2012 Latest Detroit Auto show

About Honda Accord Coupe Concept

Four-cylinder models now use Honda’s revised DOHC 2.4-liter I-4, which uses both direct fuel injection and Atkinson-cycle operation in an attempt to improve efficiency. Preliminary specifications suggest the engine will produce “more” than 181 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, and deliver “class leading fuel economy” when paired with a new continuously variable transmission. A six-speed manual will also be available.
Honda has already revealed most details surrounding the 2013 Accord’s powertrain.

Acura NSX Concept

About Acura NSX Concept

Subsequently, the NSX will utilize a form of the new hybrid Super Handling-AWD (SH-AWD) system. The V-6, likely a 3.5- or 3.7-liter, will drive the rear wheels by means of a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Unlike the current SH-AWD system, which would send power to the front wheels by way of a driveshaft and a mechanical differential, the NSX’s front wheels will instead be powered by a pair of electric motors. As each motor is assigned to a wheel, the system has the ability to accelerate the outer wheel in a corner, creating a yaw moment that improves the car’s ability to turn in and rotate. All told, the system could produce a net punch of about 400 hp.
It’s still unclear if the NSX will utilize its own architecture, or perhaps share its platform with another vehicle. It is, however, fairly certain to enter production. Officials tell us the development program is still in its infancy, but the car could enter series production as early as 2015.

Bentley Continental GT V8

About Bentley Continental GT V8

The new Bentley Continental GT V-8 is 55 pounds lighter than the W-12.
That’s good, but not great. At least, the weight was removed where it matters most: on top of the front wheels.
The top speed is a slightly more restrained 188 mph.
The V8 is 75 hp less powerful and 30 lb-ft less torquey than the W12.

Lincoln MKZ Concept

About Lincoln MKZ Concept

Lincoln MKZ Concept on display at the 2012 Detroit auto show.
Lincoln’s bold dual-opening front grille that the automaker says is a more refined interpretation of the split-wing mug from the iconic 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr, with horizontal bars replacing the classic car’s vertical slats. A single piece of chrome wraps around each grille and headlamp flank, and both the front headlamps and the
The concept’s aluminum and boron steel chassis is larger than the current production MKZ – wheelbase is up 4.8 inches, now at 112.2; overall length is up 4.3 for a total of 194.1 inches nose to tail; and width is up 1.2 inches, now at 73.4. Height remains unchanged at 59.6 inches. The car rolls on concept-style, oversized 20-inch wheels with low profile 245/35 tires.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

About Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class prepares to take the stage at the 2012 Detroit auto show
There is a 4.6-liter, direct-injected, twin-turbo, V-8 engine under the hood of 2013 SL550  that has made its way throughout much of the Mercedes-Benz lineup. It gains 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, a significant boost to the outgoing car’s 382 hp and 391 lb-ft. Mercedes has estimated a conservative 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. Despite the performance gains, the SL will also be thriftier at the pump thanks to a revised seven-speed transmission and ECO start/stop technology.

2013 Lexus LF-LC Concept

About 2013 Lexus LF-LC Concept

This new coupe styled by Toyota’s Calty design studio in California, it shows the latest evolution of Lexus’ design language many of the cues on this show car have appeared on prior Lexus production and concept vehicles.
This concept started with the CT and GS by Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. The concept hybrid 2+2 liberates the idea of a sport coupe and pushes the boundaries of performance, style and technology.
A production version LF-LC would be built on a shortened version of the next Lexus LS chassis, and have a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The car may be called the LC 600h and go on sale in 2015.

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera, Carrera S Convertibles

About Porsche 911 Carrera, Carrera S Convertibles

The 911 Carrera has a direct-injected 3.4-liter boxer-six engine producing 350 hp, while the 911 Carrera S has a 3.8-liter boxer-six with 400 hp. A seven-speed manual transmission is standard, with Porsche’s seven-speed PDK dual-clutch unit optional.
Porsche says the Carrera cabriolet dispatches with the 0-to-60-mph run in 4.4 seconds and manages a top speed of 177 mph. The Carrera S is factory-rated at 4.1 seconds to 60 mph and a 187-mph top speed. Those acceleration times are on par with the 911 coupes, although the coupes can muster maximum velocities 2 mph higher.

Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept

About Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept

This concept is just like the beetle.
An electric motor producing 114 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. A 695-pound lithium-ion battery pack is stored beneath the trunk floor, enabling a maximum driving range of “more than” 100 miles. For comparison purposes, the EPA says the Nissan Leaf has a driving range of 73 miles on a full battery charge — although the Leaf seats five passengers and E-Bugster accommodates only two.
Volkswagen plan to use the same electric powertrain in the future Golf Blue-e-Motion.

