Highlights From The Detroit Auto Show 2011

With over 30 new cars and trucks to be revealed to the press Monday and Tuesday for the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, the American consumer will judge whether or not Motor City gets the message on what they want -- and need.

There have been signs in recent months to indicate they do. "The auto industry is coming back strong from what has been a difficult economy, Paul Taylor, chief economist of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) says. "Auto sales are playing a key role in leading the economic recovery."

Last week in Las Vegas and New York, Ford revealed a fully electric version of its 2012 Ford Focus compact car with hybrid models to be sold this year. And G.M.'s much hyped plug-in electric hybrid, the Chevrolet Volt, began deliveries late last year.

Among the no-shows this year will include Nissan, Infiniti, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Suzuki, Mitsubishi and American made Fisker (even though its first 2011 Karma range-extended electric vehicles are scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealers in March or April).

Come back for updates to this slideshow as the show continues.

By Oliver Quillia and Jonathan Li
Posted 10 January 2011

The Honda Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan made world debuts at the show, providing a glimpse at the styling direction of the all-new, ninth-generation 2012 model set to go on sale this spring.

The 2012 Civic embraces the company’s vision as a “Civic for all people,” a phrase originally expressed in defining the goal of the first-generation Civic. The Civic’s family of engines with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control technology become even more fuel efficient for 2012.

More than 95 percent of all Civics sold in the U.S. as of calendar-year 2010 were made in North America at manufacturing facilities in either Greensburg, Indiana or Alliston, Ontario in Canada, according to the company.

Originally debuted at the Paris Auto Show in October 2010, the New Bentley Continental GT was on display in Detroit.

Although it was not an original reveal, a Bentley will still turn heads at any auto show. Its hand-crafted interior and upgrades are the things to note on the 2011 Continental. It features a 6.0-liter, W-12 engine, with 567 hp and 516 pound-feet of torque.

The new Vertrek concept crossover was unveiled by Ford at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, offering a look at the styling direction for the next-generation Escape.

Vertrek is a global solution to a compact SUV, Ford says, designed to appeal to customers around the world, “particularly in North America, Europe and the world’s largest car market, China.” Vertrek was engineered to accept Ford's latest generation of four-cylinder engines. The Ford concept was revealed on the first media-preview day of the Detroit auto show, along with the electric version of Focus.

The Curb features one of Hyundai’s new design styles, oriented toward younger buyers who are looking for a more urban feel. According to the company, this style is dubbed “Fluidic Sculpture” and is looking to have a “technology rugged” feel.

“We wanted the Curb to be urban tough without looking like a Brink's truck,” said Jason Brown, Hyundai's designer. “City driving was going to be its forte, not crossing the Rubicon trail, but we wanted it to have urban armor for daily driving on city streets. It needed to empower its passengers in this setting.”

The Curb, unveiled at the show, is the test vehicle for Hyundai’s Blue Link technology.

Another offering from Hyundai is the Veloster, a three-door coupe introduced at the show. The car is the company’s first with a dual clutch transmission and also includes 40mpg highway, a 7-inch, touch-screen display and connectivity for internet radio and video game consoles.

Hyundai says the Veloster was inspired by high-performance sport bikes, giving the interior cabin views similar to that of a motorcycle helmet visor. It also employs Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design.

One of the most recognizable new car brands, Tesla was on the floor at Detroit. Pictured here, the Tesla Roadster Sport can accelerate from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, delivering 295 lbs-ft. of torque and 288 horsepower, all on electric power.

The car utilizes an electric motor and advanced lithium-ion battery and, according to the company, the Roadster Sport can travel 245 miles per charge.

Certainly an eye-catcher at this year’s show, the Toyota Swagger Wagon Supreme is the company’s attempt to push the boundaries of the traditional minivan’s identity. The car was originally shown at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Using the Toyota Sienna as a base, the current model is stretched and modified by nearly 4 feet, along with other body modifications and interior designs that look to create both a stylish and family-friendly feel.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is the 70th Anniversary edition, and is expected to carry a price tag of $35,770. The car features a number of style accents, including 20-inch wheels, olive leather seats and chestnut wood accents.

The MINI Paceman Concept retains the familiar MINI family frontal appearance but adds large headlights. The radiator grill is essentially the same as that of the Cooper S Countryman, with additional air intakes in the bumper to deliver improved brake ventilation and the incorporation of new deep set fog lights.

“In contrast to the more vertical design of the MINI Countryman, we’ve given the MINI Paceman Concept a horizontal emphasis and accentuated the width of the car more to underline the powerful appearance of the study,” explained Marcus Syring, Head of MINI Exterior Design. It's set to go on sale in 2012.

The new A6 will arrive at dealerships in early 2011. This year’s model is touted as having a unique combination of materials that makes the car’s body increasingly lightweight.

