Ford SYNus

This wasn't expected: A four metre long bank vault on wheels. But this is the essence of what the SYNus is. Based on the European B-class Fiesta platform, the SYNus is an exploration of what an American small urban car might be. Its compactness gives the maneuverability needed for a congested city and its 'bank vault' aesthetic communicates the sense of security more and more desired by urban car users - particularly those in an otherwise vulnerable feeling small car amongst so many large SUVs.

The concept literally has six inch thick solid aluminium doors with a dial-operated combination lock on the driver's side, whilst the back door opens using a vault style spinner. A flat windscreen, no rear window and slot like rear side windows further add to this security van look. Inside is warmer and softer and features front seats that flip forward like a tram to be reclined on from the other side whilst watching a movie on the huge LCD screen mounted on the inside of the rear door.

A slightly tongue in cheek concept in many ways, but one that is perhaps more relevant to the future circumstances and needs surrounding future American car users than any other car at the show

Chrysler Firepower

Last year at Detroit the Chrysler brand showed the ME Four-Twelve, a supercar concept designed, according to Design chief Trevor Creed, to give the brand an “aura of performance and prestige”. This year it's showing a car that could more easily be put into production and deliver on that intent. Firepower is a two-seat sports car with a Corvette-humbling 425bhp 6.1 litre hemi V8. Like the Chevrolet that defines this genre, and the Viper whose platform it shares, it has a classic long hood-short cabin emphasized by door shuts that wrap round the rear wheel arch and visually move the cab even farther rearward.

From its low mounted Chrysler grille, through its hood strakes, crisp and fast fender creases to a slightly DB9 rear, the Firepower is more svelte than its Dodge sibling, but in the flesh the car lacks the unique visual drama of the similarly proportioned Ford GR-1 also debuting at the show.
This aggressively named concept has an aura of performance and prestige, lets hope a production car might soon follow, one with possibly a little more fire power.

GMC Graphyte

The Graphyte is a concept created to showcase GM's hybrid powertrain in an SUV application prior to launch of production GMC hybrid SUVs in two year's time. It is also a stake in the ground for the GMC brand with many design cues being established; a distinct face with horizontal line across the grille top and between indicator and head lamp, a grille recessed in a polished metal surround that itself is surrounded by a large brushed metal area running under the car, lamps with upswept lower edges and rear number plate surround mirroring in miniature the frontal graphic. Less unique to the brand but contributing to a strong SUV feel are the ribs in the sill (unusually large and only three), a fillet running around a DLO that kinks up at the rear and tall rear lights with clear covers that gives them great depth.

Inside the Graphyte has strength in its broad upper IP forms, but none of the clunky massiveness of many SUV concept interiors, and some very fine detailing; slim vertical air vents, very subtle use of wood and some pleasantly reserved colours.

Jeep Hurricane

This surprise show car is Jeep making a statement; “we own 4x4”. The Hurricane is the most powerful and capable Jeep ever, it is an extreme off-road concept that stands as an example for the Jeep brand in a similar way that a Formula One Ferrari does for Ferrari's range of sports cars.

Despite its unique extremeness, the Hurricane does bear some comparison with the EX shown four years ago by Ford. Like the EX, it is a simple concept with lots of exposed structure and mechanicals, two seats and no roof. But the Jeep has a carbon fibre body cladding large V8 engines at the front and rear of the car - for a combined power output of 670bhp - and all four wheels turning to steer the car in a variety of different ways to enable exceptional manoeuvrability - even spinning on the spot.

Although a minimalist and technically orientated concept, some of the detailing of the Hurricane is truly exquisite; tiny indicators integrated into the front lamp cans, “Thrill rated” badges on the side flanks, intricate interior switchgear and square exposed rear lamps with a deeply embossed cross. A lot of fun!

Nissan Azeal

Dubbed unofficially the 'mini Z', the Azeal is a concept for an entry level sports coupe in the mould of the Scion tC. Significant as the first car to come from Nissan's new Detroit-based design studio, the Azeal employs established Nissan Design elements; the square grille perforations, the hood flutes that pick up in the front logo surround and some exterior and interior cues from the Skyline.

But it impresses most with some of its more subtle and unique themes and detailing; an almost straight crease line running forwards from the top of the rear lamps to fade in the door, echoing an equally straight lower DLO edge and corresponding shallow shoulder running directly below. Also rear lamp graphics which extend into a surface recess below, an air brake mounted just above the rear window and a leading door shut line running powerfully up through the A-pillar.

Ford Fusion

One of the Detroit 2003 highlights was the Ford 427; a car with an impressively progressive American design identity and one that showed a distinct and logical direction for forthcoming mainstream Ford branded cars. The Fusion is the production car that picks up that direction, but although more tightly executed than last year's 500, it has lost a lot of the 427's uniqueness; front face apart, it is exceptionally similar to the European Mondeo. This apparent conservatism is complemented by well resolved surfaces, strong stance and impressive detailing - particularly for the front and rear lamps - more typical of a European premium brand such as Audi.

Based on the Mazda 6 platform, which is due also to be shared with ten Ford, Lincoln and Mercury branded cars that shall total over 8 million sales per annum, the Fusion sits between the Focus and 500 in Ford's sedan line up.

With its premium car design attributes the Fusion should make a better fist than its Taurus predecessor in a predominantly Asian brand dominated sector of the North American car market.

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