By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com
When the North American International Auto Show rolls into Detroit’s Cobo Hall each January, all eyes on the automotive world get to see a glimpse into the future. While the concept cars provide lots of “oohs” and “ahs,” the future production cars create the biggest buzz.
The concept cars are the eye candy of the auto shows. Some reveal future designs from manufacturers to gauge public opinion while others are just there to look pretty, like the Giugiaro Mustang or the Holden EFIJY. Current models of vehicles are at auto shows too so consumers can get an up close look at multiple vehicles without going to a dealership showroom.
The bread-and-butter of the auto show circuit, however, are the upcoming vehicles. These represent the direction that the manufacturer will be going in for the future and signifies years of design work and untold millions of dollars worth of investments just to differentiate itself from the competition.
In addition to domestic manufacturers, Korean, German and Japanese companies brought new ideas to the turntables hoping to build excitement for the future. The following is a list of the top 10 cars that we feel are the most important to either the manufacturer or to the vehicle segment as a whole.
Autotropolis.com’s Top 10 Important Cars of the Detroit Auto Show
1) Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country – The minivan market is a dangerous place. Minivans without fresh designs and innovative technologies, the competition will leave it in the dust (e.g., Ford’s Windstar). With that in mind, Dodge and Chrysler build off their proven designs in the 2008 Caravan and Town & Country. No more jellybean design, an improved Stow-N-Go seating system and new, more powerful engines will help the industry leaders stay on top.
2) Toyota Tundra CrewMax – Whoever said that size doesn’t matter apparently doesn’t work for Toyota. While the new Tundra in itself marks a huge venture for Toyota into deeper waters, the 2007 CrewMax is Toyota’s attempt at matching Dodge, Ford and Chevrolet inch for inch. A 381-horsepower V8 and a rear seat that recline and slides fore and aft should help the CrewMax become a true player in the full-size truck segment.
3) Cadillac CTS – The CTS was Cadillac’s turnaround vehicle in 2003. Now with Cadillac sporting a completely revamped lineup, attention is once again on the CTS to build off its previous success. Brand new from the ground up, the 2008 CTS is longer, wider and more powerful than its groundbreaking predecessor and is still available in either rear- or all-wheel drive.
4) Chevrolet Malibu – Chevrolet’s all new Malibu focuses on quality manufacturing, materials and design. Compared to the outgoing Malibu, the 2008 is larger and features an inspiring design. The interior uses contrasting colors and stylish lines to complement the unobtrusive center stack and three-gauged instrument cluster. The front follows Chevrolet’s recent design theme with the angular headlights and large grille while the rear features a design that looks more suited for a Maserati.
5) Saturn Aura – The significance of Saturn’s new vehicle lineup is immense. Ditching the cheap, plastic body in favor of shapely, European styling is proving to be a success for Saturn. The 2007 Aura was named North American Car of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show and has been lauded by the public. The curvy design and wide stance are instant examples that Saturn is moving in the right direction.
6) BMW 3-series convertible – BMW's 3-series usually sets the bar for its competition. The latest 3-series variants are definitely doing exactly that - from the new twin-turbo 335i to the V8-powered M3. The 3-series convertible will be playing catch up as most of its competitors already have retractable hardtops. The retractable hardtop model made its official U.S. debut at the Detroit Auto Show
7) Hyundai Veracruz – Hyundai released its entry into the lucrative mid-size SUV segment with the 2008 Veracruz. Hyundai will use the Veracruz to compete against the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The seven-passenger seating and 260-horsepower V6 compliment the stylish and attractive exterior that is highlighted by a sweeping crease that runs the length of the body.
8) Chevrolet Silverado – The all-new Silverado has coming out of the gate in full stride. Named the North American Truck of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show, the 2007 Silverado is immediately gaining attention for its advantages over the competition. With Ford, Dodge, Toyota and Nissan all heavy hitters in the full-size truck market, the new Silverado represents a huge advancement over its predecessor.
9) Ford Taurus – Only a couple years old now, the Five Hundred is a relatively new car for Ford. In addition to an updated design, the Five Hundred also gets a new name: the Ford Taurus. The new Taurus adds an updated design and powerplant to the Five Hundred's structure. Learning its lesson from the demise of the previous-generation Taurus, Ford wasn’t about to completely abandon this once life-saving nameplate. The 2008 Taurus features Ford's signature three-bar grill and more stylish front end along with an assortment of drivetrain improvements including a six-speed automatic transmission and a more powerful V6.
10) Lexus IS-F – Lexus has focused on luxury cars since Toyota first created the brand, but the all-new IS-F is Lexus’ version of Micheal Jordan in a tuxedo. The high performance luxury sedan features a 400-horsepower V8 and race-inspired suspension, which are complemented by a menacing, aerodynamic body kit.
Autotropolis.com’s Favorite Car of the 2007 Detroit Auto Show
From its introduction in 2005, the Magnum was a uniquely designed and highly attractive car. Dodge showed its redesigned 2008 Magnum which keeps the same basic shape, but improves its looks with a revised front end. Smaller headlights and an emphasized crosshair grille, give the Magnum a look similar to the Charger and the all-new Avenger sedan. The interior also receives much needed updates by using higher quality materials.