2011 Detroit Auto Show Winners & Losers: Concept Cars
The auto industry is booming, and if you need more proof, check out the sheer number of concept cars at this year’s Detroit auto show. Concepts had been largely omitted from the show circuit the past few years as a way to save money and focus on products people actually bought. Well, the good times are back again, and so are the concept cars. But should they be?
You can also check out which production cars won our hearts here.
David Thomas: Winner
Detroit showgoers will only get to see the coupe concept, as the sedan was shipped to another show in Canada, but the coupe is the more radical, with a very intriguing spoiler — a spoiler that may even make it into production later this year. It isn’t a radical departure, but the Civic is a perennial best-seller with good looks. Why mess with it?
Joe Wiesenfelder: Winner
Agreed. The current Civic is still competitive, despite being relatively “old” in the market. Honda needs to dial it up in terms of interior, mileage and features, but the styling is probably best tweaked rather than overhauled. It would have been nice to see an interior, though. We expect to drive the production cars – both body styles, including the hybrid – in April, so Honda has some work to do, and fast.
Kelsey Mays: Winner
Provided Honda keeps the Civic’s cabin materials top-notch, this was a good direction. The prior-gen Civic was the first design to really take, from a styling standpoint. The automaker hasn’t messed with a good thing. If the gas-mileage claims pan out — 40 mpg or better highway from the base model — then the next Civic should be as competitive as ever.
Joe Bruzek: Loser
It’s too bad that auto-show visitors won’t be able to see the Civic sedan concept. The new styling hugs the sedan much better than the coupe. The coupe looks bulky, bloated and less athletic than the current car and sedan concept.
