Zack at the Wheel
Style and sexiness were the overarching themes of this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit
Zack Spencer was in the Motor City last week for the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and reports back with his top 10 list, including the E- Bugster ( at right).
The North American International Auto Show in Detroit this year was all about getting sexy back. Manufacturers introduced some stylish and sporty cars and here’s an overview of what caught my fancy.
Most promising family car
Ford has had a hit on its hands ever since it introduced the Fusion in 2006. The “One Ford’ approach of building several cars off one platform has worked with Fiesta and Focus, and now the 2013 Fusion gets the same treatment. Built on the same platform as the European Mondeo, this Fusion has an almost Jaguar/ Aston Martin air about it. Powered by two available turbocharged EcoBoost engines or the option of a hybrid and even a plug- in hybrid, the Fusion promises to be fuel efficient and stylish. Look for the new Fusion later this year.
Best looking car of the show
After years of building cars that are very well made but don’t excite visually, Lexus is getting its act together with a whole new design architecture that is encapsulated in this LF- LC concept car. The front grille is the new signature for Lexus and will arrive on the upcoming GS sedan this spring. This concept looks production ready and symbolized what a Lexus hybrid sport coupe could look like. The bold new grille and exciting curves were the talk of the show. If the LF- LC is put into production it will feature a front engine, rear- wheel drive hybrid system.
20- plus years in the making
Auto enthusiasts will remember the excitement surrounding the introduction of the Acura NSX in the early Nineties. The Japanese supercar was a big hit initially but received few updates and was eventually dropped in 2005. To help resurrect the Acura image, the NSX concept is the showcase for Acura’s exterior design moving forward. Acura hopes to build the NSX in Ohio and will hopefully have it ready in the next three years. This new NSX will feature an all- wheel- drive configuration with the rear wheels receiving power from a V6 gasoline engine and the front wheels from two electric motors. Acura calls this a Sport Hybrid Super Handling All- Wheel Drive.
Bold car with a dodgy name
The name Dodge Dart might have a fond spot for some who remember the powerful models offered in the late-’ 60s, but, to many, the Dart also symbolizes the econoboxes of the 1970s. For 2013, the Dart is back and built on an Alfa Romeo platform and will feature three new engines, including the same turbocharged four- cylinder found in the Fiat Abarth. This is the return to the compact segment for Chrysler after many years without having a compact in the family. Starting at under $ 16,000 US, the Dart will be a sporty looking value car in a good- sized package.
Value sports car
Hyundai has built a reputation in the business as a value brand, but recently it is also getting credit for the high level of built quality and even performance. The 2013 Genesis Coupe is a perfect example of Hyundai’s relentless pursuit of market domination. The 2.0- litre turbocharged model now receives the same 274- horsepower version found in the Sonata, and the V6 model gets a huge jump in power to 348hp. In addition to the updated styling, this new Genesis is the first car in the Hyundai family to receive their in- house eight- speed automatic.
Generation Y’s sports car
Baby boomers lived through some pretty great times with plenty of sports cars and coupes; even the Gen- X crowd enjoyed some fun; inexpensive cars like the CR- X. For a new generation there is the all- new Scion FR- S coupe built in conjunction with Subaru. The lightweight body and 200- hp Subaru engine will drive the rear wheels helping to produce a wellbalanced car with excellent power- toweight ratio. Subaru will also sell this car under the name BRZ. No price has been announced, but expect it to be attainable for many drivers.
Plug- in Bug
The E- Bugster is a combination of E for electric, plus Bug and Roadster, making this a two- seater, convertible electric car. Shown only with the roof up, this concept is an exciting glimpse into the future as VW adds electrification to their family of vehicles. If produced, the E- Bugster would come with an 85- kw electric motor and be powered by a lithium- ion battery back capable of providing 160 km of range.
Most fuel efficient car
The 2013 Prius C is the latest addition to the Prius family, which includes the regular Prius, the bigger wagon model called V and now C for “city.” Smaller and lighter than the original, this new Prius uses the last generation hybrid system with just under 100 hp. This will prove to be a more nimble, and thrifty car. Toyota claims that the Prius C will be the most fuel- efficient non- plug in on the road. Plus it is the cheapest hybrid on the market, stating under $ 21,000.
Another twist on Mini
One would think that Mini would be stuck for designs after they introduced the “new” Mini over 10 years ago. Not the case, as the brand has evolved into a wagon called Clubman, a crossover called Countryman, plus a Coupe and now a 2013 Roadster. Fitted with a manual fabric roof and no back seats, the Mini Roadster is powered by a 121hp 1.6- litre engine or the turbocharged S model with 181 hp.
Classic elegance
The Mercedes- Benz SL Roaster has been in production since the 1952 and in that time it has only been updated with an all- new model six times. This new 2013 SL is built with aluminum so has shed weight. Under the hood is an all- new direct injection engine, turbocharged V8 with 429 hp. The SL is an elegant yet powerful reminder of just how well Mercedes makes cars.