Welcome to Detroit - home of the Jailhouse Mayor, 0-16 Lions and the corporate jet For Sale sign!  Also the home of the domestic auto industry (until certain southern senators succeed in giving away the treasury to foreign automakers while telling the D3 they need to get by on their own) and the North American International Auto Show.  We have the NAIAS in January to prove to everybody that we are tougher than they are.

This year’s show is a little more subdued than in prior years, due to the lack of actual money to pay for fancy displays and freebies for the press (side note: this is the first year that your humble reporter actually got a press pass - and no freebies!  Darn!).  A number of automakers are skipping the show this year, also due to the economy, or maybe they just don’t like snow. The largest of those automakers is Nissan, and other skippers include Porsche, Suzuki & Ferrari. Mitsubishi skipped as well, but the local dealers have a display anyway.

2009 NAIAS Must-See Cars and Trucks

General Motors
Chevrolet

• Volt - Chevy is showing the production version of the electric car. Not as striking as the concept (but production versions rarely are), but still nice looking.
• Cruze - this car will replace the Cobalt next year. In photos, Cruze looks angry (maybe at Richard Shelby?), but not as much in person. It’s nice looking. Interesting observation: Cruze uses the word, “Chevrolet” on the back when no other Chevrolets do. The others have the Chevy logo, the name of the vehicle, and the series (LS, LT, etc.). Apparently, it was a “design decision.”
• Orlando - somewhere between a crossover and a minivan, this 7-seat MPV will join the Chevy lineup in 2011. The show car is powered by a 2.0L turbodiesel, but the production version will likely have a gas engine, at least in the US.
• Spark - the tiny car on the floor says “Beat”, but Chevy has announced that it will be called Spark when it arrives for sale in 2011.
• Corvette ZR1 - not new, but it’s still SO cool!
• Equinox - new for 2010, sports a new 182hp, 2.4L Direct Injection (DI) engine that will get an estimated 21 city, 30 highway MPG. Will also have a 3.0L V6, good for 255hp and will get 18/25 MPG. It’s a real nice update to the smallish crossover
• Silverado Hybrid - nothing special to look at, but gets 21 city, 22 highway MPG.

Cadillac

• SRX - previously reported by The Slandy Report, but now you can see a clean one.
• CTS Sport Wagon - exactly what it sounds like. They might not sell many here, but the Europeans love wagons. The design is a little awkward in the wagon area. Too much sheet metal; not enough glass.
• Converj - can’t anybody at Cadillac spell? They’ve previously given us the Evoq, Provoq, Vizón and Imaj. This is a Cadillac Volt. Makes perfect sense for the next vehicle to utilize this expensive electric system to be a Cadillac, where the high price won’t seem quite so ridiculous.

Buick

• 2010 Buick LaCrosse - nice freshening, but will anybody notice? This really is a nice looking car, though the back end and sides look a bit too much like a Lexus GS to me.

Pontiac

• G8 - nothing new here, but as I was sitting in it, I noticed how nicely GM engineers integrated the parking brake handle into the center console. Worth a look if you get a chance.
• G3 - itty-bitty Pontiac due out this spring. Based on Chevy Aveo. Strange how it is the only new car Pontiac has, and it is shoved as far into the corner as possible. Weird. Almost like they don’t want you to find it.

Ford Motor Company
Ford

• Taurus - the new-for-2010 Taurus has made quite the splash, and for good reason. This is a stylish sedan full of advanced technology that will do well for Ford when introduced this spring. It has the potential to do for Ford what the original did 20 years ago - save the company. It’s that good.  Check it out.
• Fusion - updated look for 2010 model year. More aggressive look with a larger, bolder 3-bar grille, domed hood. Launches this spring. Will include a new hybrid model that boasts 41MPG city / 36 highway. The city mpg is 8 higher than Camry hybrid. Wow! Also includes a new Sport model with the 3.5L V6 from the Flex & Edge.
• Mustang - also freshened for 2010, inside and out. GT power is up 15 hp to 315 and torque is up 5 to 325 lb-ft. The new GT500 from SVT is up to 540hp from 500. Mustangs are all about affordable power and now they have more.
• F-150 - all-new for 2009, the F-150 won Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year and the North American Truck of the Year at NAIAS. It’s new inside and out, which will help it continue its string of 32 consecutive years of truck sales leadership. Also new is the Raptor model from our SVT friends. Check out the grille. Way cool.
• Transit Connect - small version of Ford Europe’s commercial van. Ford says, “It will be available in select North American markets in mid-2009.”

Lincoln

• MKT - 3-row, 6-seat large crossover available late summer. This is a new take on the whole luxury crossover thing. You might like it; you might not. It’s not for everybody. I like it. Starts at $44,995 for front-wheel drive and the 3.7L V6 (268hp). Add $2K for all-wheel drive and $3K more for the 3.5L EcoBoost, making 355hp, which is only available with AWD.
• MKZ - restyled to more closely resemble the stunning MKS. Same car, better looks.
• “C” Concept - this one is hard to describe (see photo below). It’s small and is powered by a 180hp 1.6L EcoBoost engine and Ford’s all-new PowerShift six-speed transmission.  The Lincoln C concept gets 43 mpg on the highway. It is able to seat 6 (3+3) on the 2 bench seats because of its width.

Mercury

• Milan - freshened with the Fusion, but not as extensively. It also gets the same powertrain revisions as the Fusion, except no 3.5L Sport edition here.
• Sable - might want to take a look at it now, because when Taurus gets freshened, Sable goes bye-bye.

Volvo

• S60 Concept - form a mental image of the result if AMG (Mercedes-Benz’s performance division) decided to make a Volvo.  That’s what this looks like. Check out the center stack area. Wow.
• XC60 - new, little buddy to the XC90 crossover. Will compete with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

Mazda

• 6 - “all new”, which really means that the 6 has adopted the Fusion/Milan/MKZ platform, which itself was just a 6 platform made bigger. Got that? The 6 has more room, more power and new styling. All of which should make it sell more, but I think it has lost some of what made it such a great car before; some of the zoom-zoom of the original.
• 3 - “all-new” as well, but the appearance seems to be only a freshening. This car has always been good looking, and the new one is more so. The base 2.0L I4 engine is the same power, but with improved fuel economy. The optional 2.5L I4 engine is up from 2.3L and delivers more power (167 vs. 156hp) and just slightly lower fuel economy (22 to 21 in the city with a manual - all other figures the same).

Chrysler continues to try to show that reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated. It is showing several electric-propelled concept vehicles, some of which we have seen before.

• The 200C is a stylish, rear-wheel drive, 4-door sedan based on the 300C platform (but looks nothing like the 300). It has an electric powertrain that includes a traditional engine that only recharges the battery - like a Chevy Volt. Chrysler claims 0-60 time of 7.0 seconds. They would sell a ton of these with or without the hybrid/electric powertrain. It’s that good looking.
• The Jeep Patriot EV, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV and the Chrysler Town & Country EV also have powertrains similar to the Chevy Volt.
• Dodge Circuit EV is a Lotus-based, all-electric sports car that looks great - like a nicer, friendlier version of a Viper. Dodge claims a range of 150-200 miles and a top speed of 120MPH.

Toyota
Toyota

• Venza - Toyota showed this vehicle last year, but now is in production. Toyota is clearly looking for “white space” in its lineup to produce yet another derivative off their highly successful Camry. But is there any white space here? Originally, crossovers found white space between cars and true SUVs. Venza is slotted between cars and crossovers. I have no doubt that Venza will sell well, as most everything Toyota makes does do well. However, given the narrow niche, it very well could steal most of its sales from Camry, Avalon and/or Highlander. I guess we’ll see… Check out the very clever sliding center console. The whole front area slides rearward, revealing extra storage, aux input and a 12V power point. Nicely done.
• Prius - 3rd generation of the most successful hybrid on the market. Prius is larger, more powerful and gets better fuel economy than its predecessor. The design change, however, is barely noticeable. That shouldn’t bother its buyers, though. One cool new feature is the available sliding glass moonroof which includes solar panels to power the ventilation system.
• FT-EV - this very small all-electric car is based on the iQ minicar sold in other markets. Don’t look for it at your Toyota dealer anytime soon.

Lexus

• IS Convertible - already shown at the LA Auto Show, but this is the Detroit premiere. Very nice.
• 2010 RX - redesigned (called “all-new”, but the visual change is subtle), bigger in every dimension, more powerful (27 more hp on the hybrid RX450h which now uses the 3.5L V6, 5 more on the base RX350).
• HS250h - a new, dedicated hybrid (no traditional powertrain is available). Only the 3rd dedicated hybrid from a major manufacturer, and the first dedicated luxury hybrid. Note also that the front-end styling includes a 3-bar grille which is very similar to the Ford brand’s.
• Hybrids - note also that all of the Lexus hybrids have a new hybrid badge at the bottom of their rear doors to give them a visual connection to each other.
• Remote Touch - the new RX and HS both have this new system, which is a new interface for the navigation system. It works like a computer mouse and is very intuitive to use. It comes standard with navigation on these 2 vehicles.

Honda
Honda

• Insight - the all-new dedicated hybrid that is larger and more powerful than the previous Insight. Fuel economy is 40 city, 43 highway. Insight has a new 5-door body, which Honda says is evocative of their FCX Clarity fuel cell car. Most people have never heard of that car, but they will notice that it looks a lot like the Toyota Prius, which is its natural competition. Actual pricing has not yet been announced, but Honda said their target is “less than $20,000.” They are also targeting 90,000 units per year in the US and 200,000 worldwide.
• Others - the Civic receives a freshening, the Pilot and Fit are all-new.

