2009 Detroit Auto Show – MINI Mercedes Volkswagen

The 2009 NAIAS saw the introduction of the latest MINI convertible as well as significant concept vehicles from both Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen.

MINI

2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

It’s been almost two years since the second generation MINI hardtop was introduced, so it’s about time for a new convertible. Practical changes from the first generation include a rear roll bar that now rests in the retracted position for better rearward visibility as well as a trunk that is larger by almost 2 cubic feet that is accessed by a new clamshell-style lid.

Another small improvement is the split folding rear seat that replaces the one-piece seatback of the original, allowing for more passenger/hauling versatility. Finally, for those of you who simply must know this information, MINI is offering, as an option, a gauge (which they call an Openometer) next to the tach. This will track your top-down engine-on time and will download this information to the trip computer which will store the information for the lifetime of the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO

Somewhat lost amidst the glitz and glamour of the SLR McLaren Stirling Moss (and overlooked in our last article), is the Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO.

Here in the United States, we’re used to seeing only the big sedans out of Stuttgart, while over in Europe, drivers have been cavorting around in the A-Class (think Ford Ka) for years and in the B-Class (think Ford Fiesta) since 2005.

According to some sources, the styling of the BlueZERO represents the direction for the next-generation B-Class, while the various powertrains (there are three) are meant to demonstrate what is currently under development for alternative sources of power.

The BlueZERO E-Cell is a plug-in electric with a range of 125 miles. The E-Cell Plus uses a smaller battery pack but augments this with the 1.0 liter 67 horsepower turbocharged engine from the Smart Fortwo, thus extending the range up to 370 miles. The F-Cell uses a hydrogen fuel cell to power an electric motor and gives the vehicle a range of 249 miles.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

Volkswagen chose the 2009 Detroit Auto Show to showcase the latest in clean diesel technology. With the company reporting solid sales of the Jetta TDI sedan and TDI SportWagen, new, clean-diesel TDI versions of the Touareg SUV and Rabbit will soon be arriving in the American market.

With much of the company’s resources allocated to clean-diesel technology, VW chose to unveil its latest concept vehicle – the Volkswagen BlueSport. Boasting a top speed of 140 mph while, at the same time, managing to get a claimed 42 mpg on the highway, this turbocharged 2.0 liter diesel generates 180 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque at only 1750 rpm. Equipped with a 6-speed double-clutch transmission, the BlueSport is capable of zero to 60 times of 6.2 seconds.

Aluminum and other lightweight materials keep overall vehicle weight to 2,600 pounds, while regenerative braking and an automatic engine start-stop system further contribute to fuel efficiency.

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