2009 Dodge Ram

Yes, Albertans: Your truck has arrived! And with unannounced power figures from its all-new 5.7-litre Hemi V8. Towing figures are still unannounced, also — figure on Dodge shooting for best-in-class power and towing. Interesting touches include one-piece cast chrome bumper on upscale trim levels. At the rear, Dodge thoughtfully integrated the exhaust into the rear bumper for V8 models. One other major mechanical modification…rear coil springs! The interior has been completely redesigned. In addition, crew models see storage wet wells integrated into the floor. At the sides of the bed, you can option out huge lockable storage containers — it’s a must-have feature.

GM sees ethanol as mid-term solution

Who would have thought that one of GM’s major announcements at Detroit would be about the peeing habits of a very small bug? The bug is apparently very clever at creating ethanol out of stuff that has been traditionally a bit harder, and more expensive to “ethanol-ize” — including garbage, old tires, and plant waste. Watch for a more detailed story in a future issue…

2009 Hyundai Genesis

A few years ago, a Japanese car company created an entirely new luxury division to battle Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. That was Lexus, 19 years ago. Being introduced as a 2009 model — exactly 20 years from the first Lexus — is the Hyundai Genesis. Hyundai has done luxury before, and done it well. But this is the debut of a rear-wheel-drive luxury car featuring a V8 engine. Even its base 3.8L V6 is expected to crest 300 horsepower — with the normally aspirated 4.6L Tao V8 nearer to 400 horsepower. All receive a 6-speed ZF automatic. Inside, a marquee feature is a Harman/Becker Lexicon sound system — also found in the Rolls Royce Phantom.

Cadillac CTS gets couped and V-eed

In Cadillac’s 15 minutes of Detroit stage time, it rolled out two concepts and one production car. First up was the Provoq concept, a small crossover vehicle employing GM’s e-flex powertrain system (in this case, a hydrogen fuel cell produces the juice for the electric motor). Next up was the production version of the CTS-V, which GM modestly calls “the fasted four-door sedan in the world,” though they did add the qualifier “that we know of.” But who would argue with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 worth 550 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. The final debutante was actually a surprise — a concept of a possible CTS coupe; among its many striking lines is the cool, modern take on that classic Caddy rear-quarter fin.

2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

Chock full of advanced electronic features, like radar cruise control, lane departure warning, and adjustable chassis settings, the top-range Volkswagen Passat CC will feature a powerful, 3.6-litre direct-injection V6 with 300 horsepower. The trunk will also hold two sets of golf clubs! If you’re not sold on its looks, there’s still the venerable Passat Wagon…

Fisker’s plug-me-in production car

At Detroit, Fisker Automotive unveiled the Fisker Karma, a four-door sports sedan that is a plug-in hybrid. Its “Q Drive” powertrain is similar in concept to GM’s e-flex system; a small gas engine turns a generator to keep the lithium ion battery pack charged, and able to juice the electric motor turning the (rear) wheels. If the car is plugged in overnight, it can run for about 50 miles before the gas engine is needed to power the generator. Consumers have the option to purchase a full-length solar roof that will help charge the car and provide cooling while the car is parked, and/or a set of solar panels for their homes or garages. Prices start at US$80,000.

Ford Explorer America Concept

The Explorer America Concept heralds some significant new directions from Ford. For starters, this concept is on a unibody structure, which could mean that the next Explorer might lose its traditional body-on-frame layout and its corresponding towing and off-road capacity. Ford says the concept provides room for six and their gear, along with “moderate towing and off-road capabilities.” It also shows off Ford’s new direct-injection engine technology, which, when combined with turbo-charging, is purported to net the power of a larger engine with the fuel efficiency of a smaller one. Its main design feature is a pillar-less sliding passenger door, and a “Meet the Jetsons” interior.

Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept

Ok, so terminally ill Internet addicts (myself included) know that two twin-turbo V10 gasoline-fueled R8 development mules burned in the past year due to inadequate cooling. Audi’s production-possible solution? A 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged diesel V12 based off the engine in Audi’s Le Mans-winning prototype. Power? Five-hundred horsepower, and 738 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm. That’s good for a 0-100 km/h time of 4.2 seconds, and a top speed of 300 km/h. I wonder how hard it’ll be to hook up a propane injection system?

Honda Pilot Prototype

Honda is calling this a prototype, but knowing Honda, it’s gotta be close to the actual 2008 Pilot that will be unveiled shortly. Once again, Honda has bestowed Pilot with a no-nonsense styling treatment. Pilot also remains one of the few “eight-seaters” out there — and now there’s even more room inside. A V6 engine introduces the latest generation of Honda Variable Cylinder Management technology; it operates in 6-, 4- and 3-cylinder modes. The new Pilot platform also incorporates Honda’s ACE body structure, for the safety of both passengers and pedestrians.

2009 Toyota Venza Crossover

When asked why Toyota would produced an updated version of the Chrysler Pacifica, a company representative put it this way: “The Venza is to the Camry what the Matrix is to the Corolla.” It all makes sense. North Americans love the Matrix, Corolla, and Camry — why not a 5-passenger crossover in the same vein as the Camry? Toyota’s familiar 3.5-litre V6, and an all-new 2.7-litre 4-cylinder engine will power the Venza. Expect to see a lot of the Venza — especially if the price is right.

2009 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Mercedes is set to enter the compact SUV market and unveiled at Detroit, two distinctly different design studies of this upcoming GLK. This vehicle would play in a category below MB’s M-Class SUV, and was shown with a new 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine (don’t get in a lather, this engine is likely only for European consumption). But with the GLK moniker, it must be looking to emulate, or ride the coattails of, the powerful and square-shouldered G-Class SUV. The Vision GLK Freeside explores the off-road possibilities of this new vehicle, while Vision GLK Townside explores its more tarmac-focused side.

Jeep Renegade Concept

Jeep says this concept features a production-feasible powertrain. So what’s under the skin? A small Bluetec diesel mated to a lithium-ion battery pack, with a range of over 60 km on electric power alone and 2 L/100 km combined. No, that’s not a typo. Central to economical performance is the concept’s extensive use of lightweight materials, like aluminum. Being a two-seat, speedster-styled convertible with a simple, hose-out interior helps keep the weight down. Our verdict? Put the powertrain in a Jeep truck, and a Hemi in this concept.

2009 BMW X6

We think the North American debut of the X6 should have happened in a more, ahem, urbanite-friendly area. As such, it’s simultaneously BMW’s latest SUV, and first true crossover vehicle. Combining the best bits of SUV ride height and car-like looks, the X6 seeks to carve out a difficult market niche. Carving chunks from its tires won’t be difficult, considering its top-level motor: an all-new 4.4-litre win-turbocharged V8 with 408 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm — and an incredible 443ft-lb of torque between 1,800 and 4,500 rpm) Two diesel engines are also planned for North America.