Volkswagen
VW

• Bluesport Concept - great-looking roadster with a 50mpg turbo Diesel engine. The 2.0L engine makes 180hp, but 258 lb-ft of torque, which enables a 0-60 sprint of 6 seconds. Think of it as a VW version of the Audi TT or the BMW Z4.

Audi

• Q5 - new, smaller crossover with the great looks and stunning interior of Audi’s other vehicles
• Sportback concept - this is a beautiful car, and is clearly meant to compete with the gorgeous Mercedes-Benz CLS. Expect the upcoming A7 to look very much like this when it is introduced - maybe for the 2010 model year. The concept is driven by a 255hp turbodiesel with 406 lb-ft of torque.
• R8 V10 - the beautiful R8 sports car will get this new V10 engine, probably around mid-2010, which will make the present $114K base price seem like small change. Of course, it will also increase the power by about ~100hp and the top speed to just under 200mph.

BMW
BMW

• Z4 - the roadster gets an update with the addition of a retractable hardtop and updated looks.
• 7 Series - nice update to the biggest BMW which seems to finally have been de-Bangled. Starts at $80K.
• No manuals? - BMW (”the ultimate driving machine”?) has about 10 vehicles on display, and not one of them is a manual tranny. What gives with that?

Mini

• Cooper Convertible - an update to the cutest convertible on the market. My kids love the Mini (me, too). New is the “Openometer”, which keeps track of how long you have been driving top-down. Way cool.
• Mini E - a pure electric that was already shown at the LA Auto Show, but this is the Detroit premiere. Mini will lease 500 in California, New York and New Jersey as a test for now.

Daimler
Mercedes-Benz

• SL65 AMG - not new, but the M-B SL has always been a favorite of mine, and this one has 661hp…wow…pause for a deep breath and a moment of silence…OK, now we can go on to the next car:
• Concept Blue Zero - pure electric based on Mercedes’ European small car. There are 2 other versions slated for production, but not shown - a hybrid and a fuel cell. Worth a look. Mercedes sells small cars in other markets, but will Americans accept such a small Mercedes? Will it hurt their image here?
• S400 Blue Hybrid - the hybrid wave extends its reach to the big Mercedes sedan. Is no place safe from this beast?

Hyundai
Hyundai

• Genesis - won the North American Car of the Year. The styling is nice, but I would called it derivative, not innovative. It breaks no new ground, and looks a little too much like a Lexus LS. That said, this is a very nice-looking car, especially the interior. It is attempting to do to Lexus what Lexus did to Mercedes-Benz (exactly 20 years ago at the 1989 NAIAS) - give comparable luxury and features for a much lower price. We’ll see how many people are willing to pay the price.

Kia

• Soul - already shown at the LA Auto Show, this is a funky-looking car/trucklet that looks like it’s trying to out-Scion xB the Scion xB. Goes on sale early this year.
• Soul’ster concept - this is a Soul with a sliding cloth roof, and is even funkier than the Soul.

Chinese Manufacturers

BYD showed 5 cars at NAIAS. The F3DM is a small, plug-in hybrid sedan (DM stands for Dual Mode). The F6DM is a midsize sedan with the same powertrain. They also showed the “regular” F6. F0 is a micro car, and the e6 is a pure electric in a crossover shape. It has available electric motors at the front and rear, giving it effective 4WD. It goes 0-60 in “under 8 seconds” and has a range of 249 miles. BYD plans to begin importing their products to the US in 2011.

Brilliance is showing 4 vehicles: FRV is a small 5-door hatchback, M1 is a midsize “luxury” sedan with a 1.8L I4 turbo engine making only 167hp, M2 is also a midsize sedan on the same platform with the same 1.8L engine and M3 is a sporty coupe based on a shortened version of the M1/M2 platform. It also shares the same engine.

Others

• Maserati Quattroporte Sport GTS - even more power for one of the most beautiful cars on the road!
• Tesla - the $100,000 pure electric sports car from California is in production and available at a dealer near you - if you live in LA or SF, that is.
• Fisker - not yet available, but getting closer, the Karma sedan won Slandy Best in Show last year, when we called it a “4-door BMW Corvette” (see photo below). Fisker plans to begin delivery of the Karma in the 4th quarter of 2009. This year, they have added the Sunset convertible, which uses the same plug-in hybrid powertrain. That powertrain is similar in concept to the Chevy Volt. Coincidentally, the Karma uses a GM Ecotec 2.4L turbo engine.
• Revenge - the small company from Indiana is showing the GTM-R supercar, which uses a Corvette Z06 engine for 505hp and an estimated top speed of 200 mph. It has 4-point racing safety harnesses. Lest you think this is an uncivilized brute, it also has available navigation, reverse camera and digital instrumentation. Only $145,000 - if I could only get my hands on some of those TARP funds!
• Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 - not sure if this car has been shown at NAIAS before, and maybe it was just there for the press preview. The interesting this about this car is that the most expensive car in the entire show (~$1.5 million) looked like an orphan. Just sitting there with no signs or information or people to ask any questions. Odd scene, but very cool car!

The Slandy Awards® 2009

Slandy Best in Show: Ford Taurus
Honorable Mention: Lincoln MKT, Fisker Karma Sunset, Revenge GTM-R, Audi Sportback, VW Bluesport
Coolest New Feature: The “Openometer” from Mini
Most Annoying New Trend: “Blue” means “Green” - several automakers have decided that using the word “blue” means that the vehicle is “Green”, as in Mercedes-Benz Bluetec (Diesel), Blue Hybrid and Concept Blue Zero (electric); VW Bluesport concept (Diesel); Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive and Lexus’s use of blue-trimmed Lexus logos on their hybrids. Has the whole world become colorblind?!?
Best Quote: GM’s Bob Lutz (who else?) said, “The way you use less of something in the marketplace is to raise the price. At $1.50 a gallon, the American public is not willing to pay for fuel-saving technology, and at some point the people who make the rules are going to have to recognize that fact.”  Amen, Brother Bob!
Best Models: Maserati and Lamborghini
Best Food: VW’s German curry sausage.  Honorable Mention: Fisker’s chicken sandwich

Today is the first day of 2009, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) can’t be far!  Just to whet your appetite, here is a brief list of the significant introductions expected.  We’ll update this list as more information is known:

	Production	Concept
General Motors	2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon 2010 Chevrolet Equinox Chevrolet Cruze 2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover	Chevrolet Orlando
Ford	Mazda3 5-door TBD - total of 7 introductions expected
Chrysler	TBD - total of 3 introductions expected
Daimler		Electric ForTwo
Kia		TBD Concept
Toyota	2010 Toyota Prius new Lexus hybrid
Honda	2009 Honda Insight
BMW	New Mini Cooper Convertible 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster models
Volkswagen	TBD from Audi TBD from Bentley	TBD VW Green Concept TBD from Audi
Other	2009 Subaru Forester Maserati Quattroporte Sport GTS 2010 Fisker Karma TBD models from Chinese automakers BYD and Brilliance Auto	TBD Subaru Concept

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), held each January in Detroit, has experienced growing pains over the years.  The constant complaint from the manufacturers has been that Cobo Hall is too small, that they need more space to show their cars and trucks, etc.  Government officials from all levels of government in Michigan have weighed in, from the Detroit City Council to the various mayors in and around Detroit, to county executives, to the state legislature and the governor have tried to come up with a plan to address this.  Should be relatively simple you think?  Wrong.  Michigan politics is a unique beast - one not easily tamed.  The City of Detroit owns Cobo Center, so they should be the ones to pay for an expansion? Detroit has no money, though.  Maybe Wayne County or the state?  Maybe surrounding counties, as they will surely benefit from the high-profile conventions that a new Cobo could attract?  They all have a stake in the success of NAIAS and the Detroit, but they are unwilling to help pay for more than what they deem as their fair share.  Stalemate for years has ensued.  Proposals have come and gone, but nothing has been done.

Now a short-term solution has come out of nowhere, from the same place as our new-found cheap gas.  The economic slowdown gripping the nation has made gas prices fall - and the debate over Cobo’s expansion moot.  Just announced today - Nissan will join the growing list of automakers that will not be showing their wares at NAIAS this January.  That list includes Porsche, Rolls Royce, Land Rover, Ferrari, Suzuki, Mitsubishi and now Nissan and Infiniti.  The last 3 are the ones that really start to hurt NAIAS.  They are the biggest of the dropouts, in floor space terms - especially Nissan.  Nissan also announced it will not participate in the Chicago Auto Show in February either.  Their statement said it has nothing to do with the shows themselves, but with a need to save cash.  They also stated that they showed all they needed in the LA show, which opened on November 21.  See the LA Auto Show story elsewhere on The Slandy Report.

So the silver lining inthe dark cloud of NAIAS dropouts is that it should put to bed, at least for a short time, the Panic in Detroit over Cobo’s floor space.

