Each year the Detroit Auto Show, also known as the North American International, reveals the year’s amazing new cars. This year will be no exception, as auto industry leaders unveil technological advancements, “greener” engines, and celebrity cameos in the mix.
Although Nissan will not return to the show until 2012, Porsche and Infiniti are back this year, and all of the old favorites are back again to prove they deserve to remain the favored few.
Once believed it would move to another city, Detroit’s show has stepped up its game, generating over $400 million in revenue for the local economy. With automakers putting more money than ever before into their displays, this year is bound to be remarkable.
FANTASTIC TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES
1. Prius Hybrids
ADVANCE: Larger Hatchback Hybrid With 60% More Cargo Space
Toyota has made a splash online, marketing the roomier Prius and its new line. People were eager to see the car, sit inside it, and feel its spacious interior. Along with its more spacious interior, Prius made other changes, too. Lighter-weight materials were used; giving customers hope that the larger model will carry as smoothly as the smaller Prius.
Fans of the Prius family of cars will be excited to see the new features, such as the interior re-design, and how the larger hatchback model is as energy efficient as the smaller version.
2. BYD
ADVANCE: SUV Plug-In Hybrid
As part of their “Three Green Dreams” show, Chinese auto manufacturer BYD released an SUV which is a plug-in electric hybrid. This S6BD SUV will be followed by two other sensations, the E6 Premier crossover (fully electric, but has a maximum speed of 87 mph), and a bizarre, 40-foot K9 bus.
Bragging of iron-phosphate lithium batteries and solar panels, BYD hopes to make a come-back. In the past BYD hasn’t done well with press, but they are expected to get a lot of coverage for their three-tiered attack this year in Detroit. Warren Buffet’s investment may finally show some returns, it seems.
3. New Porsche Plug-In Hybrid
PRICE: $650,000
ADVANCE: V8 Engine, Capable of 718 Horsepower
After a four-year hiatus from the Detroit Auto Show, Porsche is back with an exciting new model. Though they refused to release images or facts about it, people were promised something, “spectacular.” Porsche insiders have leaked information that this might be a 918 Spyder racecar, capable of speeds up to 199 mph.
“GREENER” ENGINES
1. Toyota 4G Prius, Prius Plug-In Hybrid, Prius-C, & Prius-V
GREENER: The family is growing, and each new member is as green as the first.
A lot of buzz is spreading for the new car in the sensational Prius line. Crowds are thick around the new, larger hatchback hybrid, which is expected to do incredibly well in this green-conscious marketplace. People were excited to hear what the CEO of Toyota would say in his live Twitter broadcast, which followed the opening hours of the show.
Tormenting an eager public with a teaser video which featured famous skater Bob Burnquist, Toyota gave the public a taste of what they’re in for at the Detroit Auto Show. There are rumors that Burnquist himself may unveil the new Prius, and perhaps even perform on his skateboard at the show.
2. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
GREENER: Electric Version of SLS AMG Gullwing
For the reasonable price of $180,00, you too could be a proud owner of an electric Benz. Although the promised Porsche Spyder is faster, the E-Cell can make it from 0 to 60 in just four seconds (as opposed to the 3.4 it takes the $650,000 Porsche). Available for photographs and Q&A at the Detroit Auto Show, this vehicle isn’t actually available for purchase until 2013.
3. Electric Fords
GREENER: Fast-Charging Electric Vehicles
Having revealed an Electric Ford Focus in Vegas on January 7th, 2011, fans waited with bated breath to see if Ford brought the European classic C-Max to the states, finally. People also wondered if the US-bound C-Max is electric, or not. Ford also unveiled an eco-friendly Escape SUV concept car in Detroit.
CELEBRITY CAMEOS
1. “Black Beauty”
CELEBRITY: Seth Rogen
MOVIE: The Green Hornet
A gorgeous 1964-1966 Chrysler Imperial, this car has been featured in the upcoming 3-D film, The Green Hornet. Fans at the North American International Auto Show have the opportunity to stare lovingly, listen to experts expound on its details, and snap photos with the epic, black, crime-fighting car.
For fans of the film Knocked Up, and those eager to see The Green Hornet, Seth Rogen is available to pose with “Black Beauty,” and maybe play a little grab-ass. Chances are, though, that this fan was getting special treatment.
2. Limited Edition Jeep Wrangler
CELEBRITY: Still Unknown
MOVIE: Call of Duty: Black Ops
Sleek and sophisticated, this limited edition Jeep Wrangler deserves a nickname as cool as “Black Beauty.” The Detroit Auto Show has the Chrysler Jeep available for fans to touch and peek their heads in, as well as allowing them to photograph it with the celebrity.
Though the celebrity name was not released in advance, it’s most likely one of the mega-stars, like Ice Cube, James C. Burns, or Ed Harris. In 2010, celebrity Nelly made an appearance to show off his customized Mustang 2011, which had been featured on his album cover. This year, even more notable celebrities are expected, though most auto industry leaders are keeping their names a mystery.
3. Politicians
CELEBRITIES: Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Steny Hoyer (D-MA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), “Auto Czar” Ron Bloom, & More
FROM: Washington, DC & Detroit Area
Obama, pictured reminding Nancy & Steny not to touch “Black Beauty.”
The agenda, you might as well know, is as political as the celebrities themselves: they are visiting the auto show to let everyone know that a national auto industry is pivotal for America.
Steny & Pelosi making plans to surreptitiously touch the cars, anyway.
Promising some grandstanding, flair, and a little bit of lecturing on how homemade cars help the economy, these politicians will visit the Detroit Auto Show January 10th, 2011.
CONCLUSION
From new car features to exciting methods of making automobiles greener, there are a lot of things happening at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this year. Celebrity appearance may get the initial media coverage, but people are expecting the showcased models from 2011 to change the auto industry, forever.
