January
9, 2005:
Concepts,
Diesels, and Hybrids... oh my!
It's
that time of year again. January in Detroit. Can you imagine a more
picturesque time to visit Motor City? Personally, I could. However,
this is when automotive manufacturers and suppliers spend ten weeks
and $200 million to show their wares at the North American International
Auto Show (NAIAS).
This is the major showcase event in North America for many manufacturers,
so this is the time to be in Detroit.
Brief
caveat for those who missed last year's show-blog: what you read here
is just my opinion on what I saw during my time here at the show. It's
not the official word of Strategic Vision. My opinions are my own. If
you'd like to discuss them, feel free to e-mail
me. Also, any link you click on in the blog will open a new window.
My
first day of press conferences began with a brief ride to the Cobo Center
on Ford's V-10 E-450 shuttle bus. These shuttles are propelled by hydrogen-powered
internal combustion engines, which Ford sees as a step toward fuel-cell
vehicles. That means that there's an internal combustion engine that's
been modified to use hydrogen as the fuel source. Here's a link to Ford's
release covering the E-450 (H2ICE)
(I'd
post a picture of from their press kit, but the disc with the photos
is a funky little octagonal mini-CD that I'm not about to pop in my
slot-loading player... I'm a little paranoid about my beloved PowerBook)
Once
at the center, the first event was one of GM's three press conferences,
which focused on key GM technologies for the future. The first half
of which involved the two-mode full hybrid engine which they are developing
in a joint effort with DaimlerChrysler. The two-mode full hybrid engine
is intended to be a scalable system that could be used in a wide variety
of vehicles, ranging from SUVs and trucks to front-wheel drive cars,
using either gas or diesel. The main differences between this system
and other hybrid engines appears to be an expected improvement on acceleration
performance along with improvements on fuel economy and range. GM will
begin using these full hybrid engines in 2007 in two of their more popular
SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Chrysler Group (that's Chrysler,
Dodge, and Jeep) will introduce a two-mode full hybrid system in the
Dodge Durango following the GM launches. Mercedes is expected to focus
on rear-wheel drive passenger cars in the luxury segment (because they're
Mercedes, of course).
The
basic idea of the "two-modes" is that each mode optimizes
power and torque for given driving conditions to provide better fuel
economy and meet the performance needs for each. The first mode should
use a combination of electric and engine power to manage low-speed and
stop-and-go driving. The second mode is geared more toward highway speeds,
providing full engine power when needed (i.e., passing, towing, climbing
steep grades). Here's a diagram provided in their press kit:
Two
different concepts designed around the two-mode full hybrid engine were
then introduced. First up was the GMC Graphyte, shown below:
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The
Graphyte uses a two-mode fully hybrid combined with a Vortec 5300 V-8,
with their Displacement on Demand (DoD) technology. This reportedly
similar to the hybrid system coming out on the '07 Yukon and Tahoe.
Ideally, the two-mode full hybrid engine will provide all the power
you'd expect in an SUV or truck with additional fuel economy benefits.
The
second concept was the Opel Astra Diesel, front-wheel drive concept
vehicle which combines a two-mode full hybrid engine with a 1.7-liter
CDTi engine delivering up to 25% fuel economy while reportedly maintaining
performance. Here's what the concept vehicle looks like:
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The
second half of this first GM press conference talked about the successor
to 2002's Autonomy concept, the Sequel. Whereas the Autonomy (also known
as the electric-skateboard) was all concept, the Sequel is the real
thing. It's built using real materials and electronics, and according
to GM it works. The only problem is that it's not affordable yet, but
they're working on that, too. I'll write more on that later, along with
some photos from the press kit.
Next
up was Chrysler Group's first press conference, which showed off a few
new concept vehicles. First shown was an interesting Jeep concept, based
on an historical Jeep design: The Gladiator.
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The
only Jeep truck I was familiar with was the Comanche, but apparently
once upon a time Jeep made a truck called the Gladiator. The Gladiator
concept picks up the idea of a Jeep truck once again, borrowing cues
from Jeep's past (i.e., the side-mounted full-size spare). With obvious
Jeep Wrangler cues, the Gladiator also has a removable canvas roof,
a Command Trac part-time 4x4 system, front and rear locking differentials,
a front winch, and skid plates. The overall effect creates a Wrangler
with a truck bed. Good move, as far as I can tell.
There is a driver's side cabin-storage access panel, which is probably
intended to offset the inconvenience of having the full-size spare right
where many truck drivers have their most frequent bed access, right
behind the cab on the driver's side. It's a concept. If they ever actually
go to production -- and I hope they do -- something like that might
change. Concepts are all about just getting the idea out there.