Well, the LA Auto Show has begun, or as we like to call it in Detroit - that auto show that got scared of Detroit and moved to November.  There are lots of goodies to see at LAAS, including concept cars and world debuts.  Here’s a brief look at what’s what:

2010 Ford Fusion & Mercury Milan Hybrid - Ford, which is in trouble along with the rest of the domestic auto industry, has taken the wraps off the substantially revised 2010 models, along with new hybrid versions.  The hybrids will get up to 39 MPG in the city - 6 more than the Camry hybrid - and will be capable of up to 47 MPH in electric-only mode.  Production is to begin next month, with sales beginning in the spring.  No word yet on pricing.  The “regular” Fusion and Milan models get a larger, more powerful I4 base engine, a more powerful V6 that also gets better fuel economy, and a new option - the same 3.5L V6 from the Edge, Flex, etc.  It will power the new Fusion Sport with 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque.  Ford insiders have told me that the V6 models will still not have a manual.  Darn.

2010 Ford Mustang - the iconic pony car sports a revised, more sculpted look at the front and rear, but the casual observer might not notice the difference.  Gear heads and other auto enthusiasts will.  The Mustang also has a revised interior, the most obvious of which is the center stack area, which now accommodates a navigation screen and Microsoft’s Sync system, now in its 2nd generation.  Under the hood, both the V6 and V8 engines will have better power and fuel economy, though final numbers are not available yet.

2010 Lincoln MKZ - revised exterior to look more like the stunning MKS flagship and an updated interior as well.  The MKZ also gets the 3.5L with 263 horsepower, like its Fusion and Milan cousins.

2010 Mazda3 - the wonderful Mazda3 gets a new look, which is both aggressive and odd.  The revised front end looks like the car has a big, silly grin on its face.  Like it’s up to something.  It will be powered by either a 2.0L I4 (140hp) or a 2.5L I4 (170hp).  New features include Bluetooth, navigation and steering-adjusted xenon headlamps.

Chrysler is showing a trio of electric vehicles that they introduced a few weeks ago.  They include an electric Town & Country minivan, a Dodge EV sports car and the Dodge ZEO that was first shown at the Detroit show early this year.  The idea that Chrysler will be able to introduce these cars in the timeframe announced seems folly, as GM has a significant head start in developing this new type of propulsion, and they are still 2 years away from production.

MINI E - MINI will introduce a full electric car and deploy a fleet of 500 units for consumers to use in daily driving.  This makes MINI the 1st automaker to develop an electric since GM’s EV1.  The MINI E will have a range of 156 miles (250 km) and a top speed of 95 mph (152 kph).  It will be available in California, New York and New Jersey only.

Infiniti G37 Convertible - the Infiniti G gets a convertible for the first time, a 3-piece hardtop.  It will have the 3.7L V6 already in the coupe, making 328 hp.

2009 Nissan Cube - Nissan will bring the Cube to the US, as expected.  Nissan calls its look a “bulldog with sunglasses”, but you can think of it as a Scion xB.  Nissan has long marketed the Cube in other markets, but will now sell it in the US as well.

2010 Porsche Boxster/Cayman - even though Porsche insists these are 2 separate cars, we all really know better.  The 2 cars presently have the same engines, but those will diverge slightly when the 2010 models debut.  The base engines will increase in size from 2.7L to 2.9L, and will have increased power, however the increase will be greater in the Cayman.  Both receive a power increase in the “S” models as well, but, again, the Cayman’s increase is more.

BMW 7-Series - the big BMW gets a freshened look for its 5th generation.  It goes on sale this spring.  It sports a new 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8 that delivers 400 hp and 450lb-ft of torque.  The technology on this car could take up a whole book - active cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind spot detection, head-up display, high-beam assistant, night vision with pedestrian detection, sideview and backup cameras, and integral active steering (rear-wheel steering assist).  Wow, that’s a mouthful.

2010 Lexus RX 350/RX 450h - the original luxury crossover gets a revised look for the 2010 model year.  Both the gas version and the hybrid receive a shot of more power.  Both use the 3.5L V6 now (the hybrid was still using the 3.3L V6), so the hybrid’s increase is greater than the gas engine.  The gas engine also gets a 6-speed transmission, up from 5, while the hybrid continues with a CVT.  The wheelbase is longer, but the overall length is shorter, which should improve stability.  The RX 350 goes on sale in February, while the hybrid waits until spring.

Lexus IS Convertible - Lexus introduced this new hardtop convertible at the Paris Auto Show in October.  Designated IS 250C and IS 350C, the new convertible is a 3-piece unit that opens in 21 seconds.  The sound system has an equalizer-tuning feature that provides consistent audio whether the top is up or down, and it also automatically adapts to the natural loss of bass when the top is down.  To address the natural difficulty of getting in and out of the backseat, Lexus increased the length of the doors 11.8″ over the sedan and added a new one-touch automatic mechanism that provides a quick-acting, front-seat fold-and-slide activation.

2010 Kia Soul - this is a tough one to categorize.  It’s a bit like a small crossover, a bit like the Nissan Cube/Scion xB, and a whole lot of fugly.  My son thinks it’s pretty cool, though.  So maybe I just don’t get it.  Michael Sprague, VP of marketing for Kia says, ““The Soul is for those who love individuality but don’t like to be categorized by finding the next best thing…for those looking for something with a little more personality than other vehicles on the market today.”  It will be available is 4 trim levels: Soul, Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport.  Available engines are a 1.6L or a 2.0L 4 cylinder.

Honda Insight - the Insight was the first hybrid available in the US market.  It was a very small 2-seater that got great fuel economy, but had too many compromises to be successful in the US.  Now comes a new version that will seat 5, have reasonable power, be less expensive and get better fuel economy than the Toyota Prius.  It also look a lot like a Prius.  The car shown in LA is considered a concept, but look for the real one to be very much the same.  The real one goes on sale Spring, 2009.

VW Touareg - VW is showing its new Touareg V6 TDI, with a 50-state compliant DIesel engine.  It is powered by a 3.0L, turbocharged six cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 407 lb-ft. of torque.

Audi A6 - not much new here, except a new supercharged V6 engine, making 286 horsepower.  It also has some subtle styling changes.

2009 Ferrari California - despite sharing the name with a Ferrari from the 60’s, this is an all-new Ferrari model.  It sports a direct-injection V8 mounted in the front of the car (a first for Ferrari) that produces 460 horsepower, propelling the car from 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds.  Can you buy one?  If you’re getting some of the $700 billion, and $250K is burning a hole in your wallet - you’ll still have to wait, as the 2010 model year is sold out.  2011 isn’t very long to wait, is it?

If any of you LA readers would like to share your comments on the show, please click on Comments, below.  Thanks for sharing your views with other readers of The Slandy Report.

The new Slandy Report is here!! The new Slandy Report is here!! Boy, I wish I could get that excited about nothing. Nothing? Are you kidding? Page 73 - Johnson, Navin R.! I’m somebody now! Welcome to the 6th annual Slandy Report, a look at the North American International Auto Show, held each January in Detroit, Michigan. The total economic impact for Detroit is estimated at $500 million, so y’all come on down and spend your money, ya hear? If you can’t make it to Detroit for the show, you can watch it on NBC January 20 at 3pm Eastern.

Take a walk around this year’s show and the most obvious trend is green. Not paint, but “being” green. I lost count of the number of alternately fueled vehicles and concepts. There are electrics, plug-in hybrids, Diesel hybrids, fuel-cell hybrids, ethanol, etc. from every manufacturer (well, almost).

Ford Motor Company
Ford
==> 2009 Flex – besides the bad name and the awkward looks, I think this new crossover has potential. Looks like a giant Mini Cooper. Now it looks goofy, but you’re gonna love it in 2013!
==> Explorer America Concept – styling exercise showing what a future Explorer might look like. Unlike all Explorers you’ve ever seen, this one is based on a car (not a truck) platform.
==> Verve Concept – yet another subcompact teaser from Ford, this one a DDG (Drop-Dead Gorgeous). Maybe if they ever actually make something like this, sales will improve.
==> Sync Focus – as reported last year, Ford has exclusive rights to the Microsoft Sync system, which is a hands-free iPod and phone interface. Sync will also read text messages to you (including profanity), and has a list of standard responses to a text message that you can scroll through for a quick response. This year, you can sit in a Focus and get a complete demonstration from a knowledgeable Sync-person.
==> 2009 F-150 – Ford and others are saying that this is a significant makeover. Maybe from an engineering view, but not from a customer/visual view. They’ve changed many details, but to the casual observer, it’s the same. The new version, Platinum, is ultra-luxury and coincides with the rumored demise of the Mark LT. Coincidence?
Lincoln
==> MKS – shown as a concept in prior shows, this is the read deal. Due out this summer, this is a really nice car. The silhouette reminds me of the previous Chrysler 300M (not the gangsta-mobile that is sold today). It will have an adequate, 270hp, 3.7L V6 engine at launch, but my sources tell me that the Eco-Boost engine will show up a year later sporting 350-360hp!
==> MKT Concept – this is an all-wheel drive crossover that rides on the same platform as the Ford Flex. This is not just a rebadged Flex, however, it has completely different profile and sheetmetal. It really pushes the concept of a crossover. The question is, “Will it grow on us, or will we think it’s just goofy?” Due out sometime next year.
Volvo
==> Recharge Concept - this is a Swedish Volt. Runs on a Diesel as its “range-extending power source”.
==> C70 – hard-top convertible based on the very attractive S40. Very nice.
Land Rover
==> LRX Concept – sporty SUV from Land Rover? Yep. It’s a 3-door a little smaller than the new LR2. Might be a hint of a future production model.
Jaguar
==> XF – this was last year’s C-XF Concept (hey, maybe that’s what the “C” stood for – but don’t tell Cookie Monster). This is a beautiful car, which might just turn around Jaguar’s fortunes – just in time for Ford to sell it off.

