With more people attending and more vehicle introductions, Motor City had most certainly regained its mojo at the 2012 North American International Auto Show
Although it enjoys premium status as one of the major events on the calendar each year, alongside the likes of Frankfurt, Geneva, Paris and Tokyo, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit has struggled in recent years, with dropping attendance figures, both from the public and even for some manufacturers who’ve chosen to preview vehicles elsewhere.
There’s every sign, however, that much like the car business itself, the Detroit show is staging a comeback. There seemed to be a renewed energy and buzz at this year’s event.
With attendance figures of more than 770,000 in 2012, the show also boasted its highest number of visitors since 2005. There were over 40 significant vehicle premieres at this year’s event and Canadian auto dealer was there to witness them. Here are some of the highlights:
BMW
Things were quite busy on the BMW stand this year, though the biggest news was the North American debut of the sixth generation 3-Series, the brand’s bread-and-butter model. For the first time since the E30 of the early 1990s, the 3-Series will be offered with a four-cylinder engine on this side of the pond, albeit turbocharged, in the shape of a 240 hp 2.0-litre unit that will be fitted to the 328i. A turbocharged 300 hp 3.0-litre six will be offered in the up-level 335i. A 3-Series ActiveHybrid, which combines an electric motor with the turbo six will also be offered and is said to deliver around 41 miles per gallon US (5.7 litres per 100 km).
Much like parent BMW, Mini’s lineup continues to diversify, the latest offering being the Roadster. Derived from the two-seat coupe, this one is arguably the sportiest of the breed yet, showing off twin chrome roll bars, a self-activating rear spoiler, driver-controlled electronic locking differential, plus a choice of three 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines, including two turbo versions, one rated at 181 hp and the other at 208 hp, which is standard in the “tuned” John Cooper Works version. Think of the Mini Roadster as a front-drive competitor to the Mazda MX-5, though perhaps not quite as pure in a dynamic sense.
CHRYSLER
There’s no question that Chrysler really hasn’t offered a competitive vehicle in the compact car segment. With the introduction of the 2013 Dodge Dart, that should change. The first car to really benefit from the Fiat/Chrysler Alliance, the Dart uses a modified Alfa Romeo platform and Fiat sourced engines, namely a 140 hp 2.0-litre inline four and turbocharged 180 hp 1.4-litre Multi Air four, with six-speed manual, or six-speed dual clutch gearboxes (the latter only with the Multi Air). Offered only as a four-door sedan, but with five different trim levels and more upscale interior appointments than the old Caliber, the Dart appears to have all the right ingredients to succeed in the segment.
FORD
After all the muscle-bound Mustang fanfare in Los Angeles, Ford elected to take a more sensible route for its hometown show, by unveiling the 2013 Fusion mid-size sedan. A true global car (it’ll be sold as the Mondeo in other markets), it aims to raise the bar in the segment in terms of quality, driving dynamics and fuel economy. Where the latter is concerned, the new Fusion will feature 2.0-litre or 1.6-litre direct injected, turbocharged EcoBoost engines, with six-speed automatic or manually shifted transmissions and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. It will also be offered as a Hybrid with an electric motor and Atkinson Cycle 2.0-litre engine (said to deliver 47 US mpg city and 44 highway/ 4.9 and 5.3 litres per 100 km) and also a Plug-In Hybrid, dubbed Fusion Energi. Although little is currently available on the latter, it’s said to become the most fuel-efficient mid-size car in the world with a mile per gallon (US) equivalent (mpg-e) rating of 100 (2.3-litres per 100 km), which even beats extended range EVs like the Chevrolet Volt. The 2013 Fusion is scheduled for introduction later this year.
Ford’s luxury brand Lincoln is currently struggling to find its identity, but with the parent company seemingly committed to its future, with independent design and engineering faculties, plus an emphasis on more intimate, boutique-type products and ownership experiences, the 2013 Lincoln MKZ concept showed what perhaps we can expect in coming years, with its signature retractable glass roof, individual seating for four and push button gear selector. A production version of the concept is due to be revealed later this year, possibly at the New York International Show.
GENERAL MOTORS
No doubt the biggest announcement was Cadillac’s 2013 ATS, the compact, rear-drive sedan, a car it hopes will give the brand a foothold in this segment, particular against the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. As a result, GM has spent considerable time and effort ensuring the ATS delivers the right driving dynamics, with extensive testing having been conducted on Germany’s Nürburgring. It’s also gone to great pains to make this car one of the lightest in the segment at 1,542 kg (3,400 lbs). The base engine is a 2.5-litre four, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged gas engine, rated at 270 horsepower will be offered, along with a 320 hp, 3.6-litre V6. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
Buick unveiled its new compact crossover utility, the 2013 Encore, in Detroit. Given that this segment is currently one of the fastest growing, there’s a good chance it might bolster the brand’s sales in North America. Featuring a 1.4-litre Turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder, and six-speed automatic transmission, plus the option of front- or all-wheel drive, it aims to bring a more upscale flavour to the compact crossover market, equipment includes 10 standard airbags, Intellink voice activated info/entertainment system, premium quality upholstery, plus available heated front seats and upholstery. It goes on sale early next year.
