The Detroit Auto Show; What are the highlights thus far?

Since Andy Didorosi has already finished a post on the Auto Show (Thanks Andy) I just thought I would do a quick post on what we (UDman and engineerd) think are the highlights of the NAIAS so far. Here is Dustin shooting a video for Streetfire.net (and having a great time, by the way).

The Chrysler Atlantica (Thats a joke son)
Some of the cars are very boring, somewhat questionable, with a few gems sprinkled about on the show floor. We both agreed that the Chrysler Display was sadness personified, with a re-hash of their product, including a horible edition of the PT Cruiser. However, there was this really sweet looking Lancia with a Chrysler grill tacked on. One of our CarDomain collegues called it the Atlantica (Because it was smaller than the Pacifica.) Drum roll please. There was also a sweet pair of Fiat 500 Abarths on the floor, along with other Italian masterpieces interspersed within the Chrysler booth.
The Morgan Aero Supersports
Tesla was there with their new Sedan variant called the Tesla Model S, which is quite hot looking for a sedan. Further details will follow about this car, but right next to the sedan was the new Morgan Aero Supersports. This is a modern Morgan with a 4.7L BMW V8, with 368 BHP, and a top speed of 170 MPH. The British Brute goes for over $190,000.
The GMC Granite Concept. Nope, nothing Granite-like here.
The worst prize goes to another crossover concept, from GMC. It’s called the Granite (of which there is not even a flake of granite on the entire vehicle), powered by a 1.4L Turbocharged 4 cylinder, all wheel drive, and is repulsive. The interior will never make production, nor will the doors, grill section, or the engine for that matter. GM May even have to pay royalties for the use of the name because its currently used by Mack Trucks. GMC Called this concept an Urban Utility Vehicle. I call is a sad Scion XB Copy, and not a very good one at that.
The BYD F3 DM. Dont call it a Corolla.
An Italian Beauty at the Chrysler Booth.
There are a bunch of no shows here at the show this year, including Nissan, Porsche, and Mitsubishi. There were also vacant spaces left when GM dissolved Pontiac, Hummer, Saab, and Saturn. Diddles highlighted one car maker who filled in, and the Chinese Car Maker BYD also took prominent space on the main floor, showcasing their hybrids that look like 15 year old Toyota Corollas. They promise that they will be here in 2011. Stay tuned, as Dustin and I still have this afternoon to go, as well as all day tomorrow. I have suggested to Dustin that he concentrate on shooting the Booth Professionals, so that we can do a posting before the competition (The J!).

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