If you’re looking for fresh, tasty and crispy vehicular selections, an international auto show can’t be beat. The Detroit auto show has always been particularly bountiful in that regard, and this year’s instalment just under way is no exception. Here are four Detroit debuts we think will flourish.
Honda Civic Concepts
Honda brought Civic concepts to Detroit, giving the world its first glimpse into the styling direction of the waiting-in-the-wings, ninth-generation Civic. Styling is an evolution of its current “one-motion mono-form” shape, and the mission statement continues to be “Civic for all people,” meaning there will be a Civic for all tastes, including a sedan and coupe.
Audi A6 Hybrid
Audi showed off its new A6 at Detroit, and announced that a hybrid version will join the lineup. Expect the non-hybrid to utilize the current 300-hp supercharged 3.0-litre V6. The hybrid will use a tag-team powertrain: the 211-hp turbocharged 2.0-litre I4 and a 45-hp electric motor with 39 kW lithium-ion battery pack, promising V6 power with four-cylinder fuel economy.
Ford Vertrek Concept
The Vertrek is a concept vehicle intended to reveal Ford’s vision for the Escape replacement. It is based on Ford’s global “C” platform, which underpins the new Focus sedan and the coming C-Max microvan. The current Escape is built on a larger platform that can take a V6. The C platform is wall-to-wall four-cylinder power; the Vertrek features the 1.6-litre EcoBoost.
Mercedes SLS AMG E-CELL
This Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL is a car with a lot of capital letters, but that’s okay with us, because it looks real COOL and goes real FAST and doesn’t burn any PETROLEUM. This gull-wing sports car is packing a 480 kW lithium-ion battery pack, feeding four compact electric motors. Said motors spin to 12,000 rpm and generate the equivalent of 526 horses.
