Dodge Challenger concept

When Trevor Creed introduced the Challenger concept he described it as a concept that set out to “get it right” – to iron out the imperfections of the original 1970 design. A distinct but subtly different approach to that of Ford's pioneering Living Legends, in particular the Mustang who's market the Challenger would chase.

This Challenger is a concept but looks very close to production. It is very well resolved with some neat detailing such as the shallow recess around the wheel arches, rounded square grille mesh, fine crease running around the rear window and one across the trunk and the way the IP elements relate so well with each other.

Evocative, undeniably handsome and exceptionally crafted, it may lack much innovation but without doubt this is one of the cars of the show.

Design Development story coming soon...

Lamborghini Miura concept

Unveiled by Walter de'Silva, head of Lamborghini Centro Stile for the last three months, the Miura Concept pays homage to the first mid-engine Lamborghini of forty years ago. This iconic design, that was arguably the world's first supercar, is reincarnated here in much the same way that Ford's GT did the GT40 - cleaned up and quite a bit larger. But arguably this greater scale and cleaned up form lacks the energy and emotive draw of the original. Perhaps it is churlish to criticise such a pure and handsome design but given how critically and commercially successful the Murcielago and Gallardo designs are and how iconic the original Miura is, the rationale for this concept is hard to see.

At the time of writing the interior was not shown but notable elements of the exterior are the front splitter, 'eye lash' headlamps and humorous horned Miura logo.

An unusual design; a gorgeous car that disappoints.

Ford F-250 Super Chief concept

“You want a pickup? I'll show you a pickup.” Ford Design Director Peter Horbury isn't kidding: At 6.7meters long, the Super Chief is colossal, exemplifying Ford's 'rugged elegance' philosophy in combining the utility of a truck with the luxury of a limousine. Outside, 24” wheels sit under waist-high wheelarches to support the oversized billeted body. The rear features slim recessed light bars, while at the locomotive-inspired front, the dominant grille features a 10” Blue Oval emblem and sunken headlamps.

The interior uses a combination of aluminium, leather and American walnut to convey comfort, the square graphics of the dials and trim a slightly Art Deco in feel. Needless to say, the four chairs are not wanting in terms of space, even if the front footwells are slightly contorted. At the back, ottomans come out of the floor, lifting feet weary from the climb into the cockpit, while under the hood is a supercharged 6.8liter V10 capable of running on ethanol, hydrogen or gasoline, to produce up to 310PS.

Buick Enclave

Buick's new luxury SUV was launched to the mantra of 'Quality beyond precision.' A large six-seater, Buick has adopted 'Heritage Forward' to define their repost to the success of the Lexus RX. As Chief Exterior Designer Jack Folden comments, “this car shows that Buick is an aspirational vehicle whose expressive surfaces appear sculpted rather than assembled.”

Indeed, the outside is clean and well resolved to provide a welcome alternative to the home-grown truck-based rivals. Smoothly shifting curves carry surfaces from one plane to another, while the DRG features vertical black chrome slats and lights that flow into the arches. This theme is carried to the rear whose architecture is similar to the Mazda 3 in style, if not scale. Inside, the cocoa and cashmere tones of the trim adorn familiar themes, lacking the uniqueness of GM's Opel Antara, though still tidy enough to secure its luxury ambitions.

Negating the misplaced side-vents, the Enclave is an attractive alternative in a crowded market and when in production looks set to be the closest rival to the Mercedes R-Class.

Ford Reflex concept

Last year Ford showed what a small, tough American city car could be with the SYNus. When J Mays announced the Reflex at the opening press launch of this year's show he described it as "Ford's latest exploration on America's small car" and as evidence that Ford is committed to producing a range of US-market cars of less than four meters in length.

With a turbodiesel electric hybrid powertrain the Reflex is pitched as an environmentally responsible sports coupe for young couples or even young families. Dramatic rear-hinged butterfly doors give access to a simple interior dominated by white suspended mesh seats over a red floor and an IP that runs into a floating centre console. Notable elements of the exterior include a hood bulge that butts up to the windshield, hockey stick lamp graphics and a soft yet strong kink in the rear fender over the wheels which is then echoed in the DLO.

Chrysler Imperial concept

Based on a stretched version of the 300 platform, the Imperial is a concept that explores the scope for the Chrysler brand to re-enter the luxury sedan market.

Exterior and overall lead designer Mike Nicholas talked to CDN about how he drew inspiration from 1930s and 50s Imperials and in particular the d'Elegance show car by Virgil Exner. He also consciously employed classic luxury car cues such as tall proportions, a deep D-pillar and rear-hinged rear doors and focused in particular on detailing that looked "coach built". The result is an imposing design that is unquestionably an upscale car, although it is hard not to see it relative to the Rolls Royce Phantom and the comparison does the Chrysler few favours.

Inside chocolate and cream suede dominates but there is also an interesting floating IP and door furniture which are highlighted by pink ambient lighting.

Chrysler is on a roll and could pull off a luxury car like the Imperial but, unlike the dynamic 300, its retro flavour is so strong that it may only appeal to those with tastes firmly routed in the past.

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