Detroit Motorshow 2009

[Nodz86]

Thought I'd make a thread about it, so heres some of the stuff being/been unveild for the show or early.

 

Detroit 2009: Jaguar unleashes 2010 XKR, this kitty has claws

by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Jan 10th, 2009 at 8:09PM

 

Performance and efficiency. These are the two cardinal attributes that all car designers are aiming for these days, and Jaguar is no different. For the last few years, the automaker's latest XK has relied heavily on its riveted and bonded aluminum-intensive architecture to achieve low weight, which is the first necessity for sporting credentials. For 2010, Jaguar is taking that successful formula and adding lots more power via an enlarged version of its AJ V8 engine. Direct injection, variable valve timing and a variable-geometry intake manifold all conspire to increase power to 510 hp while also having the desirable effect of improving fuel efficiency. Of course, an impressive engine is only a small part of the overall desirability of a new car, and Jaguar claims to have given its XK line, available in both a Portfolio model and uplevel R-model for the 2010 model year, a thorough freshening. So, what are they on about? Plenty, it seems. Keep reading

 

Detroit 2009: Mercedes-Benz unveils McLaren SLR Stirling Moss early

by Sam Abuelsamid on Jan 10th, 2009 at 10:59PM

 

 

At an event ahead of tomorrow's Detroit Auto Show kick-off, Mercedes-Benz showed off the new Mclaren SLR Stirling Moss to a select group of journos. The company is only offering 75 roadsters to current SLR owners to close out the supercar's tenure, so when these windscreen-free, 650 hp monsters are gone, that's it for the SLR. It must be a rush exploring the SLR's supercharged 5.5-liter V8 and 217 mph top speed with your head out in the open. Goofy old man and silly aviator eye-protectors sold seperately.

 

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class revealed ahead of Geneva

by Damon Lavrinc on Jan 10th, 2009 at 10:30PM

 

 

After various reports and some leaked images, M-B took the wraps off the the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class at a private event in Detroit. While the new E won't make its public debut until March at the Geneva Motor Show, we were on hand in Motown to get the details straight from the company that Karl Benz built.

 

We've said plenty about the E's new conservative sheetmetal and exterior elements, including the ConceptFASCINATIO-inspired front-end and sedate, uninspired rump. Depending on spec, the new E-class will feature either twin foglamps or angular LEDs, trapezoidal or oval exhaust tips and a host of wheel options. The overall length has been stretched by half an inch to just under 16 feet, while the width has grown by 1.26 inches, the wheelbase is up 0.8-inches and height is half-an-inch taller than the outgoing model. Torsional rigidity is up by 30% and the new E is more aerodynamic, along with packing 11 standard airbags.

 

The 2010 model shows considerable promise inside, with an interior that evolves the C-class and GLK's angular aesthetic and attempts to bring more of that bomb-proof feel that Benz was known for in the past. The transmission selector can be had on either the console or the steering column, ala S-class, with the COMAND controller placed on the center divider and some of the seat controls moving to the sides, next to the transmission tunnel.

 

The new E features enough gadgetry to sooth even the most weary CES attendee, beginning with a new standard system called Attention Assist that keeps track of steering angle and alerts the driver if they're getting drowsy with an audible alert and a coffee-cup icon on the dash. Lane departure warning is optional, along with adaptive high-beam headlights that dim when oncoming traffic is approaching, radar-based cruised control, blind-spot monitoring and infrared night vision.

 

When the 2010 E-class goes on sale this summer, buyers can choose from either a direct-injected, 292-hp 3.5-liter V6 (E350) or a 388-hp 5.5-liter V8 (E500), both mated to a standard seven-speed automatic gearbox. 4MATIC models will arrive later, along with the E63 variant, and the 211 hp, 3.0-liter Bluetech diesel variant with urea injection is slated to go on sale at the end of the year.

 

Detroit 2009: Volkswagen Bluesport concept, turbodiesel done right

by Damon Lavrinc on Jan 11th, 2009 at 2:44AM

 

 

The term "diesel performance" is an oxymoron to the majority of the public, but if the Volkswagen Bluesport makes it to production, these two diametrically-opposed words could have new meaning.

 

Later today at the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen will take the wraps off the Bluesport concept, a two-door roadster packing a mid-mounted 2.0-liter turbodiesel four putting out 180 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. With around 2,600 pounds to motivate the Bluesport, VW estimates a run from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds, a top speed of 140 and, just as importantly, 35 mpg on the European cycle.

