Archive for January, 2013
Honda Urban SUV Concept
At the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Honda pulled the wraps off a new concept vehicle that the company says forecasts a new upcoming small SUV.
The Honda Urban SUV Concept is nine inches shorter than the company’s popular CR-V compact SUV. Honda states that the Urban SUV Concept previews a vehicle that will go on sale in 2014.
2013 BMW 320i Sedan
In an effort to make its most popular car more affordable, BMW unveiled an entry-level version of its 3-Series Sedan at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Also on display was a preview of the company’s next-generation compact coupe, dubbed the Concept 4-Series.
Mini John Cooper Works Paceman
At the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Mini pulled the wraps off the high-performance John Cooper Works-branded version of its recently debuted Paceman crossover vehicle.
2014 Audi RS 7
At the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Audi pulled the wraps off the souped-up version of its A7 premium-midsize liftback sedan.
Infiniti Q50 Hybrid
After much publicity regarding the brand’s change of nomenclature, Infiniti revealed the first model to carry the “Q” designation, the 2014 Q50 sedan, at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.
Lincoln MKC Concept
Ford’s Lincoln division, err . . . sorry—the Lincoln Motor Company—signaled its plans to enter the luxury compact SUV market at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show by unveiling the MKC Concept.
Styling highlights of this upscale small SUV include sculpted bodylines, flared-out fenders covering 20-inch wheels, a large panoramic sunroof, and a nicely done rendition of Lincoln’s signature “split-wing” grille. An extra-wide clamshell liftgate (which completely encompasses its slim horizontal taillight panel) is another interesting design feature—and a departure from the Ford Escape SUV with which the production MKC will share a basic platform.
Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept
Volkswagen gave attendees of the 2013 Detroit Auto Show a look at two concept cars that might very well see production in the near future.
Headlining its press conference was the CrossBlue SUV concept. If it were to see production (which we think is highly likely at this point), it would rival the GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9 among 3-row, 7-passenger “large-midsize” crossovers. Though physically larger than the premium-midsize Volkswagen Touareg, a vehicle based on the CrossBlue would be less expensive.
Chevrolet Spin
There’s little that’s more American than Chevrolet. The “Bowtie” brand brought us such national stalwarts as the Camaro, Corvette, and Silverado. How surprising is it, then, that 60 percent of total Chevrolet-brand sales happen outside the United States? . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .
2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class family
Mercedes-Benz was busy at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Headlining the German luxury brand’s exhibit was its family of revamped E-Class cars.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class returns in 2-door coupe and convertible as well as 4-door sedan and wagon body styles. All versions receive updated interior and exterior styling as well as a host of new convenience and safety features.
Hot on the heels of the Ram 1500 pickup truck receiving North American Truck of the Year accolades, Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne spent a few minutes with journalists at the North American International Auto Show. Here are some highlights of that conversation:
