10) VW Bluesport Concept

What’s not to like about a mid-engined European sportscar? The fact that this one will probably return mileage in the mid-30 MPGs in the US EPA test thanks to its diesel engine makes this one even better. Of course, you can still do 0-60 in 6.2 seconds and reach a distinctly non-Green top speed of 140 MPH. It’s cars like this — ones that use simple solutions to achieve more efficient results — that give us faith in the car industry as it attempts to clean up its act.

9) Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

Imagine a BMW 7-series that looked good, was fun to drive and had a 433 HP Ferrari-sourced V8. That’s the Quattorporte Sport GT S and I don’t think it’s difficult to understand why I’m looking forward to driving one.

8) Myers Motors EV

Remember the Corbin Sparrow? Myers Motors have gotten their hands on it, removed the gas engine and dropped in a whole bunch of batteries. A spokesperson that didn’t seem to understand science explained that it was “more stable than a motorcycle because it has three wheels” and “didn’t need to pass crash tests because it’s registered as a motorcycle.” Since I like things that look silly and things that are dangerous, this could be the perfect vehicle for me. Did we mention that it does 76 MPH and is highway legal?

7) Audi R8 5.2 FSI

The R8 didn’t really need more power or more anything really. The subtlest supercar on sale was virtually perfect. We’re worried that the extra power, weight and complication from the V10 will detract from, rather than add to, the experience, but we’re looking forward to finding out if it does.

6) Subaru Legacy Concept

This is my favorite concept at the show. Why? Because it looks like a car that I want to drive: a smallish sedan with AWD, a manual gearbox and a stonking turbocharged 3.6-liter boxer six; all wrapped up in a package that’s somehow both understated and flashy. Don’t look for this color on a production version, it doesn’t use a clear coat and apparently even a gentle caress is enough to scuff it, Subaru declined my request to do exactly that.

5) Jaguar XFR

We were pretty unimpressed with the Jaguar XF when we drove it back in September. But, this “R” version gets some aggressive body addenda, an electronically controlled rear differential with “drift mode” and, most importantly, a really high-tech 5.0 V8 with 510 HP and most of its 461 Lb-Ft of torque delivered at just 1,500 RPM. We were already pretty happy with the Jag’s engine, but wished it had better suspension control, feedback and more involving steering. We’ll see if they’ve fixed all that when we drive one.

4) 2010 Ford Taurus Ecoboost

I probably won’t get to drive this car right away. Why? Ben’s got a major hard on for it, saying “It’s a bitchin’ full-size family sedan, that’s a hard segment to be bitchin’ in. Plus, it’s got like 330 Lb-Ft of torque at 1,500 RPM and I like torque.”

3) Fisker Karma S

This is a seriously good-looking convertible, probably the best we’ve seen for at least a decade. But that’s not the whole story; the S shares the 2010 Karma’s 403 HP plug-in hybrid powertrain, so it’ll be fast too. We plan to put gaffer tape over the Sunset badges when we eventually drive one in 2012 or 2013.

2) 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

A pickup designed for maximum off-road performance. Actually, “maximum” is good word to use to describe the Raptor. I’m contemplating growing a mullet, investing in a pack of Hanes Wife Beaters and learning to like Miller Lite just so I can do the truck justice.

1) Dodge Circuit EV

The Lotus Europa is a seriously solid sportscar. Here, with a Dodge grille and a fictional electric powertrain that promises 0-60 in less than five seconds and a top speed "in excess of 120 MPH" it should be even better. Especially since the electric motor will deliver all its torque from one RPM. It’s a shame then that I’ll only ever get to drive the Circuit EV in my dreams.

Recession? What recession? Of the cars below, only the 2010 Ford Taurus qualifies as a non-luxury or niche vehicle. At a time when many automakers are talking about restraint and the importance of good decision making, the Lexus HS250h and Cadillac Converj bravely show the world that badge engineering is alive and well. Whether these cars hint at happier financial days ahead or are just another example of carmakers failing to grasp the marketplace remains to be seen, but they sure are shiny, aren't they?

10.) 2010 Buick LaCrosse: Crushing Brand Perceptions

9.) 2010 Jaguar XKR Revealed With 510 HP

8.) 2010 BMW Z4 Slips Onto The Stage

7.) Volkswagen Bluesport Concept 42 MPG Roadster Officially Revealed

6.) Chrysler 200C EV Concept: Shockingly Attractive Mid-Size

5.) Lexus HS250h: A Prius For The Country Club

4.) Audi Sportback Concept Previews 2009 Audi A5 Sportback

3.) Cadillac Converj Concept: A Volt For Cadillac

2.) Subaru Legacy Concept: Subie Previews New Legacy Look

1.) 2010 Ford Taurus: A Flagship Returns

Just like every other Subaru, the Legacy Concept with asymmetric all-wheel-drive to a 3.6 liter, horizontally opposed boxer engine. This concept looks to stretch the definition of a Legacy by adding a sense of "Dynamism" which the current car lacks. It grows in size a bit as well to accomodate the "Modern Family" (translated, "tubby 'Mericans").


Inside the interior bristles with touch screens throughout the car. In fact, almost all of the knobs and buttons are replaced with control surfaces doing everything from telling you how awseome your all-wheel-drive is functioning to distributing the quad-zone climate control. The headrests at the back get their own integrated DVD plater but not to be left out, the driver gets an enormous custom LCD screen which provides 180 degrees of back-end view. If we leave all theses show car add-ons out of the equation, this car gives a solid look at what Subie buyers can expect from the next Legacy.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the Subaru Legacy, Subaru is proud to announce a concept model that suggests the direction of future Legacy Sedan design. The LEGACY CONCEPT has been developed to showcase the Legacy’s sporting capabilities and features Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel drive system mated to a Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. Building on the Legacy model’s heritage of sportiness, style and reliability, the LEGACY CONCEPT is presented as a global mid-size sedan with interior space to fit four adults in comfort.

The concept of the design is based on "Presence". A strong front design combined with a solid yet expressive body and a dynamic cabin work to express a rugged sportiness in the vehicle. Styling that highlights all four wheel arches emphasizes the reliability and dynamism of symmetrical AWD. Further increasing this sense of presence is the strength achieved by the design lines that carve out a substantial mass as they flow from the hood, across the roof to the trunk, while the sharp body lines project a sense of strength. This sense is especially apparent at the front of the vehicle in a grille that incorporates a wing motif showing the Legacy’s Subaru brand identity, and in the headlamps characterized by their sharp and elegant design, achieved though the dual vertical-row layout of the multiple LED lamps. In addition, the fog lamps set at both edges together with the bumper lines express a sense of powerful presence and also serve to clearly emphasize a unique Subaru authority.

The door design features a sporty look while also providing high functionality through larger openings. Side Rear Vision Cameras are featured with a striking wedge shape to provide a sense of flow from the momentum of the A pillar lines.

The LEGACY CONCEPT is finished in a special High-Luster color, called “Ultimate Silver”. This color which serves to enhance the strong design of the vehicle functions to create an overwhelming sense of presence, as well as provides the Legacy with an image of performance.

The concept behind the interior design is "High Definition". A striking four-seat layout has been adopted in order to provide enough space to fit four adults in comfort and style. The combination of a roof design that provides a feeling of freedom with the expansive legroom delivers a vehicle that can be truly classified as a global mid-size sedan without losing its sporting pretensions. For the seats, Pearl White leather with a blue sheen has been adopted, while Black metallic leather has been used for the door trim to create a luxurious contrast with the instrument panel. The center panel features a large touch-panel display that concentrates the various functions to provide ease of use, while the adoption of a cylindrical-shaped design that extends vertically emphasizes feelings of strength and solidity in union with the exterior. A steering wheel and shift lever have been adopted to accentuate the sporty aspect that is elemental in the Legacy Sedan. The monitor of the Side Rear Vision Camera has been situated towards the front of the roof in order to maximize rear visibility. For interior entertainment, monitors with entertainment functions have been located in the center panel and rear surface of the center console, as well as in the rear of the front seat headrests in order to provide comfortable functionality as well a calm design that creates a relaxed ambiance for the four adult passengers.

The Legacy was introduced globally in 1989, produced in Japan and Lafayette, Indiana and since that date until November 2008 the total global production has exceeded 3.6 million vehicles making it Subaru's core model. During that period, the traditional core Subaru technology of the Horizontally-Opposed engine and Symmetrical AWD have served to further improve "driving", "turning" and "stopping", the basic elements of automotive performance, and also continuously evolve features for unparalleled handling, stability, and safety. This LEGACY CONCEPT incorporates the Legacy heritage while also serving as a concept model that provides an image of the new driving comfort and reliability that will continue to serve as a touchstone for Subaru.

Specifications:
Body size (Overall: Length x Width x Height): 188.8 x 71.7 x 59.0 inches
Wheelbase: 108.3 inches
Engine: 3.6-liter six-cylinder Horizontally-Opposed engine
Tire size: 225/45R19
Occupancy: Four persons

The press event for the Subaru Legacy Concept isn't till later today, but the car is sitting out for all to see. The aggressive look walks away from the Legacy's current sleeper status and the crazy-shiny paint job doesn't help dissuade that. Inside it looks like the Legacy Concept is loaded up with tech with integrated head rest monitors and a huge all-LCD wide screen rear view monitor instead of a mirror. Tech for tech's sake, if you ask us. Stay here for the complete details later in the day.

While the teaser image doesn’t show us much, we do know Subaru built the concept to celebrate the Legacy’s 20th anniversary and it's a preview of the design direction for the upcoming production Legacy that will show up in the near future. While certainly bold, we don’t expect the production version to be this aggressive and we question the winged grille that seems to share more than a little resemblance to the design of current Chevrolet grilles. Subaru took a very formal approach to the vertical stack-up of the front end graphics though the muscular fender flares and vertical lines running down from the hood give a sense of power and speed. While we don’t have a view of the rear, it’s safe to bet that it will follow the muscular formality of the front design. Powering the Legacy Concept is a 3.6L horizontally-opposed boxer engine and it will feature Subaru’s updated Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System.

We’ll update you as more information comes in. In the meantime, we’ve lightened up the teaser photo for you to see the Legacy Concept in better detail.

Subaru Press Release:

Cherry Hill, N.J., December 17, 2008 – Subaru of America, Inc., today announced that the Subaru LEGACY CONCEPT will debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit January 11th. The NAIAS is open to the public January 17 through 25, 2009.

Celebrating 20 years of the Legacy sedan, the LEGACY CONCEPT showcases the direction of future Legacy sedan design. The exterior highlights the sportiness and dynamism befitting a car powered by a 3.6-liter Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. A distinctive front fascia and flared wheel arches establish a powerful road presence and hint at the exceptional handling promised by the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and low center of gravity. The interior embodies modern, high-tech architecture while delivering a comfortable environment for occupants.

The Subaru Legacy series was first introduced in 1989 and next year it will celebrate its 20th anniversary of the start of production. Manufactured in Gunma, Japan and Lafayette, Indiana USA, global production has exceeded 3.6 million units.* The United States accounts for 43-percent of the production volume. The model has been highly acclaimed as a core product of Subaru in the world due to its excellent driving performance, strong safety record and dependability provided by Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical AWD system with Horizontally-Opposed engines.

[via Subaru]