2007 Detroit - The Concepts

January 12, 2007 - Story and photos by John LeBlanc

DETROIT - If you could get over the cynicism of knowing what was behind each curtain before it was drawn, there was some outstanding sheetmetal debuting in Detroit this year.

Here are a half-dozen of the best:



Acura Advanced Concept 
Need-to-know: Acura says this concept provides a preview of the design direction for the successor to the Acura NSX. Halleluiah! A front-—not mid-, as in the NSX—mounted, V10 engine sits up front and a new high-performance, rear-wheel-drive based version of Acura's SH-AWD drives all four wheels.
What we say: Car enthusiasts have been waiting for what seems like forever for Acura (Honda, actually) to get some cojones and do another NSX type of car. We ended up with a Japanese Viper, but we’ll take it…



Toyota FT-HS 
Need-to-know: This two-plus-two, front-engine, rear-drive hybrid sports car concept houses a 3.5-litre V6 gas engine married to a hybrid—yes, hybrid—system that in total Toyota is estimating will pump out approximately 400 h.p. with a zero-to-96 km/h in about four seconds. Toyota also claims the FT-HS’s dramatic front and rear styling has been sculpted to remove weight around key functional components with additional aerodynamic shapes to promote smooth airflow and reduce turbulence. Expect a US$50,000 range,
What we say: The Bladerunner concave cutouts are dramatic enough for us to forget that Prius sales will probably finance the development of this 21st Century Supra. Stay tuned…



Lexus LF-A
Need-to-know: Joining the IS-F as the second arrow in Lexus’ Detroit performance quiver, the Lexus LF-A supercar concept is an evolution of the original LF-A concept shown 24 months ago in this same venue. In fact, the LF-A’s drivetrain is the same 500-plus h.p. V10, mounted mid-car with a rear-mounted transaxle and rear-mounted radiators for better weight distribution.
What we say: Smoothed over and looking more production-ready than ever, it appears as if Lexus is inching closer to actually selling a car that will do an estimated 320 km/h and cost US$100,000. Nice…



Ford Interceptor
Need-to-know: You may have already seen this online before Christmas, but the Interceptor’s Super Chief-inspired, in-yer-face styling has real presence in the metal. The concept’s bark is backed up with a Ford Cammer 5.0-litre V8 and short-throw, six-speed stick.
What we say: You know Ford just HAD to do something to take on Chrysler’s 300C. All the parts are there, Ford, just go do it…



Mazda Ryuga 
Need-to-know: The second in a trio of three concepts with the third expected to appear at the Geneva show in March. If you’re already familiar with Mazda’s Nagare concept from the L.A. auto show last December, then you’ll have to look twice to recognize that the Ryuga at Detroit is a further evolution of what Mazda calls their new “flow” design language. Mazda is boasting that the Ryuga is significantly shorter and lower than today’s four-passenger RX-8 sports car, yet it too accommodates four passengers in relative comfort.
What we say: Enough with the concepts! Including the Senko concept, Mazda has pretty much played its hand as to what the current RX-8 replacement will be like. We like, now just go away and build the sucka…



Chrysler Nassau 
Need-to-know: Based on the LX platform and stuffed with an SRT 425 h.p. 6.1-litre HEMI and five-speed automatic, the Nassau is much more refined than the current 300C. Kind of a combination of four-door coupe—a la Mercedes CLS—and large hatch like an old Saab 9000.
What we say: The “shooting brake” idea probably won’t make it as the next 300C. But it’s nice to see Chrysler is adding some sophistication and attention to detail not only to the interior but also outside.

- John LeBlanc is an automotive critic and publisher of www.straight-six.com