Weird, wonderful and wacky from the Detroit Auto show 2012

The New Continental GT and GTC V8 models that debuted at the 2012 Detroit Auto show has been endowed with exceptional power to emission ratio combined with classic Bentley power and torque from its new 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 engine that has a maximum power of maximum power of 500bhp (507PS/373Kw) at 6000 rev/min and an extraordinary peak torque of 660Nm (487 lb ft.) that fulfills Bentley's environmental commitment to new powertrain that shall be launched after 2012 by delivering a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Other advanced technologies included in the car’s inventory are direct injection, variable displacement, new close-ratio 8-speed transmission and all wheel-drive systems. The car clocks 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 188 mph in 10.2 seconds

The two new models are distinguished by a black gloss matrix grille with chrome frames and a central bar, red enamel Bentley 'B' badges, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper divided by unique body-colored strakes. Both of them are specified with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard with an optional 21-inch six-spoke design which is available in dramatic Diamond Black (exclusive to the Continental V8) or Diamond Silver finishes.

General Motors recently unveiled its new luxury sedan, the Cadillac ATC. The car moves on GM's new lightweight Alpha architecture – since the ATS’s base weighs just over 3300 pounds - and the chassis has been tuned to deliver razor-sharp steering, precise handling, and excellent maneuvering. The car has been fitted with 17- and 18-inch wheels to reduce the weight considerably and improve agility. The ATS will be empowered with GM’s new 2nd generation Ecotec four-cylindered engine. The ATS shall get GM's 6L45E six-speed automatic standard transmission console along with magnesium paddle shifters having FE3 suspension. An all new six speed Tremec manual will be available with the Turbo variant and has been specifically designed for GM with magnesium coverings for weight reduction. The FE3 suspension has been linked to standard 18-inch wheels, summer tires, and Brembo brakes, along with next-gen MR dampers with Touring and Sport mode settings. Tires are of different widths and the ultra-firm Sport suspension setting has been specifically optimized on the Nurburgring Sporting Circuit. The Premium and luxury versions of the ATS shall also get customized in-built Bose stereo-systems and speakers.

Porsche announced the arrival of its stylish new 911 Carrera Cabriolet that has an interesting new roof mechanism that comes off similar to a snug-fitting canvas. The topless 911’s unique roof mechanism opens up similar to a distinctly snug-fitting canvas lid aimed at increasing security, noise reduction and increasing the car’ style quotient.
The 3.4-liter Carrera S engine is capable of lapping the Nurburgring circuit in just 7 minutes and 40 seconds which is 14 seconds faster than last year's 997, but it matches the time of the race-ready Type 997 GT3. The power activated roof- top is made from three semi-rigid panels fastened to a lightweight magnesium frame. When raised, it mimics the shape of the Coupe's roofline to maintain the familiar resemblance. When folded, it neatly folds itself into an integral tonneau cover behind the passenger compartment. The car’s wheelbase has grown by a whopping 3.90 inches. Putting more space between the wheels has shortened the front and rear overhangs and put more of the engine's mass in front of the rear wheels. As a result, the 991 benefits from a lower center of gravity, improved stability at speed and more room carved out for passengers

Falcon unveiled its first supercar concept the F7 at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The car with aggressive looks and styling features was designed, conceptualized and built in the Lansing factory. Falcon used all its expertise involved in manufacturing Dodge Viper styling kits in manufacturing the first car from its own stable. The F7 is powered by a centrally-mounted V8 engine manufactured by Corvette, which also is the primary supplier of majority of the parts used in the suspension of the car. The capacity of the V8 LS7 engine is seven liters and it delivers 620 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 585 lb-ft of peak torque at 5,400 rpm. The flexible chassis of the car allows it to clock high speeds in less time. Lightweight and durable carbon fibers are used in all the body panels of this sports car along with the hydro- formed tube chassis frame that gives a retro yet modern look to the car’s appearance.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled its top of the line twin seater roadster, the 2013 SL. It relies on a power foldable roof-top, though the folding roof can now be controlled with Magic Sky Control that embodies the electro-chromatic glass with adjustable opacity first offered on the SLK. The 2013 model seeks to reclaim some of that sleekness that its moniker SLK stands for with the induction an aluminum structured body that makes it weigh 275 pounds lighter than its predecessor. A 12-percent rise in Horse Power enables the car to clock 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The car’s engine is powered by Mercedes' 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 that delivers 429 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and a whopping 516 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm. Mercedes has made significant changes to the décor of the 2013 version by adding items like heated seats, HVAC systems, Airscarves, 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, Designer leather upholstery, Harmon Kardon surround sound and audio systems and Designo crystal silver magno paintwork. The new wiper blade system called the Magic Vision control helps regulate the pouring of wiper fluid along the blade to avoid over-spraying to the car’s interior when the top is dropped and also maintains inner car temperature.

