As the 2010 Detroit Auto Show took off, who would have thought this would be the year of electric vehicles, hybrids, and concepts? Throw in a couple refreshed models and you have a very fuel-efficient auto show looking for a fresh start. Although many companies introduced noteworthy vehicles, here is a look at three models that have generated quite a lot of buzz.
2012 Ford Focus
Voted by many to be the Best Small Car in the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, the small and economical 2012 Ford Focus boasts its new, sleek design. Add to that 140 horsepower, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and 4 stars out of 5 in driver front and passenger front crash tests. The 2012 Ford Focus should have no trouble topping the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt or 2010 Hyundai Elantra. Look for Ford to compete with the 2010 Toyota Corolla as well as Chevrolet’s newest competitor, the 2011 Cruze. Instead of risking the potential backfire by launching a new line – i.e. the Taurus and the Five Hundred – Ford stuck with the Focus name. A warning for all readers: don’t be fooled by the Focus label, this car is for real.
2011 Honda CR-Z
Honda is bringing it back the CR-Z with the introduction of their mild-hybrid hatchback. The 2011 Honda CR-Z should be ready to launch in the summer of 2010. A lightweight sports car that is fun to drive and is eco-friendly; that is Honda’s goal. With many car companies looking to produce the next best green alternative, Honda has done just that with the production of the “Compact Renaissance Zero”, or CR-Z. The nimble, 122 horsepower, 1.5-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine produces approximately 36 miles per gallon in the city and 38 on the highway, all the while still looking good.
Audi E-Tron
A winner on pure excitement, thrill and anticipation. This concept car is composed of two electric motors driving the rear wheels, has an aluminum space frame, carbon fiber bodywork, and exerts a total of 204 horsepower – going 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. Best of all, Audi have stated they plan on introducing this EV concept in late 2012! Audi looks to produce running samples within a year with a lithium-ion battery pack that stores 45 kilowatt-hours of energy; the E-Tron can hold a single charge for up to 155 miles, unlike the Chevrolet Volt, that runs approximately 40 miles per charge. By combining the name, performance and style of Audi with the efficiency and economy of an electric car, the E-Tron probably won’t go cheap, but might be well worth the expense.
Again, while there are still many different winners, these three selections really jumped out. Honorable mention goes to: the Cadillac CTS Coupe, the concept 2013 Cadillac XTS, the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and lastly, the revival of the Chevrolet Aveo, the 2012 Aveo RS. Feel free to leave any comments blow mentioning your favorites from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.
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