Observations and recommendations from the Detroit Auto Show
Below are my observations from the press introduction days at the North American International Auto Show as well as suggestions of what you’ll want to check out if you go this week. Lots to see and only $12 per adult. Enjoy the show!
Happiest CEO on the Floor - Alan Mulally, the dapper navy blue blazered turnaround wunderkind of Ford.
Most Injured CEO - Dieter Zetsche with a broken arm received on a ski trip, while trying out his new Christmas gift.
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2010 Detroit auto show
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Oldest Retro Floor Model - Fiat/Chrysler had the mini-dresses out in full force around the Chrysler badged Lancia wagon.
Best New Invention - Ever have a spouse tell you, you couldn’t have a convertible because she didn’t want to wear a scarf over her hair? Problem solved! Check out the new Mercedes E350 convertible with a pop up air deflector just over the windshield. The model premiere featured women with beehive hairdos, rather than Grace Kelly scarves.
Audi e-tron - Tesla Motors better be looking in the rearview mirror because if Audi produces the two seat BEV e-tron, they may just run right over Tesla. The e-tron prototype coupe is not for the faint of heart at a rumored mid 100’s price, but the Tesla is no bargain either at over $110,000. It all depends on whether you want a roadster or can wait patiently for a GT coupe.
Lotus Morgan Aero Supersports - Revealed first in LA, this is one striking retro classic. If you’ve won an Oscar, have a penchant for ascots, have a lucrative pro sports career with sponsors, or cashed in on an IPO, hurry with your $195,000 to get in line. Powered by a BMW 4.8L V-8 and mostly built of aluminum, this two seater is the perfect alternative to a garage overflowing with too many Ferraris or Lambos. The aged leather interior is just gorgeous.
Can’t Wait to Drive - The Ford Fiesta, the 2011 Ford Focus, and the Cadillac Platinum XTS.
Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should - The new Buick Regal is a well proportioned and handsome car. If the Buick dealers and salespeople still know how to sell, the auto should do very well. On the other hand, the prototype Buick Regal GS seems like a wasted exercise of my bailout money. It has been many years since Buick sold GS and Grand Nationals. Just because you can buy a 6 speed manual off the shelf doesn’t mean anyone would want it. The turbocharged high output engine is desirable with 255hp and 295 ft-lb. of torque, it will launch the Regal in a jiffy, with all wheel drive too. And the Brembo brakes will stop the car in a hurry. Ironically, GM’s SAAB division used to make some premium manual tranny vehicles with similar performance, albeit with a sheet metal shape more akin to being inspired by a turtle. And we know where Buick outsells virtually all other makes is actually China. Except for turning out Nascar souvenirs, the Chinese barely heard of Nascar, nor would they want a manual in a premium luxury car.
Echo’s of the Past - Over at the GM displays, during new product and prototype introductions, I heard the Chevy designer use the term “wide-track.” I heard the Buick spokesman use “performance.” These two terms, performance and wide track, were hallmarks of a brand we used to know as PONTIAC. Well if GM brass was so bold as to no longer support the Pontiac brand and its performance wide-track heritage, you would think these product spokesmen would stay on point by focusing on Chevrolet and Buick respective product attributes without treading on the recently deceased?
MIA (missing in action) - Hummer, Saab, Volvo, Nissan, Infiniti, Porsche, Coskata (GM’s partner in alternative bio-fuel 2008)
Are the Pickup Trucks Hiding in a Barn? - Ford was last years truck of the year winner and it front lined the product proudly. This year between Ford and GM, I counted only 8 pickup trucks, without a compact one in sight. Having just won the 2010 Motor Trend Truck of The Year Award, Chrysler featured its full line of standard duty to heaviest duty RAMs.
Click here for more auto show coverage from AnnArbor.com.
David Kwan, an Ann Arbor developer and self-described Car Nut,
continues his annual coverage of Detroit's Auto Show for Ann Arbor
Business Review.
Comments
Lance
Fri, Jan 22, 2010 : 5:57 a.m.
The author railed against Buick putting a manual transmission in a high end luxury vehicle. I personally have not purchased an MB in decades, for the simple reason that they have not offered manual trannies in anything but the small engine models. (Also, if you know what a Brembo brake is, you don't even know how to drive an automatic). The real travesty is thinking that any Buick could be sold as a "premium luxury car".
David Kwan
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 5:17 p.m.
AlfaElan, thanks for the correction. I must have been asleep at the wheel.
AlfaElan
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 3:51 p.m.
For a self described car nut you need to do more research on car brands. Lotus and Morgan are completely different companies in completely different parts of England. They may have been on the same stand because AutoEurope in Birmingham is the local dealer for both, but that's about the extent of the connection. As for the Buick, from what I hear there are lots of people who are anticipating the Regal with the 6-speed. I think it is very good for GM to finally work to move Buick to compete with the mid-luxury market with something exciting. Better than all those years letting it languish as boring but profitable.