Detroit 2011: Kia KV7 Concept is a van with a plan
Kia certainly knows a thing or two about embracing the box design. After all, the styling of the Soul is certainly a perfect interpretation of the good things boxy shapes can create. With that in mind, Kia has set to reinvent the van with its new KV7 Concept here at the Detroit Auto Show. But we aren’t talking minivan – this is pure, boxy conversion van hotness.
Inside, there are clever features like swivel chairs for all occupants (including the driver), and the rear quarters are set up in a sort of lounge fashion. There are nifty gadgets like a floating table-top computer and full wireless internet capability. Wrap that in a sleek, boxy package that boasts a 285-turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the end result is a van that means serious business. As much as we’d love to see this concept come to fruition, we’ll chalk this one up as just another example of what happens when you let automotive designers run wild.
Categories: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Kia Tags: Detroit Auto Show
2013 Ford C-Max Energi and C-Max Hybrid offer two options for fuel-sipping MPVs
We’ve already told you about the 2012 Ford C-Max, the Blue Oval’s new mini-minivan that’s set to launch here in North America later this year. The C-Max story doesn’t end with just the one gasoline-powered model, though – Ford is bringing two more versions of its small people mover to the 2011 Detroit Auto Show: the C-Max Energi and C-Max Hybrid.
What’s important to note is that while the gasoline C-Max with sliding doors is actually based on the three-row Grand C-Max that Ford sells in other markets, the Hybrid and Energi use conventional front-hinged rear doors and seat five, just like the shorter-wheelbase C-Max available in Europe. The automaker’s kinetic design language is in full force here, and the Aston Martin-like grille on these smaller C-Max models resembles what first debuted on Ford’s Focus Electric at last week’s Consumer Electronics Show.
Categories: Auto Show, Detroit Auto Show, Ford, Hybrid Tags: Detroit Auto Show
Detroit 2011: Jeep celebrates 70th Anniversary with special edition models
Jeep has proclaimed itself as “one of the world’s few, true icons.” Normally, we’d take issue with such a brazen statement, but in the case of Jeep, we don’t really disagree. In fact, in a good portion of the developed world, the word ‘Jeep” is synonymous with sport utility vehicles in general… like Kleenex or Coke.
With that in mind, Chrysler think it’s time to celebrate Jeep’s 70th anniversary in 2011, and as you might expect, the off-road specialist is releasing a slew of special editions to commemorate the occasion. All of the new 2011 models – one each of Jeep’s five models – will be available in a unique Bronze Star exterior paint in addition to Bright Silver and Black along with the appropriate spate of 70th Anniversary badges.
All five 70th Anniversary Jeeps will come with a dark perforated leather interior (either Dark Slate or Dark Olive, depending on the model) with Chestnut stitching, Berber carpeting (yes, really), unique cluster overlays and 70th Anniversary logos on the radio. Past that, each model gets its own set of touches that will set it apart from its non-Anniverarized siblings.
Categories: Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Detroit Auto Show, Jeep, SUV Tags: Detroit Auto Show
Detroit 2011: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is not an Aveo
General Motors seems intent on banishing all memories of the unloved Aveo – so much so that it’s gone and renamed its entry-level fighter in the States. While we’re still not 100-percent in love with the name (we can’t get visions of spiky-haired hedgehogs out of our heads…), all three flavors of the Sonic do appear to be vastly improved over the machine they replace, though one of them, the Z Spec, is still in the concept stage.
More than anything else, they look vastly better both inside and out, but until we get a stint behind the wheel we’ll hold off final judgment. According to Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing, “The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for.” That won’t be the only time you’ll ever hear someone mention the Sonic in the same sentence as the Corvette. In fact, Chevy tells us that Corvette engineers are responsible for the ride and handling of the sub-compact.
Categories: Auto Show, Chevrolet, Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hatchback, Sedans/Saloons Tags: Detroit Auto Show
Detroit 2011: Mini Paceman Concept gets all the girls
Mini’s model line is expanding at an exponential rate, and according to BMW’s smallest division, the Paceman Concept will form the basis of its eighth production vehicle. Even if that’s the case, nothing resembling the Paceman is going to beat either the Mini Coupe or Roadster to market, which are expected to hit dealers in late 2011 and 2012, respectively.
What we have in the Paceman is basically a Countryman that’s been relieved of its two rear doors and granted a gradually sloping roofline. Yes, that will indeed limit the machine’s versatility, but it also adds a sporty vibe to the somewhat high-riding crossover.
