Summer in the suburbs

Once again it’s summer at LotPro.com and in Auburn Hills, Michigan. To help celebrate the season, Chrysler has hauled out three special concept vehicles to add to the Lara Croft Tomb Raider Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (try saying that five times as fast as you can) from The Cradle of Life movie and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited from Sahara.

Tomahawk

Looking like some insane machine that might have populated the landscape of a Mad Max-type futuristic movie, the Dodge Tomahawk makes your average Harley look like a Vespa scooter.

Originally introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show, everything about this four-wheel, single-passenger vehicle is over the top. Art-deco styling and über-extreme engineering result in what Chrysler deems “what creative minds can do when given the opportunity to run free” (a note to creative minds: a practically unlimited bank account would also come in handy).

Powered by an 8.3 liter (505 cu. In.) aluminum Viper V-10 engine that produces 500 SAE net bhp and 525 lb.-ft. of torque, the Tomahawk features a two-speed, sequential racing-style foot-shifted manual transmission. Power is transmitted to the dual 35 tooth rear sprockets via 110-link motorcycle-style chains.

The four tires consist of 2 Dunlop custom made symmetrical P120/60R-20’s in front, while the rears are dual P150/50R-20’s. Stopping power is provided by two four-piston fixed aluminum calipers per wheel in the front (16 pistons total) and one four-piston fixed aluminum caliper per wheel (8 pistons total) in the rear. All four wheels feature 20-inch rotors with the two in front machined out of stainless steel and the two in the rear fashioned out of cast-iron.

All this hardware is necessary, since 0-60 performance is estimated to be 2.5 seconds and top speed is also estimated at potentially 400 miles per hour.

ME Four-Twelve

While not nearly as suicidal as the Tomahawk, the quad-turbo, V-12 powered mid-engined ME Four-Twelve is certainly a legitimate supercar.

Boasting a carbon fiber body, it debuted at NAIAS in 2004 and features an all-aluminum, quad-turbo, 6.0-liter engine mated to a specially-developed 7-speed Ricardo Double Clutch Transmission capable of 200 millisecond shift times.

With a power-to-weight ratio of 3.4 lbs/bhp, the ME Four-Twelve goes from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds and 0-100 mph in 6.2 seconds while tripping the quarter mile timer in 10.6 seconds at 142.0 mph.

Chrysler will have two ME Four-Twelves on display – the flat black painted model used for performance testing along with the silver exterior show car that toured the country.

Museum dates

All three vehicles will be on display at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum through Sunday, July 26th in Auburn Hills. As an added bonus, the normal museum admission prices of $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $4 for children ages 6-12 (children five and under are admitted free) will be made even more affordable during this summer’s Cruise Nights series (Thursday, June 25 and July 9 and 23) when visitors can tour the Museum from 6 – 9 p.m. on these evenings at the reduced rate of $1 for children 6 – 12 and $2 for adults.

Jaguar

2010 Jaguar XFR

For 2010, Jaguar adds the coveted “R” badge to the new-for-2009 XF. Powering this top version XF will be all-new supercharged 510-horsepower AJ-V8. Producing 510 horsepower and 461 lb.-ft. of torque resulting in 0 – 60 times of 4.7 seconds, the new engine will replace the current supercharged 4.2 liter engine. Even with the increase in horsepower – ninety, to be exact – Jaguar promises the new engine will deliver comparable fuel economy and better fuel emissions that its predecessor.

In addition to a small “R” badge, the new model is distinguished by unique 20-inch wheels, a new front clip with revised chrome air intakes, hood louvers, four tailpipes, an active rear spoiler and lower side sill moldings. According to Mike O’Driscoll, managing director of Jaguar Cars, it is “the ultimate Jaguar sporting sedan.”

2010 Jaguar XK and XKR

In addition to the XFR intro, Jaguar has decided that it’s time to give the XK line a refresh. Styling changes include a new front bumper and rear valance treatment. Rear lights are now LED’s, while side vents are now color-coded. Both the standard version as well as the “R” receive new engines – with the “R” sharing its engine with the aforementioned XFR, while the base XK (now called the Portfolio) gets a normally aspirated version that has an output of 385 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque.

Jaguar XFR development car

In November 2008, Jaguar sent Paul Gentilozzi and Rocketsports racing to the Bonneville Salt Flats in an attempt to break the previous company record of 217 mph set in 1992 by the XJ220. Driving a modified version of a supercharged XFR development car, Gentilozzi set a new Jaguar speed record of 225.675 mph.

