German Car Zone

Well it has come that time again, my favorite time of the year....Detroit Auto Show!

Where do I start?

I'll start with some of the most impressive concept/prototypes before getting to the highly-favored German iron.

This little Hyundai is going to be a hit for them when it hits the street next year:







These shots were kinda tricky to get due to the turntable they used. Not only did it turn around, but it also dipped and what not. They wanted you to see every inch of it I guess.


The Jaguar XF was I have to say a disappointment. Now I think this has more to do with the color and the fact that the only model they had on display had the smaller wheels/tires. Why that was I have no idea, but here she is:





Not a bad looking car by any means, but it doesn't really say "Jaguar" either. This particular color and wheel setup did it no favors IMO. I'll still hold off final judgement until I get the chance to see it at the dealer in various colors and the top of the line SV8 model.



One of my favorite concepts of the show, the Mitusbishi Concept RA:





I don't think this is a Eclispe replacement. This car doesn't look it, but it far to lowly slung to be an Eclipse, this IMO is some other type of real sports car Mitsu has on their mind. I hope they build it and don't water it down.


Talk about anonymous luxury, the Hyundai Genesis:





This car was so unforgettable it wasn't even funny. I have never seen such a collage of other brand's design cues in all my years of noticing cars! The grille in particular just grabs you as being an (nothing) afterthought.


My previous favorite SUV, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged:



As you can see their display was behind a wall of water this year and stationary so thats about all the pics you could get. Oh well I still love this truck but there is a new SUV favorite in town.


Another favorite (and Allstar) and the first time I've seen it in person, the Ford Mustang GT500KR Super Snake:





This was the "Super Snake" version which can be had with up to 725hp. Get this, when you opt for this engine, you get no warranty!!! Only the wealthy Mustang aficionado need apply. So many people seemed to be in awe of this car.


A real racecar is the only way to describe the Mazda Furai Concept:








Don't care what any of you German car fanatics say, Saabs can be hot. Here, the Saab 9-3 Turbo X:



One pic only though. Couldn't get the people away from it long enough to get any other shots.


The mighty Chevy Corvette ZR-1:






Can't wait to see the reviews on this one. There was feeling of pride at the GM displays this year as if things were really alright. I think GM will be just fine.


The Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept:








The Lexus LF-A Roadster:









It isn't normal for me to have these types of aches over a Lexus, but it is what it is. A stunning concept that hopefully will shop up in a Lexus showroom pretty much as is and soon.


One of vehicles that has divided opinion here a lot lately, the VW Passat CC:









I can't really say I was all that moved by it, but it is a handsome car no less.


Now time for one of the heavyweights, BMW.

The 135i Cabrio:



I can now say with a strong feeling of confidence that the X6 is now my favorite SUV:




The M3:



The new 4-door was there also:



More 2-door:



Another winner for BMW. Way above, way up high was a 1-Series Cabrio to drive home a point about BMW's various Green Programs:



The X6 Hybrid Concept:



I must say that BMW is really coming back in my book. This X6 is just off the charts in desireability. The interior, engines and design are going to be the big selling points. The M3 was just what I expected, gorgeous and mean at the same time. The interior is really snug and sporty and the seats hold you perfectly. Now bring on the cabrio. The BMW stand like Mercedes is hard to photograph due to all the various models crammed into such a small space. More pics to come on BMW as I took some later in the day so they aren't in this first batch..

How Smart are you:



About the only shot possible with so many people cramming their fat bodies in this little car. I'm still amazed at the tires, I had a BIG WHEEL with bigger tires when I was a kid!


M

Karma for you immediately 'cause i know you won't disappoint us with the rest!

Looking forward for other pics and yes, that Hyundai looks really amazing in those pics.

edit: Raincheck 1st!

Oh yes, that mighty Mitsu...

Btw, Marcus, how does it look IRL? Is it big? Sitting low?

Great looking concept IRL. Yes it is very low to the ground and the seating position is leaning back it appeared. All of this makes me think that Mitsu has something else in mind rather than this just being an Eclipse replacement.


Still working on more pics, Imageshack is kinda slow to upload right now.

M

Thanks.

Oh and i'm glad you're that impressed with X6...

Oh and better use ImageVenue.com, it's much faster.

What did you think about the silverstone colour on the M3 Coupe? It looks great on those pics imo.
Merc, your personal view on the M3 Coupe please

Oh the M3 was great, kinda what I expected. The M3 treatment does wonders for the 3-Series sedan too.

M

Thanks for the pics Mer1!!!

Which colour did you think was better on the X6? The red of the greyish colour? The M3 is simply awesome. Top pics

Ok, now we're back in business.

Ooooohhh...the Fisker Karma:







This was likely the best concept of the show, well it and certain Audi I'll get to in a minute. I surely hope he offers this car with real engines from either BMW or Mercedes. Can you imagine this thing with 400+ hp? Inside and out this car's designer proves his metal.


Wretch Excess is the game of the Maybach Laundulet Concept:






The Bentley Continental GT Speed:



Amazing what Black paint and awesome wheels can do. Still though I don't want one. The only old-school Bentley they had on hand:



I wanted to see the Brooklands dammit!



Some Ferraris:






The Nissan GT-R:







My first time seeing this car. Not a great looker, but an awesome performer so they tell me.


Maserati:





Not the knock-down beauty I kinda expected, but the Granturismo is still a looker. I need to see it on the road I guess. The Quattroporte as always, looked great:






Audi really came to town with a lot to show, here the TT-S:





The new A4 was on hand also:



Not sure what happened to my other shots???

Audi's crowning glory was the R8 TDI Concept:







The A5 and S5:



The S5 is now an Allstar. This car is stunning in person and the interior (like all Audis) is to die for.

One of my favorite non-German cars, the Infinti G37 Coupe:



The other half of the BMW-fighter lineup, the M45:




Speaking of BMW, more BMW pics:






Rolls-Royce:



Boy is this LWB Phanton really loooooong. I struggled to get a shot of the whole thing!

More Rolls:




M

Various cars and concepts from the General. Chevy has 3 design proposals for a minicar:





I forget their names at the moment. I know one of them is called the Beat.

The Cadillac Provoq Concept:



Another Camaro concept on display:




The mighty Cadillac CTS-V:






A Honda concept that I forget the name of at this hour: