2008 North American International Auto Show Preview

Susan Frissell

January 17,2008

The North American International Automobile Show (NAIAS) opened for the media January 15-17 with lots to show, even if automotive industry predictions were a tad dire. The enthusiasm was there, along with the gimmicks and hoopla accompanying all that's new in autoland.

Ford and Chrysler introduced their redesigned pickups for 2009: The full-size Ford F-150 pickup, and the Dodge Ram Sport. To introduce the new version of the Dodge Ram to the media, Chrysler rounded up cowboys and live cattle stampeding into town; the likes of which hasn't been seen in Detroit in year! Conscious of consumers need for better fuel economy, both manufacturers have increased fuel economy in trucks.

While the V8 engines can still be had in some of today's automobiles, Detroit's Big Three were pushing smaller engines, along with hybrids and alternative-fuel vehicles.

Green seemed to be the color of choice in Detroit this year, as all automakers introduced their concepts and street cars that run on anything but gasoline. Slow to the party, Chrysler will introduce its two alternative-fuel vehicles in fall 2008; the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango hybrids.

Very present at the show were Chinese automakers, displaying their latest designs. The smartcar fortwo was up front and center. According to smart, orders have poured into their web site over the last few months, making any fortwo's unavailable to those who hadn't put down the $99 hold fee. California-no surprise-is rumored to be the state that will buy more smarts than any other.

Making its official debut in Detroit was the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1; the fastest, most powerful and most expensive Corvette so far. At $100,000-plus, the 620-hp ZR1 is a limited edition model. Three-and-a-half years ago, GM chief executive Rick Wagoner asked his design crew what they could build for $100,000! The GM team took the challenge and turned out a beautiful Vette.

The New Models introduced at the Detroit Auto Show this year include:

Not many sedans were introduced at this year's show, with the exception of the Hyundai Genesis upscale sports sedan. With a V8 engine, the Genesis is taking aim at the luxury sedan market represented by BMW, Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

Tidbits:

*Ford's Escape Hybrid buttons: The "Candidate's Choice"

*Toyota promises a plug-inHybrid vehicle by the year 2010

*Johnson Controls' shows off its Smart Garage: When you park your electric car at night it will recharge when electric rates are lowest

*Chrysler won't try to increase overall sales through fleet sales; Monthly sales will be down because dealerships will not be able to sell enough vehicles to compensate for planned cutbacks in rental car companies

*General Motors wins Car of the Year award for second year in a row: Goes to Cadillac CTS

*Audi announced their 12th year-in-a-row sales record worldwide with projections of reaching $1 million in sales (if the American economy and the Euro don't mess it up)

 *The 2009 Honda Pilot SUV (prototype) gets more interior room, better fuel economy and better crash protection. It has 3 rows of seats, a 5-speed automatic transmission and V6 engine which goes from a 6-cylinder to 4-cylinder when power isn't needed. In showrooms this spring, pricing will range from $20,000-$40,000

*Toyota Venza-almost as long as the Highlander, this vehicle borrows many features of the Avalon, is available in FWD and AWD and sports a new 2.7-liter 4≠cylinder engine.

The Most Outrageous Car at NAIAS: