2011 Future Cars

Acura ZDX

Acura calls the ZDX a "sports coupe". Seeing as it's built on the same platform as the MDX SUV, and shares its powertrain, all-wheel drive layout, and high seating position, the purists might argue. But in the context of BMW's X6, and Infiniti's FX50, Acura might have a point. These days, almost anything with a cabin where space has been deliberately compromised for the sake of style is called a sports coupe.

The ZDX is the first vehicle designed entirely at Honda's $15 million Acura Design Studio in Torrance, California. The ZDX shares many design cues with the controversial TL sedan, though the execution is thankfully much less cartoonish. Overall length is 192.4in, and overall width is 78.5in. It rides on a 108.2in wheelbase and stands 61.8in tall.

Aston Martin Rapide

After years of building coupes, Aston Martin is back in the four-door game with the new Rapide. To keep things simple, Aston has simply lengthened DB9 by 10 in. and raised the roof 2.5 in. to accommodate two more doors and allow for the comfortable seating of adults in the rear seats.

At 197.2 in. long and 52.5 in. tall and weighing in at 4200 to 4300 lb, the Rapide is slightly bigger and heavier than its chief rival, the Porsche Panamera. Expected to start at over $200,000, it's more expensive as well. With the DB9's 480-hp, 6.0L V-12 under the hood, though, the Rapide is still expected to reach 60 mph in the sub-5-sec range with its ZF Touchtronic automated manual transmission handling the shifts.

Outside, the Rapide looks essentially like a four-door DB9, which isn't a complaint. The beautiful Aston Martin shape has taken well to the stretch and retains its graceful lines and classic styling, certainly more so than the Porsche Panamera. While the Rapide has been spied repeatedly in near production trim, Aston is still being coy about its launch date. We expect to see it on the road sometime next year.

Audi A7

Previewed at the 2009 Detroit auto show in the form of the Audi Sportback Concept -- the coming Audi A7 is the German automaker's stab at the so-called four-door coupe market. Expect the A7 to come in both sportback (read: hatchback) and sedan forms when it hits production sometime after its world debut at September's 2009 Frankfurt auto show.

The Sportback concept, underpinned by the same basic architecture as the new A4/A5, featured the first application of Audi's electromechanical steering system in a longitudinal-engine vehicle. Expect the new steering setup, along with the latest Audi tech updates, such as the reconfigured quattro all-wheel drive, updated MMI interface, and Audi's new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, to find their way into the A7. Powertrain choices should include Audi's tried-and-true 3.2L V-6 as well as the automaker's new 3.0L supercharged six. Also a possibility is the 225-hp, 406 lb-ft, 3.0L diesel unit that powers the Q7 TDI. A V-10-powered S7 variant could also be in the cards down the line as well.

Bentley Arnage

This is a car that was never meant to be. When VW boss and arch-technocrat Ferdinand Piech bought Bentley in 1998, his intention was always that the big Arnage -- developed on a tiny budget by then owner, British armsmaker Vickers -- be replaced with a faster, more technically advanced car, the Continental. But thanks to the passion and persistence of Bentley chairman Franz-Josef Paefgen and engineering chief Ulrich Eichhorn, the Arnage will continue to be the flagship of the Bentley range.

An all-new Arnage (the current Arnage Final Series is pictured) will make its public debut later this year. The car will be about the same size as the current Arnage -- and the forthcoming Rolls-Royce 200EX -- but will have a longer wheelbase for improved interior room. The redesigned interior will feature vastly improved ergonomics and better integrated electronics, but will retain its olde-worlde charm.

The new Arnage will remain old-school under the hood too, powered by an upgraded version of the legendary, charismatic 6.75L overhead-valve turbo V-8. This engine's basic design dates back to 1959, but, says Eichhorn, is capable of meeting all foreseeable emissions requirements. Expect at least 500 hp and more than 738 lb-ft of torque driving through an eight-speed automatic transmission to improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

The 5 Series Gran Turismo follows the X6's lead, further segmenting the BMW lineup. Dubbed a Progressive Activity Sedan, the GT is 3-in. shorter in length than a 7 Series and 5.3 in. lower than the X6 in height. A large car indeed, but, like the X6, the GT seats four.

