First Look: 2011 Nissan Micra

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn unveiled the company’s all-new Micra today at the 2010 Geneva motor show. Although the Micra itself will not be coming to America, it is built on an all-new global small-car platform known within Nissan as the V-platform.

“This new platform changes everything,” boasted Ghosn during the press conference. “Our next compact cars are in the pipeline. In the past, Nissan had a minimal presence in the compact segment because we did not have a specific platform suited for those customers’ needs. Now we will be able to compete, and at the highest level. Our new lineup of compact cars will help to increase Nissan’s global market presence from 80% today to 94% in 2012.”

Versatility is the key to Nissan’s small-car strategy -- and, for that matter, the V-platform itself. The architecture will spawn at least three different products for Nissan’s ever-expanding global stage, and will be built in four plants spread around the globe: India, Thailand, China, and Mexico. That pretty much tells you all you need to know about where Nissan hopes to sell small cars. Indeed, Nissan sources confirm that each of these four plants will be fed by a locally-sourced supply chain that will keep production simple and cheap, crucial factors for profitability in the razor-thin profit margins that small cars command.

Nissan won’t continue building the Micra in England, but Europe continues to be an important market for its subcompact offering. Nissan also released details pertaining to the European-spec car today, which will ultimately reach dealers later this fall.

Cosmetically, the new Micra is less radical than the outgoing model, eschewing the “bubble-on-bubble” aestethic in favor of a rounded, more conservative look. The interior is similarly rounded, and shares many parts (the door pulls, steering wheel, and climate controls, for instance) with the Cube.

Standard in each Euro-spec Micra is a 80-hp, 1.2-liter inline three-cylinder engine, mated either through a five-speed manual gearbox or Nissan’s (seemingly omnipresent) continually-variable transmission. If that isn’t enough power, a supercharged form of the same engine will also be available, producing just under 100 hp. More importantly, the supercharged engine is fitted with a stop/start system, allowing it to produce only 95 grams of carbon dioxide for each kilometer driven.

What engines will we get? Perhaps a better question is what car will we receive? Our sources within Nissan aren’t saying, but they confirm that we will get some version of the Micra for America, but with completely different styling. One assumes that the handsome little Micra would be deemed too similar to our existing Versa. But the Versa is so boring, we’d be happy if the Micra just replaced it, quite frankly.

First Look: 2011 Mitsubishi ASX

Hope you like that Lancer nose, because it's here to stay. It's already spread to the Outlander and the Europe-only Colt and now it's spread to the new Outlander Sport compact crossover that premiered today in Geneva as the European-spec ASX.












Mitsubishi spent at least as much time during its press conference today talking about the future as it did about the ASX, as the two are strongly linked. The ASX, which we'll see here in the future as the Outlander Sport, marks the debut of Mitsubishi's new 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, which the company claims is the first ever to offer variable valve timing on a diesel engine in a passenger vehicle. The new mill and its variable-geometry turbocharger make 148 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque while emitting only 0.51 to 0.53 pound of CO2 per mile depending on whether it's driving two wheels or all four.

The ASX also packs a number of green features including low rolling-resistance tires, regenerative braking and auto stop/start technology. All together, Mitsubishi says these features will help the ASX 41 mpg on the European Urban Cycle, 49 mpg on the European Extra-Urban Cycle and 34 mpg on the European Combined Cycle. Also helping is a relatively low curb weight of 3300 pounds for two-wheel-drive models and 3400 for Electronic All-Wheel-Drive models.
The European ASX model will go on sale in the Spring following its debut in Geneva, but an exact on-sale date for the U.S. Outlander Sport model hasn't been set. We hope to see it by the end of the year, but we probably won't be getting the slick new diesel. U.S. offerings are likely to use Mitsubishi's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines.
That's not the end of the story, though. This new diesel is expected to make its way into other Mitsubishi products in the future and is already confirmed for European Lancers. These new diesel models will be the first wave of greener cars from Mitsubishi, which will include more EVs like the i-Miev and new plug-in hybrids coming in 2013 based off of the PX-MiEV concept. By 2020, Mitsubishi hopes to have plug-in hybrid and EV models account for 20 percent of its sales, with the other 80 percent made up of highly efficient diesel and gasoline models. Can Mitsubishi redefine itself as a green performance brand? It's certainly going to try.

