During a press conference that focused on Audi’s E-Tron electric concept, the German automaker didn’t give much time to hybrid technology – except to add on that hybrid versions of the Q5 and A8 are coming…. soon.

Audi continues to put the main focus on its electric car developments, while quietly following the same hybrid path every other automaker is on.

At the end of the E-Tron press conference, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler commented that Audi is skipping the mild-hybrid step that most automakers have gone through, launching straight into full-hybrids that are capable of operating on gasoline, electric power or a combination of both.

The Q5 Hybrid is expected later this year and Stadler commented that media drives will begin in the summer. As for an A8 hybrid, it will debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March and be based on Audi’s all-new 2011 A8 platform, which launched a few months ago.

We’ll be sure to bring you news on Audi’s hybrid developments, inclding coverage from Geneva starting March 2nd.

Taking the idea of a concept car to a whole new level, Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled the new Mercedes-Benz Design Concept at the Detroit Auto Show. Called “abstract” by Mercedes CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche, we couldn’t agree more. In fact, it’s almost like they took a DTM C-Class with it’s imposing front grille that hugs the ground and gave it to Jabba the Hut for a little Han Solo-style cryogenic freezing.

Regardless, it’s meant to give a glimpse at the future of Mercedes-Benz designs, and is described by the company as a sculpture. “It represents a vehicle rising gently from a level plane – as if formed from liquid silver, or like a shimmering cloth draped gently over a new form,” reads the Mercedes press release. “Clear, contoured surfaces are framed by crisp arcs, lending the sculpture an organic appearance that is both retrospective and forward-looking.”

Mock it we may, but the aggressive grille and massively flared fenders foreshadow an impressive new look for the already imposingly luxurious Benz lineup.

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz Design Concept

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Mercedes chose a frigid day in Detroit to launch the convertible version of its all-new E-Class model. The E-Class Cabriolet extends the E-Class range to four models, which also include the sedan, coupe and wagon/estate.

Styled more aggressively like the C-Class coupe, the convertible will initially be offered with two engine choices: an underwhelming 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a robust 382-hp 5.5-liter V8. Mercedes has also opted to go with a conventional rag-top, rather than a hard top, in order to keep the weight gain to a minimum. The top drops in roughly 20 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 25 mph. Soft tops are also supposed to provide more trunk space, but that doesn’t appear to be the case here with just 3.2 cubic feet of space available with the roof down. Top-up, there is plenty of room, with a total of 13.8 cu.-ft.

A new item included in the E-Class Cab is what Mercedes has dubbed the AirCap. The system includes a wind deflector mounted to the top of the windshield as well as draft stops inside the cabin. It can be deployed at the push of a button and doesn’t require fiddling or installation; plus it also doesn’t block off the rear seats like some wind deflectors do. And along with keeping a more balanced temperature inside the cabin, it also reduces interior noise.

Seeing it in action at the Detroit Show it certainly does look a bit dorky, but it’s likely to be a huge hit with female buyers who want to drive with the top down, but don’t want to have to re-do their hair once they get to their destination.

The AirCap can also be paired with Merc’s Airscarft, which blows air out of the front headrests and right onto the neck of the driver and front passenger.

As with all new E-Class models, the Cabriolet comes with an extensive list of safety features, as well as pop-up roll-over bars and the company’s first use of headbag airbags.

The E-Class Cabriolet will be available in dealerships in May. Until then, check out the huge gallery of photos below.

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Official Pictures

Audi is continuing to demand the auto industry focus on it’s E-Tron electric sports car, with a revised version of the concept on display at the Detroit Auto Show. First unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show and then paraded in front of the media in brilliant tangerine at the LA Auto Show, this new E-Tron not only gets a revised look but also a new powerplant.

The rear-drive E-Tron uses two electric motors (versus four driving all four wheels on the previous concept), making a total of 204-hp and 1,954 ft-lbs of torque. Let it be known, however, that Audi isn’t measuring this electric car’s torque like a normal gasoline engine. Still, acceleration is impressive, with a 0-62 mph time of just 5.9 seconds. This is due, in part, to the car’s low curb weight of just 2976.24 lbs. Impressively, that low curb weight is possible, even when the electric battery weights almost 900 lbs.

In total this revised concept isn’t nearly as large as the last E-Tron with a wheelbase of 95.67-inches, compared to 102-inches for the original E-Tron.

As for the sports car’s range, Audi claims a distance of 155 miles on a single charge, with a charge time of 11 hours through a conventional household outlet.

GALLERY: Audi E-Tron Concept Debut in Detroit

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With the launch of two hybrid models in 2009, Mercedes-Benz has announced it will add two more hybrids to its lineup starting in 2011. More impressive, is that neither is a run-of-the-mill type of hybrid.

