NAIAS 2011: Day One and Only, midday madness

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Approaching the middle of day one (and only) we get offerings from Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi and Toyota.

Mercedes Benz entertained the media with singer Colby Caillat as they highlighted the new F-Cell, SLS AMG Gullwing E-Cell and new S- and C-Class variants amongst others. The new S350 will be served up with the BlueTec diesel powertrain.

The restyled 2012 C-Class sedan is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2011. The front and rear end of the popular Mercedes sedan have been enhanced with a more distinctive design. The luxurious interior is now emphasized by the stylish new dashboard, which features a premium, fine-grain finish and stylish trim elements, as well as a high-resolution color display in the instrument cluster. Fuel economy has been improved by as much as 15 percent, thanks to new direct-injection engines and the redesigned 7-speed automatic transmission. Five new driver assistance systems ranging from the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system through to the Blind Spot Assist are now available in the C-Class lineup. New- generation telematics offer new infotainment and navigation features.

BMW debuted an updated 1 Series in coupe and convertible fashion and Olympian swimmer Natalie Coughlin delivered a new 6 Series convertible showcasing the automaker’s support of the US Olympic team.
BMW’s magnificent new 650i Convertible ($91,375) features a lower, wider canvas on which the designers have crafted an elegant shape of pure dynamic presence. Going on sale as a 2012 model, the 650i Convertible features BMW’s 4.4-liter, “reverse flow” V-8 engine with 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Two transmissions are available including the standard 6-speed manual and BMW’s brilliant optional 8-speed automatic, both suited perfectly to the sport-luxury mission of the 6 Series. As with the previous 6 Series Convertible, the new 650i Convertible features a super insulated folding soft top which can retract in a mere 19 seconds at vehicle speeds up to 25 miles per hour. The interior of the new 650i Convertible features a fresh, ergonomic design with more passenger space, improved ergonomics, and superb materials choices, including optional full-leather trim with contrasting stitching.
The popular BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible models have received substantial enhancements for an early start to the 2012 model year. The 128i model has received BMW’s innovative Air Curtain system, which smoothes airflow over the front wheels to reduce wind resistance. All 1 Series models receive updated headlight and tail light assemblies, featuring a new “eyebrow” design up front and new taillights at rear. Xenon Adaptive headlights – standard on 135i models, optional on 128i models – add LED backlighting for the new eyebrow and LED light tubes in the taillights. All 1 Series models now feature standard iPod/USB integration. Convertible models now feature standard through-loading system for improved storage capacity, while 135i models gain standard power seats with adjustable lumbar support. Convertible models receive larger light-alloy wheels, now 17” diameter on 128i Convertible and 18” diameter on the 135i Convertible.
The all-new BMW 1 Series M Coupe, at $47,010, is a car built by BMW’s most enthusiastic engineers for BMW’s most enthusiastic drivers, and signals the youthful, energetic future of BMW M. Essentially a BMW M3 chassis with Competition Package packed into a modified 1 Series body, the 1 Series M Coupe is one of the fastest, most remarkable M vehicles ever built. It features one of the most powerful inline-6 engines BMW has ever built, massive brakes, and a very wide footprint for maximum agility and stability in the spirit of the original BMW M3, which was a race-ready homologation special. The 1 Series M Coupe will be available in limited quantity as a 2011 model.

Audi is introducing enhancements to the A6 family that sees updated styling along with a hybrid powertrain for its mid-level sedan. The new A6 will arrive at dealerships in early 2011. The successor to the world’s most successful executive sedan features groundbreaking solutions in every area of technology. An intelligent combination of materials renders the body unusually light; operation is easy, despite a wealth of functionality; and the range of assistance and multimedia systems is extensive. The new A6 series starts with five powerplants generating between 130 kW (177 hp) and 220 kW (300 hp) of output: two gasoline engines and three TDI units. The Audi A6 hybrid will follow at a later date; it combines the power of a large V6 with the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder unit. A number of drivetrain options are also available. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system for all TFSI and TDI versions has been expanded to include an additional mode – the “efficiency” program.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the Prius family of vehicles today at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. In addition to the current third-generation Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV), the new Prius v midsize hybrid-electric vehicle and the Prius c Concept vehicle joined the iconic hybrid brand, broadening the appeal of Prius to all ages and lifestyles.
With the expansion of the Prius family, a new evolution of vehicles will further increase the acceptance of hybrids with Prius’ same core values of high fuel economy, low emissions, proven technology and environmental stewardship.
“This is no ordinary family. It’s a modern family with a Prius for everyone,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “The Prius v is an all-new dedicated hybrid vehicle, and all future Prius family members will be as well. They will all share common Prius attributes but will be unique, with a special appeal to different buyers.”

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About the Author

David Goodspeed
David was editor of AutoworldToday at Today Newspapers in the Dallas suburbs until its closing in 2009. He was also webmaster and photographer/videographer. He got started doing photography for the newspaper while working as a firefighter/paramedic in one of his towns, and began working for the newspaper group full-time in 1992. David entered automotive journalism in 1998 and became AutoworldToday editor in 2002. On the average, he drives some 100 new vehicles each year. He enjoys the great outdoors and as an avid fly fisherman, as is his spouse Tish. He especially enjoys nature photography and is inspired by the works of Ansel Adams.

1 Comment on "NAIAS 2011: Day One and Only, midday madness"

  1. So sad that we're missing NAIAS 2nd yr in a row. 🙁 RT @GearDiarySite: NAIAS 2011: Day One and Only, midday madness http://goo.gl/fb/ysx1Z

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