Also like the X6 is the rear hatch, which BMW boasts is an innovation for the segment it is aiming to create for this vehicle. The hatch allows for legroom similar to 7 Series and 15.1 cu ft of trunk space, but move the rear seats forward and space expands to 20 cu ft. Fold the seats via button and 58 cu ft is available. To make use, the rear opens in two ways: the entire lid and rear glass hatchback-style or just the lower metal like a normal trunk. The smaller opening, BMW says, makes for easier use during inclement weather.

BMW has yet to divulge drivetrain specifics. But the platform suggests anything from the 3.0L twin-turbo straight-six, 3.0L turbodiesel, or the company's 4.4L twin-turbo V-8.

BMW 6 Series

The Concept CS may be defunct, but its design lives on in the new 7 Series, Z4, and third-generation 6 Series. So far, all we've seen is a smattering of spy photos of a convertible hiding behind BMW's psychedelic camo. Still, we can see that the maligned Bangle Butt remains in some form and the general proportions haven't changed. We also see a fabric top in the spy shots, but it's likely the new convertible will employ a folding metal roof like the Z4 and 3 Series convertible.

The new 6 Series shares much of its platform and hardware with the next-generation 5 Series, set to debut in 2010. Powertrain options include the twin-turbo 4.4L V-8 from the 7 Series and X6, which drives the rear wheels through a new ZF eight-speed automatic. The M-only 507-hp V-10 is done for. We expect the next M6 to have a tuned, twin-turbo V-8 in favor of the M Division's move to lower displacement, fuel efficient engines.

Cadillac CTS Coupe

GM's financial woes have thrown its carefully-planned 2009 product launch program into a tailspin. Cadillac's sexy CTS coupe was to have hit showrooms mid-year, but it's now been pushed back until summer 2010. GM might be contemplating bankruptcy, but the CTS coupe is safe -- the car is done, and Cadillac is likely to survive any restructuring of the company's brand portfolio.

The coupe rolls on the same 113.4in wheelbase as the sedan, helping slash development costs, but achieves coupe-like proportions thanks to an ultra-fast backlight, and a rear overhang that's 4.6in shorter. GM insiders acknowledge the CTS coupe's rakish design has compromised rearward visibility, but to compensate, Cadillac will offer a backup camera as standard equipment.

Standard engine will be the quad-cam, direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6, with up to 304hp. Standard transmission will be the six-speed automatic. The coupe also gets significant improvements in ride, handling and refinement, all of which will be shared with the 2010 CTS sedan and the new CTS Sport Wagon. A CTS-V coupe has also been developed, sharing the mighty 556-hp supercharged V-8 and upgraded suspension and brakes with the impressive CTS-V sedan, although it's not clear whether this car will survive GM's product crunch.

Chevrolet Spark

The new Chevy Spark is more than just a small car. In fact it's beyond small, measuring some 15in shorter than a Honda Fit, or Ford's new small car hope for America, the Fiesta. Too small for America? GM doesn't think so. Assuming GM makes it through this year, you will see the Spark in your local Chevy dealer sometime in 2011.

The Spark was designed and engineered in Korea by GM-DAT, the subsidiary formed by GM's acquisition of Daewoo, and is built on elements of the Daewoo Matiz minicar platform. Originally intended for the Asian minicar market, the Spark was switched to a global program little more than 18 months ago, and will be built in Korea, India, Uzbekistan and Colombia. It is powered by DOHC 1.0 and 1.2-liter four cylinder engines that drive the front wheels through either a five speed manual or four speed automatic transmission. U.S. spec cars will all be 1.2 liter models.

Only one bodystyle, the four door hatchback, will be available. The bold grille and heavily sculpted bodyside make the Spark look bigger than it is, though no-one would call it cute. Inside, the Spark features body-colored trim elements, and the instrument pod straight from the Beat concept. Standard equipment on U.S. spec models will include power windows, and an MP3 compatible sound system. Base price will start under $12,000.

Chevrolet Volt

Probably the most hyped new car in GM's history, the Volt is one of the few vehicle development programs at the company that's not been starved for cash. GM insiders see the Volt's series hybrid technology as crucial to the company's future, though President Obama's auto task force has concluded that "while the Chevy Volt holds promise, it will likely be too expensive to be commercially successful in the short-term."

The Volt features a 155-hp electric motor, a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack, and a 1.4L four-cylinder gasoline engine that provides power for the electric motor once the battery charge is depleted. Volt program director Frank Weber says the car is on target to deliver 40 miles on battery power alone, meaning many commuters may never use the gas engine if they plug-in to recharge the battery pack. Top speed will be 100 mph, with 0-60 mph acceleration taking about 9 sec.

