It's January and that means that its time for the annual three day extravaganza of world premieres that is the Detroit Auto Show. Dozens of production and concept vehicles will be vying for the attention of the gathered throngs of journalists that make the trek to the Motor City from all corners of the globe. This year's Detroit show press days run from Sunday, Jan. 13, through Tuesday, Jan. 15.
The Detroit auto show is always an exciting and wonderous place to be. All the major automotive players are there trying to make the biggest, loudest, and most dramatic vehicle introduction possible--some succeed, some fail. And we're there to watch. Last year, it was the year of the car, with the Chevy Volt, Dodge Charger, and Camaro concepts getting all the attention. It was a truck wasteland.
This year, look for many of the traditional truck competitors to come out swinging with all sorts of innovations and unique twists on old problems. Recent governmental fuel-economy requirements have changed our world and we'll start seeing the effects of those changes pretty quickly. There's lots of news about new powertrain alternatives, new engineering solutions, and new diesels making their way into just about every full-size pickup and SUV. We have no doubt this will lead to new partnerships, new technologies, and new vehicles in the coming years. The Detroit Three will be hogging much of the limelight, with center stage likely going to Ford and Dodge, as both will be rolling out all-new versions of their iconic F-150 and Ram trucks. In addition, Chrysler will be showing off a troika of eco-friendly concepts, Saturn will have their Vue Green Line Two Mode and Ford will showcase the possible future of the Explorer with the Explorer America Concept. The Germans are also bringing plenty of sheetmetal from Europe, including the first ever U.S.-bound BMW diesels and the Baby Benz GLK ute.
And we'll be right here to bring it all to you and let you know what it all means. For now, take a look at all the new stuff recently bowing at Detroit, but understand this is only the beginning. We still have New York, Chicago, and others to come as well.
Production Vehicles:2008 Scion xB Release Series 5.0BMW X6 - Producton ConceptBMW X5 xDrive 3.5d - Producton Concept2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid2009 Dodge Ram 2009 Ford F150Kia Borrego2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid2009 Subaru ForesterConcepts:
Cadillac Provoq concept
Ford Explorer Americat
2009 Honda Pilot
Hummer HX Concept
Jeep Renegade Concept
Land Rover LRX
Lincoln MKT Concept
Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Freeside
Nissan FORUM Concept
Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept
Suzuki X-Head Concept
Toyota A-BAT Concept