DetroitAutoShow

Next month at the Detroit Auto Show, Cadillac will be showing off two new cars, a high performance coupe and a new flagship. The new CTS-V coupe is the only publicly confirmed for production. The standard V6 powered CTS coupe debuted earlier this month at the LA Auto Show and the V adds the fabulous 556 hp supercharged V8 from the CTS-V sedan.

The second car which is billed as a concept for now will likely become a production reality in 2011. Cadillac showed the flagship concept dubbed XTS to media last August after GM emerged from bankruptcy. The teaser photo above provides a look at the front corner. The rest of the car is inspired by the Sixteen concept of several years ago. The hood of the XTS is much shorter than the Sixteen which is concieved around a proposed new V16 engine. GM has not said what engine will be in the XTS although a turbocharged and direct injected V6 is much more likely given current economic realities. The XTS is expected to sport all wheel drive.

[Source: Cadillac]

Detroit MI in January is not generally the kind of place you associate with open top motoring. In fact 9 inches of fresh snow the day before the press previews started were followed by temperatures dropping to near zero by mid-week. Nonetheless veteran car designer Henrick Fisker showed off the production version of his plug-in hybrid Karma sport sedan and a new concept for an open-top version to follow up in 2011. The Karma and Karma Sunset concept are targeted at those who are tired of rolling up to award show red-carpets in a lowly Toyota but don't want to give up their "green cred."

The Sunset draws on the styling themes that first appeared on the Karma when it debuted at last year's Detroit Auto Show. In either sedan and convertible variations, the cabin is pushed well toward the back with the classic long hood proportions and voluptuously curved fenders. Fisker's cars are propelled by an extended range electric drive system not unlike that in the upcoming Chevy Volt, but with much more power. The Karma is claimed to be able to go 50 miles on a charge of its lithium ion battery before the 260 hp turbocharged engine starts up to recharge the battery.

Inside, the green luxury theme continues with wood trim exclusively from salvaged trees that are fallen from age or fire or recovered from lakes. The rest of the interior can be trimmed out in either leather made with so-called sustainable processes or a special fabric made from bamboo fibers which is remarkably soft in spite of its source. The Karma sedan is available for pre-order now at a starting price of $87,900. Deliveries are expected to start late this year.

Update: There is an interview with Henrik Fisker at Green Fuels Forecast



[Source: Fisker Automotive]
Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Maserati plans to unveil its stunning new Quattroporte Sport GT S (above), its most powerful luxury sedan ever, at next month's Detroit Auto Show. With all the buzz about the upcoming Lamborghini Estoque and Porsche Panamera, Maserati's sexy beast is a timely reminder that the Italian marque is the one to beat when it comes to heart-stopping four-doors. The Quattroporte Sport GT S boasts 433 HP, a 0 – 60 time of less that 5.5 seconds, a throatier exhaust, and a leaner, meaner look in general. It's expected to cost about $140,000. The Quattroporte's automotive heritage dates back to the 1960s when the Aga Khan ordered a stately but sporty Maserati sedan, which became the prototype for the vehicle.