A look around the Seattle Auto Show
SEATTLE -- The Seattle International Auto Show kicked off its three-day run on Wednesday.
The great thing about the auto show is that there's something for everyone. Even if you're not in the market for a new vehicle, it's fun to see what automakers have come up with.
So many cars, so little time.
There are super-sleek models, like the sexy new Alpha Romeo 8c Competizione.
And state-of-the-art vehicles, like the all-electric Tesla Roadster, which goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.
Plus there are concept cars like the awesome Chevy Stingray that's still just an artists dream.
If you have a need for speed - and a thick wallet, there's the Chevy Corvette zri. It's capable of going 200 miles per hour -- not very practical for Interstate 5 at rush hour!
The most expensive car at the show is the Rolls Royce Phantom. It'll set you back $300,000.
If you're on a more limited budget, there's the Hyundai Accent at $9,900.
The Fisker Karma, a performance luxury plug-in hybrid, is probably the most novel car at the show. And it's rare -- there are only four of these in the world right now.
"You have 50 miles of functional electric usage. After that, the gasoline engine will kick on generating electricity to both charge the battery and power the electric motors," said Ethan Smith of O'Brien Auto Group. "So you have a functional 300-mile range."
Automakers around the world have tried to boost the mileage on their 2010 vehicles. The third-generation Toyota Prius gets around 51 miles per gallon. It's top-rated by Consumer Reports.
The new Honda Insight, with a base price of just under $20,000, is the least expensive hybrid. It seats five and gets around 38 mpg overall. Consumer Reports, which usually likes Hondas, calls the ride "stiff and choppy" and says road noise is
"pronounced."
Be sure to check out the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which is winning all sorts of awards. This mid-size family car provides a comfortable ride. It gets points for handling and acceleration. It's also available as a non-hybrid.
Another Ford, the Taurus SHO is getting a lot of attention. The SHO was partially redesigned for 2010. Consumer Reports says this large and roomy sedan is quiet with a much nicer interior than before. The SHO now has turbo-charged v6 and all-wheel-drive models.
If you're looking for an all-wheel drive family sedan, check out the redesigned Subaru Legacy. Consumer Report rates it as excellent, slightly above the Ford Fusion.
Finally, the Chevy Camaro is back with a V6 or V8 engine. The car looks, feels and drives like the muscle car it is.
A number of European manufacturers are showing diesel engines: the new Audi A3, the Volkswagen Jetta, BMW 3 series and the Mercedes E-class.
"These are cars that actually get as good fuel economy as some of the hybrids out there, but you don't lose much of the performance," said Perry Stern, senior editor of MSN Autos. "These are all clean-burning diesels. As a matter of fact, they're even available in California for the first time which is an impressive feat for a diesel."
For more information:
2010 Model Year Preview
The great thing about the auto show is that there's something for everyone. Even if you're not in the market for a new vehicle, it's fun to see what automakers have come up with.
So many cars, so little time.
There are super-sleek models, like the sexy new Alpha Romeo 8c Competizione.
And state-of-the-art vehicles, like the all-electric Tesla Roadster, which goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.
Plus there are concept cars like the awesome Chevy Stingray that's still just an artists dream.
If you have a need for speed - and a thick wallet, there's the Chevy Corvette zri. It's capable of going 200 miles per hour -- not very practical for Interstate 5 at rush hour!
The most expensive car at the show is the Rolls Royce Phantom. It'll set you back $300,000.
If you're on a more limited budget, there's the Hyundai Accent at $9,900.
The Fisker Karma, a performance luxury plug-in hybrid, is probably the most novel car at the show. And it's rare -- there are only four of these in the world right now.
"You have 50 miles of functional electric usage. After that, the gasoline engine will kick on generating electricity to both charge the battery and power the electric motors," said Ethan Smith of O'Brien Auto Group. "So you have a functional 300-mile range."
Automakers around the world have tried to boost the mileage on their 2010 vehicles. The third-generation Toyota Prius gets around 51 miles per gallon. It's top-rated by Consumer Reports.
The new Honda Insight, with a base price of just under $20,000, is the least expensive hybrid. It seats five and gets around 38 mpg overall. Consumer Reports, which usually likes Hondas, calls the ride "stiff and choppy" and says road noise is
"pronounced."
Be sure to check out the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which is winning all sorts of awards. This mid-size family car provides a comfortable ride. It gets points for handling and acceleration. It's also available as a non-hybrid.
Another Ford, the Taurus SHO is getting a lot of attention. The SHO was partially redesigned for 2010. Consumer Reports says this large and roomy sedan is quiet with a much nicer interior than before. The SHO now has turbo-charged v6 and all-wheel-drive models.
If you're looking for an all-wheel drive family sedan, check out the redesigned Subaru Legacy. Consumer Report rates it as excellent, slightly above the Ford Fusion.
Finally, the Chevy Camaro is back with a V6 or V8 engine. The car looks, feels and drives like the muscle car it is.
A number of European manufacturers are showing diesel engines: the new Audi A3, the Volkswagen Jetta, BMW 3 series and the Mercedes E-class.
"These are cars that actually get as good fuel economy as some of the hybrids out there, but you don't lose much of the performance," said Perry Stern, senior editor of MSN Autos. "These are all clean-burning diesels. As a matter of fact, they're even available in California for the first time which is an impressive feat for a diesel."
For more information:
2010 Model Year Preview