Due out first is the E300 BlueTec Hybrid, based on the new E-Class model. It will be a hybrid and as the name suggests, will use Mercedes’ BlueTec diesel technology. This may be the first diesel-hybrid to launch in North America. It will get an impressive 40 mpg.

Following that model, Mercedes plans to launch a plug-in hybrid S-Class, similar to the one foreshadowed with the Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid, which debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year.  Thanks to a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 60-hp/184 ft-lb electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, the car is capable of getting an amazing 73.5 mpg! Possibly more shocking is that the car doesn’t sacrifice performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. Additionally, the electric motor will be able to power the car emissions-free for 18 miles.

Already launched are the S400 Hybrid and the ML450 Hybrid. The S400 Hybrid was the first Mercedes hybrid to go on sale and is also the first mass production automobile to use a lithium-ion battery. Priced at $87,950 it uses an electric motor and 3.5-liter gasoline V6 to produce 295-hp, while getting mileage of 19/26 mpg – an improvement of 26 percent over the S550 in the city. Despite its high-tech battery pack, the S400 Hybrid is a mild-hybrid, which limits its fuel economy.

The second hybrid model from Mercedes is the ML450 Hybrid 4MATIC. A lease-only model, for either 36 or 60 months, at either $659 or $549 per month, the ML450 is the first two-mode hybrid (like the Toyota Prius) from Mercedes. The ML450 uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine and two electric motors to make 335-hp and 381 ft-lbs of torque. Unlike the S400 Hybrid, it will be able to operate exclusively on electric power for short periods of time. Its fuel economy is rated at 21/24 mpg (city/highway), which is roughly the same as the ML350 Bluetec diesel at 18/25 mpg. This is also a 46 percent improvement over the fuel economy rating of the similarly-powerful ML550.

GMC introduced its new Granite concept model at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, presenting a “urban utility vehicle” with a boxiness rivaling the Scion xB.

“Granite was conceived as a new type of vehicle from GMC – one that could stretch people’s ideas of what a GMC can be,” said Lisa Hutchinson, product marketing director for GMC. “We call it an ‘urban utility vehicle’ and our goal was redefining what the GMC name could mean to a new generation of customers looking for both bold design and functionality.”

If brought to market, the Granite would be the smallest GMC ever produced. With a wheelbase of 103.6 inches, the Granite is comparable to the Chevy Cobalt, and at a total length of 161.3 inches, the Granite would be more than a foot shorter.

Despite its small size, the Granite boasts a generous amount of cargo space. The doors are hinged to open like French doors and the lack of a pillar between front and rear doors makes it easier for passengers and cargo to be loaded. The passenger and seats fold and flip up towards the center console for additional space. According to GMC, the passenger seat can be folded to fit a mountain bike with both wheels still attached.

Powering the Granite is a turbo-charged 1.4L four-cylinder engine matched with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Instead of a traditional shift handle, the Granite uses a knob that rotates with distinct clicks like a torque wrench.

Gallery: GMC Granite Concept

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In stark contrast to the Dodge Caliber, just a few feet away at the Chrysler booth at the Detroit Auto Show is the ultra-rare and even more ultra-expensive Ferrari 599XX. Ferrari claims to have no official presence at the show, with the Ferrari a part of a three-pronged Fiat, Maserati, Ferrari display within the Chrysler booth. This setup is designed to draw crowds to the Chrysler booth, a company which doesn’t have much in the way of exciting new models.

Fiat took control of Chrysler as a part of Chrysler’s bankruptcy exit.

As for the 599XX, it is a special track-only model and isn’t homolgated to compete in any racing series, meaning owners can only drive it on track, but can’t compete in racing. The car’s 6.0-liter V12 engine has been reworked to produce 700-hp at 9000 rpm, while new aerodynamics help to deliver 612 lbs of downforce at 124 mph and almost 1,400 lbs of downforce at 186 mph!

One particularly important innovation on the 599XX is Ferrari’s new “Actiflow” technology, that adjusts downforce and drag depending upon how the car is operating. This is achieved through the use of a porous material in the diffuser and two fans in the trunk lid that work to channel air from under the car out through two grilles next to the tail lights. Rather noticeable winglets have also been added to the the are just behind the winds, where the buttresses are located.

The 599XX also uses what Ferrari terms a, “Virtual Race Engineer” that essentially uses all the onboard computers to calculate what the maximum level of performance the car can achieve on a race track. To do this it takes every bit of data available, including tire temperature, tire pressure, engine and coolant temperature (as well as many other variables) and determines what the maximum level of performance capable by the car under those conditions is.

