGreen

We had a preview of Honda’s new CR-Z hybrid coupe thanks to images from an official brochure leaked last year. But now Honda has unveiled the production version of its CR-Z hybrid coupe at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The design of the two-seater – while unique with its “one motion” wedge shape, low-slung bonnet and broad forward stance – comes as no surprise after two earlier concept versions and numerous leaked images in the lead up to today’s debut.

Honda America executive vice president of sales, John Mendel, said the CR-Z would create its own niche in the market.

“The CR-Z is a personal sport hybrid coupe for people with a spirit of adventure and an elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment. It’s the first hybrid designed to maximise style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy,” he said.

Honda has confirmed that the car will go on sale in late summer in the US (July/August) this year powered by a 1,5-litre i-VTEC engine and the sixth generation of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid-electric system – which first appeared on the Insight in 2000.

The i-VTEC system controls the opening and closing of one intake valve per cylinder to enhance combustion at low revs. The 10 kW electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the 100 volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The petrol engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency.

Combined peak output from the six-speed manual CR-Z is 91 kW at 6 000 rpm and 174 N.m (167 N.m with the CVT) of torque from as low as 1 000 rpm. Preliminary fuel economy estimates have the CVT at 6.5 litres/100km in city driving and 6.2 on the highway, while the manual should come close to 7.6 litres/100km in the city and 6.4 on the highway.

The CR-Z’s three-mode drive system allows the driver to select between individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles, activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel. Sport mode enhances engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering and electric motor power assist and illuminates the inner ring of the tachometer bright red. Econ mode gives priority to fuel efficiency with the electric motor stepping in to a greater degree and the air conditioning system reducing its load on the engine. Predictably the tacho glows green in Econ mode. Normal mode simply defaults all the steering, engine, motor and air con settings with the tacho transitioning between blue and green.

The CR-Z comes standard with stability control, ABS and EBD and front/side/curtain airbags.

Available in two trim levels, the entry level CR-Z gets CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and cruise control. The top spec CR-Z EX adds High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with auto on/off, premium sound system with a subwoofer, Bluetooth and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Specific pricing and on-sale details will be revealed closer to the CR-Z’s mid-year US launch.

Adapted from CarAdvice

Volkswagen’s New Compact Coupe has been revealed at the Detroit Auto  Show as a concept – but all the signs suggest it is anything but.

One of the most polished and production-ready vehicles in history to get the “concept” label, the New Compact Coupe represents our first look at the new Jetta, and this model will almost certainly wear CC badges (like the Passat) in the not-too-distant future.

Combining an 110 kW / 240 N.m 1,4-litre TSI engine and a 20 kW electric motor with VW’s seven-speed DSG transmission, the electric motor can either work independently of the engine to make it a full hybrid or in tandem to provide more grunt under heavy acceleration. With an emphasis on performance and driving enjoyment, the New Compact Coupe sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and keeps on going all the way to 227 km/h. But more important are those smaller numbers, which are very small: combined-cycle fuel consumption of 4.2 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of just 98g/km.

The design of the New Concept Coupe was overseen by head of design for the Volkswagen Group, Walter de Silva, and styled by a team led by head of Volkswagen Design, Klaus Bischoff – apparently using a stencil of the Audi A5. Its clean lines, sharp details, intricate bi-xenon headlights and aerodynamically efficient grille represent an evolution of the styling direction already seen on the Golf and Polo models. The theme is continued inside with four white leather bucket seats, and a practical 380 litre boot.

The official line says “the New Compact Coupe remains a concept at present with no immediate plans for production”, but we don’t think VW is fooling anyone with that line. After the inevitable positive feedback from the Detroit masses, expect to see this car on the road very soon.

Adapted from CarAdvice

Ford chose to kick-off the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, with the announcement of their new Focus sedan and hatchback. The new Focus hatch and sedan are built on the newest iteration of Ford’s global C-platform and Ford expects to sell more than two million of its C-platform cars by 2012.

Bearing the latest evolution of Ford’s ‘Kinetic’ design language, Ford says the new Focus sedan and hatch models are “at the centre of convergence for automotive trends.”

“We’ve designed it with an acute understanding of global customers, yet it’s tailored for each individual region,” said J Mays, Ford’s Vice President of Design. “Focus combines the best from Europe, North America and Asia to deliver a level of emotional driving enjoyment never before experienced in a car this size.” Ford says the Kinetic design language has contributed to the “growing popularity” of its newest small and medium car line-up.

At the front end, headlights sit above a tall centre air dam flanked by sharply-angled side intakes, separate from the foglight housings. A nondescript grille is joined by strong bonnet lines that reach back to the windscreen glass, with a second line continuing up into the A-pillar. Largely identical up to the rear passenger door, the profile of the Focus sedan and hatch features multiple character lines running together along the wheel arches, and through the top and bottom of the doors. The pronounced wheel arches create a connection between the outgoing Focus and this new generation.

At the rear is where the two Focus models swiftly diverge, the rear quarter window and taillights being the standout differences (apart from the obvious hatch/sedan factors). The taillights of both models extend into the rear quarter panel, but in their own fashion. On the hatch, the fuel cap design is blended with the lines of the drivers side taillight, while on the sedan the traditional circle cap suffices.

Inside, the Kinetic styling continues, with design elements both unique to the new Focus and familiar to the new Fiesta. Soft-touch materials, piano black and dark satin silver trim features throughout, joined by multi-function displays in the centre stack and the instrument cluster. The new Focus offers a cockpit-style interior, with even the centre console angled slightly towards the driver.

Ford has yet to reveal full details on the Focus’ feature set, but perhaps the most significant item is the new MyFord Touch control system. In the US, the Focus was the first model to feature Ford’s SYNC infotainment system, and the new Focus will be among the first to offer the MyFord Touch control system, including a new eight-inch display in the centre console. A multi-function display rests between the rev meter and speedometer, providing information on average fuel consumption, distance to empty, trip computer and other details.

High-strength steels feature extensively throughout the Focus’ shell, comprising 55 percent of the body’s construction. More than 26 percent of the body’s steel is made up of ultra-high-strength and Boron steels. According to Ford, these advanced materials make the new Focus one of the safest cars in the world, while minimising overall weight.

The global powertrain line-up for the new Focus will include a range of EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo-charged direct injection engines, including a 1,6 litre petrol engine and improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, improving fuel economy by 10 to 20 percent compared to current models.
Ford is set to show a brand new 2,0 -litre petrol engine at Detroit this week, featuring direct injection and and Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT). Ford says its new 2,0-litre DI Ti-VCT engine is up to 20 percent more powerful than its current 2,0-litre Duratec inline-four, while contributing to a fuel economy improved by more than 10 percent.

The new 2,0-litre DI Ti-VCT engine will be paired with Ford’s new dry-clutch six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, featuring an advanced dual-clutch design designed to help reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent compared to a traditional four-speed automatic.

Unlike conventional automatics, the dry-clutch PowerShift transmission, based on more efficient manual gearbox technology, is not hampered by the extra weight and complexity of torque converters, planetary gears and oil pumps.

Ford’s engineers have developed new optimised designs for the Focus’ ‘Control Blade’ multilink rear suspension, along with the semi-isolated front and rear subframes. A new Electric Power Assist Steering system features in the new Focus, which Ford says has been tuned to provide “pure and precise” responses at high speed, remaining light and manoeuvrable for parking. Developed by Ford of Europe, a new Dynamic Cornering Control system transfers power between the drive wheels to reduce understeer, as well as improve traction and turn-in.

Ford has yet to release pricing and launch dates for the new Focus. Production is set to begin in Europe and North America later this year, with sales in those regions to begin in early 2011. Asia, Africa, South America and Australia will follow, although no dates have been given.

Adapted from TheMotorReport

While BMW had pretty much ruled out the possibility of creating a successor to the M variants of the Z3 and the previous Z4 with its new hardtop roadster, no one from Munich ever said that there wasn’t going to be a faster and more focused version than the Z4 sDrive35i.

That car is the Z4 sDrive35is -the ‘S’ is what makes the difference- and it will make its world debut at next month’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show before going on sale worldwide later next year.

The range topping Z4 features a more powerful version of the company’s 3,0-litre twin-turbocharged straight six and M-Sports styling and chassis packages.

At the heart of the Z4 sDrive35is is BMW’s 3,0-litre twin-turbo straight-six that benefits from optimised air supply and increased boost pressure. Output is lifted from 225 kW to 250 kW at 5 800 rpm, while peak torque is increased to 450 N.m and is available from 1 400 rpm all the way to 4 500 rpm.

Furthermore, the modified engine management on the Z4 sDrive35is also allows the use of an Overboost function, briefly increasing engine torque under full load by another 50 N.m to 500 N.m.

Power is driven to the rear wheels through a revised version of the firm’s seven-speed double clutch transmission with BMW announcing a zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

BMW says that despite the increased performance over the standard Z4 sDrive35i, the ‘S’ model delivers the same fuel economy averaging 9.0 l/100km.

Aside from the powetrain upgrades, the Z4 sDrive35is also comes as standard with an M Sports Package including the M Aerodynamics Package and adaptive M Suspension.

The M Suspension, which features electronically controlled dampers, lowers the entire car by 10 mm. The top-Z4 also gets a reprogrammed electronic power steering system that promises to offer increased feedback.

On the outside, the M package adds unique 18-inch alloy wheels with 19-inch rims available as an option, a new front bumper, re-trimmed kidney grilles, matte silver exterior mirror caps, a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser and specific tail pipes.

Finally, the interior has been enhanced with several features such as the M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, M footrest, sports seats, aluminium carbon trim, BMW Individual roof lining, M entry strips and footmats with coloured piping.

The revised instrument cluster with grey faces on the dials and the ’sDrive35is’ model designation complete the package.

Adapted from CarScoop