Everybody knows the auto world has shifted. The trick is divining which brands have got the gumption to last.
Now, with President Obama's new efficiency standards requiring a fleet-wide fuel economy average of 35.5 miles per gallon, automakers have their work cut out for them.
Domestic carmakers in particular are gearing up to battle forthcoming offerings from new-to-the-U.S.Fiat, with its diminutive 55.5-mile-per-gallon Fiat 500, and Chinese newcomer BYD, maker of the staid hybrid-electric F3DM sedan.
Motor City had better get cracking. It takes four years to produce a market-ready vehicle, and a typical lifecycle for one model is seven years. While we wait to see what brands emerge victorious, Honda's mod CR-Z and Ford's "eco-boosted" Euro models point to the types of cars we can expect by 2014.
Alfa Romeo Milano
Highlights: Set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, the Milano is expected to boast a 120-horsepower 4-cylinder or 265-hp V6 engine. It sold briefly in North America (and was called the 75 elsewhere) in the late 1980s and early 1990s but disappeared when Alfa left the continent.
Why we care: Experts are speculating that the five-door Milano will form the basis for a new Chrysler sedan. It'll go on sale in Europe first, then likely come to the U.S. a few years later.
Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.
BMW X1
Highlights: BMW designed the X1 to combine the characteristics of its X-line SUV models with those of its smaller sedans in a new, "compact SUV" format.
Why we care: Based on the much-lauded 1-Series, the 6-cylinder X1 promises superb handling in a beefed-up, all-wheel drive format.
Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.
BYD F3DM
Highlights: This plug-in electric hybrid car went on sale in China late last year. It uses an electric motor and a 67-horsepower, 1-liter gasoline engine (for a combined output of the equivalent of 168 hp). It's tough to get specifics from the Shenzhen-based company, but BYD said at the Detroit Auto Show it'll bring products to the U.S. in 2011. The F3DM or F6DM could follow shortly after.
Why we care: In September 2008, billionaire investor Warren Buffet bought a 10% share of BYD for HKD1.8 billion. He has also reportedly been involved with consulting with the company on how to breech overseas markets--a positive sign for the hybrid's chances in the U.S., where it will face off with GM's Chevrolet Volt.
Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.
Cadillac Converj
Highlights: This "grand touring coupe" was created to show GM's electric technology (called Voltec) inside a sporty body style. It has a 40-mile electric-only range and can charge in eight hours on a regular, 120-volt outlet. Top speed is 100 miles per hour; top power is 120kW.
Why we care: If Cadillac can bring the Converj (or a similar production-ready car) to market, it will show GM can make electric technology both luxurious and practical for daily drives.
Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.
Ford C-Max
Highlights: The multi-purpose C-Max has been on sale in Europe since 2003; some experts think it will be one of the vehicles Ford plans to eventually bring to North America as part of its multiyear "One Ford" global product plan. Other confirmed new-to-the-U.S. cars are the Focus and Fiesta, due to hit stores next year.
Why we care: Part of Ford's survival goal is to use more, 4- and 6-cylinder engines that use its "ecoboost" technology to produce the same power as a 6- or 8-cylinder, respectively; it will place some of those engines in vehicles it brings over from Europe. The success or failure of that plan could have long-lasting ramifications for the company.
Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.
Honda CR-Z
Highlights: The 140-horsepower sporty hybrid concept will include the motor and battery platform currently used in the Honda Insight. Honda execs say it will be fun to drive, efficient and affordable.
Why we care: The two-seater is designed to remind drivers of the CRX, Honda's popular front-wheel drive sports car from the 1980s. The company has confirmed it will bring CR-Z (shorthand for "Compact Renaissance Zero") to dealer floors in the next few years.
Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.
Hyundai HED-5 i-Mode
Highlights: A six-seat monocab that uses "advanced eco-dynamics" with a small displacement engine and "futuristic" communications and entertainment systems, Hyundai says.
Why we care: Hyundai has dramatically changed its reputation in the past year, thanks in part to winning Car of the Year for its Genesis sedan and to creative marketing like its Assurance program, which promises to accept back a new vehicle if the owner loses his or her job. It will be interesting to see how its rise to prominence continues in the face of pressure from new competitors.
Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.
MINI E, MINI Crossman
Highlights: The plug-in E gets 150 kW of power and can hit 62 miles per hour in 8.5 seconds. It will have a top seed of 95 miles per hour and a range of 156 miles on one charge. The Crossman compact crossover will allegedly sit several inches higher than the Clubman but will maintain the distinctive MINI styling.
Why we care: The E is MINI's first all-electric vehicle. Its success or failure could determine how much time, money and effort MINI devotes to electric technology. The Crossman will be MINI's first-ever 4X4 vehicle--a departure from its diminutive, rally-car look.
Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.
Volkswagen BlueSport
Highlights: Volkswagen says the mid-engine, turbo diesel roadster will get 42 miles per gallon. It will weigh less than 1200 kg and get 180 horsepower and reach a top speed of 140 miles per hour.
Why we care: This is VW's third time trying to combine driving thrills and good fuel economy (its ConceptR and EcoRacer were two misses); this concept car looks closer to production than its predecessors, despite recent news that VW will delay final production of the model.
Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.
