The Chicago Auto Show has many surprises this year including a new 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe to compete with other Asian compact coupes on the market. It doesn’t take much brain power to realize that Hyundai has taken aim on rivals such as the Honda Civic Coupe when you look at the design of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe alone.

The new 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe will be powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with an output of 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft. of torque mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic.

The design of the 2013 Elantra Coupe is said to be a unique “Fluidic Sculpture”. Best of all, the new 2013 Elantra Coupe 6-speed manual transmission version will tout a 40-mpg highway rating and feature a longer wheelbase and over-all width than that of the Honda Civic Coupe. The new 2013 Elantra Coupe actually has been slotted into the mid-sized category because of its larger dimensions. The 2013 Elantra Coupe looks to be a winner in my book already just from its looks. It is sure to be a winner in other books considering the 4-door Hyundai Elantra took the crown for 2012 North American Car of the Year.

Hit up the full press release below of the all-new 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe below for additional details and specifications.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe Press Release

HYUNDAI ADDS SPORT COUPE VARIANT TO ITS AWARD-WINNING ELANTRA LINE-UP

North American Car of the Year Winner adds Sport Coupe Design and Technology Chemistry to the Proven Elantra Formula

CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2012 – Hyundai today introduced a new sport coupe variant to its industry-leading Elantra line-up at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. This two-door coupe model of the Elantra sedan, available this spring, will attract even more buyers to the Elantra line-up, further expanding its appeal to savvy consumers. It offers many of the same attributes that made the sedan version a sales success, while broadening its market reach to youthful, sporty buyers willing to forgo four-door versatility for coupe design appeal. The 2013 Elantra Coupe marks the continuing evolution of Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design theme with sporty design language, while assuming a compact coupe segment leadership position with an eco-efficient powertrain, generous convenience features, exceptional roominess and abundant safety features.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2013 ELANTRA COUPE
• Unique “Fluidic Sculpture” two-door coupe design language
• 1.8-liter “Nu” Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) engine
• In-house-developed six-speed manual and automatic transmissions
• 40-mpg highway rating (estimated) on M/T model
• Eleven percent more fuel efficient than Honda Civic Coupe M/T
• Longer wheelbase, overall length and width than Civic Coupe for a more comfortable, roomy interior cabin
• Standard VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD
• 7-inch touch-screen navigation with rearview camera and iPod®/USB inputs
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice recognition
• Proximity-key entry with electronic push-button start

Elantra Coupe is the latest vehicle in Hyundai’s 7/11 product initiative (seven new models in the next eleven months), following the Azera and Genesis Coupe.

The 2013 Elantra Coupe represents a modern approach to the sporty coupe segment, using youth-oriented design and premium features offered with Hyundai’s strong value proposition. The 2013 Elantra Coupe poses intriguing questions:

• Why can’t a sporty coupe combine generous interior space with sleek design?
• Why pay premium coupe prices to get advanced safety and technology features?
• Why can’t a fun-to-drive sporty coupe offer 40-mpg fuel economy?

“FLUIDIC SCULPTURE” DESIGN LANGUAGE
Elantra Coupe takes Hyundai’s dynamic “Fluidic Sculpture” design principles to the next level. “Fluidic Sculpture” design language replicates the interaction of wind with rigid surfaces to create a perception of fluid in motion.

Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front fascia opening and jeweled swept-back headlights give Elantra Coupe a lean, aggressive demeanor. Fog lights and available side mirror repeater lamps complement the view from the front.

From the side, Elantra Coupe conveys a wedge-like sport coupe silhouette with deeply sculpted surfaces. SE model sporty five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with dark spoke inserts add a dynamic presence, while fast A- and C-pillar angles frame a sharply tapered greenhouse, further accentuating the wedge profile. Just below the belt line, a prominent character line carries from the door through to the rear deck. Wheel arch creases give a subtle flared appearance around front and rear wheels, for a wide and aggressive presence. Further, a beveled rocker panel rounds out the lean and muscular effect.

From the rear, a blacked-out rear diffuser valance contrasts with dual chrome-tipped exhaust tips, and the SE model deck lid incorporates a lip spoiler design element.
These sculpted surfaces serve to create a highly aerodynamic body. The drag coefficient for the Elantra Coupe is an exceptionally low 0.28 Cd, resulting in minimal cabin noise intrusion and optimal fuel economy. Elantra Coupe was designed at Hyundai’s North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif.

