Detroit 2010 Highlights.

Just thought I'd showcase some of the more interesting stuff so far from the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

2010 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
Ever since the Coupe was teased as a concept, everyone with gasoline running through their veins has been anticipating it getting the V treatment. Well, here it is in all it's 556HP glory. It's one of the best looking coupes around and I want one bad. It certainly won't blend in with all the other boring cars out there. Now if they would just give the CTS wagon a bit of V love, they'd have a triple threat.



2010 Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition
Dodge has promised a string of special Vipers to mark the end of production for this iconic American beast. One such model is the 1:33 edition meant to commemorate the Viper ACR's lap record for a production car at the famous Laguna Seca track. The 1:33 features special gearing allowing it to make the most of it's 600HP and run from 0-202mph 14 seconds faster than the 2009 ACR. Only 33 will be built.



2011 Honda CR-Z
When Honda showed the concept CR-Z a couple of years ago they hinted that it would be a return of the CRX. Touting the small car as the first fun to drive hybrid and the first with an optional 6speed manual it looked promising. The production version was revealed in Detroit and it looks as cool as the concept however the specs seem a bit disappointing. Boasting a 1.5L 4cyl with 122HP/128TQ and Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, it is only rated at mid to high 30's in MPG depending on the type of transmission, 6speed or CVT. Those numbers are not very impressive considering that a standard Civic gets 36MPG highway and I personally have documented close to 39MPG in my wife's new Civic EX Coupe. Let's hope it's at least fun to drive.



2011 Ford Focus
Ford has finally listened and killed off the U.S. only Focus. Back when it debuted, the Focus was a "world" car meaning we got basically the same car as Europe which was great. Unfortunately, when it was time for a redesign, Ford decided to just reskin the old Focus for us here in America, while Europe got an all new hotter and better Focus. Now in the third generation Focus we are back to the good stuff. We will get basically the same car as Europe when the new Focus goes on sale in 2011. It looks like a keeper too with sweet styling and a 2.0L direct injection 4cyl producing 155HP/145TQ. Hopefully we will get an RS or SVT model.



Buick Regal GS Concept
Here is one Buick I wouldn't mind owning. I haven't said that since the days of the Grand National and GNX. Based on the European Opel Insignia and sporting a 2.0L turbo Ecotec 4cyl with 255HP/295TQ connected to a 6speed manual (yes a manual in a Buick) routing power to all four wheels (AWD!) it would easily be the most exciting Buick in a generation, if it goes into production. Let's hope it does.



Volkswagen Compact Coupe Concept
Volkswagen rolled out a new coupe concept that looks to be a bit based on the not for us Scirocco. The concept is powered by a 1.4L turbo direct injection 4cyl and mated to a hybrid system boosting power to 177HP. Mileage is estimated to be around 45MPG with the 7speed DSG gearbox. If it makes production, it's more than likely a hopped up version with VW's much loved 2.0L turbo will be offered as well.