Next
up, another sporty car from Chrysler. This time, the Firepower:
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The
Firepower struck me as a cross between last year's ME Four Twelve concept
and the Crossfire coupe currently in production. According to the press
kit copy, I had the right idea. The Firepower gets its kick from a 6.1-liter
HEMI V8 and a Dodge Viper-based chassis (0-60 in less than 4.5 seconds).
Sounded like a good combination to me. Sounded nice on stage, too.
Last,
but definitely not least, is my favorite concept this year so far: the
Jeep Hurricane.
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The
press kit only had computer renders of the vehicle, so you're stuck
with one of those and two of my fairly lame photos taken after most
of the other media cleared out.
The
Hurricane was rather interesting for two reasons:
- It
has two 5.7-liter HEMI engines, one in the front and one in the
rear. Each delivers 335 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, so that's 670hp
and 740 lb-ft of torque total. Power is delivered through a central
transfer case and split axles with a mechanically controlled four-wheel
torque distribution system.
- The
Hurricane has zero turning-radius. Literally. In a good way. The
wheels each rotate out at about a 45-degree angle and can turn in
such a way that the Hurricane revolves around it's center point.
They showed a video clip where it was just spinning around in circles
in one place. There was also a piece where the wheels remained in
their normal positions, but just spun counter to each other so that
the Hurricane spun around and looked like a giant remote-control
car. That method was messier, but still looked impressive.
Lots
more happened today, including:
- Ford's
first conference where they showed off the convertible Mustang (due
this spring), and several new concepts ranging from a Sport Trac concept
to a quite-literally shiny new Shelby GR1 Concept.
- Mercedes
Benz unveiled their new M-Class, due in the spring and built in the
United States, and announced plans to debut their new V6 diesel engine
in Europe then bring it here to the States in 2006. They also celebrated
100 years of production in the US, complete with a red-white-and-blue
birthday cake.
- Nissan
unveiled their Azeal entry-level sports coupe (which I still need
to get photos of) and discussed their truck strategy which includes
new variants of their Titan full-size pickup. There are also plans
for a sub-Sentra vehicle in the future, but no details were provided
today.
- Acura
introduced their RD-X Concept vehicle, which would be a step below
their current MDX. The RD-X concept is built on a new light truck
platform, would be about 7" shorter than the MDX, and -- although
there were no powerplant details provided -- should deliver more than
200hp and use Acura's SH-AWD (Sure-Handling all-wheel-drive). The
Concept vehicle uses a new version of their Acuralink navigation and
satellite communication system to look up entertainment services and
real-time traffic data, XM Satellite Radio, and a hard-drive to allow
owners to upload their own music libraries. The production version
of the RD-X will be built in Marysville, Ohio, and should be in dealerships
sometime in 2006.
More
details and photos later. Tomorrow is day two and I'm getting there
early to see the new Dodge Charger.
January
9, 2005:
Day
two of the media preview days here at the 2005 NAIAS, and I've decided
to go from new concepts to new production vehicles.
First up was Chrysler's introduction of the new 2006 Dodge Charger,
expected out early this summer. This vehicle was of particular interest
to me, as I have childhood memories associated with my father's old
1968 Dodge Charger. I heard about a Charger concept vehicle several
years ago, but never actually got to see one on the auto-circuit. I
even made sure I was at the 8:15am press conference to watch this one
unveiled. Consistent with Chrysler's past of showmanship, the Charger
reveal was rather clever. The first vehicle we saw was supposedly the
new Charger NASCAR vehicle, but when it came out, Chrysler CEO Dieter
Zetsche called out a pit crew that encircled the vehicle. A change of
wheels and a crane lift later, the 2006 Dodge Charger stood on the stage.
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Chrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche with Richard Petty, and
Kasey Kahne, Dodge NASCAR driver.
Here's
a few more photos of the vehicle itself:
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This
incarnation of the Charger is a four-door sedan, with what Chrysler
refers to as "modern coupe styling." When I thought of a new
Charger I didn't really expect a sedan, but this is starting to grow
on me. I recognize certain Charger cues, most notably the rear shoulders
and sloping rear roof-line. I like the overall stance, and the styling
is appealing for a sedan.
Here's
a quick rundown on what to expect: rear-wheel drive, with a near
50/50 weight distribution and a series of advanced technologies
designed
to offer a "superb ride and responsive handling in all surface
and traction conditions" (quote courtesy of the Charger press
kit). One of these technologies is the Multiple Displacement System
(MDS)
available on the Hemi V-8 engine, which deactivates four cylinders
when their full V-8 isn't needed, resulting in fuel economy of
up to 20%.