General Motors
Chevrolet
==> Corvette ZR1 – so you bought that Corvette Z06, thinking that you have the baddest boy on the block? Not so fast my friend (literally): here come the ZR1. It looks pretty close to any other Corvette, but it has a supercharged, 6.2L V8 making over 620hp. It will cost $100,000, but meets or exceeds the performance of cars costing 3-4 times as much. Like all other Corvettes, it’s expensive, but a great bargain by any objective measure against its competitors.
==> Tahoe Hybrid – 1st full-size hybrid, almost on sale. Achieves the same fuel economy as a 4-cylinder Toyota Camry (21 MPG city). Chevrolet would be wise to shout this fact to the world when they start advertising this big boy. They are already shouting the hybrid thing – “hybrid” is on it in 9 places.
Pontiac
==> Solstice GXP – 260hp LNF engine and still gets 19 city, 28 highway per gallon. Fun, fun, fun!
==> G8 – Pontiac says this is the “most powerful car under $30,000”. The V6 is around $27K, while the V8 starts at just under $30K. Very aggressive, alpha-male styling, this is a legit sports sedan.
Buick
==> Riviera concept – styled in China (and even sports a badge in Chinese characters), this may indicate the styling of future Buicks. Buick is very successful in China, where Buick sells more that in the US.
Saturn
==> Astra – new 3 or 5-door compact imported from Europe, where it is known as an Opel. This is an attractive, sporty car that will start at $16K.
==> Flextreme Concept – another plug-in hybrid that has a “range-entending power source”. In this case, it’s a turbo Diesel engine that GM uses in Europe. This car also hints at future Saturn styling.
Cadillac
==> CTS Coupe “Concept” – this is officially a concept, but look for it soon. This is a really great car. The scuttlebutt is that it will be followed by a CTS wagon also.
==> CTS-V – a 550hp sedan? Yes sir, that’s my baby!
Hummer
==> HX Concept – this seems to be a hint at the long-rumored Hummer H4. HX tries to out-Jeep Jeep. It has removable doors and a reconfigurable rear roof panel that can dramatically change the look and personality in the blink of an eye. Has the 300hp V6 engine also used in the CTS.
Saab
==> 9-4X Concept – ethanol-powered turbo I4 engine that makes 300hp! Check out the looks, as Saab will have a production model that looks like this in the next couple of years.

Chrysler
Chrysler
==> ecoVoyager Concept – futuristic minivan-like styling. Powered by a fuel cell and lithium-ion batteries. Says it has a “range-extending advanced hydrogen fuel cell”.
Dodge
==> 2009 Dodge Ram – not much visual change at first glance, but many of the details are different. Sports a new interior, but the inside looks cheap to me. 1 cool new feature is the Ram box – a pair of lockable, watertight storage bins on the rear fenders.
==> 2009 Journey – new crossover that looks nice, but the interior is flimsy and cheap, especially the center console and glove compartment (a bad pattern is developing here). Has a 3.5L V6 engine or a 2.4L 4-banger. Starts at $20K. Most obvious competitor is the Ford Taurus X. Which Journey song do you think they will use in the ads? I think “Any Way You Want It”.
==> Zeo Concept – great-looking rear-drive electric powered sports coupe. Pure fantasy at this point.
Jeep
==> Renegade - another electric with range-extender. This one is a Diesel.

Toyota
Toyota must be feeling “eco-pressure” from the other manufacturers. No longer the only one with hybrids, and now getting some heat from the extreme left environmentalists for their new big truck and for opposing CAFE increases, Toyota felt the need to label just about everything in its display with environmental signs. The carpets, benches, turntables all have signs telling us how much was recycled, etc. I felt like I was in kindergarten again (where the chairs are labeled “chair”).

Toyota
==> Venza – I didn’t get a great look at this one, as some Toyota big shot just had to look at it with his posse, just as I got there. Toyota calls this a crossover sedan, which makes no sense. To my eye, it is a Ford Edge/Mazda CX-7 competitor. Based on the Camry guts, it will be built at their Kentucky plant later this year.
==> A-BAT Concept – imagine, if you will, a Honda Ridgeline and a Toyota Prius engage in extra-curricular activities one night. Several months later, the A-BAT is born. It has its father’s (Ridgeline) looks, only smaller. It has its mother’s (Pruis) frugality – the hybrid powertrain. That’s pretty much it.
==> Prius plug-in Hybrid - after publicly bashing GM about the Volt last year, Toyota comes out with this, using GM’s exact words to describe the power of this new idea for Prius: “range-extending power source” & “advanced batteries”. A few months ago, Toyota said such batteries were still a long way off and that they were dangerous and prone to overheating/fires. Toyota should have egg on its face for this, but only The Slandy Report calls them out.
Lexus
==> LF-A Roadster – has the looks of an old Celica or Supra, only this delinquent has a 500+ horsepower V10. Could do without the boy-racer uber-wing.

Nissan
Nissan
==> GT-R – high-performance sports coupe. On sale this summer, the GT-R is powered by a 480hp 3.8L twin-turbo V6. Goes from 0-60 in 3.3 seconds. Expected price is $70,000. A new version of a car already sold in other markets as the Skyline GT-R.
==> Forum Concept – at least I hope it’s a concept. Future styling of a minivan? Maybe, but it’s fugly.
Infiniti
==> EX35 – this is the FX SUV’s little bro.

Honda
Honda
==> Accord – already out, but when Honda introduces an all-new Accord, it’s worth a look.
==> Pilot Concept – though a concept, this is supposed to look just like the “real” on to be on sale later this year. Though the details are all different, the Pilot retains the same basic look. It’s bigger and seats 8. Nice, but not very exciting.
==> FCX Clarity – the first real fuel cell car for lease (this summer), if you live in Southern California. It runs on hydrogen. You might ask, “Where do I get hydrogen?” Honda has also developed an in-home energy station that uses the natural gas from your home to make hydrogen for the FCX, which can also provide heat to your home and act as a generator.
==> CR-Z Concept – a hybrid that reminds me of the old CRX. No announced plans to sell this.

Volkswagen
VW
==> Passat CC – Phaeton was a big mistake (see prior Slandy Reports) and has been cancelled. The idea wasn’t bad to try to move the VW brand upscale, but they went (way) too far, as predicted here. This is an attempt to do what the Phaeton should have been – go a little upscale. Don’t let the name fool you, though. This ain’t a Passat. Look at it next to a real Passat and you’ll see.
Audi
==> R8 V12 Turbodiesel – the mid-engined supercar adds a 500hp, 738 pound-feet torque. 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds from a Diesel! Same technology that Audi has used in its Diesel racecars.
==> TTS – the TT isn’t a chick car anymore (at least, not much).
==> A4, A5 and S5 – beautiful new cars. The A5 & S5 are coupes based on the A4, which will be out with new versions later this year.

BMW
BMW
==> X6 – this one is hard to describe. Think of the child of a BMW M3 (300hp and 400hp engines) and a Mazda CX-7 (aggressive SUV/crossover body shape). BMW calls it a sport activity coupe. Go figure.
==> 1-Series – the smallest “regular” BMW introduces a convertible starting at $33K. Coupe is $28K.
MINI
==> Cooper Clubman – this is a slightly bigger Mini, with a rear-hinged “Clubdoor” on the passenger side to give better access to the rear. Where the regular Mini has a hatch in the back, the Clubman has barn doors that swing out to the sides. All in all, a clever extension of the popular, cute Mini brand.

Mercedes-Benz
==> Vision GLK Concept – a production version of this small, off-road capable SUV will be out next year. This is one I don’t get. Budweiser used to ask, “Why ask why?” Here’s why – maybe you won’t get stupid products like this if you ask, “Why should we build this?” This is the answer to the question nobody was asking, except maybe, “What would a Subaru Forrester look like with a Mercedes-Benz badge?”
==> SLK, CLS, SLR – on the other hand, these M-B products are amazing.
smart
==> fortwo – as the name implies, this is a 2-seater that smart has been teasing us about for a few years. If you’re not familiar with this, it’s the smallest car you’ve ever seen. It’s 98” (250cm) long, and can part straight into a parallel parking space. On sale now!

Hyundai Group
Kia
==> Borrego – new mid-size SUV that seats 7 in 3 rows. This is a true truck-based SUV with a V8.
Hyundai
==> Genesis – a rear drive Hyundai sedan with a V8 and 289 hp? On sale this summer. Nice looking, but as noted in the report in prior years, the Koreans like to “borrow” styling from others. In this case, it’s the Lexus LS.

Others
==> Suzuki X-Head concept thing – I only include this because I have no idea what it is. If you know, please let me know at slandyreport@yahoo.com.
==> Fisker Karma – to imagine what this looks like, think of a 4-door BMW Corvette. It’s a plug-in hybrid slated to go on sale in late 2009. Expected price is $80,000.
==> You know that environmentalism is the big thing when Ferrari (Ferrari!!) shows a 599 GTB Fiorano with a big, bold “Bio Fuel” decal across the hood!
==> Mitsubishi Concept R-A – an aggressively styled sports coupe with a Diesel engine.

