Saturday, 18 January 2014
[Preview] The highlights and lowlights of the 2014 Detroit auto show.
After spending two days running, talking and typing around Detroit's Cobo Hall for the 2014 North American International Auto Show, the writers and editors of Yahoo Autos compiled a list of their favorite new vehicles and those they were glad to leave behind:
BESTToyota FT-1 Concept
The Toyota Supra is one of those Japanese bubble-era cars that everyone
says they loved—but nobody bought. And you could sense Toyota’s
cautious enthusiasm for the FT-1 concept in how sparse it was in
providing specs. Would it spawn a production car, and would that have a
turbo inline-six, or a V-8? Undoubtedly, Toyota’s deciphering the buzz
and whether people would fork over $40k+ for a RWD sports car.
Nonetheless, the F1-inspired snout, Lexus LFA-esque tail and front air
intakes straight out of an F-35 fighter sparked fantasies of a beefier,
more powerful sibling to the Scion FR-S.
WORSTNissan Sports Sedan Concept
While not a hideous design, the over-styled creases, flares and flamed surfaces portend yet another Nissan Maxima that misses the mark. Here’s hoping the garish touches gets toned down for production — especially those LED headlights that look like a furrowed brow — and that it trims weight to live up to the "four-door sports car" moniker.
While not a hideous design, the over-styled creases, flares and flamed surfaces portend yet another Nissan Maxima that misses the mark. Here’s hoping the garish touches gets toned down for production — especially those LED headlights that look like a furrowed brow — and that it trims weight to live up to the "four-door sports car" moniker.
BEST Equus Bass770
To say I was surprised to see the Equus Bass770 at this year's show is an understatement; I'd have been more surprised if a meteor flew through the gates of Cobo and smacked me on the head. It's a car that, when we first head about its rumored existence from the company itself, screamed faker than Wayne Newton's face. A car like this doesn't just appear out of nowhere. And yet there it was, in all its retro glory. For me, it was the star of a well-represented show.
To say I was surprised to see the Equus Bass770 at this year's show is an understatement; I'd have been more surprised if a meteor flew through the gates of Cobo and smacked me on the head. It's a car that, when we first head about its rumored existence from the company itself, screamed faker than Wayne Newton's face. A car like this doesn't just appear out of nowhere. And yet there it was, in all its retro glory. For me, it was the star of a well-represented show.
WORSTSubaru WRX STI
There were truly no stinkers this year, nor any major misses. I'm disappointed that the Subaru WRX STI remains so very nondescript when compared to the WRX concept from last year, and yet having seen the new production WRX in L.A., it came as no surprise. While a big wing, blue paint and gold wheels causes youths to seek cold water, for me, it's just not enough. However, from a performance perspective, the new WRX is supposed to be rather special. I expect the WRX STI to be even more so.
There were truly no stinkers this year, nor any major misses. I'm disappointed that the Subaru WRX STI remains so very nondescript when compared to the WRX concept from last year, and yet having seen the new production WRX in L.A., it came as no surprise. While a big wing, blue paint and gold wheels causes youths to seek cold water, for me, it's just not enough. However, from a performance perspective, the new WRX is supposed to be rather special. I expect the WRX STI to be even more so.
BEST2015 Ford F-150
I'm reluctant to call the F-150 the best simply because for a new model we still don't know much about its capabilities; despite holding two days of running seminars in its own ballroom/dining hall/adult day care for reporters, Ford declined to reveal specific data about the F-150's power, towing or fuel economy. But it may be the most important vehicle Ford launches this decade, and while the aluminum body dominated the news, Ford's designers managed to move its styling forward and add a few features — like a remote-drop tailgate — that make you wonder why no one had thought of them earlier. In a convention hall full of show ponies, the F-150 had the muscle of a thoroughbred.
I'm reluctant to call the F-150 the best simply because for a new model we still don't know much about its capabilities; despite holding two days of running seminars in its own ballroom/dining hall/adult day care for reporters, Ford declined to reveal specific data about the F-150's power, towing or fuel economy. But it may be the most important vehicle Ford launches this decade, and while the aluminum body dominated the news, Ford's designers managed to move its styling forward and add a few features — like a remote-drop tailgate — that make you wonder why no one had thought of them earlier. In a convention hall full of show ponies, the F-150 had the muscle of a thoroughbred.
WORST Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept
The Beetle Dune concept was supposed to be the modern update of the classic Baja Bug, with bigger tires on a slightly raised suspension, and instead looks like something Rick and Chumley bought after the last SEMA convention blew through Vegas. It's the latest in several retro-revival Beetle concepts that too often highlight how large and stoic the new Beetle has become compared to its iconic forbear. And why does a desert-themed buggy need a ski rack?
The Beetle Dune concept was supposed to be the modern update of the classic Baja Bug, with bigger tires on a slightly raised suspension, and instead looks like something Rick and Chumley bought after the last SEMA convention blew through Vegas. It's the latest in several retro-revival Beetle concepts that too often highlight how large and stoic the new Beetle has become compared to its iconic forbear. And why does a desert-themed buggy need a ski rack?
BEST Kia GT4 Stinger Concept
I would say Kia’s GT4 Stinger sports car concept is surprisingly sexy, but frankly, I’m not surprised; Kia has been designing slick sedans and coupes for years now. Still, when the GT4 Stinger rolled on stage at the Detroit Auto Show and I came face to face with those prismic vertical headlamps, that sculptural, seamless body that looked like liquid honey, and peered into its simple, back-to-basics interior, I knew immediately that it had my Best in Show vote. Build a head-turning 2+2 sports car seems like a no-brainer, especially considering it would fill one of the last remaining holes in the Kia lineup.
I would say Kia’s GT4 Stinger sports car concept is surprisingly sexy, but frankly, I’m not surprised; Kia has been designing slick sedans and coupes for years now. Still, when the GT4 Stinger rolled on stage at the Detroit Auto Show and I came face to face with those prismic vertical headlamps, that sculptural, seamless body that looked like liquid honey, and peered into its simple, back-to-basics interior, I knew immediately that it had my Best in Show vote. Build a head-turning 2+2 sports car seems like a no-brainer, especially considering it would fill one of the last remaining holes in the Kia lineup.
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