First Look: 2010 Mercedes-Benz Brabus E V12 Coupe

The Black Baron is back. After stupefying us at last year's Frankfurt show by stuffing an insanely powerful V-12 into a Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan (and dressing it like the Batmobile), German tuner Brabus announced they're offering the same prescription for the new E-class Coupe.










Brabus starts with Mercedes' twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-12, which powers the likes of the S- and SL600 models, but bores it out to that magical 6.3-liter displacement. The larger bore, coupled with new camshafts, a special crankshaft, and other tuning tricks, allow the engine to whip up an astounding 800 hp and an earth-shattering 1047 lb-ft of torque (although it may be electronically limited to 811 lb-ft of torque).
As was the case with the E V12 Sedan, that power is enough to rocket Brabus' magic coupe from 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds, and to 124 mph in 9.9 seconds. The car can reach a top end of 186 mph with the speed limiter intact, but removed, that figure grows to an insane 230 mph.
Like the sedan, the E V12 coupe receives a number of upgrades to help control such insane power, including upgraded brakes, a revised suspension system, and a carbon fiber body kit that was actually designed in a wind tunnel. Unlike the sedan, it's thankfully devoid of the ungainly wheel skirts and grille spoiler.
We've yet to see pricing information, but we wouldn't be surprised if Brabus kept the E V12 Coupe as expensive ($875,000) and exclusive (10 examples total) as its four-door sibling.

First Look: Hispano Suiza

Switzerland's latest limited-volume production car made its world debut in Geneva (where else?), reviving a storied name that once adorned some of the world's most expensive cars. Striving not to break that tradition, the new car lists for 700,000 Euro ($949,300 by today's exchange rate). At first glance, that seems excessive, considering that it is largely based on the Audi R8 5.2, which tops out at 163,210 Euro ($221,300) in Germany.

But the company points out that while they start with an Audi R8 5.2, they completely disassemble it, stretch the front of the spaceframe, fit a completely new interior (it does incorporate door pull handles, the Bang & Olufsen stereo, vents, and more) and replace every body panel. The long, low, angular design may look better in person than it does in pictures (some staffers were reviled by the photos). It will certainly turn heads. The design is that of Erwin Leo Himmel (Audi 1982-1994, VW Group Design Centre Europe 1995-1999, Fuore 2000-2007), and it is rendered entirely in carbon fiber.

The suspension is all uniquely Hispano Suiza and the center-lock 22-inch wheels are forged of an aluminum-titanium alloy and shod in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, sized 275/25 in front, 295/25 in back. Customers can choose a six-speed manual or auto-clutch manual. Supplying the power to all four corners is a 5.2-liter V-10 modified by Motoren Technik Mayer (MTM), and fitted with twin electric superchargers that, along with other modifications, boost output to 739 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to launch the car to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and onward to a top speed of 211 mph.










Orders are being taken now for delivery in six months, and plans are already underway for a hybrid variant with a 150-horse electric motor driving the front wheels, providing a total horsepower of 889 and short-range electric-only propulsion for city centers. There is also a convertible variant in the works, expected to go on sale next year. The company hopes to build 25-50 cars per year, but are there that many filthy rich, historically astute car-lovers out there to buy them?

First Look: Mansory Rolls-Royce Ghost

We thought owning a Rolls-Royce Ghost would be a privilege in itself, but if that’s not exclusive to you, renowned tuner Mansory may have just the solution.
These renderings reportedly preview a customized Ghost Mansory will showcase at the 2010 Geneva motor show. We’re not fans of the wild color scheme, but there’s no arguing it sets this Ghost apart from its stock brethren. Mansory claims the gold-on-blue paint job accentuates the Ghost’s bold lines, but that may be a bit of an understatement.
Those bold lines are made more athletic with the inclusion of a full aerodynamic kit consisting of front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear diffuser, and trunk lid spoiler. Look closely and you'll notice the slight differences versus the stock form. Monstrous 22-inch one-piece wheels match the Ghost's equally enormous personality.
All show and no "go," you may scoff. Not exactly. Mansory replaced the 6.6-liter V-12's twin turbochargers with bigger units, reflashed the ECU, and bolted on an exhaust. Forget the usual 563 horsepower with a corresponding 575 pound-feet of torque. Say hello to 720 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of pulling power. Zero to 62 mph takes only 4.4 seconds (a stock Ghost takes 4.8 seconds to get to 60 mph). Mind you, this British brute weighs in at around 5450 lbs.
Rolls-Royce’s interiors already sport some of the best materials known to man, but somehow Mansory has one-upped the brand once again with suppler leather hides, smoother ultra suede, and exquisitely patterned carbon fiber. Owners can also specify bamboo trim if desired.
The Mansory Rolls-Royce Ghost will make its global debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show, so stay glued for some live shots.
Source: Mansory

