Easily one of the stars of this year’s Detroit Auto Show, and arguably the best looking, the Lexus LF-LC hybrid coupe concept is a bold look at the future styling direction of the brand, while also hinting at a new model.

With styling cues from the new GS and the LFA supercar, there’s plenty of innovation packed into it – though Lexus is being extremely quiet as to what the powertrain is, apart from commenting that it’s a next-generation hybrid drive system that will deliver both fuel economy and performance.

For more on the LF-LC, watch the video below.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-LC Concept

Watch the video below:

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Toyota is updating its Prius family once again with the production version Prius C. The C stands for city, because this version of the Prius is smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient than its classic predecessor.

The 2013 Prius C will be powered by a 1.5L four cylinder engine which produces 73 hp as well as an all electric engine which puts out 66-hp and both will be mated to a continuously variable transmission with 99 hp as a combined output. The hybrid setup on the Prius C will give it impressive fuel economy, a combined city/highway rating of 53 mpg. Drivers will also be given the choice to run the car on all electric mode which is capable of a range of 10-15 miles on electricity alone.

The new Prius C is being constructed with light weight materials which Toyota claims will reduce weight but will not compromise tensile strength and will help drop 542 pounds off of the Prius C as compared to the regular Prius. The C will also be 19-inches shorter than its big brother and about 2 inches skinnier which will help to reduce weight and increase ease of driving in tight city street scenarios.

The Prius C will be offered with a base MSRP of below $19,000 according to Toyota, and will hit showrooms in March.

GALLERY: Prius C

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show Coverage here

Watch our First Look Video of the Prius c below:

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Very few car companies can lay claim to have a twin-turbo charged, 500-hp, V8 as their entry level vehicle, but Bentley can.

At the 2012 North American International Auto Show, the Bentley Continental GT V8 made its World premiere. While the original W12 version continues in production, this new V8 will be offered at a lower price point to combat the very best super-coupes from its German rivals.

The GT V8 looks very similar to any other Continental GT, both inside and out, so essentially this is a powertrain story. The power comes courtesy of a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo, V8. Maximum output is 500-hp and 487-lb/ft of torque. Like all previous Continental GT’s, the new V8 model also features all-wheel drive. The only transmission on offer is a close-ratio, 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

The performance numbers as you’d expect are pretty impressive. 0-60 mph sprint takes just 4.6 seconds, while top speed is a remarkable 188 mph.

Perhaps even more impressive is its fuel economy. On a highway cruise, this GT V8 can achieve 33-mpg. It can manage that because of its cylinder-deactivation system. So when you’re simply cruising, it will shut down four of its cylinders. So this Bentley can actually run for 500-miles on a single tank of petrol. Could this be a sensible Bentley!

2011 was a great year for this British manufacturer, recording their second-highest year of sales in its history, with 7003 cars delivered globally, of which 1876 units found homes in America.

With this new entry-level GT V8 (No prices given, but expect those to be over $150,000), and also the GTC V8 convertible going on sale this year, Bentley sales might surpass all their previous records.

GALLERY: 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8

Every major auto manufacturer is always developing new and creative ways to improve their vehicles for the future. Today at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Toyota rolled out its NS4 concept complete with all of the new research and development advancements that the brand hopes to be including as standard production equipment in the near future.

The look of the NS4 seems to somewhat follow the lines of the Prius, but has been made longer with a bit more of a futuristic look with very rounded corners, soft flowing lines and a prominent rounded nose which sits over the Toyota trapezoidal grill.

In terms of technology, the NS4 is loaded with goodies. A pre-collision wave radar will not only alert the driver of imminent impact with either another vehicle or a guard rail etc., it will actually steer the vehicle away from danger and back into the center of a lane. Smart headlights which adjust and adapt to the conditions outside to avoid glaring into oncoming drivers eyes were shown on the NS4 concept as well. To further their safety features, Toyota has replaced the mirrors on the NS4 with a camera system which displays for the driver a full view around the vehicle. And to add to their hybrid and electric powertrain models, the NS4 was also seen with a solar panel roof.

The NS4 will be a dedicated plug in hybrid, separate from the Prius family. Toyota did not release official fuel economy numbers, but based on the Prius numbers we can expect at least 100MPG average.

