You might expect the NAIAS, that granddaddy of domestic auto shows, to lose some of its swagger in 2008, as a shaky domestic economy, rising CAFE standards, and stratospheric fuel prices are giving the indigenous car industry the biggest Cleveland Steamer it has had in decades. Don't worry, though: Carmakers are still planning the big Broadway-style productions in Detroit this year as though nothing has changed. Yes, a few brands such as Infiniti are planning for a low-key show, and Porsche has pulled out entirely. But Cobo Hall will still be packed full of significant, green-tinted, and often powerful new vehicles, not to mention a few new Chinese fascias. Five Chinese manufacturers will show up in Motown, each bearing their own decapitory and derivative $6500 leather-lined luxury sedan that will burst into flames at first crank. But we kid the Chinese.
With so many teaser photos and full-on virtual reveals already circulating on the Interwebs, the beans on Motown's introductions have begun to spill weeks ahead of the actual event. We've combined what's already known with inside information for this preview of what to expect next week in Detroit. Stay tuned this Sunday through Tuesday for Motive's full coverage and galleries from the show floor...
"as a shaky domestic economy, rising CAFE standards, and stratospheric fuel prices are giving the indigenous car industry the biggest Cleveland Steamer it has had in decades."
Nice summary. Interesting that Detroit seems to be pushing the green theme this year. I wonder why Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Detroit will actually offer any 'green' cars for sale any time soon - say this fall. Hopefully - for Detroits sake - both Toyota and Honda delay their next gen hybrids until 2010. Otherwise, unless gas prices drop drastically, sales from the US big 3 will continue to tank.
"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true." Homer Simpson
Nice summary. Interesting that Detroit seems to be pushing the green theme this year. I wonder why Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Detroit will actually offer any 'green' cars for sale any time soon - say this fall. Hopefully - for Detroits sake - both Toyota and Honda delay their next gen hybrids until 2010. Otherwise, unless gas prices drop drastically, sales from the US big 3 will continue to tank.
/
GM and Ford HAVE hybrids, too... Also, GM's two-mode system pretty much > *
Your intelligence on Acura isn't reliable. At all. Also, Cadillac unveiled the Provoq at CES. You mispelled "Venza," which, BTW, isn't a concept. Oh, and you completely forgot Kia, who has the new Borrego SUV debuting.
Overall, the show sounds like a snooze this year, though I'm curious what those Chinese manufacturers have up their sleeve.
That's what I heard as well - possibly in EVO, which is pretty good in terms of publishing accurate rumors.
As I mentioned to Eddie in PM, it's news to me, but I'm more well-versed in their production debuts than their concepts. They usually let me know this stuff, but perhaps this was a last-second addition after I last asked.
Lexus Toyota's luxury line is staying coy about its plans for Detroit, though some speculation places a production LF-A in Michigan next week. Lexus has already hyped the car's prowess in testing (fastest 'Ring time evAr!), so it wouldn't be a shocker if the sports car showed up.
nice, motive really is The Car Lounge Magazine
1988 16V Scirocco(SOLD 8-25-06)
Quote, originally posted by GTI 20v »
I want to buy a dump truck, fill it with gravel, and then drive on the highway in front of other dump trucks and break their windshields.
Sounds like a snooze-fest. Most of the exciting stuff has already been seen, like the ZR1 and the Hyundai Genesis sedan. Hopefully there will be some surprises.
You can thank the embargo breakers for that There are still a few embargos that haven't been broken, so there might be some hope.
Quote, originally posted by Oliver@triplezoom »
Sounds like a snooze-fest. Most of the exciting stuff has already been seen, like the ZR1 and the Hyundai Genesis sedan. Hopefully there will be some surprises.
