Major launches at the Detroit Auto Show 2011
Audi A6
By Bob Hume, 11th January 2011
The 2011 Detroit Auto Show was an important one for many of the major brands, as well as some emerging names. Here are some of the highlights of this year's North American showcase.
> Audi A6
Audi released images of the new A6 last month but it was revealed for the first time in the metal at Detroit. Now lighter and more efficient than the outoing car and based on much of the same platform as the A7 Sportback. I'll be testing the new A6 later this year.
BMW 6 Series Convertible
> BMW 1 Series
The 1 Series has received a mid-lifecycle facelift and is now more efficient. Also present was the 1 Series M Coupe: the new 3-litre twin-turbo sports version of the car - we attended the European debut last month in London.
> BMW 6 Series Convertible
The world debut for a cleaner, lighter and more elegant 6 Series Convertible. The new car will be launched with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.
Chrysler 300
> Chrysler 300
The 300 loses the big grille and some of its tackiness but there's still plenty of bling, including LED running lights and loads of chrome. The US gets 3.6-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8 engine options, although the UK model is likely to stick with the 3.0-litre V6 diesel available with manual or auto gearboxes.
BYD S6DM Hybrid
> BYD e6 Premier
The all-electric crossover from China’s BYD promises a range of 200 miles and a top speed of 87mph. It uses a BYD Iron-phosphate FE battery and takes 40 minutes to recharge on a 100kW fast charger and six hours on a standard overnight charge. Don't worry, we're all a bit sceptical about that range claim...
> BYD S6DM Hybrid
The S6DM is an all-wheel-drive hybrid SUV. It has a 13hp electric motor on the front axle and a 101hp motor at the rear and all-electric range is said to be 38 miles before having to use the 2-litre petrol engine.
BYD S6DM Hybrid
> Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car
Resuming racing after a short break, Cadillac presents this high performance modification of their CTS-V Coupe - the original model already offering 556 hp. The car is set to compete in the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge in 2011.
Chevrolet Volt
> Chevrolet Volt
The Chevrolet Volt, with its range-extending petrol-electric powertrain is North American Car of the Year.
Ford Vertrek Concept
> Ford C-Max
North American debut for the acclaimed MPV already on sale in Europe. It is based on the platform of the new Focus about to be launched in Europe.
> Ford Focus EV
Made its debut last week at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics show before being unveiled here. The Focus EV uses the same chassis as Ford‘s 2012 Focus and is reported to be powered by a 23kWh lithium ion battery giving the car a 100-mile range between charges, similar to the Nissan Leaf
> Ford Vertrek Concept
A replacement for the Ford Escape/Kuga is rumoured to be entering production in the latter half of 2012, ready for release in 2013. It isn‘t yet clear if the model will retain the current models names. The concept (above) however is said to be a close indicator to how the final product will look.
Honda Civic Concept
> Honda Civic Concept
Honda revealed a preview of the new North American Civic, due on sale in the Spring, not to be confused with the next Swindon-built model for Europe which we can expect to see at the Frankfurt show in the Autumn.
Hyundai Veloster
> Hyundai Veloster
This is one of the stars of the show as far as I'm concerned: Hyundai is trying to beat brand snobbery and aside from its challenging name, this little hottie might just crack it.
It’s been a long time coming following its debut as a concept in 2007 but now the VW Scirocco-rivalling Veloster is ready, complete with its 1+2 door layout – the driver gets a large door while the passenger side has two conventionally-sized doors.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
> Jeep Compass
A new facelift adds a new bonnet with what Jeep refers to as a “subtle power bulge", a revised front grille and headlights and plastic body cladding aimed at bringing the look of the Compass closer to that of the larger Grand Cherokee.
> Jeep Grand Cherokee
The new flagship Jeep has more aggressive (and arguably even uglier) styling and a "purposeful" stance, perfect for battling through interstate traffic but probably not for any off-roading beyond a driveway with some leaves on it.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
> Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
This striking all-electric version of the SLS is just two tenths slower on the 0-62mph sprint than the conventional car, powered by four motors producing a total of 533bhp. The interior remains a mixture of retro styling with modern twists. Reportedly set for production in 2012.
MINI Paceman Concept
> MINI Paceman Concept
Officially a concept but rumoured to be due for production launch next year, the Paceman is a coupé based on the five-door MINI Countryman. The concept is powered by a John Cooper Works 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and has MINI’s All4 permanent four-wheel drive.
Porsche 918 RSR hybrid
> Porsche 918 RSR hybrid
A racing version of the 918 Spyder hypercar shown in Geneva last year and one of the surprises of the Detroit show. Code-named XG10, the 918 RSR hybrid evolved from Porsche’s LMP programme.
The platform was designed to support multiple variants, including a fixed-roof coupe, two- and four-wheel-drive drivelines, and an RS. This RSR racing variant features a high-performance plug-in hybrid system, with a V8 engine tuned to deliver 555bhp at 10,300rpm, with the electric motors providing an extra 201bhp to create a peak power output of 756bhp.