GALLERY: Toyota NS4 Concept

GALLERY: Toyota NS4 Concept

No one will accuse Honda of breaking the mold with the new Accord Coupe concept, revealed today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Then again, consistency is part of the Honda plan and has earned the company an excellent reputation. On hand for the car’s debut, American Honda Motor Co. Executive VP John Mendel pointed out the Accord’s unprecedented 26 times it has been named to Car & Driver’s Top 10 car of the year list.

Looking like a slightly stylized version of the current Accord, the new model is smaller overall and with a lower roofline, although Honda claims it has achieved the same interior space. It’s also a lighter vehicle, although Honda isn’t getting into specifics at this point.

The Accord will be the first model to use Honda’s new powertrains, featuring direct-injection among other technologies. Both a V6 and a new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder will be offered, with a newly developed CVT transmission for the 4-cylinder and a 6-speed automatic for the V6. Honda hasn’t announced specs but says it expects the Accord to deliver class leading fuel economy. Whether it can best the new Fusion’s 26/37-mpg rating will be, however, be tough.

In addition, Honda will offer an Accord plug-in hybrid which will offer three driving modes: electric, gas and gasoline/electric. The system will allow 10 to 15 miles of emissions free driving and let you choose when you want to use that electricity. Honda also promises a charge time of 1.5 hours on a 240 volt charger.

To help deliver improved fuel economy across the range, all Accord models will get Honda’s ECO Assist button.

As for safety, Honda will offer the accord with a lane departure warning system and a collision alert system. Plus, it will offer a unique blind spot monitoring system that will actually show, with video, what is in the car”s blind spot.

Look for the 2013 Accord to go on sale later this year.

GALLERY: 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept

Watch AutoGuide’s First Look Video of the new Accord Coupe Concept below:

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Looking like a jacked-up hatchback, Buick has unveiled its newest model today at the Detroit Auto Show today. Called the Encore, it’s part of the GM premium brand’s plan to move further down-market in search of added sales – an area it’s actually been very strong in recently with two full years of gains.

An entry level offering sitting next to the new Verano compact, the Encore is designed to evoke the style of the larger Enclave, which is easily Buick’s volume model.

The Encore is a surprisingly small crossover, at 168 inches in length it’s actually two steps down from the Enclave, leaving space for yet another model in the brand’s growing lineup. Still, despite its compact size, it boasts 18.8 cu-ft of cargo room, or a total of 48.4 cu-ft with the rear seats folded flat. This out-does both the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, a strong hint that at least Buick sees these two models as rivals.

Power is adequate, at best, with a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 140-hp and 148 lb-ft of torque mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels as well as a 7-inch LCD screen with Buick’s new IntelliLink system and 10 airbags, while optional goodies include navigation and a back-up camera, heated seats and steering wheel, remote start and memory seating. Other available features include a forward collision alert and lane departure warning.

Buick continues to push its Quiet Tuning philosophy and takes it a step further with the Encore, adding noise canceling technology that uses the car’s speakers to counteract sounds coming into the cabin..

The Buick Encore will arrive at dealers in early 2013.

GALLERY: 2013 Buick Encore

The star of the Detroit Auto Show, Acura has put itself back on the map by unveiling a concept car that will inspire the next NSX. Looking undeniably like an exotic, it’s actually quite a small machine – an indication of just how serious Acura is about keeping it light weight. For more details on the car, see here, or watch the video below:

GALLERY: Acura NSX Concept

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Ford is setting new records for fuel economy (and style) in the mid-size sedan segment with the debut of the new 2013 Fusion today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Available with three gasoline engines, including a 37 mpg highway 1.6-liter EcoBoost, a Fusion Hybrid will deliver 47 mpg city and 44 mpg highway. Taking fuel economy a step further will be a plug-in hybrid with 100 mpge.

GALLERY: 2013 Ford Fusion

For more on the 2013 Fusion watch the video below:

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If you have been a fan of the turbo-charged motor in the current Acura RDX, you may not like what you’re about to read.

At the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit MI., Acura unveiled the 2013 RDX, which is to ditch its unique turbo-charged motor for a more conventional 3.5-liter V6 motor.

This new engine does pack a bigger punch. It develops 273-hp, that is 33-hp more than the current model. Acura said its customers were not very happy with the fuel-economy of the turbo-charged motor, so it has gone with a more conventional V6. Helping it achieve better fuel-economy will also be its new 6-speed automatic gearbox (current version has five-speeds). Acura has already carried out EPA testing for this vehicle, and the result is 20-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway.

The new model will be available as either a front-wheel drive or all-wheel model.