Zerin Dube 2008 Imola Yellow Audi TT 3.2 S-Line 6MT
Saturn (GM) offers the new Vue in 2 levels of "hybrid". Saturn also offers its Aura as a hybrid. Chevy (still GM) has a hybrid Silverado, hybrid Tahoe, and a hybrid Malibu. Along with the hybrids, Chevy offers multi-displacement engines with its V8 truck, and the on the V8-powered Impala SS. Even the V6 Impala offers multi-displacement. If that ain't enough for you, the Chevy Aveo and Chevy Cobalt are reasonably efficient and frugal 4 cylinder models. Cadillac and GMC (both GM) offer hybrid versions of their respective Escalade and Yukon models.
Ford was the first to offer a hybrid SUV, in the form of the Escape. The Escape continues to be offered, and has been joined by a hybrid Mercury Mariner. Ford also offers fuel efficient, 4 cylinder versions of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. The Ford Focus is also a frugal and efficient choice.
Chrylser offers relatively efficient little SUVs, in the form of the Jeep Compass and Patriot. Dodge's Nitro compact/crossover is also reasonable and thrifty. The 4 and 6 cylinder versions of the Dodge Avenger/Chrysler Sebring offer respectable MPGs. The bigger Dodge Challenger/Chrysler 300 offer multi-displacement engines in their Hemi-powered forms, and their 6 cylinder models get good MPGs. The Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen are offered with Two-Mode Hybrid systems.
I don't know what "green" means to you, but it seems to me that the Big 3 have most bases covered. Now, if you are waiting for a specifically designed, "Look at Me, I'm Green!" car, Chevy (GM) has the Volt coming your way, real soon!
Quote, originally posted by joe13472000 »
Nice summary. Interesting that Detroit seems to be pushing the green theme this year. I wonder why Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Detroit will actually offer any 'green' cars for sale any time soon - say this fall. Hopefully - for Detroits sake - both Toyota and Honda delay their next gen hybrids until 2010. Otherwise, unless gas prices drop drastically, sales from the US big 3 will continue to tank.
Quote, originally posted by justanotherusername »
There are plenty of existing technologies that produce emissions free electricity. There isn't one single technology in the world that produces emissions free gasoline.
Saturn (GM) offers the new Vue in 2 levels of "hybrid". Saturn also offers its Aura as a hybrid. Chevy (still GM) has a hybrid Silverado, hybrid Tahoe, and a hybrid Malibu. Along with the hybrids, Chevy offers multi-displacement engines with its V8 truck, and the on the V8-powered Impala SS. Even the V6 Impala offers multi-displacement. If that ain't enough for you, the Chevy Aveo and Chevy Cobalt are reasonably efficient and frugal 4 cylinder models. Cadillac and GMC (both GM) offer hybrid versions of their respective Escalade and Yukon models.
Ford was the first to offer a hybrid SUV, in the form of the Escape. The Escape continues to be offered, and has been joined by a hybrid Mercury Mariner. Ford also offers fuel efficient, 4 cylinder versions of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. The Ford Focus is also a frugal and efficient choice.
Chrylser offers relatively efficient little SUVs, in the form of the Jeep Compass and Patriot. Dodge's Nitro compact/crossover is also reasonable and thrifty. The 4 and 6 cylinder versions of the Dodge Avenger/Chrysler Sebring offer respectable MPGs. The bigger Dodge Challenger/Chrysler 300 offer multi-displacement engines in their Hemi-powered forms, and their 6 cylinder models get good MPGs. The Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen are offered with Two-Mode Hybrid systems.
I don't know what "green" means to you, but it seems to me that the Big 3 have most bases covered. Now, if you are waiting for a specifically designed, "Look at Me, I'm Green!" car, Chevy (GM) has the Volt coming your way, real soon!
Sorry, but green is more than 32mpg [Chevy Malibu Hybrid]. How about at least coming close to the Prius - say >40mpg. It's almost as if Detroit isn't even trying. But as you pointed out, hopefully the Volt is a reality in 2010.
"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true." Homer Simpson
Good preview. I'll be at the show this Sunday, yes, this Sunday. We'll be revealing the 2009MY F-150. I'm hoping there will be time and access to meander the other exhibits.