Slandy Best in Show Fisker Karma
Honorable Mention Corvette ZR-1, Jaguar XF, Cadillac CTS Coupe
WATT? Award Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK
Ho-Hum Award Honda Pilot
Bet the Farm Award Jaguar XF
Uh-oh! Award Hyundai Genesis
Most Annoying New Trend Everybody is copying last year’s Slandy Best in Show, the Chevrolet Volt. The vehicles the used the exact same wording as Chevrolet used last year to describe the Volt’s system (“a range-extending power source”) are noted in the write-up with ““.

Welcome to the 5th annual Slandy Report, a look at the North American International Auto Show, held each January in Detroit, Michigan – the most dysfunctional and fattest city in America!!

2007 NAIAS Must-See Cars and Trucks
Ford Motor Company
==> Sync – Ford announced a new technology product it has developed with Microsoft. Called Sync, “a full integrated voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system for your mobile phone and digital media player (iPod).” Available on 12 2008MY Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products this fall, it has too many functions to explain here. Go check it out in the Ford display or go to www.SyncMyRide.com for more details.
Ford
==> Escape – Ford’s small SUV gets a freshening for the 2008MY, due by April. The Escape’s new styling, like the original did a few years ago, looks like the little brother of the Explorer, which is a good thing. The bad thing is that the freshening, and the beauty, only goes skin deep. The dirty parts are still the same – same engines, transmissions, etc.
==> Five Hundred – the big sedan gets a much-needed makeover for 2008. It gets the Fusion’s grille, plus new lamps, a new sculpted hood, and the soon-to-be ubiquitous Ford front fender vent. Also gets the new 3.5L V6 from the Edge, good for 60 more needed horsepower. Ford has added chocolate chips to the vanilla styling. Mmmm…ice cream!
==> F-Series Super Duty – the big, bad pickup gets bigger and badder with an all-new look, but still looks familiar. It gets a new 6.4L Diesel engine, which is more powerful, cleaner and quieter. A new model is the F-450 pickup, which can tow your house. Also gets the fender vent.
==> Interceptor concept – Ford’s answer to the Chrysler 300, this is a high-performance rear-drive sedan that has a menacing look, and a menacing engine. 5.0L V8 making 400hp. Might be a preview of a new entry for Ford.
Lincoln
==> MKR concept – this car is flat-out gorgeous in all 3 places (outside, inside and under the hood). In addition to the great styling, Ford is using the MKR to show off a new engine. It is a 3.5L direct injected, twin-turbo V6 that makes 415 horses. It’s good for a 0-60 mph sprint in 5.3 seconds. D865f76gv8yobuin – sorry, I drooled on my keyboard.
Volvo
==> XC60 concept – if the production model looks anything like this, Volvo will have another great product. Will compete with Acura’s RDX and BMW’s X3. Yet another example of Volvo breaking out of its stodgy, safety-only reputation.
Mazda
==> CX-9 – this is a bigger version of the CX-7. It has 3 rows and seats 7. Wait, shouldn’t this be the CX-7 and the CX-7 should be a CX-5, based on how many they seat?
==> Ryuga concept – Mazda has no plan to make this sports car; it is a styling exercise only, possibly indicating the style of future Mazdas. It has gull-wing doors, meaning they open up from the front, almost like a scissors.
Land Rover
==> LR2 – this is the replacement for the Freelander, coming this spring to the US. Never heard of the Freelander? Not many did, which is why a new name won’t really hurt sales. It shares many components with other parts of the Ford empire, including the 3.2L I6, making 230hp.
Jaguar
==> C-XF concept – this is a preview of the styling for the S-Type replacement, due in 2008. Gone is the retro look of the S-Type, in favor of a modern look. It has a 400hp 4.2L supercharged V8.
Aston Martin
==> All Aston Martins are beautiful. That’s all you need to know. Here’s another – Aston Martin is so exclusive, they have a sign at the show that lists all of their US dealers.

General Motors
General
GM has a new display set up. There are concepts from some of the General’s foreign brands at the front as you enter. There is a main aisle from which you can see all the brands, which face the center aisle like booths at a flea market. All of the brands are using iMac computers for their information kiosks, just like the one used to write The Slandy Report. Take that, Microsoft!
Chevrolet
==> 2008 Malibu – the current Malibu is plain and unexciting. The new one is too, but much better at the same time. The styling is nothing to get excited about, but it’s clean, refreshing and tasteful. It’s based on GM’s global Epsilon platform, shared with the Saturn Aura, Pontiac G6 and Saab 9-3. The rear lamps look like they were borrowed from the VW parts closet, but otherwise it looks like a worthy new mid-size entry, competing with some of the best cars around: Camry, Accord, Fusion, Altima. The powertrains are new also. A 2.4L I4 replaces the 2.2L, and makes 20 more horsepower. A 3.6L V6 replaces the 3.5L and makes 28 more horsepower.
==> Volt concept – The first thing you notice here is that this is a great looking sports car. The real story, though, is what makes it go. GM is taking great pains to not calling this a “hybrid.” The information Chevy supplied does not even use the words “hybrid” or “engine”, though it runs on electric power and a gasoline engine – just like a hybrid. One difference is that in most hybrids, like from Toyota and Ford, the gas engine and the battery each power the vehicle separately and together. The Volt “engine” is designed to recharge the battery only – not propel the vehicle. The Volt has an electric-only range of 40 miles, and plugs in to recharge. The gas engine is only a “range-extending power source”. Sounds great right? The only problem is that the powerful batteries required to run this contraption don’t exist yet. GM doesn’t even have a running prototype.
==> Silverado HD – the big brother to the Silverado introduced earlier.
==> Tahoe hybrid – it’s OK here to use the “H” word. This is the hybrid system developed with DaimlerChrysler and BMW. GM claims 25% fuel economy improvement. Goes on sale later this year.
==> Camaro convertible – drop top follow up to last years stunning coupe concept. If you saw the coupe last year, this looks exactly like you would expect.
GMC
==> Acadia – large 3-row crossover. Can get front or all wheel drive. 18/26 MPG for front drive. Very nice looking inside and out, but I think this product is a mistake for GMC. For years, we’ve heard how GMC is “professional grade”, and then we get this car-like product? Sure, they’ll sell a bunch of them, but it will hurt the image/reputation that GMC has built over the last few years.
Buick
==> Enclave – see Acadia (but not a mistake). This product makes sense for Buick. Make sure you check out the Enclave split-open display. Unique look at the inside and construction.
Saturn
==> Outlook – see Acadia (but not a mistake). This product makes sense for Saturn.
==> Aura – we’ve seen this before, but Saturn has 3 versions on display. The base XE is very nice, inside & out, but the XR is an absolute stunner on the inside. Also shown is the Aura Green Line, which is a hybrid-electric version.
==> 2008 Vue – the Vue has been completely updated with a new, more rounded look – not as boxy.
Cadillac
==> 2008 CTS – the original CTS was the start of Caddy’s new design direction. Now, with a 2nd generation, it signals a course correction. The CTS gets a new look, with a bigger grille, new LED lamps and a great new interior with softer angles. The design seems to draw on the DTS look. Also new is an optional 300hp direct injected V6 and optional all-wheel drive.

DaimlerChrysler
Chrysler
==> 2008 Town & Country – the minivan gets a facelift, sporting a new, more upright look. The 2nd row seats can now Stow ‘n Go or Swivel ‘n Go. Swivel ‘n Go are captain’s chairs that can turn around and face the 3rd row. There’s also a table for games or meals. There’s also a new 4.0L engine and a 6-speed tranny – a minivan first.
==> Nassau concept – essentially a hatchback Chrysler 300. No plans to produce this, at least not that Chrysler will admit. Has a 425hp Hemi!
==> Sebring Sedan & Convertible – complete redesign. Looks great. Cupholder in front can cool drinks to 35 degrees or heat them up to 140 degrees.
Dodge
==> Grand Caravan – see Town & Country.
==> Avenger – new product, replacing the Stratus. Shares the dirty parts with the Chrysler Sebring. Styled to look like a little brother to the Charger.
==> Viper SRT-10 – this bad boy gets even more horsepower (+90 to 600!) from a modified engine and minor freshening.
Mercedes-Benz
==> 4Matic area – M-B has a separate area for all of their All-wheel drive models. That’s not so special, but the floor is. Underneath all of the 4Matic models is a floor of real ice, to show you that these are the cars to drive when it’s slippery. Cool!
==> Ocean Drive concept – this is a 4-door convertible, based on the S-Class. No official plans to make this, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they do. Could also signal new styling of future Benz’s.
==> CLS – maybe the best looking car you’ll ever see.
==> SLR – ultra-exotic sports car that, according to the sign, starts at $450,000.
Jeep
==> Fountain – no, this is not a new model. This is Jeep’s customary fountain, which showers actual words. It’s not new, I’ve just never mentioned it, and I think it’s really cool. See picture on last page.
==> Trailhawk concept – based on the Wrangler platform, no plans to make this.
smart
==> fortwo – this is a 2-seat city car that you can buy in Europe. Expected on sale in 2008. Has a 1L I3 engine making 71hp. Doesn’t sound like much, does it? Well, it’s also only 1650 lbs. Overheard comment: “It’s an adorable little death-trap.”

