AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: FORD ATLAS CONCEPT

On The Cover Review: Ford Atlas Concept

Editor's Note: Welcome to our annual look at the concept vehicles that were revealed to the world at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Part of determining used vehicle values is predicting the future. With that in mind, it makes sense to look at what the manufacturers believe the future will bring us. Whether it’s new ways to power vehicles or new ways to package them, there are lots of great ideas on the horizon. This is the third in a series of The Automobile Red Book’s annual review of some of the best concepts from COBO Hall.

The NAIAS was supposed to be important as an early appearance of the 2014 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, but Ford surprised everyone by revealing their F-150 Atlas F-150 Concept truck. The silvery concept looked pretty rugged with its beefy grille and cobalt blue lighting. They introduced it by dropping it from the ceiling while a live band played in the background and guys welded steel girders in a shower of sparks. Big cheese execs Bill Ford and Alan Mulally were there to give it the proper credentials. This was exactly the kind of presentation that makes the Detroit show great. It also foreshadows the next generation of the F-150; the number-one selling vehicle in America. Expect more EcoBoost engine choices, lighter weight, better aerodynamics, and higher fuel mileage.

AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: TOYOTA COROLLA FURIA CONCEPT

On The Cover Review: Toyota Corolla Furia Concept

Editor's Note: Welcome to our annual look at the concept vehicles that were revealed to the world at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Part of determining used vehicle values is predicting the future. With that in mind, it makes sense to look at what the manufacturers believe the future will bring us. Whether it’s new ways to power vehicles or new ways to package them, there are lots of great ideas on the horizon. This is the second in a series of The Automobile Red Book’s annual review of some of the best concepts from COBO Hall.

Toyota is attempting to spice up the blandest car on the road with the introduction of the Corolla Furia Concept. That’s right—Furia; as in “furious.” You should see the headlights. It’s angry. Of course, this is just a concept, so there was no interior, and it had those huge concept car-style wheels, fancy paint, and other styling cues that will never see production. Still, at least they’re addressing the milquetoastness of the current Corolla with this car, and admitting there is a problem is the first step. Still, lots of people seem to be happy buying the current Corolla, so Toyota has to be careful not to make something with too much personality, lest they drive off their current loyal customers. It will be interesting to see where this car winds up once the makeup comes off.

AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: CADILLAC ELR CONCEPT

On The Cover Review: Cadillac ELR Concept

Editor's Note: Welcome to our annual look at the concept vehicles that were revealed to the world at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Part of determining used vehicle values is predicting the future. With that in mind, it makes sense to look at what the manufacturers believe the future will bring us. Whether it’s new ways to power vehicles or new ways to package them, there are lots of great ideas on the horizon. This is the first in a series of The Automobile Red Book’s annual review of some of the best concepts from COBO Hall.

Do you like the Chevy Volt but need something a little fancier? The Cadillac ELR Concept may be just the ticket. Like the Volt, the ELR will feature a gasoline engine that only exists to charge up the lithium-ion battery pack. The car runs on electricity all the time—the gasoline engine just helps with the range. Obviously, this one isn’t as practical as a Volt because it doesn’t have any back doors. But that handsome origami shape that already suits the CTS Coupe so well may make you forget. Expect to see something very similar to this concept in Cadillac showrooms in late 2013.

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