The new RDX will also be longer than the out-going model, which didn’t offer much rear-seat legroom or much trunk space.

So in many areas, the new RDX seems to be a better vehicle than the one it replaces. Will it still be as much fun to drive? We will let you as soon as we get to drive one.

GALLERY: 2013 Acura RDX

Scion Racing has made its 2013 FR-S Drift Car official at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Less than a week ago, we spotted photos of the same car testing, and our assumptions proved correct: This is the Formula Drift race car for Ken Gushi and the 2012 drift season.

Built in collaboration with GReddy, the FR-S drift car will feature 600-hp and over 500 lb-ft of torque and is presumed to be turbocharged. That’s all the details Scion fed us with on the new drift car, but we’re sure we’ll be hearing more as the Formula Drift season opener on April 6-7th, approaches. But judging by its decals, it appears that the FR-S will operate with KW suspension and Gushi will be drifting on Hankook tires for the 2012 season. GReddy’s brake calipers peek behind the Rays wheels and there’s no doubt Cosworth had their hands in building the powerplant.

We can’t wait to see this thing go sideways.

GALLERY: Scion Racing FR-S Drift Car Official Photos

GALLERY: Scion Racing FR-S Drift Car Detroit Auto Show Debut

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here

Discuss this story at FR-Sforum.com

The Volvo XC60 is getting a makeover for 2012, but not in the looks department. Aesthetically it will remain the same, but the power plant in the Volvo is getting quite an upgrade.

There are many ways that Volvo is trying to improve fuel economy with this new hybrid system. The XC60 will be run by a four cylinder 280hp turbocharged gasoline engine as well as a 70hp all electric engine which combines to give the XC60 a total of 350hp. There are three power delivery options that you can choose from while driving the XC60; The all electric or ‘pure’ mode that operates the vehicle on just the electric motor and has range of 35 miles, the standard hybrid mode which is a mix of both the electric and gasoline engines and according to the U.S. certification standards gets 50MPG, and the ‘power’ mode which uses both engines to deliver the maximum amount of power and and torque for the vehicle.

The new AWD system on the XC60 will split the gasoline power to the front axle and the electric power to the rear for use in fast accelleration scenarios and getting started in thick road conditions such as snow or mud. The hybrid system will be mated with an eighth-speed automatic transmission which will also help to improve low end torque and fuel consumption.

Volvo claims that on a standard 110V power outlet the cars lithium-ion battery pack will fully charge in 7.5 hours.

In terms of technology, the Volvo is not being left behind. There is an app which has been created so that the driver can check the amount of charge in the car’s batteries. The app will also make it possible to change the climate control settings and see what the status of an ongoing charge is.

The XC60 plug in hybrid has a lot of tricks up its sleeve to save consumers some money on fuel, but we will have to wait and see how this intricately designed system is priced.

Check out the styling on the XC60 in the video after the break.

GALLERY: Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid

GALLERY: Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid

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Audi has unveiled a themed vehicle in the form of their Q3 compact SUV at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. The Audi Q3 Vail is named after the famous winter sports venue in the US with winter sports and functionality as its theme.

The themed design targets young enthusiasts of winter sports who love skiing or snowboarding and represents a new, potential variation on the SUV concept. The Q3 Vail sports an Energy Red exterior that features gold pearl while the add-on body parts are finished in a matte gray quartz-based paint. Aluminum and glossy black details also enhance the exterior styling.

Features that caught our eye on the Q3 Vail include the flared wheel arches and running boards which Audi announced that they plan to incorporate into the extensive range of Q3 accessories. Up top, the aluminum roof rails were designed specifically for transporting skis and snowboards, with their display vehicle rocking carbon fiber sports equipment.

Wheels for the Q3 Vail come in the form of 20×8.5-inch in a high-gloss finish mated to 255/45/20 off-road tires. The interior continues the same color scheme as the exterior with a titanium gray Alcantara headliner while the majority of the interior is black with red accents. Aluminum is used to highlight the instrument cluster while other trim pieces have been finished in high-gloss black.

And for the winter sports fans, the side wall of the trunk houses a charging station and can also be used to store flashlights while charging them inductively at the same time. There is also a Thermos bottle in the cup holder between the front seats that’s able to chill or warm drinks. Both sport LED lights to show the current charge level, while the flashlights can also play double-duty to warm your hands of ski boots thanks to an infrared heating element.