As it's built using GM's Global Delta vehicle architecture, the Volt is roughly the size and proportion of a Saturn Astra or Ford Focus hatch. The interior is roomy, and features classy iPod-style white plastic accents. Much of the exterior design detail has been determined by the wind tunnel in a bid to reduce aerodynamic drag. We've driven an early Volt mule and can confirm than in full EV mode it delivers the instant off-the-line response typical of an electric vehicle, making it ideal for stop-start city traffic. The Volt also has one of the quietest electric drivetrains we've yet experienced.

Chrysler 300 /Dodge Charger

Approaching the April 30 deadline in which Chrysler LLC must merge with Fiat Auto or perish, we must preface any new Mopar product with the caveat, "if the company is still around." If Chrysler makes it to next year, it will launch the next-generation full-size cars, still with rear-wheel-drive, six years after the 300 won our Car of the Year award and five years after the Charger went on-sale. Despite a change in designation from LX to LY, the platform is far from being all new. And that's a good thing. Chrysler is putting its money and effort into fresh sheetmetal (slightly retro in the case of the Chrysler, more retro for the Charger) and especially, much-improved interiors.

Early word on the new sheetmetal is that it resolves the design glitches you'll find in the current cars. They're much cleaner and better proportioned. Expect the Chrysler to go more upscale, widening the price gulf with the Dodge Charger. Newly anointed design chief Ralph Gilles, chief designer of the '05 300, fought for world-class interiors after years of atrophy under Trevor Creed. The Hemi V-8s will return (especially for police special Chargers), but the new ad campaign, in light of global warming and oil price concerns, will be "that thing got a Phoenix?" The new V-6 engines include a 280-horsepower, 3.6-liter gas direct-injection unveiled recently in the '11 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Fiat 500

If you haven't heard by now, Fiat's little superstar -- the successful 500 -- could be on the fast track to U.S. Chrysler dealerships courtesy of an as yet-to-be-finalized partnership between the Italian giant and American automaker.

Assuming the small city car does get the green light (and we hope it does) and arrives by our estimated 2010 calendar year, the 500 reportedly would need only a new front-bumper beam, as well as a revised front fascia to meet U.S. safety regulations. It'll likely not be sold to Canadian customers due to that country's more stringent turn-signal safety requirements. With the homologation all said and done, rumor has it the hatch will come with a 1.4L, 100-hp four-cylinder engine that'll put it in direct contention with the base, 118-hp Mini Cooper.

Still no word on whether Abarth -- otherwise known as Fiat's performance arm -- will ship over its more powerful edition for customers itching to go a bit faster. Regardless, don't be surprised to see an Abarth-branded sport package joining the standard car. It's safe to assume the 500's convertible version will be included in the American market fun sometime after the hatch's U.S. debut year as well.

Ford Explorer

All right. Ford has the Escape, Edge, Taurus X (for now) and Flex. Does it need another crossover? The automaker's hope is that a 2011 Explorer, based on the Taurus/Flex's D3 front-drive unibody platform can capture a small portion of the 400,000+ per-year buyers the body-on-frame Explorer attracted in its heyday.

Previewed by the 2008 Explorer America concept drawn up at Freeman Thomas' advanced design studio in California, the next model looks to become a direct competitor for the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, delineating itself from the Flex's larger, people-mover image. Unlike the current Explorer, it's not likely to be offered with a V-8 engine, but with V-6s ranging up to the 3.5L Ecoboost engine.

Ford Fiesta

Roughly 30 years after the debut of the original Ford Fiesta compact hatchback in the U.S., Ford is bringing back a car with the same ideals and name that could be one of the troubled automaker's saving graces in the American market. Equipped with a 1.6L four-cylinder engine (the same displacement as in the original Fiesta, no less) to start, the front-drive Fiesta should hit showrooms in sedan form by late 2010. Expect an Ecoboost option to follow, more than likely a 1.3L unit. Three and five-door hatches should also become available, and the Fiesta's overall specifications should change very little from the version currently available in Europe.

