The upcoming North American Auto Show in Detroit is sure to be a big hit showcasing some of the most anticipated vehicles for the upcoming model years. One concept that we are eager to see is the recently announced and teased Lexus LF-LC Concept. Road & Track was the first to give everyone a look at the new Lexus LF-LC concept in its full-form. Just after Road & Tracks reveal, Lexus drops an official image of the LF-LC Concept.

We are still not sure where the new Lexus LF-LC Concept would be positioned “if” it makes its way to production. Quite possibly it could be a new Lexus LS-based coupe that will rival the BMW 6 Series and Benz SL class. Either way, what we see here is very intriguing to say the least.

Lexus LF-LC Press Release

Lexus to Unveil Sport Coupe Concept Vehicle at North American International Auto Show in Detroit

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 21, 2011 – Taking the new Lexus design direction one step further, the LF-LC 2+2 sport coupe will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit at 1:25 p.m. Eastern time on January 9, 2012.

“Crafted from a clean sheet of paper at the request of Lexus headquarters in Japan, the LF-LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe.”

Conceived as a design exercise to explore the future of Lexus design, the LF-LC was created at the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif.

These are interesting times we live in. While currently blessed with an absurd amount of horsepower and performance, available from virtually every manufacturer, we enthusiasts can see the writing on the wall. CAFE standards are about to go from strict to absurd, and like it or not we’ll be served up hybrid or turbocharged small displacement engine options as our only alternatives. Want a V8? Sucks to be you, because you’re not getting one for much longer, except in a select number of halo cars sold in low volumes at high prices.

With that in mind, I greet Automobile’s speculation that Ford is working on a modern supercar to replace the Ford GT with some skepticism. In fact, Automobile’s Eric Tingwall even admits that his theory is based on a vibe, and not on any sort of tangible proof. When asked by Tingwall, point blank, if Ford was working on a successor to the GT, Ford’s Derrick Kuzak (head of global product development) replied, “Well, I think there are certain things we don’t want to talk about in terms of four-year product plans, if that’s OK.” That hardly sounds like a wink-wink, nudge-nudge to me, but I wasn’t at the table so I can’t say for sure.

I did ask Ford’s J. Mays the very same question at last summer’s Ford Explorer reveal, and (ironically) got a very similar answer. It does Ford no good to talk about a car that may or may not exist and may or may not ever see the light of day. Did Nissan reap any benefit from announcing the Mid4, building excitement and then killing it off? How about Audi with their Avus concept, which remains perhaps the most stunning concept car ever designed? Ford executives have to have plausible deniability when it comes to super-secret-squirrel projects, because no one, not even Alan Mulally himself, knows what the future has in store for automakers.

It’s a wild ass guess, but I’ll say this: any halo supercar will require a sanity check of looming CAFE regulations. If the anticipated goal of 39 MPG by 2016 (for passenger cars) remains in place, Ford can’t afford to build a supercar, even a hybridized one. If the automakers can get some relief from the NHTSA, then I’d think there may be hope for a Ford GT replacement. This much is certain: it won’t use conventional drivetrain technology, and it won’t be affordable by mere mortals.

Source: Automobile

Audi's A6 Hybrid. Image: Audi of America

Audi took the wraps off their A6 Hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show, and to no one’s surprise it looked just like a regular A6. That’s a good thing, since Audi’s redesigned A6 is a masterpiece of Teutonic understatement; adding diffusers or side skirts to improve aerodynamics would have been an epic fail. The car manages to look both elegant and sinister, which seems to contradict its “green is good” mission statement. If you want to look environmentally responsible, buy a Prius; if you want to look successful while saving the planet, consider an A6 hybrid.

Image: Audi of America

The A6 Hybrid will come in FWD only, and is powered by Audi’s 2.0 liter TFSI engine supplemented by a 45 horsepower electric motor. Estimated combined fuel economy is 38 miles per gallon, but those are Audi’s numbers and not the official EPA numbers, which are likely to be lower. Audi claims that the car will get to 100 kilometers per hour (62 MPH) on battery power alone, but you’d best be assertive about it, since the batteries run out of charge in just three kilometers (1.86 miles). And no, that’s not a typo – the A6 has a battery-only range of just under two miles.

