If you’re headed to the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), don’t forget to bring along your camera – it could earn you $200.

The NAIAS, which is on now until Sunday, January 22 at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan, is running a photo contest that could see you pocketing a cool $200. All you have to do is take a picture of a car at the show and submit it to naias.com. There will be a cash prize given out for each of the five contest categories: Convertibles, Coupes & Concepts; Luxury; Coolest Close-up; Electric Vehicles, and Black & White photos.

If you’re interested in entering the contest and submitting a picture, head to naias.com before the show ends this Sunday.

Taking a page out of Ford’s playbook, Nissan appears ready to follow suit in the move from SUVs to crossovers announcing that the 2013 Pathfinder will ride on a car-based unibody platform rather than a body-on-frame truck chassis. Over a year ago, Ford made a similar switch with its new Explorer.

As a concept Nissan hasn’t released many specifics about the car but has said it will be powered by a V6 with a CVT transmission and will continue to offer seating for seven. For more on the new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder concept check out AutoGuide’s first look video from the floor of the Detroit Auto Show below.

GALLERY: 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Concept

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The compact car category continues to grow and is increasingly becoming the most important and highest volume segment in America. For years Chrysler hasn’t had a competitive offering, something it is looking to change with the all-new Dodge Dart.

Sharing its underpinnings with an Alfa Romeo it’s the direct result of the tie-up between Chrysler and Fiat, with all the benefits that can have.Included in the list of rather European specs listed for the Dart are a fully-independent rear suspension and an optional turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder mated to a dual-clutch transmission.

Unveiled this week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, see AutoGuide’s first look video of the 2013 Dodge Dart below.

GALLERY: 2013 Dodge Dart

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Discuss this story at DartFourms.com

Expanding the Prius range of vehicles to four, the new “c” model is the smallest and most affordable Prius yet. Toyota also promises it will be the most fun to drive and it will get an even higher fuel economy rating than the standard Prius with 53 mpg combined. Unveiled this week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, watch AutoGuide’s first look video of the Prius c below.

GALLERY: Toyota Prius c

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With a recently launched new Camry and Ford unveiling the production version of the new Fusion mid-size sedan at the Detroit Auto Show, Honda previewed its next-generation Accord with a stylish concept coupe. With no dramatic new styling changes, the 9th generation Accord will be the first Honda to receive the brand’s new lineup of powertrains, including direct-injection 4-cylinder and V6 engines as well as CVT transmissions. Plus, the Accord will get an innovative new hybrid system. To learn more about the next-gen Accord, watch AutoGuide’s first look video below.

GALLERY: 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept

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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

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Discuss this story at LF-LCForum.com

We have seen pictures of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-class before, first when pictures from its brochure got leaked, followed by the official release of images and specs about a month ago.

However, its unveil at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI., is the first time it has been shown in the flesh. Like its predecessor, it has a folding metal roof, and the air scarf system, which blows hot air on your neck, perfect for driving with the top down even on cold days.

What is new about this new SL is its nearly all-aluminum construction. Due to this light-weight material, this new SL is 175 lbs lighter than the out-going model. Couple its lighter weight with the new 4.7-liter, turbo-charged, V8 which produces 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, and you’ll end up with a very quick rear-wheel drive car. 0-60 mph in the SL550 model now takes just 4.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically-limited to 155 mph. You can bet, faster AMG-models are also going to be offered shortly after this model goes on sale.

If you like gadgets more than performance, not to worry, the new SL has plenty of toys to keep you happy. There is the MAGIC SKY Control, which makes the panoramic glass in your retracting hard-top go from clear to dark. So it is truly a convertible for all seasons and all types of weather.

There is also the MAGIC VISION Control, which is an advanced wiper system, which features wash nozzles that send washer fluid directly onto the wiper blade, and also would heat the water on colder days, so give a nicer, cleaner wipe from the start.

The audiophiles will no doubt love the new Frontbass system. This audio system utilizes the space in the footwell, which now features extra speakers. With sound coming from all corners, the idea is to give a full orchestral experience to the cars occupants.

The 2013 SL550 will go on sale in spring.

GALLERY: 2013 Mercedes SL550

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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

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

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