2007 Detroit Auto Show: Lincoln MKR Concept

As unflattering as we found the Ford Interceptor, we’re nearly gaga for Lincoln’s concept, the MKR. This sleek four-door coupe — think Mercedes-Benz CLS — is elegant with some menace thrown in for good measure. Like the Ford Interceptor, it’s based on the Ford Mustang platform but with an independent rear suspension to make the ride more comfortable. It also features a completely unique engine we hope will make its way into production. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 called the “Twin Force” pumps out 415 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque and runs on E85. While we don’t care about its ethanol leanings, the Turbo V-6 is a thing of beauty.

After gushing over the powertrain, we’re left staring at the design which features a glass roof — complete with a Lincoln emblem incorporated for structural support — although it doesn’t look too stable to us. The rear is simple and understated while looking futuristic. There really isn’t much wrong with the design except perhaps the headlights, which seem too small compared to the oversized grille.

This early look at one of the premiere concept cars from Detroit has definitely roused our interest and we’ll bring you more when it rolls out on the show floor next week. More images are below.

2007 Detroit Auto Show: Ford Interceptor Concept

The Ford Interceptor Concept is jaw-dropping, but not necessarily in a good way. While we can’t talk about the rest of what Ford will be unveiling at Detroit until next week, the Interceptor is by far one of our least favorites, at least to the eye. Quickly, we’ll tell you about the stuff you can’t see for yourself in these pictures. The Interceptor is based on an elongated Mustang platform, bringing rear-wheel drive performance to a new Ford sedan. Powering the Interceptor is a modified version of the Mustang’s V-8 engine that is actually used in racing circuits. In this car it would produce 400 hp and run on E85.

All the underpinnings sound fine to us, and in all likelihood could end up in a future Ford sedan. What we can’t fathom in the least is the sloppy design. Even the head of Ford’s design group said the front end is borrowed from last year’s F-250 Super Chief concept. The Super Chief was a pickup, folks. The resulting “warmed-over” look, then, is no accident. We still don’t understand why Ford doesn’t look to its European arm for design inspiration. The Ford Mondeo is a good-looking car that just went on sale in Europe, and the Iosis concept from a few years back was one of the best-looking concepts we can remember. Alas, we’re left with a sedan suffering from an inferiority complex caused by the Chrysler 300C. That’s a shame.

Updated: We've added a number of Interceptor photos below which shows off its best side. The profile.

We'll also have much more information about the Interceptor when we get to the Detroit auto show on January 7.

Eco-Friendly Car of the Year Runners-Up

You can’t talk cars these days without talking about hybrids and alternative fuels. This year we had so many new or significant ones that this category was one of the toughest to call in our Lifestyle Awards.

• Green Cars of the Year: 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid and 2007 Toyota Prius

Runners-Up: Chevrolet Avalanche E85, Chevrolet Suburban E85, Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Saturn Vue Green Line

The Debate: It came down to extreme mileage versus a mix of value, fuel economy and clean emissions. This was a tough one, with the Honda Civic Hybrid touted by some as superior to the Prius. The Vue Green Line also impressed us with its inexpensive price of entry, but none were better-executed than the Camry Hybrid, and none win the mileage battle like the Prius. Case closed … this year.

Related:
Family Car of the Year Runners-Up

New Years Concept Car Unveilings

At the stroke of midnight on December 31st — that’s between Saturday and Sunday — we’ll be bringing you word on one of the most anticipated concepts to debut at this year’s Detroit auto show. Then on New Year’s Eve proper at midnight — when the ball drops and you’re busy partying — we’ll be bringing you word on yet another stylish concept car. If that’s not enough for you, the next day at 12:01 a.m. on January 2nd we’ll have one more new car — a production car this time — for you all to see.

There’s nothing like new sheet metal to ring in 2007.

Update: Check out the first of the concepts, the Ford Interceptor.

Looking Back: December 2006

Here it is, our final installment at the year in car news here on Kicking Tires. We find a lot happening between winter holidays as we prepare for an even busier 2007.

We finish wrapping up our L.A. Auto Show coverage with some winners and loser among the concept and production vehicles that debuted and even some video. Joe Wiesenfelder even gets stranded there due to bad weather.

Kelley Blue Book tells us what the best new cars for resale value is and we believe them while J.D. Power says Toyota has the best buyer retention for new cars.

Work Car of the Year Runners-Up

We only had two categories for the Work Car of the Year: Commuters and Hard Workers. One obviously seeks out the best daily drivers we could find, while the other is for people who need their cars during their 9 - 5 shift.

• Best New Car for Commuters: 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid 

Runners-Up: Acura TSX, Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, Mazda3, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4

The Debate: Because the nature of a good commuter has as much to do with fuel economy as with a good ride, the Civic Hybrid came out on top without much argument in our war room. The Prius doesn’t ride as smoothly, and the others don’t come close on the mileage front. Still, all the cars in this group would serve as solid workday companions.

2007 Detroit Auto Show: Nissan Rogue

Nissan joins the compact SUV market in the U.S. with its new Rogue seen here. The stylish little SUV will compete directly against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 and will have available all-wheel drive. It’s powered by a 175 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a CVT transmission. A set of shift paddles on the steering wheel is optional, but we don’t see this as being a sports-oriented vehicle. It more aptly will fill the role as a compact hauler of people and their stuff with some style and high quality interior finishes, if it’s anything like the latest Sentra.

Stability control, traction control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, front and rear curtain airbags and active head restraints are all standard. Nissan says the Rogue will go on sale in September 2007. Expect pricing to start around $20,000 with fully loaded models reaching the high $20,000 range.

We’ll have more information and live photos for you when the Rogue debuts to the media at the Detroit auto show on January 7. For now, continue reading for the photos Nissan has provided.

Related:
2007 Detroit Auto Show: More on the Nissan Rogue (Jan. 4, 2007)

Mazda Lineup Growing, Advertising Not Catching Up

We just finished reading AutoWeek’s story on Mazda’s expanding lineup — moving from seven nameplates to nine in two years and adding six more bodystyles in the same timeframe — and we’re a bit dismayed that the company isn’t planning on expanding ad buying in the same proportions.

Here’s where we dissect some of the industry speak for you. Mazda’s new director of marketing David Klan isn’t planning on highlighting the new CX-7 and CX-9 crossovers over the rest of the lineup despite their positive reviews and brisk sales of the CX-7. He went the understated route, saying “the crossovers are a natural extension of the brand.” Sounds like a politician or losing quarterback who can only say one thing, no matter what the topic is.

The point is the CX-7 and CX-9 are probably the most important vehicles to hit Mazda’s lineup since the Mazda6.

Looking Back: November 2006

We’re getting closer to the end of 2006 and our looks back are winding down as well. Today we look all the way back to the month of November when the car show circuit first hit full steam in Los Angeles.

Hyundai is doing so well it’s running out of models, while Scion is holding back sales to stay exclusively hip.

Cars.com finds the best James Bond rides of all time. Then we get back to reality and offer a list of what you’ll need for Winter Driving.

Chevy Introduces HHR Premiere Edition

The retro Chevrolet HHR is one of those vehicles that is prime for special editions. This fall, we saw an all-black limited edition; for the spring, Chevy will roll out a mere 4,000 of the just-introduced Premiere Edition. Despite the limited numbers, the package is priced at $995 on top of the base HHR 2LT price of $18,760 — not including destination.

Specific features on the Premiere Edition include: 17-inch black chrome wheels, black chrome exterior package, rear spoiler, Cappuccino Frost Metallic exterior and an ebony and gray two-tone interior.

Expect to see these HHRs in early spring.

Source: GM