2009 Detroit Auto Show Preview - part 2

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The new engine in the Jaguar XFR and XKR is a substantial performance gain over Jaguar's current 420-hp unit, surpassing present Mercedes sedans and SLs with the (less powerful) 63 AMG engine mainly because they weigh considerably less. Expect 0-62-mph times for the R-massaged Jags down in the mid-four-second range. Both cars are set go on sale in March 2009.

In design terms, the XFR will have the more noticeable changes. For both cars, the principal sheetmetal change is a set of large vents in the hoods to keep engine and intercooler temperatures down. But front and rear fascias change considerably on the XK and XF and further aid in cooling. There will also be bigger tailpipes. Wheels, brakes and chassis settings will be amended to suit, but the overall tread is unchanged.

Kia will debut its latest twist on the soon-to-arrive Soul compact, the Korean automaker's Scion xB and Nissan Cube fighter, at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Kia has only released this teaser image and has promised that this is "more than just a package treatment."

The teaser photo -- a profile shot stopping at the B-pillar -- confirms that the concept will be more than just a dressed-up Soul. The concept appears to have a thicker B-pillar than production Souls you can view by clicking HERE. This could signal any number of variations on the Soul, which is itself based on a stretched version of the Rio platform.

Might Chevy have a competitor for its HHR Panel vans? Will this latest Soul concept adopt a body style akin to the Jeep Wrangler? Or could it be a trucklet of some sort? We'll be sure to share all the details as soon as we get more information.

During the presentation of the new Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month, Lexus executives told journalists that the Lexus HS 250h debuting in Detroit would be a full-size car. While technology from the 2010 Prius, which will also be debuting at Detroit, could certainly be used in the HS 250h, the platform is likely too small to build a full-size car on.

In fact, Japanese car publication Mag-X claims that the HS 250h will share the underpinnings of Toyota's SAI project. That project will use the Prius drivetrain in a larger vehicle and with a larger engine, reportedly the 2.4L engine found in the Camry Hybrid, signs point to the same engine appearing in the HS250h. The new Lexus is also rumored to have a dual luggage lid system wherein you'll be able to open rear end like a trunk or like a hatch.

Like the Lincoln MKT concept featured at the Detroit Auto Show in 2008, the production 2010 Lincoln MKT will have the 1941 Continental-style bow-wave grille first seen on the MKS and destined to become a Lincoln signature face, a chamfered surface parallel to the beltline and a thick C-pillar, with very little other than overall dimensions to hint at its connection with the Flex.

It will come in six- or seven-passenger variants and will add a plethora of high-tech conveniences, including Blind Spot Monitoring and Cross Traffic Alert System. The latter uses two multibeam sonar modules in the rear quarter panels that alert the driver with an indicator light on the corresponding outside mirror when another vehicle enters the blind-spot zone.

The rear view of the Lincoln MKT concept is shown below.

Called the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, the newest addition to the Quattroporte family is being dubbed "the ultimate expression of Maserati's sportiness in the Quattroporte range." So what does all that ultimate sporty expression get you?

* Around 10 more horses from the 425 HP, 4.7L V-8 from the Quattroporte S through a mapping of the engine
* A six-speed automatic with modified software management, offering what Maserati says are "new features designed to increase driving enjoyment."
* A modified front and rear suspension with single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and a slightly lower ride height
* A sport exhaust system controlled by pneumatic valves, for even more of that stirring engine note


Of course, it wouldn't be a special edition if it didn't have some distinguishing exterior and interior flourishes, and the Quattroporte Sport GT S has several new features to set it apart from its lesser Quattroporte siblings.

The updates include:

* A black grille with concave vertical fins, centered by a Trident logo with red accents -- a cue Maserati says is typical of its sportier models* Maserati's new bi-Xenon headlights featuring 10 LED turn-signal indicators, finished in metallic titanium
* A "shadow line" around the car, created by employing back finish work around the doors, adding body-colored door handles and black twin oval exhaust pipes
* New M-design seats with a mix of perforated Alcantara and leather
* Trim done in Titantex, what Maserati calls a "titanium colored" composite material

The Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell, BlueZero F-Cell, and BlueZero E-Cell Plus highlight the automaker's environmentally-friendly technology and preview the next-generation A- and B-Class cars, probably the same rough way the ConceptFASCINATION has previewed the upcoming 2010 E-Class. All three concepts are based on the architecture underpinning the A- and B-Class cars. Using this architecture, Mercedes claims the powertrain technology does not impede on interior space and, in fact, contributes to relatively agile handling.

