Twenty years ago, Ford Motor Company introduced the Ford Taurus to the world. The car's rounded design revolutionized the midsize car segment and would eventually become an icon in the automotive circle. By that time, American car buyers already had family-friendly minivans and classy luxury cars. With a stylized new sedan on the market, it seemed like the future was just beginning. Twenty years later, the future is here. So how much further can car companies go? The North American International Auto Show presents to its audience an impressive array of vehicles, no doubt. But everything is expected - almost all the cars begin to look the same after a while. Perhaps that's why automakers are looking to turn heads with redesigns inside and out. This year's show attempts to make its rounded edges less symmetrical, its luxuries more extravagant and its engines more powerful. Before the show leaves Cobo Center this weekend, there is a chance to see the future culminated - and the future begin again.
Elements of surprise
Hybrid automobiles, or cars powered on a mix of gas and electricity, are only the first step in automakers' efforts to clean up the environment and save the world's fuel.
Several automakers are looking into hydrogen-powered cars. The GM Sequel, the third generation in a series of environment-friendly concept cars, has a sports utility vehicle's body and trendy interior. But nearby, patrons will see the underbody, a mass of wires, knobs and copper-colored hydrogen tanks.
"It's really clean for our environment," said Young Sun Kim, exterior designer of the Sequel.
The wheels of the car are operated with battery packs. Instead of gasoline, hydrogen in the tanks pass through fuel cells and converts to oxygen. Basically, the car runs on water vapors, Kim said.
"Right now, we can have these on the roads," he said. But since hydrogen prices are too high, it would be too expensive for most consumers, Kim said.
"It's not affordable yet, but it's doable," he said, adding that hydrogen-powered cars could be on the road by 2010. "This technology will be a lot better than it is now."
Form and function
SUVs, muscle cars and drop-tops, oh my! Station wagons and conservative sedans are taking a back seat to the need for speed and versatility.
"A radical change for that company is that Sky," Joe Vito said, referring to the Saturn Sky convertible.
The Sky, Buick Vélite, Lexus LF-C and Pontiac G6 convertibles were examples of several models of speedy drop-tops that will be on the road soon, if not already. The G6 will be available soon, and the Vélite and LF-C are concepts.
The redesigned Ford Mustang and the new Dodge Charger stole the show, both serving as a reminder of decades past. Although it is a four-door, the Charger still looks like a tough car, kind of like a Stratus on steroids. It will sound like one too, since it comes with a V8 engine.
The Mustang was just one of many Ford coupes for show. The Thunderbird roadster is still a retro favorite. The über-expensive, but über-fast race car-styled GT is an eye-pleaser, and the aluminim-coated Shelby GR-1 is an edgy concept that looks like it drove straight out of a video game.
Several companies competed for innovative SUV concepts. The Ford SYNus has a flat-screen TV embedded in the inside of its back door, which doesn't have a doorknob, but closes just like the door of a safe. The Suzuki Concept-X has a funky interior with silky Asian-print fabric and a Formula One-style steering wheel. And the Infiniti Kuraza, a big purple monster has captain's chairs for seats and a digital monitor in the dashboard that can display a map or weather conditions.
Pre-pimped rides
A removable car radio installed at Best Buy would be considered outdated on the floors of Cobo.
Chrome and wood grain, once a luxury, are almost standard on everything from coupes to minivans.
Cadillac lives up to its swanky image with Bvlgari timepieces installed in the dashboard, rather than the typical digital clock. Rolls-Royce, however, is miles ahead - the Phantom comes with lamb's wool carpeting and a cashmere-wool blend ceiling panel. The ultimate pimp ride, DaimlerChrysler's Maybach, is on display, but is not available to sit in. Most admirers can only dream of one day having a car with a built-in champagne bucket.
Obey the age limit
Jeff Cotar sat behind the wheel of a MINI Cooper smiling, talking to his friend about how much he loved the car.
"It's very fun, quirky - it has a lot of personality," the Allentown, Pa., resident said.
MINI is one of two companies that are courting the young car buyer, the other being Scion.
Scion, an offshoot of Toyota, presents three models: the xA, xB and tC. While the xA and tC follow more recent trends, the xB is a radical departure from the norm with its super-boxy station wagon-esque style.
But young buyers aren't the only ones impressed. Both Paul Belloni and his son, Matt, agreed the Scions were attractive.
"It's a great value, and there's lots of room," said the elder Belloni.
At the Scion display, patrons will find 20-somethings in baseball caps, plaid shirts and jeans. Techno and house music blare from speakers, and a mix CD featuring indie rappers is available alongside the usual product information guides.
MINI, out of the BMW stable, continues its campaign of offering a blend of European styling with good gas mileage. Plus, the cars just look cool.
The MINI exhibit features some simulated driving games and a sneak peek at "The Italian Job II" - all while a live DJ spins club tunes.
Prices are the only thing separating the two brands. The prices on the Scions are lower, averaging about $14,000. But the MINI prices go as high as about $25,000.