40-MPG POWERTRAIN
Under the hood, the Elantra Coupe is powered by the same 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower (estimated) and 131 lb-ft of torque (estimated) found in the Elantra sedan (145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque for Elantra Coupe PZEV). This high power-density 4-cylinder puts out a full six percent more horsepower than the Civic Coupe 1.8-liter. Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantra Coupes sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA. The PZEV Elantra Coupe is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles, without the extra technological complexity and cost. The PZEV Elantra Coupe helps Hyundai meet and exceed its environmental requirements. Outside of these “green” states, the Elantra Coupe is available as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).

Elantra Coupe 1.8-liter Dual CVVT (Nu Engine Family)
Key Engine Components
• Aluminum block and head
• Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)
• Variable Induction System (VIS)
• Roller swing arm and Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA)
• Electronic throttle control
• Offset crankshaft
The Nu engine features an aluminum block with a cast-iron cylinder liner, cylinder head and crank. This unique configuration results in a block that is 30 percent lighter than an iron block, shedding more than 74 pounds of engine mass, while still providing equivalent strength.

The 1.8-liter Nu also offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Using D-CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared with using it just on the intake camshaft. These advantages include a two-percent improvement in performance (via increased volumetric efficiency), two-percent improvement in fuel economy (via reduced pumping losses) and a 30 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. In the valvetrain, roller swing arms and hydraulic lash adjusters reduce valve-driven friction to improve fuel economy one percent compared with direct valve tappets. The Nu engine also features a maintenance-free silent timing chain to enhance durability and reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

A plastic two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) enables intake air to be directed between long and short intake manifolds, resulting in a broad, linear power band. This results in a four-percent improvement in performance, a 15 percent reduction in cost and 30 percent reduction in weight, when compared with aluminum.

Another technology Hyundai engineers have incorporated into the Elantra Coupe is an electronic throttle control. Electronic throttle control replaces the conventional cable and mechanical linkage with instantaneous computerized control. This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response and fuel economy.

To further improve fuel economy, Elantra Coupe applies double-pipe plumbing technology to the internal heat exchanger. Double-pipe plumbing improves cabin cooling efficiency, while minimizing compressor size, reducing fuel consumption. In addition, an externally-controlled variable compressor is used to improve fuel efficiency when compared with an internal variable compressor.

The Nu four-cylinder engine also has an offset crankshaft design that reduces friction and pressure between the piston and cylinder wall for a one-percent improvement in fuel economy.

Elantra Coupe’s fuel economy is estimated at 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway for the six-speed manual transmission, and 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway for the six-speed automatic transmission. These ratings give Elantra Coupe a highway-only driving range of up to 500 miles.

SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS
The Elantra Coupe can be equipped with a six-speed manual (M6CF3-1) or automatic (A6GF1) transaxle with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. Hyundai now has in-house six-speed automatic transmissions in its small, medium and large FWD cars. Hyundai is also only one of four global car manufacturers building in-house unique six-speed automatic transmissions.

The six-speed automatic is 11 pounds lighter than Hyundai’s global five-speed. It is considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, for greater durability, lighter weight and lower cost. It also features an ultra-flat torque converter that shortens the unit’s overall length by 0.43 inches, while being 2.6 pounds lighter.

This transmission, mated to the 1.8-liter Nu engine, helps Elantra Coupe deliver improved fuel efficiency – 11 percent more than its closest competitor, the Honda Civic Coupe.

The Elantra Coupe’s six-speed manual transmission offers positive shift feel and further optimizes powertrain performance. Shifting performance is facilitated by durable triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, with double-cones for third gear and a single-cone for fourth, fifth and sixth gears.

OVERALL DIMENSIONS
The Elantra Coupe rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, an overall length of 178.7 inches, 69.9-inch width, and 56.5 inch height for uncompromised headroom. Elantra’s total interior volume of 110.2 cubic feet exceeds the 2012 Honda Civic Coupe and 2012 Kia Forte Koup by large margins. The Coupe’s long wheelbase allows for compact coupe efficiency with class-above relative comfort levels. Elantra Coupe’s trunk volume at 14.8 cubic feet also beats Civic Coupe and Kia Forte.