The three concepts aren't too slow, either. All three make their way from 0 to 62 mph in less than 11 seconds.

The BlueZero E-Cell employs a lithium-ion battery-electric drive that has a range of 120 miles. With a charging capacity of 7 kW, the electrics in the BlueZero E-Cell and the BlueZero E-Cell Plus can be recharged in two to four hours for a range of 120 and 240 miles, respectively. The semi-transparent roof lets 20 percent of the light into the interior and, with its solar panels, can generate enough power to charge a cell phone or MP3 player.

A 1.0L three-cylinder turbo from the smart fortwo extends the range of the BlueZero E-Cell Plus to 370 miles. The F-Cell -- the fuel-cell powered concept -- has a range of over 240 miles.

The first glimps at the upcoming 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan have leaked online ahead of the luxury car's scheduled debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The new E-Class will also reportedly form the basis for a new coupe version to replace the CLK, as well as a convertible variant.

Engine options should remain the roughly the same (at least initially) as those of the present E-Class, meaning a 3.5L V-6, 5.5L V-8, and 6.2 V-8 (E63 AMG). Later, expect a Bluetec diesel option (including possible diesel AMG models) and even a hybrid variant. Mercedes' recently unveiled myCOMAND infotainment system should also be featured prominently in the new car.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class seems to have retained several of the features that made the ConceptFASCINATION memorable, including the stout, angular nose and four sharp LED headlights that replace the rounded units on the present-generation E-Class. The rear wheel arches feature swept-up, gentle fender flares and new LED light-bar-style turn signals are found in the front valance vents in a fashion similar to current Porsches.

A base 2009 Mini Convertible weighs in at 2745 lbs, about 200 lbs more than the standard Cooper. Otherwise, the same turbocharged 1.6-liter engine -- producing 118 hp in standard trim or 172 hp in "S" form -- routes power to the front wheels.

Starting at $24,550 (add $3,000 more for the "S") the convertible checks in at $6000 more than the base hard top. But considering how well the last generation convertible sold, we're sure many Mini customers won't even think twice.

Keeping with the trend of uniqueness we expect from Mini, the new convertible comes with a new "Openometer" which sits left of the tachometer and displays time spent while traveling with the roof down. There are also a slew of new color choices for the top and body.

Saab claims that the Griffin Edition carries the most luxurious appointments standard of any car the company has ever made. Luxury touches include a rear parking assist system, heated, auto-dimming and folding power mirrors and lots of leather. The "Aero-inspired" leather seats come in either Black with Parchment inserts or Parchment with Black inserts and feature accent color stitching. That stitching is also found on the steering wheel, shifter and handbrake. You'll also be treated to some chic floor mats with grey piping and high-gloss interior trim.

Outside, the Griffin Edition will be recognizable by its five-spoke, 17-in. wheels, matte chrome grille and headlight frames, rear spoiler and a Griffin badge on each side behind the front wheels. SportCombi models will move the spoiler from the trunk to the roof and feature matte chrome roof rails. The Griffin Edition will come in either Polar White or one of six metallic colors: Jet Black, Snow Silver, Nocturne Blue, Pepper Green, Carbon Grey, and Glass Grey. Aside from the metallic paint, the only options on the Griffin Edition are ventilated seats and a navigation system.

Powering the 9-5 Griffin Edition is Saab's venerable 2.3L 260-hp turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, backed up by either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission at no extra cost. The cars should begin turning up on dealer lots next month and will start at $42,775 for the sedan and $44,045 for the SportCombi wagon.
In Subaru's lineup, the Legacy has mostly been forgotten -- the midsize all-wheel drive car sells less than all Subarus except the Tribeca. The Legacy concept, debuting at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, looks to change that.

