Chat Transcript

<Edmunds_Moderator> Welcome to our Special Event Chat with Neil Dunlop, Senior Features Editor, Edmunds.com. He's here to tell us all about the 2001 Detroit Auto Show! We're glad you joined us. Please submit as many questions as you want and he will answer as many as he can during our chat hour.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Thanks for chatting with us tonight Neil! Before we get to the member questions, could you give us an overview of the Detroit Auto Show?

<Neil_Dunlop> In concept cars I saw a lot of the same thing.  Most of them looked like they were designed by the same designer, even though they were oceans apart.  For instance, the GMC Terra Cross, the BMW X Coupe, the Mitsubishi ASX, to name a few, all sported the industrial futuristic style so there really wasn't a lot of variety.

<Neil_Dunlop> In production cars, meaning models that will be sold within the year, there were no real surprises.  Most anybody who followed the automotive industry would have known what was coming.

<Neil_Dunlop> So whereas there may have been no "stars" at the show, there certainly were a lot of quality automobiles.  The trend still seems to be toward a vehicle that combines the utility in a Sport Utility with the road manners of a family sedan.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Welcome to our Special Event Chat with Neil Dunlop, Senior Features Editor, Edmunds.com. He's here to tell us all about the 2001 Detroit Auto Show! We're glad you joined us. Please submit as many questions as you want and he will answer as many as he can during our chat hour.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Bob: Do you think that the "sameness" of design in the concept cars was a result of computer design techniques or are the designers just out of ideas at the moment?

<Neil_Dunlop> Bob: That's an interesting question.  The designers in the auto industry are really the only 'artists' you'll meet, and certainly the only ones given to flights of fantasy and fancy.  In most cases they're given free reign.

<Neil_Dunlop> If you look at car design, the history, it's normal for the cars of a particular era to look similar.  The fin tails of the 50s, the boxy 80s and the rounded vanilla sedans of the early 90s and now the trend seems to be towards retro-industrial futuristic look.

<Neil_Dunlop> All of the concept cars that looked the same were almost uniformly silver in color which I think in some part may be influenced by our very technological and high tech world, but probably largely influenced by modern architecture, lots of glass and steel and smooth clean edges.  Also industrial styling, exposed beams and piping, that sort of thing.  I think it reflects trends in the larger world as well.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Sheryl: I went to the LA Auto show and was really impressed with a lot of the convertibles out for 2002. What would you choose if you were looking for something in the range of $25-35,000?

<Neil_Dunlop> Sheryl: Well they're all GREAT (largely), depending on what you want from a convertible, if you're going to drive it aggressively you'll probably want a roadster.  The best roadsters have 4-wheel independent suspension, meaty tires and super stiff body frames.  One of the best to come along that fits all these criteria is the Honda S2000, it sells for between $28- and $32,000.

<Neil_Dunlop> Another that has always been a perennial favorite are the Mazda Miata.  Then there's always the Jeep Wrangler if you want more versatility. 

<Neil_Dunlop> Even though Oldsmobile is in trouble, at the Detroit Auto Show, they showcased a very interesting concept called the O4.  O for Oxygen and 4 for the number of seats.  Should Oldsmobile be saved from the dustbin, a car like this could turn their fortunes around?

<Neil_Dunlop> It's not a sports car, but it's a sporty convertible in the vein of the VW Cabrio.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Please take a look at the top of the screen under Options and click Web Touring. This will enable you to see the web site as the URL is typed in the room.

<Edmunds_Moderator> masshoosier: What, if any, minivans are being showcased. I heard KIA had one on the drawing board with four captains' chairs instead of any bench seats. Middle ones could be turned either way. I think Renaualt has this same set-up in its minivan overseas.

<Neil_Dunlop> masshoosier: Let me recall...I recall that only 3 of the captains chairs will swivel, the drivers seat will not swivel for safety reasons.  GMC unveiled a concept SUV called the Terra Cross that had a swiveling front passenger seat

<Neil_Dunlop> One thing that came across at the Detroit Show, judging by the new design is that auto manufacturers expect us to spend a lot more time in our vehicles in the future

<Neil_Dunlop> To that end, we'll see more features that enable us to not only live comfortably in them, but also work, be entertained... basically to live in them.

