10 | Dodge ZEO
Automakers are proving that a future, potentially without petroleum, can still be fun for the driving enthusiast. The ZEO is a macho little sports coupe that has Hemi-like thrust solely from an electric powertrain. We also dig those 23-inch wheels and the pillarless scissor doors. We can see this little beast rolling up to a stoplight in about five years looking for a completely silent, electric-only drag race. We get the feeling that Dodge might be a little uncomfortable about putting an electric motor into one of its concept cars. Instead of reveling in all the technology that went into creating the ZEO (it stands for "Zero Emissions Operation"), the company merely says that the ZEO's 268-horsepower, rear-drive motor will get you to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, "which rivals Chrysler's famed Hemi power plant."
9 | Hyundai Genesis
The Genesis marks a huge step forward for Hyundai. Who would have thought the Korean automaker could ever build a V8 rear-drive luxury car for around $30,000? But what impressed many journalists here at the show was the level of fit and finish on the Genesis. And we saw a handful of product planners from luxury manufacturers pouring over this ride, which may be the best complement yet to Hyundai's efforts.
8 | Hummer HX Concept
Hummer's are supposed to look tough. And the HX certainly delivers. It's dressed like a battle rig that just rolled out of a futuristic video game—think Halo on E85. But we like the HX because it has the hardware. GM says it has locking differentials and other hardcore off-roading components. And since the HX is a prelude to the next Hummer, the H4, we can expect that vehicle might be the most fun, most capable Hummer yet. Stay tuned.
Chrysler's three concepts were a hit, but the Renegade was our favorite. With its clean-diesel series hybrid powertrain, this little Jeep shows that, a decade from now, four-wheeling can be environmentally responsible. We'd sure like to test the hybrid-electric off-roader on a four-wheel-drive trail. Imagine the low-end torque from the electric motors as you climb a boulder. That's our kind of fun.
6 | T oyota A-BAT Concept
Lincoln's touring concept shows that Ford is tackling several environmental concerns, head-on. First, the MKT is powered by one of Ford's new EcoBoost engines using direct fuel injection and turbocharging, to make a smaller motor perform more efficiently. The MKT addresses the growing problem of weight in today's cars, too, by using advanced body panels made from recycled plastics. And the interior is made from many types of sustainable materials. Oh, and we think the design ain't bad, either.
Dodge's new fullsize pickup makes our cut for a number of reasons. Design is subjective, but after seeing the truck in the metal, we think it's the best-looking pickup in the segment. The forward-thrusting grill and taut lines look great. Dodge packed the pickup with innovations as well, like the coil-sprung rear suspension and the unique bed storage system. Plus, they've massaged the Hemi to deliver 380 hp, brought a true crew cab to the lineup and announced plans for both a diesel and a hybrid. This truck is going to be a hit.
The Lancer Evolution has a drivetrain that makes us salivate. But why not put that advanced all-wheel-drive system in a sleeker wrapper? That's what Mitsu did at Detroit this year. From any angle, the RA Concept looks muscular and ready to pounce. The nose is an elegant combination of an Audi R8 and Mitsubishi's current design language. But underneath that hood is a clean diesel. The RA is a great example of how concept cars these days must show style substance, not just one or the other.
2 | Audi R8 TDI V12 Concept
The Audi R8 is one of our favorite sports cars, both dynamically and visually. This concept R8 simply puts an exclamation point on that sentence. A diesel supercar is a smart idea for the future—especially if it produces over 700 lb-ft. of torque. But it's not just the powerplant that makes us wild for this one. The roof has a giant NACA duct to feed the motor, and the body has a subtle aero package that makes the R8 look even tougher. Audi has a history of making turning concepts into reality, so here's hoping that comes true again—and soon.
1 | 2009 Corvette ZR1
We've been waiting patiently for months, endured numerous name changes (Blue Devil, Corvette SS) and finally we've laid our own eyes on the 2009 ZR1—the most potent Corvette in history. Do we like it? Uh ... yeah. The carbon fiber looks amazing, the polycarbonate hood bulge is cool, and the 620-hp engine under that hood should make this car one of the most thrilling on the planet.
So guys ,when can we have a test drive?
1 comment:
really great info and good work..... keep rocking......
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