Chevrolet Code 130R
This year at the Detroit Motor Show, General Motors brought two Chevrolet sports coupe concepts that offer seating for four while staying on a strict budget. Both concepts were developed based on the feedback that GM received from young consumers in the U.S. in 2011.
Chevrolet Code 130R
The first one wears the name Code 130R which even though looks like its wearing a Corvette face and Camaro tail lamps, its size, proportions and the profile remind us of the BMW 1-Series Coupe but considerably more attractive.
Chevrolet Code 130R
Wearing a red metallic paint with matte anodized rims, the car can be considered as a classic GT and it comes with a rear-wheel drive system and a front-mounted engine. It is motivated by a 1.4-liter Turbo Ecotec engine that features the eAssist micro-hybrid technology developed by General Motors for reducing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
Chevrolet Tru 140S
The second concept unveiled at NAIAS this year is the Tru 140S which is a more modern take on a small sports coupe. It has a 1.4-liter Turbo Ecotec power unit and features eAssist with a FWD configuration.
Chevrolet Tru 140S
According to GM, this engine can produce approximately 150 hp and is capable of returing 40 mpg on both concepts. If these concepts will see the light of day, their price will be “in the low $20,000s”.
Chevrolet Tru 140S
Source: General Motors
Post tags: Tags: Chevrolet, chevrolet code 130r, chevrolet Tru 140S, Concepts, detroit motor show, motor shows, naias
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Acura NSX
The Japanese automaker Acura has introduced this year at the Detroit Motor Show yet another concept of the NSX. Honda/Acura have come up with a bunch of concepts over the last few years for a replacement of the legendary NSX that was manufactured between 1990 and 2005.None of these concepts got the green light for production but Acura said that the latest one will see the light of the day within the next three years.
Acura NSX
Acura says that the new generation of the NSX will be developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas, and it will be manufactured in Ohio but we don’t know the name of the facility where this will happen. Just like the original model, this NSX concept has a mid-mounted V6 naturally aspirated engine that benefits from Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD hybrid system that has not one, but three electric motors. For those of you that don’t know, SH-AWD stands for Super Handling All Wheel Drive.
Acura NSX
This new VTEC V6 engine benefits from direct injection and is mated to a dual clutch gearbox that has a built-in electric motor. Aside from this, there is a two-motor electric-drive unit that is capable of providing torque to the wheels in the front during cornering in order to improve the NSX’s handling. As you would expect, this NSX concept features a lot of lightweight materials to keep the weight of the car as down as possible.
Acura NSX
Source: Acura
Post tags: Tags: Acura, acura nsx, Concepts, detroit motor show, Honda, honda nsx, naias
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2013 Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid
Mercedes unveiled last week at the Detroit Motor Show the most efficient E-Class model ever built, which is also the most efficient large executive car out there. Set to go on sale this summer, the car has a 4-cylinder, 2.1-liter diesel engine that generates 201 hp and is boosted by a 20 kW electric motor.
Along with the lithium-ion battery pack, the car is capable of returning 67.3 mpg UK and has CO2 emissions of only 109 g/km, which is considerably better in comparison to the current class leader, the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics (non-hybrid) that returns 62.8 mpg UK and has CO2 emissions of 119 g/km.
However, we should mention that the BMW costs 30,435 pounds while the Mercedes will cost somewhere around 40,000 pounds. We don’t have any official details regarding the performance of the car, but we should expect a 0-62 mph sprint in approximately 7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC HYBRID has a stop/start system and a “ sailing mode” where the power unit is switched off when the car is driven up to cruising speed on the highway, thus allowing the aforementioned electric motor power the sedan. This hybrid system will also be available for the estate model and it doesn’t occupy any of the boot space thanks to its compact configuration.
Source: Mercedes-Benz via Auto Express.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: detroit motor show, Green, mercedes, mercedes e300 bluetec hybrid, Mercedes-Benz, motor shows, naias
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The production version of the Mini Roadster has been revealed last week at the Detroit Motor Show and it is scheduled to go on sale this spring. The entry-level Cooper model will have a base price from 18,015 pounds.