 

The power from the mid-mounted diesel will be sent to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox mounted closer to the front of the car and resulting in a 45:55 front-to-rear weight distribution. The overall length is just over 13 feet, with a wheelbase of 96 inches, a front track 58.5 inches and a rear track of 60 inches. Two storage areas – one frunk and another mounted behind the engine – result in 182 liters of cargo area.

 

It's a compelling package that we're looking forward to scooping out in person. Check back this afternoon for more.

 

Detroit 2009: Dodge Circuit EV, now with cross-hairs

by Sam Abuelsamid on Jan 11th, 2009 at 12:01AM

 

 

In spite of the large Dodge EV branding that was on this car when it first appeared last fall, it was obvious to all that it was simply a Lotus Europa. In spite of Chrysler's seemingly inexorable drive to insolvency in recent months, the engineers and designers in Auburn Hills have continued to try make the best use of the time they have left with a paycheck. The electric sports car now known as the Circuit EV has been the beneficiary of cross-hair nose job that is actually an improvement over the Lotus original. The tail has also been revamped and the plug socket has moved from the passenger side to the driver's side flank.

 

The specs haven't changed so the Circuit is still a bit slower than a Tesla Roadster with a 0-60 time of under 5 seconds. The range is also estimated at 150-200 miles. It's anyone's guess what the real world range would be though since no one outside Chrysler or Lotus has thoroughly tested the Circuit yet. The other guess is whether Chrysler LLC will be around long enough to actually sell the Circuit to customers. Maybe we should start a pool to see which company will hold longer, Chrysler or Tesla?

 

From Autoblog

[DriftNismo]

Wow, looking pretty nice this year, like the idea of the SLR McLaren Stirling Moss xD.

[KoenigseggBG]

+rep Nodz, I was thinking of making such a thread but you made it great. :)

 

Here are some more :

Detroit Preview: Jaguar XFR arrives early

 

 

Thanks to an embargo break by 4WheelsNews, we can show you the first official image of the 2010 Jaguar XFR and reveal some juicy info on the British brand's new top cat. Set to go head-to-head with the big dogs in the high-performance luxury sedan segment, the XFR draws its motive force from a new version of Jaguar's AJV8 that's larger at 5.0 liters of displacement and supercharged to produce 510 bhp and 460 lb-ft of torque. That's good for a 0-60 mph run of just 4.7 seconds and a electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The XFR is also fitted with new 20-inch Nevis alloy wheels and larger brakes with calipers bearing the "R" logo.

 

The XFR also features a number of exterior tweaks that emphasize its sporting intentions, including a new front end with a new bumper design incorporating large, chrome trimmed air inlets on either side, hood vents, new fenders, side sills, a decklid spoiler, and new rear bumper that wraps around four exhaust pipes.

 

The interior is also gussied up with new dark aluminum trim, sports seats bearing the "R" logo and a sport steering wheel. Finally, the new range-topping XF can be had in eight colors: Botanical Green, Indigo, Kyanite Blue, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Porcelain and Salsa. We'll be back with more news on the XFR when we're allowed, so for now this all you get.

 

UPDATE: More images have begun to leak out, so check out the gallery below for addition high-res photos of the 2010 Jaguar XFR.

 

Gallery

 

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Detroit Preview: Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

 

 

When one thinks of the Indianapolis 500, Maserati is not a name that pops immediately to mind. However, cars wearing the famous trident logo won the 500 twice in 1939 and 1940 when legendary Wibur Shaw drove an 8C TF to victory at the "Brickyard" both years. Thankfully, even with all the bad news about automakers pulling out of the Detroit Auto Show this year, Maserati is using the occasion to celebrate the 70th anniversary of that first Indy victory with yet another variant of the Quattroporte.

 

The new Sport GT S has a recalibrated 4.7L V8 from the S now putting out 433 hp along with revised shift points for its transmission. This ultimate Quattroporte also gets a revised song thanks to a new exhaust system. The spring rates are stiffer and the dampers are now single rate rather than variable as on other QPs. Inside the GT S also gets the obligatory Alcantara trim to supplement the usual acres of leather. As you can see above and in our gallery of high-res images below, it still looks like a million bucks, though we poo poo the fact its missing any visual cues that would link it directly to the Indy 500, like a giant, downforce-inducing rear wing or Pace Car graphics on the doors. But maybe that's just us.