Powering the Q3 Vail is a 2.5L turbocharged, five-cylinder TFSI powerplant with 314-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Q3 Vail is a great concept in showing off what the new Audi model can potentially do for the everyday consumer.

GALLERY: Audi Q3 Vail Official Photos

GALLERY: Audi A3 Vail Debut

Hollywood comedian John Lovitz was on hand in Detroit to help launch the Smart For-Us pick-up concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show today.

Smart might have struggled with sales here in the USA with their fortwo model, but globally this eco-minded brand sold over 100,000 units in 2011.

To capture the American market, Smart is hoping that their new For-Us concept, which is billed as an urban-truck will resonate better in our market. This pick-up however is not designed to carry construction workers and their gear to work. No, the For-Us is aimed towards young couples with an active life-style. So if you are looking for a vehicle to carry your mountain-bikes up to your favorite trail, this would do, just as long as that trail is not too far away.

The For-Us is an electric vehicle and uses the same 55kW motor and 17.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack first seen on the all-electric Smart fortwo. Range is thus pegged at 86-miles on a full-charge. Performance numbers are a similar story, its brisk, but not fast. acceleration from 0-37 mph takes about 5-seconds.

Will this vehicle just be a concept? Very likely, but it shows that Smart is trying to expand its customer base and market share.

GALLERY: Smart forus Concept

Acura‘s new ILX sedan, based on the Honda Civic sedan, officially features Acura’s first hybrid system and has made its debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The 2013 Acura ILX will become the automaker’s new anchor in a strategy to capture entry-level luxury buyers.

Acura’s target market with the ILX are intelligent, young professionals. The 2013 ILX Concept that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show today featured 19-inch wheels and was announced to have three different powertrains, including Acura’s first hybrid. Even though Acura isn’t positioning the ILX as a technology vehicle, there is still plenty of features for technophiles to love including Pandora Internet Radio, rear-view camera and text-to-speech messaging.

The three powerplants that will be offered for the ILX include a 2.0L four-cylinder with a five-speed automatic transmission, a 2.4L with a six-speed automatic and the 1.5L four-cylinder, 93-hp hybrid powertrain from the Honda Civic hybrid. Acura did specify that its hybrid system will be tuned for more performance and as a result, will have less fuel economy than Civic’s 44-mpg.

The production version of the ILX will debut this Spring and as a result, no pricing was announced. Acura did however state that they anticipate pricing to be “well below $30,000.”

GALLERY: Acura ILX Sedan Concept Official Photos

GALLERY: Acura ILX Sedan Detroit Auto Show Reveal

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show Coverage here

And watch a first look video of the Acura ILX below:

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Acura is bringing a dead legend back to life with the unveiling of their NSX concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

The all new super car has lost some weight thanks to lightweight build materials and Acura’s race inspired philosophy of a well balanced power to weight ratio. The new NSX will be powered my a mid-mounted direct injection VTEC V6 engine which will utilize Acura’s hybrid super handling all wheel drive system. The SH-AWD system consists of two electric engines which operate independently of each other and can generate positive or negative torque to the front wheels during cornering. The V6 SH-AWD system will be paired with a dual clutch transmission outfitted with its own electric motor giving the NSX three separate electric power plants.

The styling on the new NSX is very much a classic supercar look, using low ground clearance, aggressive angles in the nose, a very low profile roof line and a windswept look running into a small rear spoiler to achieve its supercar style. Hard angles are all over the NSX which gives it a very rigid  and serious stance.

President and CEO of Honda Motor Co. Takanobu Ito said, “In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities.” Ito also revealed that the NSX will be a production model within the next three years and it will be built in an Ohio car plant.

GALLERY: Acura NSX Concept

GALLERY: Acura NSX Concept

Watch AutoGuide’s first look video of the new NSX below:

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Looking to keep pace with its rivals Hyundai has revealed an updated Genesis Coupe, with a more Veloster-like nose and a significant increase in power.

The base 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gets a new twin-scroll turbo and a 53 percent larger intercooler to deliver a 30 percent power increase with 274 hp now available, while torque rises to 275 lb-ft. The new engine gets 21/30 mpg with a six-speed manual transmission, or 20/31 with a new 8-speed automatic.

To help maintain the performance gap, the 3.8-liter V6 now gains direct injection and goes beyond even the power number in the Genesis Sedan. With an addition of 42 hp and 29 lb-ft it now makes a total of 348 and 295. Fuel economy is rated at 18/27 for the manual and 18/28 with the new 8-speed auto.

