Video: Toyota Venza Crossover – Detroit Show Presentation & Promo Clip

Revealed at the 2008 Detroit Show, the all-new 2009 Venza (pics & details here) is described by Toyota as a crossover sedan vehicle – don’t ask us why, we have no idea. When it goes on sale later this year, the five-passenger Venza will come with a 268Hp 3.5-liter V6 while a more fuel-efficient 2.7-liter, four-cylinder model will arrive a few months after the V6. Both engines will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. -Video after the jump

Video: 2009 Honda Pilot Concept

The pre-production Pilot that made its debut at the Detroit Show (click HERE for images) is virtually a teaser model for Honda’s second generation large SUV that will be introduced in the States this spring. Like the current model, the new Pilot will be able to fit eight passengers in three rows of seats while power will come from a revised V6 engine unit. -Follow the jump for the video

Video: Cadillac CT Coupe Concept

Cadillac’s Detroit Show shocker is something more than a concept as it will form the base for a production version which, according to our information, will be launched into the market in late 2009 or early 2010. Despite being based on the new CTS, the CT Coupe Concept actually shares very few body parts with its sedan counterpart. Power will most probably come from the same V6 and V8 engine units as the CTS, including a top-notch CT-V variant equipped with GM’s new 6.2-liter supercharged V8 unit that pumps out 550 HP. Click here for images and details on the CT Coupe. -Follow the jump for the video

Video: Land Rover LRX Concept Driving & Static Footage

Land Rover is attempting to stray away from its traditional SUV roots with plans to unveil a new crossover vehicle based on the Detroit Show LRX Concept in the near future (that is if Land Rover’s future owner doesn’t decide otherwise…). The three-door prototype, which the British carmaker labels a cross coupe, is more is more compact, lighter in weight and consequently, more fuel-efficient than other Land Rovers. -Video after the jump

Mercedes & Smart Diesel Models Travel from LA to Detroit Show to Demonstrate Their Fuel-Saving Qualities

Mercedes-Benz USA organized a long distance test with two Smart Fortwo cdis (45 HP) and a Mercedes E 320 BLUETEC (US version) from Los Angeles to the Detroit Auto Show in order to demonstrate the fuel-saving qualities of diesel-powered models in everyday real-world conditions.

Media representatives from Germany, Italy and the US took turns at the wheel of the three cars during the 2,740 mile (4,400 km) long route managing to record an average consumption of 60.3 mpg (3.9 lt/100km) with the two Smart Fortwo cdis and 40.6 mpg (5.8 l/100 km) with the E 320 BLUETEC sedan that’s equipped with a 224 HP strong 3.0l V6 diesel unit. -Image gallery after the jump

Detroit Show: Honda Pilot Prototype Previews 2009 Model

Take away a few minor details like the tacky headlights and what you see is what you’ll get this spring when Honda will debut the second generation Pilot SUV. As with the current model, the new Pilot will be able to carry up to eight passengers in three rows of seats. Honda promises that the new model will be roomier, safer and more powerful, with a V6 remaining under the hood. Unfortunately, the Japanese carmaker didn’t’ give any specific details on the V6 unit apart from the fact that it will feature the latest generation of Honda fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management technology that operates in 6-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency. -Continued after the jump

Press Release:

Next-Generation Honda Pilot Balances Ideal Combination of SUV Strengths and On-road Refinement

A prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot is being unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

The prototype conveys design features of the more boldly-styled 2009 Pilot, set to debut in spring 2008, which emphasizes authentic SUV styling, clever and more accommodating interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience.

"The Pilot's pioneering formula improves for 2009 by enhancing its combination of refinement and efficiency with even more traditional SUV strengths," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "A powerful exterior design communicates strength and allows for more space inside."

Functional eight-passenger seating, a hallmark of the Pilot, becomes even easier to access in the third row as key dimensions for legroom, cargo and occupant space increase in all seating positions. A redesigned platform allows even more refined handling and ride comfort to exist seamlessly with all-weather and medium-duty off-road capabilities.

To further enhance safety, the Pilot will feature the Honda-exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE®) body structure and the most extensive use of high-strength steel in any Honda product to date.

The ACE body structure enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. A pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle is designed to help absorb energy in the event of a collision.

A crossover SUV platform underpins the Pilot to provide the best of the car and truck worlds by integrating the refined traits and packaging advantages of a unit body car design with the utility and capability of an SUV design. A V-6 engine introduces the latest generation of Honda fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology that operates in 6-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, an improvement compared to the existing Pilot's available VCM system that works exclusively in 6- and 3-cylinder modes.

Three rows of seats provide a high degree of adaptability for people and large cargo loads. The first row provides a commanding view of the road from two captains' chairs. A wide center stack and center console form the styling anchor for the interior with a design that emphasizes spaciousness and power, while allowing for convenient access to navigation, entertainment and climate-control systems.

The 60/40 split second row, now more spacious, slides further forward for increased ease of access to the third row. The 60/40 split third row, now supplies enough knee room for an above-average-sized adult male to fit comfortably, making the Pilot's third row among the most practical in the industry. Each side of the second and third row independently folds down for cargo. A flat floor is created when the second and third rows are folded down.

The Pilot originally debuted as a 2003 model in July of 2002. Design and development of the 2003 Pilot and the 2009 Pilot were carried out at Honda R&D Americas in Raymond, Ohio, and Torrance, California. The Pilot is assembled* at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln.

Among its numerous accolades, the Honda Pilot has earned Car and Driver Magazine's prestigious "5Best Truck" award on six consecutive occasions (2002-2007). The current-generation 2008 Pilot is also among an elite group of vehicles to receive both a "Top Safety Pick 2008" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-star crash safety rating for frontal and side collisions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)**.