Volvo

Volvo S-60 Concept

As a preview of what the production S-60 will look like, Volvo joins a number of European manufacturers that either have, or are planning to produce, 4-door sedans with coupe-like rooflines. These include the Volkswagen CC, the Mercedes-Benz CLS as well as the Audi Sportback Concept which was also unveiled at this years show.

For those of us who grew up in the sixties, it’s hard to imagine that this vehicle could possibly have come from a company that was, back then, as equally famous for its safety as it was for the boxy vehicles it produced. But that was then. The current concept sports an enlarged trapezoidal grille up front with sweeping LED headlamps.

In back, a trapezoidal license plate space mimics the design theme of the grille while twin exhaust ports are built into the rear fascia. Tying both together is a flowing belt line topped off by a nearly all-glass roof. Inside, the flowing center console is made of solid Orrefors crystal.

The auto show as an economic forecast

The Detroit Auto Show has always been somewhat of a barometer of the American auto industry and this year was no exception. Most manufacturers eschewed their two-floored displays complete with bars and special customer “lounges” for simpler single-level displays, while a few even cancelled their displays, altogether. If the creative level of the exhibits and consumer participation are indicators of what lie ahead, the coming year will likely be a continuation of the economic storm the entire country experienced last year.

But amid all the doom and gloom that surrounded it, the 2009 Detroit Auto Show produced its share of winners and losers. Here, in our opinion, are six:

Winner – Cadillac Division, General Motors Corporation

If GM manages to survive the economic crisis, one of the brightest diamonds in its corporate tiara will be Cadillac. Following up last year’s Provoq concept with the equally stunning Converj, the division has taken its styling DNA to a whole new level and based it on the General’s current (no pun intended) Voltec extended-range electric technology.

Not content with the Converj unveiling, Cadillac also displayed production-ready versions of the 2010 CTS Sport Wagon and the 2010 SRX. The Sport Wagon, a body style that will probably be just a niche vehicle on this side of the pond, is sure to be a hit in Europe. The SRX, on the other hand, is a sign that Cadillac is moving that model in the right direction at the right time as it swaps the old 7-passenger V-8 optional platform for a 5-passenger configuration featuring an optional turbocharged V-6.

Loser – Saturn Division, General Motors Corporation

While General Motors has decided not to drop the Saturn brand, at least for now, it’s clear that what was once touted as “A different kind of Car Company, A different kind of Car” has been suffering from the inability of anyone at GM to give the division any clear focus. A case in point: due to a lack of demand, the 2009 Astra has been cancelled, giving dealers time to clear the glut of 2008 models from their lots before, theoretically, the 2010 models are introduced.

Winner – Audi AG

The company that has usurped Mercedes-Benz crown as the standard bearer of German engineering and styling came to Detroit with the R8 5.2 FSI Quattro, a V-10 version that produces 518 horsepower and a top speed of 195 mph.

Sitting next to the R8 was the stunning Sportback Concept which sources at Audi say could be the precursor to a new A7 coupe. Meanwhile, Audi confirmed that it will offer a 2-liter diesel engine in its A3 model later this year that should top 40 mpg.

Loser – Nissan North America

Nissan, to use racing parlance, was a DNS at this year’s event. The GT-R, the new 370Z and the Cube were missed by show goers. The rest of the line, including the new strippo Versa, not so much…

Winner – Ford Motor Company

Ford has wrestled styling victory from the jaws of defeat with the surprising new 2010 Taurus. What was once a slab-sided caricature of the Ford 500 styling concept is now a winner in its own right. The company also unveiled the mildly restyled 2010 Mustang that should give its long-lived ponycar a new lease on life.

Loser – Chrysler LLC

The 200C EV Concept was the one bright spot in an otherwise lackluster showing from the Auburn Hills-based manufacturer. Gone from the display were the waterfalls and mountains of yore. The Ram and Challenger were big news last year and a series of electric vehicles (one based on the European Lotus Europa S) only reminds us of the extremely abbreviated production run of Chrysler’s last two hybrid vehicles.

Subaru Legacy Concept

Subaru came to the Detroit Auto Show this year to celebrate two corporate highlights – the introduction of the Legacy Concept sedan and its 2008 U.S. sales which actually rose while its market share here was the highest in 26 years.