That means that what you see is pretty much what you'll get. Exterior and interior styling will not be significantly revised, nor will the European Fiesta's chassis or 120-hp engine. What may be revised slightly is the Fiesta's suspension tuning -- with a softer setup deemed more appropriate for the U.S. market than the slightly sharper, stiffer European state of tune.

Ford Focus

The next-generation Ford Focus will be a true world car, with a single-vehicle architecture and design language for all markets. The car will be built on Ford's highly flexible C346 architecture, which may also underpin a production version of the Lincoln Concept C. The styling will be an evolution of Ford of Europe design chief Martin Smith's "kinetic design," as previewed on the Iosis concept at the Geneva show last March.

The next-generation Focus will be designed as a family of vehicles that includes five- and three-door hatchbacks, a four-door sedan, and a taller minivan-style wagon, but not every body variant will be sold in every market around the world. Same with its powertrain options, which will range from small diesels to direct-injection gas engines and eventually EcoBoost turbos. Transmissions will include a six-speed dual-clutch manual being developed by Borg-Warner.

Best-seller in the U.S. likely will be the four-door sedan, though Alan Mulally's "One Ford" strategy means there's a chance American enthusiasts might also get to buy the next-generation high-performance three-door Focus RS and ST models, too. Overall vehicle size will be similar to that of the current European Focus. Having missed out on this version, U.S. customers will note a huge improvement in comfort and refinement over the current Focus.

Honda CR-Z

According to Honda execs, the Concept Renaissance Zero (CR-Z) coupe evokes the spirit of the original CRX hatchback of the 1980s, while at the same time being green and loaded with cutting-edge features. When it goes on sale late next year, it'll be positioned as one of the big H's answers to Toyota's successful ensemble of global hybrids.

In being built off a modified 2010 Insight platform, the CR-Z shares the four-door's highly efficient Integrated Motor Assist system powered by nickel-metal-hydride batteries. A 140-hp, 1.8L four-cylinder from the Civic adds extra grunt when highway speeds or grippy torque are needed. Although a CVT gearbox would do just fine, Honda engineers were insistent that the CRX's modern-day successor be offered with a traditional five-speed manual gearbox as well.

Its sharp modern lines are sleek, so as to minimize its drag coefficient, and its dimensions slightly smaller than the Insight it's based upon. As such, our intel reports it'll tip the scales at around 2800 lb, but still garner impressive mpg results.

Hyundai Equus

As if the Genesis sedan didn't make a memorable enough impact on the luxury-car market, the Equus is sure to land in the U.S. with a bang. While Hyundai says it's still studying the case for bringing Equus here, our sources indicate it will indeed come stateside toward the end of 2011.

Until the automaker officially decides whether we're worthy of the Equus, the full-size sedan will do battle abroad with vehicles like the Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes-Benz S500 (S550 here). Power will come from a 290-hp, 3.8L V-6, 375-hp, 4.6L V-8, and, at some point, a 5.0L V-8 producing more than 400 hp. The Equus doesn't break new styling ground, but where the car excels is in feature content.

Jaguar XJ

The current Jaguar XJ's sheetmetal is an evolutionary design with elements easily traced to the original XJ of the late 1960s. While a similar design strategy has worked for the Porsche 911, it hasn't for the XJ, and at this point, it looks like a car only the Queen would drive. The dated-looking sheetmetal completely hides the car's modern aluminum construction, resulting in sales that can be gently called less-than-stellar. But that's all about to change with the next-generation Jaguar XJ. Set to arrive sometime next year as a 2011 model, it will no longer be the automotive equivalent of a Victorian-era Tudor mansion built with modern masonry technology.

Details are still scarce, but it's evident the old design language is going completely out the window. As evidenced by spyshots of early prototypes, the next XJ not be all that different on the outside from the popular XF, which has given the long-struggling British marque a new lease on life. The dated stodgy British banker interior should be on the way out as well in favor of the XF's techno-chic design fit for a bailed-out Wall Street financier.

Powering the 2011 XJ should be Jaguar's new 5.0L V-8s -- a naturally aspirated unit rated at 380 hp for the standard models and a supercharged version rated at 510 hp for the likely Super V8 -- found under the hood of the 2010 XF and XK. These are a substantial improvement from the 300-hp, 4.2L in the current XJ and 400-hp, supercharged 4.2L in the Super V-8 and they eliminate the Jag's power disadvantage against its German competitors.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has long been one of the most handsome SUVs on the market, and the new model is no exception. With Chrysler design's newfound emphasis on what's on the inside, the interior may no longer be a disappointment. The company touts the crossover's "premium soft-touch interior materials for all price classes," and even a leather instrument panel for the top-of-the-range Overland trim model.