Over at Chevrolet, two new concepts were the big announcement; compact, sporty cars built around GM’s 1.4-litre Ecotec four-cylinder, though taking different approaches to the same basic idea. One of them, the CODE 130R was a rear-drive, retro-inspired offering, almost like a baby Camaro, while the other, the TRU 140S, was more in the Honda Civic mold. Both will tour the show circuit this year to gauge public reaction, which could possibly lead to production. It’ll be interesting to see which is preferred. On the production car front, the Sonic RS made its debut, a car designed to add a bit of spice to Chevy’s popular subcompact. Standard features include a 138 horsepower 1.4-litre Ecotec turbo-four, six-speed manual or automatic transmission, sportier styling enhancements both inside and out, stiffer suspension, 17-inch wheels and performance exhaust.
HYUNDAI
Performance was very much the theme at this year’s Hyundai unveiling, namely the launch of a turbocharged Veloster model and updated 2013 Hyundai Genesis coupe. Well received since its launch last year, the funky Veloster has been somewhat criticized for its lack of power. With 201 hp on tap, the Turbo model should address the balance. It also sports more aggressive styling tweaks, quicker steering and the option of matte paint, among other things. It goes on sale this summer.
As for the Genesis coupe, this one gets a facelift, tweaked powertrains, upgraded interior and revised suspension and chassis. The 2.0-litre turbo four now makes 274 horsepower, while the 3.8-litre V6 cranks out 348. According to Hyundai, this should enable the V6 to zip from 0–96 km/h (0–60 mph) in less than six seconds. Two transmissions will be offered on the 2013 Genesis coupe, a six-speed manual or Hyundai’s new, in-house eight-speed automatic.
HONDA
Of course the biggest news here was the unveiling of the Acura NSX concept, a mid-engined, all-wheel drive Hybrid showcase that demonstrates that while the division currently doesn’t offer a supercar, the spirit of the original 1991–2002 NSX is very much alive and well, with possible introduction scheduled for around 2015 On a more practical side, the ILX Concept sedan was a fairly stylish small car, based on the current Civic and offering a choice of conventional 2.0 and 2.4-litre gas engines (with automatic and manual transmissions respectively). There’s also a hybrid version with a drivetrain similar to that employed in the current Honda CR-Z. A production version will arrive this spring and provide US dealers with a smaller Acura to sell (they haven’t had one since the demise of the sporty RSX), while in Canada, this car will replace the CSX. Acura also unveiled an updated RDX Crossover for 2013, which adopts a more mainstream stance (such as a standard 3.5-litre V6 in lieu of a turbocharged 2.4-litre four and a greater emphasis on refinement and interior features). It goes on sale this spring.
Moving to the more mainstream Honda brand, the next-generation Accord (albeit shown in Concept coupe form) was the big thing. The next-generation Accord will be slightly smaller on the outside without sacrificing interior room, yet promises to be more fuel efficient, thanks to new V6 and 2.4-litre four-cylinder engines with direct injection, plus the availability of a CVT transmission. A Plug-In Hybrid model with up to 24 km (15 miles) of emissions-free driving and a charge time of around 1.5 hours on a 240-volt cycle, is also planned.
MERCEDES-BENZ
It’s not often the Stuttgart automaker reveals a new model of its iconic SL, however for 2013 it has done just that, with the new, sixth generation car making its world debut in Detroit. Given current trends, it was conceived to be lighter and more efficient than its predecessor, while also being more powerful and capable. It uses an aluminum structure with lightened parts for the steering and suspension too. Only one engine will be offered initially, a 4.7-litre V8 rated at 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a seven-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift logic. Cool features include MagicSky Control, on the retractable hardtop’s glass insert that alters the window tint, plus an intelligent wiper system that’s designed to keep the windshield clear at all times. The 2013 Mercedes SL will arrive in dealerships beginning in Spring 2012.
Alongside the SL, another announcement was the E400 Hybrid, a vehicle aimed at the North American market. This combines a 3.0-litre V6 gas engine, with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack mounted up front (instead of in the trunk area like most hybrids). In US trim, the 302 hp E400 Hybrid is reported to deliver fuel economy of approximately 24 miles per gallon city and 31 mpg highway (9.7/7.5 litres per 100 km).
It should be on sale by this summer.