2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the Legacy and the company has produced 2.6 million of them. The current 4th generation has been around since 2005, so tit’s about time to start teasing the public about what Subaru has up its sleeve for the next generation.

If the Legacy Concept is more than just a hint (and rumor has it that it is), the next Legacy to grace dealer showrooms will be much larger than the current iteration. With a wheelbase of 108.3 inches and length, width and height dimensions of 188.8” x 71.7” x 59.0”, the concept has a wheelbase 3.2” longer with overall dimensional increases of  3.8” x 3.2” x 2.5”.

In terms of styling, the cues from the concept will give the new sedan a much more aggressive presence. And while the muscular fender flares in some form will probably make it to the production version, the 4-seat interior layout and the lack of rearview mirrors (cameras are used on the concept) probably will not.

Lexus

2010 Lexus HS 250h

For 2010, Toyota introduces a dedicated hybrid to its luxury Lexus brand. Based on the third-generation European Avensis, the HS 250 will not be sold with any other powertrain. Powered by a 2.4 liter Atkinson-cycle engine that produces 187 horsepower, this latest mileage leader from Lexus is projected be 30 percent more efficient than any of its stablemates and have the best combined mpg of any luxury vehicle sold in the U.S.

Other key features for greenies: eco-plastics make up 30 percent of the interior and cargo area and 85 percent of the vehicle, including the battery, can be recycled.

Toyota

2010 Toyota Camry

Toyota snuck this one in under the radar. Nowhere on any of the press schedules was there any mention of a Camry refresh for 2010 but, nonetheless, here it is.

Changes for 2010 include new front and rear fascias with a unique grille and bumper treatment for the Camry Hybrid to differentiate it from its less environmentally correct brethren. Larger headlamps and tail lamps are shared by both models.

Bigger changes lie under the hood where a new 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine replaces the previous 2.4 liter unit and horsepower has been upped from the current 159 to 169 for the LE and XLE trim levels while the SE gets additional tuning tweaks resulting in an additional 10 hp. The current 5-speed automatic is also shelved in favor of a six speed unit.

2010 Toyota Prius

When it goes on sale this spring, the third generation of the best-selling hybrid in history will, according to Toyota, be the highest-mileage car sold in America with a combined projected 50 mpg.

While retaining the unmistakable shape of the current generation Prius, Toyota has tweaked and refined the body to deliver an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.25 making it (again, according to Toyota) the world’s most aerodynamic production vehicle.

The new Prius boasts an even longer list of options than its predecessor that includes, among other things, light-emitting diode headlights as well as a solar-panel sunroof that generates the electricity required to run the ventilation system while the car is parked, reducing interior temperatures.

Mazda

2010 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback

For the Detroit Show, Mazda unveiled the new hatchback design as well as bringing along the more conventional (for Mazda) sedan unveiled at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

The first generation Mazda3 has always been a favorite vehicle of ours here at LotPro.com. Its combination of good looks, high quality, great fuel economy and class-leading handling have made this smallest of Mazda’s sedans a favorite not only here in the U.S., but worldwide as well – accounting for almost 2 million sales and one out of every 3 Mazda’s sold since its inception.

According to Program Manager Yoshiyuki Maeda, “We had no intention of merely protecting the position we held. Instead, our task was to keep the target moving for our competitors by further exceeding customer expectations.  Our goal was to create a sport compact capable of advancing driving pleasure to new heights.  This is the essence of Mazda’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom credo and what separates our company and our products from other cars and brands.”

Yoskiyuki, you did good. Based on the same architecture as the first-generation 3, the second generation boasts two completely-new body styles as well as a new interior design. Unmistakably Mazdas, the new sedan and hatchback receive styling cues from the RX-8 as well as the 2009 Mazda6 as the company moves toward a “unified family face.” A subtle wedge shape as well as sculpted hood, fender and side surfaces give both new 3’s a sophisticated, sporty flavor.

Honda

2010 Honda Insight Hybrid

Making its world debut at the Detroit Show, the 2010 Insight Hybrid is, in our opinion, one of the top 3 production vehicles unveiled at NAIAS – the other 2 being the 2010 Ford Taurus and the 2010 Toyota Prius.

Setting its sights on the Prius, the Insight promises to be the lowest-priced hybrid sold in America, undercutting Toyota’s best-seller as well as its sibling, the Civic Hybrid when it becomes available sometime in April of this year.

