Part of the fun in attending the 2012 Detroit Auto Show is catching a glimpse of the future, which is why concept cars are so popular and unveiled by the automobile manufacturers with so much glitz and glamour. If you really want to reach further into the future, however, check out the miniature models showcased by the College for Creative Studies. While you might not be able to caress a curve or sit in the driver's seat, the designs and mini-models highlight the talent and creativity of future auto designers.

College for Creative Studies at 2012 Detroit Auto Show © Laura Sternberg, Licensed to About.com

While the public might get distracted elsewhere at the show - bright lights, sleek curves, state-of-the-art electronics -- the display featuring models/designs of the students from the Transportation Design Department of the College for Creative Studies is of great interest to the auto industry. It is, after all, the place to find new talent. It also gives auto manufacturers the opportunity to see what attracts young buyers.

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Article from Huffpost Detroit (1/10/12)

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Falcon F7 at 2012 Detroit Auto Show © Laura Sternberg, Licensed to About.com

Last year's concept car led directly to this year's production model for Falcon Motor Sports. Designed by Jeff Lemke, the Falcon F7 - a high-performance sports car - turned heads and brought out checkbooks at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. The first actual production model (the first of 10 expected in the Falcon F7 Series 1) is on display at the 2012 show. At the close of the show, it will then be delivered to its new owner.

Michigan Made

Aside from its racy good looks, which are highlighted to perfection in metallic orange, the Falcon F7 is an exotic sports car entirely designed and fabricated in Michigan - Holly to be exact. Even its race-proven, aluminum monocoque chassis comes from Michigan: Superlite cars in Clinton Township.

Features

The Falcon F7 has 620 Horsepower under the hood and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 to 3.6 seconds. Its top speed is 190-200 mph. The F7 has a race car chassis and an all carbon-fiber body. It also has a clam-shell hood, removable Targa Roof Panel, and a hand-crafted interior decked out in Venzano Leather and state-of-the-art electronics.

Price Tag

The price tag for the Falcon F7 runs from $195K to $250K.

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The Nissan Infiniti Etherea Concept hybrid explores Infiniti's version of a compact luxury car, but it doesn't stop there. It's design incorporates the height of a crossover SUV, interior cabin of a coupe, hatchback of a wagon and styling/performance of a sports car.

Exterior

One of the more eye-catching design elements of the concept is its a curved c-pillar. In other words, the third pillar of support behind the back passenger door curves up into the roof, creating a dome-like effect in the side windows. The rear passenger doors are hinged in the back, which results in opposing doors. The lack of separating pillar between them gives the car wide-open entry. Sculpted lines and panels give the car further distinction. In fact, the main lines of the design are reminiscent of broad paint strokes.

Interior

The Etherea was designed in Japan, and several of the interior design elements are thus inspired. For instance, the seats have Japanese-inspired piping and the trim inspired by Japanese parchment paper.

Also of Note

• Two LED screens serve both the driver and passenger.
• Front-wheel drive
• Slanted headlights
• According to Earth Techling, the Etherea's electric power can run longer and achieve higher speeds than comparable hybrids.

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Volkswagen's E-Bugster Concept Car had its world debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The all-electric, sportier-looking Beetle has a 100 mile range and runs on a lithium-ion battery (Blue-e motion electric drive unit) situated beneath the trunk and back bench. The battery can charge up to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes.

Exterior

In many respects, the Beetle design elements remain true, but the E-Bugster's tin roof is flatter and a good 3 inches lower, which causes the flat, wide windshield to be more angled. The E-Bugster also has distinctive LED running lights and reflectors that also serve as a stylish design element.

Sources:

Volkswagen
MotorTrend

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