Comments on: TrueDelta Does Detroit

By: Mirko Reinhardt

Mirko Reinhardt — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:30:33 +0000

So from what angle does the Cruze look like the old Audi A4? Because it doesn’t on that picture.

By: revolver1978

revolver1978 — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:15:19 +0000

The new Equinox does look good, if a little Bloated but not Punked (a nugget to those who use Adobe Illustrator!) I’m a little dissapointed by the fuel economy, however. AWD fuel economy of 20/27 (I4) and 17/24 (V6) matches the 2009 Ford Escape V6 and barely edges the Escape I4, neither of which are direct injection AFAIK.
Definitely looks ritcher though.

By: CommanderFish

CommanderFish — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:50:31 +0000

Karesh: The insiders that hang out at Allpar are saying that it’s a new car entirely, not to replace the 300. They’re trying to move Chrysler upmarket, and this is the new midsize car. They are also saying that the 200 is very indicative of 300 styling, too, which will probably be a Chicago thing (along with the Charger and maybe even the Grand Cherokee and Durango replacements)

Oh, and also a conventional powertrain (a Phoenix V6 of some sort) is very possible.

By: jdizzle

jdizzle — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 03:32:00 +0000

If the current Sebring had the styling of that 200C, we might be singing a somewhat different tune about Chrysler.

By: SherbornSean

SherbornSean — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:09:32 +0000

MK,
Nice summary — I think you really nailed the first day. One thing I would point out is the Cadillac Volt concept, which in pictures at least looks amazing.

GM does have some decent product to follow up the Malibu, Enclave and CTS. Now that they are focused on just 4 divisions (really 3, as GMC is unfortunately just a Chevy truck with a different grill) they may be able to pull it off.

By: Michael Karesh

Michael Karesh — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:58:15 +0000

One correction: I’m hearing that the 200C might be a Sebring replacement based on a shortened LY platform. Still need to look furthar into this.

By: Michael Karesh

Michael Karesh — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:49:45 +0000

watersketch: the Chinese are showing knockoffs of Japanese cars. As is Honda with the Insight.

psarhjinian: it is actually less roomy inside; not just perception. Compare the stats for the Lincoln MKS and the 2008 Taurus.

By: 1169hp

1169hp — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:46:29 +0000

Interesting. Thanks for the update.

By: dean

dean — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:40:26 +0000

GM does appear to have some much improved product both for sale and in the pipeline. If these products were out five years ago, and if GM was more brutal in cutting the crud from their lineup, they probably wouldn’t be begging for their lives right now.

The 200C illustrates exactly why Chrysler is in so much trouble. If they had refreshed the 300C with something like that in ‘06 or ‘07, they might have had a chance. Instead, they let their product whither, introduce a dog like the Sebring, and then roll out the 200C with some bailout-fetching BS about alternative powertrains, which will ensure that the 200C will never see the light of day.

By: windswords

windswords — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:57:26 +0000

“I skipped the Chrysler presentation, figuring the company had nothing in the pipeline.”

Why did you “figure” that? Have you only been reading TTAC? I’m not being snarky, that’s a serious question. Even I had some idea of what they would show and I don’t work in the industry.

By: psarhjinian

psarhjinian — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:43:57 +0000

On the downside, the interior is much less roomy than that of the current Taurus

That’s a shame, as the Five Hundred did a very good job of maximizing space, especially next to cramped cars like the Impala and 300C.

Is it a perception thing, due to the higher beltline and larher console, or is it really smaller inside?

By: RayH

RayH — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:26:26 +0000

“They brought in a crowd of 100+ employees to stand behind the seated press and engage in a pep rally. Holding signs that said things like “here to stay.” The foreign journalist besides me asked who the protesters were.”

Thank you for my coffee-out-the-nose laugh of the day. The Chevy Equinox sounds very nice.

By: watersketch

watersketch — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:43:40 +0000

Nice summary Michael — I was thinking for a minute that TTAC didn’t have anybody covering the CARS at the auto show.

Is it true that 2 Chinese manufacturers are on the main floor for the first time? What are they showing?