Powered by a 1.3 liter SOHC all-aluminum i-VTEC (variable valve timing and electronic lift control) engine mated to a continuously-variable transmission, the Insight uses Honda’s IMA (integrated motor assist) hybrid system that incorporates a 13 hp electric motor and Intelligent Power Unit. This system stores kinetic energy recaptured during braking and deceleration. It also supplies additional electric power – as needed – for acceleration. Total horsepower is 98 and fuel economy figures are 40 mpg city/43 mpg highway.

Outside, the five-door sedan receives styling cues first employed on the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle currently in use in California. Inside, Honda’s newest friend of the tree-huggers features what the company calls its “Ecological Drive Assist System.” Using multiple plant-leaf graphics, it encourages drivers to “turn over a new leaf”, as it were, by growing leaves as a reward for frugal driving behavior. In addition, the background of the upper-dash-mounted digital speedometer changes from lime green (the best) through a series of hues to deep indigo blue(the worst), depending on your driving habits.

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.

Audi

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro

So much has been written about the new ten cylinder version of the R8 that it’s becoming difficult to find anything new to write about it. Even now, I’m perusing the beautiful 84 page “brochure” that Audi handed out at the show. Suffice it to say that the newest R8 heralds Audi’s entry into the supercar arena.

Based on the engine in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, this 5.2 liter unit blasts the R8 from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds and from 60 to 124 mph in 8.1 seconds. Visually, the V-10 differs from its V-8 stable mate with the addition of aggressive lower side sills, blacked-out taillamps and license plate surround as well as a slotted lower valance, twin tailpipes instead of the quad units on the V-8, “V 10” badges on both upper fenders and standard all-LED headlamps.

Audi Sportback Concept

Audi’s latest concept, the sportback, is a vehicle that shares the same design raison d´etre as the Volkswagen CC and the Mercedes-Benz CLS: combining the sensuous lines of a coupe body style with the practicality of four doors.

According to sources at Audi, this design exercise signals that at least one and possibly two new models will eventually join the current A3 sportback – the A5 which is to be launched in 2009 as well as the possibility of a new A7 coupe.

BMW

2009 BMW Z4

With styling that is certainly more evolutionary than revolutionary, BMW’s newest Z4 improves upon the previous generation in two ways: the 2-piece retractable aluminum top results in a much quieter driving experience while the 5 inches gained in overall length translate into real-world, usable trunk space.

The new Z4 is available in two different models, which are somewhat awkwardly named sDrive30i and sDrive35i. The 30i features an inline-6 cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower, while the 35i gets a twin-turbocharged version that ups the ante to an even 300 horsepower.

Hybrids

BMW displayed both the Concept 7-Series Active-Hybrid and the Concept X6 Active-Hybrid and promised that production versions of both will appear in the U.S. sometime later this year.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss

We have, to paraphrase Vanessa Williams, “saved the best for last.” Production of the current SLR McLaren will end in May, so the engineers at the three-pointed star are assembling one final over-the-top variant. Only 75 copies of this edition will be built and they will only be offered to current SLR owners at a price of €750,000 each.

Americans needn’t worry how that translates into dollars, since this ultimate SLR McLaren will only be sold in Europe. In case you were wondering, this edition commemorates the 1955 Mille Miglia that was won by Sir Stirling in a 300SLR.

This final version is powered by a 5.4 liter supercharged V-8 that supplies 641 horsepower and a top speed of 217 mph. But if you plan on driving this vehicle anywhere near that speed be forewarned: a racing helmet with a reinforced face shield is definitely in order, since the two front wind deflectors are less than an inch tall.

While every automaker in the U.S. has been suffering as of late, things have not been nearly as bad for Ford as they have been for either Chrysler or General Motors. One of the big reasons the glass house is still standing tall can be directly attributed to CEO Alan Mulally who chose to mortgage Ford to the hilt shortly after he took over. Armed with this cash, the company has been able to continue operating at near normal (for these times) levels.

Bringing back the Taurus

One of Mulally’s early decisions at Ford was to bring back the Taurus nameplate. Unfortunately, there was no new vehicle the nameplate could be pinned on. Instead, ford stuck it on what was, up until then, the Five Hundred – a decent enough sedan, but one with looks that were, at best, forgettable.