Audi claims the A6 Hybrid was envisioned with U.S. customers in mind, so expect to see it in U.S. showrooms before the rest of the world gets it (if they get it at all). As for me, I’ll pass and wait for the A6 TDI that Audi said would grace our shores in the near future; who would want the complexity and expense of a hybrid drivetrain, when clean diesel is likely to produce better fuel efficiency and more smiles behind the wheel?

Source: Autoblog

The BMW 1 Series M. Image: BMW Group

BMW is debuting the 1 Series M Coupe at this week’s Detroit Auto Show, and we finally have a price to go with it. The 335 horsepower M3-in-3/4-scale will start at $47,010, before you begin adding options, the destination charge or the inevitable dealer price gouging. Remember that BMW will import a “limited quantity” of the 1 Series M, so expect to see “Additional Dealer Markup” of at least $5,000 per car. For reference, a 2011 BMW M3 starts at $55,400 before you add destination charge and options. Since the M3 isn’t considered “limited production” like the 1 Series M, chances are good you have some wiggle room on dealer pricing.

If there were a real $10,000 difference in price between the two cars, I’d say the 1 Series M was priced right. As it stands, an optioned out 1 Series M will sticker for damn near the same price as a stripper M3 (if there are any stripped M3s imported into the U.S.). Sure, I’d rather have the 1 Series M’s lighter, more nimble chassis, but I much prefer the M3’s 4.0 liter V8 over the 1 Series M’s trouble-plagued N54 inline six. At $10k difference, I’d take the 1 Seres any day of the week; at $3k difference, I’d start leaning towards the M3. If BMW was trying to attract a new generation of buyers with the 1 Series M, I’d say they missed their mark entirely. I have no doubt that every single one imported will sell, but not to the crowd BMW alleges they built the car for.

Source: Autoblog

This year the Detroit Auto Show had some stunning concept vehicles both in functionality and looks. Here are images and information on the highlighted concept vehicles found at this years Detroit Auto Show. Make sure you post your own thoughts in the comment field below. Enjoy!

Audi e-tron

Who says green-tech can’t be fast or sporty. Well Audi will be one in the fore-front of turning an  electric car into a performance luxury sports car. The Audi e-tron is based off of the Audi R8 design but in a much smaller form. The e-tron is expected to produce about 204 horsepower with 1,954 pounds-foot of torque which is not a typo. That should be good for 5.9 seconds from 0 to 62 mph. We are still not sure if Audi will even produce this vehicle. We will be surprised if they do in the form that you see it in.

BMW Concept ActiveE

BMW is all about the word “Active” lately and they did not spare it at all with a new BMW Concept ActiveE on display at the Detroit Auto Show this year. EV badges galore, this BMW 1-Series looking electric vehicle sports a lithium-ion battery with a range of 100 miles per charge and total charge time of 4.5 hours. This is a showcase of what BMW can do not only with the Mini EV but when they do ever decide to put such a powertrain in an actual BMW vehicle.

Buick Regal GS

Lately Buick has come out of nowhere with a shock to the automotive world in a very nice way. It is almost a toss of a coin if GM will produce this vehicle as it is shown in the flesh but it sure looks sporty. Not only does it have sporty looks but it has the drivetrain to match it. This is an actual show car with an AWD Limited Slip Differential powertrain powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4cyl engine that puts out 255hp and 295 lbs-foot of torque. Papa’s got a brand new bag when it comes to Buick.

Cadillac XTS Platinum

Cadillac is following suit of other luxury brands where the new XTS proves that concept even further. This will be Caddy’s new flagship sedan that will use a hybrid system that is more conventional than the one found in the new Chevy Volt but will also allow users to plug it in for a charge. The powertrain will be made up of a 3.6-liter V6 and electric drive motor with a combined output of 350hp and 295 lbs-ft of torque through an all-wheel-drive system.

Chevrolet Aveo RS

Sporty meets compact size and practicality. Chevy is known for slapping on either an RS or SS badge to their cars along with a “sporty” accented package. That is what they have done in this new Aveo RS concept. But don’t look for Chevy to actually produce this concept. You may get a much milder version of the Aveo RS on your local Chevy showroom floor vs. the one shown in the image above.