Categories: Coupe, Crossover, Crossovers/CUVs, Detroit Auto Show, Mini Tags: Detroit Auto Show
Detroit 2011: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell is the color of electric hotness
Mercedes-Benz brought along a fleet of green-leaning vehicles to this year’s Detroit Auto Show. While the German automaker displayed its hydrogen B-Class F-Cell alongside a flotilla of BlueTec diesels, the SLS AMG E-Cell stole the stage. Aside from wearing the world’s most eye-searing matte-yellow paint, the electrified supercar boasts 525 horsepower and 649 pound-feet of torque thanks to four synchronous electric motors. The SLS AMG E-Cell wears its motors close to each wheel, skipping the unsprung mass problem of hub-mount configurations to help protect the car’s handling prowess.
Word has it that the SLS AMG E-Cell can do the 0-60 mph dance in a scant 3.7 seconds. Lithium-ion batteries handle energy storage, and regenerative braking helps keep the cells topped off between charges. Speaking of the batteries, the electric Silver Arrow wears a temperature management system just for the battery array to make sure that charging and discharging occurs in the best environment possible. Mercedes-Benz isn’t saying exactly what kind of range drivers could expect if the SLS AMG E-Cell were in production, nor do we know exactly how long it would take to charge the electric supercar. Hit the jump for the press release and get ready to order your own sometime next year.
Categories: Auto Show, Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz Tags: Detroit Auto Show
Detroit Auto Show 2010: Audi e-tron take zwei… or drei
Audi is serious about EVs. Over the last four months, the four-ringed automaker has put out three (well, really 2.5) electric vehicle concepts: the first e-tron in Frankfurt, a repainted, slightly modified version in LA, and now this, the third e-tron – easily the best iteration to date.
Slightly shorter yet just as wide as its predecessors, the Motown e-tron is a refined version of the concepts that came before it, with electric motors driving each wheel and putting out a total of 204 horsepower and 1,955 pound-feet of torque (through some creative mathematics).
Categories: Audi, Auto Show, Concept Cars, Coupe, Detroit Auto Show Tags: Audi, Detroit Auto Show
Detroit Auto Show 2010: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible promises four-season topless motoring
We’ve been friendly with the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class since its introduction. As much as we liked the sedan, we enjoyed the Coupes even more so. That stated, it would figure that we’re going to really dig the new 2010 E-Class Convertible. Of course, here in the D, we just get to look at the latest Benz drop top and listen to the Daimler folks make the car’s case. If we did nothing but listen to them, the E-Class Convertible is literally the most exciting thing since bagels got holes.
In reality, this is a pretty sharp looking car, especially with the top down. Turns out that the best way to remedy the awkward looking chunky C-Pillar is just to remove it altogether. Replacing the CLK as MB’s mass-market convertible, the new E-Class rag top has to be many things to many people. As such, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the E-Class Convertible with a couple of features that will allow the car to be driven with the top down year round.
Categories: Auto Show, Convertible, Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz Tags: Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz
Detroit Auto Show 2010: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe shows mild freshening, new engines
The 2010 edition of the Hyundai Santa Fe isn’t getting a full redesign, but a visual refresh does provide a few hints of the “fluidic sculpture” design language that debuted last month on the new Tucson and Sonata. The new hood features a pair of ridges extending back from the grille to the A-pillars as well as sculpted bars in the grille similar to the Sonata. The lower front fascia also gets some new forms that evoke a similar look to the Tucson.
However, the most important upgrades to the Santa Fe are under the hood and will no doubt help Hyundai maintain and advance its lead in the CAFE race. The old 2.7-liter and 3.3-liter V6 engines have been sent off to the scrap heap in favor a pair of engines that provide better performance and efficiency. The base setup is the same 175 horsepower 2.4-liter inline-four found in the new Tucson while the optional engine is a re-vamped 3.5-liter Lambda V6 now with 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated up exclusively with six-speed transmissions but only the four gets a manual option.
Categories: Crossover, Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai Tags: Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai
Detroit 2010: Mini Beachcomber Concept leaves the doors behind
The roof, too. That’s right folks, Mini rolled out a concept of a concept. The Beachcomber (see above) is based on the Mini Crossover. However, the Crossover is no longer just a concept, as it will be making its way to production soon. And it’s not alone, as Mini has also green lit the Coupe and Roadster. All three will be produced at Mini’s Oxford, UK plant.
Speaking of Mini, their sales were down six percent last year. Or should we say only six percent, as 2009 basically sucked as far as car sales go. In the U.S., however, Mini sales were down 16 percent, but the segment (small premium cars) was off a disheartening 40 percent. Nevertheless, the U.S. remains Mini’s largest market with currently 90 dealers and the brand is looking to increase that number with an additional 17 dealers over the next 18 months.
Categories: Auto Show, Concept Cars, Convertible, Detroit Auto Show, Mini Tags: Detroit Auto Show, Mini