As you probably know, the car is based on the Cabriolet version but it is narrower, shorter and lower. The rear seats have been removed in order to increase cargo space, while the lightweight fabric roof is manually operated. According to Mini, the Roadster is the car with the lowest center of gravity in the company’s lineup.
Much like the Coupe model, the Roadster has extra bracing front and rear for better handling, while the traction is boost thanks to the forward biased weight distribution. The most powerful Roadster is going to be the John Cooper Works model that has a 1.6-liter turbo engine with 208 hp.
The same engine will be used for the Cooper S but in this model it will be tuned to generate 181 hp. The entry-level Cooper has a naturally-aspirated power unit that pumps out 121 hp. Mini will also sell the Cooper SD version that is motivated by a frugal 2.0-liter diesel with 141 hp that is able to return 62.8 mpg UK.
Source: Mini via Motor Trend
Post tags: Tags: detroit motor show, Mini, mini roadster
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Perhaps one of the most beautiful cars shown this year in Detroit is the Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sports Coupe Concept. The car was developed by the Calty design studio located in California and it is intended as a driver-focused vehicle that previews a possible future design language.
One of the most interesting features of this concept would have to be its one-piece glass roof that also serves as the rear screen and the windscreen. It has a lightweight, cantilevered pillar that is inspired by modern architecture and not only it enhances the car’s sleek lines but it also improves the visibility.
The Lexus LF-LC adopts a “waterfall” front grille while the design of the rear lights are inspired by the afterburner of a jet fighter. This is a rear-wheel drive, front-engined sports cars that comes with the company’s Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive. Inside the cabin is a mixture of smooth leather and suede, along with wood and brushed metal trim.
It has race-inspired, lightweight front seats and a race-inspired steering wheel that contains the start button and integrated controls. Inside the cabin there’s also a remote touchscreen system which allows the driver of the car to operate controls without having to shift position or alter the line-of-sight. There are twin 12.3-inch LCD screens that are capable of providing information and navigation displays.
If there will be a production version of this concept, it will probably be based on a shortened version of the LS’s next-gen platform that is scheduled to go on sale in 2014. Most likely it will wear the LC600h badge and should have a hybrid powertrain.
Source: Lexus via Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: detroit motor show, Lexus, lexus lf-lc, motor shows
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Toyota RAV4 EV
Created in partnership with Tesla Motors, Toyota unveiled this week at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show the EV version of the RAV4. As you would expect, the electric model is based on the conventional-powered RAV4 and has a front-wheel drive configuration.
It features a 150 hp electric motor that is linked to a big 50 kWh battery. We say big because the one that the Nissan Leaf has is able to store up to 24 kWh so it’s more than double the size. Charging from a conventional plug socket takes about 12 hours due to the size of the batteries.
With a full charge, the Toyota RAV4 EV is able to provide a range of up to 150 miles and should offer similar performances to a 6-cylinder-powered cars. It will be able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in a decent 9 seconds, on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 100 mph. These are some pretty good figures coming from an electric vehicle.
The good news is that Toyota has already started the production of the car but the thing is that they will make only a few hundred of them while the company evaluates the batter technology provided by Tesla. In addition, they also have to figure out the customer driving habits. The company’s purpose is “to grow trust in the product, and gain experience.”
Aside from this EV, Toyota is also working hard on an electric version of the petite iQ which in the United States will be sold as a Scion starting with this year. This one offers a range of only 50 miles so it probably won’t be sold to the general public. Instead, it will most likely be leased to car sharing schemes and clubs, in an attempt to learn more about how these cars manage to do in today’s harsh traffic conditions. As we reporter in previous articles, the car will be manufacture at one of Toyota’s factories, not at Tesla Motors.
It seems that the automotive industry is going greener and greener, which some consider to be a good thing. We will let you be the judge of that.
Source: Toyota via Auto Express
Post tags: Tags: detroit motor show, Green, motor shows, naias, Toyota, toyota rav4, toyota rav4 ev
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2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
This week at the Detroit Motor Show, the Korean automaker Hyundai launched the Turbo version of its Veloster model that comes with 63 hp more than the standard model. No word about the price tag but it will definitely be more expensive than the regular model which starts from $18,075, including here the $775 destination charge.