ELANTRA COUPE ARCHITECTURE
The Elantra Coupe is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a lightweight coupled torsion beam rear design for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort and control. A substantial 22.0-mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll and turn-in response when cornering. Steering knuckle design, torsion beam rigidity and damper tuning have all been recalibrated for sportier handling and steering responsiveness compared with Elantra sedan. In addition, Elantra Coupe offers a sportier SE model suspension calibration that is optimized for its lower-profile P215/45R17 tire.

All Elantra Coupes have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power steering (MDPS) that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a hydraulic steering system. A quick-ratio steering rack is used for crisp feel on turn-in.

World-class weight efficiency was a key program target for the Elantra Coupe engineering team. As a result, Elantra Coupe leads the Kia Koup in weight efficiency, while leading the Civic Coupe in power-to-weight ratio; both are key measures of overall powertrain and structural efficiency.

High-strength steel in Elantra Coupe’s structure allows the suspension to work with precision in all driving conditions. This weight-efficient unibody architecture allows for Elantra Coupe to achieve an estimated 40-mpg EPA highway rating, without the need for a special eco model and its incremental costs.

SPORTY, SOPHISTICATED INTERIOR
Inside the Elantra Coupe, customers will find Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, lighting, leading-edge design and craftsmanship. This approach is visible in gauge clarity and the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Seat construction uses lightweight materials and environmentally-friendly foam for further benefits to fuel efficiency. Elantra Coupe seat design also provides deeper side bolsters compared with Elantra sedan for sportier driving. Heated seats are standard equipment on all Elantra Coupes, while the SE model offers sporty aluminum pedals.

The Elantra Coupe offers two interior color choices, gray and black, available with either the GS or SE trim. All Elantra Coupes have cloth-like pillar trim made of fibrous tissue and volcanic rock for a premium look, feel and minimal environmental impact. Elantra Coupe will offer seven exterior colors, three of which are unique from Elantra sedan color choices: Monaco White Black Noir Pearl and Volcanic Red.

Elantra Coupe is available with two audio systems. Standard is a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. A 360-watt system with external amplifier is optional with the SE Technology package.

Touch-screen navigation is available on SE trim and includes a high-resolution 7.0-inch screen and voice-activation by headliner-mounted microphone. The sound system plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit. The XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. The system also integrates a rear-view camera, which cannot be found on the Honda Civic Coupe or Kia Koup. Users can even upload personal pictures from a USB rather than a CD to be displayed on the system’s home screen.

Elantra Coupe owners can also get premium features, such as proximity key with push-button start, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power sunroof, and dual automatic temperature control with Clean Air Ionizer and auto-defogger.

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAI’S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT
The Elantra Coupe takes compact coupe safety to the next level with the introduction of Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Similar to the one found in the Hyundai Equus, VSM optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).

VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides eight Newton meters of counter steering force. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering. ESC is still not standard on the Civic Coupe.

Elantra Coupe features six airbags-including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbag.

The Elantra Coupe also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions and driving dynamics. Elantra Coupe engineers even looked at something as simple as the parking brake for an integrated rear parking brake caliper for weight reduction.

In terms of passive safety, the Elantra Coupe has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones to effectively absorb and dissipate impact energy away from cabin occupants.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible. Image: Ford Motor Company

If you like a little extra velocity with your sun-in-the-face, wind-in-your hair convertible experience, here’s some good news: Ford is showing its Mustang Shelby GT500 ragtop at this week’s Chicago Auto Show. Like its hardtop sibling, the drop-top Shelby comes packing a blown 5.8-liter V-8, good for some 650 horsepower. To translate that into real-world performance, the new Shelby convertible can lap the legendary Sebring circuit nearly three-and-a-half seconds quicker than the model it replaces.

Like the coupe, the convertible is meant to pull double duty as a daily driver and weekend track car (although hot-lapping with most organizations will require a braced roll bar). Add the optional Performance Package, and you’ll get electronically adjustable Bilstein dampers that can be set to “Normal” for the daily grind, or to “Sport” for maximum performance at the cost of some ride comfort. Opt for the Track Package, and you’ll also get engine oil, rear differential and transmission coolers.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible. Image: Ford Motor Company

Ensuring that the new Shelby stops as well as it goes, Ford has upgraded the Brembo braking system on new Shelby models as well. Front calipers are now six-piston units, and both front and rear rotor diameter is increased. Ensuring that drivers get eye-popping deceleration, Ford has opted to use high-friction brake pads on Shelby models, too.

