Toyota is offering their customer a glimpse on what the next Prius will bring with the unveiling of the NS4 Plug-in Hybrid Concept today at the Detroit Auto Show. When designing the new NS4, Toyota engineers were challenged to design a new mid-sized concept for potential global market introduction by 2015.
"In this digital age, cars are becoming another spoke in the wheel of our electronic connectivity," said Jim Lentz, TMS president and chief operating officer. "NS4 demonstrates Toyota’s take on the human connection to the car with technology that considers both emotional and rational relationships, person-to-car and car-to-society."
Also, the new NS4 concept offers a glimpse on the next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in system by reducing component size and weight. As a result the fuel economy will be significantly improved, but also the car’s acceleration and the all-electric range. In the same time Toyota focused on maintaining a short charge time.
Hit the jump to read more about the new Toyota NS4 Plug-in Hybrid Concept.
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With the 2012 Detroit Auto Show getting closer, more and more automakers are announcing their line-up for the show. Now Mercedes has announced two new E-Class Hybrid models, the first being the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, available as a Saloon and Estate, and the second the E400 Hybrid. Both models will go on sale later in 2012.
The E300 BlueTEC Hybrid combines a 204 HP four-cylinder engine with an electric motor producing 27 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque. The system makes the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid the most economical luxury-class vehicle in the world: it delivers a fuel economy of 55.9 mpg.
The E400 Hybrid combines a 306 HP V6-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor producing 27 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque. The consumption figures based on the American CAFE standard are: City 24 mpg, Highway 31 mpg, Combined 27 mpg.
"With these two E-Class models we are now continuing our comprehensive hybrid offensive. The modular technology opens up a quick way for us to complement other model series with hybrid models", explains Professor Dr. Thomas Weber, Daimler Board Member for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
The Chevrolet Sonic is fixing to get hotter with the announcement of a new offspring to the Sonic line: the 2013 Sonic RS.
The car is scheduled to make its public debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show this coming January and it exemplifies the kind of attitude that attracts the stylish and youthful market of today’s hip-and-happening generation.
The new Sonic RS comes plush with exterior and interior enhancements that result in a sportier and more aggressive profile exuding an edginess that young consumers look for in a car.
In addition to that, the Sonic RS also makes use of the Sonic line’s turbocharged power train, continuing the model’s claim of being the only car in its segment to offer a turbocharged engine.
There’s plenty to like about the Chevrolet Sonic RS, a lot of which has to do with the enhanced looks on both the exterior and the interior. Keep up to date to see what Chevrolet has in store for the car leading up to its debut in Detroit in a month’s time.
For now, you can find out more details about the Sonic RS after the jump.
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In the midst of the 2012 Detroit Auto Show previews, Lexus has thrown out its first teaser image of a new Sport Concept scheduled to be revealed on one of the two press days in Detroit. This sporty new concept is said to showcase the brand’s new design direction which will hopefully eliminate the stuffiness associated with Toyota’s luxury brand.
The teaser image is just that; a big, fat tease. However, we do see a bit of an aggressive line in the design, along with a slender headlight and a large air intake. There also seems to be design elements taken from the GS sedan unveiled earlier this year, which may mean this could be a preview of the new generation IS. Then again, the SC just performed a disappearing act a couple of years ago and Lexus was already rumored to be working on a more powerful successor.
The new sport concept was designed by Calty, the company’s design studio in Newport Beach, California. Its official details will be released on January 9, 2012, so stay tuned!
UPDATE 12/19/2011: Lexus has unveiled a new teaser image of their concept model to be unveiled in Detroit. This time the image offers a glimpse of the concept’s interior.
The 2012 Detroit Auto Show will be held in less than a month and as expected, more and more automakers are announcing their line-up for the show. For example, Bentley just provided details on its Continental GT V8 and Acura has announced their list of debuts for the show. The line-up includes an all-new compact sports sedan, a redesigned RDX crossover sport utility vehicle, and a concept version of the next generation Acura NSX super car.
The ILX Concept previews an all-new luxury compact sedan scheduled for launch in Spring 2012. It will be offered with a choice of three powertrains including Acura’s first-ever gas-electric hybrid. For the 2013 RDX, Acura has shifted its attention, much like everyone else, to improving the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Acura’s new Supercar Concept will take top billing in this showcase, with future plans for a production NSX consuming our minds. This concept was announced at the same time Honda CEO, Takanobu Ito, confirmed that the next NSX would be a high-performance exotic sports car. The company is currently working on a 3.5-3.7 liter VTEC V6 engine in combination with a twin electric motor set-up powered by lithium-ion batteries. This motor will have a plug-in recharge system for a small electric-only range, giving it great amounts of torque.
Another source told AutoExpress that the Dual Note 4WD Hybrid Concept from the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show was the first glimpse at the technology that will underpin the NSX. This concept was powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine which sent power to the rear wheels, while in-wheel electric motors sent power to the front. This setup delivered an output of over 400 HP.
"Acura has a steady cadence of exciting new models coming to market and it will all begin in Detroit," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura sales and service. "From the all-new Acura ILX at the gateway of the lineup to the pinnacle of performance with the Acura NSX Concept, Acura vehicles are being created for luxury customers who aspire to the highest levels of quality and value, with beautiful styling and the right balance of technology, performance and environmental responsibility."
Image above is of the Supercar Concept as seen on the movie set for The Avengers.