NISSAN
One notable aspect of the 2012 Detroit show was the presence of Nissan after a three-year absence. And what should the Yokohama-based automaker choose to unveil? Why the next iteration of its Pathfinder SUV, which morphs from a truck-based vehicle into a three-row car-derived crossover. This is seen as a good move by many, allowing the Pathfinder to go after a larger group of buyers, leaving the specialist Xterra to cater to the hardcore off-road crowd. Not many details on the Pathfinder were released, since for now, it’s just a concept, suffice to say that it will be powered by a V6 engine and feature a CVT transmission, which Nissan says should help boost fuel economy over the current model by some 25 per cent.
TOYOTA
There were some extremes from Japan’s largest automaker and its luxury division this year. On the production front, there was the Toyota Prius c, which expands the brand’s hybrid lineup to four vehicles; providing a smaller, more affordable alternative to the existing Prius, Prius Plug-in and Prius V models. With the c standing for “city” this one is aimed at young, urban buyers; as a result, not only was it designed to be compact, but also fun to drive as well. The Prius c, which features a smaller 1.5-liter gas engine, is said to achieve 53 miles per gallon (4.4 litres per 100 km) in combined city/highway driving, which makes it the most fuel efficient vehicle on the market that isn’t a Plug-in Hybrid. Toyota says the car will sticker for around $19,000 (at least in the US), which will also make it the most affordable Hybrid yet seen.
Another Hybrid vehicle, albeit a concept, also made its debut on the Toyota stand in Detroit: the NS4. It hints at the next generation of gas/electric vehicles the automaker is planning, while showcasing a couple of technologies that we’re likely to see in the not too distant future, namely a pre-collision system that even operates in the dark and adaptive lighting that’s designed to provide superior levels of illumination at night without blinding drivers of oncoming vehicles. The NS4 has the potential to revolutionize personal transportation the way the original Prius did more than a decade ago. It’ll be interesting to see how this program develops in coming years.
Over at Lexus, an updated LX 570 SUV was announced for the 2013 model year. Adopting the brand’s new signature front-end styling, it features a revamped interior with a new instrument cluster and improved ergonomics, plus an updated crawl control to improve traction on rough surfaces at low speeds.
However, making the biggest splash, indeed one of the biggest of the show, was the stunning LF-LC concept. Conceived by the Calty studio to explore the future of Lexus design, it’s a driver-focused coupe, utilizing Hybrid technology. Clever features include LCD screens to monitor information and touch screen activation for operating the seats,
windows, door locks and info/entertainment functions. In terms of design, an almost three-dimensional-appearing grille and glass roof with cantilever-style pillars are very striking touches, yet despite the tremendous attention the LF-LC received, Lexus says it has no plans to put it into production; too bad.
In other news, although it was officially revealed in Tokyo, Detroit was the first time that Toyota’s new rear-drive sports car was seen on our soil in Scion garb, as the FR-S. Sporting a 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder, sourced from Subaru and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, it’ll be pitched at around $24,000 and is one of the most highly anticipated new cars of the year when it goes on sale (scheduled for spring), at least in the US.
VOLKSWAGEN
It could perhaps be described as the “greening” of two icons for Volkswagen in the Detroit. On the more practical side, the 2013 Jetta Hybrid made its debut. Clearly conceived for the North American market, this one sports a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor that, collectively deliver 170 hp. Featuring the first application of a dual-clutch transmission (in this case, a seven-speed) in a Hybrid, it’s said to deliver some 44 miles per gallon combined (5.3 litres per 100 km) and can travel at speeds of up to 44 mph (70 km/h) on electric power alone. However, frugality is only part of the equation. VW says the Jetta will be also one of the sportiest Hybrids on the market able to dash from 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) in under nine seconds.
VW’s other big news was the E-Bugster, a sporty all-electric concept based on the 2012 Beetle. Although not a roadster (the roof is fixed, despite looking like a lift-off hardtop), and sporting four seats (a roadster traditionally has two) the e-Bugster sports the driveline from the upcoming VW Golf blue-eMotion, which means a 114 hp electric motor and single-speed transmission. VW says that the e-Bugster has a range of 100 miles (160 km) and that on a 240-volt cycle; the lithium-ion battery pack can be recharged 80 percent in 30 minutes.
Moving on to Audi, as the compact crossover wars heat up, the brand looks set to enter the fray with its Q3, which will slot in below the Q5 as a BMW X1 rival. In Detroit, a concept version, dubbed the Q3 Vail was revealed; a lifestyle machine named after the famed Colorado ski resort and designed to appeal to winter sports enthusiasts. Features such as a 314 hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine, 20-inch wheels, flared arches, thermos bottle; flashlights with infra-red heading elements and roof racks specifically designed to transport skis and snowboards emphasized the alpine feel. It’s all an attempt to capitalize one the versatility of the upcoming Q3 and could prove a good marketing approach, especially here in Canada, given our vast winter wonderland.