One of the bizarre unveilings of the Detroit Auto show 2012 has undoubtedly been the Nissan e-NV200. The makers of the car have committed a design disaster in their attempts to introduce a multi-utility vehicle. The car resembles its familiar sibling the Nissan Leaf up to the A pillars, after which it looks like an upright van. The carmaker has big plans to take over the electric car market by introducing a variety of configurations like pure cargo vans with no passenger seats as well multi-utility passenger trucks. But what indeed is quirky is the carmaker’s choice to settle on a grafted design for its much hyped Electric Van concept that it says is inspired from the personification of electric cars in the movie “Revenge of the Electric Car”.

The weirdest thing about the latest offering from Volkswagen i.e. the E-Bugster concept is its uncanny resemblance with the Beetle which is one of the trademark exemplifications of brand Volkswagen. But on a closer look, people familiar with the world of automotive industry would agree that the car’s looks are even more similar to the Ragster an erstwhile offering by the carmaker that failed to create much impact. Inspite of its close resemblances in looks with existing models, the carmaker has still made a valiant attempt to rechristen the launch of its newest offering. But it seems Volkswagen bungled here too since starting the car would make its users undergo an outrageous experience as streams of white light and blue lights cluster the entire cockpit magnifying the theatrics associated with the car. Apart from that, there aren’t many eye catching features in the all electric concept car that might help in enhancing it.

The eMO EV was showcased as part of the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit, where participants were asked to design personal, ground-based vehicles that can transport between two and 10 people, after complying the expected commuting needs of select cities in the year 2046.

The eMO has been designed to minimize its exterior foot space while maximizing its interior seating space that has resulted in a car that can seat four adults or is able to carry cargo with the back seats folded down. Additional features include nine air bags, a jam-packed steel safety cages, a dashboard touch screen console, easily-reachable rear suicide doors combined with forward-opening front doors.

The car’s pricing at $20,000 has also been kept quite competitive in reference to industry standards. But what is abjectly weird is that the makers i.e. Tata Technologies wishes to restrict the car to a concept vehicle only and has no plans to carry it forward to the production lines. Wish better sense prevails soon and we all have an interesting package to drive with.

The Chevrolet EN-V Concept that was recently presented to the public at the 2012 Detroit is a two-seat electric urban mobility concept vehicle. The car from first looks would appear to be a cross over between an improvised golf cart and a conventional car. In addition to its ultra-compact design, what is even weird is the claim that the concept vehicle shall suffice for the travelling needs of the urban commuters whose numbers shall leapfrog in exponential terms by 2013. Such tall claims do not fit right with the facts though, since the majority of electric cum hybrid vehicles failed miserably to achieve their sales target in comparison to their conventional fuel counterparts. Hence it would be an interesting proposition to see how a pint sized electric concept vehicle revolutionizes the world of urban commuting in the years to come.

The University of Michigan constructed a solar car that participated in a race across the Australian Outback and also attracted a serious arm of research from an auto industry looking for every possible way to become greener.

The Detroit Three have partnered with this student team, contributing manufactured parts, access to testing grounds and marketing their concept across Auto Shows and industry reviews. In return, they get access to the technical systems of the multi-million dollar U-M car, Quantum, and also the collective engineering brains of 100 individuals engaged for this purpose.

In their efforts to locate the most energy-efficient drive-trains, carmakers are spuriously scavenging for variable sources of energy from anywhere they can.

What is indeed weird it that these green car aspirants have forgotten the reality that mass production of solar cars is still a distant possibility as assembling the complete technology is very expensive in the absence of tangible results. It is hoped that soon small solar panels might be mounted somewhere on a car to complement some other form of energy. And if such is the technology's limitation, then the participating companies should whittle down their expectations to reasonable limits to avoid disappointment later.

