Electric cars advance in Detroit

DETROIT--We've seen a growing number of electric cars at auto shows over the last few years, but the 2010 Detroit show has more electrics from major brands than ever before. It is true that most are concepts, but it points to the fact that automakers are preparing for the future.

Nissan and Mitsubishi both had production-ready cars on display, models slated to launch later this year. Tesla also had a significant display at the show, with its Model S sedan showing the company can produce practical electric car with space for family and friends. Audi showed a new version of its e-tron concept car, and announced its intention to produce some form of electric car by 2012.

BMW and Volvo both showed electric cars intended to herald a test fleet, cars that would be leased to private parties or public entities to provide data on the feasibility of electric cars in the real world.

Then there was the oddball Tango, a strange-looking vehicle with astounding performance figures. Its manufacturer, Commuter Cars Corporation, proudly pointed out that George Clooney owns one.

Dynamic duo of American muscle

DETROIT--The 2011 Ford Mustang GT and the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe may be an unlikely pair, but they were two great examples of American muscle at the 2010 Detroit auto show. The Mustang borrows looks from the past, but the CTS-V Coupe is something completely new.

Both are bruisers, the Mustang GT's new 5-liter V-8 making 412 horsepower, while the CTS-V Coupe's supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 puts out 556 horsepower. The Mustang GT looks blue collar, while the CTS-V Coupe has a hint of European sophistication. And each delivers blistering performance.

Each car can also hold its own technically, with iPod integration, Bluetooth phone systems, and navigation systems that get you around traffic, so you can keep on the move.

U.S. Mazda2 launching at Los Angeles Auto Show

A burgeoning small car market in the U.S. convinced Mazda to finally sell its tiny Mazda2 here. The car, available around the world since 2007, will be shown in U.S. spec at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. It joins the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Scion xD, and Kia Soul in a subcompact market that has seen increasing sales.

The U.S. spec Mazda2 will get a 1.6-liter four cylinder engine mated to a five speed automatic transmission. Cabin tech offerings will be minimal, although a Bluetooth phone system should be present, along with audio controls on the steering wheel.

The 1.6-liter engine is the biggest offered in its world-wide marketing, with smaller powerplants also available starting at a 1.3-liter engine. Diesel engines are also in the mix, along with manual and continuously variable transmissions. In Japan, the car can also be optioned up with navigation, something that won't be available here.

Check out our upcoming coverage of the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show for full details on the U.S. Mazda2.

Mustang V-6 slips horsepower, mpg past Camaro

Mustang fans have been nagging Ford Motors for a better V-6 engine in the base model of the long-running pony car--one with more horsepower and less hoarse power.

Next spring they'll get it when the old 4.0-liter V-6 is replaced by a 3.7-liter, 305 horsepower, 24-valve V- 6 with double overhead cams. It's the Mustang's first high-performance six-cylinder engine.

The old, rough, 210-hp V-6--which has been built in various displacements since the late 1960s--couldn't compete with the 3.6-liter V-6 in the new Chevrolet Camaro.

The base version of the 2011 Ford Mustang, due in the spring, noses ahead of the 2010 Camaro V-6--but not by much. The Mustang has one more horsepower and one more highway mile per gallon than the Camaro.

The 3.7-liter engine in the base 2011 Mustang is also being used in several front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive Lincolns. The Mustang is the first rear-wheel-drive application.

To boost horsepower, the intake areas of the engine's heads were ported and polished to increase the volume of the air-fuel mixture. The valve tappets were polished to reduce friction. A new intake manifold improves engine breathing. The changes helped raise horsepower from 273 in the Lincoln MKS to 305.

The Mustang also gets these upgrades:

• Two new six-speed transmissions, automatic and manual
• Stronger brakes and firmer suspension from the GT model
• A slightly revised interior with a new roof-storage system.

The updated engine includes such fuel-saving technology as variable valve timing and an advanced fuel injection system that cuts off the fuel supply when the car is decelerating.

The old engine was built in Cologne, Germany, and shipped to Flat Rock, Mich., where it was installed in the Mustang. The new engine is built in Ford's Cleveland, Ohio, plant.

Camaro sales have exceeded the Mustang's for six straight months. General Motors thinks the Camaro will outsell the Mustang for the entire year, although through October the Mustang still led, 56,469 to 47,233. The Camaro went on sale in April.

Ford plans to show the 2011 Mustang V-6 this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Upgrades are also in store for the Mustang GT that, according to Ford, it plans to introduce in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit