2013 Detroit Auto Show Preview: Diesels, Electrics And Hybrids Page 2

Production Cars

When it comes to green cars that are actually coming onto the market in the near future, the list is surprisingly long. Some of the cars are redesigned versions of existing models or simply facelifts, but there are some exciting newcomers too.

2014 Cadillac ELR: The ELR can actually trace its roots back to the Converj concept car unveiled in 2009, which proved so popular it was almost immediately approved for production. GM’s bankruptcy at the time put those plans on hold but then in 2011 the Converj reappeared, this time labeled the ELR.

Now, finally, we get to see the production version GM first envisaged all those years ago. While no official details have been released, the car is expected to be powered by an upgraded version of the Voltec extended-range electric drivetrain found in the Chevrolet Volt. In fact, the ELR will be the first model after the Volt to utilize the system.

2013 Nissan Leaf: Nissan is getting ready to start production of its Leaf electric car at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. This will be the first time that the car is produced outside of Japan and we should be seeing one of the locally-produced versions in Detroit next week.

The U.S. version of the updated 2013 Leaf, which recently went on sale in Japan, will be built among Altima and Maxima sedans on the existing assembly line. You may recall that Nissan has already started production of the electric motors and lithium-ion batteries, and soon full Leaf hatchbacks will be rolling off the line too.

The rumored lower-equipment model is now confirmed, as the Leaf S. A 6.6 kW charger is optional on this model, and standard on higher trim levels. A host of other improvements should boost the Leaf's appeal.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E Class: The Mercedes-Benz E Class, in diesel and hybrid trims, is one of our favorite green cars as it offers not only generous space but plenty of luxury amenities too. The car has just been facelifted for the 2014 model year, receiving tweaked styling, new driver assistance systems and a new four-cylinder diesel option.

That’s right. In fall 2013, an E250 BlueTEC with 4Matic all-wheel drive will become available, offering a four-cylinder diesel to the E Class range. Rated at 190 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, the E250 BlueTEC promises good, if not scintillating, performance while maximizing fuel economy. The E400 Hybrid will continue unchanged.

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class: Mercedes-Benz is also set to debut its first compact car in the U.S., the long-awaited CLA Class. The stylish four-door coupe is expected to be revealed officially this month, though images of the car have already hit the Web. Based on the same front-wheel-drive platform underpinning the latest A Class and B Class sold overseas, this will be Mercedes’ only compact model in the U.S. until a GLA Class compact SUV joins it next year.

Hit the next page to see all the rest of the green car news surrounding the upcoming 2013 Detroit Auto Show. And remember, you can catch our full Detroit coverage at any time via our dedicated show hub.

2014 Jeep Cherokee EcoDiesel: The long-awaited diesel Jeep will be making its debut at Detroit, freshly equipped with Chrysler's 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine. With 406 pounds-feet of torque it'll tow with the best of them, yet 33 mpg is possible in highway driving. The Cherokee already sells well, and the new diesel model should widen its appeal further--in a diesel market expected to make up 10 percent of total vehicle sales by 2015.