2012 Detroit Autoshow

[G.Irish]

Didn't get to do Detroit this year, though I was tempted to pay my own way this time just so I could see the new NSX in person. At any rate, looks like there's some cool stuff out there this time around.

So far, gotta say I'm really impressed with the new Ford Fusion. For my money this is now the best looking mid-sized sedan on the market by a country mile:



Chevy's got an interesting RWD sport compact concept, but I don't quite know what they're going for. They already have the Camaro as a cheap RWD entry so I don't know where this would slot. The concept has their 150 hp 1.6L turbo, so it wouldn't be any match for the Toyobaru. They've got more powerful FI 4-cylinders but if they gave it a powerplant like the Cobalt SS's then they'd probably step on the Camaro V6's toes. Seems like a me too answer to the BRZ/FR-S.

The greenhouse reminds me of the RX-7. Looks a bit awkward but not terrible.

[CaptainHenreh]

So far, gotta say I'm really impressed with the new Ford Fusion. For my money this is now the best looking mid-sized sedan on the market by a country mile:

Yeah, it's only taken them 5 years to bring a C&D and Motor Trend top 10 car of the year to the US.

[G.Irish]

Yeah looks like they took the best styling elements of the Mondeo, improved them, then put it on the Fusion. It's got a bit of Aston Martin in the grill now.

Seems like Ford is really doing great work now. I hope they can keep this momentum going. Might have to buy some stock.

[NTIman]

Ford does have some good looking cars right now. Probably one of the biggest turnarounds I've seen for a company in design.

The Chevrolet RWD thing is hideous to me.

[ScottyB]

not gonna lie, before i even read anything i was gagging at the thought of Aston getting into the midsize sedan market. then i realized it was a Ford. Not sure if that's...bad? it also looks full size, or maybe i've just forgotten how big a mid-size car is classified now.

i kinda like the little chevy thing. reminds me of the dodge razoor of forever ago. looks like it probably has even less of a back seat than the BRZ, which could be good for weight if they aren't earnestly trying to be a 2+2. i'm sure the 1.6T is the entry engine. just as the BRZ will eventually see a turbo variant (there's no way it won't happen) chevy will make an SS of that, probably with a decendent of the LNF ecoboost plant. if they are serious, they're just holding their cards to see if the BRZ flops.

[Evan]

If the fusion had a wagon version Id buy one the day it came out.
but unfortunately nobody makes midsize wagons anymore because its more profitable to put SUVish sheetmetal on it, call it a "crossover", and charge a $6k premium.

Its good looking but I do think that the Optima is still slightly better designed.

Im looking forward to seeing the new Kodo themed Mazda 6.

[G.Irish]

I wonder if the Chevy 130R concept is referring to the world-famous 130R at Suzuka? Maybe a veiled shot at Toyota/Subaru (which would be silly given its specs)?

[G.Irish]

New NSX:

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Of course they had to put that stupid chrome grill on there but other than that I like it. Very sleek and aggressive, reminds me of the Saleen S5 concept. Gonna be produced and developed in America which is pretty radical for Honda. Normally they make the special models in Tochigi (Type-R's, NSX, S2000). Hopefully that'll keep the price down.

[SlimKlim]

If they literally ripped off that chrome bucktooth and changed nothing else, that NSX would be pretty damn sexy.

I keep scrolling back up and looking at the fusion, its supposed to look like a nice Ford but all I see is a really shitty looking Aston Martin. They should've kept their fat little fingers out of that design honey pot and come up with something not so derivative IMO. Especially with all the good original stuff they've been coming up with the past 3 years or so. I'll withhold final judgement until I have the chance to walk around one and see it in 3D. To be fair I know nothing about it, didn't even know the old body was up for an update. What are they changing with this one?

[G.Irish]

[G.Irish]

Side and rear:

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[Cody]

I thought the early Fusions looked slightly prelude esq. It would have looked cool as a 2 door if it had more power but obviously that wouldn't make sense because of the mustang. The newest fusion doesn't look bad but could use slightly more slanted and less lengthy head lights. NSX wins the award for not quite as ugly acura bucktooth (as joey put it).

[Seantn1k]

I've decided to be a jet setter this weekend, I'm heading to the show. Does anyone want anything in particular from it? Or certain photos taken? (nothing crazy)

[NTIman]

I thought this was pretty cool, at least the new NASCAR Fusion actually looks like one, even if it is completely different: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.freep.com/article/20120124/BUSINESS0102/120124045/1204/business01/Ford-unveils-Fusion-NASCAR-racing-looks-like-Fusion">http://www.freep.com/article/20120124/BUSINESS0102/120124045/1204/business01/Ford-unveils-Fusion-NASCAR-racing-looks-like-Fusion</a><!-- m -->

[G.Irish]

I've decided to be a jet setter this weekend, I'm heading to the show. Does anyone want anything in particular from it? Or certain photos taken? (nothing crazy)

If you could get:

*some low 3/4 angle shots from the rear of the NSX
*pics of the Camaro ZL1 and Mustang GT500

[Seantn1k]

I've decided to be a jet setter this weekend, I'm heading to the show. Does anyone want anything in particular from it? Or certain photos taken? (nothing crazy)

Sorry, but my flight was actually cancelled amongst a number of other ones flying out there. Apparently they were getting hit with some vicious snow.