It's all go in Detroit
Things looked to be pretty much the “same-same” at the Detroit Motorshow, which kicked off early January 2011. That is until you get a little closer to the action.
Interestingly, in the Toyota corner the wraps have come off the new Toyota Prius C. This is a timely show for the Prius C, as fuel prices continue to soar around the globe.
Hyundai has got another big tick in the box with its great looking new Hyundai Curb Crossover vehicle. This promises to be a great off-road/on-road vehicle that has the stunning good looks to match the vehicle’s mechanical capabilities.
Hybrid technology gets a big nudge this year. And with the likes of Audi and BMW getting in on the act, hybrid technology is set to flourish. Audi’s A6 is going hybrid, and with the money in the bank, you can bet your bottom dollar Audi/Volkswagen will get this very right, indeed.
On the topic of Audi, the new Audi RS3 is due for release shortly. I don’t know when it will hit Australian shores, but I do know it’s as quick as an Audi R8! The 0-100 km/h can be nullified in just 4.6 seconds.
Hot on the heels of the RS3 will be BMW’s 1 Series M-car. With a limited top speed of 250 km/h and a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 4.9 seconds. This promises to be a little beauty.
The best facelift in the show has happened on the new Chrysler 300C. Sweet looking tear-shaped headlights and a smoother and curvier body make it look sexier and more sophisticated than before. The car’s taillights have also been tweaked, and there’s a new chrome strip which runs beneath the boot lid. Improved trim for the interior makes this quite a stunning car.
You may have heard of the super frugal Nissan LEAF. If not, then do have a nosey into this wee gem. But note here, that Ford is not going to let Nissan steal all the limelight. Ford’s new 120 mpg Focus will also rise a few eyebrows, too!
Volvo shows off its crashed C30 electric car. The C30 was crashed into an offset barrier at 64 km/h. The result revealed just how well Volvo are continuing to push forward in safety advancements, with all the car’s essentials staying very uniform and very well intact.
Over the next week or so, you might want to keep your eye out for any new directions that we’ll see the world’s main car manufacturers taking.
The Detroit show ends January 23rd.
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