Cadillac surprised audiences with its electric-powered Converj Concept.
Detroit may be down, but don't count it out. Despite its struggles, excitement and anticipation reign as the city once again plays host to the newest, hottest production vehicles and outrageous, what-if concept cars.
Of course there's almost as much buzz surrounding the automakers that didn't make it to this year's show. The absence of Ferrari, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, and Suzuki means a scaled back show with fewer reveals. Despite the smaller numbers, plenty of significant vehicles made their debut at this year's North American International Auto Show, a telling indication that both domestic and foreign automakers are fighting to get the auto industry back on track.
Less is more this year in the engine department with smaller, more-powerful turbocharged and direct-injection engines debuting in several vehicles. Ford's redesigned Taurus and Lincoln's new MKT showcased the automaker's new EcoBoost direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder and V6 engines. Similarly, GM paraded its new direct-injection turbocharged engines throughout its new-product lineup.
Yes, gas prices are still falling, but that didn't dampen the enthusiasm at the Toyota stand when the automaker unveiled the third-generation Prius and a new battery-powered subcompact concept. Prius' direct rival, the Honda Insight, also made an appearance.
Mercedes-Benz tipped off the auto show a day early with a sneak peek of its redesigned 2010 E-Class. Ford's F-150 claimed the North American Truck of the Year award and Hyundai's Genesis sedan took top honors in the car category. The Nissan GT-R and Dodge Ram were International Car and Truck of the Year winners. Other highlights include electric-car news from Chrysler, a redesigned BMW Z4, an electric concept from Cadillac, high-performance versions of two Jaguars, and a production-ready hybrid/electric car from Fisker.
Check out what else made news at the show:
2009 Detroit Auto Show Day 1
Chevrolet 2010 Equinox 2011 Cruze 2011 Spark Orlando Concept
Cadillac 2010 CTS Sport Wagon 2010 SRX Converj Concept
Consumer
Guide New Car Reviews and Prices: Road test results, photos, specifications,
and prices for hundreds of new cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs from the Auto
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Consumer
Guide's 2009 Best Buys and Recommendeds: Our Best Buy and Recommended picks focus
on overall vehicle value and take into account performance, economy,
reliability, ease of use, comfort, and price.
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