TEAM OF RIVALS
2013 Detroit Auto Show

They are the fiercest of rivals, but for a couple of weeks in the dead of winter, the car companies get together to put on the greatest show in the western hemisphere. Known as the North American International Auto Show, or more affectionately as the Detroit auto show. LA Car staffers in the Motor City, Chris Merlo and Mark Dapoz, were at the show and provide their words and pictures of the show’s best. 2013 North American International Auto Show Words by Christopher Merlo Pictures by Mark Dapoz Upbeat and Back Up to Speed In the downturn of the Great Recession, with the Detroit automakers on the ropes serious, there was serious speculation as to whether the North American International Auto Show’s (NAIAS) would continue to reign supreme as thee auto show for North America. While we have all witnessed the resurgence of the U.S. auto market and the renewal of the Detroit automakers, the Detroit Auto Show is making a comeback of its own. Now in its 25th year, the site of the show, Cobo Hall, is in the midst of a major expansion and renovation to better host the show both this year and in years to come. Given the aforementioned rebound in sales, the mood was generally upbeat and as usual this year’s show served up a bountiful number of stats and premiers: • Over 5200 members of the media from 62 countries attended. • Fifty-nine vehicle debuts with 50 world and 9 North American premiers. That’s a brief overview, here’s a quick look at the stars of the show.

2014 Acura MDX Prototype A strong hint at the production version of the 3rd generation MDX, the prototype is lower, wider and more aerodynamic than the current model. Equipped with an all-new 3.5L V6, the MDX will be assembled in Alabama and goes on sale midyear.

Acura NSX Concept – 2nd Generation With this second-generation concept, Acura continues to advance the design of NSX Concept unveiled at last year’s show. This year’s concept includes a fully visualized interior cockpit and a more refined exterior. Production is scheduled to begin in two years.

2014 Audi RS7 Sportback The all-new RS7 is equipped with a 4.0L twin-turbo 560 horsepower V8 that boasts a top speed of 190 mph and accelerates from zero to sixty in 3.7 seconds.

2014 Audi SQ5 The compact crossover SQ5 is equipped with a supercharged V6 that delivers 354 horses and goes from zero to sixty in just over 5 seconds.

2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible “Speed” as in “world’s fastest convertible” or so claim the executives at Bentley. This super car has a top speed of 201 mph and accelerates from zero to sixty in 4.1 seconds – all made possible thanks to a twin turbo, 616 horsepower 12 cylinder engine teamed with an 8-speed transmission.

2014 BMW Z4 BMW unveiled a refreshed look for the sporty Z4 roadster with a new retractable hardtop roof.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Punctuating the performance theme among premium brands at this year’s show, the M6 Gran Coupe’s twin turbo powered V8 delivers 560 horsepower and 500 foot-pounds of torque propelling this sleek four-door from zero to sixty mph in just over 4 seconds.

BMW 4-Series Coupe Concept One of the more stunning concepts unveiled at the show, the 4-Series hints at the future replacement of the 3-Series Coupe.

2014 Cadillac ELR Coupe The much-awaited Cadillac version of the Chevrolet Volt took to the stage in the form of this sleek luxury coupe. Bringing signature Cadillac styling to the hybrid segment, the ELR has a 300-mile driving range and is outfitted not only with the expected luxuries but also with advanced technologies such as LED lighting, active grille shutters, multiple driving modes and advanced connectivity. ELR will be built in Detroit with a limited production run and will be sold globally.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Introducing the seventh generation of the great American sports car (some might say super car) was one of the most anticipated events of this year’s show. Copy space here doesn’t allow for all the details but it goes without saying the Corvette, now carrying the resurrected Stingray badge, continues to be the halo car for the Chevrolet brand and a production test bed for new, innovative technologies and styling. Consider the use of carbon fiber for the roof and hood. The better to lighten load along with an aluminum frame and chassis. Consider taking the small block V8 to new levels of performance to the tune of 450 horses and foot-pounds of torque harnessed by a 7-speed manual transmission. It’ll move you from zero to sixty in under 4 seconds and corners at over 1g. Drivers can select one of five drive modes from conservative to aggressive. And then there’s aerodynamic and aggressive design with a wider stance, longer wheelbase and lower roof. As the execs at GM put it, this is, “the best Corvette ever,” and it, “Punctuates who we are.”

2014 Chevrolet Silverado While officially debuted a month in advance of the Detroit show, the all-new Silverado’s styling (and GMC Sierra’s) champions the “evolution not revolution” mantra of new model makeovers. This is a big gamble on Chevrolet’s part given the highly competitive and highly profitable full-size pickup market. The new Silverado offers a three new V8 engines with standard cylinder deactivation. As the battle for leadership in the full-size pick-up segment continues to heat up, manufacturers are finding new and innovative ways to add fuel economy to their best-in-class capability and performance claims. Chevy has yet to release performance figures for the new Silverado. Next: The Reconstruction For more from the show, go to LA Car’s Facebook page at facebook.com/lacar.com