German drop-tops unveiled

Grace note and horsepower too. In its world debut, the Veloster Turbo features a new 1.6-litre Turbocharged-gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) 4-cylinder engine producing an estimated 201 horsepower and 195 lbs.-ft torque. Along with a list of sporty upgrades, the rear struck my fancy. Gone is the trapezoidal centre exhaust, replaced by two larger free flowing circular pipes.

Oddly enough, or perhaps strategically, German automakers chose Detroit to unveil their gorgeous new drop tops in the middle of winter (even though the weather outside did resemble early spring). Among the handful included the world debuts of the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet and the Mercedes-benz SL.

The NAIAS runs Jan. 14 to Jan. 21 at the COBO Centre. Check out Monday’s Driving section for the hottest new concept vehicles

unveiled at the NAIAS 2012.

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ALEXANDRA STRAUB — FOR THE PROVINCE Techno Pink is just one of the lively exterior colours on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark. Perhaps you’d prefer Denim or Lemonade?

A more powerful Hyundai Veloster with an even more engaging exterior? Yes, please! It will be released in late 2012.