The Volkswagen Jetta is getting a hybrid version. Yes, a hybrid version.
That may not mean much to those gas-guzzling, sports car-driving types, but for those that take pride in alleviating some of Mother Nature’s plights, a green Jetta is just what the doctor ordered.
The Jetta Hybrid, which was launched at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, will provide customers a more economical version for a car that has long been one of Volkswagen’s most popular models.
The hybrid engine doesn’t sound like a world-beater - the lithium-ion battery only produces 1.1 kWh - but it’s still competent enough to allow the car to hit 44 mph. And when you add that to a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that hits a total of 170 horsepower, you have a car that’s fixing to make a lot of Jetta lovers smile from ear to ear.
UPDATE 01/19/2012: Volkswagen has unveiled the first promotional video for the new Jetta Hybrid. Enjoy!
Find out more about the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid after the jump.
Full story
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.
Full story
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.
Full story
The Ford Fusion was brought to the American market as a 2006 model, and after six years, the second generation model was finally unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. A notable detail about the Fusion is that it will become a global car, being sold in new markets like Europe under the Ford Mondeo name.
The new generation Fusion will adopt Ford’s latest Kinetic design so there are hints of the latest Ford models, such as the Focus and Escape. Under the hood, Ford has placed a new 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine – paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission will also be offered, as well as a Hybrid version that uses an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine and a new Energi plug-in hybrid version that is expected to deliver up to 100 mpg.
UPDATE 01/09/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images for the new Ford Fusion.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Ford Fusion.
Full story
With the calendar turning over a new page to 2012, the very first major auto show is set to open its doors in Detroit when the North American International Auto Show welcomes automakers - both local and foreign - to the Motor City.
This year, American brands are coming to Detroit in full force where they will be joined by a number of international automakers in presenting a steady diet of concept cars, production debuts, and just about everything else in between.
Among the notable debuts set to take place include the brand-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL, as well as the 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8. German automaker Porsche has also penciled in the 911 Cabriolet for the festivities, while Lexus will be on-hand to display the intriguing and mysterious LF-LC 2+2 sports coupe concept.
As for the local contingent, Ford is leading the way with the premiere of the Fusion global mid-size sedan while Dodge is set to introduce their Alfa Romeo Giulietta-based compact sedan, the Dart.
There’s plenty of action headed to Detroit when the 2012 NAIAS opens its doors on January 14th. Head over after the jump to check out a preview of all the cars scheduled to be part of all the festivities.
Full story