2013 Ford Fusion

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HONDA FC SPORT CONCEPT

The FC Sport was Honda’s surprise entry into the 2008 Los Angeles Car Show. It is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered sports car, designed to show off the fact that due to the different shape of fuel cells and their companion electric motors compared to a conventional engine, designers have a lot more freedom to explore different and innovative packaging solutions, which have been conventionally fixed in their current form for at least 50 years.

The FC Sport has a 3 seat design very similar in concept to the Mclaren F1. To Quote Honda “The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum.” Unfortunately the concept is non-functioning and not for production, more a blue sky thinking project to let designers creativity loose and give us something interesting to look at when we visit the motor show.

HONDA CR-Z CONCEPT

The CR-Z concept is a long awaited spiritual successor to the wonderful CR-X coupe of the late 80′s / 90′s. The first concept was shown at the Tokyo Car Show in 2007, but has since appeared at several other shows, with Honda tweaking the design and streamlining the car, but overall making very few changes for production.

Honda has confirmed a production version will be built, which is great news – finally something akin to a hybrid sports car, and a moving of the hybrid away from the niche and into the mainstream.

The production version of the CR-Z is expected from Mid 2010, and should closely follow the design of this concept. If the car can give the performance that the original CR-X possessed both in speed and handling ability, the car will be a sure fire hit.

HONDA OSM CONCEPT

The OSM concept car (OSM stands for Open Study Model) was shown at the 2008 British Motor Show and was a design study focused around creating a low emissions level car, or Hybrid that would be seen as good looking and fun to drive rather than the traditional aerodynamically helpful but dull as dishwater shape we have seen from hybrids like the Prius so far.

The OSM car also previews a new design language we are expecting to see coming in across the Honda range for production models in the near future, although the OSM will not itself make production “We’re trying to show that low emission cars can be attractive,” says Andreas Sittel, Project Leader for OSM. “There is no reason why a car that’s more environmentally friendly can’t look great too – and be sporty and fun to drive.”

HONDA LINIAN ROADSTER CONCEPT

Honda’s Linian Roadster was first shown at the 2008 Beijing Car Show, and is the second Linian concept, developed specifically to be produced in China as a joint development between Honda and Guangzhou Automotive, a Chinese car producer, with Honda looking to create China specific models. It was not clear if the aim was to produce cars solely for the Chinese marketplace or for worldwide distribution, with manufacturing taking place in China due to favourable labour rates.

Whilst only a concept, it does point the direction for a replacement to the well loved and recently discontinued S2000 model, with looks that strongly reference the S2000 and have been well received generally across the motoring public and press.

HONDA ‘SMALL HYBRID SPORTS’ CONCEPT

The Honda “Small Hybrid Sports” concept is one of two cars shown at the first shown at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show  to showcase the idea that hybrids can also be sports cars and fun to drive, rahter than dull eco-boxes . This one was designed at Honda’s European R&D studio in Offenbach.

 According to Honda it “demonstrates a unique fusion of advanced environmental technology, exciting styling and fun-to-drive characteristics.” It’s thankfully a design study only, was not a working prototype and definitely not expected to make production. Given the choice of this or the CR-Z, we’d take the sharp looks of the CRZ any day over this strange looking beast.

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Scion Hako Coupe Concept by Tokyo Design Division

Scion, Toyota’s youth brand, has launched its concept at the New York Auto Show, Hako Coupe concept. At first sight, this car might look like a classic car for you, but the inside is fully futuristic. Designed by Tokyo Design Division, this Hako Coupe Concept was inspired by the American vintage among young Tokyo trendsetters, it is intended to reflect “youth-inspired trends”. As Jack Hollis (Scion vice president) says “Scion�s Hako Coupe Concept embodies a distinct global perspective on today�s youth”.

“This type of forward thinking complements the Scion philosophy of intently listening to our customers and being willing to take risks to help us see where our brand should be. We took the xB�s iconic boxy shape and explored something more vivacious, yet just as emotionally appealing. This concept is the sporty version of a box.”

Inside, the Hako is accented with orange and metallic detailing that exudes a modern environment with entertainment possibilities. The front and rear seats are covered with urethane and rubber-like upholstery for easy cleaning.

The entertainment system consists of two video monitor screens mounted on the dash for radio, video, and music capabilities. Users can upload their videos and music through a Bluetooth connection.

The shifter looks like a joystick and a track-ball controls the entertainment. Blending vintage style and a gamer’s groove, the Hako Coupe stands out.

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