2008 Detroit Auto Show Winners and Losers: Production Cars

There weren’t nearly as many new production cars at this year’s Detroit auto show compared to the array of concepts, but Cars.com’s Mike Hanley, David Thomas and Joe Wiesenfelder take on each with gusto.

2008 BMW X6

Mike Hanley: Winner
If the BMW X6 is a success — which I think it will be with its muscular, athletic styling — it'll go to show that the AMC Eagle of the '80s really was before its time, as the X6 follows the path set forth by that all-wheel-drive hatchback. With a healthy helping of horsepower, the X6 looks like a smart way for BMW to attract more SUV shoppers without diluting the driving experience too much.

David Thomas: Loser
It’s neat-looking and I can’t wait to drive one with the turbo V-8, but otherwise the X6 doesn’t work for me. You can’t see out the back, you can’t fit in the backseat. It doesn’t have much utility at all, and it’s going to be expensive. Yeah, sign me up for that.

Joe Wiesenfelder: Loser
I like the idea of the X6, and I think it looks pretty good. I'm down on redundancy, though, and I don't see this model's necessity. I'd be more enthusiastic about the style and styling if it showed up as a next-generation X5.

2008 Detroit Auto Show Video: 2009 Dodge Ram

Definitely the biggest news-generator from Detroit was the new Dodge Ram full-size pickup. The new model was changed quite a bit, from its rear suspension and upgraded interior to a cool storage box built right into the body of the truck. Cars.com’s Mike Hanley walks us through it all in this video.

Through Ian's Lens: 2008 NAIAS Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

This past week, I experienced my first North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and I think I fared pretty well. After my duties as a photographer for Cars.com were filled, I made sure to photograph the cars that need very little introduction. Major auto shows offer a forum in which I can indulge my weakness for four-wheeled works of art and the craftsmanship of ultra-luxury vehicles.

If I were to make a list of the great artistic manufacturers, Rolls-Royce would be in the top 10. Rolls-Royce took the opportunity to build a custom model just for the show, and at 18 feet, 4 inches long, the 2008 NAIAS Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé is one of the longest two-door cars out there. With its stainless steel hood and teak wood inlay, this car is a shining example of elegance and affluence. White leather and electronic controls round out the interior of this massive cruiser, while small touches — like an umbrella holder inside the door frame — make for a well-rounded experience. A full set of photos is below.

2008 Detroit Auto Show Video: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

One of the most impressive production cars at the Detroit auto show was Hyundai’s new Genesis sedan. Cars.com’s Mike Hanley takes you on a tour of the rear-wheel-drive sedan, showing off the numerous features the company hopes will make the Genesis a competitor with Lexus and other luxury automakers. Check out the video and let us know what you think.

Up Close: 2009 Toyota Venza

Hatchbacks aren't normally praised for their looks, but Toyota has somehow managed to develop a handsome one in its new Venza. Maybe it has something to do with the car's radically swept D-pillar and interesting taillights. A raked windshield complements the angle of the liftgate glass, and it doesn't hurt that the car's proportions are right on the money. The large grille is a little too upright for my taste, but on the whole the new Venza looks like a car that will appeal to shoppers looking for a large hatchback or an SUV-alternative.

2008 Detroit Auto Show Video: 2008 BMW X6

The BMW X6 is one strange SUV. Actually, BMW calls it an SAV (sport activity vehicle), but until the general populace starts using that term, we’ll stick with what we know. Kelsey Mays walks us through that debate from the show floor in this video.

First Drive: Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

I assumed that a plug-in version of the Prius wouldn't be powerful enough when operating in electric-only mode, given that you have to accelerate gingerly in a regular Prius to achieve its top electric-only speed of 30 mph without triggering the gas engine. A drive in an experimental Prius plug-in hybrid, however, proved me wrong.

Here at the Detroit auto show — where sudden hybrid rival GM introduced an upcoming plug-in model and vowed to beat the Japanese pioneer to market — Toyota seized the opportunity to offer Cars.com a test drive. The modified Prius I drove is one of only a handful in the U.S., four of which Toyota has provided to the University of California,  Berkeley and Irvine, in conjunction with the Clean Mobility Partnership.

2008 Detroit Auto Show Video: 2009 Ford F-150 Bed Features

Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder already walked us through the new F-150. In this video he shows off the new truck's configurable bed.

Today on Mother Proof: Day 3 of the Detroit Auto Show

On the final media day of the Detroit auto show, Mother Proofers Kristin Varela and Sara Lacey round up some last-minute highlights. Check out what they have to say about a new Toyota mom-mobile, a Lincoln with carpet woven in Nepal, a zero-emissions Cadillac concept and a Saab that makes elaborate, ground-breaking use of storage space.

Live from Detroit: Day 3 (Mother Proof)

2008 Detroit Auto Show Video: 2009 Ford F-150

Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder takes on the redesign of the best-selling vehicle in the country. There's no overstating the importance of the F-150 to Ford; check out the video to see if it measures up to anticipation.