<Neil_Dunlop> It's almost a return to the carriages before the automobile, when passengers sat facing each other and vehicles were like moving parlors except nowadays, cellular phones, GPS, DVD video systems and mobile internet connections

<Neil_Dunlop> Make us a lot more sophisticated than the horse and buggy era.

<Edmunds_Moderator> See the new video gallery from the 2001 Detroit Auto Show! http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshows/northamericaninternationalautoshow2001/44469/

<Edmunds_Moderator> agnstdtown: What are the chances that the O4 will be re-branded under a different GM division?

<Neil_Dunlop> Chances are VERY good.  Out of all the concept cars it looked the most ready to go into production.  Oldsmobile, being one of the world's oldest automakers will likely NOT go the way of the dodo.  Don't be surprised if Oldsmobile is revived.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Jersey Jack: It seems as though many of the cars are being designed for the future. Which manufacturer had the best futuristic design?

<Neil_Dunlop> Jersey Jack: There really wasn't a lot of difference between any of them.  Although the one that was quite different was the BMW X Coupe
The reason is it was designed by someone heavily influenced by modern architecture.

<Neil_Dunlop> If any of you have seen the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao Spain, you will recognize the influence of that wild structure's assymetrical design

<Neil_Dunlop> So the exterior of the X Coupe has features that are deliberately assymetrical for instance, the rear compartment cargo area and rear seats open like a clam shell on one side and several lines are off center.

<Neil_Dunlop> For instance there is no distinct belt line or even roofline inside. The space age architecture continues with exposed aluminum "beams" brushed metal levers and fabric covered flaps that open to reveal gauges.  Its wild and its different.

<Edmunds_Moderator> carlady: Did you see the 2002 Mini Cooper? What do you see as the market for it?

 <Neil_Dunlop> carlady: Yes, I saw that in Paris last fall when it was first debuted and was instantly taken with it.

<Neil_Dunlop> It's very small, and its styling is decidedly modern upbeat and fun, but it's not a toy car

<Neil_Dunlop> It's got four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction control and there will be a super charged 160 HP version available.

<Neil_Dunlop> BMW, who owns Mini, expects to sell 20,000 Minis to men and women from all age groups and backgrounds.

<Neil_Dunlop> My guess is that it will compete with the buyers of the VW Beetle.

<Neil_Dunlop> Young hip individualists, some who think it's just cute, and then those who are car fans who remember it from the 60s.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Welcome to our Special Event Chat with Neil Dunlop, Senior Features Editor, Edmunds.com. He's here to tell us all about the 2001 Detroit Auto Show! We're glad you joined us. Please submit as many questions as you want and he will answer as many as he can during our chat hour.

<Edmunds_Moderator> elgriton: Any sightings of the 2002 or next generation Camry?

<Neil_Dunlop> elgriton: No it didn't appear.  Toyota's big launch was the Matrix.
 
<Neil_Dunlop> Just to add one more thing-- the Matrix is the Twin of the Pontiac Vibe, it's a sports sedan wagon-SUV crossover that fits in a similar niche to the PT Cruiser. It will be available mid-2002).

<Edmunds_Moderator> Bob: Was there anything interesting from Nissan at the show?

<Neil_Dunlop> Bob: There was a lot of expectation about the new Z, but people weren't as thrilled as they expected to be.

<Neil_Dunlop> However, if you have seen pictures of it, you'll recognize that it is a very hot-looking car.

<Neil_Dunlop> But you'll also notice that it looks a lot like the new Mazda RX8 even the current Porsche 911.  The big disappointment was that it was released as a concept car and many were expecting a production model

<Edmunds_Moderator> masshoosier: What was your take on the Hemi8? Do you think that by the time they would (if, at all) get around to producing it that America would still be in love with the current "retro" look?

<Neil_Dunlop> masshoosier: My guess is that car will never be produced.  I suspect you're right, that in the usual 3-4 year turnaround of concept cars, America's love affair with retro may be dead. 