A rare viable Chrysler model in Europe, Jeep promises the new one will be built in left- and right-hand-drive versions. It will come only with two rows of seats and with a bit more emphasis on luxury to compete with the new Cadillac SRX and Lexus RX, among others. The slow-selling Jeep Commander is a short-timer -- you'll find a new three-row Dodge Durango sharing the Grand Cherokee's rear-drive, unibody platform next year at your local Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep dealer.

The new Grand Cherokee is also the first Chrysler product to make use of the new Phoenix V-6 engine family, in this case a 280-hp, 260 lb-ft, 3.6L unit. The 360-hp, 390-lb-ft, 5.7L Hemi V-8 will still be offered and Europeans will be able to check a box labeled "diesel." Suspension is all new, independent at the four corners.

Three 4x4 options remain: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II with electronic limited slip. A new Selec-Terrain system with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II has five terrain settings, automatic, sand/mud, sport, snow, and rock. The 4x2 will have the highest tow rating, however, at 7400 lb. Jeep has added 3.0 gal to the fuel tank, for 24.6, and claims a range of more than 500 miles with the new V-6.

Kia Forte Koup

The Kia Forte Koup is the brand's first-ever sporty two-door, and if all goes as planned, the Koup and its Forte sedan sibling will go head to head with the segment staples such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3.

The Koup shares its front-drive unibody platform with the Forte sedan, but manages to be slightly shorter in height and length than the four-door. It also shares the Forte's engine lineup consisting of an EX trim level base 2.0L four-cylinder (156-hp, 144 lb-ft) and a bigger 2.4L four-banger (173-hp, 168 lb-ft) in the higher-spec SX model - both of which should be good for more than 30 mpg highway. Entry level Koups come with either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto. Transmissions in the SX models get one more gear each.

Both Koup trims receive the same sleek styling highlighted by the automaker's attractive new front end. The nose is accented by wrap-around headlights and muscular wheel surrounds, while at the back, a dual exhaust set on either side of the rear diffuser further indicates the two-door's athletic character. Sixteen-inch rolling stock is standard on the EX, but 17-inchers can be had when customer moves up to the SX. Despite its size, the 2010 Koup sports a generous 90.7 cu ft of interior volume -- 12.6 cu ft of which is dedicated to cargo. Standard bolstered sport seats, air conditioning, power widows/door locks keep passengers as comfortable as possible. SX owners get red stitching, tilt and telescoping, leather-wrapped steering wheels, and metal trimmings added to the amenities list.

Lotus Evora

The Evora is the first fully new model from Lotus in more than a decade. Powered by the Toyota Camry's 3.5L V-6 massaged to 276 hp and 252 lb-ft, Lotus claims the Evora will have a top speed north of 160 mph and a 0-to-60 time of under five seconds, all while achieving in excess of 30 mpg on the highway. Like the Elise, the Evora has a mid-engine, rear-drive layout but it is built on its own aluminum chassis, production of which required Lotus to invest in a second line at its English plant. The Evora is bigger than any present Lotus and reportedly will be more comfortable, feature rich, and easier to live with than any other model it makes. There's enough space in the trunk for a set of golf clubs, getting in and out will not require acrobatics, the interior offers enough space to fit a 6-ft-5-in.-tall person into both front seats -- not coincidentally, that's the height of Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley -- and the car will weigh around 3000 lb.

The Evora will be offered "2+0" two-seater or a more conventional 2+2. It is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2010 with prices estimated to range between $70,000 and $85,000. At launch, only a six-speed manual will be offered, though an automatic version will become available about six months later. A convertible will follow around a year later and a high-performance S variant another year after that.

Maserati GranTurismo Cabriolet

Maserati is on track to bring a convertible version of its GranTurismo to market in 2011 (the S Coupe is pictured), adding a wind-in-the-hair option to the Italian automaker's lineup. Unlike past coupe-to-convertible transformations from Maserati, the GranTurismo Cabriolet will retain the coupe's 2+2 seating configuration for the drop-top variant. Thus, expect the convertible to retain the wheelbase and dimensions of the closed GranTurismo, rather than be shortened into a two-seat-only machine. By keeping the car a four-seater, the convertible GranTurismo earns a Cabriolet identifier -- not the "Spider" badge traditionally reserved for two-seat cars.