Chrysler has unveiled a rather wacky and futuristic-looking new Multipurpose Vehicle called the Chrysler 700C concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

On top of that, Chrysler has decided not to reveal any detail or technical specification of the 700C concept. Instead, the concept makes a statement of its own with slanting B-pillars that roll forward from the roofline and a long bonnet something very unique for a van.

There is plenty of fluid shapes and flowing lines, in addition to a plenty of chrome. A pair of large chrome alloy wheels has also been added to complete the theme. The 700C is said to be a precursor to a probable successor to the brand’s celebrated Town & Country people mover. In spite of its new and somewhat outrageous design, many car critics opine that, though forward-thinking, this concept could have been designed ages ago. Some people even opine that the car’s rear three-quarter and side profiles have a hint of the styling seen in the last-generation Nissan Quest.

In a bid to manufacture larger cars, small car manufacturer Smart has come up with a bulkier option for the Detroit auto show. The newest revelation is a pickup truck cum concept cum crossover called For-Us. The For-Us has been conceptualized on the design platform of the existing For Two convertible but its nearly three feet longer at 139.6 inches meant for increasing the cargo space since the For-Us is still a two-seater. Also substantiating the rugged look of the car is the short little pickup beds at the end of the B-pillars. The pick-up beds are quite strange in their own respect since compact pickups can offer beds that are up to six feet long, but the makers of Smart have restricted the utility of this space only for placing small objects like its own hybrid electric e-bike. The e-bikes are meant to let passengers reach destinations that are beyond the reach of cars like park trails and restricted areas in cities. Although, the Carmaker isn't interested in competing toe-to-toe with the likes of the F-150 and the Silverado, but it's still difficult to see whether such a concept model ever heading its way to the assembly lines.

Unlike many scarcely-disguised, near-production reaching moonlighting concepts, the 2012 Lexus LF-LC Concept is their exact opposite. the Carmaker has declared from the onset not to expect to see the futuristic hybrid, in a Lexus dealership any time soon.

Styled at Lexus’ Calty studio in the US, the LF-LC" is a blend of high technology and organic shapes to enable the driver to connect to the machine easily. Although the car's design is unique in some respect there are close resemblances to an existing model the Lexus LFA.

Since the concept isn’t headed towards production, Toyota was quick to declare the Car's powertrain to be a hybrid and ambiguous. While hybrids have been traditionally associated with increased fuel economy, Lexus through the LF-LC has made a bold attempt in redefining the purpose of hybrids which can also be built to enhance performance.

What is indeed weird is that the car and its specifications would be best remembered only for reference purposes and nothing else and only as a showcase for future Auto shows to follows which is surely an injustice to the technical prowess of this mean machine

Hyundai debuted its newest offering for 2012, the Veloster turbocharged version at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show. The Turbo comes with a power output of 204 hp and maximum torque of 265 Nm along with new round tailpipes in place of the V-aspirated version, mirrors that regulate lighting direction, a new six-shaped front grille, a reshaped bumper, LED headlights, a front spoiler and a new back diffuser with flaps on the sides.

But the most interesting and weird proposition associated with this car is the maker's claim relating to its fuel economy. The Korean carmaker says that inspite of the car’s heavy power credentials (204 hp of engine power at 6,000 revolutions / min and 265 Nm between 1,750 and 4,000 rev / min) it will still be able to dish out a fuel economy of 27 mpg for city and 38 mpg highway with the six-speed manual transmission. What is left to be seen if the above claim really suffices or remains an assertion to good to be true.

Infiniti stole some excitement away from the 2012 Detroit Auto Show by unveiling trailers of its extended range electric sport car Etherea that shall be unveiled to the public at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.

The electric sports-car concept will be the first of its kind to have not only a range-extended drivetrain, but also one of the first vehicle to be mounted on a mid-ship package for balanced weight distribution and easier handling.

Without disclosing further details, it appears that the engine and hybrid/electric drivetrain outline will give the concept a performance flavor, in line with the next-generation Acura-NSX.

The purpose of unveiling the concept car at the Geneva Auto Show would be to explore the next stage of delivering a vivid, engaging and sophisticated driving experience from an electronically propelled vehicle. On a concluding note, what was weird was that the media preview days of the 2012 Detroit Auto show were still not over yet Infinity was already looking forward to grabbing the headlines in Geneva.