The only drawback we can see is that Ford is limiting the top speed of the Shelby convertible to 155 miles per hour, probably because the top can’t withstand higher speeds. That’s still plenty fast, but it’s not as fast as the claimed 200 mph top speed of the new Shelby GT500 coupe.

The Nissan Z has been a thriving Japanese 2-seater sports coupe for many years. The latest 370Z, over the course of its generation, has received subtle styling updates making it better and better. For 2013, the Nissan 370Z receives a refreshed front fascia taking it back to somewhat of the 350Z’s style only integrating daytime running LED lights and a few more curves. Together, the new front-end design is welcomed aspect of the 2013 model especially since the 370Z’s outgoing front bumper with its fangs was not well received by some enthusiasts.

The engine choice for the 2013 Nissan 370Z will remain the same with a 3.7-liter VQ-series DOHC V6 pumping out 332 horsepower, while the Nismo 370Z gets 350 horsepower. Other notable changes for 2013 include a revised dashboard gauge cluster with a darker background to make it easier to read the LED backlit instruments, and newly styled 19-inch Rays Forged wheels.

The 2013 Nissan 370Z pricing isn’t expected until around the June 2012 release date.

View the exclusive 2013 Nissan 370Z preview video below.

Audi's Q3 Vail concept. Image: Audi

Announcements regarding compact crossovers tend to fill us with as much excitement as announcements about new vegetarian restaurants (since we’re confirmed meatatarians). When we first heard that Audi would show a custom version of its upcoming Q3 crossover in Detroit, we’ll admit that our eyelids got a bit heavy. After all, how exciting could a compact grocery-getter be?

Plenty exciting, as it turns out, especially when said grocery-getter packs 314 horsepower and quattro all-wheel-drive into one tastefully styled package. We won’t bore you with Audi’s pages of details on styling elements, but we’ll sum it up by saying that the Q3 Vail looks both aggressive and refined at the same time. We like the Energy Red paint, which contrasts well with the matte gray and aluminum trim, and think the Q3 Vail is a stunner from any angle.

Audi's Q3 Vail concept. Image: Audi

There’s some impressive attention to detail in the Vail as well. The roof rack uses LED lighting to illuminate the sides of the car when loading passengers or cargo. In the bed, a heated trunk mat folds out to cover the bumper, assuring that you’ll always have a warm place to sit. There’s an inductive charing station for things like flashlights, and a heated Thermos bottle ensures that hypothermia isn’t a concern.

Audi's Q3 Vail concept. Image: Audi

Under the hood is Audi’s 2.5-liter turbocharged TFSI engine, good for 314 horsepower and mated to a seven speed S tronic transmission. Ensuring that the power gets to the ground is the job of the quattro AWD system, and Audi claims that the Q3 Vail can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.5 seconds, before topping out at nearly 163 mph.

Audi's Q3 Vail concept. Image: Audi

There’s no word if Audi will build the Vail, but the Q3 crossover will hit U.S. Audi dealers this spring. There’s no word on what engines will be available, but we certainly hope Audi includes the drivetrain from the Vail concept as an available option.

Acura's ILX concept. Image: Honda America Motors

Since the demise of the Acura RSX, the brand’s entry-level car has been the TSX sedan. Based on the Honda Accord (first the Euro Accord, now the American Accord), the TSX was relatively affordable in base trim, but quickly got expensive if you opted for the V6 and the Technology Package. At around $30k, the TSX wasn’t a bad daily driver, as long as you weren’t expecting much from its 2.4-liter, four cylinder engine. At nearly $40k optioned out, there were plenty of better choices to pick in the near-luxury, sporty sedan segment.

Acura desperately needs to attract new buyers to the brand, so it’s rolled out the Civic-based ILX sedan concept at this week’s Detroit Auto Show. New to the U.S., a Civic based Acura has been sold in Canada for years, and has proven popular in the Northwest. The ILX is styled more along the lines of the current TL and TSX than its Canadian cousin, which is either a good thing or a bad thing depending upon your perspective.

The ILX is aimed at “first time luxury buyers” who “place the highest value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues,” according to Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. While shown in concept form in Detroit, the ILX will be put into production (in Greensburg, Indiana) later this year.

