2009 Detroit Auto Show ? Kicking off the new year in Motor City[SIZE=-1]
Automotive engineers and editors from the Consumer Reports Cars team are en route to Motor City to attend the 2009 North American International Auto Show, commonly know as the Detroit auto show. It promises to be an important year for this event, as the auto companies struggle during the troubled economy, and Detroit itself is feeling the full impact of the downturn. (Plus the winter storm hitting this weekend.)The Detroit show is known around the globe for its over-the-top vehicle introductions, with dramatic, staged unveilings for the cars of tomorrow. This year, slashed budgets and negative sales forecasts will likely sap much of the exuberance from the event. Many automakers have opted to skip the formerly de rigueur press conference and either just place their new model on the show floor, or withdraw from the event altogether.
Still, there will be dozens of vehicles making their world premier and many being shown in the United States for the first time. Models we anticipate seeing include the Audi A7, BMW Z4, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, Cadillac CTS sport wagon, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Cruze, Chrysler Town & Country EV, Fisker Sunset, Ford Shelby GT500, Ford Taurus, Honda Insight, Kia Soul?ster, Lexus HS 250h, Lincoln MKT, Mercedes-Benz BlueZero, Mini Cooper convertible, Saab 9-5 Griffin, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Prius, and Volvo S60 concept. And as always, there will be a few surprises.
Look for live coverage starting Sunday, as the team reports from on location at 2009 Detroit auto show, complete with blogs. There will be interesting news and vehicles, as well as an interesting experience to share. For a taste of things to come, see our preview coverage now live.
?Jeff Bartlett*
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