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Detroit 2008: Autoblog picks the five most significant introductions

Detroit 2008: Autoblog picks the five most significant introductions

Posted Jan 15th 2008 9:13PM

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Media days of the Detroit Auto Show have come and gone, and we've done our best to provide you with plenty of pics and updates of all the significant debuts during North America's biggest auto show. We scoured through all the new concepts and world debuts to give you our five most significant new products at NAIAS. Click on the video above to view the Autoblog Five, and be sure to give us your top five all-new concepts and world debuts after the jump.

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Category: Detroit Auto Show, Videos, Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Mitsubishi

Tags: Audi R8 TDI, AudiR8Tdi, Cadillac, Corvette ZR1, CorvetteZr1, CTS Coupe, CtsCoupe, Dodge Ram, DodgeRam, lancer ralliart, LancerRalliart

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jjmite

I agree that the ram does deserve the 1 spot because of its improvements. The new 380hp 5.7 hemi alone should be praised, and the addition of coil springs for a half ton should make it a comfortable ride. Donâ€™t care much for the ram box.
But the exterior nothing new or improved, its just ok or fine, nothing ugly. I preffer the current look of rams becuse of their aggresiveness. The new ram looks a bit watered down of the current generation of the truck. If your were to replace the gun sight ram grill with the 3 chrome bar grill the new ram would look like the previous generation superduty.

The new F150 is still a better looking truck interior and exterior. But its power train will surely trail the competition till ford gets the Boss or hurricane engine.

If I was given the option between the new ram vs the tundra, definitely the ram. The new ram improvements are were it counts whatâ€™s in a truck (powertrain, coil springs....).

January 16 2008 at 2:53 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Jim Hayden

If Pick ups are so 1994, why do they hold 3 of the top ten best sellers ? (f150,silverado, and the Ram)

January 16 2008 at 12:12 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

2 replies to Jim Hayden's comment

Dan

Never mind 3 of the top 10, they're also 2 of the top 2.

January 16 2008 at 12:32 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Frank

That's because pickups are so 1994 in the mind of the poster. But they are still important to the big 5 pickup sellers: GM, Ford, Dodge, Toyota, and Nissan.

January 16 2008 at 12:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Brent

I agree with the #1 pick!

January 16 2008 at 12:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Flanagan

I imagine the Verve isn't on the list because it wasn't its debut. It's actually the third showing of the concept at an auto show.

The Audi is significant because of the diesel engine; the CTS Coupe is significant because, well, look at it; the ZR1 is significant because it is a further evolution of the already-impressive Z06 and puts GM among the ranks of Lamborghini, Pagani, Koenigsegg, and Ascari.

Personally, I disagree with the Ram and the Lancer. The Ram sure is a new introduction, but it's still "just" a pickup truck and really does nothing new for its segment. Ditto the Lancer Ralliart. It's basically an engine-and-trim package that slots between two already-released versions of the same model. Nothing revolutionary.
I'd put in the Fisker and the Hyundai Genesis in their places. The Fisker will be the first independent hybrid to be produced, and its $80k price tag makes it the cheapest car Mr. Fisker has designed in the last ten years or so. The Genesis is Hyundai's first RWD vehicle, and sets the stage for them to compete in new segments globally. It's difficult to foresee how it will fare, but it's a revolutionary step for Korean automakers.

January 16 2008 at 9:35 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Flanagan's comment

Chris Shunk

Sean: Great comments and very well thought-out. While this is Autoblog's list, you can bet that we had our arguements over what cars should go where. The Ram topped the list in our minds (and instead of the F-150) because it is such a leap forward and because of the coil springs and improved fuel economy. It's no longer the cheap but manly alternative to Ford and Chevy.

Lancer and Genesis are interchangable to me, but for others on the team liked the Lancer more because the Genesis has been around for a while, and that grille is ugly as hell. Lancer Ralliart will be big for enthusiasts on a budget that can't afford an EVO or STI.

For those that question why the R8 TDI is on the list... name another supercar powered by a diesel engine. That's why. Audi has proven on the race circuit that diesel can dominate, and on the street it will be awesome and fuel efficient at the same time.

January 16 2008 at 10:42 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Jake

If you consider those 5 as "significant", you'd have probably scoffed at the Model T and jumped on your horse to head home. At best they are tiny evolutionary improvements (can I say evolution and not be crucified). The Fisker, AFS Trinty, and the Mercedes GLK (because it's a diesel in a vehicle costing less than $60,000!) are more significant than any of your choices.

January 16 2008 at 8:26 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

JohnZ

I would agree with those saying Autoblog's list does not reflect cars that are 'significant' to 'North America'. Significant concept cars for NA would reflect the Big 3's struggle to regain sales (RAM, Verve, Explorer), demonstrate leadership (Cadillac Coupe, Lincoln MKT, Verve), foresee more threats (Genesis), or address CAFE and the environment (ZR1, R8 - Not!).
Try again please!

January 16 2008 at 6:07 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rolli

Omg! That boring "Mitsuuuubishy" with it's VW-engine!? I'd take the Mercedes GLK!

January 16 2008 at 5:33 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Hamud

What's so significant about a new engine for the R8? One more choice for you to dream??

January 16 2008 at 4:51 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Hankster

I agree that the new Dodge Ram both the exterior look and interior looks are far out front of the new GM/Ford/toyota trucks,with rear seat ice-coolers and RamBox side loading storage.Not to mention that the bed is lower and easier to get into from the side.The coil spring set up is gonna be love by highway user who use their pickups as commuters,and light load them on the weekend with dirtbike,Jet ski's and small trailer's around the 8000-9000 rating's.I myself would never dream of pulling 10,000+ with a halfton.I have always used a 3/4-1 ton to tow that much an more.Nice job Dodge.They listen to us this time around.And more Hemi power sweeeet!!!!!!

January 16 2008 at 4:14 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

distantbody

The Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept is stunning.

January 16 2008 at 12:44 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply