As usual, day one at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show's a Sunday, so many missed our first day of fun. No worries. Here's the top ten live reveals from yesterday — and all the rest.
While we've put together our top ten reveals below, there's a whole lot more else revealed here in Detroit. We've included all of them below the top ten list. So don't think this is just our editor-selected best first, then head below that to see the rest of the contenders we saw in compiling our ten for best in show on the first day.
10.) Volkswagen Bluesport Concept
The Volkswagen Bluesport concept is powered by a 180 HP turbodiesel motor mounted amidship. Despite its concept status, VW is promising fairly realistic performance. This includes a 0-60 MPH time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 140 MPH. Though not Prius-killing, the 42 MPG combined mileage (we're guessing in the European cycle) is impressive for a sports car and would surely top any known competitors.
9.) Audi Sportback Concept
Audi says this Sportback Concept presages a hatchback production model that'll arrive some time this year: the 2010 Audi A5 Sportback. The Audi Sportback Concept is also relevant for its design language. Check out the sexy LED strip headlamps — expect to see something similar on future production models — and the new interior, that's warmer and more luxurious then attractive but severe Audis of old.
8.) Subaru Legacy Concept
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.
7.) Chrysler 200C EV Concept
Chrysler revealed a shockingly attractive electric mid-size sedan concept today here in Detroit. However, we still worry about their ability to turn these concepts into reality.
6.) 2009 Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss
The SLR Stirling Moss acts as the finale for the SLR nameplate, and a tribute to one of histories greatest race car drivers. To do that, McLaren chopped the driving experience down to its rawest form — you sit in a carbon fiber chassis, completely exposed to the elements, at one with the wind and the bugs in your face, breathing in the smell of the side-exit exhaust pounding from the 650-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8.
5.) 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
The 2010 Shelby GT500 receives the redesigned bodywork of the 2010 Mustang, but has managed to slip out of the doors with a new set of headlamps (HID optional) and a new, deeply sculpted front fascia with a larger upper grille. The Cobra badge has switched sides, but still plays for the same team; moved due to a cold-air intake system that is feed through an opening on the right side of the upper grille. A new power domed hood features heat extractors on its leading edge.
4.) Audi R8 5.2 FSI
Audi took the wraps off the 517 HP R8 V10 here in Detroit. The red-hot R8 can do a 0-to-60 in 3.9 seconds, hit nearly 200 MPH and looks damn good in red. Over the 4.2-liter V8 R8, the V10 makes 105 more Hp, uses different air intakes and a different rear feature. Crucially, it also develops 395 Lb-Ft of torque, 78 more than the v8.
3.) Cadillac Converj Concept
The Cadillac Converj Concept takes advantage of GM's freshly renamed "Voltec" power system, previously referred to as E-Flex. The new Converj combines Volt power with Cadillac style, utilizing every design element we come to expect from Caddy. It gets a much more forward design than last years Cadillac CTS coupe but balances things out with a fastback style. Inside are cool blue accents over a white leather everything. Complete details below.
2.) Lexus HS 250h
The Lexus HS 250h will offer the economy of the 2010 Toyota Prius in a more stylish, and more expensive package. The much-rumored hybrid-only from Lexus, despite its redundant name, elevates the company's popular Prius platform to a place the company hopes will broaden its appeal. Specifically, Toyota is aiming at a segment who may already have purchased a Prius, or considered purchasing one, but could afford paying more for one.
1.) 2010 Ford Taurus
The new Taurus boasts a completely new platform borrowed from the Lincoln MKS, impressive levels of available equipment, and styling that actually reflects some "Bold Moves" on Ford's part. The D-Segment Taurus gets a hybridization of Kinetic Design language from Europed and elements borrowed from the Fusion.
All The Rest!
2010 Jaguar XFR Launched Amid Dry Ice, Lasers
2010 Jaguar XKR Revealed With 510 HP
Volvo S60 Concept Revealed Live
Kia Soul'Ster Concept: A Ride For The Cali Kids
Jeep Patriot EV Shoots Off In Detroit
2010 Buick LaCrosse: Crushing Brand Perceptions
Dodge Circuit EV Officially Revealed In Detroit
2010 BMW Z4 Slips Onto The Stage And, just for fun, the obligatory booth professional post and photo!