First Look: 2010 Aston Martin DBS UB-2010 Special Edition

It’s been nearly a decade since Dr. Ulrich Bez assumed the helm at Aston Martin, but instead of awarding its CEO a jewel-encrusted tie-tack, the folks at Gaydon crafted a better gift to celebrate his milestone: a special-edition DBS.
Dubbed the UB-2010 Limited Edition, the special DBS models are a product of Aston’s Works Service program, which is typically employed by customers desiring personalization to the nth degree. In this instance, Bez himself specified the unique color scheme, which includes an “Azurite Black” paint hue, metallic bronze leather with woven seat inserts, and a special “Cryptic Titan” interior trim finish.
Each DBS UB-2010 will wear special doorsill plates with Bez’s signature. Aston says Bez will personally sign off on each of the UB-2010 cars, lending his signature to the car’s final inspection plate as well.
Only 40 examples of the UB-2010 will be manufactured --20 coupes and 20 Volantes -- but Aston has yet to set prices for the special-edition cars. Should you miss out on the run, however, we imagine Works Service could build you something similar -- sans the Bez autograph -- for the right price.

Alfa Romeo's Centennial Anniversary - What's it all about, Alfa?

This August, Alfa Romeo will celebrate its centennial at Pebble Beach, where it is a featured marque at the Concours d'Elegance. Rumor has it that the Italians will cap off the festivities by unveiling the 4C, a compact, lightweight sports car concept. Says one insider from parent company Fiat's headquarters: "The 8C has been a very successful halo car. What we need next is a more affordable follow-up model that spreads the message over a wider customer base."
The 4C, interpreted above by our spy illustrator, will do without high-end materials like carbon fiber or a Ferrari-built engine. Instead, it's expected to feature a highly tuned, 250-hp four-cylinder, possibly mated to a rear transaxle as in the 8C. Production will probably be limited to 5000 (rather than 500) units. The roadster may be followed by a coupe (or vice versa), and prices are expected to start at about $70,000 (€50,000).

For America's Alfisti, though, the excitement this August, and the 4C, may be short-lived. One would be hard-pressed to call the liaison between Alfa/Lancia and Chrysler a marriage made in heaven, and the crudely badge-engineered Chrysler (Lancia) Delta on display at the Detroit show was hardly a hopeful sign. As far as the Alfa Romeo brand goes, we're still waiting for a final decision on whether it will return to North America; in January, Fiat chairman Sergio Marchionne said that it will be a year before a decision is made.

For Alfa, which is in a severe sales slump, much rides on the success of the Giulietta, the 147 replacement that's set to debut at the Geneva show in March and go on sale shortly thereafter. A slightly longer and wider version of its platform will be used for the Alfa 159 successor, which revives the Giulia nameplate and is due in 2011. An Alfa crossover is planned for the following year.

Whether or not Americans see those Alfas, their compact/mid-size platform will come to the States, underpinning a host of Chrysler products: PT Cruiser and Sebring replacements; new versions of the Dodge Caliber, Avenger, and Nitro; the Jeep Patriot and Compass; and a still-nameless Chrysler crossover. The cross-pollination works both ways. Both Alfa Romeo and Lancia stand a good chance of obtaining new rear-wheel-drive flagship models based on the next Chrysler 300C and built in North America.

