Honda will unveil a concept of the upcoming 9th generation Civic at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

The updated Civic will go on sale this spring, but Honda will be showing the car at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and via a live webcast on January 10, 2011. Rumors have suggested a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder as a new base engine, while an Si model could get an engine as large as the powerful 2.4-liter 4-cylinder offered in the Acura TSX. Stay tuned to AutoGuide as more updates become available and see the rest of our 2011 Detroit Auto Show preview news by clicking here.

Hit the jump for the official press release

Check out the 9th gen Civic forum at www.9thgencivicforum.com for more info

[Source: Honda]

For More Information:

Richard Jacobs (905) 888-4102

For Immediate Release

HONDA CIVIC CONCEPT TO MAKE WORLD DEBUT AT

NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

TORONTO (December 13, 2010) – The styling direction of the next-generation Honda Civic will debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show during the press preview on Monday, January 10.

The company released a sketch of the Civic Concept that conveys the sleek and aerodynamic profile of the show vehicle. The production version of the 9th-generation 2012 Civic based on the revealed concept will go on sale in spring 2011. The reveal of the concept vehicle at the auto show will be broadcast live via webcast on: www.hondanews.com/live2011naias.

Now in its 41st year of operation in Canada, Honda Canada Inc. has sold more than 3,400,000 Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada.  A record high 91 per cent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in 2009 were produced at the company’s assembly plants in North America, up nearly 3 per cent from 2008. Since 1986, Honda has built more than 5,500,000 cars and trucks at its Ontario assembly facilities.  More than half of all vehicles sold in Canada last year were also made here in Canada.

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Volkswagen has just released three new sketches of its next midsize sedan, giving us a solid look at the styling of what might just be the most important vehicle the brand has ever launched.

At last week’s Paris Auto Show, VW unveiled the next generation Passat, but that’s not the car we will get in North America. Instead we’re getting a new model that the German automaker will only refer to as the New Midsize Sedan. It’s expected to be larger, with lower-grade content and a softer ride. It will also be built in North America and will, therefore, be much cheaper to produce and allow VW to sell the car at a significantly lower pricepoint. It’s also expected to keep the Passat name.

Volkswagen won’t confirm any of that, but we’ll find out a whole lot more at the cars official debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

GALLERY: Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan Sketches

[Source: VW's Facebook Page]

Chevrolet is expected to unveiled the all-new 2011 Silverado 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups at the Chicago Auto Show in just a few weeks. The same show, just a year ago, is where Dodge launched the new Ram HD line. Later this year, Ford is preparing to introduce its new 6.7-liter Powerstroke-powered F-Series HD.

The truck is expected to ride on an all-new chassis and be powered by a new 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 with more power and better emissions. We also expect some more semi-truck styling to keep up with the looks of the competition.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

A brand desperately in search of a clear direction, Acura will soon deliver a hybrid model says Honda CEO Takanobu Ito.

The announcement was made by Ito just prior to introducing the latest hybrid in the Honda lineup, the CR-Z. Ito did not comment on if an Acura hybrid would use Honda’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid technology, which by all accounts is outdated compared to full-hybrid systems currently on the market from company’s like Toyota and Ford.

Acura has struggled to find itself in the luxury marketplace since it moved away from entry-level models like the RSX and decided not to offer competitive top-tier products to compete with vehicles like the Lexus LS. Plans to build a successor to the NSX have all but fallen apart, even though the company recently debuted what appears to be a very capable replacement (the HSV-010). Honda has said that model is only for racing.

In the past Ito has commented that Honda has no plans to deliver a V8 engine, meaning that Acura won’t be competing with Lexus in the premium flagship segment any time soon. Meanwhile, the Acura brand has launched the ZDX, a coupe-styled crossover, aimed at a very small segment of the market.

It’s likely the first hybrid from Acura will be based on the ucoming relacement for the RL, however, an entry-level hybrid model is also a possibility.

With no official presence at the Detroit Auto Show, Nissan couldn’t resist showcasing its new Leaf electric car. On display alongside several other electric models in an area of the show dubbed Electric Avenue, Nissan claims that the Leaf is no concept, but an actual production model. It certainly looks the part, with a production quality exterior and interior, high-tech features and plenty of functionality.

The Leaf is powered by lithium-ion battery packs and is rated at 80kW/280Nm, (107-hp and 207 ft-lbs of torque), which should make this sub-compact a sporty little car.

