Detroit motor show 2011: A-Z guide

Audi A6
BMW 1-series coupe facelift
BMW 1-series cabriolet facelift
BMW 1-series M Coupe
BMW 6-series
Buick Verano
Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec Concept
Chevrolet Sonic
Chrysler 300C
Ford C-Max Energi

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4 mins read

11 January 2011

Renewed confidence and optimism in the US auto industry led to a revitalised Detroit motor show, which kicked off yesterday. Detroit’s undoubted show star was the Porsche 918 RSR, but a host of important new production cars – both for local and global markets – and the usual array of innovative and quirky concepts ensured Detroit 2011 would go down as a classic.

See a pic of every show star

Here, Autocar runs through what you may have missed from the Detroit show in an A-Z guide. Click on the links below for a full story of every Detroit show star, including exclusive show pics. There’s also a gallery attached to this story, where you can view a picture of each car.

See all the best show pics from the Detroit motor show 2011
Steve Cropley's full show report
Read all the latest news from Detroit
Read blogs from Autocar's reporters in Detroit
Watch videos of some of the Detroit stars at the show

Audi
We got our first look at the new Audi A6 late last year, but Detroit was our first look in the metal. The RS3 mega-hatch didn’t quite make it to the show, however, having been on duty in Canada for media to sample.
Audi A6

BMW
There were no surprises from BMW, who instead displayed three new production models. Mega-hatch fans got their first look at the 1-series M Coupe, while there was also a public debut for the 1-series coupe and cabriolet facelifts and a launch for the new 6-series in cabriolet form.
BMW 1-series coupe and cabriolet facelifts
BMW 1-series M Coupe
BMW 6-series

Buick
General Motors’ Buick showed off its new Verano saloon, effectively an Astra with a boot, a model that should help sustain its recent growth in the US.
Buick Verano

Chevrolet
General Motors’ staple brand had a quiet show as its parent firm focused on its continued recovery from bankruptcy. It displayed saloon and hot hatch versions of its new Sonic (Aveo in Europe). The Volt also scooped North American Car of the Year.
Chevrolet Sonic saloon
Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec Concept

Chrysler
The biggest news for Chrysler was Fiat increasing its ownership stake from 20 per cent to 25 per cent after a performance target was met. Elsewhere, it showed off its extensively revised 300C saloon and its new 200 compact saloon.
Chrysler 300C

Ford
Detroit saw the launch of three new alternatively fuelled cars spun off Ford’s global C-segment platform: the Focus Electric and hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the C-Max. Its show star was the Vertrek concept, which is the first look at the new Kuga.
Ford C-Max hybrids
Ford Focus Electric
Ford Vertrek

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Honda
While the pair of Honda Civic concepts – a saloon and a coupe – looked impressive, neither are planned to make it to the UK. Instead, Europe and Japan will get a new Civic that will be revealed later in the year and will be built in Swindon.
Honda Civic concepts

Hyundai
An impressive offering from Hyundai saw it reveal the well-judged Veloster coupe complete with an innovative 2+1 side door arrangement and the Curb concept, a funky Nissan Juke-style SUV.
Hyundai Curb concept
Hyundai Veloster

Jeep
Jeep’s revised model range at Detroit included a heavily revised Compass that borrows much of its styling from its larger Grand Cherokee sibling.
Jeep Compass

Kia
Hyundai’s sister firm also brought along an innovative concept with the KV7, a large MPV that’s unlikely to ever inspire a Europe-bound production car.
Kia KV7

Mini
Mini kept up its recent impressive pace of showing new concepts at motor shows with the launch of a concept coupe version of the Countryman, the Paceman.
Mini Paceman

Mercedes
Mercedes brought along its facelifted C-class saloon and estate models to a press event on the eve of the show, but neither made it as far as the show hall. Instead Mercedes kicked off its 125th anniversary celebrations with a range of models from its past and present and a sculpture showing the future of its interiors.
Mercedes interior scultpure

Porsche
Porsche’s return to the Detroit motor show didn’t disappoint as it managed to steal the show with its new 918 RSR hybrid racer. It will inspire the eventual production version of the 918 road car, first seen in Geneva 10 months ago.
Porsche 918 RSR

Tesla
Tesla backed up the impressive range and technology claims of its seven-seat Model S electric saloon by revealing the car’s equally impressive body in white. It’s set to go into production within the next 18 months.
Tesla Model S tech

Toyota
After Porsche, Toyota had the biggest surprise at the show with the launch of not one but two new Prius models. The V is a production-ready MPV, while the C Concept will inspire a handsome hybrid supermini, both to be launched under the Prius name.
Two new Toyota Priuses