First Look: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition

A new seventh-generation (C7) Corvette is at least three years away. That means the current C6 Vette will have to soldier on for nine, possibly ten, full model years. To keep the old girl fresh, Chevy will continue coining limited-edition packages and model variations to juggle the storehouse of engines, transaxles, frames, bodystyles, and chassis components developed for the sixth generation.
A run of 600 GT1 Championship Edition Corvettes celebrated the C6R's 2009 graduation from GT1 to the GT2 class of ALMS road racing competition. The 2010 Corvette Grand Sport replaced the longstanding Z51 option with upgraded wheel, tire, brake, transaxle, and bodywork components.
To rebuild momentum after last summer's quick rinse bankruptcy--which diminished Corvette calendar-year sales to less than 14,000 units (the lowest volume since 1961)--the Corvette team ginned up a 2011 limited edition that helps fill the yawning void between the $75,235 Z06 and the $109,130 ZR1.
Called Z06 Carbon, this Corvette is essentially a Z06 blessed with the ZR1's carbon-ceramic brake system, 20-inch Michelin tires with appropriate black-painted wheels, and Magnetic Selective Ride Control adjustable dampers. The Z06's high-revving 505-horsepower LS7 7.0-liter dry-sump V-8 and its hydroformed aluminum space frame carry on unchanged.
Body features that make the leap from the ZR1 include black headlamps and rear-view mirrors, body-color door handles, and a rear deck spoiler. The list of added carbon-fiber components includes the ZR1's front air splitter, side sill extensions, and hood (minus the acrylic peek-a-boo window). Two paint jobs will be offered when this limited edition enters production this summer: a low key Supersonic Blue and a flamboyant Inferno Orange. Special stick-on racing number placards (11) are included for dealer or owner installation. Chevy pledges that only 500 Carbon edition Corvettes will be built during the 2011 model year.
Naturally there are interior embellishments. Black and charcoal leather and suede trim is standard. Accent stitching in blue or orange is keyed to the exterior color. The Carbon identification is displayed in a steering wheel emblem, door sill plates, seat headrest embroidery, and on a new engine cover.
For customers who prefer the chassis hardware without the body and interior components, Chevy will offer a package called Z07 that can be added to 2011 Z06 Corvettes. And for those with a carbon fiber fetish, there's a new CFZ option containing just the light weight rocker panels, front splitter, rear spoiler, and roof panel available for Z06s (but not base Corvettes).
Prices won't be revealed until the Carbon package is ready for consumption but we're guessing it will cost between $85,000 and $90,000. Look at it this way: at least the proceeds are funding the development of an all new Corvette.

2010 February Auto Sales

One year ago was the nadir. February 2009 was the low point last winter, when auto sales all but ground to a halt. So the fact that February 2010 sales are up versus last year is good, but it's not saying much. What's more encouraging is that the percent gain over one year ago was pretty healthy: 13%. That's much better than January's 6% increase over similarly sickly 2009 totals, and close to December's 15% gain over year-ago figures. But while December sales are always goosed by the year-end deal-a-thon, February's boost seems more organic. Particularly since it was achieved despite an ongoing publicity nightmare for Toyota and, for much of the country, several days of bad winter weather. The only real qualifier for February is that it did reflect increased fleet sales (up from a very low level last winter) - and the fact that the February's annualized sales rate of 10 million vehicles is still far off the 17 million of just a few years ago.

Herewith a look at what's up (by more than 13%, outpacing the industry's overall gain), and what's down versus last year.

First Look: 2012 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor

Ford's aging Crown Victoria is barely relevant to most consumers, but cabbies and police officers across the country will bemoan its demise once production ceases next fall. The Transit Connect van may satisfy the livery fleets, but to appease law enforcement officers, Ford crafted its new 2012 Police Interceptor.

Without a doubt, Ford's new Interceptor is a clean break from the decades-old body-on-frame, V-8-powered, rear-wheel-drive Crown Vic formula. Although Ford was once rumored to be modifying its rear-drive Australian Falcon platform for police use, Ford instead went to its American-built Taurus sedan for the new car.

As is the case with the consumer model, police departments will have their choice of two different powertrains in the Police Interceptor. The 265 hp, normally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 is standard, and sends its power to the front wheels only. Those looking for a veritable pursuit special will likely opt for the other driveline, which is ripped straight from the Taurus SHO. Ford's EcoBoost twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 provides "at least" 365 hp, which is channeled to all four wheels. While power looks to be on par with a standard Taurus, Ford engineers did upgrade the Police Interceptor's brakes -- something we'd love to see transition to the SHO.

Like the Crown Vic, the Taurus Police Interceptor has been designed to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing, and a heavy-duty alternator and an enlarged radiator have been added. In addition, the car has also undergone certification testing designed by the Michigan State Police and the L.A. County Sheriff's Departments to emulate the rigorous duty police officers will no doubt put the car through.

First Look: 2011 BMW M3 Frozen Grey Coupe

You won't find it noted on most calendars, but 2011 is a milestone for BMW enthusiasts: come next year, the vaunted M3 will have been in production for 25 years. To celebrate, the Bavarian automaker has crafted this: the 2011 BMW M3 Frozen Grey coupe.