Chrysler Delta

To me, this is a European looking 4-door hatchback with the exception of the Chrysler grill and wheels. But then again, the Delta’s market will be Europe and not the U.S.  This actually is a Lancia Delta so go figure. On to the next car.

GMC Granite

The GMC Granite looks hardcore but that is what GMC is all about. This will be the smallest GM Crossover vehicle if it makes it to production. It is about 2 feet shorter than the GMC Terrain. The GMC Granite Concept is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4 banger mated to a 6-speed auto transmission.

2011 Honda CR-Z

A new compact hybrid from Honda that is suppose to get 31/37 mpg for the 6-speed version and 36/38 mpg for the CVT transmission variant all from a 1.5-liter 4cyl mated to Honda’s hybrid system with a total of 122hp. This is almost like the return of the old-school Honda CR-X of the 1980’s and 90’s. Goes on sale summer 2010.

MINI Beachcomber

When was the last time a car was cleverly described by its name? Maybe the VW Bug? What about the new MINI Beachcomber concept that mimics a dune-buggy Mini Cooper. This concept is not expected to be produced but it has somewhat of a surfer-dude meets BMW appeal to it.

Toyota FT-CH

This is essentially a smaller Prius that incorporates all-things-new from Toyota. A subtle reminder of other designs we have seen from Toyota, the FT-86 concept, this will be a stylish small-hybrid. Measuring 22-inches shorter than the current Prius, the FT-CH could be the answer to the youthful Scion in a hybrid flavor if their will ever be such a thing.

Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Concept

Since we already wrote about this one I will supply you with the link here: 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Volkswagen New Compact Coupe (2011 VW Jetta Coupe).

What you see here is probably the next best thing to the Scirocco for America to get from Wolfsburg’s Volkswagen design group, the NCC. Essentially this new VW compact coupe is a two-door version of the Jetta.

Shown here are newly released photos of a new Volkswagen Compact Coupe Concept debuting at the Detroit Auto Show. Slated as a 2011 model, the “VW Jetta Coupe” will be competition for Nissan’s two-door Altima, and the Honda Accord Coupe.

The 2011 VW NCC concept is basically “all-Jetta” in the form that it has virtually the same dimensions as the Jetta with the exception of the wheelbase. A new addition for the coupe will be a hybrid version right after the announcement of the VW Touareg hybrid which should be the same powertrain design. Speaking of powertains, the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Coupe or New Compact Coupe (NCC) as described on the floor of the Detroit Auto Show, will have an available a hybrid system composed of a 20-kilowatt electric motor between a 1.4-liter TSI 4cyl gas engine and 7-speed DSG dual clutch transmission. The system will incorporate electric boost, regenerative braking and a decoupling of the transmission when coasting to accomplish between 45 to 56 miles per gallon while zipping to 60mph from a standstill in 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 141mph.

[source: Volkswagen, Woldcarfans]

View the full press release on the Volkswagen NCC below.

• New Compact Coupe unites 4.2 l/100 km (45 mpg) with top dynamics

• Concept of an entirely new compact coupe emits just 98 g/km CO2, can go 227 km/h if necessary and accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds

In Brief

Wolfsburg / Detroit, 11 January 2010 – For Volkswagen this marks the beginning of an action-packed year, in which more new models will be introduced than ever before in the company’s history. Number 1 on the spectacular list of new products for calendar year 2010 is a car based on entirely new concepts and technology, a coupe with a hybrid drive that is extremely fast and yet futuristic in its fuel economy. It has sports appeal and sharp styling yet is remarkably elegant – positioned between the Europe’s bestselling sports car, the Scirocco, and the internationally successful CC. Its name: the New Compact Coupe. Site of its world premiere: Detroit, North American International Auto Show (January 11 to 24). Combined fuel consumption: 4.2 l/100 km* (45 mpg**)! CO2 emissions: 98 g/km! Incredible, considering its fuel economy, are its top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph) and the short 8.6 seconds it needs for the classic sprint to 100 km/h (0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds).

