As we said last week the concepts are out there this year and they showed up at the Detroit International Auto Show. I asked Jody Victor to tell us about more of these unusual cars.
Jody Victor: Sometimes concepts are just that 'Concepts' - someone's dream car actually developed. But not all of them go into production as you will see in this next group from the Detroit Show.
Hyundai Blue -Will - Hyundai's weirdly named Blue-Will plug-in hybrid showcases the Korean automaker's next generation electric drivetrain technology, some of which will debut on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that goes on sale later this year. Its "eco-sleek" design, with sweeping character lines, hints at what future Hyundai models might look like. The basis of Hyundai's new hybrid system is a 152-horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline engine and a 100-kilowatt electric motor powered by a lithium-polymer battery. It gets an estimated 50 to 55 mpg. The Blue-Will concept's plug-in system will reportedly get an estimated 106 mpg thanks to extended electric only capability that enables it to drive up to 40 miles on a single charge. It can be recharged from regular household power outlets.
MINI Beachcomber - The Beachcomber Concept givers a good idea of what MINI's new crossover might look like, but you have to picture it with doors and a roof to get the idea. The open-air cockpit theme isn't slated for production at this point; MINI is gauging people's reaction to it to see if it holds promise. The Beachcomber Concept's Jeep-like form was conceived as a way to tie the forthcoming MINI crossover to the classic cool MINI Moke, which was a stripped down MINI Cooper produced from 1964 through 1993 that looks like a cross between a World War II Willys Jeep and a dune buggy. The Beachcomber Concept's interior features an innovative rail system running between the front seats to the rear of the cabin, onto which cupholders, bins and mounts for electronic devices can be mounted.
Toyota FT-CH - The Toyota FT-CH is a compact hybrid designed to target young buyers and fill a slot just below the company's already-small Prius. The car has a broad, sporty stance, nearly two feet shorter than that of the the Prius, even though the FT-CH is just as wide as its older brother. Toyota didn't give specs on the drivetrain or mention definitive production plans. The FT-CH illustrates the company's strategy to expand its hybrid line with multiple Prius variants in a play to remain the leader in the segment. Toyota sold 530,000 hybrids worldwide in 2009; 195,000 of them were sold in the United States.
Subaru Hybrid Tourer - Expect to see more of the Hybrid Tourer's design cues from Subaru in the future. But don't expect the concept car's fanciful gullwing doors to make it onto production models - they're a common concept-only feature designed to better showcase the interior. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and twin electric motors, on the other hand, could find their way into production. The Subaru Hybrid Tourer made its North American debut at the Detroit Auto Show, but was first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show last fall.
Volkswagen New Compact Coupe - With its New Compact Coupe, Volkswagen finally gets into the hybrid game. Until now, the German automaker has largely placed its bets on clean diesel as the fuel of the future. The New Compact Coupe is capable of up to 45 mpg, thanks to an efficient 1.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a powerful electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. The combined output should be close to 177 horsepower. The car has an electric-only mode or it can be powered by the gas engine and electric motor together. While the car is coasting in hybrid mode, the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission disengages from the engine for added efficiency. Volkswagen didn't say when it will start offering a hybrid system.
Thanks, Jody! Great autos to come!