BMW doesn't officially call this an anniversary edition, but the nomenclature does emphasize how this M3 differs from others: paint. Specifically, BMW has developed a unique metallic matte grey color, dubbed it Frozen Grey, and sprayed it over the coupe's exterior. Inside, the celebratory M3 mixes dark charcoal and Fox Red leathers in a vibrant two-tone combination, with the door panel inserts, armrests, and seat inserts splashed with the accent color.

Sure, the colors are nifty, but M3s have always been first and foremost about performance. Apart from the M3's 414-horsepower 4.0-liter V-8, Frozen Grey cars are fitted with the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the Technology Package (which includes adjustable performance settings via the 'M' button, along with a navigation system), and the new Competition Package. That last option lowers the suspension by 0.4in, revamps the electronic dampening and stability controls, and adds 19-inch wheels with a greater offset.

All Frozen Grey models also include the Premium Package (i.e. power folding mirrors, Bluetooth phone connectivity, Carbon Leather trim), heated front seats, premium audio system, Sirius satellite radio (bundled with a year's worth of service), and a USB/ iPod audio input. The cost for all this runs $78,900 (including destination and gas guzzler charges), roughly $5900 more than a comparably equipped M3 coupe. To sweeten the deal, BMW also tosses in a single day's worth of instruction at its Performance Driving School in South Carolina, something usually included only with the purchase of an M5 or M6.

Want one? You'll likely have to fight a number of other Bimmerphiles for the opportunity to park one in your garage. Only thirty examples are headed to the U.S., so you'll have to jump on the phone to grab your place in line. Reservations can be placed after 11:30 A.M Eastern on Monday, June 21, and we expect the allotment to sell out as quickly as the M3 moves

Porsche, Volkswagen, and Audi Clash Over Small Sports Cars

Could internal politics endanger the Volkswagen Group's trio of mid-engine compact sports cars -- the Porsche 356, the Audi R5, and the VW BlueSport? VW launched the mid-engine BlueSport concept at the 2009 Detroit auto show. The car was a runner, the engineers had done much more than their routine homework, and, in principle, marketing had given it a thumbs-up. Almost eighteen months later, however, the two-seater is still on hold.
Where is the problem? As usual, it lies elsewhere -- in Zuffenhausen and Ingolstadt, to be precise. Porsche doesn't want the next-generation Boxster to be cannibalized by a less expensive and potentially more capable 356. Audi, facing slow demand for the R8, doesn't see the need for a third sports car to be positioned between the next TT and its mid-engine flagship. Although VW is quick to admit that the BlueSport would work wonders for its image, the brand has its plate full coordinating the cooperation deal with Suzuki, preparing the next Golf, and getting the so-called New Small Family under way. "Sports cars are not at the top of our priority list," states chairman Martin Winterkorn. "This applies in particular to sports cars that require the collaboration of Porsche, which is not even part of the VW Group yet."
At Porsche, Not Invented Here syndrome is also a major issue. Porsche will almost certainly lose the development of the next Cayenne to Audi. The Cayenne's still-nameless, Q5-based little brother will also be conceived by the friendly enemy from Ingolstadt. If it were to base the 356 off VW's BlueSport, Porsche would lose its third project in a row.
The VW Group needs a modular sports car structure to stretch from the entry-level segment to the 911 or even beyond. And the only brand that can credibly conceive such a structure is Porsche," says one source in Zuffenhausen.

Rather than quell this burgeoning sibling rivalry, VW chief Ferdinand Piech is in fact encouraging Audi to pitch a new platform of its own against Porsche's. He's done this before -- the apparent intent is to motivate both groups and generate additional ideas. In the end, however, the project will likely land under the Porsche umbrella.

Although the platform for this mid-engine trio remains somewhat up in the air, we can speculate on how each will evolve. Porsche will likely insist on a flat four in a coupe and a roadster, but Audi could probably live with an R8- inspired derivative powered by the blown 2.5-liter five-cylinder in the TT RS. VW could then come out with a minimalistic droptop equipped with the "twincharged" (supercharged and turbocharged) 1.4-liter engine from Europe's Polo GTI. More fanciful ideas include a targa, a speedster, a turbocharged GT4, and a lightweight Clubsport for Porsche in addition to an E-tron with electric four-wheel drive, a solar-panel roof, and adjustable sideblades for Audi. Wishful thinking? We'll know more late next year when the integration of Porsche is complete.