The new A6 series starts with five powerplants generating between 130 kW (177 hp) and 220 kW (300 hp) of output: two gasoline engines and three TDI units. The Audi A6 hybrid will follow at a later date; it combines the power of a large V6 with the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder unit.

Ford showcased 10 new vehicles on one stage at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Led by the all-new Ford Focus (pictured), the vehicle lineup attempted to demonstrate how the company is transforming its product range for a high-tech, fuel-efficient future.

Pictured, Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company, speaks on "One Ford" - an ideology based on utilizing a common design theme that will appeal to both American and European consumers.

“These 10 great cars are what our One Ford plan is all about,” said Mulally. “Today it all comes together with a tremendous vision for more great products our customers will love, a strong business from a smarter global approach and a better world with major improvements in fuel economy and electrification."

The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible makes its debut in Detroit. The convertible chassis, as well as the hard top variant that debuted in last year in Paris, has been redesigned, with a wider stance, longer length, and a shorter height.

Technology options have been beefed up which includes lane departure, night vision, and active cruise control. The new convertible will be in showrooms beginning this spring with a base price of $91,375.

When the first generation Chrysler 300 debuted in 2005, it was popular among car buyers and critics alike.

The new Chrysler 300 was redesigned from the ground up and the company hopes the car will continue to please. Among the car's features are blind-spot monitoring and an 8.4-inch touch screen interface. The new 300 is going after the higher-end consumer, improving on performance, handling, and comfort. The 300 is upping the stakes for Chrysler's higher-end offerings.

The base price for the 2011 Chrysler begins at $27,995. Pictured next to the car is Olivier Francois, the President & CEO of Chrysler Brand. 

With the F430 prancing out the door, the Ferrari 458 Italia will be the new horse in the stable this summer. Slightly wider and longer than the F430, the 458 boasts a new modern look. Under the hood, the 458 Italia houses a 4.5 liter V-8 mated with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

Pricing for the Ferrari 458 is expected to be around $230,000.

Initially developed for the European market, the Ford C-Max hybrid and plug-in hybrid (C-Max Energi) will go on sale as a 2013 model, having the ability to carry up to 5 passengers.

This crossover is about 15-inches shorter than the Honda Odyssey and Dodge Caravan. With Ford’s focus on better fuel efficiency, the company expects the hybrid version to have a better fuel economy than its current Ford Fusion Hybrid, currently rated at 41 mile-per-gallon.

Both the versions of the C-Max will be built in Wayne, Michigan. Pricing for both version of the C-Max has not been announced.

The 918 RSR is a super sports car that borrows technology from the 911 GT3 R hybrid and design elemtns from the 918 Spyder. It offers a V8 engine that can pump out 563 hp and 10,300 rpm, with electric motors on the front two wheels that can add a peak drive power capacity of 767 hp. The energy for this system is generated during breaking.

The energy captured by the electric motors is good for a burst of speed that can last up to 8 seconds when fully charged and is engaged with the push of a button.

As Volkswagen aims to sell 800,000 automobiles in the United States by 2018, VW begins their goal with the new 2012 Passat. Designed in Germany, with U.S. input in mind, the new Passat is longer and more spacious. Cars like the Honda Accord sedan should be scared as the new Passat has grown size.

Pricing for the new Passat hasn't been unofficially announced, but it’s rumored that the base price will start from $20,000, a significant drop from the $30,000 base, currently.

Destined for production in 2013, this is a battery electric version of its popular SLS AMG gull-wing supercar. It's powered by four electric motors, one for each axle.

The electric motors top out at 526 hp and 12,000 rpm, which can bring the car to 60mph in four seconds. The interior features a 10-inch touch screen and seating for two. Its expected price? $185,750.

Toyota unveiled a new Prius "family" - vehicles intended to broaden acceptance of hybrids utilizing the same values of high fuel economy and low emissions. The Prius c Concept (pictured), with c representing a “city”-centric vehicle, hopes to appeal to young singles and couples who want an eco-sensitive, high-mileage, vehicle.

“This is no ordinary family. It’s a modern family with a Prius for everyone,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “They will all share common Prius attributes but will be unique, with a special appeal to different buyers.”

Prius c Concept is the inspiration for an additional Prius family member that will come to market in the first half of 2012.

The new 2012 Fiat 500 will be hitting the show rooms this year after a more than 30 year absence in the U.S market. Aimed to compete with the VW Beetle and the Mini Cooper, the Fiat 500 is expected to achieve 29 mpg city and 37 mpg highway when using a manual transmission.

Base price for the Fiat 500 begins at $16,000.

Making its debut at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show, the Lexus supercar will accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds and the company claims will achieve a maximum speed of 202 mph.

“The development of the LFA was unlike any other Lexus,” said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager. “Only 500 will ever be built worldwide, and each will be assembled to customer order, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of a small, exclusive group of individuals.”

Production of the LFA supercar began in December 2010 with deliveries continuing for the following 24 months.  Price starts at $375,000.