2010 Minneapolis Auto Show: Germany vs. Korea

Normally, I'd divide the rest of the cars into their respective categories, but this year's auto show was rather lame. 2010 is sort of a let-down as far as new cars are concerned. Yes, there still were significant vehicles from other major manufacturers besides Ford and GM, but unlike Ford or GM, most manufacturers had one or two sinficant vehicles instead of four to six.
First up are the Germans. Really, instead of Germans as a whole, it was more Volkswagen and Audi. Sadly, their subsidiary Porsche wasn't represented. The Mercedes display sucked, and I don't even think BMW was even represented. No big loss, really, as BMWs don't really evoke much emotion from me anymore.





Nothing too special on the Audi front save for the unveiling of their newest color, Ipanema Brown. This metallic orange color is a pricey, but unique option available across the Audi range. The option is $10,000 and customers who order this unique color will be asked to wait four to six weeks for delivery. So, be sure you do indeed want your Audi in this color.



On the VW side of things, two new offerings were unveiled. First up, is the VW Jetta TDI Cup Edition. While its supposed to be a street version of the track beast, this vehicle seems more at home in an Autozone parking lot. Hey, at least it has a stickshift, right?

Next up is the 2010 GTI. Introduced earlier this winter, these new GTIs are becoming a more and more common sighting each day. While not as distinguishable as its predecessor, I do quite like this version. Hopefully, it'll be a good driver's car like the V was. and not be watered down like theMKIV was.
The Koreans, just like in 2008, took the show by storm this year as well. Kia introduced its Forte Koupe, which, as it sounds, is the two-door version of its four-door sedan. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to snap the rest of the lineup. I regret not shooting the new Sorento, though, because it really is a good looking vehicle, both in pictures and in person.

While looking almost like a current-gen Civic, Kia's first coupe is a good effort. Also, this car, in addition to the Soul, marks Kia's first real attempt to break into the sport-compact segment. I like the Koupe, and with a few aftermarket goodies, it could be a prefect track terror. Oh, and Kia already taking it racing in its own series.


Stablemate Hyundai had a nice display, too. In addition to the lowly (but somewhat loved) Accent, they presented their newest range of cars, including the Genesis coupe. Starting at $22k, the Genesis coupe does battle with the Mustang and Camaro, but for a lower price. You can get the new Hyundai coupe with either a 2.0 Turbo four, which is a little down on horsepower, but has amazing tuning potential, or you can opt for the screaming 306 horse 3.8L V6. Either way, this Korean coupe will be driver's delight. Too bad the same cannot be said of this ugly Genesis sedan pictured above.



While the Genesis coupe was all fine and dandy, the real news was the arrival of the new superlux sedan, the Equus. Hailing from Korea, this new entry in the superlux segment has a 4.6L Tau V8 and seven speed automatic as its powerhouse. Tuned for luxury versus off-the-line performance, this big Hyundai, while producing 400+ horses, is not supposed to fast from the get-go. Instead, this car makes up for its performance with features an amenities abound. Back seat tray tables, 30+ way power and reclining rear seats, massaging footrests, and more, this car leaves you coddled like no Mercedes ever could. What's even more impressive is the price. $150K? $100K? Nope. Just $75k. Eat that Mercedes and BMW. I think your luxury trump card just got trumped.