2010 Ford Taurus

Due to hit dealer showrooms in July of this year, the sixth generation of the Taurus is not only one of the most significant production debuts at the show, it is also one of the biggest hits at NAIAS this year. And while the latest model to carry the Taurus name may not be the styling breakthrough of the original, the new styling gives it a distinctive sporting flavor that was totally bereft in its last incarnation.

The newest Taurus shares its platform architecture with the Lincoln MKS. With a 3-inch lower roofline, a longer wheelbase and shorter front and rear overhangs, the vehicle’s stance is much more purposeful. Under the hood, Ford offers a carryover 3.5 liter V-6 mated to one of two new six-speed automatic transmissions. While this is the only engine offered at this time, don’t be surprised to see Ford’s 355 horsepower 3.5 liter direct-injected, twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine offered as an option sometime in the near future.

Options on the latest Taurus include massaging seats, push-button start, adaptive cruise control as well as Ford’s Microsoft-developed SYNC infotainment system.

2010 Ford Shelby GT500

The grand finale of Ford vehicles being driven on stage during this year’s press preview was the new GT500 with ol’ Shel himself, now 89, riding shotgun while Mark Fields, Ford’s President of the Americas, declared it to be “the best Mustang ever.”

And while we can’t attest to it being “the best” yet, it is certainly the most powerful. This ‘stangs 5.4 liter V-8 pumps out 540 horsepower, 40 more than the current model, and 510 lb.-ft. of torque with a redline of 6,250 rpm. And while gearheads everywhere are salivating over those numbers, Ford also has one for those tree huggers in the audience: this engine also garners an additional 2 mpg over the previous version.

On the outside, the new Mustang looks both rounder and more aggressive at the same time. The six individual taillights are an especially nice touch. Evoking the 1967 and 1968 models, they blink in sequence like the 1965 Thunderbird.

Inside, the all-new interior of the GT500 features leather seats, real aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara inserts on the seats and steering wheel. The instrument panel is softer than the previous generation as well as seamless – which should result in fewer annoying squeaks and rattles.

2009 Ford Flex by Mobsteel

Now for something completely different.

Although just a small part of the introduction in Detroit, we couldn’t resist a plug for the guys at Mobsteel in Brighton, Michigan.

Originally introduced at the last year’s SEMA show, this was the hometown unveiling of their interpretation of the Flex. It features a black-on-black Mobsteel paint job featuring SEM Color horizons paint. Other custom trim includes Mobsteel fascias, shaved door handles, Mobsteel machined badges and rear exhaust with color matched headlight and taillight buckets.

The Mobsteel Flex rides on 24-inch forged 2-piece wheels and low profile Pirelli P Zero Nero tires.

Press meets the press

Before LotPro.com turns its attention to the vehicles, we must first address the current state of Chrysler which, up until a month ago, was very much up in the air (and for all we know may still be, given Cerberus lack of, shall we say, transparency up to this point).

Jim Press, vice chairman and president of Chrysler LLC was quick to point out that 2008 amounted to “two different and distinct years” for Chrysler. Even as the company found itself ahead of its profit and production goals for the first half of the year, the summer spike in gas prices coupled with the growing credit crisis pushed Chrysler into “an unprecedented period of challenge” during the second half of the year.

“We learned a helluva lot and so we’re in a stronger position for 2009,” Press emphasized. “We don’t see much growth in the market,” but the company is “confident that we will see a better year” in 2009.

That being said, here are the concept vehicles that Chrysler introduced at the show:

Chrysler 200C EV Concept

The 200C is Chrysler’s most significant concept vehicle at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. This extended range electric vehicle (EREV) is a product of Chrysler’s ENVI (the first four letters of the word “environment”) team that is responsible for the development of electric-drive vehicles within the company. Chrysler promises a 400-mile range for the 200C EV with 40 of those possible in 100 percent electric mode. The concept is based on a shortened version of Chrysler’s rear-drive platform and the interior features a “panoramic multimedia touch screen” that replaces all switches and display functions.

Dodge Circuit EV Concept

This electric-only vehicle is based on the European Lotus Europa S and represents at least one of the vehicles least likely to reach the production stage.Its specifications are impressive: The Dodge EV includes a 268 horsepower electric motor as well as an advanced lithium-ion battery. The only other component to the drive system is a controller that manages energy flow and Chrysler claims the Circuit has a range of 150 to 200 miles.

