This year’s NAIAS exhibits are as dazzling and showstopping as ever … but with a twist. Not only are this years’ exhibits and cars jaw dropping in every sense of the word, they also are on the cutting edge of design, technology and sustainability! That’s right, today’s cars are being designed with the environment in mind.
The number of electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid cars and trucks on display at the 2016 NAIAS has exponentially increased in just the last few years. Whereas before it was a niche market, today almost every automobile manufacturer either has or is planning for hybrids and EV’s as part of their “smart car” lineup. This 2016 “Top 10” list of EV’s and Hybrids are from our own experts’ eyes, a bright, fresh automotive design student from the College For Creative Studies (CCS), a school well known for producing some of the best auto designers in the world. Jill Dougherty will take you through her list of cars she chose as those with the best lines, designs with an eye towards sustainability.
For your added enjoyment, you can see Jill’s interview with Steven Clark of WXYZ TV http://www.wxyz.com/money/auto-news/auto-show/video-searching-for-green-well-designed-vehicles-at-the-auto-show-with-ccs-student-jill-dougherty
Jill’s Top 10
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LEXUS LF-FC Lexus is pushing their brand identity, heightening their products appeal with this new concept. The LF FC has a new sporty styling with aggressive features. Its important that companies are combining sport packages and appearances with a eco friendly aspect. The design is super sleek and plays with lines and forms elegantly. With the largest grille of any luxury marque, this “flagship concept” maxes out the brands’ massive grille. Definitely all about design for this car. |
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CHEVY BOLT EV The bolt is not only sporty and a great eco vehcile, but it is also affordable. Having a reasonable price will make it an easier decision to be sustainable. The bolt has long range appeal and fast charging which is new for electric cars. The design is fun and sporty, with theme lines that add motion and speed to the form language. The car can switch modes depending on the drivers’ needs making a more comfortable and fit ride for the specific consumer. If this vehicle is as fun and springy as the oft-compared Spark EV, the Bolt could be a shockingly, joltingly and other positive, electrically themed adjectives for the eco enthusiast road warriors. |
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SMART FORTWO CABRIO The diverse tri top gives the driver options, closed, sliding roof, or full open top. The new topless version of an improved Smart Fortwo may turn some heads in the small car US market. The funky colors and proportions really bring life to the design. The bubbly and futuristic interior is made complete with color blocking, adding lots of life to this small Eco car. It’s attractive inside and out which is important, as not only is the outside pleasing but the inside is an experience for the driver. |
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AUDI H-TRON A hydrogen EV version of the Q6, the h tron is simplistic and aerodynamic aesthetically. It’s slick and simple exterior combined with its minimal and spacious interior creates the perfect drivers’ car. As a larger 5 door vehicle it has family appeal and brings a different package than most of the small eco cars. The H tron uses fuel cell technology, which is a new and exciting move in the automotive industry. It’s a zero emissions concept car whose electric motor enables it to have a 370 mile range, which can then be refueled in 4 minutes for more scintillating driving experiences. |
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BMW i8 This German beauty is sold aesthetically because of its sport proportion and shape as well as its uniquely evolved forms and surfaces. Truly a revolutionary vehicle that features swan-swing doors, a shark nose grille and a super car feel wrapped in interior luxury of a first class hotel room. The i8 perfectly combines sport with Eco, satisfying almost everyone’s taste. |
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BMW 330e BMW made a smart decision to take one of their already successful designs and change it into a plug in hybrid. This vehicle provides the signature twin-kidney grille, pointed wraparound headlights and the familiar contoured character lines spanning the vehicle’s hood and profile, but updates the version for the e-hybrid market. This proves that it’s possible to take cars today and provide Eco options and this will only make the market stronger. |
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NISSAN IDS This zero emission concept has an aggressive “wild design” exterior but on the inside, organic forms and materials are used to create a modern and elegant space. The interior is full white leather with wood accents and sets up like relaxing in a living room. When in pilot mode the steering wheel recedes and is replaced with a flat screen. The interior is equipped with intelligent technology and fresh design. After all, IDS stands for Intelligent Driving System. |
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VW TIGUAN GTE CONCEPT This redesigned vehicle, especially the electric engine equipped concept is a tough lookin’ beast. It could be the concept to help vw once again be a smash hit with the REI member set, if they ever forgive vw for the whole diesel emission scandal. The GTE would be an ideal vehicle for the active person or family. |
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MERCEDES GLC350e Mercedes has created one of the larger plug in hybrids that will really attract the market. It has the perfect blend of style and sustainability. The 350e still has the classic and beautiful Mercedes charm, meshing well with their brand language. It has the potential to combine a Sub 6 second 0-62 mph sprint with a fleet friendly c02 emission hybrid rating. |
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CHRYSLER PACIFICA Chrysler has reinvented and amped up the mini van with brand new architecture. The Pacifica brings a new stance and enhanced style to the platform. The newly introduced front fascia carries sedan design keys, making the overall design look stronger and less like a mini van. With the hybrid version obtaining 80 mpge and a driving range pushing 530 miles, the vehicle provides more family fun with its “living room on wheels” interpretation as a family mini van. |
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Photos by CeCe Wells |
Photos by Jim Klein |