<Neil_Dunlop>That being said, Ford's new Forty-Nine and 2002 Thunderbird are the pure definition of Retro. So you never can tell.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Welcome to our Special Event Chat with Neil Dunlop, Senior Features Editor, Edmunds.com. He's here to tell us all about the 2001 Detroit Auto Show! We're glad you joined us. Please submit as many questions as you want and he will answer as many as he can during our chat hour.

<Edmunds_Moderator> carlady: Anything new on the Hatchbacks front? Any 5 doors to see?

<Neil_Dunlop> carlady: Another hatchback fan!  Unfortunately, many manufacturers seem to be discarding the hatchback, which is too bad, because I think it's the perfect solution for those who want a Sedan but need a large gate for whatever they carry.

<Neil_Dunlop>The trend now is definitely towards either fast coupes or sport utility vehicles.  Even Honda dropped the Civic hatchback from its lineup.

<Edmunds_Moderator> pfflyer: Which Manufacturer had the best exhibit and did the best job of showing what they had?

<Neil_Dunlop> pfflyer: Well, the 3 big US manufacturers (GM, Ford and Daimler-Chrysler) had enormous floor space at the show

<Neil_Dunlop> GM needed a scale-model of its display just so people could get around.

<Neil_Dunlop> Really, you quite literally needed a map.  For instance, Jeep had a simulated waterfall that somehow they were able to print messages in the water for journalists. 

<Neil_Dunlop> Ford had a cafe with mouthwatering treats. The whole thing is essentially Overload.  You couldn't really say one is better than the other.

<Edmunds_Moderator> agnstdtown: In your opinion, which car companies employ the most progressive current designers that will mirror the new automotive trends of the millennium.

<Neil_Dunlop> agnstdtown: Well, you have to look at who leads the trends and the influence you see in the designs.  Designers I think are influenced by each other, and as I mentioned before by current trends in film, architecture, etc.
Much of the influence is taken from classic autos. 

<Neil_Dunlop> For instance, Mazda's new RX8 has lines similar to a classic Ferrari and Porsche, is influenced by Porsche.

<Neil_Dunlop> You really only need to look at the established classics and you can see echoes of those designs in everything that is appearing now. 

<Neil_Dunlop> I think maybe in cars, as in everything else, there really is nothing new under the sun and it will just be whoever can combine all the elements to make the most compelling design that is remembered.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Sheryl: Neil, I also am interested in "hybrid" vehicles but am not sure what this is all about. Can you tell us what one would need for a car fueled on electricity and gas or electricity and "natural gas?"

<Neil_Dunlop> Sheryl: You'll need a whole new engine system. Right now you can get a conversion kit to convert your car to natural gas.  That's old technology,

<Neil_Dunlop> What's now considered a hybrid is a car that is run partly on gas, and partly on electric motors.

<Neil_Dunlop> One of the most interesting things that GM announced at the show was not a car or any new vehicle , but a new hybrid system called the ParadiGM

<Neil_Dunlop> It combines a 3.6 liter V6 conventional gas powered engine with a pair of electric motors and a battery pack.

<Neil_Dunlop> The batteries in electric motors run the car at slow speeds and the motor takes over at high speeds, which is when it is most efficient and releases the least fumes.

<Neil_Dunlop> GM claims that no consumer will be able to tell the difference between a ParadiGM-powered car and a conventional gas motor.

<Neil_Dunlop> The 6 cylinder version of this hybrid generates 252 HP will go from 0-60 in 7.3 seconds, and averages 35 MPG.

<Neil_Dunlop> It plans to have a vehicle available with the ParadiGM engine in 2004 and you can expect many other manufacturers to follow.

<Edmunds_Moderator> babs: Can you purchase cars at the auto shows or are they only for viewing?

<Neil_Dunlop> babs: They're only for viewing.  There is no dealer representation.  Although I'm sure any of the auto makers would be happy to direct you to a dealer in your area.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Bob: But if you could have bought a car there, and I gave you a blank check, which car would you want to drive away with??

