Acura->ke10 has unveiled the new ILX concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. This concept is a preview of a luxury compact sedan scheduled for launch in Spring 2012. The production version will be offered with a choice of three different powertrains, including Acura's first-ever gas-electric hybrid.

The Acura ILX is defined by a sleek, sporty, and aerodynamic design language with a smart, spacious, and sporty interior. Under the hood, Acura will place a choice of two engines a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine or a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder. A hybrid version will also be offered with a 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

"First time luxury buyers place the highest value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues and that's a virtual definition of what we have created with the new Acura ILX," said Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. "The strategy behind this new model is to position ILX as the first opportunity for many young buyers to enter the luxury market."

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Acura ILX Concept.

Exterior and Interior

The new Acura ILX concept features a sleek, sporty, and aerodynamically efficient exterior. The interior will offer a number of new, high-value features, including a smart entry keyless access system and pushbutton start, along with Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world.

The list of standard equipment will include: Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes, and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).

Engine

The Acura ILX Concept comes with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine and a high-performance 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. Both engines are paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Acura will also be offering a hybrid version for the first time that will use a 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

Prices

A production version Acura ILX will arrive in the Spring of 2012. The model will be manufactured exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC, in its Greensburg, Ind. plant. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The list of competitors for the future Acura ILX will include models like the Volvo C30 and the Audi A3->ke1086, but more importantly, Buick's latest Verano. The Verano will be offered with an Ecotec 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 177 HP and 170 lb.-ft. torque and is on sale at a starting price of $23,470.