LEADIN: Detroit's North American International Auto Show is revving its engines with a host of unveilings by some of the world's biggest car companies. While General Motors previewed an affordable electric vehicle to rival Tesla, other car makers threw caution to the wind and headed straight for the fast lane. STORYLINE: Rev your motors and kick start your engines, The US's premier auto event is go. In Detroit, over 40 new vehicles are being unveiled to expectant audiences at the North American International Auto Show. They include the new Chevrolet Bolt by General Motors, an attempt by the US company to upstage Tesla in the electric vehicles market. GM CEO, Mary Barra, was on hand to unveil the new vehicle, an affordable electric alternative which can go 200 miles (321 kilometres) on a single charge. "That's right, this Chevrolet is designed to offer 200 miles (321 kilometres) of range and cost about $30,000 (USD)," says Barra. "This is truly an EV for everyone. For most people, this can be their everyday driver. The kind of innovation will raise the bar for electric vehicles around the globe. In addition, to advance battery technology, other techniques that contribute to the Bolt EV range include; active aero devices and advanced lightweight materials that include aluminium, magnesium, and carbon fibre. But trust me, this is no stripped-down science experiment. The Bolt EV concept offers unexpected functionality and technology with proportions and flexibility of a crossover. It's an all-electric vehicle for the real world." The $30,000 USD concept car is likely to go on sale in around two years' time. It's thought the vehicle's range will make it attractive to many who wouldn't consider a fully-electric car for fear of running out of power. General Motors isn't the only auto maker unveiling new models at the show, there are almost 2,000 auto-related companies represented here. Acura - the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Honda - unveiled its new NSX super-car. Featuring a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and a three-electric motor hybrid system, it promises a total power output of more than 550 horsepower. The NSX can run in four modes which offer different performances, as well as variations in the engine's sound level. Acura plans to start accepting orders this summer and the first vehicles are expected to be on the road later this year. The starting price is expected to be in the mid-$150,000 USD range. Convertibles are a hot trend at this year's show. It seems the feeling among automakers is that Americans are ready to let their tops down and feel the wind blow through their hair. It's thought this is fuelled by consumers gaining confidence in the economy and having more money to spend on less-practical items. Those buying into the convertible trend include BMW which unveiled its new 650i convertible. Infiniti - the luxury division of Japanese auto maker Nissan - previewed the design of its upcoming Q60 coupe with a concept car. It's got sharper, more precise styling than the current Q60, along with a more aggressive grille and narrowed headlights. Infinit says the Q60 that will go on sale next year will be strongly influenced by the Q60 concept. German auto maker Mercedes-Benz unveiled plans to take on the BMW X6 SUV with its new four-door GLE Coupe, a crossover version of the midsize E-Class sedan. It has a coupe-like roofline and a wide, tough stance. It's Mercedes' first AMG sports model and promises features, such as variable controls depending on road conditions, at a lower price point than the traditional AMG. At the top of the line is the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe, powered by a 577-horsepower, 5.5-litre V8. Both versions are due out in the US in August. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/2e919973d8a368d0f8a516ea5cc88085 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

• published: 03 Aug 2015
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