Subaru has only released one teaser image of the concept so far, but what we do see is promising. Then again, with the new Impreza, Subaru didn't exactly set the styling bar high. The Legacy concept's grille fits into the Subaru design language well while vertical foglights are nice touches we hope make it to the production Legacy.

Under the hood is a 3.6L Boxer engine. The six-cylinder engine offered on the 2009 Legacy is a 3.0L Boxer producing 245 hp. We expect that figure and fuel economy numbers to rise with the new engine.

The Legacy's 20th anniversary is next year, and we can't think of a better way to celebrate then to introduce a new model. Subaru says 43 percent of Legacys head to the U.S., so it's not too surprising that the automaker has chosen Detroit as the concept's debut location.

Toyota plans to debut a "battery electric vehicle concept" alongside the production 2010 Prius at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. Although the company didn't clarify the size or class of the vehicle, we have a few ideas.

We first heard about the vehicle a while back, though Toyota has largely succeeded in keeping the details under wraps. What we do know -- from the mouth Masatami Takimoto, executive vice president in charge of R&D -- leads us to believe that we'll see a larger car, relative to the Prius, with a plug-in drivetrain that will rival that of the Chevrolet Volt. Toyota has been developing a plug-in drivetrain for its upcoming plug-in Prius and we expect that the concept we see at Detroit will feature a similar unit. We also reported in June that the company planned on showcasing a Lexus hybrid. Look for a plug-in EV from Toyota to hit showrooms in 2010 at the earliest.

The 2010 Toyota Prius might cross the 50 mpg threshold. The car, which sports an aerodynamic shape similar to the outgoing model, is said to be bigger inside yet still the same size on the outside. The current 2009 Prius is rated at 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway.

In place of the snooty eyelashes that cut through the 2009 Prius' headlights, the 2010 Prius headlights are stretched back to the front quarter panel. There's also an unusual swoop at the top of the headlights like the integrated styling touches on the 2009 Nissan Maxima and 2009 Nissan 370Z.

The Volkswagen Roadster concept is the automaker's preview of a two-seat roadster that could be in VW lots in just three years. The mid-engined concept could undercut the price of the Lotus Elise, a possible competitor.

Speculated to power the car is a selection of four-cylinder engines including a 1.4-liter TSI gasoline unit making 168 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbo diesel producing 125 horsepower. Volkswagen's goal for the roadster is to largely emulate the Elise's package of a stylish, lightweight, performance-oriented design that attains superior fuel mileage.

Designers are rumored to be employing aluminum space frame technology from Audi in order to keep the car below the 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs) mark. With the target weight in check, the car is expected to achieve Golf R32-like performance standards (0 to 62 mph in under 7 seconds) and Polo-esque fuel economy (roughly 63 mpg Euro cycle). Helping to conserve gas is likely to be the automaker's seven-speed DSG dual clutch transmission as well.

Volkswagen's Concept R is shown below.
udging by Volvo's heavy use of the terms "coupe-like" and "coupe-inspired," we can surmise that the Volvo S60 concept is a sedan following the growing trend of coupe imitators. The front end of the S60 concept has been drawn back and smoothed out in a design that Volvo says was inspired by the cliffs and seas of the Swedish coastline. Design language aside, we can't help but notice how much it looks like the stylish Jaguar XF.

This concept introduces a technology Volvo calls Powershift. The automaker describes it succinctly as "two manual gearboxes working in parallel, each regulated by its own clutch." Powershift is a name Ford has tossed around for its coming dual-clutch gearbox, and by the looks of it, the transmission will make its debut in the S60 concept. However the transmission is configured, it will receive power from a 1.6L GTDi four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injected gasoline engine making 180 hp and emitting only 0.42 lbs of CO2 per mile.

Inside, the S60 concept will have a center console made from Orrefors crystal that runs down the center stack and all the way to the rear seat backrest. While Volvo admits the three-piece crystal console won't make it into production, Volvo President and CEO Stephen Odell says we may see crystal-like accents in future Volvo cars.