Toyota
Toyota
==> Tundra CrewMax – 3rd bodystyle for the new Tundra. Full rear doors, to go along with the regular cab (no rear doors) and Double Cab (small rear doors). Tundra is now a real full-size pickup and will give Ford, Chevy and Dodge their first real challenge in this segment.
==> FT-HS HEV concept – an HEV sports car? Who would have thunk it? Toyota, that’s who – they thunk of everything (BTW, so did Chevy – see Volt, above). Phil Martens, Ford’s former product creation chief, was quoted as saying you would never make a hybrid sports car. Maybe that’s why he’s not in charge of product creation anymore.
Lexus
==> IS-F – Lexus adds a 400+ hp 5.0L V8 to the IS sedan, good for 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. It has paddle shift and an 8-speed automatic. I assume the “F” stands for fast, and this is just the first in the F-Line of products. It was inevitable, I guess. BMW has M, Mercedes has AMG, Cadillac has V, Audi has S, Jaguar and Volvo have R, Ford has SVT (sort of). If Lexus didn’t jump on this bandwagon quick, there would be no more letters! Goes on sale in 2008.
==> LF-A Sports Car concept – this concept is what a Lexus exotic would look like. Might be the sports car that has been seen running around the Nürburgring. It has a 500 hp V10.
==> LS600h L – is there no segment that Toyota won’t go or invent? Basically a hybrid limo.

Nissan
Nissan
==> 2008 Rogue – this is Murano’s little brother. On sale this fall with a 2.5L I4 engine and a CVT transmission.
==> Bevel concept – Nissan has no plans to build this, but might indicate some future styling. Looks a bit like a Scion xB. Has a very cool steering area. Take a look.
Infiniti
==> M35 – not a new product, but I noticed a cool feature. When you open the door, the steering wheel tilts and telescopes out of your way for entry or exit. When the door closes, it goes back to the original position. Very nice touch.

Honda
Honda
==> Accord Coupe concept – this isn’t the new Accord, due this fall, but it does indicate the styling of the 8th generation Accord.
==> CR-V – not new for this show, but if you haven’t seen this yet, check it out. It’s a real nice update to Honda’s small SUV.
Acura
==> MDX – mild styling change. No big deal.
==> Advanced Sports Car concept – preview of the next generation NSX sports car. V10 engine making 500hp. Due sometime in 2008.

Volkswagen
Audi
==> 2009 Q7 TDI Bluetec – Diesel SUV, but check out the beautiful interior.
==> 2008 TT – update to the little sports car. Not as “cute” as before, but now has a more aggressive look.

BMW
BMW
==> 3-Series convertible – this is BMW’s first hardtop convertible. It opens in 22 seconds. Engines are either a 230hp 6 or a 300hp twin-turbo 6.
==> X5 – BMW’s 1st SUV gets a needed update, including making it bigger to accommodate a 3rd row.
==> Hydrogen 7 concept – based on the 7-Series (duh), this concept runs on hydrogen or gas.
MINI
==> MINI is showing its new convertible. Check out the sign where the convertible switch is. Next to a Stop sign, it says, “Ask yourself, is it really necessary to close the top? Be honest.” Love it.

Hyundai Group
Kia
==> Kia has 2 new crossovers. One you can buy, the Rondo. Rondo is small, but with 3 rows, competing with the Chevy HHR, PT Cruiser and Mazda5. It starts under $17K, with a 162hp I4 or an optional, 182hp V6. The other is the Kue concept. Kia won’t build this, but may indicate the styling of future products. It has a 400hp, supercharged V8.
Hyundai
==> Veracruz – this large crossover seats 7 and will be on sale this spring. It’s about the size of an Explorer. It’s nice looking and signals Hyundai’s intent to compete in every segment. It uses the same 3.8L engine found in other Hyundai products, making 260 hp here.
==> Entourage – this is Hyundai’s first minivan, new for the 2007MY. It’s good looking as minivans go, and as you might expect, it’s inexpensive. Starting under $24K, it includes all the normal safety equipment, including airbags and side curtains and ABS w/stability control, etc.
==> Hellion (love the name) concept – this car combines attributes of a sports car with an off-road vehicle. It’s interesting to look at, but don’t expect to buy one any time soon.

Others
==> Porsche Cayenne – minor exterior change and some engine and chassis upgrades as well.
==> Mitsubishi Lancer – updated for 2008MY and built on the same platform as some Chrysler products. On sale this spring. The Prototype X concept is a preview of the next Lancer Evolution (or just “Evo”) due later this year. It has all-wheel drive and high-powered turbo engine.
==> Rolls Royce Drophead Coupe – this new Rolls is $407,000. I hear the IRS is considering allowing a mortgage interest deduction.
==> Chang Feng – this Chinese manufacturer is displaying a few vehicles, including a Ridgeline mini-me pickup, in the basement. None of them is great looking or particularly impressive in any other way. This is significant because they are the first to display their products in the US in public. You might remember The Slandy Report 2006 reported that Geely was here last year and say, “What’s up with that, Slandy?” Geely only displayed their product (and there was only 1) during the press preview days, not during the public days.

Slandy Best in Show Lincoln MKR Concept
Honorable Mention Jaguar C-XF Concept, Chevrolet Volt, Toyota Tundra CrewMax, Cadillac CTS
WATT? Award GMC Acadia
Ho-Hum Award Ford Airstream Concept
Bet the Farm Award Jaguar C-XF Concept
Lamest Warning Toyota Highlander’s rear seat cup holder has a warning not to use for cups!! Bottles only. Go figure.
Uh-oh! Award Chang Feng display. The Chinese are coming!
Most Annoying New Trend Front fender vents. Ford seems to be slapping these on everything (Five Hundred, Focus, Interceptor, Super Duty, MKR, various Land Rovers, Jaguars and Aston Martins). Also spotted with the vents: Buick, Saturn, Cadillac, BMW, Dodge, Jeep.

Welcome to the 4th annual Slandy Report, an irreverent look at the North American International Auto Show, held each January in Detroit Michigan – home of Super Bowl XL, the Ryder Cup, Red Wings, Pistons, 2006 NCAA Tournament 1st & 2nd round, 2008 NCAA Tournament Regionals, 2009 NCAA Tournament Final Four and 2010 NCAA Frozen Four. This has been a paid political announcement from the Detroit Chamber of Commerce.

Ford Motor Company
Ford
==> Edge – 2007MY crossover utility due in the fall. Think Fusion tall wagon.
==> Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible – Carroll Shelby participated in the development and the introduction. That should say enough. How about 475hp from a 5.4L-supercharged V8? Goes on sale this summer!
==> Reflex concept – Ford says this is an American small car that doesn’t try to out-Korean the Koreans. It also has a Diesel-electric hybrid engine that could deliver 65mpg. It has butterfly doors and great styling.
==> Super Chief concept – is this s truck or a train? Ford says the styling is inspired by the Super Chief trains of the past, but also could be a preview of truck design of the future. It has a “tri-fuel” engine that can run on gas, E85 ethanol or hydrogen.
Lincoln
==> Lincoln unveiled its new naming scheme. They will be using alpha-numeric designations instead of names, to be more in-line with other luxury brands. Didn’t they just introduce the Zephyr, like a few weeks ago? Oops.
==> MKX – this is the production version of the Aviator concept seen last year. Apparently, you don’t pronounce it “M-K-X” – it is pronounced “Mark X”. It’s all very confusing. That said, this is a very nice looking luxury crossover, except for the front-end grille. Not sure what they’re thinking there.
==> MKS (“Mark S”) – hints at a future sedan from Lincoln. The front of this car is much better that the MKX and actually looks like a Lincoln. It has great lines and a 315hp V8 under the hood and all-wheel drive.
Volvo
==> C70 – this is the intro of the new 2007MY C70. This is a beautiful car. This new generation is only a hardtop convertible – no fixed roof version. The 3-piece hardtop folds away in about 22 seconds and looks great with the top up or down. Arrives this spring.
==> C30 concept – a 3-door hatch that Volvo says strongly hints at the production version to be introduced at the Paris auto show this fall. Goes on sale in the US Summer, 2007.
Mazda
==> CX-7 – like the Ford Edge is a Fusion tall wagon, CX-7 is a Mazda6 tall wagon, and all 4 are based on the same architecture. The CX-7 borrows the Mazdaspeed6’s turbo I4 engine, making 244hp in this application.
==> Kabura concept – designed by the same guy as the Pontiac Solstice.
Jaguar
==> 2007 XK – available soon, the XK (when did they drop the “8” from the name) is all-new with a lightweight aluminum body. Still one of the best-looking cars in the world, now even better. 300hp, 0-60 in 5.9 seconds!
Aston Martin
==> Rapide concept – a 4-door Aston Martin? Are you kidding? What’s next, a 4-door Dodge Charger? Joking aside, Aston Martin pulled this off. A 4-door that looks just as good as its lineup of coupes and convertibles.

