Archive for the ‘Detroit Auto Show’ Category

Audi is in the midst of a transformation--according to company executives, it's the right moment in history for the brand to push through brand prejudices in the U.S. and to find a place alongside Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Change has already come to Audi for the 2010 model year: this week, Audi took High Gear Media for first drives in the R8 V-10 supercar, the S5 Cabriolet and the S4 sport sedan. The real action starts next year, however, as Audi unveils a replacement for its large A8 luxury sedan, shows the production version of its A7 four-door coupe, and polishes off development on a new A6 range.

First comes the Audi A8. Speculation...

When the Cadillac Converj concept debuted in Detroit last January, many were awed by its stylish looks and its green pedigree. (Like the Chevrolet Volt, the Converj is powered by an electric motor, which can be recharged on-the-go by a gasoline engine.) Sure, pairing the Cadillac brand and an electric powertrain seemed a little odd, but no one could really complain about having brains and beauty in one package.

Fast forward a couple of months to General Motors' reorganization: in trying to pick the most profitable path for GM, some upper-level managers and members of the federal auto task force voiced concerns about the Converj and its...

Each fall, 50 journalists from the most respected automotive media outlets get together to choose NACOTYs--in long form, the North American Car of the Year and Truck of the Year.

In just a few years of existence, the NACOTY have become one of the most respected awards in the industry. Designed to recognize the outstanding new vehicles in their segments, the awards also have given car shoppers and car enthusiasts an inside tip on the vehicles driving the future of the auto industry--vehicles like the 2009 Hyundai Genesis, the 2008 Mazda CX-9, and the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado.

The jury pool for the 2010 awards reads like a who's who of the...