Detroit Show: 2009 Fisker Karma – Details & Pics on the $80,000 Luxury Hybrid Sports Sedan

Alas; a production car with the looks and the technology of a concept that won’t cost an arm and a leg to buy. The long awaited Fisker Karma finally made its public appearance at the Detroit Show, and if anything else, the four-door coupe is one sexy piece of machinery in and out. And guess what; both the interior and exterior of the car will be put to market as seen at the NAIAS when the first cars will be delivered in the 4th quarter of 2009 with a base price of $80,000 or approx €54,000.

Underneath its sporty body, the Karma features a plug-in hybrid technology, penned as Q DRIVE which was developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive. The Q DRIVE configuration consists of a small 4-cylinder gasoline engine that turns the generator, which then charges the lithium ion battery pack, powering the electric motor and turning the rear wheels.

The driver can choose between two driving modes described as "Stealth Drive", which is the quiet economy mode for optimal relaxed and efficient driving and the "Sport Drive", which will access the full power of the vehicle. In the latter case, Fisker promises 0-60mph (96 km/h) in 5.8sec and a top speed of 125mph or 201 km/h. -Details & high-res pics after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

FISKER AUTOMOTIVE UNVEILS FISKER KARMA, FIRST EVER LUXURY PLUG-IN HYBRID

New "Green" Machine Makes World Wide Premiere at the N. American International Auto Show

DETROIT, MI. Jan. 14, 2008: Fisker Automotive, Inc., a green American premium sports car company, today unveiled its first production car, the Fisker Karma, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit The first of its kind four-door plug-in hybrid premium sports sedan will have a starting price of $80,000. Initial deliveries of the Karma will commence in the 4th quarter of 2009 with annual production projected to reach 15,000 cars. The first 99 cars off the assembly line will be individually numbered and signed by Henrik Fisker and will be produced in the color and trim of the show car seen at NAIAS.

In Buddhism/Hinduism, Karma is defined as the force generated by a person's good or evil actions which determines the nature of the person's next existence. The Fisker Karma allows consumers to practice good Karma – driving a car that is environmentally friendly – without sacrificing the extreme comfort and style of the luxury automobile category.

"In creating Fisker Automotive, Inc. we sought to develop a range of beautiful, environmentally friendly cars that make environmental sense without compromise," said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. "Our hope is that the Fisker Karma will be the start of a new trend in the automotive business – less concession with more efficiency."

The car features cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology, penned as Q DRIVE, developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive. The Karma's Q DRIVE configuration consists of a small gasoline engine that turns the generator, which charges the lithium ion battery pack, powering the electric motor and turning the rear wheels. This proprietary design allows consumers to drive the car emission free for up to 50 miles a day provided the car is charged every evening. It's conceivable that if consumers follow this daily routine, they will only need to fuel the car but once a year. This Q DRIVE technology will provide a base for all future derivatives from Fisker Automotive.

"Our goal here is to deliver the advancement that Quantum Technologies has made in the area of plug-in hybrid technology. By combining our efforts with the renowned design talent of Henrik Fisker, we can produce cars that make a difference to the environment – without sacrificing the luxury that accompanies the finest automobiles,” stated Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies.

Fisker Karma Design

The sleek design of the Fisker Karma, which accentuates the long hood, is a direct result of the breakthrough all-new from the ground up chassis design with powertrain development. This unique design places the battery pack at the center of the vehicle between the two axles, providing optimal vehicle driving dynamics, maximum safety, and proportionate design. Both the interior and exterior of the car will be put to market as seen at the NAIAS.

Fisker Karma Interior

The Karma's luxurious interior boasts four individual first class seats, a modern and sophisticated interior design and a spacious luggage capacity that can fit two golf bags and luggage in the trunk. Other interior optional features to include:

• Electronic Aides: Navigation system, DVD system incorporated into seat backs and state-of-the art push button controls
• Seating Comfort: Four individual “first class” seats
  
• Driving Modes: The driver will be able to select between two modes of driving. The first mode is "Stealth Drive", which is the quiet economy mode for optimal relaxed and efficient driving. By flipping the second paddle behind the steering wheel, the car will switch to "Sport Drive", which will access the full power of the vehicle.

Fisker Karma Exterior

The all new from the ground up exterior design features a continual flow of sculpture and dramatic proportion. Similar in height to the Porsche 911, the length of the Mercedes Benz CLS, and the width of a BMW 7-series, the Fisker Karma's structure and body panels will make extensive use of aluminum to keep the overall vehicle weight as low as possible. Additionally, a new drive train configuration will provide optimal weight distribution. The vehicle's low and wide stance offers the driver a unique view of the fenders from the inside of the car.

The Fisker Karma will offer partly self-contained climate control, as consumers will have the option to purchase a full length solar roof that will help charge the car and provide cooling for the interior cabin while the car is parked. Additionally, Fisker Automotive will offer consumers an option to purchase a set of solar panels for their roofs or garages where they can generate electricity during the day to charge the car overnight…again cost and emission free.

Other exterior details to take note of include:

• Exterior Panels: Extensive use of lightweight materials used for optimal weight and driving dynamics
• Solar Panel Roof: The Karma will offer self-contained climate control, as consumers will have the option to purchase a full length solar roof that will help charge the car and provide cooling for the interior cabin while the car is parked
• Plug-In Configuration: Small bonnet “doors” for easy charging and engine fluids refill
• 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels
• LED tail-lamps
• Driver visibility: Front fenders visible with a view of the long hood