Nissan says it will be able to drive 100 miles on a single charge. The batteries will be able to be charged up to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes with a special quick charger, or in roughly eight hours through a standard 200V outlet. Nissan says that through extensive research the 100 mile range will be suitable for 70 percent of car buyers

Next year 5,000 vehicles will be available in five U.S. markets: the Phoenix-Tucson region of Arizona, Oregon, San Diego, Seattle and Tennessee. Fleet sales will also be offered in 2010, while full retails sales are planned for 2012.

GALLERY: Nissan Leaf

Tesla has a significant presence at the Detroit Auto Show and shared its section of the show floor with such revered brands as Audi and Lotus. Displaying three models, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company’s latest project, the Model S, is expected to be on sale in two years.

This fully-electric luxury sedan has a range of up to 300 miles and can hit 60 mph in just over 6 seconds. With room for five adults and two children, Tesla has previously announced that it hopes to sell the Model S for a retail price of 49,900 after a $7,500 federal tax credit. Both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions are planned.

In addition to the Model S news, Tesla displayed a Roadster model (the company’s original car), that recently drove across America.

Finally, an additional Roadster model is the brand’s 1,000th vehicle produced. Musk announced that the car will be auctioned-off with the proceeds going to help several environmental groups.

GALLERY: Tesla Model S

Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels program donated $50,000 to the Detroit Medical Center Children’s Hopsital of Michigan. The Hyundai Hope on Wheels Tour traveled across the nation and raised more than $1.3 million for pediatric cancer research, and the DMC Children’s Hospital as the final stop.

The $50,000 donation will fund research by the hospital’s pediactric neuro-oncologist Dr. Maxim Y. Yankelevich in developing new immunotherapy programs for children with brain tumors.

“Hyundai and its dealers have been committed to supporting the children, families and doctors battling childhood cancer for more than ten years,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “Even in the face of tough economic times for our industry, we will not waver in our commitment to supporting the medical research and training that will produce better treatments, therapies, and one day, a cure.”

Cancer patients from the Children’s Hospital of Michigan had their handprints added to the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Santa Fe, joining the colorful handprints of children from across the country. Once the handprints were added, the car was moved to Hyundai’s display at the North American International Auto Show.

For more information on the Hyundai Hope on Wheels program, visit: www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org.

Gallery: Hyundai Hope on Wheels Santa Fe

Official release after the jump:

DETROIT, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor America and its dealers announced today that DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan has been selected to receive a donation of $50,000 from Hyundai Hope on Wheels(TM). The Hope on Wheels Tour traveled nationwide throughout 2009 and donated more than $1.3 million to childhood cancer research institutions. The tour will make its final stop at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit today at 1:30 p.m. in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show.

Maxim Y. Yankelevich, M.D., Children’s Hospital of Michigan pediatric neuro-oncologist, has been named a Hyundai Scholar. Funds from the $50,000 donation will be used by Yankelevich to support his research efforts in the development of new immunotherapy programs to assist children with brain tumors. Part of the festivities will include Children’s Hospital of Michigan cancer patients applying their handprints to a white canvas, which will later be added to the symbol for Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a Hyundai Santa Fe covered in colorful handprints from children with cancer all over the country, in order to memorialize their battles.

“We are inspired every day by the brave children we meet on the Hope on Wheels Tour,” said George Glassman of Glassman Hyundai. “When their handprints are placed on the Hope on Wheels Santa Fe, we are honoring their brave battles against cancer, commemorating their triumphs and sharing their hope for the future with other children and their families across the country.”

“Hyundai and its dealers have been committed to supporting the children, families and doctors battling childhood cancer for more than ten years,” said John Krafcik, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “Even in the face of tough economic times for our industry, we will not waver in our commitment to supporting the medical research and training that will produce better treatments, therapies, and one day, a cure.”

This year Hyundai Hope on Wheels marks 12 years of commitment to childhood cancer research efforts. Hyundai and its dealers have donated more than $14 million to children’s hospitals nationwide and collected hundreds of handprints from children fighting childhood cancer. More information is available at www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org.

THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF MICHIGAN

Founded more than 120 years ago, the Children’s Hospital of Michigan is the first and only hospital in the state dedicated exclusively to the treatment of children. A leader internationally in neurology and neurosurgery, cardiology, oncology, and diagnostic services, it is ranked one of America’s best hospitals for children. More Michigan pediatricians are trained at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan than in any other facility. Children’s Hospital of Michigan is one of nine hospitals and institutions operated by the Detroit Medical Center (DMC). The DMC is proud to be the Official Healthcare Services Provider of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through nearly 800 dealerships nationwide.

HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS

Hyundai Hope on Wheels(TM) is the united effort of the nearly 800 Hyundai dealers across the U.S. to raise awareness about childhood cancer and celebrate the lives of children battling the disease. Hyundai and its dealers have donated more than $14 million to pediatric cancer research since 1998 and is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Originally unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show as the GranCabrio, Maserati has decided to give its convertible GranTurismo model a more self-explanatory name for North America: the GranTurismo Convertible.

This new drop-top expands the Maserati lineup to three models, including the Quattroporte sedan and the GranTurismo coupe.

The GranTurismo Convertible is powered by the company’s top-level 4.7-liter V8, making 433-hp. This seems to indicate that unlike Maserati’s other models, the 405-hp  4.2-liter V8 will not be offered. What this also may indicate is that a possible GranCabrio S model could make even more power. After all, with the added weight of the necessary chassis stiffening required in a drop-top, the 433-hp will deliver performance on par with the base-engine coupe.

On display at the Detroit Auto Show, the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible was part of a larger display by parent company Fiat’s in the Chrysler booth – yes, that is a Dodge Grand Caravan in the background. The display of high tech and exotic hardware from Fiat also included Ferrari’s 599XX development car, plus a Fiat 500 and Abarth 500 model.

GALLERY: Maserati GranTurismo Convertible

Shown previously during the Design Week festivities in Miami, Audi’s new 2011 A8 flagship luxury sedan has now made its auto show debut in Detroit. Now you might not have believed that Audi’s massive front grille could get any more…. well… massive, but it has.

In addition to this new design cue, which is sure to make its way down through the rest of the Audi brand as new models roll out, the flagship A8 also takes some design elements from car’s like the A4 and A5 – including the sporty rear end.

Sporty is exactly where Audi wants to take the new A8. To aid in making the car a more nimble handler, it gets Audi’s light weight aluminum space frame. The car is both longer and wider than its competitors and yet has a lower overall height for a better center of gravity. Compared to the previous A8, Audi says it is 3-inches longer and 2-inches wider. Audi hasn’t released any specific info on the curb weight of the vehicle but says it will be 50 lbs less than an S-Class and 200-lbs less than a 7 Series. Those numbers jump to 200 and 400 lbs respectively, if you put the AWD Audi up against AWD versions from Mercedes and BMW.

Under the hood there’s an updated version of Audi’s 4.2-liter V8 engine with 372-hp and 328 ft-lbs of torque, for a 0-62 mph time of just 5.7 seconds. Thanks in part to a new eight-speed tiptronic gearbox, Audi claims an improvement in fuel-efficiency by 15 percent.

Technological highlights on the car include a new version of Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) called MMI Touch, that can recognize handwriting for entering navigation instructions. There’s also adaptive cruise control, night vision assist, Audi lane assist and Audi side assist, Audi braking guard to notify a driver of an impact and automatic emergency braking to actually stop the car if the driver doesn’t react. Finally there are some stunning full-LED headlights, that will actually point into a corner in accordance with the navigation system. And as for the A8’s new body, it is incredibly aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of just 0.26 cd – just one tick off the Prius’s.

The all-new 2011 Audi A8 will go on sale late in 2010, with an extended wheelbase model offered at the same time.

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler confirmed during Audi’s press conference in Detroit, that a hybrid version of the A8 is on its way and will debut at the Geneva Auto Show in march.

GALLERY: 2011 Audi A8

Kia displayed one of its two race-prepped Forte Koups entered in the 2010 GRAND-AM Continental Tire Challenge Series at the Detroit Auto Show.

The #10 Infinity Kia Forte Koup will compete in the Street Tuner (ST) class with drivers Nic Jonsson and Andy Lally. Kia will enter a second  car, the #12 Forte Koup, with drivers Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood.

Take a look at the photo gallery to see details including the carbon fiber dash, chase cam and steering wheel controls.

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup GRAND-AM Continental Tire Challenge Series Race Car

On display at the Detroit Auto Show, Lotus showed its new flagship sports car, the Evora, alongside another rare British auto, the Morgan AeroMax. The AeroMax sports a BMW sourced 4.8-liter V8 engine and can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It retails for a whopping $180,000.