Plans call for an entry-level model (with Honda’s 2.0-liter four), a high-performance model (with the 2.4-liter four from the TSX) and a hybrid variant fitted with Honda’s 1.5-liter gasoline-electric drivetrain. As with all Acura models, expect the ILX to come in a well-equipped base model, with a Tech Package variant a likely option. We’ll let you know when Honda announces pricing and availability details.

As for the future of the TSX, Honda hasn’t made any announcements regarding the car’s fate.

The all-new BMW 3 Series continues to offer an exceptional level of driving dynamics and will once again prove to be a benchmark setter for new 6 generation models. At this year’s North American International Auto Show, BMW’s Group Chief Designer Adrian van Hooydonk showcases their new line of 3 Series vehicles in the exclusive video presentation below.

The infamous Acura NSX has been a long-time favorite amongst automotive enthusiasts. It has also been a long wait to see a new NSX make its way back onto the streets even if current economic forecasts says this is the worst time to market such a vehicle. Why do it? Because someone will buy it and others will cherish the heart-felt love for such an amazing sports car.

Today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Acura has taken the wraps off of the new NSX Concept vehicle. Powered by a V6 engine mounted behind the vehicle’s two occupants, the new engine will be assisted by electric motors. Yes, the new NSX will be a hybrid but more in the sense of a very fast hybrid due what is said to be an “extremely favorable power-to-weight ratio.”

Honda has aimed at making the new Acura NSX fuel efficient yet retaining supercar status. Power will be diverted to all 4 wheels through Acura’s latest SH-AWD (Super Handling All-wheel-drive system) with an electric motor in a dual-clutch transmission setup. Acura calls it a “unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a Bilateral Torque Adjustable Control System.” The system altogether combines a total of 3 electric motors and a next-generation direct-injection VTEC V6 engine.

“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 Co., Ltd. “The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”

Acura is keeping tight-lipped about horsepower figures for now. With a V6 engine and a total of 3 electric motors, the power output should be “enough” to keep most of us interested. We hope.

A production version of the new NSX is expected within the next three years. That is a lot of research and development time. Maybe by then we could expect the ultimate hybrid supercar that will hang with the likings of some of the fastest sports cars.

Hit up the official press release below for additional Acura NSX Concept information.

Acura Debuts Three New Vehicles at the 2012 North American International Auto Show

- New ILX compact sports sedan to feature Acura’s first hybrid powertrain;
- All-new RDX sport utility vehicle features new engine and all-wheel-drive system;
- NSX Concept to be developed and built in America with new performance hybrid system

DETROIT, Mich., Jan. 9, 2012 – Representing the leading edge of a wave of new products and technologies, Acura today unveiled three new vehicles at the North American International Auto Show, including a concept version of the all-new gateway to the Acura brand, the ILX luxury compact sedan; a prototype of the 2013 RDX crossover sport utility vehicle; and the NSX Concept, which presages the direction for Acura’s next-generation supercar.

Acura also announced that the next-generation NSX will feature Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® technology and that the vehicle will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio.

“Over the next 24 months the Acura brand will unleash a series of new models that will remake our product lineup and shake up the luxury market,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura. “Acura will once again defy conventional wisdom to become one of the top luxury brands by creating luxury vehicles based on our own unique values.”

Debuting three new models in Detroit heralds the beginning of Acura’s second 25 years as a premium luxury-performance automobile brand.

Acura ILX Concept
The Acura ILX Concept is the precursor to an all-new Acura luxury compact sedan scheduled for launch in Spring 2012. To be positioned as the gateway to the Acura brand, the ILX will feature three different powertrains, including Acura’s first-ever gas-electric hybrid.

“First time luxury buyers place the highest value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues and that’s a virtual definition of what we have created with the new Acura ILX,” said Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. “The strategy behind this new model is to position ILX as the first opportunity for many young buyers to enter the luxury market.”

Sleek, sporty and aerodynamically efficient, the exterior of the all-new Acura ILX combines luxury, performance and efficiency. A beautifully styled luxury sedan, the ILX Concept has a compact, yet formal proportion, targeting a very professional image. The Acura ILX delivers both, with a low and wide stance and a long nose and a short tail that are aerodynamically efficient, the ILX is immediately recognizable as an Acura.

The lineup of ILX models will include an entry-level model powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine; a high-performance model with a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission; and a 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, Acura’s first-ever hybrid offering.

