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TCC Team
Publisher
2007 Chevrolet Volt Concept
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
Bengt Halvorson
West Coast editor
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
Best production
vehicle: Two of
them: Toyota Tundra CrewMax, and the new Chrysler minivans. As the truck market
hiccups,
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.
Henny Hemmes
Euro bureau chief
2007 Hyundai Veracruz
Best production vehicle: The Hyundai Veracruz. It hits the growing segment of the crossovers spot on, looks good, is well executed, has a roomy interior and extended standard equipment. This crossover has the Honda Pilot squarely in its sights, at a base price well below $30,000.
Most
significant vehicle:
With the
availability of low-sulfur diesel fuel now in 50 states,
Prediction for 2007: The trend away from SUVs and toward station wagon-like crossover vehicles will continue. Sales of cars in the smaller midsize segment will grow gradually.
Richard Yarrow
Very Tall Brit
2007 Volvo XC60 Concept
Best production vehicle: Nissan Rogue. It shows that smaller SUVs can still be practical, and the pop-up storage system in the trunk should be a feature of all cars.
Most significant: Jaguar CX-F. If the company is given the time to pull it off by owner Ford, it could be one of the great motoring comebacks.
Prediction
for 2007: The
rise of bioethanol as a gasoline alternative.
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