General Motors
Chevrolet
==> Camaro concept – great blend of retro and modern. You know it’s a Camaro at one glance. Has the long hood, short deck of classic Camaros. 6.0L, 400hp small-block V8 from Corvette with Active Fuel Management (AFM – the technology formerly known as Displacement on Demand) allows 30mpg on the highway. “Experts” think this will eventually be built for sale, but GM ain’t talking.
==> 2007MY Tahoe – all-new, but looks much like the old one. Many won’t even notice that it’s different, but those who do might think it looks too “soft” to be a tough truck. Has power-folding 2nd row buckets, power liftgate, AFM, upgraded interior, available backup camera and lots of other goodies. On sale now.
==> 2007MY Suburban – see Tahoe – just bigger. A big fish in a shrinking pond. On sale this spring.
==> 2007MY Aveo – available this summer, the redesigned Aveo looks a lot like its predecessor. Chevy says it will get 35mpg on the highway – not much better that the 400hp Camaro.
Pontiac
==> Solstice – we’ve seen this before, but still worth mentioning. For less that $20K, you get a great-looking open-air roadster. One beef is that it looks goofy and unfinished with the top up. The GXP version, due this summer, ups the ante to 260hp, 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds all for $24,500.
==> G6 – still like this car. Finally has a proper manual tranny, but only on the GTP version. Coupe and hardtop convertible have lines like the Lexus SC430.
Saturn
==> Sky – twin to the Solstice, but much better looking.
==> Aura – if this looks familiar, it’s because Saturn showed this exact concept last year. Coming out for real this year, why not show us the “real” one?
==> Vue Green Line – Saturn’s hybrid SUV. A “mild” hybrid in that it cannot run on the battery alone. Still, it is a hybrid, and gets 27mpg city/32 highway.
Cadillac
==> Escalade and Escalade ESV – see Tahoe and Suburban, respectively. Note the rear Caddy badge. More than 5” in diameter. Designers must have been listening to The Who singing “I Can See For Miles” when designing this. Could double as a Frisbee if it were removable.
GMC
==> Yukon and Yukon XL – see Tahoe and Suburban, respectively.
Buick
==> Enclave – strong hint at the crossover that Buick will sell next year as an ‘08 Model. This is a great-looking, luxurious SUV/wagon with 270hp V6. Production version will have a V8 as an option.
==> Lucerne – this vehicle is great looking and would be taken much more seriously and have better sales future, if it were named Lexus or Acura. Cool 6-box cutaway display.

DaimlerChrysler
Chrysler
==> Imperial concept – based on the 300C/Charger platform, this is huge (17” longer than a 300). Looks like a poor-man’s Rolls.
==> Aspen – Chrysler’s first proper SUV (based on Durango), this vehicle answers the question nobody asked. It’s a big SUV with styling that makes it look like it doesn’t want to be. Sorry, but this one just doesn’t work for me.
Dodge
==> Caliber – new small crossover. Think of what the illegitimate child of a Dodge Charger and a Pontiac Vibe would look like. That’s the Caliber. Cool feature: the rear speakers fold down when the hatch is up to face out for tailgating.
==> Challenger concept – Dukes of Hazard – your ride is here! As opposed to the Camaro concept and the Mustang before it, this one is all retro, all the time. No hint of modern here, except the ubiquitous Hemi under the hood.
Mercedes-Benz
==> S-Class – all-new, the S-Class gets new sheet metal which makes it even better-looki ng than before. More important, the new S65 AMG version will get a twin-turbo, 6.0L V12 making 612hp! 60mph happens before you can read this sentence – just 4.4 seconds. Wow.
==> R-Class – more wagon-like than the ML and GL SUVs also made in Alabama. Looks too much like the Chrysler Pacifica to me.
Jeep
==> Compass – now think of the Caliber (see above) with Wrangler DNA mixed in. Compass is on the same architecture as Caliber and looks it. While the Caliber looks like a cool, truck-like car, the Compass looks like a wimpy, car-like Jeep. Unlike other Jeeps, this one isn’t “Trail Rated”, which, in my opinion, will hurt Jeep’s image.

Toyota
Toyota
==> Camry – introduction of the 2007MY Camry. The Camry gets an upgrade in looks and power – up to 268hp. Camry finally gets an upgrade in passion and excitement to go with its high quality and refinement. Also shown is the hybrid version. Both on sale soon.
==> Yaris – replaces the Echo in the lineup. It’s better looking than the Echo (not a difficult task), but it still has the center pod for the gages. One cool feature is the cupholders that fold out from the dash. Starts at $10,950 for the 3-door hatch. Sedan starts at $12,550.
==> FJ Cruiser – Toyota enters yet another niche, this one with 1 competitor – the Jeep Wrangler.
==> F3R concept – what the minivan might look like from a clean sheet approach.
Lexus
==> LS460 – redesigned for the 2007MY, the LS will now come in 2 wheelbases. It has a new 4.6L V8 with 380hp, going 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. It also has an industry-first 8-speed automatic tranny. Inexplicably, Lexus gave the LS a “Bangle-butt.”

Nissan
Nissan
==> Versa – another move down to the “B” size cars, the Versa has surprisingly ample room in the back seat. On sale later this year starting at $12,000.
==> Sentra – 2007MY intro. Sentra moves upscale in size, price and content, making room for the Versa at the bottom of the Nissan food chain. On sale later this year.
Infiniti
==> Coupe concept – hints at the next-generation G Coupe.

Honda
Honda
==> Fit – another B car. It Fits in below the Civic. Giant, bug-eye headlamps. On sale in April.
==> Civic – new, 8th generation, gas and hybrid versions and numerous body styles. On sale now.
Acura
==> RDX – on sale this summer. New small SUV based on the Honda CR-X.
==> SH-AWD – Acura’s “Super Handling All Wheel Drive” sounds like something that Wile E. Coyote would have thought of.

Volkswagen
VW
==> Passat – NA intro of the wagon. New design. All-wheel drive optional. 2 engines – turbo 4 cylinder and V6. On sale soon.
==> Passat R GT – car built for the SEMA show by HPA Motorsports. 575hp, 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, quarter-mile in 11.4 seconds.
==> Eos – VWs first hardtop convertible. Shown with a 2.0L I4 turbo w/200hp, it will also have a 3.2L V6. VW rep said they are “shooting for” under $30K.
==> GTI – the new GTI is here! The new GTI is here! I feel like Navin R. Johnson. Cool liftgate handle.
==> Phaeton – R.I.P.
Audi
==> Q7 – Audi’s first SUV. 350hp 4.2L V8, 3 rows, starts at $49,900. V6 available later.

Others
==> BMW M Roadster – Z4 with the “M” treatment, meaning it gets the 333hp 3.2L engine from the M3.
==> Mitsubishi Eclipse – coupe already out, “Spyder” soft-top convertible intro. Both have a huge window in front of the “regular” front window. Looks a little silly when the window is down.
==> Hyundai Santa Fe – NA intro. Carries on the Hyundai tradition of copying other vehicle’s styling (see Sedona/Windstar, Amanti/Mercedes E-Class). This one copies the VW Touareg.
==> Hyundai Azera & Sonata – really nice looking replacements for XG350 and old Sonata. Great value story.
==> Maserati Quattroporte – still the best-looking car here. 2 new editions: Executive GT and Sport GT.
==> Porsche Cayman – hard-top Boxster. 295hp 3.4L boxer engine. Starts under $60K.
==> Porsche Cayenne Turbo S – so much for Jeep claiming the Hemi-powered Grand Cherokee is the fastest SUV. 520hp. $111,000.
==> Geely 7151CK – the first Chinese vehicle shown in Detroit. Could be the wave of the future?

Slandy Best in Show Chevrolet Camaro
Honorable Mention Maserati Quattroporte*, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti*, Mustang Shelby GT500, VW Eos, Saturn Sky
WATT? Award** No winner this year. Nothing struck me a just plain dumb. Chrysler Aspen was close. See next award.
Ho-Hum Award Chrysler Aspen
Oops! Award Honda Ridgeline got the WATT Award last year. My mistake.
Bet the Farm Award Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX

* Repeat winner
** Formerly known as the “What are they Thinking Award”

Welcome to the third annual Slandy Report, an irreverent look at the North American International Auto Show, held each January in Detroit, Michigan (so why not just call it the Detroit Auto Show? Oh, wait, it was until 1989, when we officially got too big for our britches).

Ford Motor Company
Ford Division
==> Shelby GR-1 – sometimes triple 6 isn’t so bad. 605HP, 6.4L V10, 6-speed manual tranny. If Ford builds it, will they come?
==> Fusion – if Ford had had this a few years ago as a Contour replacement, maybe the share would be better now. Where’s the beef (manual V6 and SVT)??
==> Fairlane Concept – Ford says this hints at the next-gen “people mover”. Based on Fusion architecture.
==> Mustang Convertible – ‘nuff said.
==> Five Hundred – taking some heat for “vanilla” styling. Guess what? Vanilla is the most popular flavor of ice cream! People like vanilla!
==> Freestar – where is it? None at the show!
Mercury
==> Meta One Concept – styling hints at a future crossover. The powertrain & other features are not likely for some time, if ever.
==> Montego – French Vanilla
Lincoln
==> Zephyr – maybe this will succeed where LS hasn’t. Outstanding interior!
==> Mark LT – what the Blackwood should have been. Also check out the Lincoln LT chopper.
Volvo
==> 3CC Concept – cool styling, though it will probably never be made. Seats 2 in front and 1 in back. Electric car.
==> S40 – still love this car.
Mazda
==> Mazda5 – kind of like a micro-van, popular in Europe. Great styling.
==> MX Crosssport – another crossover wagon, but looks great.
Land Rover
==> Range Rover Sport – cool concept, but will its apparent lack of off-road capability hurt the Land Rover brand in the long run?
Jaguar
==> Advanced Lightweight Concept – another beautiful Jaguar. Next XK8? Looks like an Aston Martin.
==> Type Rs – why do none of these have manual?
Aston Martin
==> Everything they make is beautiful. Love the DB9.