Other technologies include Electronic Stability Program (ESP), anti-lock
brakes, and All-speed traction control which are intended to create
greater traction, maneuverability, and stability in a variety of
conditions.
The
2006 Dodge Charger will be available in three models. Both the SE and
SXT come with a 3.5-liter High Output V-6 engine with a five-speed automatic
transmission with AutoStick, and 17" tires. The SXT will also have
a 60-40 folding rear seat. For those interested in the fairly popular
HEMI engine, check out the Dodge Charger R/T which comes with a 5.7
liter HEMI V-8, with the previously mentioned MDS system, 18" aluminum
wheels, all season tires, Boston Acoustic Speakers, and many more goodies.
Available
options range from power sunroofs to rear-seat DVD video to Sirius satellite
radio. Pricing wasn't discussed, but I'm sure you'll see more about
that closer to release.
The
next product introduction that caught my attention was a new light truck
from Honda, the Ridgeline.
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Based
on the Honda SUT (Sport Utility Truck) Concept unveiled here last year,
the Ridgeline is Honda's first real "truck," and makes a fairly
impressive debut. The Ridgeline features fairly distinct and innovative
styling, a fully enclosed box frame, steel reinforced composite bed,
standard four-wheel drive, and 5,000 lb. towing capability. The presentation
was very clear to point out that the Ridgeline is not built off of an
existing light-truck platform (i.e., Pilot) but that it uses a new truck
body construction and that 93% of the frame components are exclusive
to the Ridgeline.
I
also took note of several features found in the Ridgeline's truck bed.
It has a Dual Action tailgate, which can either drop down or swing open;
a special dent and corrosion resistant composite material construction
whose high-grip coating eliminates the need for a bed liner; and the
industry's first in-bed trunk. The in-bed trunk is lockable storage
space under the bed's floor, which holds approximately 8.5 cubic feet
of space. Honda has also placed the spare tire in under-bed storage,
accessible via the in-bed trunk.
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Although
the bed itself is only 5-feet long, the minimal wheel well intrusion
means you can actually use the full width of the bed. Drop the tailgate,
and you get about 8' of storage. No talk of a bed extender in the presentation,
and I can't find mention of one in the press materials. Given the target
audience, though, a full-size bed may not be needed too often.
The 2006 Honda Ridgeline should be available starting in March. Pricing
isn't finalized, but is expected to be in the $27,000 to $32,000 range.
Honda expects to sell 50,000 in the first 12 months. They might make
it. As one of my associates said as we watched the video, "That's
my next truck."
Following
the Ridgeline introduction was lunch. An interesting fact about these
press events is that the manufacturers have learned the value of feeding
the press. By providing breakfasts and lunches, the media stays in the
center, and shows up in droves because there is free food. Since it's
a press event, it's a smart idea to keep the press around.
In
this case, the meal was a box-lunch. Fortunately, it was provided by
Ford's Premiere Auto Group (PAG). The PAG consists of Volvo, Jaguar,
Land Rover, and Aston-Martin. Given these are all near-luxury or luxury
brands it was a rather nice box lunch. Of particular note was the desert
provided, which consisted of three different deserts each adorned with
a chocolate-printed logo of one of the PAG brands. I know several other
members of the press who took photos of their deserts, but I don't know
how many will actually publish them.
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For
those curious, Volvo was a tasty lemon tart, Land Rover was a raspberry-filled
white cake covered in white-chocolate, and Jaguar was a chocolate mousse-filled
coup covered in milk chocolate. All were delicious, and it left me wondering
what sort of desert would Aston-Martin have been?
Hans
Olaf-Olsen of Volvo teased us with a very quick glimpse of a Volvo C30,
inspired by two concept vehicles (the SCC and the 3CC, which debuted
today). The C30 will be introduced more thoroughly in 2006.
Land
Rover showed off the 2006 Range Rover and the new Range Rover Sport,
both available with super-chargers or aerated engines. The Range Rover
Sport will also have an available turbo-diesel outside of the U.S.
Jaguar
introduced their Advanced Lightweight Coupe, a concept vehicle intended
to show the direction they're heading in to overcome what has been a
reportedly rough year for them. Personally, I thought the concept Coupe
looked very slick, with very elegant and strong styling. Sadly, my pictures
didn't turn out so well but I've found a link on Jaguar's site that
you can check out for yourself.
Time
to get ready for another quick tour tomorrow before heading home...
Alex Hare's 2005 NAIAS Show Blog
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