Improving the sensation behind the wheel, the updated Genesis Coupe features a 7 percent quicker steering ratio as well as a three-mode electronic stability control system, with a default “on” setting, a “full-off” setting and an intermediate sport mode that allows for modest loss of traction without cutting engine power. Plus, Hyundai modified the suspension settings for each car, to improve ride quality on the base and premium trims, while improving overall performance on the Track and R-Spec models.

Making this already significant mid-cycle update even more major is the work done to the interior with improved materials, new gauges and a new center stack that includes three gauges for fuel economy, engine oil temperature and a third that display boost pressure on 2.0T models or torque output on the V6. Other additions include the addition of a telescopic steering wheel, two-stage heated seats and a new leather steering wheel design. Plus, all models equipped with navigation will now get Hyundai’s BlueLink telematics system.

GALLERY: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Watch AutoGuide’s First Look Video of the 2013 Genesis Coupe below:

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It’s not intended for production, but rather showcases just what possibilities are out there when it comes to Volkswagen‘s best loved car. The new 2012 Beetle is proving that interest in the iconic Bug is still strong, so given the current trend towards EVs, why not have some fun and make a sporty, zero emissions concept out of it.

Although not a true roadster (the roof is fixed), the E-Bugster lends a feeling of fun and intimacy due to its two-seat cabin, cropped windshield and swoopy roof, which does actually look like a removable hardtop.

As it’s name suggests, the E-Bugster relies on pure electric power for motivation, in this case an 85 kW (114 hp) electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. Projected range is over 100 miles according to VW, while three charging options are available.

Level 1 operates off a standard household 120-volt system, Level 2, off 240 volts and Level 3 is a quick charge setup. For the latter, VW says that around 80 percent of battery capacity can be restored in 30 minutes. Inside VW has fitted EV specific gauges to monitor charge and and driving range, as well as the intensity of battery power generation.

The electric drive system in the E-Bugster, dubbed Blue-e-Motion by Volkswagen, will probably pop again in the near future, as it’s slated to be fitted in an upcoming version of the bread and butter Golf Hatchback. And who knows, depending on its success in the marketplace, perhaps we’ll see another E-Bugster a few years from now, one you’ll be able to actually lease or buy.

GALLERY: Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept

Out of all BMW‘s sold worldwide, 1 in 3 is a 3 series sedan. The BMW 3-series is one of the German automakers most iconic name plates and has been revamped with quite a few new options and new exterior styling.

The new 3 series sits a little bit longer and a little bit wider than its predecessor but has managed to trim some fat; 88 pounds of fat to be exact. The most noticeable change at first glance is the headlight brackets, taking the iconic circular front lights and stretching them out to meet the kidney grills which gives the front end of the car a much more angry and aggressive look. The longer and especially the wider stance is noticeable thanks to horizontal lines that are continuous along the front and rear of the car.

The 328i will come standard with BMW’s newest engine offering, a turbocharged 2.0L four cylinder which delivers 240hp and propels the 328i from 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds. The 335i will also be an option in the 3 series lineup and will come packing a turbocharged 3.0L six cylinder engine which puts out 300hp and runs the 0-60mph test in 5.4 seconds.

Each BMW 3 series will now be offered with a choice of three product lines, each differing from the others in small ways, but distinct enough to get noticed. The three choices are the Sport Line, the Luxury Line, and the Modern Line. The Sport Line will come with black exterior styling bits, a 10mm lower suspension setup, and black and red color scheme on the interior. The Luxury Line will come standard with wooden accents on the interior and chrome styling bits for exterior including a different grill. The Modern Line builds off of the luxury line and takes it a little further with matte chrome exterior styling bits, a choice of aluminium, pearl metallic, or textured wood finish on the interior and a “dark oyster” dashboard and steering wheel. Eventually, BMW will offer an M version of its 3 series which will be designed for racing and performance enthusiasts.

The new 3 series can also be outfitted with the all new Active Hybrid system which mates the six cylinder turbo engine with an all new electric engine, giving the 3 series upgraded fuel economy. The combined output of the Active Hybrid system is 340hp and pushes the 3 series from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds. BMW says that the average fuel consumption of the Active Hybrid model will be between 40 and 44mpg and will have the capability to be driven in all electric mode.

All of the engine options for the 3 series will be combined with a six speed manual gearbox as standard technology but can be had with an eight speed automatic transmission which is all new.