The ILX will feature a high–quality, well-appointed interior that is smart, spacious and sporty. It will offer a number of new, high-value features, including a smart entry keyless access system and pushbutton start, along with Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world.

As with all Acura models, the ILX will have a longlist of standard features, different trim levels (that will include a Technology Package), multiple transmission choices, and excellent standard safety features- including Acura’s acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure, front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA™). Acura anticipates that the ILX will achieve top ratings in both NHTSA and IIHS crash safety testing.

The new ILX will be manufactured exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC, in its Greensburg, Ind. plant- one of only three plants in the world to receive J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding quality.

Acura RDX
Shown as a prototype version of the 2013 RDX, the second generation of Acura’s five-passenger crossover SUV will up the ante with a new approach to achieving both advanced performance and fuel efficiency via a new engine, transmission and all-wheel drive system.

The 2013 RDX, scheduled to launch in Spring 2012, will have as standard equipment a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 273 horsepower- 33 more than the outgoing model. For even higher performance and improved fuel economy, the RDX makes use of a 6-speed automatic transmission with a new lock-up torque converter. The RDX also gets a new, lighter all-wheel-drive system that provides the required performance and safety with increased efficiency.

With anticipated EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, front-wheel-drive models of the 2013 RDX are expected to offer the best fuel economy of any gasoline-powered luxury SUV in its class.

The RDX exterior incorporates a sleek, more aerodynamically efficient body, evolving RDX from a sporty, compact SUV to a more formal look with a longer, sculpted hood and styling that is more elegant and sophisticated to match the Acura philosophy of timeless, beautiful design. Chassis updates include a longer wheelbase and wider track, all-new Amplitude Reactive Dampers, and a new motion adaptive electronic power steering system.

Inside the 2013 RDX, new sweeping shapes, matte surface trim, and generous use of leather combine to give the RDX interior an upscale look and luxury feel that Acura customers have come to expect. Abundant use of sound deadening materials and Active Sound Control team to provide an exceptionally quiet cabin. Additional interior features, such as larger door openings, more passenger room, increased cargo volume and a power rear tailgate make the RDX interior even more accommodating and flexible.

As with the ILX, the 2013 RDX will receive a host of new technologies including Pandora internet radio interface, SMS text message feature, a smart entry keyless access system, pushbutton start, and a three view rear camera. An available Technology Package will provide a full complement of relevant technologies, including AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps. New for 2013, the even more advanced navigation system utilizes a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity – including 15 gigabytes that can be allocated for music storage.

Acura anticipates that the RDX will achieve top ratings in both NHTSA and IIHS crash safety testing.

Production of the new RDX will move to the East Liberty, Ohio plant of Honda of America Mfg., Inc.- home to one of the four top assembly lines in North America in the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS). The first generation RDX has been built at the Marysville, Ohio auto plant, an IQS award winner for both of its assembly lines.

Acura NSX Concept
The dynamically-styled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from the Acura brand. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies for Acura, including application of Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

Utilizing a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a Bilateral Torque Adjustable Control System, the all-new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Acura anticipates the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, a powerful next-generation VTEC® V-6 engine with direct-injection works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

“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 Co., Ltd. “The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favorable power-to-weight ratio.
“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 Acura supercar, expected to debut in the next three years, will be developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., and manufactured in Ohio, at a yet to be named facility.

[source: Honda/Acura]

The 2013 Cadillac ATS

Cadillac has been teasing its ATS compact sedan for the better part of six months. We’ve seen it in heavily camouflaged guise and even wearing just a mild disguise, and we know that it laps the ‘Ring in a reasonable amount of time. We also know that it will come chock full of the latest infotainment gadgetry, namely Cadillac’s CUE icon-based control system, displayed on an eight-inch touch screen.

We know know exactly what it will look like, too, and to no one’s surprise it resembles a scaled-down Cadillac CTS. Here’s the good news for enthusiasts: Cadillac is claiming that the ATS weighs less than 3,400 pounds, and maintains a near perfect 50/50 front to rear weight distribution.

Three engines are planned, including the base 2.5-liter four-banger, good for 200 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four said to make 270 horsepower and a 318 horsepower V-6. Rear drive is standard, but Cadillac will also build the car in the previously rumored all-wheel-drive as well. There’s no word of a “Type V” version yet, but we’d like to think one is in the works.

Look for the 2013 Cadillac ATS to begin hitting dealerships this summer.