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Under its hood there’s a 4-cylinder, direct-injection, turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine that pumps out 201 hp and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The regular version has a 1.6-liter gasoline, 4-cylinder, direct injection engine that generates 138 hp and is connected as standard to a 6-speed manual transmission.
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
According to Hyundai, the new Veloster Turbo is capable of returning 27 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, but let’s wait and see what EPA has to say about this. The entry-level 2012 Veloster with the 6-speed manual can do 28 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, according to EPA.
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
The carmaker said that the Veloster Turbo will go head to head with the Mini Cooper S, Honda Civic Si and the Volkswagen Golf GTI. A novelty of the model will be the very first exterior Matte Gray paint developed by Hyundai, along with a bespoke front fascia, 18-inch alloys with chrome inserts, foglights and ground effects.
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Aside from these, the car packs a sport-tuned engine intake and exhaust note, along with sport-tuned steering. Instead of the trapezoidal center exhaust that the standard Veloster has, this model adopts two circular exhaust pipes.
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Compared to the base model, the Turbo version is wider and longer, even though the wheelbase has remained the same at 104.3 inches. Inside the cabin there are seats wrapped around in leather with the “Turbo” name stitched into the seatbacks. As standard, the Veloster Turbo comes with heated front seats.
Source: Hyundai via Inside Line
Post tags: Tags: detroit motor show, Hyundai, hyundai veloster, hyundai veloster turbo
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Tata eMO EV
The Indian automaker Tata has brought to this year’s edition of the Detroit Motor Show a new concept. Known as the eMO EV, it carries an estimated MSRP of $20,000, but the company doesn’t have any plans of mass producing this vehicle.
Tata eMO EV
eMO comes from Electric Mobility, and this concept has a dual-motor, liquid-cooled, front-wheel drive drivetrain that is coupled with an air-cooled 18.4 kW high-energy / density battery. The Tata eMO EV concept is part of the Michelin Challenge Design and it is capable of hitting a maximum speed of 65 mph (105 km/h). Tata said that on a single charge the car can be driven for up to 100 miles (161 km).
Tata eMO EV
The suspension of the eMO EV has an independent lower A arm and MacPherson struts in the front, while at the back it has a semi-trailing link with separate mounting shock absorbers and springs. The stopping power is provided by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes that are antilock with electronically stability control. The steering of the concept is handled by the electric power-assisted rack and pinion system.
Tata eMO EV
Source: Tata Motors via WCF
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Toyota NS4
The Japanese automaker Toyota has brought to this year’s edition of the NAIAS show an advanced future plug-in hybrid sedan which they’ve called the NS4. This can be considered as a preview of the company’s future design language.
Toyota NS4
We don’t have any details regarding the powertrain of the car but the company said that it is lighter and smaller in comparison to current plug-in hybrid systems, including the firm’s system which can be found in the Prius plug-in model. According to Toyota, this new system is capable of improving fuel economy, the all-electric range and the acceleration of the car, while at the same time shorten the time necessary for recharging.
Toyota NS4
The front grille of the Toyota NS4 has a bold look, while the front bumper is sculpted. We also notice a lower spoiler and the inclusion of LED daytime running lights. At the back we find wraparound lights that have been designed to look like a rear spoiler. The car also features powered swan-wing doors and a trick roofline for optimizing the interior cabin.
Toyota NS4
This interesting concept from Toyota is also fitted with an advanced infotainment system and also a quick preview of the company’s new generation of safety equipment. The center console of the NS4 holds a touchscreen display that has been created to imitate a smartphone. From this touchscreen the driver can control just about all the available controls.
Toyota NS4
We’ve mentioned new safety equipment so let’s talk about the inclusion of a new blind-spot monitor, next-gen pre-collision detection system and adaptive headlights. In addition, it also has a clever pop-up hood so that in case of a pedestrian collision it can automatically raise the rear of the hood in order to help prevent head injuries.
Toyota NS4
To improve the NS4’s fuel efficiency, the Japanese engineers from Toyota have developed a new glass technology which is more aerodynamic and lighter, while at the same time being more resistant to fogging and rain for improving the visibility. The automaker has also ditched the conventional mirrors in favor of cameras that Toyota says provide a wider field of vision.
