The 2012 edition of the Detroit auto show was quite the event. With roughly forty unveilings of production and concept cars, this year's big show was, in a word, good.
In the past, it has been relatively easy to pick out a winner, a manufacturer that really took the cake. As I perused through our coverage on Auto123.com, no carmaker found itself head and shoulders above the pack.
I'd be tempted to say the Acura NSX Concept was the main attraction from the two gruelling press days but then, as I glance through again, I can't help but do a double-take when my eyes land on the 2013 Dodge Dart or 2013 Ford Fusion.
A clear trend, which is far more than a vogue actually, is the constant influx of new or renewed cars that are not only more powerful but efficient and clean. I've already made mention of the NSX Concept but its hybrid powertrain is not only easier on the environment, it allows for more performance and includes AWD! What about the 350 hp (!) Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid?
Certainly, no auto show would be complete without the likes of a 600 hp Scion FR-S Drifter or a Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06-sourced-7.0L-V8-good-for-620 hp-and-585 lb-ft-of-torque powered Falcon Motors F7 supercar. They will always be around but I doubt they'll ever take centre-stage again.
One thing is certain. To ponder every new product and concept from the 2012 NAIAS, I noticed that small is the new big. With the exception of the 2012 Lexus LX 570 and a few isolated others, most everything glistening under the Cobo Hall's massive spotlights were compact or midsize. Granted, what was once midsize is now subcompact but one would be hard pressed to find big cars and trucks being the real stars at any booth. I’m thinking about the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, 2013 Chevy Sonic RS and 2012 Toyota Prius c.
Perhaps the “large ones” will appear in Chicago but that'll be the subject of another blog.
In the end, the constant influx of hot new cars means that I'll be busy for some time and very happy to be so. Ultimately, you the buyer and enthusiast will have something to buy or dream and drool about. We all win.
In the past, it has been relatively easy to pick out a winner, a manufacturer that really took the cake. As I perused through our coverage on Auto123.com, no carmaker found itself head and shoulders above the pack.
I'd be tempted to say the Acura NSX Concept was the main attraction from the two gruelling press days but then, as I glance through again, I can't help but do a double-take when my eyes land on the 2013 Dodge Dart or 2013 Ford Fusion.
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| Acura NSX Concept (Photo: Acura) |
A clear trend, which is far more than a vogue actually, is the constant influx of new or renewed cars that are not only more powerful but efficient and clean. I've already made mention of the NSX Concept but its hybrid powertrain is not only easier on the environment, it allows for more performance and includes AWD! What about the 350 hp (!) Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid?
Certainly, no auto show would be complete without the likes of a 600 hp Scion FR-S Drifter or a Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06-sourced-7.0L-V8-good-for-620 hp-and-585 lb-ft-of-torque powered Falcon Motors F7 supercar. They will always be around but I doubt they'll ever take centre-stage again.
One thing is certain. To ponder every new product and concept from the 2012 NAIAS, I noticed that small is the new big. With the exception of the 2012 Lexus LX 570 and a few isolated others, most everything glistening under the Cobo Hall's massive spotlights were compact or midsize. Granted, what was once midsize is now subcompact but one would be hard pressed to find big cars and trucks being the real stars at any booth. I’m thinking about the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, 2013 Chevy Sonic RS and 2012 Toyota Prius c.
Perhaps the “large ones” will appear in Chicago but that'll be the subject of another blog.
In the end, the constant influx of hot new cars means that I'll be busy for some time and very happy to be so. Ultimately, you the buyer and enthusiast will have something to buy or dream and drool about. We all win.
 |
| Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com |