Autos' future looks different from what's on the road today

The Virginian-Pilot (MCT) - Forget horsepower. Think kilowatts. At the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, few automakers showed vehicles without an electric motor of some kind stashed under the sheetmetal.

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In the face of volatile fuel prices, escalating fuel-economy standards and slumping worldwide demand, automakers are trading large horsepower numbers and large fuel-economy numbers for miles between recharging.

Indeed, some of the show's most stunning visions feature electric power in some form: the Cadillac Converj, Chrysler 200C, Fisker Karma and Dodge Circuit. Such fuel efficiency comes at a time when the market for hybrids and small cars has plummeted.

Traditional auto buyers will find comfort in the form of the stunning new BMW Z4 roadster, Buick LaCrosse, Mini Cooper Cabriolet, Lincoln MKT, Chevrolet Equinox, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Cadillac SRX.

But, as with all auto shows, it's the future that beckons in ways large and small. The Chevrolet Cruze offers a dazzling dashboard trimmed in a metallic fabric that awes its occupants.

More useful, the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids offer a reconfigurable instrument cluster, allowing you to customize the number of gauges that appear. A neat touch: a diagram of a plant sprouts leaves as one drives more ecologically.

If there's one word that describes tomorrow's cars, it's green.

Here are some more trends evident at this year's big show.

_ Cars get smaller

Trend: Micro cars

In a bid to meet forthcoming fuel-economy regulations, Chevrolet showed its petite Spark minicar. But luxury nameplates have downsized, too. Lincoln showed the Model C hatchback and Mercedes-Benz unveiled the BlueZERO. Only Mini, with its new Cooper convertible, grew larger.

_ Electrifying

Trend: Hybrid choices multiply.

Electric motors assist the gas engines that power the Toyota Prius (shown), Honda Insight, Lexus HS250h, Audi Q5, Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. Cadillac, Chrysler, Fisker, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota unveiled hybrids that use an electric motor and battery to power the car; the gas engine recharges the battery.

_ Chipping in

Trend: Your car goes online.

Ford showed its new Work Solutions package, which uses Windows CE software to wirelessly connect your truck to the office, the Internet or a printer. The company also showed a reconfigurable digital instrument cluster on the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrid sedans.

_ New is old

Trend: The return of electric cars

The newest trend in automobiles is perhaps its oldest. In the early 20th century, electric cars were popular. Their big drawback then continues today: a lack of range. Still, cars such as the Chrysler 200C and Dodge Circuit suggest that gas engines are living on borrowed time.

_ Going topless

Trend: Sports cars live.

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The allure of a sports car is eternal. That's why BMW unveiled its new Z4 hardtop convertible, Audi revealed a 525-horsepower R8, and Jaguar showed its 510-horsepower XKR and XFR. But Volkswagen was different: Its Concept BlueSport has a diesel engine that returns 50 mpg in highway driving.

_ Luxury endures

Trend: Recession? What recession?

The rich are different from the rest of us; they have money (Bernard Madoff clients excluded). Mercedes-Benz revealed a new E-Class sedan, while the Audi Sportback previewed the A7, while Volvo showed the new S60. But Bentley is still living large with its 600-horsepower Continental GTC Speed.

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© 2009, The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Va.).