These values were made technically feasible by a high-tech alliance: a TSI engine (gasoline powered with 110 kW / 150 PS) that is as fuel efficient as it is sporty, an electric motor (20 kW / 27 PS) and a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) – which in the eyes of many car drivers is the best automatic in the world today. Just over a month after the debut of the most fuel-efficient four-seater in the world – the Up! Lite in Los Angeles – this new concept car confirms once again that future Volkswagen hybrid vehicles will not only focus on fuel economy, but – similar to pure gasoline and diesel versions of Europe’s most successful automobile brand – will also aim to be sporty and fun to drive. In the first half of the year, Volkswagen will launch its first hybrid model on the market under the VW label – an SUV with full-time all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the New Compact Coupe shows, both technically and visually, how Volkswagen envisions a front-wheel drive hybrid for the compact class that would be implemented when the time is right.

Hybrid Drive – TSI and E-Motor plus DSG

Downsizing at its best: The concept car is driven by an extremely innovative high-tech alliance that closely approximates potential production versions. Volkswagen is using a four-cylinder version of the TSI gasoline engine range here. Direct injection, turbocharging and intercooler generate a power of 110 kW / 150 PS from just 1.4 liter of engine displacement – downsizing at its best. TSI technology has impressively demonstrated its extreme durability in many car racing events; including on the legendary Nordschleife of the German Nürburgring – the most demanding race course in the world. Since the first TSI engine was introduced just over five years ago, 3,5 million units of these boosted and torque-strong four and six cylinder engines have already been installed in vehicles. The TSI of the NCC – which of course is also equipped with ESP – transfers a hefty 220 Newton-meter (177 ft-lb) of torque to the front wheels at low engine speeds.

Emissions-free by E-motor: And there is even more power: An electric motor is integrated between the TSI and the efficient 7-speed automatic (DSG = Direct Shift Gearbox); it can be used for pure electric emissions-free driving, or it can support the TSI with aggressive torque. The electric motor develops a power of 20 kW / 27 PS. The power and torque of the two drive units supplement one another during what is known as boosting – when accelerating to pass, for example. Since the NCC can also be driven in a pure electric mode, the drive system is classified as a Full Hybrid. A lithium-ion battery (1.1 kWh) at the rear of the vehicle supplies the electric motor with energy. By the way, in electric mode the TSI is not only shut off; it is also disengaged by a clutch to avoid drag losses.

Frequently coasting: As soon as the driver releases the gas pedal, the TSI is disengaged from the transmission. This so-called “coast-down” is even possible at higher speeds, as in freeway driving. Since drag losses are eliminated here too, the NCC coasts for a very long time. And this promotes an anticipatory style of driving that leads directly to reduced fuel consumption.

Recovering kinetic energy: In braking, the electric motor – now operating as a generator – recovers kinetic energy which is then stored in the lithium-ion battery. Of course, just like the new BlueMotion models from Volkswagen, the New Compact Coupe also has a Stop-Start system on board. This reduces fuel consumption, especially in urban areas and in stop-and-go traffic.

Exterior – Design and Dimensions

The unique interplay of efficiency and dynamics is reflected 1:1 in the styling of the coupe that is painted in “Tungsten Silver Metallic”. Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the Volkswagen Brand, comments: “Styling of a coupe is considered the ultimate in automotive design. Our team has achieved a symbiosis of efficient technologies and elegance in the New Compact Coupe that is unique in its expression. Just a few precisely placed lines and powerfully sculpted surfaces have created a timeless dynamic and purist elegance that is typical of Volkswagen.”

Front end – Showing a strong face: The front of the New Compact Coupe shows an extremely confident and focused expression. Moreover, the car’s width is emphasized by the horizontal line styling with integrated Bi-Xenon headlights – including LED daytime running and turn signal lights. The technically complex headlights contribute to unmistakable visual recognition of the concept car – both day and night.

Side view – A sharp profile: In the car’s side profile, styling properties characteristic of all new Volkswagens of the past year have been merged with elegant and yet sporty coupe features, resulting in a new interpretation of the design DNA. The best examples of this are the characteristic tornado line and the powerfully emphasized curves of the wheel arches. They intersect the main volume of the large, homogeneous surfaces, conveying a powerful dynamic. The image of the side windows rounds out this impression with a concise signature. Forging a stylistic bridge to current models are the 19-inch “Lugano” type alloy wheels.