The new 3 series is not a major departure from the previous five iterations, but its adds some really convenient and cutting edge features to an already successful car.

GALLERY: BMW 3 Series

GALLERY: BMW 3 Series

Volkswagen‘s sixth generation Jetta, which debuted for 2011, has clearly struck a chord with American buyers. It helped the automaker boost sales by some 24 percent in the U.S. in November and is currently the most popular European branded car in our market.

Now VW is looking to strengthen the Jetta’s position with this, a Hybrid version. Making it’s world debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show as a 2013 model, the Jetta Hybrid boasts a number of interesting features.

Teaming VW’s 150 horsepower, 1.4-liter  turbo four-cylinder (the first time this engine has been offered in the US), along with a 20 kW electric motor,  the latest Jetta is able to reach speeds of up to 44 mph on electric power alone and VW claims it’s the fastest accelerating Hybrid in the compact class, able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 9 seconds. It also says it will achieve a combined 45 miles per gallon city/highway.

Helping that cause, is the first seven-speed transmission installed in a Hybrid, in this case a Dual-Clutch unit. Not only was the DSG utilized to provide faster shifting, it also weighs 163 lbs, less than a regular automatic, an important consideration due to the added mass of the lithium-ion battery pack over the conventional gas engine Jetta.

That said despite the batteries, reported actual curb weight for the Jetta Hybrid is some 3,310 lbs, which makes it one of the lighter gas/electric offerings on the market.

Other features aimed at saving fuel include special 15-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tires and a tweaked front fascia that’s said to reduce drag coefficient by some 10 percent over other Jetta models. And of course, there’s Hybrid emblems on all four sides of the vehicle, so you can, with subtlety, announce to the world that you’re into having fun on the open road while showing a vested interest in saving the planet.

GALLERY: Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show Coverage here

First announced back in late November of 2011, Porsche has officially debuted its 911 Carrera Cabriolet and Carrera S Cabriolet at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The new 911 Cabriolet features a soft-top, retractable roof  with a glass rear window that has been glued directly to the outer fabric skin. The 911 Carrera Cabriolet will start at $97,300 while the Carrera S will be priced from $108,000.

The powerplants in both models will be identical to the 911 Coupe, with the Carrera Cabriolet sporting a 3.4L with 350-hp while the Carrera S Cabriolet will be powered by a 3.8L with 400-hp. Both models will feature Porsche’s newly developed seven-speed manual as the standard transmission, but an optional seven-speed PDK double-clutch transmission is also available.

America is Porsche’s largest market for the 911 Cabriolet model, so its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show made sense for the German automaker.

The new-generation 911 Coupe will be available in the US starting next month and Porsche announced that the Cabriolet variant will be following a few months later.

GALLERY: 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet

See AutoGuide’s Complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here

Chevrolet rolled out two new concepts today at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, and the Code 130R is definitely the more ‘out there’ design of the two.

With a wide and long stance, the Code 130R looks like a very strong and powerful four seat coupe. Unlike the TRU 140S, Chevy’s other concept revealed today (see here), the Code 130R has a much more bold stance and strong in your face styling thanks to its long hood and square lines. Chevrolet is targeting a youthful demographic with both of these vehicles and has clearly tried to juxtapose the sporty European styling of the TRU 140S with the bold, boxy, strong look of the Code 130R.

The Code 130R is powered by Chevrolet’s 1.4L Ecotec engine, putting out 148 hp and getting an estimated 40 mpg on the highway. As for the interior, Chevrolet has only begun to design specifics for this concept, ”The interiors currently exist in 2D only. This allows us the flexibility to continue the discussion and encourage more dialogue as we continue to develop these concepts,” said GM North America advanced design studio director Frank Saucedo. We do know that the Code 130R will be available with the MyLink infotainment system which helps integrate all of today’s latest technology with your car.

Chevrolet will be looking to start the Code 130R at a base price in the low $20,000 range.

GALLERY: Code 130R Concept

GALLERY: Code 130R Concept

See AutoGuide’s First Look Video of the Code 130R below:

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Unveiled on the eve of the Detroit Auto Show, we had our first chance to run our paws over Cadillac’s new luxury sports sedan, the ATS. The car is a bold move by Caddy, which claims the ATS was built not just to compete along segment hallmarks like the BMW 3 Series, but to beat them.

Notable highlights include a low 3,400 lb curb weight, an optional 270-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, real carbon fiber on the interior, Brembo brakes and magnetic shocks absorbers – a first for the segment.