Why will the Circuit never be produced? The base price of a Europa S (if it were available here) would be upwards of $50,000 and that’s sans the high-zoot technical goodies that are required beneath its “Tangoreen”-colored fiberglass composite body in order to transform it into the eco-friendly vehicle you see at the Chrysler exhibit.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV Concept

Like the 200C Concept, the Wrangler Unlimited is an extended range electric vehicle. And while many Wranglers sport the famous Jeep “Trail Rated” badge, this two-wheel drive EV probably stretches the “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” Jeep  capability motto well past its limits.

To cover their tracks, the ENVI organization has stated that it is “exploring four-wheel-drive, in-wheel electric motors to demonstrate the full reach of the Company’s advanced electric-drive technologies. When this technology is developed by ENVI, the instant high torque of the electric-drive motor and the ability to precisely control each wheel independently will result in off-road capability ideally suited for the Jeep brand.”

Jeep Patriot EV Concept

If Chrysler ever gets its act together, the Patriot would seem like the ideal vehicle to electrify. It is within an inch or so, give or take, of the Ford Escape, while enjoying many of the design cues of its more illustrious trail-ready stable mates. As an extended EV, the Patriot shares the same technical specifications of other Mopar EV’s with a maximum 40 mile range in electric-only mode and a total range of 400 miles.

Even if you’re into the whole winter sports thing – skiing, snowmobiling, et al – living in Michigan between November and April (May?) is not much fun day-to-day. Commuting through snow, ice, sleet and freezing rain is bad enough, but to top it all off, the sky often remains grey and overcast for weeks on end with no sight of the sun.

Fortunately, just as many of us at LotPro.com are ready to reach for the kitchen drawer containing the sharp utensils, the second week of January rolls around and, with it, the Detroit Auto Show.

Industry Preview

This year, press days began on Sunday, January 11th and will continue through the end of today. And while clawing your way through thousands of journalists might seem like fun, it really isn’t. So this year we decided to wait until all the parades, press conferences and theatrics were over and trudge on down to Cobo Hall on Thursday of this week. Wading through all the hoopla, we came up with today’s story:

EyesOn Design

While much is made of the North American Car of the Year (won this year by the Hyundai Genesis) and the North American Truck of the Year (garnered by the new Ford F-150), there is another award based solely on vehicle design excellence.

Founded by former Chrysler design chief Thomas Gale, EyesOn Design supports the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology. The purpose is to honor the most outstanding designs for both production vehicles as well as concept cars. This year, Chief Judges Chris Bangle of BMW, Willie G. Davidson of Harley-Davidson and Larry Erickson of the College for Creative Studies were joined by 16 other designers as they narrowed down a 13 car field of production and concept cars to pick 2 winners in each category.

The finalists were as follows:

Audi R8 V10
Audi SportBack Concept
BMW Z4
Cadillac ConverJ Concept
Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Chrysler 200C Concept
Fisker Karma
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Ford Taurus
Lincoln C Concept
Mazda3 5 Door
Volkswagen Concept BlueSport Diesel
Volvo S60 Concept

And the winners are:

Concept Vehicles

Audi SportBack

A 4-door sedan with a coupe-like roofline similar to its Volkswagen Group cousin the Passat CC and the Mercedes-Benz CLS, this design study may very well come to market in some form as the 2010 Audi A7.

Cadillac Converj

An electric concept vehicle based on the same Voltec platform used by the Chevrolet Volt, the Converj is backed up by the same range-extending engine that allows it to cover up to 40 miles without consuming any fuel other than the energy stored in its lithium-ion battery pack.

Production Vehicles

Audi R8 V10

The newest R8 iteration is equipped with a 5.2-liter ten-cylinder engine that produces 100.9 hp per liter, for a total of 525 – 105 more than the V-8. Thanks to a difference of only 68 pounds, the V10 launches it occupants to 62 mph from a standstill in a mere 3.9 seconds and to a top speed of 196 mph. Maximum torque of 390.91 lb.-ft. is reached at 6,500 rpm, while redline is a lofty 8,000 revolutions per 60 ticks.

BMW Z4

With styling that’s more evolutionary that revolutionary, the latest Z4 does sport a new two-piece retractable hardtop fashioned from aluminum that retracts and deploys in a mere 20 seconds per. Available with either a naturally aspirated or twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine, the second-gen Z4 is 5.8 inches longer (necessitated by a much-needed increase in trunk space) and slightly wider and taller than the previous model.