 

Gallery

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Source : Autoblog

[Mb]

Dodge Circuit EV, now that's a nice Lotus Europa :p

[Nodz86]

Cheers koenig, i knew I missed 2

[Pherelas]

The VW going to be the next hairdressers car then?

 

Also that Maserati is stunning, better than any BMW or Merc.

[Nodz86]

The VW going to be the next hairdressers car then?

.

 

I thought that but then its a diesel, so it probably will be but loads will have the wrong fuel put in :lol:

[Guest RB26DETT]

I think I'm one the few who likes the Mercedes E-Class, well speaking on experience after being flamed that I liked the E-Class. But I prefer the looks of the previous model than this one. Well, photos sometimes don't do justice. I'll wait for a video.

[And3rs]

I like the Volkswagen Bluesport concept :D

But the McLaren is just ugly. ehhh? :oook:

[KoenigseggBG]

Cheers koenig, i knew I missed 2

No problem, mate. :thumbsup:The new XKR looks kinda gay with that new front, I hope I`m wrong casue I love the current one. The SLR, well it`s too ugly to be made but Merc make their decisions.:confused: But it`s nothing compared to the incredibly fugleh new E-class, I just can`t imagine what kind of people would actually buy this car...:eek2: The VW is I think Scirocco Convertiable, well it looks good but I think it won`t be such a succes as the Eos. :) And the Dodge is a copy-paste of Lotus Europa...:-x

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Here are some more, btw :

Detroit Preview: 2010 Buick LaCrosse breaks cover

 

 

If the car you see here looks somewhat familiar, it should. It appeared in concept form at last spring's Beijing Motor Show as the Buick Invicta concept. At the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the Invicta becomes the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. Like many recent examples, the Invicta was a less a concept than a very mildly disguised version of the upcoming production car. Just before the Christmas break, General Motors gave the media a preview of the new production LaCrosse in the design dome at the company's tech center in Warren, MI.

 

GM North America VP for Buick-Pontiac-GMC Susan Docherty, global mid-size car vehicle line executive Jim Federico, and Buick brand character chief designer Dave Lyon provided a run-down for us on the new LaCrosse. The mid-size Buick is the first North American market application of the revised Epsilon II architecture that debuted last summer as the basis of the Euro-only Opel Insignia. Follow the jump and we'll tell you all about it.

 

Gallery

[Nodz86]

I think now Shar has seen the VW Bluesport I think its on the shopping list for when its released

[Shy Guy]

loving the way they used the Cross-Hair grille on the Dodge EV like they did with the Viper

[DriftNismo]

Saw a few LaCrosse shots a few days ago; I want one :). We had a Buick rental car in the US (until the handbrake wouldn't go off, and we had to switch to a Mercury, where the handbrake wouldn't go on xD) and it was VERY comfortable, and the suspension was sooo soft, it felt so nice.

[Mb]

I love that Stirling Moss SLR, it's brilliant.

[Car Freak]

Good god. The first thought that came into my mind when i saw the E-class was: What sinful hateful ugly piece-of-crap Chinese car is this? I just can't believe it looks like this now! It does remind me quite a bit of a Ford Scorpio or Ssangyong Chairman... <shudder>

 

In other news though, I've fallen in love with the XF-R. Well actually I fell in love with it even before I saw it but that's beside the point...

[KoenigseggBG]

HOT NEWS!!!

 

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Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj

 

 

Cadillac just took the wraps off a new concept based on the Chevy Volt's "Voltec" drivetrain (that's a new moniker, by the way). The angular coupe is called the Converj and it is drop-dead gorgeous. With styling that is instantly recognizable as Cadillac, Bob Lutz told us at the press conference that the car was designed to be aesthetically pleasing on its own. It's just a great shape that holds great promise. Lutz and Co. referred to the Converj as the "CADILLAC OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES" and even if that sounds trite, it could well bring Cadillac back to the top of the luxury car heap, with a solid foundation of SRX and CTS below it.

