Where’s the greenest place in Detroit? Try the basement of Cobo Hall.

A decidedly different display is being put on by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in the space usually filled with new cars and trucks. Called the MEDC EcoXperience Ride and Drive, the exhibit area has been transformed into a short winding road course lined with small trees, fountains, flowers and tons of mulch to showcase the latest in green vehicles.

Even thoughts of springtime in the cold, dark Detroit winter can’t hurt.

Journalists were allowed to drive some of the latest pure electric and hybrid models (also called “future modes of alternative propulsion technology”) on this impromptu track in Michigan Hall. In the past, the space was mostly filled with pickup trucks--the NY auto show also relegates the lower display levels for the most off-beat stuff--but this year, show organizers thought that they should set aside the 70,000 sq. ft. and create a Garden of Eden. We don’t know whether driving on Detroit’s snow-covered streets or this curvy course was more challenging. The press information billed the experience as driving in “panoramic nature surroundings” but with sub-zero winds howling through the streets above (not to mention any sign of the sun), we’re not so sure it was that convincing.

However, some of the eco-friendly vibes were dimmed by the trash can nearby that was overflowing with soda cans and bottles. And even thought the exhibit was below all the action happening on the main show floor, the smell of mulch nearly overwhelmed the halls.

With so much mulch filling the space, it overpowered that coveted “new-car smell.” It’s sort of a tough sell--combining the whole green/garden theme and new cars at the same time: most people don’t want things that smell like rot.

--Mike Quincy

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show.