Unfortunately, if you’re not Michael Schumacher, getting the car to go that fast is impossible… but here’s where the fun part comes in. The 599XX’s computer can then rate you (the driver) on your performance and tell you how close you are coming to the car’s maximum potential – a humbling experience no doubt.

The car will make its official track debut at Homestead in Florida in March.

Ferrari is rumored to be working on a street legal version of the 599XX called the 599 GTO.

GALLERY: Ferrari 599XX

Toyota has announced that it will expand the Prius name to become an entire family of dedicated hybrid vehicles. Launched today at the Detroit Auto Show, the FT-CH Hybrid Concept is a look at what the next model in the Prius lineup is likely to be.

Inspired by 8-bit technology made famous by early Nintendo games like Contra and Mario Brothers, the car is funky with plenty of edges and even some square holes designed into the bodywork.

As for the car itself, it is 22-inches shorter than the current Prius, but has a wheelbase that is only 6-inches shorter, offering maximum interior room. Inside, there’s room for four. The name itself signifies the car’s designation, with the CH standing for Compact Hybrid. According to Toyota, “The FT-CH captures the spirit and functionality of a car that thrives in the inner-city environment; sized right to be nimble, responsive and maneuverable.”

There’s no word from Toyota on what is under the hood, other than some sort of Hybrid Synergy Drive system, that gets better fuel mileage than the Prius – an impressive feat indeed when the current third-generation Prius nets 51/48 mpg (city/highway).

Toyota is expected to deliver this model to market, keeping much of its fresh and funky design.

“Other dedicated hybrid models are also on their way. “In the early 2010s, Toyota plans to sell a million hybrids per year globally, a majority of those in North America,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales president. “To accomplish this, Toyota will launch eight all new hybrid models over the next few years.  These will not include next generation versions of current hybrids; instead, they will be all new dedicated hybrid vehicles, or all new hybrid versions of existing gas engine models.”

Lentz also commented that in the future hybrids will be the core powertrain technology for Toyota and that Toyota believes hybrid technology will become the staple throughout the auto industry.

GALLERY: Toyota FT-CH Hybrid Concept

GALLERY: Toyota FT-CH Hybrid Concept Official Photos

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Volkswagen is showcasing what it calls the New Compact Coupe (NCC) at the Detroit Auto Show. A stylish looking VW, this Jetta-sized model is actually a hybrid. A 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder makes 148-hp and 177 ft-lbs of torque and is mated to a 27-hp electric motor. When combined with VW’s 7-speed DSG transmission, the NCC gets an impressive 45 mpg. Acceleration isn’t exactly impressive at 8.1 seconds to 60 mph, but that’s better than initial reports about the Honda CR-Z have indicated.

The car hasn’t officially been unveiled yet, but after the embargo was broken we decided t run with this story. VW’s press conference is later today and we’ll be sure to bring you any details on if this sporty hybrid coupe is headed to production.

GALLERY: Volkswagen New Compact Coupe

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Ford has just unveiled the first example of its new One Ford philosophy, the 2011 Focus. Offered as both a five-door hatchback and four-door sedan, both models look quite unique but offer the same aggressive front end and high-quality paint. At launch one engine will be offered, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with direct-injection technology that makes an impressive 155-hp and 145 ft-lbs of torque. Ford has, however, confirmed that the Focus will be offered with an EcoBoost engine in all markets in the future. Presumably, this will be Ford’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost with 180-hp.

The 2.0-liter engine is the fist naturally aspirated direct-injection engine used by Ford in North America and comes mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that works to improve fuel economy and deliver lightning quick shifts.

No fuel-economy numbers have been released yet, but Ford says the new focus will be a fuel economy leader. That is quite a claim considering the new Chevy Cruze gets 40 mpg on the highway.

Ford plans to offer the new Focus with plenty of optional premium items including keyless entry, active park assist, a backup camera and the next generation of Ford’s SYNC technology, MyFord Touch.

Described by Bill Ford as “responsible, fun and functional,” Ford said that the industry is at the intersection of the economy, energy and the environment and that the company’s that will succeed will deliver these aspects in an exciting package.

At the launch of the car, Ford CEO Alan Mulally said it was “the right car for the right time, for the right reasons.” Ford, is betting on the compact car segment, which is expected to grow to 25 percent of the U.S. market by 2012. In addition, compact cars make up 25 percent of all cars sold throughout the world. In total, Ford plans to launch 10 vehicles based on the new Focus platform, including the C-Max MPV, which will launch in the U.S. later this year.

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Focus

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