Forget horsepower. Think kilowatts. And though most automakers did show a vehicle with an electric motor of some kind stashed under the sheet metal, other trends emerged at the Detroit Auto Show:
What recession? The rich are different than the rest of us; they have money. To cater to them, Mercedes revealed a new E-Class sedan, while Audi previewed the A7 and Volvo showed the new S60. But Bentley is still living large with its 600-horsepower Continental GTC Speed (at top).
Micro cars: In a bid to meet forthcoming fuel-economy regulations, Chevrolet showed its Spark. But luxury nameplates have downsized, too. Lincoln displayed the Model C hatchback and Mercedes-Benz unveiled the BlueZERO. On the other hand, Mini, with its new Cooper convertible, grew larger.
Electrics: In the early 20th Century, electric cars were all the rage. They’re back, still with their major drawback: A lack of range. Yet, cars such as the Chrysler 200C and Dodge Circuit suggest that gas engines may be living on borrowed time.
Interactivity: Ford showed its new Work Solutions package, which uses Windows CE software to wirelessly connect your truck to the office, the Internet or a printer. The company also displayed a reconfigurable digital instrument cluster on the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrid sedans.
Going topless: The allure of a sports car is eternal. That’s why BMW unveiled its new Z4 hardtop convertible, Audi revealed a 525-horsepower R8 and Jaguar showed its 510-horsepower XKR and XFR. But Volkswagen was different: Its Concept BlueSport has a diesel engine that returns 50 m.p.g. in highway driving.
Hybrids: Electric motors assist gas engines in the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Lexus HS250h, Audi Q5, Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. But Cadillac (Converj), Chrysler (200C), Fisker (Karma), Jeep (Patriot), Mercedes-Benz (BlueZero E-Cell Plus) and Toyota (FT-EV) power cars with an electric motor and battery recharged by the gas engine.