 

Like the Chevrolet Volt, GM says the Converj will be able to travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone, and it will have a small helper motor to help drivers avoid "range anxiety." That's the term for the fear of running out of charge when you're still miles away from your final destination. As Lutz pointed out, you can't run down to the gas station for a 5-gallon can of electricity. There's a lengthy press release after the jump with plenty of stats. All we can say is that we'd love to hear that that the Converj is going into production tomorrow, but the reality of GM's current financial situation probably means they won't be able to make any firm commitments for awhile. Hit the jump to view video of the live unveiling.

 

Gallery[/img]

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Detroit 2009: Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZero previews next-gen B-Class

 

 

At an off-site reception held tonight ahead of tomorrow's opening of the Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz showed off its new Concept BlueZero. The car is both an example of clean technology and a preview of the styling for the next generation Mercedes B-Class. Like the current A and B class models, this concept uses a sandwich floor design and adds a modular powertrain system. The car is envisioned with three powertrain options depending on the range requirements. The BlueZero E-Cell uses a 35 kWh lithium ion battery pack to provide a 120-mile range, while the BlueZero F-Cell variant gets a 90 kW hydrogen fuel cell for a 240-mile range. The efficiency of the fuel cell version is rated at the equivalent of 81 mpg (US).

 

The third flavor is the E-Cell Plus and adds a 67-hp three-cylinder engine from the Smart ForTwo mounted in the rear between the sandwich floor layers where the spare tire would normally go. The ER-EV variant cuts the battery size in half as well as the electric-only range. The range extender, however, bumps the total range to 360 miles.

 

Mercedes also announced that it will begin low-volume series production of the fuel cell B-Class later this year and follow that with low volume series production of a battery electric vehicle in 2010.

Gallery

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Detroit 2009: Volvo S60 Concept debuts sexy Scandinavian design

 

 

Volvo's big deal for the 2009 Detroit Auto Show is the S60 Concept, which debuts a new design direction for the Scandinavian brand once known for elevating the art of boxes on wheels. Volvo has continually evolved its signature design language, adding curves and bulges to make its vehicles look more organic than cubic. The culmination of that movement is the S60 Concept, which previews the next-gen S60 production sedan.

 

The concept features a coupe-like roofline and elegant front end brandishing the largest version of Volvo's iron mask badge that we've ever seen. A new character line running along the sides of the concept nicely updates the broad shoulder that's common on the brand's current cars and SUVs. There are lots of other cool exterior details, which you can read about in the press release after the jump, but the interior is the concept's crown jewel. The floating center stack, inspired by current Volvo production interiors, was made by hand out of Orrefors crystal.

 

The S60 concept is also full of safety tech, including a Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection system that will debut in the production S60. It works to avoid collisions with pedestrians under 20 km/h altogether and minimize injury for ones occurring at faster speeds. Powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder turbodiesel with direct injection, the S60 Concept is also frugal with fuel, burning through just 5.0 liters of petrol every 100 km (about 47 mpg U.S.)

Gallery

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Detroit Preview: Bentley GTC Speed is last, but not least

 

 

The Bentley GTC has only been out for two years and a bit, but you might not know that; the car is so popular in some parts that it has become something like Ugg Boots for the monied-up automotive fashionista. Like its other Continental stablemates, Bentley has finally taken the drophead into their Speed garage for the transformation from really fast to "Egads!" fast.

 

It emerges from said garage with its twin-turbo W12 producing 553 lb-ft. of torque and 600 horsepower - 100 ponies more than the Azure T, making it the most powerful convertible Bentley has ever made. The Speed treatment alters the front end, with a more upright, dark-tinted matrix grille flanked by chrome bezels around the headlights, and the face is framed by firmer lines sweeping up from the lower air dam.

 

While it is still not - and isn't mean to be - a sports car, the handling ante is upped by a lowered ride height, low-friction dampers, stiffer rear axle bushings, wider tires, and retuned steering. When it's time to stop, newly available carbon-ceramic brakes, at 16.5 inches up front and 14 inches in back, are the largest factory-fitted brakes on a passenger car today.

 

When it's time to get on it, you'll reach 60 in 4.5 seconds, and with the top up you'll find terminal velocity is 200 miles-per-hour with the lid up. Should you not wish to go easy on your follicles, the GTC will still reach 195 mph with the top down - just make sure to lather up your 'do with plenty of product.

