Detroit's auto show once was a hotbed of concept cars. Then cost cutting took hold and car companies now watch their millions developing and showing fanciful ideas for the future. A shame.
Detroit in 2015 lacks show cars and this is disappointing for those who remember the glory days of the Dodge Copperhead and the Volkswagen Concept One – the latter eventually sold as a production model, the former scrapped. In the spirit of scrap it or sell it, and with a nod to Joe White's since-gone "Built It or Bag It" in the Wall Street Journal, here's a look at the notable concepts from the North American International Auto show, which runs through Jan. 25.
Buick Avenir
The name is French for future and if this really is Buick's future, look out world. What a gloriously beautiful four-seat sedan. GM global design boss Ed Welburn says the Avenir has "presence without pretense," with technology integrated "seamlessly" into this premium sedan. If built, it will ride on the same platform as the coming Cadillac flagship.
Sell it or scrap it? Sell it and it will reinvent Buick.
Chevrolet Bolt
GM's global product czar all but confirmed that the Bolt will be a production electric vehicle (EV) by 2017, with a 300-kilometre range and a price tag in the mid-$30,000s or so. Really? Excellent.
"The Bolt EV concept is a game-changing electric vehicle designed for attainability, not exclusivity," said GM CEO Mary Barra, emphasizing the concept is not a science project and that the Bolt is being designed for direct current (DC) fast-charging.
Sell it or scrap it? The cat is out of the bag: GM is going to sell it. And that is a good idea.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The idea of a car/truck has its proponents, most of whom remember the Ford Ranchero and Chevy El Camino of decades ago. Hyundai should remember the Subaru Brat, or Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter. A flop in both concept and execution.
"The Santa Cruz crossover truck concept meets the unspoken needs of a growing millennial lifestyle we call 'urban adventurers,'" said Mark Dipko, director, corporate planning, Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai may think millennials want a car/pickup with a great handling, efficiency and technology, but here's betting they don't. Who needs Hyundai's interpretation of the Honda Ridgeline?
Sell it or scrap it? Scrap it.
Ford GT
The GT needs no extra plaudits. The world is awash with excitement about this super sports car with the 600-horsepower, EcoBoost engine and a design inspired by the 1966 Le Mans cars that finished 1-2-3. Beautiful and exciting.
Sell it or scrap it? Ford's going to sell it.
VW Cross Coupe
As one Volkswagen official said off the record in Detroit, "Our company has finally figured out that American buyers want crossovers." He oozed frustration. Well, duh.
The Honda CR-V is the No. 1 selling model in the United States and the crossover segment – especially compacts – is the fastest-growing in Canada. VW has had its Tiguan compact crossover for years, but it's not enough. So meet the Cross Coupe GTE concept.
Sell it or scrap it? VW should and will sell it.
Honda FCV Fuel Cell
Honda has been playing with fuel cell vehicles for more than a decade. We saw the FCV in Tokyo last year. Then, like now, I can't say it's beautiful, though it is technologically amazing.
Sell it or scrap it? Scrap this design, but sell the technology.
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