Aston Martin AMV8 Vantage
The prettiest car at the show. The family resemblance to the DB7 and Vanquish are evident, but somehow the shape works even better on this smaller sports car. With a 4.3-liter V8 engine, the AMV8 will be priced around $110,000 or slightly less and will compete with the Porsche 911. Look for this beauty toward the end of 2004, and be prepared to drool.
Audi Pikes Peak
Audi has said that it wants to double its sales in the next five years. To do so means it will need to compete in several new market segments. The Audi Pikes Peak is based upon the Volkswagen Touareg sport-utility, which also is similar to the Porsche Cayenne. It fits into the murky crossover segment that combines the roominess and comfort of a minivan with the aggressive looks of an SUV and the performance of a sports sedan. Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive and adjustable air suspension keep it honest off-road, and a 500-bhp twin turbocharged V8 engine gives it plenty of grunt. Pity about the face, though. Look for something like this from Audi in two or three years.
BMW xActivity Concept Vehicle
Think of it as a little brother to the X5. The xActivity features a "frame-structure convertible" roof construction that allow the passengers to enjoy the sun on their faces and wind in their hair of a convertible while still providing a robust structure. Based largely on the BMW 3 Series and carrying the X5 SUV styling cues and all-wheel-drive system, an X3 could hit the market within one to two years.
Maserati Kubang
Hate the name, love the car. This four-door GT Wagon designed by Giugiaro is singularly attractive and a complete departure for the company that has always concentrated on sports cars. Powered by a 390-bhp V8 Maserati engine and featuring all-wheel drive, the Kubang has a deeply opening rear hatch that makes sense if you need to load and carry bulky items. This could be a whole new and potentially lucrative direction for the Ferrari-owned Italian company, but the chances of the Kubang making it to production seem remote. The name, by the way follows the Maserati tradition by being named after a wind, in this case, Javan.
Mercedes-Benz
No new concepts at the 2003 Detroit Show for Mercedes-Benz. Instead, the company had its world premiere of the 2004 E-Class wagon and announced that by the end of this year Mercedes-Benz will be offering all-wheel-drive 4MATIC versions of all of its sedans and wagons. Not earth-shaking, perhaps, but good news for those who want go-anywhere versatility but don't want an SUV.