Showing posts with label Detroit Auto Show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Detroit Auto Show. Show all posts

2014 Jeep Compass with New 6-Speed Auto Heads to Geneva for its European Premiere


We've already seen the 2014 Jeep Compass here in the States as it was unveiled at last month's Detroit auto show, and now it's time for European consumers to get a taste of the updated model as well at the Geneva Auto Salon that opens its gates for the press on March 5.

2014 Jeep Compass

2014 Jeep Compass

2014 Jeep Compass

2014 Jeep Compass

2014 Jeep Compass

2014 Jeep Compass

The most important upgrade is the introduction of a new 6-speed automatic transmission offered on the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter gasoline engines producing 156 and 170 horsepower respectively. The 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine with 136hp and 163hp continues to be linked exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox.

You'll probably have a hard time noticing the cosmetic changes, which concern trim specific updates such as the Limited model's revised grille, chrome front fog lamp bezels, smoked tail lamps and new 18-inch wheels, while all models equipped with a ParkView rear backup camera gain a plated chrome insert on the tailgate trim applique.

Interior revisions include the optional Saddle Brown perforated leather seating with accent stitching, updated instrument cluster overlay graphics, satin chrome finish for the center bezel, shifter bezel and pull cups, and a vinyl wrap for the armrests and center console lid. The only new safety feature is the now standard front-seat-mounted side air bags.

In Europe, the Jeep Compass will be available in three trim grades named Sport, Limited and the all-new North edition, with front wheel drive or Jeep's Freedom Drive I full-time active 4x4 system with Lock mode.

Articles Source : Carscoop

BMW's 4-Series Coupe Promo Sounds Conspicuously German to Us

There's a new BMW coming our way next year: the successor to the two-door 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models, the newly named 4-Series. But you already know that since the Bavarian carmaker brought a thinly disguised concept of the coupe to last month's Detroit auto show.

BMW 4-Series Coupe

So, what's the deal with this new video released by BMW over the weekend? Well, it's a promotional clip made to keep the buzz going around until the reveal of the final production version, though, unless you're fluent in German, you won't understand a word that's said in the video...

For what it's worth, this is the Google-translated script from YouTube:

"The Ultimate Driving Machine. When will she start? When the engine starts, you feel the power, the precision. It begins when the speed goes up and the heartbeat follows. If you accelerate. Only degrees, curves, centrifugal forces. If one leaves everything else? No, it starts at the first glance."

You'll find the promo clip, along with a "making of" video and a relevant short film dedicated to the first 3-Series model code-named E21, right past the break.

Articlea Source : Carscoop
 
 Video Source : Youtube

This is the New Acura / Honda NSX Sports Hybrid Concept that will Enter Production by 2015


Acura has just introduced the NSX Concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and these are the first official photos.

The Japanese automaker has shown several concept models over the years for a replacement to the iconic Honda / Acura NSX that was built from 1990 until 2005, but for one reason or the other, none of them managed to reach the production phaseThis time, however, Acura says the NSX Concept is the real deal with the production model to debut within the next three years.

Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept

Interestingly, Acura says that it will developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas, and manufactured in Ohio, at a yet to be named facility.

Like the original model, the NSX features a mid-mounted naturally aspirated V6 engine but with a twist; Acura's engineers added the firm's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system that utilizes three electric motors.

Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept

The next VTEC V6 engine comes with direct-injection and is linked to a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor. In addition, two-motor electric-drive unit can provide torque to the front wheels during cornering to improve handling.

"This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make NSX the ultimate expression of Acura's idea to create synergy between man and machine," said Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda Motor. "The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way."

"Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency," added Ito, who led the development of Acura's first NSX supercar. "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."

The new NSX also employs lightweight materials while its styling doesn't bear many similarities to the original model.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Ford Atlas Named Autoweek's Most Significant Detroit Auto Show Debut


The new Ford Atlas Concept, which previews the future of America's best-selling pickup truck for the past 36 years and the best-selling vehicle overall for 31 straight years, the F-150, has been named by the editors of Autoweek magazine, the "Most Significant vehicle of the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)".

Ford Atlas Concept
Ford Atlas Concept

Ford Atlas Concept
Ford Atlas Concept

Ford Atlas Concept
Ford Atlas Concept

Ford Atlas Concept
Ford Atlas Concept

Ford Atlas Concept
Ford Atlas Concept

Ford Atlas Concept
Ford Atlas Concept

Ford Atlas Concept
Ford Atlas Concept

Ford Atlas Concept
Ford Atlas Concept

Ford Atlas Concept
Ford Atlas Concept

Bob Gritzinger, Autoweek executive editor, explains why:

“The Atlas Concept is clearly Most Significant winner for the things you don’t see, like hidden aerodynamic improvements and weight savings from high-strength steel and interior parts, like thinner seats. Those things add up to significant fuel savings for pickup trucks down the road. A next-generation EcoBoost with Auto Start-Stop technology also signals why Atlas is a real game changer.”

So, to get it straight, the Atlas deserves an award because it introduces many things that are readily available in other mainstream categories for years now to the pickup truck segment, not to mention that some of those features such as active aerodynamics, are already employed on current trucks, like the latest Ram 1500.

Isn’t that like saying the Corvette Stingray should be awarded for its interior because the C6's cabin was borderline terrible, not to mention more mundane than a Chinese toaster?

