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'2008 detroit auto show'

Mitsubishi undercuts Evo with Ralliart

For the last year, we eagerly followed the development of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, lapping up every new detail like a thirsty dog. With the launch date rapidly approaching, we considered trying suspended animation to make the time go by faster, but Mitsubishi just threw us for a loop, showing off the Lancer Ralliart at the 2008 Detroit auto show. Ralliart is Mitsubishi's tuner brand, delivering hopped-up versions of its existing models. The Lancer Ralliart unveiled in Detroit seems identical to the Evo X, spinning us out as we try and figure out which one we want more. … Read more

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

When we had the new Cadillac CTS in for a review last year, it impressed us enough to give it an Editors' Choice. At the 2008 Detroit auto show, Cadillac is capitalizing on its success with that car by showing off a coupe version. This coupe design concept does away with the rear doors, stretches the front doors, and pulls the roof line all the way back to the trunk lip, creating a fast back look. In addition, it achieves more sporty lines by emphasizing the connection between the A-pillar and the hood. Overall, the car represents an uncompromising demonstration … Read more

Photos: Ford navigation with Sirius Travel Link

We previously blogged about Ford's partnership with Gracenote to get album cover art for its in-dash music server, but that's just part of this new navigation and entertainment center. Sirius Travel Link provides a range of data services integrated with the navigation system for traffic, weather, and other useful information. Ford will roll out this new navigation system initially on the Ford F-150 and the Lincoln MKS. We got to try the system out at the 2008 Detroit auto show.

Click here for photos of the new Ford navigation system.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.… Read more

Photos: Fisker Karma

A new car company named Fisker showed off its luxury plug-in hybrid sports car and demonstrated its substantial financial backing by occupying some prime real estate on the floor of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The company follows in the wake of Tesla in its effort to develop a successful, high-end, eco-conscious sports car.

Click here for photos of the Fisker Karma.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit Auto Show coverage.

Photos: Ford Explorer America Concept

Ford's new Explorer concept, unveiled at the 2008 Detroit auto show, is designed less to show the future direction of the Explorer model and more to showcase Ford's new fuel-saving technologies. But most of these technologies are merely new to Ford and have already been used by other automakers.

Click here for photos of the Ford Explorer America Concept.

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Photos: Volkswagen Passat CC

Volkswagen's latest iteration of the Passat, launched at the 2008 Detroit auto show, looks remarkably different from its forebear, and brings in a host of electronics usually reserved for expensive luxury cars. But we are most excited about the all-new navigation and entertainment system, which looks to be a big improvement on Volkswagen's current offering. The car will be imported to the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Click here for photos of the Volkswagen Passat CC.

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Hummer concept takes a greener approach

Hummer doesn't embody environmentalism, but that's the spin GM CEO Rick Wagoner gave when he introduced the Hummer HX concept at the 2008 Detroit auto show. The Hummer HX is smaller and lighter than Hummer's other three models, but, more importantly, uses an E85-capable 3.6-liter V-6 engine. Wagoner extolled the virtues of ethanol as fuel during the press conference, punctuating the point by announcing a partnership between GM and Coskota Inc. to produce ethanol fuel using a new, cost-effective process.

As for the Hummer HX, it is a rugged-looking concept that brings Hummer design cues into … Read more

XH-150 demonstrates new hybrid technology, gets 150 mpg

AFS Trinity Power Corporation showed off its plug-in hybrid SUV, the XH-150, at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The car's power train represents a refinement of the hybrid concept by employing ultra-capacitors for fast acceleration under electric power. Traditional hybrids use batteries to power low speed driving, but kick in a gas engine when high speeds or heavy acceleration is required. AFS Trinity builds on this concept by adding ultracapacitors, which, unlike batteries, are designed to quickly discharge electricity, providing power to the hybrid's motors for fast acceleration. The company's demonstration vehicle, the XH-150, also features plug-in … Read more

Limousine wars: Chrysler versus Maybach

At the 2008 Detroit auto show, we ran across two limousines, one by Maybach and one by Chrysler. The cars, the Chrysler 300C Hollywood and the Maybach Landaulet Study, featured some similar characteristics, which left us wondering if Chrysler walked off with some Maybach plans when it got sold off by Daimler. After looking at both cars, we started thinking about which one is better. To start off, Maybach is an extreme luxury brand owned by Daimler, while Chrysler isn't, so we give the first point to Maybach. The Chrysler is powered by a 2.7-liter V-6, while the … Read more