I'll be kickin' it with Mary J and Maroon 5 Saturday night, yo. Can't wait. And then it's off to the show itself to play "Surprise Bathroom Attack" with various members of the media.
He stood the furious Foe, the timid Friend/The damning Critic, half approving Wit/ The Coxcomb hit, or fearing to be hit;/Laugh’d at the Loss of Friends he never had,/The dull, the proud, the wicked, and the mad.
I'll be kickin' it with Mary J and Maroon 5 Saturday night, yo. Can't wait. And then it's off to the show itself to play "Surprise Bathroom Attack" with various members of the media.
Man, they'll let illiterate drunkards like you in!?!
Sorry, but green is more than 32mpg [Chevy Malibu Hybrid]. How about at least coming close to the Prius - say >40mpg. It's almost as if Detroit isn't even trying. But as you pointed out, hopefully the Volt is a reality in 2010.
Since you say 32 mpg, I guess you mean highway mileage, so...
I say 50+ is green. Maybe VW will show the Jetta TDIs along with the coupe concept.
Modified by chewym at 6:45 PM 1-10-2008
Quote, originally posted by MEIN_VW »
This place is is insane - the biggest complaint I hear in the Car Lounge is that VW's are too expensive when loaded up with options and yet when they want to decontent and lower the price, the complaints get even louder. You can't have it both ways.
Since you say 32 mpg, I guess you mean highway mileage, so...
Malibu - 32 hwy Altima - 33 hwy Camry - 34 hwy
Yeah... how horrible...
So, what is green? 32.01 and higher?
Modified by DenCo at 10:25 PM 1-10-2008
Typical Prius mpg is in the high 40's. Detroits best - the Malibu Hybrid - is 32mpg. Which Automaker - Detroit or GM - is perceived as a Green Automaker? Until GM can put a >40mpg car on the road, clearly Toyota is percieved as green - even with their large and profitable SUVs and Trucks, the public perceives Toyota as being Green primarly due to the 'glow' from the Prius. Unfortunately, perception matters plus the fact that some (or many) would like to buy a high mileage car from a US automaker and Detroit doesn't offer anything even close to the Prius. Americans deserve better from Detroit. We don't want yet more of the "green public relations' from GM that appears to be all that's in store from this years Detroit auto show - instead we want high mpg cars that hopefully are fun to drive that we can buy this year.
"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true." Homer Simpson
Typical Prius mpg is in the high 40's. Detroits best - the Malibu Hybrid - is 32mpg. Which Automaker - Detroit or GM - is perceived as a Green Automaker? Until GM can put a >40mpg car on the road, clearly Toyota is percieved as green - even with their large and profitable SUVs and Trucks, the public perceives Toyota as being Green primarly due to the 'glow' from the Prius. Unfortunately, perception matters plus the fact that some (or many) would like to buy a high mileage car from a US automaker and Detroit doesn't offer anything even close to the Prius. Americans deserve better from Detroit. We don't want yet more of the "green public relations' from GM that appears to be all that's in store from this years Detroit auto show - instead we want high mpg cars that hopefully are fun to drive that we can buy this year.
A Vue hybrid is more efficient than a Highlander hybrid A Malibu hybrid or Aura hybrid is comparable to the Camry or Altima Escape hybrid does better than the Highlander hybrid
The idea that everything they do has to trample everything else in EVERY way to even be considered worthy is pure BS. Ther's perception, and then there's excuse making. While the ignorant masses perceive things that aren't necesarily accurate, this does not justify your comments or validate your "argument," especially that "it's almost like Detroit isn't even trying."
Remember that a number of years back, there was this, too...
Whih kinda paved the way for the whole hybrid thing (there was even a hybrid EV1 later on) and other projects such as HyWire (fuel cells), FlexFuel, E-Flex, etc. It's not like they're sitting idly by and selling nothing but Hummer H2s and Yukon Denalis (which are no worse than a Sequoia or Armada, BTW).
Remember that a number of years back, there was this, too...
Whih kinda paved the way for the whole hybrid thing (there was even a hybrid EV1 later on) and other projects such as HyWire (fuel cells), FlexFuel, E-Flex, etc.
