The calendar might have just flipped over to a new year, but that doesn’t mean that auto show fever is subsiding anytime soon, especially since the 2012 North American International Auto Show just opened its doors. Many automakers are on hand to show off their newest concepts and production models, including Honda and their first preview version of the ninth-generation 2013 model set to go on-sale in Fall 2012. The Honda Accord Coupe Concept shows off a new exterior and interior design, as well as a choice of three all-new powertrains, including the first U.S. application of both a 2.4-liter direct-injected engine and two-motor plug-in hybrid system.
At the front of the new Accord will be a revised four-sided honeycomb grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights, lower fog-light spoilers accented by crystallized chrome inlays, a trunk -lid spoiler, and larger exhaust finishers integrated into the bumper.
"Marking the 30th anniversary of U.S. production, this new ninth-generation Accord will raise the bar again through a tour de force of new Honda powertrain and safety technologies, geared to ensure that Honda and the Accord continue to lead in fuel economy, safety and fun-to-drive performance," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Honda Accord Coupe Concept.
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In the middle of all the presentations of the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show was the unveiling of the 2013 MKT and the 2013 MKS, but Lincoln had another ace in the hole. Apparently, Ford’s luxury brand also revealed a teaser image of a car that looks like the next MKZ. It is believed that we will see the new MKZ in January 2012 at the Detroit Auto Show.
Fast forward to today and the Lincoln MKZ Concept has finally been unveiled in all its glory.
The Lincoln MKZ Concept is a take on the company’s design language that will be featured in a number of their future models. Taken as a concept, the MKZ comes with a variety of new features that will look sweet when translated to a production version. The automaker has penciled a production date for later this year so we won’t have to wait long to see what the production MKZ is made of.
More details on the Lincoln MKZ Concept after the jump.
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After years of speculations, Honda is finally taking the first steps in offering a successor for the very prominent NSX supercar with its first concept version revealed at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The company has promised that a production version will follow in the next three years and will be manufactured at the company’s plant in Ohio.
Not only does the concept revealed in Detroit preview the future NSX supercar, it also presents the first application of Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system. This system combines a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system that allows the car to instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. The company then throws in their next generation VTEC 3.5-liter V6 with direct-injection and a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor.
"This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make NSX the ultimate expression of Acura’s idea to create synergy between man and machine," said Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way."
"Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency," added Ito, who led the development of Acura’s first NSX supercar. "In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities."
More details will surely be revealed on the Acura NSX Concept sometime during the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, so stay tuned!
Chevrolet’s participation at the North American International Auto Show is never complete without concept vehicles in attendance and this year’s no different.
Opting to go the more conservative route, the Bow Tie decided to introduce a pair of "affordable" coupes that are both aimed at enticing a new generation of young buyers.
One of the concepts is called the Code 130R Concept, a four-seater coupe that comes with a relatively simple upright profile, a more conservative appearance than its concept co-debutante, the sportier Tru 140S Concept.
Despite its rather stiff posture, the Code 130R still looks pretty cool, especially with its performance-inspired styling that’s fully complemented by an aggressive front fascia, Chevrolet fender flares, an all-new red metallic paint finish, and a new set of 20" matte anodized gold wheels. In order to cater to a market that prides itself on being on-the-go, all-the-time, Chevrolet gave the Code 130R a technology-laden interior, complete with innovative storage, WiFi, smart phone integration with Chevrolet MyLink, and heads-up display.
As far as the powertrain goes, the Code 130R shares the same engine as that of the Tru 140S in the form of a 1.4-liter EcoTec turbocharged engine that produces 150 horsepower and 148 lb/ft of torque, all while mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Likewise, Chevy engineers conceived the turbocharged engine of the concept to be tuned to work in partnership with Chevrolet’s eAssist technology, allowing for a more pleasurable and enhanced ride that should draw in a whole new generation of young buyers to the Bow Tie.
What’s even better is that Chevrolet is pegging a price tag of just around $20,000 for the production model of the concept. With the way the car looks, we’re already calling that a bargain.
Chevrolet’s concept contingent at the 2012 North American International Auto Show features a couple of small-car concepts, one of which is the Tru 140S Concept. Confusing name notwithstanding, the Tru 140S is being pegged as a four-seat coupe that plays the role of a three-door hatchback. Yeah, let the confusion reign.
Just like the Code 130R, the Tru 140S is a car that’s targeting the younger market base, enticing them with an affordable sporty car that’s aesthetically appealing to those that can’t afford high-priced exotics.
Using the same platform as that of the Chevrolet Cruze, the Tru 140S Concept comes with a matte white paint finish that’s got a unique profile reminiscent of the Peugeot RCZ. Other aesthetic features of the Tru 140S Concept include a sharp front profile with an interesting headlight configuration, and a new set of 21" Chevrolet Performance chrome wheels that we hope make it to the production version, should there be one.
Under its hood, the Tru 140S Concept is powered by a 1.4-liter Ecotec turbocharged engine that produces 150 horsepower and 148 lb/ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle also comes with eAssist hybrid drive, start-stop technology, and acceleration assist.
As a car that Chevrolet describes as "confident, exotic, expensive, and fast," the Tru 140S Concept is affordably priced somewhere around $20,000, making it a really attractive option for a market that wants to have their sports car cake and eat it too.