Powertrain details have not been finalized, but the 4.2L V-8 is reportedly considered too small, while the 4.7L engine from the GranTurismo S with its auto-clutch manual apparently has been deemed too racy for a convertible Maserati. Therefore, expect power to come courtesy of the 433-hp, 4.7L V-8 from the Quattroporte GT S mated to a ZF six-speed automatic (currently under development for the GranTurismo). Best guesses have the car employing a conventional softtop rather than a retractable hardtop. The convertible GranTursimo should enter showrooms shortly after its expected world debut at next year's Geneva auto show.

McLaren P11

More than 15 years after the Gordon Murray-designed, BMW-powered F1 rewrote the supercar rule book, McLaren's on-again/off-again follow-up is definitely on again. Prototypes of an all-new mid-engine McLaren supercar, codenamed P11, have been spotted undergoing testing at various locations around the world.

Little is known about the P11, which is rumored to be making its public debut late this year. But the car appears aimed squarely at Ferrari's forthcoming F450 and Lamborghini's Gallardo. However, sources close to McLaren say the car will offer significantly higher levels of performance than either Italian rival, and is likely to be more expensive too.

The P11's design is the work of talented American designer Frank Stephenson, whose credits include the new Mini and the new Fiat 500, and stints at Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo. Expect extensive use of lightweight materials, advanced aerodynamics, and sophisticated electronic controls as McLaren leverages its extensive Grand Prix engineering experience. And although Daimler remains a 40% shareholder, insiders hint that does not mean the P11 will be Mercedes-powered.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The SLS is a modern reincarnation of the legendary Mercedes-Benz SL "Gullwing" coupe from the 1950s. It's powered by a new, dry-sump version of the AMG 6.2-liter V-8 mounted behind the front axle center-line and driving the rear wheels via AMG's new seven-speed dual clutch transmission, repackaged in a transaxle housing at the rear of the car to help deliver 48/52 front/rear weight distribution. The engine delivers 571hp at 6800rpm, and 479lb-ft at 4750rpm. Some 402lb-ft is available from just 2500rpm.

Suspension is double wishbone all-round, with the wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers all made from forged aluminum. Steering is rack and pinion. Front wheels are 19in, while the rears are 20s, shod with specially developed 265/35 and 295/30 tires Mercedes claims offer dry road grip comparable to current pseudo-competition "Cup" rubber, but without the white-knuckle loss of traction in wet or cold conditions.

The SLS rolls on a long 105.5in wheelbase, and has front and rear tracks of 66.1in and 64.9in respectively. This is not a small car. But it is light -- the body shell, which comprises aluminum panels over the riveted, bonded, soldered and bolted subframe, weighs just 531lb, and target total weight is just 3571lb. With a power to weight ratio of 6.26lb/hp, the SLS will be fast -- Mercedes is claiming a 0-60mph time in the 3.5sec bracket, and a top speed of 196mph.

Rolls-Royce Ghost

The new Rolls-Royce Ghost will look virtually identical to the 200EX concept rolled out at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, featuring the third evolution of Rolls-Royce's now familiar headlight graphic, first seen on the Phantom, and a variation on the laid-back grille treatment that debuted on the Phantom coupe and convertible. With a 'faster' backlight and C-pillar, the Ghost is a much more rakish looking sedan than the giant Phantom, though at 212.6in long and 61in tall, it's still an imposing car.

Under the hood is a new direct injection 6.6-liter V-12 with two turbochargers. Developed by BMW this engine will have over 500hp, making the Ghost the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever. The engine will drive the rear wheels through ZF's new eight speed automatic transmission. Although the Ghost uses elements of the new BMW 7 Series' platform, much of the body structure is unique to the car. The cowl height is higher, and the rear doors are rear-hinged, like those of the Phantom.

The interior is awash with Rolls-Royces's trademark rich leather, flawlessly polished wood and bright chrome, though the design is more modern than the deliberately archaic Phantom's. The instrument panel features are large "black screen" for warning lights, and the sat-nav screen is larger and more detailed.

Scion iQ

The smallest of Scion's models will try hard to lure young buyers away from the likes of the Fiat 500 (if the Chrysler partnership comes to fruition), smart fortwo, and Ford Fiesta hatchback with its expected sub-$15,000 price point. Largely distinguishing the car from its Toyota cousin is a new grille with Scion badging as well as sportier wheel/tire packages.