There really needs to be a test to keep the ignorant masses like yourself from posting.
The Impact was hardly a new idea. Neither are hybrids. The first hybrid was the 1901 Lohner Porsche, which conceptually isn't really that different than the Malibu Hybrid--the only thing that's changed is battery tech. In fact, it has more in common with the Malibu Hybrid than the Impact, if simply because everything in the Impact is different, from battery tech to propulsion.
The Impact was hardly a new idea. Neither are hybrids. The first hybrid was the 1901 Lohner Porsche, which conceptually isn't really that different than the Malibu Hybrid--the only thing that's changed is battery tech. In fact, it has more in common with the Malibu Hybrid than the Impact, if simply because everything in the Impact is different, from battery tech to propulsion.
I was talking about the push for alternatives that we're seeing TODAY; I'm aware that there have been a LOT of idea that were done in the earlier days of automotive history, including electric cars, but it has no relevance to what I or the other poster I was replying to were saying. Unless you're also going to discredit the Prius, Insight et al too.
Point is, "Detroit" is putting some effort into being green as well, unlike what that other guy was claiming and the EV-1 was one of the first MODERN DAY alternatives to actually see the light of day. You can't give credit to the Priusbut ignore everything else out there simply because the Prius is perceived as the ONE "green" car.
I was talking about the push for alternatives that we're seeing TODAY; I'm aware that there have been a LOT of idea that were done in the earlier days of automotive history, including electric cars, but it has no relevance to what I or the other poster I was replying to were saying. Unless you're also going to discredit the Prius, Insight et al too.
Point is, "Detroit" is putting some effort into being green as well, unlike what that other guy was claiming and the EV-1 was one of the first MODERN DAY alternatives to actually see the light of day. You can't give credit to the Priusbut ignore everything else out there simply because the Prius is perceived as the ONE "green" car.
Yep. Detroit put in a lot of effort on the EV-1 - that is a lot of effort to crush almost every EV-1
What should have been both the car and technology to give a jump start on Toyota by a few years for hybrid technology - turned into a gigantic public relations nightmare for GM and certainly did more harm than good to GMs public image.
Hopefully the Volt is actually available for sale - in quantity - next year to rescue GMs image. Until then, GM seems to be doing their best to look as pathetic and 'behind the times' as possible. Promoting a 500hp Hummer H3R - yeah that will help. A 32mpg Malibu Hybrid when the Prius hybrid is almost 50mpg, even worse.
Unless GM wants to suffer along for another year+, one would think that GM would have enough sense to be more aggressive in promoting a 'greener image'. A youtube sneak peak of the 'production' Volt with only cloth cover only pulled back to show a headlight isn't going to cut in.
Why doesn't GM simply show the actual prototype Volt at the Detroit Auto Show and announce that GM is now taking deposits from anyone interested to reserve their own Volt?
Additionally, Doesn't GM already have plenty high mpg diesels currently being sold overseas (>40mpg). Why not also show a few at Detroit to gauge the publics interest? GM could state that if public interest is high enough, then they plan to quickly go through all of the EPA approvals. Even better, if public interest is higher than expected, then GM could publicly pressure the US Government to fast track approval to have the cars certified for sale (in the USA) next fall (09).
Even though it looks like GM won't have a 40+mpg car for sale this fall, at least demonstrating (or proving to the world) that GM is serious about fuel efficiency by both taking Volt orders and readying high mpg diesels should create a lot of favorable buzz/PR for GM and take the heat off for the year - plus investors may respond and push up GMs stock price.
"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true." Homer Simpson
For advertising information Click Here
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Detroit will actually offer any 'green' cars for sale any time soon - say this fall. Hopefully - for Detroits sake - both Toyota and Honda delay their next gen hybrids until 2010. Otherwise, unless gas prices drop drastically, sales from the US big 3 will continue to tank.
/ 
There are still a few embargos that haven't been broken, so there might be some hope. 