General Motors
Chevrolet
==> Corvette Z06 – takes the new Vette 1 step (maybe 1½ steps) further. New 7L 500 HP, 0-60 <4>190 mph. Corvette continues to be the best value supercar.
==> HHR – the love child of SSR and PT Cruiser.
==> Impala – much better looking than its predecessor. The love child of Cobalt and Taurus.
==> Monte Carlo – Impala’s 2-door brother. Looks a little less like a cartoon character.
Pontiac
==> G6 – this car is still great. Love the 3-panel moonroof. But wait, there’s more! Convertible brings a hardtop convertible to the masses for <$30K. The coupe looks like an SC430 from the back. Where do I get Oprah tickets? ==> Solstice – still love this. If they really sell this for <$20K, they won’t be able to build enough. ==> Torrent – probably competent, but just a made-over Equinox. The best thing about this is that it replaces Aztec in the lineup.
Saturn
==> Aura – the General is finally giving some better product to the dealers who give the best customer satisfaction in the business.
==> Sky – faster, more expressive sibling to Solstice.
Caddy
==> STS-V – great car that will give BMW M5, Benz E55 AMG and Jaguar S-Type R a serious run for the money (and customers).
GMC
==> Graphyte concept – a bit fugly, but shows off the General’s hybrid powertrain. They say it’s the most sophisticated in the world, but where do I buy one?
Hummer
==> H3 – based on Chevy Colorado.
Subaru
==> B9 Tribeca – yes, another crossover wagon. Bad name, but really nice design. Front end needs a nose job, though.

DaimlerChrysler
Chrysler
==> Firepower – ME412 from last year will not be made. Why? Because they’ll build this instead. Viper platform, but with a more refined powertrain (6.1L Hemi).
==> 300C SRT-8 – super-Hemi!
Dodge
==> Charger – is it a Magnum sedan or a Dodge 300C? It’s both!
==> Magnum SRT-8 – see 300C SRT-8.
Mercedes-Benz
==> ML-Class – next gen moves to a unibody design. Diesel comes later.
==> Vision R – concept of a 7-seat ML class coming soon.
==> Vision B – concept of a Benz B-Class coming soon.
Smart
==> All – cute but the only one that has a chance in the US is the roadster.
Jeep
==> Hurricane concept – 2 hemis (680HP)? All 4 wheels turn all the way around allowing the vehicle to rotate around.
==> Gladiator concept – will Jeep re-enter the pickup segment?
Mitsubishi
==> Raider – Mitsu gets back into pickups, courtesy of Dodge Dakota.
==> Eclipse – hot new version on sale later this year.

Toyota
Toyota
==> Avalon – moving upscale and continues to get better looking. Some Lexus ES styling cues.
==> FT-SX concept – hints at the next Highlander.
==> Trucks general – anybody else notice that Toyota has quietly introduced a new logo for their trucks? Not badged (yet), just in advertising and on stickers.
Lexus
==> GS – new design. AWD. Hybrid later.
==> L-FA Concept – hints at possible Lexus supercar.

Others
European
==> Maserati Quattroporte – see last year. I still love this car!
==> Ferrari F430 – super fast, super cool!
==> Ferrari SuperAmerica – beautiful, exotic, but slower to 60 than Z06.
==> Ferrari 612 Scaglietti – I just like saying (and apparently, writing) “Scaglietti”
==> VW Beetle Ragster – a pseudo-convertible concept
==> VW Jetta – moves upscale, but still starts under $18K.
==> Audi A4 – nice new design. Love the S4 Cabriolet.
==> Audi A3 – nice looking, but does it take the brand too low?

Asian
==> Honda Ridgeline – a Honda pickup? Some nice features, like a trunk in the bottom of the bed, which has a drainhole for cooler use.
==> Honda Odyssey – Honda does it again, and one-ups everybody in the minivan segment. Sales are already improving and taking back share from Sienna.
==> Acura RD-X – small SUV for Acura, based on Honda CR-V.
==> Nissan Azeal – hints at next-gen Sentra.
==> Infiniti Kuraza – 6-door Goofy-mobile. I appreciate non-conventional styling as much (or more) than most. This is just plain ugly!
==> Infiniti M35/M45 – beautiful design, starts at $40K. No manual?
==> Kia KCD-II – a full-size SUV from Kia. Perhaps now I’ve seen everything!

Other
==> ASC Helios (300C Convertible) – 1st 4-door convertible since 1967 Lincoln. Chrysler is apparently considering production.

Slandy Best in Show Mustang Convertible
Honorable Mention ASC Helios, Audi S4 Cabriolet*, BMW M5***, Chevy Corvette Z06, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti*, Ford Shelby GR-1, Maserati Quattroporte*
WATT Award**? VW Phaeton* & Toureg*, Infiniti Kuraza, Honda Ridgeline, Benz Vision B
Ho-Hum Award Pontiac Torrent,
Bet the Farm Award Ford Fusion/Lincoln Zephyr

* Repeat winner
** Formerly known as the “What are they Thinking Award”
*** Would have won SBIS, but for the “Bangled” design

As some of you have come to expect, I have my own twist on the Auto Show. See below for the Annual Slandy Must-See list and the Slandy Awards. Read on…

Ford Motor Co.
Ford Division
Freestyle – very nice product, but the styling could be better. Ford needed this product 2 years ago
Five Hundred – see Freestyle
Mustang – great product. The line forms behind me!
GT – brother, can you spare $140K?
Shelby Cobra – Shelby is back! Need I say more?

Lincoln Mercury
Aviator Concept – probably what the Aviator should have been in the first place.
Mark LT – probably what the Blackwood should have been in the first place.
Mark X – Lincoln needs this for an image vehicle. Make Lincoln aspirational again!
Mariner – not anything special, but should help LM dealers with a great product

PAG
Volvo S40 – beautiful! S40 gets S60 styling
Volvo V50 – wagon-version of S40 with more room
Aston Martin – everything, especially DB9 is beautiful. I need to win the Lotto.

Mazda
Mazda 6 wagon and hatchback – a great product gets more broad appeal with more function versions.

General Motors
Chevrolet
Corvette – more different from its predecessor than it first appears
Cobalt – not overly exciting, but a nice, clean design
Colorado (& GMC Canyon) – the General finally gets serious about small pickups. Nice product.
Equinox – see comment on Colorado
Malibu/Malibu Maxx – a very competent product, even if the styling is uninspired
Nomad concept – think, “What would the Solstice look like if it were a wagon?”

Pontiac
Solstice – if the actual price is less than $20K, they won’t be able to make enough of them – gorgeous!
G6 – very nice Grand Am replacement with a few segment-first features (AWD, 6-speed manual)

Buick
Rainier – nothing special, but the 1st “real” SUV from Buick (Rendezvous doesn’t count)
Terraza – same as Rainier, but substitute “minivan”

Cadillac
CTS-V – Corvette power (400HP, 395 lb-ft of torque), 6-speed manual, and seats 5? Sign me up!
SRX – essentially a CTS wagon, but exactly what Cadillac (and Lincoln) needs to fight the luxury imports
XLR – a Caddy Corvette w/power folding hardtop

Saturn
Relay – 1st minivan from Saturn. Nothing special, though Relay is the first Saturn without plastic body panels
Curve – concept based on the Pontiac Solstice

Saab
9-2X – based on the Subaru WRX. An interesting marriage if nothing else

DaimlerChrysler
Chrysler
Town & Country – new seating system that is very impressive. 2nd and 3rd rows fold completely into the floor
300/300C – new large RWD sedans that look like a poor-man’s Rolls Royce
ME Four-Twelve – exotic-looking supercar with >800 HP

Dodge
Grand Caravan – see Chrysler Town & Country
Magnum – same platform as 300/300C. Available as a wagon only.

Jeep
Rescue – looks like a hardtop Wrangler, but much bigger. Intended as a Hummer-fighter.

Mercedes-Benz
Vision GST – upcoming crossover with a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain. Over 300hp and 30 mpg!

Other Europeans
Maserati Quattroporte – drop-dead gorgeous! A 4-door Ferrari.
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti – also gorgeous and powerful.
BMW 645 Convertible – the glass rear window can be raised or lowered independent of the convertible top
BMW X3 – new, smaller sport wagon
Porsche Carrera GT - >600 HP, >$400K
VW Phaeton – a $65K “people’s car”

Asians
Lexus GS430 – 3rd generation. Much better styling and will add an AWD option.
Honda SUT concept – a pickup from Honda?
Toyota FTX concept – first look at the styling idea of the next-gen Tundra
Acura TL – Honda is starting to figure out how to get the styling right
Kia Amati – take a look at this and take the quiz – who is Kia copying this time? A $30K Kia!?!
Lexus RX400h – take the very successful RX and add a hybrid.
Toyota Prius – take a hybrid and add a better package and styling
Scion xC – wait, a good-looking Scion?

Slandy Best in Show Award Maserati Quattroporte
Honorable Mention Audi S4 Cabriolet, Pontiac Solstice, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, C6 Corvette
Most Disappointing Pontiac GTO: venerable name, great power, looks like a Grand Prix on a bad day
Ho-Hum Award new GM minivans, Chevy Cobalt
“What are they Thinking?” VW: the Phaeton and Toureg are great products but too expensive for the brand, and who can pronounce the names?
The “Uh-Oh!” Award (tie) Honda SUT, Toyota FTX
The “Oh Yeah?” Award Jeep Rescue. DCX fails to stop the Hummer design in court so they attack with Product
Best new feature Factory-installed remote start. Chevy offers it on Malibu and will continue to offer on more products.