Rear – A strong concluding statement: The cargo area of the New Compact Coupe is decidedly powerful in design. Clean surfaces and a muscular shoulder section dominate the image here too. Bright: the LED taillights. A spoiler lip that reduces air turbulence was styled into the top of the trunk lid; it further improves the car’s remarkable aerodynamics. At the bottom there is a stylized diffuser; the tailpipe of the exhaust system is embedded here for a positive aerodynamic effect.

Dimensions – Millimeters at work for styling: The New Compact Coupe is 4.54 meters (178.5 inches) long and 1.78 meters (70.1 inches) wide. Its low body height of 1.41 meter (55.6 inches) adds styling energy to the interplay of its dimensions; the ratio of broad width to low body height intensifies the Volkswagen’s dynamic image. Also large are the track widths (front 1.53 meter / 61.2 inches; rear 1.54 meter / 61.4 inches) and wheelbase (2.65 meters / 104.4 inches).

Interior – Ergonomics and Comfort

Showing its true colors: The NCC is a four-seater with exceptional long touring comfort and generous occupant space on sport seats that are upholstered in a light-colored (“Berry White”) leather. Also designed in this color are the lower cockpit area, parts of the center console and the door trim panels. By contrast, all other surfaces (except accents and controls), including the leather-trimmed steering wheel, are styled in the darker “Grigio Quartz” color.

In its interior, the Volkswagen offers the best feeling of spaciousness in its class. This means that despite the sporty low body height, the car offers ample head room (front and rear) as well as leg room in the rear. The coupe’s 380 liter trunk can handle luggage for four persons without any problem.

Climb in, buckle up, drive away: As soon as the doors of the concept car are opened, a reason for the Volkswagen brand’s tremendous success is revealed: unparalleled perfection in details and intuitive operation. The instruments are laid out ideally. The new multifunction sport steering wheel is the key interface between human and machine. The right hand rests naturally on the gearshift lever of the 7-speed DSG‚ and in front of it the control panel sports newly designed controls for the automatic climate control system (Climatronic), the 8-inch touchscreen for the radio-navigation system – also a new design – and at the top of the panel the hazard flasher switch and center air vents. The center console’s control panel is angled slightly toward the driver to perfectly align the cockpit to the driver’s needs. Also optimally laid out for viewing are the round instruments with their chrome bezels; the multifunction display (trip computer and additional navigation display) is placed between them.

Upgraded with metal surrounds are all air vents, multifunction keys on the steering wheel, radio-navigation system, climate control, DSG gearshift unit, white accents of the door trim and instruments and switch panels (window lift and mirror adjustment) in the doors.

Individual seats in the rear: Designers have shaped the rear seating area in the style of large Gran Turismo cars. Passengers sit on two comfortable sport seats here. Between them is the continuation of the center console that passes through the entire interior. In the rear, the center console is equipped with additional storage space as well as climate controls and a fold-out center armrest. The finish and quality of materials in the interior make viewers forget completely that the New Compact Coupe is still a concept car. And that too is typical Volkswagen – no compromises.

What is your take on this car? Is this the new “Poor-Mans” Audi A5? Post your comments below!

Audi planes to reveal a concept of the A7 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. As you can only imagine, the number 7 will be placed on top of the A4, A5 and A6 but placed right below the A8. In theory that would be a pretty big vehicle with that lineup placement as you can see in the sketches below.

The new Audi A7 may sport a new 204hp 2.8L, supercharged 300hp 3.0L and a 394hp 4.2L V8 to top things off on the high-end model. We expect to eventually see a RS7 model with a twin-turbo 600hp 5.0L V10 similar to those offered currently in the newer R8 and Lamborghini sisters.

The North American International Auto Show kicks off on January 17th to the public. Although it will be missing a few car makers such as Jaguar, it will still be a big hit in the eyes of car lovers and enthusiasts alike. The new Volvo S60 will make is debut at the show next month showing off it’s classy yet sexy sporty looks, if that makes any sense.

You will notice in the images below that the doors in the rear open in a new fashion. Also, you may notice a few image interpretations of new safety features to come. As if you did not know Volvo is suppose to be the safest cars in the world so they stay up on the safety game. Enjoy!