2009 Detroit Auto Show

As the Grand Finale of GM's presentation, Robert Lutz, vice-chairman of global product development, introduced a Converj electric concept, with a powertrain similar to the Chevrolet Volt's. "Electricity is one of our best opportunities to displace gasoline," Lutz said. The Voltec system uses 16-kilowatt electric drive plus a small gasoline that charges the battery pack. "Electricity drives the wheels at all times," Lutz advised. At a separate news conference, chairman Rick Wagoner announced that GM will manufacture the lithium battery pack for the forthcoming Chevrolet Volt in the U.S.–specifically, in Michigan. "It'll create new, green jobs," Wagoner said. LG Chem will supply the battery cells.

Another Toyota/Lexus Hybrid: 2010 Lexus HS 250h

Toyota's luxury division already has quite a selection of hybrids, but an additional battery/electric model made its debut in Detroit. The new HS 250h sedan is a "dedicated hybrid," meaning that a gasoline-engine version will not be offered. Lexus expects the best fuel economy of any luxury car. Working with electric drive is a 187 horsepower, Atkinson-cycle 2.4-liter engine—the first four-cylinder in any Lexus, running on regular-grade gasoline.


Lexus emphasizes available technological features for the HS sedan, including Lane-keep Assist that helps the driver stay positioned, a Pre-Collision System, heads-up display, and Lexus Enform. Ten airbags are standard. A wide 190-degree front-view monitor helps the driver deal with blind spots, as when exiting a parking garage. The HS sedan goes on sale in late summer, along with the new IS C convertible. "We believe the gas/electric hybrid will be our core technology for years to come," said Lexus general manager Mark Templin.

Iconic Sedan Earns Another Makeover: 2010 Ford Taurus

Ford's Detroit presentation began with comments from CEO Alan Mulally about the subcompact Fiesta, which comes to North America next year. Some 10,000 people are expected to try out Fiestas this summer. A hundred will drive the European-model Fiesta for a six-month trial. Legendary racecar builder Carroll Shelby was on hand to help launch the Shelby GT500, with a 540-hp engine but delivering a 2-mpg gas-mileage improvement.


When Ford introduced the first Taurus way back in 1986, its then-striking "jellybean" profile set new design trends. In its redesigned 2010 form, the next-generation Taurus moves up a notch from its family-sedan roots. "It's upscale, it's athletic, it's premium all around," said Mark Fields, president of the Americas. Multi-contour seats aim to reduce fatigue. Adaptive cruise control is offered, and an EcoBoost engine will be available when the Taurus reaches dealerships this summer. The 2010 Flex also gets an optional EcoBoost engine, yielding 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, with the same estimated 22-mpg fuel economy as today's Flex).


Executive chairman Bill Ford announced an expanded electric-vehicle strategy. By 2012, at least four battery-powered vehicles will be offered, starting with a commercial van in 2010. This is "not a test program," Ford said. "It's a vital element of our business plan."

Premium Sports Car Switches Roofs: 2009 BMW Z4 Retractable Roadster

Though it looks essentially the same, with traditional short overhangs and a long hood, BMW's two-passenger roadster has something different: a two-piece retractable hardtop, rather than the prior fabric top. Again built mainly for the North American market, the Z4 will come with either of two six-cylinder engines, producing 255 or 300 horsepower. Dynamic Driving Control has three settings. Occupants again sit close to the rear axle BMW also hosted the North American debut of twin hybrid models, seen previously at the Paris Motor Show. The Concept 7 Series Active Hybrid sedan features a twin-turbo V-8 engine and a 20-hp electric motor. Also planned for sale late in 2009 is a Concept X6 Active Hybrid model, incorporating "full hybrid" (two-mode) technology, which uses about 20 percent less fuel than a gasoline equivalent.

Sporty Compact Loses Its Top: 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible

When BMW's subsidiary redesigned the Mini for 2007, only a solid-roofed coupe made the cut. Convertibles ceased production after the prior generation. Now, Mini is launching a revived soft-top model.


Breaking through a giant block of ice for its world debut, the Mini Cooper convertible adopts the motto "Always open." In fact, a timer will show how long the top has been down. Like the Cooper coupes, the convertible comes in base trim with a 118-hp engine, or as the Cooper S with 172 horsepower. Fuel consumption is up to 22 percent lower than the prior convertible, according to Mini. In its new form, the roll bar deploys only when needed, normally remaining in retracted position. The trunk opening is significantly bigger, leading to as much as 23 cubic feet of cargo space.