Well, yes, but then again, a) the Corvette that also improved upon its predecessor is a niche model and b.) after looking at all the new car and concept introductions at the Detroit Auto Show, we couldn't really choose a winner. So in some ways, Autoweek just may have a point since the F-150 is already the most popular model in the U.S.A., and whatever enhancements are made, will have an impact both on the market and on its rivals. Something like trying to pick a winner from a barrel of mediocre apples...

If you think otherwise, head over to the comments to share your thoughts.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Corvette takes to the Big Apple to celebrate 60th anniversary of original launch


Exactly 60 years to the day that the automotive world first laid its eyes on Chevrolet Corvette, the newly introduced seventh-generation model is appearing in New York City to mark the historic date. Unveiled at the General Motors Motorama car show on January 17, 1953, the Corvette has since become an icon of the sports car world both in the US and around the globe.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The 2014 Corvette Stingray had its official debut this week at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, and we are sure it will end up being the most popular car for visitors to ogle. What's more, it was our top Editors' Choice, after all. For those of you who won't be able to see it in Detroit or New York, the new Corvette will be going on sale this fall.

Scroll down for a GM press release that contains some interesting facts about the Corvette, including its original starting price of just $3,498.
  • The Corvette was originally championed by GM's legendary styling director Harley Earl, who insisted there was room for an American entry in the European-dominated sports car market. It was also his idea for Corvette to have a fiberglass body.
  • Corvette was named for a small and fast class of naval ships.
  • The 1953 Corvette had a base price of $3,498 and offered only two options – a heater for $91 and an AM radio for $145.
  • Every Corvette model has used innovative materials, from fiberglass in 1953 to advanced carbon-nano technology and carbon fiber on the 2014 Corvette Stingray.
  • A V-8 engine was first available in 1955. That year, it was selected by 90 percent of customers. After that, all Corvettes featured strictly V-8 power.
  • The Stingray name was first used for a prototype race car, the design of which influenced the second-generation Corvette that debuted in 1963. The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray split-window coupe has since been called one of the most beautiful and influential designs in automotive history.
  • Corvette's legacy of mainstreaming technology previously reserved for high-end luxury cars includes the introduction of fuel injection in 1957, independent rear suspension in 1963, four-wheel disc brakes in 1965, antilock brakes in 1986 and a tire-pressure monitoring system in 1989.
  • Corvette is the longest-running, continually produced sports car in the world.
  • Nearly 2 million Chevrolet Corvettes have been sold since it went on sale in 1953 and in 2012, it accounted for approximately one-third of all sports car sales in America.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Articles Source : Autoblog

GM's Reuss says rear-wheel drive Scion FR-S rival "on the list"


According to Australian site CarSales.com.au, General Motors North American boss, Mark Reuss, has expressed high interest in creating a small, rear-wheel-drive coupe to rival the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. If something like this ever came to production, it could take the shape of the Chevrolet Code 130R concept car (pictured) that debuted at last year's Detroit Auto Show.

Chevrolet Code 130R Concept
Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

Chevrolet Code 130R Concept
Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

Chevrolet Code 130R Concept
Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

Chevrolet Code 130R Concept
Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

Chevrolet Code 130R Concept
Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

Chevrolet Code 130R Concept
Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

Chevrolet Code 130R Concept
Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

"It's on the list. It would be a great entry for us," Reuss told CarSales.com.au, adding, "I don't know if they (Toyota) are making any money but it is a very attractive car."

A production version of the 130R would likely ride on a small, rear-drive platform like GM's Alpha architecture, which currently underpins the Cadillac ATS and will eventually be used in the next Chevrolet Camaro. "We would do something with the knowledge of Alpha and the background, but we wouldn't take Alpha and try and shrink it," said Reuss.

We've heard faint whispers about exactly this scenario previously, and the fact that it's still on the table is a good sign. Of course, if development hasn't started yet and a project like this gets the green light, there's no telling how far off a small, rear-drive coupe from GM could be. And considering how popular the Scion and Subaru twins have proven (at least in their early life), GM would be wise to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later.

Articles Source : Autoblog

Honda Surprises Canadians with World Premiere of New GEAR Concept at Montreal Auto Show


Being that the Montreal International Auto Show takes place the same week as the Detroit Auto Show, we can't say that we were expecting any world premieres, but Honda surprised us today with the unveiling of a new concept car named GEAR at the Canadian event.

Honda Gear Concept
Honda Gear Concept

Honda Gear Concept
Honda Gear Concept

Honda Gear Concept
Honda Gear Concept

Honda Gear Concept
Honda Gear Concept

Honda Gear Concept
Honda Gear Concept

Honda Gear Concept
Honda Gear Concept

Honda Gear Concept
Honda Gear Concept

The Japanese carmaker stated that the GEAR is a fresh study for a sub-compact (think Ford Fiesta) model aimed at young, urban, Gen-Y lifestyles. It added that the concept was inspired by fixed-gear bicycles (hence the name) and that it is "simple and utilitarian, but also customizable, connected and full of personality."

Dave Marek, Design Director at Honda R&D Americas explained: “Subcompact cars are usually either utilitarian, but uninspiring or they’re fun, zippy cars that are impractical and too expensive for the Gen-Y buyer. GEAR Concept tears down those walls – it’s practical but fun, customizable, connected and affordable. Everything that young, discerning urban buyers would want in a car.”

Honda did not release any information about the car's powertrain, nor if it has plans to introduce a production model.

Articles Source : Carscoop