Detroit 2013: The Best Of The Rest

Detroit's auto show is always home to some big reveals. Without a doubt, this year's "read all about it!" was the C7 Corvette. But it wasn't the only star breaking cover at Detroit: here are our short but sweet musings on th'other important debuts at America's biggest auto show.

Infiniti Q50

Infiniti announced a little while back they would be changing their name structure to ape Audi's - here's the first fruit of that particular (misguided) labor: the Q50. You can call it the new G37. The current G37 (Skyline) has been with us since 2006, which makes it about 104 years old in terms of the small luxury sedan market. The Q50 is all-new, and adapts more modern Infiniti styling including the neat "crescent cut" C-pillar which finally moves away from copying BMW's Hoffmeier kink. I don't know if the styling is a home-run, but it's subjective. What's not is the standard engine: Nissan's gruff but ferocious VQ37HR, with 328 noisy horsepower. The interior is all new, with a much classy centre stack implementing twin touch screens. There will be a hybrid model using the M35H's 3.5-litre V6/Hybrid powertrain, as well as smaller-displacement base models in the future.

Cadillac ELR

The Cadillac ELR is the luxury brand's version of the Chevrolet Volt/Vauxhall Ampera. The biggest change is that it's a coupe, but the Volt's "hard lines" can still be seen where the A-pillar intersects the hood. It might be the first actually sexy electric car. Like the volt, it's powered by an electric motor with a 1.4-litre gasoline "generator" yielding 35 miles of all-electric range before the gas engine kicks in. Production starts in late 2013.

Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept

The Americanized Passat (which is built in Tennessee) has been a big hit here in the US, with regular mid-sized buyers flocking to it like it was an Accord. Which it kind of is, with all the cost-cutting, boring styling and bland engines they put in them. This is VW's attempt to make a more fun Passat. Power comes from a 1.8-litre gas turbo engine making 250 horsepower (80 more than the 2.5-litre base engine, 30 less than the 3.6-litre V6) powering the front wheels through a six-speed auto. Big wheels, lowered suspension, and tighter steering promise to make it a more entertaining drive - the question is, will VW build it? We'll have to wait and see.

Mini Paceman JCW

Not exactly shocking, but here it is: the John Cooper Works version of the 2-door version of the bigger 4-door version of the Mini. Confused? Like all other JCW's, it has the upgraded 218-horsepower version of the 1.6-litre Turbo engine (which as a mechanic, I must tell you is awful to work on). All-wheel-drive keeps the torque steer at bay, and big wheels with low-profile tires and a rock-hard suspension are present to keep your chiropractor happy. Word on the street is it will probably cost... more than a Mustang GT. Just sayin'.

Maserati Quattroporte VI

Maserati is serious about the new Quattroporte being a real competitor for the S-Class, 7-series, A8, and XJ. While the old model came with your choice of drivetrains (as long as it was V8, rear drive), the new one is diversifying. First introduced with a Ferrari-built twin-turbo V8 making 530bhp (the first since the F40!), the Q-Porte is getting a new "base" engine. Base here means a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 making 410 horsepower, also designed by Ferrari. The V6 will be offered in a "Q4" model with all-wheel-drive as well, something not available with the V8.

Acura NSX Concept II

Acura's NSX concept is making the rounds at auto shows again as it gets closer to production. If you want to know more about Honda's upcoming Hybrid supercar, read our detailed post on the 2012 NSX Concept. This new concept has one big change: a full interior. It's an interesting shade of red, to be sure, and the low slung dash and digital displays are very modern. I'm not sure it's an improvement over the real deal, but I'm a purist.

Toyota Corolla Furia Concept

Look, I'll just say this. One - if the next Corolla actually looks this cool, I'll eat my own shorts. Two - if it does, I'll find out what shorts taste like, and maybe Toyota will finally be serious about "no more boring cars". The current Corolla is the most drab patch of beige on the market, and this thing is sexy.

Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept

And finally, from Hyundai we have the HCD-14 Genesis concept. Designed to preview the next-generation Genesis sedan, the HCD-14 sports an A7-style sloping rear hatch instead of the traditional trunk. The front end is just too ugly to show to our readers, so just appreciate this flattering angle. They don't always get it right the first time, but they always get it right eventually!