Okay, now before you get all goofy, these images are photo-illustrations from the Japanese auto rag Best Car via NASIOC, so take that for what it's worth... Actually, I think they're probably pretty close--but know that they are not the real deal.
It turns out that there have been a couple of recent news leaks on the all-new Legacy, one that originated from a dealer (here and here), and one coming from Canada on the north-of-the-border-spec version.
Fisker will be showing their Karma S (for "Sunset") at the NAIAS. Not much is known at this point, other than it's a plug-in hybrid. The automaker claims a 50-mile range from a single charge of the lithium-ion battery, before the gas engine kicks in. Also claimed by Fisker is that the car produces up to 408 hp.
The new 2010 Toyota Prius will debut shortly at the NAIAS, a show that appears to be heading south this year. So to help spark a little interest in the show, as well as the car, Toyota has engaged the super-cool Blue Man Group to tease you with a video until the introduction takes place.
Lexus will debut their first purpose-built hybrid at the NAIAS, the HS 250h. It's believed that this luxury hybrid, like other Lexus models, is to be spun off an existing Toyota platform; that being the next-gen Toyota Prius--also to be unveiled at Detroit.
In a move designed to entice the commercial customer, Toyota will be offering a decontented Tundra 'Work Truck' model for 2010. The vehicle, in the basic regular 2WD format, will start at $21K. That's almost $1,400 less that the current base model.
In coming up with is vehicle, Toyota ditched all the chrome it could. It also got rid of cruise control, power outside mirrors, lit ignition key ring, lit glove compartment, and a few other items as well. The truck also has a unique new two-bar grille; one would assume that this new grille will make its way on to other 2010 Tundras as well. The front bumper is also ever so slightly changed. The 2010 Tundra will debut at the San Diego auto show, which begins at the end of this month.
More signs that things are not well at Toyota, as President Katsuaki Watanabe has canceled his plans to attend the Detroit auto show. Sounds to me that this is more of a "gesture" to show that Toyota too is suffering. Yeah, Toyota posted a loss for the year, something they have not seen since 1938! Even so, they surely could afford to send their top guy to this show.
Chevy will debut an all-new 2010 Equinox CUV at the upcoming NAIAS. The vehicle will be available with either a 2.4L, 182 hp, 4-cylinder model; or a 3.0 V6 putting out 255 hp. Both models have direct injection, will be available in either FWD or AWD, and will be coupled to a 6-speed automatic.
The vehicle looks good and the spec sheet is pretty impressive. The question is, can Chevrolet convince customers cross-shopping the CR-V, RAV4 and Escape to pick this new Equinox over those models?
To date we've been hearing nothing but bad news regarding the upcoming Detroit auto show, with all the no-shows and all. Despite all that, Joe Serra (pictured) the auto show senior co-chairman, says the show this year is actually growing a bit this year. It will have more exhibitors, more world premieres and the high interest from international media remains.
Even so, there's no getting around the fact that many premier names will be MIA. There's just no getting around that fact, and for many, that's going to be a downer.
"The key word is efficiency, in both cars and displays," said Serra. "We will still be a global stage to the world, but perhaps with a little less glitz and glamour."
Okay, why six wheels? What's the advantage to this type of setup?
According to Ferruccio Covini, the creator, the vehicle is protected if one of the front wheels is deflated, has extra braking capacity thanks to four individual brake units up front plus two in the back, less chance of aquaplaning, increased grip and a more comfortable ride. Um... okay.
The car reportedly will be powered by a 4.2L Audi V8, putting out around 380 horsepower, with power sent to the rear wheels. Gotta wonder if they ever considered AWD?
Covini says he actually thought about this concept 30 years ago, and a prototype showed up at the Geneva Auto Show back in 2004. So it's been a long haul for Covini to get this to market.
For those who think this idea is off the wall, remember that there is some history with 6-wheeled race cars, such as the Elf Tyrell F1 racer that Jody Schecter raced (here).
Here you go Subie fans: an image of the Legacy concept has surfaced over at DrivingSports.com (and on other sites as well). This is very close to what the actual 2010 Legacy will look like. Under the hood resides a 3.6 H6. Since the image shows no hood scoop there's no turbo; a turbo is expected to be part of the model mix, but most likely in 4-cylinder format. The car will debut at the NAIAS next month.
Volvo will be showing this S60 Concept at the NAIAS. The styling is more aggressive than what we're used to seeing from Volvo. Interesting to note that the car has "suicide" rear doors. Since this is a Volvo (safety and all that...), maybe they have discovered that this door configuration is actually safer than the conventional door setup?
BMW will use the 2009 NAIAS to debut their all-new Z4 sports car. The new Z-car (sorry Nissan) has grown a bit, softened the styling a tad, and has added a folding hardtop. Power will come from the existing 3.0 6-cylinder engines. The naturally-aspirated sDrive30i puts out 255 hp, and the twin-turbo sDrive35i offers 300 hp. The base model (I hate those silly names) will come with either a 6-speed manual of 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The twin-turbo will be offered with the 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch tranny.
I've never been a fan of the Z3 or Z4 in terms of styling. This one, now with numerous 7-Series styling cues, is better than the past models, but it's still not my cup of tea. Hopefully my mind will be changed once I see it in the flesh.
Mercedes will be bring three new eco-concepts to the NAIAS, all including the name BlueZero.
Named the E-Cell, F-Cell and E-Plus; and are all variations on the electric vehicle concept. The E-Cell uses a pure-ev design, with lithium-ion batteries and electric motors powering the vehicle. The E-Plus uses lithium-ion batteries and electric motors to drive the wheels. It also features a gas-powered engine to charge the batteries for greater range between charges. Lastly, the F-Cell uses hydrogen fuel cells to power the electric motors.
Official images have been leaked of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The car is all new, and reflects some of the styling cues seen on recent Benz models; that being a somewhat tortured and overdone skin, with a few too many wrinkles and creases. The car will debut at the NAIAS in January.
Well, this is good news. Subaru, unlike many other automakers, is not bailing from the 2009 NAIAS. In fact they will have a new concept to be displayed.
My guess is that it will be a close-to-production--much like several recent Honda and Acura concepts (Pilot, Ridgeline, TL, etc.)--2010 Legacy or Outback. The last time these models were introduced, back in 2004, the Legacy was introduced first at Detroit with the Outback being announced a month later at Chicago. I suspect that will be the case again this time.