Although not finalized, just as with its European and Japanese variants, the Scion iQ will come replete with numerous standard features. Current Euro-iQ's have only two options -- leather and a Bluetooth and iPod-enabled navigation system -- so it's safe to assume the little Scion will too. If the iQ Concept is any indication, expect nothing less than a few accessory packages tacking on chrome sidesills, roof spoiler, exhaust tips, and various other tidbits to be offered come production time.

The Scion iQ Concept also boasts nine different airbags protecting curtain, front, side, and knee zones. Engineers even incorporated the world's first rear-window airbag for further protection during severe rear impacts. Of course, iterations of stability control, traction control, and ABS will no doubt come standard on the Scion as well.

Although a 1.3L inline-four (93-hp, 89 lb-ft of torque) is the engine of choice for the concept, a 106-hp, 103 lb-ft, 1.5L four-cylinder from the current Yaris lineup will almost certainly find its way under the production iQ's stubby hood. Mated to it will be a frugal five-speed manual or Multidrive CVT gearbox. For reference, when powering the 2295-lb Yaris Liftback, the 1.5L engine is rated at 29 mpg city, 36 mpg highway. That said, the smaller iQ should eke out a few more mpg. Look for Scion to spring its attack on the city car segment early next year.

Tesla Model S

Powered entirely by batteries, Tesla claims the Model S will have a range of up to 300 miles on charge and is capable of being recharged in as little as 45 minutes with the right equipment. With sexy European styling, plenty of cargo room and seating for up to seven (we're a little doubtful of that claim), Tesla has built a car that few can object to. A supple interior is topped off with a massive touch-screen that replaces conventional stereo, climate, and other controls and is likely the first of many similar systems to come on future cars.

Of course, that's all well and good on a concept car. The real achievement will be actually getting the car mass-produced, which is contingent upon Tesla finalizing a location for its factory and building it without running out of money. But Tesla is already taking orders (some 700 so far according to the company) and insists the car will be produced for less than $50,000 a copy.

Volkswagen New Beetle

Volkswagen will be bringing a MkII version of its New Beetle to the world in 2011, and this one is expected to be less cute and more mature -- ushering in a new element of practicality that some have criticized as sorely lacking.

As a sales winner from the get-go in 1998, the current-generation New Beetle continued to outsell the Golf in the U.S. into last year, a full decade after its introduction. As before, the New Beetle will almost certainly be based on the new sixth-generation Golf's front-drive architecture (a version based on VW's new Up platform has also been rumored). The new Golf has just gone on sale in Europe and is set to reach our shores this fall. |

The interior reportedly will lose some of its current retro-chic style to gain more functionality and storage room, while the exterior should lose a hint of roundness to become more efficient as well. Power will come from the current 170-hp, 2.5L inline-five-cylinder engine or the 2.0L diesel motor used in the Jetta TDI. A version of VW's venerable 2.0L TFSI mill, as used in the current and upcoming versions of the Golf GTI, could also find its way under the Beetle's hood as a performance version down the line.

Volvo S60

The new S60 is a crucial car for Volvo. With Ford trying to sell the Swedish brand, the latest iteration of its midsize sedan offering -- along with the recently released XC60 small SUV -- must show potential buyers Volvo has a future that's worth a serious investment.

At the 2009 Detroit auto show, Volvo unveiled the S60 concept you see here, with bold styling inside and out. If the production version ends up looking similar to the concept, it shouldn't be too hard convincing consumers to give Volvo a chance. Then again, the midsize luxury sedan segment is fully saturated -- Volvo will need to do all it can get to distinguish its lineup from other cars.

The S60 concept was powered by a 1.6L GTDi four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injected gasoline engine making 180 hp and emitting only 0.42 lb of CO2 per mile, mated to a six-speed autoclutch manual. In the safety department, the S60 won't disappoint. Like the XC60 SUV, the production S60 sedan is expected to offer the Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake system that can slow the car down if it detects an approaching vehicle or pedestrian and the driver isn't paying attention. We imagine the system will be updated by the time it gets to the S60, but we'll have to wait for a full test to find out -- and if Volvo's claims that this car has "driving properties" better than any other Volvo, we're looking forward to it.