Highlights From The 2012 Detroit Auto Show

The North American International Auto Show is the mecca of all car shows, with car companies from around the world coming to Detroit every January.. We could do 50+ posts on all of the new cars on display at the show, but with CES going on at the same time, we just don’t have the bandwidth to do that.

Instead, we decided to highlight our favorite cars from the show and give some quick info on them.. If you want more detailed information on any of the cars shown, a quick Google search should return more than enough results for you. 🙂

With that said, let’s get started..

Acura unveiled the Acura NSX Concept, an “efficient hybrid supercar” that’s supposed to come to market within the next three years. Powered by a V6 and three electric motors, the automaker says it’s aiming for an “extremely favorable power-to-weight ratio.”

The refreshed 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is playing to win in the sports coupe market, with a more agressive looking Genesis that benefits from a huge bump in power! The 3.8-liter V6 in the Genesis Coupe now makes 348 horsepower and 296 pound-feet of torque, up from 306 and 266, respectively. The 2.0T model gains even more, going from 201 horses to 274, with torque improving from 223 lb-ft to 275.

Another debut at the Detroit show was the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo. While most of us knew a turbo model was imminent, no one expected it to make it’s debut at NAIAS. The Veloster Turbo makes 201 horsepower and 194 pound-feet of torque, thanks to the addition of a twin-scroll turbo and a unique motor-actuated wastegate. The Veloster is sure to shake up the sports compact scene!

While Acura isn’t calling the Acura ILX Concept a replacement for the TSX, you can read the writing on the wall. My wife instantly fell in love with the ILX, especially from the rear – Which is VERY similar looking to the Lexus IS! While we’d love to see a V6 in the ILX, the only powertrain options are a base 2.0-liter four cylinder mated to an automatic gearbox, a 2.4-liter four with an exclusive six-speed manual transmission and, Acura’s first hybrid drivetrain, which will be very similar to the one seen in the Honda Civic Hybrid.

The 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept is bringing sexy back, with a design that I was instantly drawn to. I heard a number of detracters, and frankly I was surprised. Compared to the other cars in the mid-sized space, I think the Accord Coupe definitely stands out. Engine choices include a 2.4L four-cylinder, a 3.5L V6, and a new Hybrid model. This is still a concept car, so it should be interesting to see what changes between now and production in the fall.

We’ve been eagerly awaiting the debut of the 2013 Ford Fusion, and frankly we were a little let down. It looks like a stretched out Ford Focus! The old Fusion had character, and that’s lost with the new model. Ford will offer the Fusion in three flavors: The standard model, the 47-mpg Fusion Hybrid, and the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. Here’s hoping that we’ll see an ST model down the line with a bit more flavor.

Mopar rolled out the Chrysler 200 Super S, which packs a coil-over suspension upgrade and improved breathing apparati, as well as a host of visual enhancements ranging from a mesh grille to faux diffuser, and from 18-inch alloys to spoilers and side sills. It results in a noticeably more aggressive-looking take on an otherwise rather conventional compact family sedan. Looks good to us!

While the Chevrolet Tru 140S Concept probably won’t see the light of day, here’s hoping! I personally wouldn’t drive a Chevrolet Cruze, but I’d totally rock the Tru 140S! Who says that compact cars can’t benefit from futuristic styling?

Speaking of futuristic styling, meet the Toyota NS4 Concept. The NS4 is a glimpse at the Prius of tomorrow, and it shows us that being green doesn’t have to be boring. While this is still merely a concept, you can be sure that some of the features of the NS4 will make it into future Toyota models.

And finally, there’s the 2013 Buick Encore, a baby crossover that reminds us of an upscale Nissan Juke. We thought it was quite a looker.. Sure, it’s got a very limited audience given it’s small stature and all, but for those who want a step above a Honda CR-V but don’t want to pay BMW X1 prices, the Buick Encore might be just the ticket!