2007 Detroit Auto Show
Wed, 01/10/2007 - 09:42 — SmartE
The 2007 Detroit Auto Show gets underway this week. I was looking forward to the new model announcements, hopefully some hybrids or other super-efficient cars. But no. Instead we get some new monster trucks and more of the same old same old.
Industry pundits predict that Toyota will soon take over GM's spot as the #1 automaker. Toyota has three mainstream hybrid vehicles in their lineup. GM responds by announcing an updated Cadillac CTS (258 HP, EPA 18/27, Consumer Reports 13/29), and updated Malibu (252 HP, EPA 22/30, Consumer Reports 14/31), and an updated Pontiac Torrent Crossover SUV (263 HP, EPA 19/25, Consumer Reports 12/25).
In their defense, GM also introduced an electric plug-in/hybrid concept car called the Volt, and Toyota introduced two new monster trucks.
The only other new hybrid is the Mazda Tribute SUV, a re-badged Ford Escape Hybrid (EPA 33/29, Consumer Reports 22/29). We looked at an Escape hybrid, but our Ford Freestyle gets about the same mileage reported by Consumer Reports and hauls seven people or lots of cargo for less money.
Ford is missing the boat on hybrids. Their Focus and Fusion models would be perfect candidates for hybrid versions. But maybe they rode the SUV wave a little too long. Which would be sad, because Ford was the first and only U.S. automaker to bring a a hybrid to market.
DaimlerChryslerDodge's business plan appears to be planned obsolescence, with updated Avenger, Viper, and Magnum models for Real Men and the trusty old Caravan/Town & Country for the Mrs. Yawns all around.
But enough griping. There are a couple of cool new cars. Chevrolet introduces a retro Camaro convertible concept car aimed to compete with the rejuvenated Ford Mustang. The 400HP V8 Camaro looks cool, if it ever gets built, but I'll take the Mustang.
More appealing is the BMW 3 series hardtop convertible. Sweet! Except it adds 440 pounds which probably won't help its already underwhelming fuel economy. But still...
For a full roundup with articles, blogs, and photos, see the Edmunds Inside Line.