2009 NAIAS: Mini Cabrio & Mini E Make World Premier in Detroit – Video

The Mini E is a project to demonstrate the possibilities of creating and selling a new environmentally friendly vehicle. The Mini brand has been thriving lately and even in its 50 years it still has a knack for getting people around. Has it been that long you may ask… Yes, Mini, as you may remember made its debut as that small little capsule looking car dubbed the Mini Cooper about 50 years ago. Still a big hit in the states, BMW has taken it to a new level with introducing the zero emissions Mini E and now the all new “Always Open” Mini Cabrio.

View the World Premier and Milestone in Detroit video below after the jump…

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Fisker Brings Karma To The 2009 North American International Auto Show

Fisker Automotive has unveiled the actual production version of the Karma plug-in-hybrid at the NAIAS. We knew this years North American International Auto Show would be a big hit with hybrids and EV concepts but this is just interesting. It seems majority of the cars are a derivative of a hybrid or electric hybrid vehicle. This shows we have reached a turn in the automotive industry in our changing times and Fisker is joining the rankings with it’s new Fisker Karma.

The Fisker Karma’ production form is not much different from the concept vehicle that we saw at last year’s show. The Fisker Karma will have a proprietary Q-Drive powertrain with a 50 mile all-electric range. It even includes an array of solar panels on the roof. Interestingly enough it uses a GM Ecotec engine to turn a generator to charge the battery after the 50 miles very similar to the Chevy Volt. Basically, if you commute 50 miles per day you could in theory achieve 100mpg. That’s much better than a Toyota Prius’s claimed 50mpg but at $87,900 the Fisker Karma may have to sit at the dealership on full charge until you can save up some extra cash in our slumping economy.

[source: Autoblog]

Detroit 2009: Toyota Reveals New 2010 Prius Hybrid

The highly anticipated 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid is being revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new Prius is expected to make it to Toyota dealerships by late spring in the U.S. and Japan at the same time.

The new 2010 Toyota Prius will have even better gas mileage than the outgoing model while being bigger and more quite. Wow, how can you make this thing quieter? Hmm, that’s Toyota for you.

The new Prius is also expected to have one of the lowest drag-coefficient at 0.25Cd of any production vehicle as we know today. That aids in getting better gas mileage beating out the previous 41mpg figure to accomplish a combined 50mpg!!! Toyota took a stab back at Ford’s Fusion Hybrid in a MPG battle and Ford is bleeding, BAD.

[source: autonews.com]

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2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid Press Release below after the jump…

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Detroit 2009: Jaguar XFR and Jaguar XKR – JaguarRRR Roars Loud

A Jaguar can be a friendly cat and then when pushed the wrong way it could be a battle that you will not win. The supercharged R versions of the new 2010 Jaguar XF and XK make their way to this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Both cars, XFR and XKR, share a supercharged V8 producing 510 horsepower and can spring from 0 to 60 at 4.7 seconds and 4.6 seconds respectfully.

With the plush interior that is traditional modern Jaguar these twin cats will pounce on a lot of car while still being classy and stylish.

[source: autoblog.com]

View the press release and videos for both the Jaguar XFR and Jaguar XKR below after the jump…

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2009 NAIAS Preview: Cadillac E-Flex Coupe Concept

Rumors were already circulating about GM offering the Chevy Volt in Cadillac form and that may be confirmed at the 2009 North American International Auto show. Plans have been made to showcase a Cadillac E-Flex concept at the Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) and according to BusinessWeek, the two-door concept will use the same extended range EV drive-train as the Chevrolet Volt.

A New Sexy Sedan From GM: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Some have already said that the new 2010 Buick LaCrosse is the best looking Buick yet. Some will also say it is a day late and a dollar short for GM in introducing such a car. Either way, it is here NOW and it is nice!

The new 2010 Buick LaCrosse, as explained in our History of Buick Design, has a strong history backing and is still headed in the right direction.

Maybe if Buick was a car company separate from GM it would not need a bailout. Regardless, the new Buick LaCrosse deserves a serious look from all car enthusiasts.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is currently on the floor at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Video of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse below after the jump…

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NAIAS 2009: Maserati Quattroporte Sports GT S To Be Unveiled

Although a few “components” will be missing from the upcoming 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Maserati still plans on unveiling an all new Quattroporte Sport GT S which is, as you may have guessed, the performance version of the Quattroporte S. The GTS version gets a pumped up 440hp version of the V8 found in the Quattroporte and Quattroporte S versions which only put out 400hp and 430hp respectively.

Also included in the new GT S Quattroporte is a paddle-shift operated transmission, same as in the others only with some floppy paddles to play with matched to new software for quicker shifts. Other additions include carbon fiber accents in replace of the traditional wood paneling on the interior.

We guess that the competition is keeping up since the introduction of the new Porsche Panamera.