2012 Detroit Auto Show
First off the ranks is the annual Detroit Auto Show, or North American International Auto Show as it’s officially known, and while the industrial city’s streets are typically cold during this time of year, things will be very hot inside the halls of the Cobo Center once press days commence come January 9.
Once again, the High Gear Media team will be on hand in Detroit to bring you all the breaking news, plus live photos and video footage, and remember, you can get our latest updates direct from the show floor by staying glued to our dedicated show page.
In the lead-up to the 2012 Detroit Auto Show let’s take a preview look at some of the cars and concept models scheduled to debut at next week's event.
Concept Cars
2012 Acura NSX Concept: Acura will be making waves at this month’s 2012 Detroit Auto Show with three new concept vehicles previewing models destined for production in the very near future. One of these will be the highly anticipated successor to the Acura NSX supercar, which despite still being a concept has already been confirmed for production by Honda CEO Takanobu Ito.
Other vehicles Acura has planned for Detroit include the new ILX Concept, which will preview a Honda Civic-based entry-level sedan due next fall, as well as a prototype of the next-generation RDX crossover.
Nissan Pathfinder Concept
Nissan hasn’t given any details on the electric van concept, but we suppose it will be the battery-powered version of the Nissan NV200.
2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept teaser
The introduction of the ninth-generation Accord will mark 30 years of U.S. production of the model at Honda’s plant in Marysville, Ohio, the first Japanese car assembly plant in the U.S. It will also mark the introduction of Honda's first plug-in hybrid model, which promises up to 15 miles of electric only driving. 2012 Smart For-Us Concept
The For-Us is powered by the electric drivetrain that will feature in the latest-generation Smart ForTwo Electric Drive due next spring and should be able to reach a top speed of 75 mph.
2011 Lexus LF-LC Concept leaked
The overall shape of the car closely resembles the lines of the 2012 Lexus LFA supercar, and we think it could preview a new high-end coupe the premium Japanese automaker may be considering. Penned by the artists at the company's Calty studio in Newport Beach, California, whatever it is, it will be revealed in full on January 9.
2012 Lincoln MKZ Concept: This new concept will preview the new 2013 Lincoln MKZ, which will share a platform with the next-generation Ford Fusion and the European Ford Mondeo, though will be significantly differentiated for a premium look and feel.
Expect the piano wire grille to remain, but with horizontal slats instead of Lincoln's current vertical design
Toyota's NS4 plug-in hybrid concept.
Expect the NS4 to be sportier in appearance and far less conservative than recent Toyota concepts and production models (excepting, of course, the GT-86/Scion FR-S).
2012 Maserati Kubang
The Kubang, rumored to be headed for production in 2013, will share a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Durango, but will be powered by Maserati-designed engines built by Ferrari in Maranello, Italy.
New Cars
2013 Bentley Continental GT V8
According to Bentley, the new V-8 Continental models should remain true to the automaker’s promise of reducing CO2 emissions by up to 40 percent compared to its previous models. Final numbers will be released closer to launch though Bentley boasts that they will be capable of traveling more than 500 miles on a single tank of gas.
2013 Cadillac ATS
It's also expected to come with a high-performance turbo four as well as a V-6, which should appease not only performance buffs but green fans too.
Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid Concept
A preview will be shown in Detroit, complete with a new 350-horsepower gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain and the stylish and flexible XC60 crossover body.
While official EPA numbers are still years away from release, Volvo is predicting that its XC60 Plug-In Hybrid should be good for 50 mpg combined when in Hybrid mode. The total driving range on a full charge of the batteries and the gas tank topped up should also come in at around 600 miles.
2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS
Nevertheless, we’re still eagerly awaiting some time behind the wheel as the car has the potential to become a new performance bargain.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
2013 Dodge Dart Compact Sedan
Powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged engine, the Dart could in fact pack a good deal of punch. Alternatives to the standard engine include the Tigershark 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the Tigershark 2.4-liter MultiAir. Three transmission choices (not yet disclosed) will be available with the three engines, possibly including a dual clutch and a nine-speed--yes, a nine-speed!--automatic.
2013 Buick Encore teaser
Hit the next page to see what else will be on display at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, and remember to follow our dedicated show page for all the latest updates
2012 Ford Focus by Roush
2012 North American Car And Truck Of The Year: Finalists Revealed
New Lexus LX Coming To Detroit Auto Show
Roush Working On New 'Stage 3' Tuning For 2012 Focus
Volvo Details Diesel-Electric Plug-In Hybrid, Gas Version Coming To U.S.
2013 Scion FR-S Revealed Ahead Of 2012 Detroit Auto Show
2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet Preview: 2012 Detroit Auto Show
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Revealed In New Official Images
Jaguar Land Rover Chooses Delhi Over Detroit
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Confirmed For Production
Infiniti Set To Make Appearance At 2012 Detroit Auto Show
2012 Dodge Charger Redline: Mopar Performance Outpowers SRT?
2012 Chrysler 200 Super S: Mopar-Modded Version Coming To Detroit
2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series Preview
Mercedes Brining E400 Hybrid And E300 Bluetec Hybrid to Detroit
That's all for now but remember, you can get our latest updates direct from the 2012 Detroit Auto Show floor by staying glued to our dedicated show page.
