We've seen a few crossover concepts from Swedish automaker Saab before. Both the 9X shown in 2001 and the 9-3X that followed a year later looked set to herald a production Saab crossover. This time though, it seems we really are on the cusp of seeing a production Saab crossover.

Looking like a near production feasible design, the 9-4X concept's strongest signifier is a subtle body side crease that starts in the front fender and runs rearward, looping up into the C-pillar - an element echoed in the shape of the DLO and its prominent aluminum window surround. This compliments the wrap-around windshield, glazed A and B-pillars, and raked back flat roof - whose cant rails run rearward to form the tailgate spoiler.

At the front, the raised center grille section separate it from the other front graphic elements and takes a subtly different direction to that of the most recent Saab design: the face-lifted 9-3. This grille perhaps takes a lead from the Aero X concept, whose turbine wheel design also inspired the wheels on this concept. The 9-4X also takes inspiration from the Maurer vintage 9-X with its long sliding trunk floor.

Speaking to CDN, Lead Exterior Designer Andrew Dyson explained how the 'ice block' (frost effect plastic) elements in the lights reference the cold climate of Scandinavia, while a similar material inside - called the 'clear zone' - covers much of the driver-orientated IP area. The other noticeable and most impressive interior element, is the new interpretation of the classic Saab layered air-vents.

The design of the 9-4X was born in the Swedish design studio just prior to its closure, with Clarence Kim and Earnesto Rupar working under Lead Designer Andrew Dyson and GME Director of Advanced Design, Anthony Lo. The design was then completed in Russelsheim.

Related Stories:
Design Development Saab Aero X
Saab 9X concept - Frankfurt 2001
Saab 9-3X - Geneva 2002

Ford's new F-150 is arguably the most important new design in Detroit - even if it is just a very heavy revision of the 2004 F-150 design. It is Ford's best-selling product, the world's best-selling vehicle, and a very clever mid-life revision.

One of the most important aspects of this pickup truck is a design strategy that comprises seven different models within the range. From the entry-level XL, to the STX, XLT, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch and luxurious Platinum; each model has a different grille, wheel design and interior trim to maximize the breadth of appeal for the new F-150 range.

This is afforded in part by the modular design of the interior, with IP top, center console, main vertical IP elements and door furniture all being separate elements. Some of the trim materials - such as the aluminum foil appliqué and leather IP upper - give a quality perception atypical to the pickup sector, although the molten chocolate-like fake wood material used in the top versions did let this down.

The other major innovation of the F-150 design is its adoption of a 'tool-like' robust aesthetic inside and out. This is evident in the exterior, described as a "milled surface" by F-150 Design Manager George Bucher. There are also steel bumpers, a bluff nose and a "product design" quality to elements like the door mirrors.

Features such as power deployed running boards, rear seat squabs that fold up to provide a large (and flat floored) storage area on the crew cab versions, and an integral tailgate step all add to the impression of a very thorough and insightful design.

It might not be the sexiest new design at the show, but it may well be the most market-focused, which is quite possibly the most laudable quality a design can have.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS has been a very successful niche design, and one that has clearly been noticed by Volkswagen with the launch of its own version: the Passat CC. Pushed through to production by Murat Gunak whilst at Mercedes-Benz, the softly dynamic surfaces of the CLS are revisited in the Passat CC, which looks like a Gunak-era design from his time as Design Director at Volkswagen.

The car shares more than just its four-door coupe conceptual design with the CLS, its strong body side feature arcs from just below the headlamps back to the rear of the car, leaving a broad uncluttered shoulder. Below this familiar line are the door handles - just as on the CLS - while a shallower version of the Passat sedan DLO, frameless door glazing, broad grille and tapering trunk deck are also reminiscent of the model wearing a three-pointed star prominently in its grille.

Unlike the CLS, however, which has a very different interior to the E-Class sedan with which it shares its platform, the Passat CC interior is nearly identical to that of its contemporary sedan counterpart. Only the door inners, pleated seat leather, two separate rear seats and a few other minor details are specific to this design.

Still, the Passat CC is a unique car in its class. Offering less space than its sedan sibling but arguably more style, it must surely be competing with more premium branded cars such as the 3-Series and C-Class - and arguably the Audi A4. Whilst undeniably handsome, the question will inherently be: "Does the market want an upper mid-size 'premium' Volkswagen sedan when it could have a premium brand sedan of the same size and price?" And how comfortable is Volkswagen's new design management with this Mercedes clone born from the house style of the previous incumbents of Volkswagen design management?