Source: Toyota via Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, detroit motor show, naias, Toyota, toyota ns4
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Nissan Pathfinder concept revealed at 2012 NAIAS
Nissan Pathfinder Concept
Nissan revealed a concept of its successful Pathfinder model at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, a concept that previews the production version which will be out this fall. The most significant change in comparison to the current third generation model would have to be the unibody construction, compared to the body-on frame architecture of the outgoing model. This isn’t the first time when Nissan uses the unibody construction as the first generation model had this setup.
Nissan Pathfinder Concept
With the new generation, Nissan is attempting to give the Pathfinder a more crossover appearance, instead of the rugged styling of the third generation version. Inside the cabin it is going to be more luxurious and should pack a bunch of technological goodies. The automaker mentioned that the legroom will be excellent for all three rows, while the cargo room behind the third row of seats will be ample.
Nissan Pathfinder Concept
Under the hood of the Nissan Pathfinder there will be a V6 engine which will be mated to a new generation of the continuously variable transmission, which should make the Pathfinder the most fuel-efficient seven-passenger car on the market, according to the automaker. The car is projected to be 25% more fuel efficient in combined city/highway driving in comparison to the outgoing V6.
Source: Nissan
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, detroit motor show, naias, Nissan, nissan pathfinder, nissan pathfinder concept
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2013 Acura RDX Concept
Acura unveiled this week in Detroit the RDX concept which previews the next generation of the model that is scheduled to go on sale later on this spring. This is a five-seat crossover that will be fitted with a new all-wheel drive system. Another novelty of the model would have to be the V6 3.5-liter engine that produces 273 hp, which is 33 hp more in comparison to the current model.
2013 Acura RDX Concept
The power unit is going to be mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox that will increase the RDX’s mileage. Fuel efficiency will be further improved thanks to the installation of a lighter AWD system and the lock-up torque converter. The 2013 Acura RDX will be able to return 20 mpg in the city while on the highway it should do 28 mpg. Needless to say, the front-wheel drive version will be the most frugal RDX.
2013 Acura RDX Concept
The new model will have a longer wheelbase as well as a wider track which will probably improve its stability and it should also increase the cornering speeds. The crossover will be fitted with Amplitude Reactive Dampers that should improve the car’s handling. Aside from this, Acura’s engineers will be fitting the new generation of the RDX with a motion adaptive electric power steering system.
2013 Acura RDX Concept
On the outside we notice a bunch of styling changes that all provide a more sculpted look which should be considered more appealing. Acura says that the materials used inside have been improved and the company’s Active Sound Control team has worked hard to make the interior cabin as quiet as possible. We should expect to find an increased cargo space, more passenger room and a power rear tailgate.
2013 Acura RDX Concept
As far as the goodies are concerned, the new 2013 Acura RDX will come with keyless access, AcuraLink Satellite Communication System, Pandora internet radio with SMS function, start button and a new navigation system which will feature voice recognition. The driver will benefit from the rerouting system as well as real-time traffic and weather information. For storing music and satellite navigation information, the car will come with a 60GB hard drive.
Source: Acura via ZerCustoms
Post tags: Tags: Acura, acura rdx concept, Concepts, detroit motor show, motor shows, naias
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Volkswagen E-Bugster
Volkswagen revealed this week during the Detroit Motor Show the E-Bugster concept which is based on the new generation of the Beetle and it is considered to be a preview of the upcoming Beetle Cabriolet and the company’s electric powertrain technology.
The electric powertrain of this concept consists of a 114 hp motor that generates 199 lb.-ft of torque. VW installed the lithium-ion battery on the rear side of the vehicle and it has a curb weight of 315 kg. The E-Bugster can be driven for distance of up to 80 miles, and it needs only half an hour to fill up the batteries to their 80% capacity.
Source: Volkswagen via Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, detroit motor show, naias, Volkswagen, volkswagen e-bugster, vw e-bugster
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Acura ILX Concept
The Japanese automaker Acura introduced this week at the Detroit Motor Show an interesting concept by the name of ILX. They call it a concept but most likely the production version will look just about the same. It features LED fog lights, an angular front fascia and it rides on 19-inch alloy wheels. The ILX measures 4555 mm long, 1890 mm wide and it is 1425 mm tall, while its wheelbase measures 2670 mm.