<Neil_Dunlop> Bob: Hm...Probably the 2002 Porsche 911 GT2 or the 2002 BMW X5 4.6 IS

<Neil_Dunlop> The Porsche will be the most powerful production Porsche ever sold in the US with a staggering 456 HP and 457 foot lbs of torque.

<Neil_Dunlop> On second thought, forget the BMW, I'll take the Porsche.

<Neil_Dunlop> (But you better make that check for $180,000!)

<Edmunds_Moderator> Sheryl: I saw an Alero Convertible that was really pretty. Did you see any of these and if so what do you think?

 <Neil_Dunlop> Sheryl: Are you sure that wasn't the Oldsmobile O4?  With 750 cars, it's impossible for me to remember every one, but I don't remember an Alero Convertible.

<Neil_Dunlop> But the O4's front end is almost identical to the Alero, but it's a much smaller vehicle.

<Edmunds_Moderator> masshoosier: How about trends in marketing and general delivery to the public? Anything on how cars are to be sold in the future? Test drive Warehouses or something of the sort? Any new ways of testing, ordering and delivering?

<Neil_Dunlop> masshoosier: Sure!  There's the Internet, with fantastic companies like www.edmunds.com and if you heard about the Edmunds LIVE event, it's the auto show where you can test drive cars.

<Neil_Dunlop> It's also possible to download pricing and vehicle specs to your PDA and cell phone from edmunds.com

<Neil_Dunlop> I may sound like I'm tooting our horn, but Edmunds.com IS the future.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Bob: With 750 cars at the show, could you cut through the noise and tell us what the "must see" cars are?

<Neil_Dunlop> Bob: Sure, if you had an hour, I would see the new Acura RSX, the replacement for the much-loved Integra

<Neil_Dunlop> I would take in the Nissan Z and I would definitely see everything at the BMW, Mercedes and Porsche booths

<Neil_Dunlop> After that, if you still had time, I would take in the Jeep Willys, the Subaru Impreza WRX, and the Mini Cooper.

<Edmunds_Moderator> pfflyer: On the other end of things, are there any cars that were not worth the effort to see? Were there any major disappointments?

<Neil_Dunlop> pfflyer: Actually no. That's based on personal preference, but there really was something for everyone, from the gorgeous new Lexus SC 40 convertible to the new V10 Viper and the Mini Cooper.

<Neil_Dunlop> One of the most amazing things was Volvo's safety concept car.

<Neil_Dunlop> Which among its many safety features had rear-ward facing cameras, see through A pillars, and an interior dashboard and seat height that automatically adjust to give the driver the best sight line.  It uses a sensor to measure where your eyes are, and adjusts to give you optimum viewing.

<Neil_Dunlop> Many, will object to this Big Brotherism, but it's just a concept and the concept is good to make people safer drivers.

<Edmunds_Moderator> sybil: Based on what you saw at the show, is there any manufacturer that's going to be THE player in the auto industry in the near future?

<Neil_Dunlop> sybil: Mitsubishi has made the largest gain of any US manufacturer in the last 2 years.  It had a 65% gain in sales, its cars consistently win the Paris-Dakar rally and it's becoming a leader in SUV or crossover vehicles.

<Neil_Dunlop> Other than that, I would expect the status quo and with so many smaller manufacturers, being bought out by GM, Ford and Daimler-Chrysler, the number of independent automakers is constantly shrinking.

<Edmunds_Moderator> Neil, we thank you for you participation today. Your information was very helpful and exciting. Again, thank you for your time and energy. Any closing thoughts? We hope you join us again soon!

<Neil_Dunlop> Although it may have been a down year for high-impact vehicle debuts, the industry seems to be gearing up for another big push.

<Neil_Dunlop> Designers are looking for ways to combine new technology and safety and hybrid fuel systems with vehicles people want to drive

<Neil_Dunlop> So far, no one has come up with anything to capture our imaginations, but it's definitely an evolutionary process.

<Neil_Dunlop> In the near future probably will show cars that we couldn't have imagined 5 years ago.

<Neil_Dunlop> Thank you all for joining in tonight, have a good night!

<Edmunds_Moderator> Thanks again Neil... and Thanks to all the members that joined us tonight!