The 2012 North American International Auto Show has come to an end as the Cobo Hall staff prepares for the upcoming Detroit Autorama but as is generally the case – the Detroit automakers used their hometown auto show to showcase a handful of vehicles that will help them continue their growth in the American auto industry. Ford Motor Company, the Chrysler Group and General Motors all rolled out new models that will help them each compete in some of the most highly contested segments in America – and based on the reaction of the crowd and the media, these could become some of the top models in their class over the next year.
The biggest news from the Chrysler Group at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show was the introduction of the 2013 Dodge Dart. The compact sedan segment is one of the most important and most popular in the US industry but since the Dodge Neon left the company lineup in 2005, the Chrysler Group has not had a legitimate player in this segment. However, with the introduction of the sleek, sporty new Dodge Dart – Chrysler hopes to claim the same success that the company saw with the now-gone Neon.
The 2013 Dodge Dart is based on Alfa Romeo architecture, modified (enlarged) to meet the demands and desires of the American car buyer. In addition to three highly fuel efficient and powerful engines, the new Dart offers technology and amenities never before seen in a Chrysler Group compact sedan such as the massive touch screen infotainment system controls along with interior fit and finish previously saved for the more expensive Chrysler Group products. Finally, the Chrysler Group looks like they have a vehicle that can go head to head with the likes of the Ford Focus, the Chevy Cruze, the Hyundai Elantra and the Toyota Corolla and hold its own.
Ford Motor Company had a monstrously large display at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and while their sprawling area offered a little bit of everything – the crown jewel of this years’ Ford display was the 2013 Ford Fusion. The new Fusion is more upscale than the previous versions, looking more like a luxury car than a standard C/D segment sedan. The proud front fascia sports thin headlights and a massive grille opening, behind which the 2013 Fusion features a new lineup of engines that should help it climb back atop the bestsellers list in the US. Most importantly, the 2013 Fusion will feature the new Energi trimline that brings the features of a plug-in hybrid to the Fusion lineup – allowing unprecedented all-electric driving with charging times that will easily best their competitors.
Last but certainly not least is General Motors, who used the 2012 Detroit Auto Show to show off the new Cadillac ATS – the vehicle slated to take on the best mid-sized luxury models in the world. While the Cadillac brand is all about luxury, recent trends have seen the luxury buyer demand more than just good looks and a plush interior…with a desire for as much performance as comfort. This is most clearly displayed by the popularity of the BMW 3 Series so when GM was developing the new ATS sedan – the BMW 3 Series was the vehicle which they used as the benchmark. The ATS features the distinct look of the current Cadillac lineup with world class interior finishes but most importantly – the ATS underwent extensive chassis and drivetrain development on some of the greatest race tracks in the world to ensure that the ATS offered as much “sport” as “luxury”. The result is a new Caddy sedan that has the looks and the performance to take on the likes of the BMW 3 Series and perhaps sway a few Bimmer owners to look to their local Cadillac dealerships when it comes time to pick up a new vehicle.
Check out the gallery on the left for a look at the new Ford Fusion, Dodge Dart and Cadillac ATS.
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