As for the Evora, it’s Lotus’ all-new 2+2 sports car, aimed at delivering the same Lotus driving experience with added functionality. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 276-hp, it can hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and gets over 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

Options include items like a $1,990 Premium Package that includes a more extensive leather interior and lets the owner choose the leather color. There’s also a Sport Package for $1,275 that includes a new diffuser, titanium exhaust tips, black brake calipers and cross-drilled rotors as well as a Sports Mode with more aggressive throttle response, a higher RPM limit and a more limited level of interference by the traction and stability control programs. For $2,995, there’s a technology package with an upgraded audio system, a 7-inch LCD screen with navigation, all the iPod and USB connectivity you could want, as well as reverse parking sensors and steering wheel mounted cruise control.  And for $1,500 owners can opt for a close ratio six-speed manual transmission.

Currently on-sale in Europe, the Evora is set to hit dealerships later this year in the U.S., with a base price of $73,500.

In addition to the new Evora, Lotus had on display a new Exige S 260 model in a stunning red paint scheme, as well as an Elise with an equally impressive red Alcantara interior. The Exige S 260 is pwered by a supercharged 1.8-liter engine and makes 257-hp and 174 ft-lbs of torque. It weighs just 2,020 lbs. thanks to a carbon fiber front splitter, rear spoiler, roof, engine cover, side air intake ducts, sill covers and even the top of the dash. The weight savings is also due to the use of several other lighter parts including a lightweight “motorsports” battery, lighter 12-spoke forged alloy wheels, a revised rear engine subframe, a lightweight flywheel, alloy piping for the supercharger and intercooler and a composite panel that replaces the rear window. Exige 260 models retail for $74,995.

GALLERY: Lotus Evora, Exige S 260, Elise and Morgan AeroMax

With plenty of rumors and a few decision changes by the folks at GM, Chevy confirmed at the Detroit Auto Show that the tiny Spark model will be offered in the United States in 2011. Originally shown as the Beat concept at the New York Auto Show back in 2007, the car has evolved slowly and last year launched in Europe.

It’s not known what engine will power the Spark, but in Europe the largest engine offered is a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder with 81-hp and 82 ft-lbs of torque, which likely won’t be enough to satisfy North American consumers. Neither will the car’s 12.1 second 0-62 mph time. That engine does, however, get 46 mpg.

The Spark will join Chevy’s new small car offerings, the compact Cruze and sub-compact Aveo (due in 2011). The Spark itself is also expected to launch in the U.S. in 2011.

“The decision to add the Spark to Chevrolet’s portfolio reflects the brand’s commitment to being a fuel efficiency leader in the industry,” said Troy Clarke, president of GM North America. “Chevrolet Spark will bring great style, roominess and versatility to the segment of extremely fuel-efficient small cars in the U.S.”

GALLERY: Chevrolet Spark

Official release after the jump:

Chevrolet Spark and Orlando Headed to the United States in 2011

DETROIT – An all-new Chevrolet Spark mini-car and Orlando seven-seat compact multi-purpose vehicle will come to the United States in 2011. The announcement was made during a General Motors press conference at the North American International Auto Show here today.

Chevrolet Spark

“Chevrolet Spark will bring great style, roominess and versatility to the segment of extremely fuel-efficient small cars in the U.S.,” said Troy Clarke, president of GM North America. “The decision to add the Spark to Chevrolet’s portfolio reflects the brand’s commitment to being a fuel efficiency leader in the industry.”

Originally seen as the Chevrolet Beat concept at the 2007 New York Auto Show, the four-door Chevrolet Spark will provide versatility with a fresh, youthful exterior and interior design that is reflected in the selection of materials and colors.

The Spark will make its world debut in full production form at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2009. Sales begin in Europe in the first quarter of 2010, followed by other markets around the globe.

“The Chevrolet Orlando show car, unveiled at the recent Paris Auto Show to positive public reaction, combines the versatility of a sport-utility, a family van and a wagon in a single vehicle,” Clarke said. It has the added benefit of excellent fuel economy, because of its car-based architecture.”

First photos and plans for the Chevrolet Orlando’s global rollout will be released in the coming months. It will be in Chevrolet showrooms in the U.S. in 2011.

“These small vehicles make a big statement,” said Ed Peper, North America vice president, Chevrolet. “With their fresh, clean approach, we believe Spark and Orlando will appeal to a wide range of customers who want excellent fuel efficiency, functionality and style in a small vehicle.”