Acura 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."
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Scion only recently unveiled the FR-S sports car - the American version of the Toyota GT 86 - and their racing arm is already unleashing the FR-S Race Car - a racing prototype developed in cooperation with GReddy. The Scion FR-S Race Car made its debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, but will be making its racing debut in the 2012 Formula DRIFT series with veteran driver, Ken Gushi, behind the wheel.
The FR-S Race Car was obviously inspired by the street version, but it will be further adopted for the race track. It will get an improved aerodynamic kit, racing livery, a larger rear wing that will maintain stability at high speeds, and of course, a racing oriented interior with a roll cage that will ensure security in case of a crash. The most impressive part, however, is that the FR-S Race Car will develop an impressive 600 HP - up from the car’s standard 200 HP.
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.
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The current Hyundai Genesis Coupewent on sale in United States dealerships back on February 26, 2009. It was a pretty cool sports car powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder that delivered 212 HP and 217 lb.-ft. of torque, but in 2011, Hyundai tried making it even better by adding a new version: the Coupe 3.8 R-Spec. This new coupe is powered by a 3.8 liter V6 engine that delivers 306 HP, which is obviously better than the previous model, but apparently, that addition simply wasn’t enough for Hyundai. Now, they’ve brought the facelift version of the Genesis Coupe to the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, in its American version.
The new 2013 Genesis Coupe sports more aggressive coupe styling, complemented by an improved interior and design. It will be available with 4-cylinder and V6 engines, both of which benefit from significant technology enhancements, a 3.8-liter V6 engine with sophisticated direct-injection technology, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that has been upgraded to a more precise twin-scroll turbocharger and larger intercooler.
UPDATE 01/09/2012: This review has been updated with the official images and specs of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
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The 2012 Hyundai Veloster made its debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show and it warmed our hearts in terms of looks, but its 138 HP leaking out of the Gamma 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine chilled us to the bone. Shouldn’t a "sports car" have a little more push that that? Hyundai’s answer to that question came to the 2012 Detroit Auto Show when they unveiled the new Veloster Turbo - a model powered by a new 1.6-liter turbocharged-gasoline direct injection engine that delivers a total of 201 HP.
Next to a more powerful engine, the new Veloster Turbo will be distinguished by a bigger, bolder hexagonal front grille, sculpted side skirts, and new dynamic rear bumper with prominent diffuser vents. The car sits on a new set of 18" gray wheels with chrome inserts. For the interior, Hyundai has added full leather seats with the word "Turbo" stitched into the seatbacks and an exclusive Supervision Cluster that offers the driver information in a larger, clearer, and more interactive format.
UPDATE 01/10/2012: This review has been updated with the official specifications and images for the Hyundai Veloster Turbo.
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