Ford Start Concept - Fresh Start

It seems that small car icons always come from Europe-the Volkswagen Beetle, the Fiat 500, the Mini Cooper. But looking at the Ford Start, one begins to wonder whether an American car company also could make a truly enduring small car. We think this coupe-and it is a coupe, not a hatchback-is supercool, which is not surprising given that the design team had a 1956 Porsche Speedster and a 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Zagato in the studio while they worked on the Start. The concept is built on a shortened Fiesta platform and features a direct-injected, 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, Ford's smallest powerplant yet to get the EcoBoost treatment. The tiny turbo is headed for production, but the Start isn't. That's too bad, because the Start definitely deserves a go.
Freeman Thomas The head of Ford's California design studio, Thomas was the design director for the Start project.
"We did a 3-D clay model first, then reverse engineered it from there."
"It just has a small, little trunk compartment. But that allows this panoramic back glass and amazing visibility, and you don't have the extra structure [of a hatch] that adds weight, so it simplifies the whole car."
"We minimized the number of parts but made each part more endearing. For instance . . . the seats [are] one-piece buckets, but they don't have any sewing in them. They're actually molded in design."
"It's about the length and width of a Mini, but it's very different from a Mini. It's also very different from a Fiesta. We created something that we believe is sportier. Its influences and its inspirations come from sports cars, not hatchbacks." - Freeman Thomas

J Mays Ford's chief creative officer
"The Zagato and Speedster are edited, gorgeous shapes and forms that inspired us to move into the future with simplicity and focus."

"There are three things you see from space: the Pyramids, the Great Wall of China, and the headlamps on a Chevy Spark. We turned down the noise. The headlamps and taillamps are the most minimal slit that you can do."

Mercury's Wings Clipped

Proof that the car market is overloaded with excess brands and a confusing of miasma models, the Ford Motor Company has terminated Mercury's long run. Production will end later this year for the four remaining models-Grand Marquis, Mariner, Milan, and Mountaineer. Approximately 1700 dealers currently offering the brand will move on to other endeavors such as Lincoln sales. The hop, skip, and jump through Mercury's history that follows is our fond farewell to the car named after the messenger to the gods.

1937: Against his near-senile father's intuitions, Edsel Ford identified an opportunity for a new brand positioned between mainstream Fords and upscale Lincolns. The hope was to raise the competitive game against GM's thriving Buick, LaSalle, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac nameplates.

1938: The first Mercury 8s arrived (for the 1939 model year) powered by slightly uprated Ford flathead V-8 delivering 95 versus the standard 90 horsepower. Four body styles were offered and prices started at $916, approximately $230 more than the comparable Ford. Advertising stressed fuel economy but customers were more often drawn to the new Mercury's excellent acceleration and speed.

1942: By the time production ceased during World War II, the Mercury range had prospered to include six body styles.

1945: To move Mercury's image up and away from Ford, a new Lincoln-Mercury division was created.

1948: Fresh post-war styling arrived early in the year for 1949 models. Basic body shells were shared with Lincolns and the squished top combined with a beautifully sculpted lower body was a major hit.

1955: After James Dean drove a '49 Merc in Rebel Without a Cause, the sleek 1949-51 models became a favorite for hot rodders and customizers.

1958: The Lincoln-Mercury Division was expanded to include Edsel, the ill-conceived brand that survived only three model years.

1960: The first six-cylinder Mercury was the Comet, an inexpensive but slightly upscale compact sedan that shared Ford Falcon underpinnings.

1964: Quickly changing stripes, the Comet Cyclone was Mercury's first muscle car with up to 271 horsepower from a 289 cubic inch V-8.

FEATURES: Orphaned Concept Cars

If we buy into the cliché, the sleek, glitzy concept vehicles sitting on revolving turntables at auto shows across the globe are supposed to be the cars and trucks of tomorrow. What happens, then, if the company that sunk millions of dollars into the project turns insolvent shortly thereafter?

For the most part, absolutely nothing. But looking back on some orphaned show cars, we see that some manage to predict the automotive future with surprising accuracy -- which is more than a little ironic, given that their creators were often criticized for lacking a grasp of shifting trends or the big picture. ...next page >>