GALLERY: 2013 Cadillac ATS

For more on the new ATS, watch the video below:

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With a slick low roofline and wild exterior styling, the all new Chevy TRU 140S concept was called an “affordable exotic” at its unveiling today at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

The TRU 140S has a very low profile and looks very sports car-esque. Chevy executives say that this new concept is designed for the youth of today, and that they are really trying to capture the imagination (and wallets) of young people with this concept.

The car is a a four seat coupe and is powered by the 1.4L Ecotec engine that can also be found in the Sonic RS, which puts out 148 hp and is estimated by the company to get 40 mpg on the highway. It’s front wheel drive (boo!) and is based on the same platform as the Chevy Cruze and Volt.

The interior of the TRU 140S is as of yet only sketches and ideas, but it appeared to be somewhat following the guidelines of the Sonic RS’s sporty youthful approach including the MyLink infotainment system and smart phone connectivity.

Chevy is aiming to start the car at a base MSRP in the low $20,000′s range.

GALLERY: Chevrolet TRU 140S Concept

GALLERY: TRU 140S Concept

See video of the Tru 140S below:

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Replacing the now almost invisible Caliber, the 2013 Dart is the car Dodge hopes will reinvigorate its presence in the compact segment. At the 2012 North American International Auto Show, Dodge Brand CEO Reid Bigland unveiled the highly anticipated Dart to a captive audience.

According to Bigland, compact cars currently represent 15 percent of the total US vehicle market and 25 percent in Canada, so a new compact gives Dodge a chance to really compete in a major volume segment.

Given the increasing synergies between Fiat and the Chrysler group, it’s not surprising that the Dart embodies DNA from both. Essentially, it’s based on a modified version of the same architecture used to underpin the Alfa Romeo Giulietta in Europe, though the car has been lengthened and widened to suit North American tastes.

Styling is unmistakably Dodge, in fact the overall look and greenhouse could almost indicate an updated Neon, albeit one that adopts Charger styling cues, notably the “angry” headlight treatment and full width LED illumination out back. Active grille shutters and underbody fairings are also incorporated, in an effort to minimize aerodynamic drag.

Like the last generation Neon, the Dart will only be offered as a four-door sedan, though will be available in no fewer than five trim levels, SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T.

Engine choices comprise a 2.0-liter normally aspirated “Tigershark” four, rated at 160 horsepower and 145 lb-ft, plus a version of Fiat’s 1.4-liter turbocharged and intercooled Multi-Air four-cylinder, which although rated at the same 160 hp, cranks out significantly more torque: 184 lb-ft. Down the road, a larger displacement 2.4-liter “Tigershark” motor, rated at 184 hp is expected to become available. Transmission choices comprise a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and also a six-speed dry Dual-Clutch automatic, though the latter will only be available with the Multi-Air 1.4 motor.

Given its Alfa Romeo DNA, the Dart promises to be fun to drive, with good chassis dynamics and responsive steering, aided by aspects such as specially tuned MacPherson struts up front, designed to minimize camber loss and a fully independent rear setup. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, are standard on all Darts.

According to Bigland, a major part of the Dart’s appeal lies with the  interior, which has been conceived  to maximize volume (it reportedly rivals some mid-size cars for space), while the use of upscale materials (including soft touch surfaces), should certainly address some long standing stigmas about low grade cabins on Chrysler built small cars.

A high level of interior equipment (such as an available heated steering wheel, plus Chrysler’s U-Connect media center with 8.4-inch touch screen and voice activatation and no fewer than 14 different trim color options), also provide the 2013 Dart with more trump cards than the old Caliber.

Although pricing has yet to be officially announced, Bigland says the Dart will feature a starting MSRP of around $16,000, which should position it well in the segment, especially against cars like the Chevy Cruze (current MSRP of $16,720), Honda Civic ($15,805) and Hyundai Elantra ($16,445).

Production of the 2013 Dart is scheduled to begin at Chrysler’s Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant in the second quarter of this year, with cars showing up in dealers soon afterwards. In perhaps a homage to the original 1963-76 Dart compact, which morphed into a junior muscle car/youthmobile; Chrysler’s Mopar division will offer some 150 customization options for the new one.

GALLERY: 2013 Dodge Dart

Discuss this story at DartForums.com and see AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show coverage here.

See AutoGuide’s First Look Video of the new Dodge Dart below:

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