Blog Category: Auto Shows

The Frankfurt Auto Show kicks off this week and manufacturers are rolling out new designs for future models. At least 70 world premier launches have been announced and the biggest categories appear to be electric and hybrid vehicles as well as “crossover” or small SUVs. With over 900,000 visitors expected, the Frankfurt Auto Show kicks off the 2013-2014 show season with one of the biggest expositions in the industry. Some of the more notable SUV launches expected this week include vehicles from Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz.

Infiniti Q30

Ram has something they want you to know: the 2013 Ram 1500 has best in class fuel economy. Seriously, they REALLY want you to know that. They must have used that exact phrase, with an accompanying metal-slamming dust-raising graphic, a half-dozen times before they even showed us the truck.

To achieve this best in class fuel economy, they utilized a host of improvements: a redesigned stronger and lighter frame, 8-speed automatic transmission, electric power steering, stop-start technology, active grill shutters, and active air suspension for aerodynamic benefit.

Toyota's press conference featured a "concept" that was suspiciously devoid of a name. After the full show and tell, the big surprise was that this wasn't a concept at all; it was the new Avalon, exactly as it will appear in production form.

The Avalon has always been referred to (or derided) as Toyota's Buick; large, plush, smooth ride. Blandly inoffensive. The perfect choice for retirees. But with the changing definition of Buick has forced Toyota to step if up a notch. The new Avalon takes a giant leap forward in styling. Is there anything particularly original going on here? Nope. But it is a handsome, balanced, well-executed design that should broaden the Avalon's appeal further down the age scale.

The full-size GL luxo-crossover has undergone a full redesign. Expect the usual dizzying complement of creature comforts and high technology, like Crosswind Stabilization and Active Parking Assist.

Are the luxury brands in danger of running out of whiz-bang doo-dads? The only thing left may be time travel.

 Also from M-B, a styling refresh for the compact GLK crossover. 

Nissan debuted the new mid-size Altima sedan. It's their best-seller and has been redesigned from the ground up.

 How's it look? If you like the Maxima, you'll probably like the new Altima. Sorta. If the Maxima is Peyton Manning, then the Altima is Eli. Clearly brothers, but one just doesn't look quite as sharp, and doesn't perform as well as the other. Don't feel bad for the Altima, though. Just as Eli has more rings than his multi-MVP brother, the Altima outsells the Maxima handily.

For Lexus the big story was the debut of the new ES350. This mid-sized luxury model always follows on the heels of the Toyota Camry debut because it's the Camry that provides the platform for the ES line. So we're talking about a FWD-based vehicle here, not RWD as in the rest of the Lexus sedan stable. Not necessarily a bad thing; plenty of shoppers in this segment are just looking for a quiet comfortable ride to go with the plush amenities.

 The styling is pleasant, inoffensive, with some cues from the top-of-the-line LS, and a slightly toned-down version of the new Lexus family Predator face. 

With apologies to Hertz and Avis, the 2014 Chevy Impala we finally take the leap from fleet car status to bonafide consumer desirability. No longer the province of county employees, the new Impala is designed in such a way that you may actually notice it on the road.

Clearly, the success of the last iteration of Malibu proved to Chevy brass that style and design actually matter, even in the family sedan market. The sleek roofline with elegantly executed chrome trim, sculpted side sheet metal and long wheelbase combine to cut a stylish, sleek silhouette.

Power will come from three engine choices: a 3.6L V-6, a new 2.5L four-cylinder and a 2.4L four-cylinder with eAssist, promising 35mpg. Expect the new Impala early in 2013.