Detroit Auto Show Upcoming Models
With the NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) from Detroit now firmly in the rearview mirror, I wanted to reflect back on a few of the production car debuts from the event. After all, I like to make sure you are informed and up to date.
Let’s start with the new 2011 Audi A8 that I wrote about here. This car brims with the latest technology and should be an excellent drive. Of course the interior shows up to Audi’s standards as well and overall the car appears to be a winner. The question remains, how will this big sedan from the four rings do against rivals from BMW and Mercedes..?
For BMW the letter “s” was important…as in the new Z4 sDrive 3.5is. Think of this variant of BMWs diminutive roadster as an unofficial M (Motorsport) version of the car. Tweaks to the engine for more power, along with suspension upgrades and a sporty exterior package set this car apart from the run of the mill Z4. This should be one exhilarating drive.
Of course Mercedes-Benz wasn’t going to let everybody else steal the limelight and bowed with the E-class convertible. Based on the new E-class coupe, the convertible looks appropriately restrained in that Mercedes kind of way. This is a very nice car, but missing a dollop of passion.
Cadillac’s debut of the “concept” in name only XTS will replace both the STS and DTS models as the large offering in the automakers lineup. A striking interior, hybrid powertrain technology and the usual Cadillac design cues make this a car that could do very well upon arrival. It will take dead aim at the Mercedes S400 Hybrid and anything else out there in the full-size category.