 

There are two new official exterior paint choices from the factory: Aquamarine and Blue Crystal, and you can get the interior done in Aquamarine as well. However, since Bentley's bespoke department will make your GTC any color you want, that's probably of little concern to most buyers. Even so, we must ask: who's been requesting an Aquamarine interior? Check out the full GTC Speed press release after the jump, and the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery

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From Autoblog

[CarMadMike]

Detroit 2009: Audi Sportback concept, coming soon as the A7

 

 

Audi continues to underscore the importance of the US market to its future fortunes with two world debuts at the Detroit Auto Show. In addition to the R8 V10 that we saw last month, we got our first look at the Sportback concept. The Sportback is a preview of the A7 sedan due to arrive in the next year or so. As expected, this is Audi's take on the four door coupe/sedan idiom. Compared to the Porsche Panamera, this is one actually works. It takes the look we've come to expect from Audi and updates it with slightly sharper lines and a reshaped grille, along with even more LED lighting.

 

The Sportback name refers to the fastback roofline and Audi boss Rupert Stadler made it clear that the new look will become a common trait in the Audi lineup, beginning with a new A5 Sportback coming later this year. Under the hood, the Sportback gets a 3.0-liter TDI diesel V6 with 225 hp/406 lb-ft paired up with a seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch gea box. The whole thing is topped off with automatic start stop to give a combined 39 mpg (US). Based on these specs we can't wait for the A7 to arrive.

 

Source: Autoblog

 

 

OMG, That is pure sh3xy!

[Who]

WOW! So Many Gorgeous cars! as weird as it is to say though, my favorite has been the S60 so far!

 

XKR - Wow, so gorgeous, such a sleek car, and it is looking less like a cheap aston, but looks just as stunning

 

SLR - very cool, but too novelty for me

 

E Class - hideous, looks very chinese :(

 

BlueSport - I really like this actually, and in a way it seems like a spiritual successor to the MG TF, the lines seem to have something similar about them, and of course they are both mid engined.

 

Dodge EV - A lotus, but a lotus that has been on an American fashion show

 

XFR - Very very cool looking, although the black makes it look a bit 'too' mean, get it in British racing green and this one will be a stunner

 

Maserati Quatroporte - Does look good in black, as it naturally has an intimidating stance to it, Mafia Dons across Italy will love this one

 

Buick Lacrosse - eeerrrr, kind indifferent on this, to me it looks a bit like an infiniti from the front.

 

Cadillac Converj - looks like the Karin Dilettante from GTA IV, but substancially uglier

 

BlueZero - Raise the bonnet, tone down the headlights, lose those stupid rims and you've got a nice looking car, on face value it's fugly

 

S60 - my god I want this car so much, such a pretty car, volvo certainly have done themselves proud!

 

Bentley - Faster... that's about it, still not a looker, boring...

 

Audi A7 - Audi! Stop it! Every A-Car (let's pretend the Q line doesn't exist...) you produce is amazingly good looking, I don't want to like your cars so much, i'm not ready to be a cock!

[Immelmann]

I missed it this year, but is it just me or was every new Benz shown really really ugly?

[Car Freak]

Meh to all the other cars, but the S60 does look surprisingly good, especially the crystal centre console. Audi Sportback though, Who hit the nail right on the head. I'm not ready to be a cock :p I've never been too fond of the new Audi corporate grille and hated it on the A8 and previous A4, but if this is the next level Audi is going to bring it to then I think they'll have many successful years ahead

[KoenigseggBG]

S60 is an amazing car, I didn`t expected that much from Volvo, let`s hope most of the amazing things will remain in the production version. :)

 

Audis, eh, I think it will never be as good as they claim it to be. It`s ugly, the one on the pic and I think after releasing the RS6 Avant, A5/S5/Convertiale and R8/R8 V10, they have done enough. ;)

[Shy Guy]

The Honda Insight also got revealed I think, but I hate how everyone makes ugly hybrid/electric cars(Prius, Volt, Cadillac whatever, insight) Dodge and Telsa know what their doing by making sport electric cars, and Chrysler is also making a good job by giving the Wrangler/Town & Country electric engines(if they make them to production)

[KoenigseggBG]

Bleh, they have ruined the XKR

 

[imglink]http://photo.netcarshow.com/Jaguar-XFR_2010_photo_12.jpg[/imglink]

[DriftNismo]

ZOMGZ that A7 is stunning! As is the S60 :).

[Mb]

 

Jaguar fails.

Compare the rear lights.