Renewed confidence and optimism in the US auto industry led to a revitalised Detroit motor show, which kicked off yesterday. Detroit’s undoubted show star was the Porsche 918 RSR, but a host of important new production cars – both for local and global markets – and the usual array of innovative and quirky concepts ensured Detroit 2011 would go down as a classic.
Here, Autocar runs through what you may have missed from the Detroit show in an A-Z guide. Click on the links below for a full story of every Detroit show star, including exclusive show pics. There’s also a gallery attached to this story, where you can view a picture of each car.
See all the best show pics from the Detroit motor show 2011Steve Cropley's full show reportRead all the latest news from DetroitRead blogs from Autocar's reporters in DetroitWatch videos of some of the Detroit stars at the show
AudiWe got our first look at the new Audi A6 late last year, but Detroit was our first look in the metal. The RS3 mega-hatch didn’t quite make it to the show, however, having been on duty in Canada for media to sample.Audi A6
BMWThere were no surprises from BMW, who instead displayed three new production models. Mega-hatch fans got their first look at the 1-series M Coupe, while there was also a public debut for the 1-series coupe and cabriolet facelifts and a launch for the new 6-series in cabriolet form.BMW 1-series coupe and cabriolet faceliftsBMW 1-series M CoupeBMW 6-series
BuickGeneral Motors’ Buick showed off its new Verano saloon, effectively an Astra with a boot, a model that should help sustain its recent growth in the US.Buick Verano
ChevroletGeneral Motors’ staple brand had a quiet show as its parent firm focused on its continued recovery from bankruptcy. It displayed saloon and hot hatch versions of its new Sonic (Aveo in Europe). The Volt also scooped North American Car of the Year.Chevrolet Sonic saloonChevrolet Sonic Z-Spec Concept
ChryslerThe biggest news for Chrysler was Fiat increasing its ownership stake from 20 per cent to 25 per cent after a performance target was met. Elsewhere, it showed off its extensively revised 300C saloon and its new 200 compact saloon.Chrysler 300C
FordDetroit saw the launch of three new alternatively fuelled cars spun off Ford’s global C-segment platform: the Focus Electric and hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the C-Max. Its show star was the Vertrek concept, which is the first look at the new Kuga.Ford C-Max hybridsFord Focus ElectricFord Vertrek
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