2007 Detroit Auto Show: TCC's Top Picks

Get all our Detroit auto show coverage here

 

TCC Team

Publisher

 

Best concept vehicle: The Chevrolet Volt. Over the years, I've seen General Motors roll out a variety of creative concepts, often with supposedly super-clean powertrain technology. But with the Volt, it's clear the automaker now sees this as a serious mission, and plug-in hybrid technology could very well become a reality in the near-term.

 

Best production vehicle: Jaguar C-XF. Now wait, I hear folks shrieking, that's a concept vehicle. Yeah, sort of, but it’s just a thinly-disguised version of the production Jaguar XF that will replace the aging S-Type and likely determine the long-term viability of a seriously troubled brand. How many other make-it-or-break-it cars were there at this year's Detroit Auto Show?

 

Most significant: I'm going to go with another GM car here, the Cadillac CTS. The second-generation sedan shows that Caddy's nascent renaissance isn't the proverbial flash-in-the-pan. The original CTS was visually striking, but still not quite up to the best-in-class. From its refined exterior to the lavish interior, it will be hard to ignore the '08.

 

Predictions for 2007: It's hard to imagine the competitive situation getting any worse, but 2007 is likely to bring a battle royale, especially if sales slump to the 16-million mark, like many predict. That could prove especially troubling for Detroit, whose buyers are more likely to be hurt by a weak economy. On the other hand, luxury makers like Lexus and Mercedes-Benz could set new records as Wall Street reaps huge gains.

 

 

Bengt Halvorson

West Coast editor

 

Best concept: Jaguar C-XF. This concept alone summoned me back into the hall a final time for yet another glimpse. If the production car is nearly as beautiful as the concept, Jaguar will have a major hit on its hands and could really start attracting affluent performance-minded buyers, and younger ones, as the S-Type was supposed to. Let’s hope Ford doesn’t hold on to the purse strings too tightly.

 

Best production vehicle: Two of them: Toyota Tundra CrewMax, and the new Chrysler minivans. As the truck market hiccups, Toyota will continue to chip into traditional domestic makers’ sacred territory with this very well designed and executed product, especially with the attractive, six-person CrewMax. Meanwhile, Chrysler looks back on track to take a lead in the still-lucrative minivan market, with segment trend-setting features like a six-speed automatic and the Swivel ‘N Go seating.

 

Most significant: Chevrolet Volt. People on the show floor were getting charged up over the Volt, a car that if produced would be revolutionary, with the potential to be the next ‘it car’ for green-conscious commuters. Although, as with the Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid, the technology is contingent to improved battery technology and reduced cost, let’s hope GM builds on its electric car expertise, and builds the Volt.

 

Predictions for 2007: The auto industry will continue to see hard times, as the market seems to be in the middle of a major segment shift, not just an adjustment. The small-car market may not explode, but as gas prices inflame again come summer, full-size SUVs will see a lasting slump.