This car gives new meaning to the phrase "Audi my way, bee-otch!" even as its next-wave diesel technology squeezes down emissions. A souped-up 6-liter V12 TDI engine kicks out 500 hp and 737 pounds-feet of torque; a 16:1 compression ratio and exhaust gas circulation help keep emissions within the 2010 Euro-5 standard. Besides all that, it sure looks good.
If you're asked to name the Detroit 2007 concept car that matters most, go with the Volt. The concept is resurrection: The Volt could take GM from "electric car killer" to trailblazer overnight (I'm getting phone calls from eco-maniac friends with a sudden urge to hug Bob Lutz). This time, GM may have gotten it right. Worse things could happen.
runs on E85 ethanol -- the same flex-fuel engine that rocketed the Mustang FR500C to the Grand-Am Cup Championship in 2005.
Beautiful, fast and glamorous, the CX-F sedan evokes the lines of the 1950 Mark VII, but with an aggressive flair fully backed by its enhanced 4.2-litre supercharged V8. According to taste, the pulsing ignition button is either hypnotic or absurd; otherwise, the interior has the dramatic elegance you expect from a Jag. Look for a production version in spring 2008.
Look familiar? It is. For better or worse, the Trailhawk follows the Jeep formula, dressing it up with a T-top and a touchpad nav system. Powered by a 3.0-liter Bluetec diesel engine, it boasts 215 horsepower, 376 pounds-feet of torque, and solid front and rear axles. But its wheelbase and stance may prove too long and low for the off-road set.
These low-slung curves are powered by a high-revving 500-plus horsepower V10 engine. In the words of its designers: "The horsepower, superior aerodynamics, and revised styling make a top speed of 200 mph not only possible but probable." We like those odds.
Like the Ford Interceptor, the flex-fuel Lincoln MKR is based on a stretched version of the Ford Mustang platform; its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, like the Interceptor's V8, delivers 400 horsepower and runs on any gas-ethanol mix up to E85.
The only disappointing thing about Mazda's latest concept car is knowing you'll never own one. The Ryuga -- Japanese for "gracious flow" -- runs variations on that theme, accented with hints of raw power. Under the hood: a 2.5L flex-fuel engine that runs on gas or an E85 mix. Too bad Mazda has no plans for a production version.
Nissan claims the Bevel was conceived with middle-aged men in mind. Do they know any? Despite missing the target by a mile, this boxy buggy has its moments, from the passenger-side suicide door to a 110-volt plug powered by rooftop solar panels. Leather seats? Cool. Walnut floors? Not. Nice try, but a mixed bag at best.
High marks for going completely nuts -- and, in the process, making Suzuki's 2006 SXBox Concept look almost reasonable. The tilt-back swivel seats lack street-legal headrests -- just as well, since viewing the pop-top movie screen from inside the car is like taking a last look up at the guillotine. Bonus points for the cineplex-style door stripping.
Volvo brands on safety, but lately they're showing some style. From its ambient lighting via slots in the backrest to its six-cylinder E85 engine, the XC60 looks like a winner. True to form, Volvo showcases a new safety system designed to reduce rear-end collisions (up to around 19 mph) by automatically braking to avoid a crash.
