2005 Detroit Show Wrap-up Part II: Concept Cars

Carmakers are certainly pushing the limit of the definition of "concept".

Some of the so called "concepts" introduced at this year's Detroit show, like the Saturn Aura, Audi Allroad, or Mazda MX Crossport, are really just thinly disguised production vehicles that are well on the road to being launched as a production car. Strip off some of the gratuitous fake chrome, narrow the exaggerated fenders, and reduce the wheel diameters by a few inches, et voila! Guaranteed something eerily similar will magically appear in a showroom near you.

One of the reasons for this recent trend is that most manufacturer lineups are now fairly complete. Five or six years ago every vehicle segment had not been "busted" yet. Today, the public's pulse on niche products has been thoroughly taken. Although I'm still waiting for a seven- seat, all-wheel-drive convertible with a built-in snow plow, but that's just me.

Here were my top six concepts from the show floor at year's 2005 Detroit extravaganza:


Chrysler Firepower

Photos by John Cooke

It was no coincidence at the AutoWeek awards ceremony on the Wednesday after the press days that the Firepower was announced as an "American Aston Martin". Despite points off for plagiarism and a front end busier than Manhattan traffic, we still think Chrysler should build this car. It's tidier than the Viper whose platform it sits on and the enlarged HEMI V-8 has Corvette-fighting numbers. Chrysler has shelved the ME Four-Twelve supercar it showed at last year's show, and with Crossfire sales falling off a cliff we think this would make a nice replacement for both.

Chance of production: 50/50
Best piece of PR fluff: "The Firepower pushes beyond the "sports car" realm by blending expressive detail and engineering."


Ford Shelby GR-1

Photos by John Cooke

Originally unveiled last summer at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance the GR-1 (stands for "Group Racer-1", get it?) is Ford's second attempt at resurrecting the legendary Cobra. The first go was last year's Ford Shelby Cobra roadster, but its bedpan styling was coolly received. This time, Ford looked back to the Pete Brock designed Cobra Daytona coupes for inspiration. Using the new GT chassis and V-10 engine again, the GR-1 certainly has the credentials to take on the 'Vette, Viper or the above Firepower.

Chance of production: If Ford still has the will once the last GT is sold, this could happen
Best piece of PR fluff: "Sinewy, athletic and dramatic describe the GR-1's "performance art" inspiration."


Lexus LF-A

Photos by John Cooke

Car zealots have been seeing spy shots of a Toyota supercar for over a year now doing hot laps at the Nürburgring, but this is the real thing. Devoid of typical supercar technical overkill, the LF-A's proportions are deceptive in photos. The Lexus concept is shorter than a Porsche 911 Turbo, but as tall as a Ferrari F430. Without specifics, Toyota is claiming an engine with less than five litres of displacement churning out 500 horsepower. Don't expect pushrods. LF-A is another concept in support of Toyota's goal of establishing the Lexus brand globally and independent of somnambulantly styled Toyotas. At the same time, this car provides some kind of tie-in to the wads of yen that are being thrown at the Formula One racing team .

Chance of production: Better if Ralf can get a few podiums
Best piece of PR fluff: "The LF-A is theoretically developed to run a parallel course to our company's efforts in Formula One racing".