Acura ILX Concept
Acura did not reveal any interior photos with the ILX but they say that it has a passive entry system, Pandora internet radio, a push-button ignition, along with an “SMS text message function for smart connectivity.” Some of the options include a rearview camera, a voice recognition system and a premium audio system that has 10 speakers to rock the cabin.
Acura ILX Concept
The Acura ILX can be equipped with one of the three engines: a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter unit mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission; a 4-cylinder 2.4-liter unit with a 6-speed manual gearbox; and a hybridized 4-cylinder 1.5-liter that should be able to return 35 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
Acura ILX Concept
The car is scheduled to go on sale in its production version later on this spring and it will be based on the North American version of the Honda Civic.
Source: Acura via WCF
Post tags: Tags: Acura, acura ilx, acura ilx concept, Concepts, detroit motor show
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Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
The German automaker Volkswagen has introduced this year at the Detroit Motor Show the hybrid version of the Jetta model which will be capable of returning 45 mpg (54 mpg UK or 5.2 liters / 100 km). It will be able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in less than 9 seconds which is fairly decent for a hybrid vehicle.
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
Speaking of the hybrid powertrain, it includes a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline power unit that generates 150 hp and a peak torque of 184 lb.-ft., along with the 27 hp (20 kW) electric motor and a 1.1 kWh battery which has been installed behind the rear bench. The combined output of the Jetta Hybrid is a respectable 170 PS and it is sent to the wheels in the front via the dual-clutch 7-speed DSG transmission.
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
The car will come with a parallel hybrid system just like the one on the Touareg Hybrid which uses a decoupling clutch that is able to disengage both the gasoline engine for pure electric mode drive or when braking or coasting and the electric motor for when driving with higher speeds or when the battery level is low. In addition, it can also combine the two units for providing maximum output whenever necessary.
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
Running the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid on electric mode can be done over a distance of 1.3 miles (2 km) and it can be driven at speeds of up to 44 mph (70 km/h). The German carmaker said that the hybrid weighs 220 pounds (100 kg) more in comparison to the standard variant of the car, weighing a total of less than 3,307 lbs. (1,500 kg).
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
Aside from the mechanical changes that come with a hybrid model, this one adopts a bunch of aerodynamic improvements like the new design of the front spoiler, rear spoiler and the rear diffuser which can all improve the Jetta’s Cd value by 10% in comparison with the traditional-powered model. Aside from these changes, the Jetta Hybrid adopts new headlamps that have LED daytime running lights, along with LED tail lamps and unique 15-inch alloys wrapped around in low-rolling tires.
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
The Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid features a newly designed exhaust system as well as thicker front side windows and an acoustic windscreen in order to make the interior cabin quieter. The instrument panel now has a new design which includes a new screen along with a “power meter” plus a multifunction display located on the left side.
The car is scheduled to go on sale this November in the United States and Canada. We don’t know if Volkswagen will introduce the car to other markets.
Source: Volkswagen
Post tags: Tags: detroit motor show, Green, Hybrid, Volkswagen, volkswagen jetta, volkswagen jetta hybrid, vw, vw jetta, vw jetta hybrid
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The Smart for-us Concept made its official debut this week at the Detroit Motor Show. It is a petite two-seater pickup that measures 3547 mm in length, 1506 in width and 1701 mm in height. It has been equipped with an electrically-powered tailboard that opens and retracts inwards in order to provide a 900 mm (35-inch) cargo area which is capable of holding and recharging two smart ebikes via the incorporated docking station.
The Smart for-us Concept is motivated by a magneto-electric motor that generates 75 hp (55 kw). It is the same motor that Smart used for the fortwo electric drive model, and it has 96 lb.-ft (130 Nm) of torque. The pickup is capable of reaching a top speed of more than 75 mph (120 km/h) while its lithium-ion battery pack has a 17.6 kWh capacity.
Smart for-us
Source: Smart via WCF
Post tags: Tags: Concepts, detroit motor show, Smart, smart for-us, smart for-us concept
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