Saturn Curve concept

The Saturn Curve is the second of the Kappa Architecture concepts premiered at NAIAS. Launched together with the Chevrolet Nomad sport wagon concept, it shares the new Kappa Architecture platform of the production Pontiac Solstice roadster also revealed today.

The 2+2 coupe concept has a distinctive and muscular form with pronounced wheelarches and a long horizontal hood. The floating roof and pillar architecture reflect a very European look, not unlike the Saab 9X concept of 2001. The interior features a floating design of console and doors, both finished in blonde wood.

Designed by GM Advanced Design Center in Sweden under the guidance of Anthony Lo, the Curve concept was assembled by Pininfarina in Italy.

Dimensions are: length 3975mm, width 1950mm, height 1247mm, wheelbase 2717mm. NH

Ford Shelby Cobra concept

Proudly unveiled by J Mays on the opening evening of the NAIAS, this surprise debut is the latest in the ‘Living Legends’ series from Ford. Using many shared components from the Ford GT, the 2-seat roadster takes design cues from the 1965 Shelby Cobra 427, including the wide mouth, vertical bumpers and blown wheelarches.

Regarding production: “If we get the same response as we did with the GT, anything is possible” says J Mays. However, many designers at the show felt the car looked a little stiff, with a rather sad expression compared to the 1965 original. The concept was awarded “Best in Show” at the Autoweek Awards ceremony last week, attended by 80-year old Carroll Shelby. NH

2005 Ford Mustang

Previewed last year as a concept, the new 2004 Mustang launched at the NAIAS was driven onstage at the launch today by no less than Bill Ford himself. The styling reinterprets the iconic 1967 Mustang with the fastback style and longer shark nose and is described by Ford design chief J Mays as “Pure American Muscle”.

The formula is simple: powerful V6 and V8 engines, rear-wheel drive and a sub $20,000 price.

Changes from the concept centre around a revised grille with spotlamps and a deeper front air dam. The biggest change is the adoption of the small opera window in the C-pillar, where previous Mustangs had louvers or scoops.

Engines will be either a 4.0L V6 with 200bhp or a 4.6L V8 300bhp, with 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto powering through a live rear axle. Dimensions: length 187.6”, width 73.9”, height 54.5” and wheelbase 107.1”. NH

Ford Bronco Concept

Standing center stage at Cobo Arena, looking like a mad scientist as his stylishly long hair flew out from the sides of his head and he rubbed his hands together, J Mays revealed a vehicle that he described as "tough, raw and rugged." It's one that appears, he said, "like it was produced from a solid piece of iron." He unveiled a comparatively compact 4WD SUV (length 4078 mm, width 1861 mm, height 1790 mm, wheelbase 2410 mm).

Overall boxiness – which, arguably Ford did more to put to rest in the US with the original Taurus – is treated as a virtue by Mays with the Bronco. This is a machine aesthetic, with exposed door hinges and U-shaped door handles that resemble cleats, not ergonomic interfaces. The front winch is flanked by two vertical metal bars that look more aggressive than protective.

Inside, the machine metal approach continues, relieved only by rugged suede on the seats and as door trim. Under the hood pulses a two-liter turbodiesel (remember in the US, diesels are still associated more with work than with personal transportation). "This is a piece of equipment," Mays said, stating the obvious. GV

2005 Chevrolet Corvette

The C6 is a careful evolution of the previous Corvette DNA, which is precisely what Corvette buyers wanted, according to GM. The C6 Corvette has a longer wheelbase but shorter overall length. Every line has been tightened and the side section displays some superb modelling of the fender muscles and the side vent, with beautiful highlight control.

It keeps the Targa roof format abandoned by everyone else but ditches pop-up headlamps in favour of a group of ellipsoid lamps under a clear cover. The front lower chin is jutted forward and the rear end gets a little tauter, with a pronounced taper to the rear window. Interior materials quality is also much improved.

Chief Designer Tom Peters also designed the Cadillac XLR, with which the C6 Corvette shares a platform. NH

Nissan Actic concept

The Nissan Actic was introduced at a reception at the Detroit Tigers stadium by Shiro Nakamura, and represents Nissan’s latest Crossover thinking. Designed by NDA in California, the Actic makes a visionary statement about how vehicle owners will approach technology in the future. In place of traditional content-heavy vehicle control systems that become outdated immediately, Actic's handheld 'key fob'-based IT system allows the user to 'grow' the interface with infinite flexibility.

Actic uses a 2 x 3-seater interior layout and wraps it in a very simple, yet subtle, exterior architecture with the smooth, flowing body form interrupted only by the grille perforations. “The concept takes ‘Sleek Silver Bullet’ as its concept” explains designer Randy Rodriguez.

The 19” wheels take the Michelin PAX system a stage further by laminating the waffle tread pattern over the wheel rim to create a superbike tyre look and visually maximise the size of the spokes.

The concept was shown with a small trailer pod with expandable walls developed by NDA in conjunction with Airstream. NH

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