A hybrid option comes to Acura.

Up until now, Honda’s Acura brand has not had a hybrid model. That may seem strange given that Honda and Toyota both got started with hybrids at about the same time, and Toyota’s Lexus division has had hybrids for several years. The 2013 Acura ILX is about to change things for Honda’s premium brand, by introducing a “gateway” model to introduce a new group of shoppers to Acura including a hybrid edition.

All-New Model

As a gateway model, the Acura ILX is designed to appeal to Generation Y buyers who prize luxury, are seeking value and want a vehicle that reflects their concerns for the environment.

“First-time luxury buyers tend to place a high value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues, and that’s 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.”

Chicago Auto Show

Acura used the 2012 Chicago Auto Show to introduce its newest model. The 2013 Acura ILX will offer three powertrain choices starting with a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that is rated at 150 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 140 foot-pounds of torque at 4,300 rpm. This engine is paired with a sequential shift 5-speed automatic transmission and will achieve an estimated 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway.

Giving the ILX more zip is a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine that is rated at 201 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 170 foot-pounds of torque at 4,300 rpm. This engine is paired with a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission and is expected to achieve 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway.

Hybrid Drive System

Acura’s first use of a hybrid drive system will pair a 1.5-liter four cylinder engine with an Integrated Motor Assist electric motor. Combined the two systems will produce 111 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 127 foot-pounds of torque at range from 1,000 to 3,000 rpm. This model allows the engine to enter idle-mode at stops, effectively shutting down the engine until the gas pedal is engaged again. Acura expects that this model will get 35 mpg city, 38 mpg highway.

Amenities and Packages

The 2013 Acura ILX offer numerous sought after amenities. Keyless access with smart entry and push button start is standard. The way that this works is that a sensor in the driver’s key fob detects that person’s proximity and automatically unlocks the driver’s door with one tug of the door handle. Once inside, the drive need only close the door, buckle up, push the ignition button, engage the transmission and drive off.

A Pandora Internet radio interface is also featured and includes an SMS text message function for connectivity. Choose the available premium package and this model adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, an upgraded 360-watt stereo system and a rear view camera.

Its technology package adds to the premium package by bringing in an ELS Surround audio system along with 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. Its navigation system makes use of a 60-gig hard disk drive including 15 gigs that can be specifically allocated for music storage.

Made in the USA

Honda has yet to announce pricing for the Acura ILX which will go on sale this spring. The ILX will be manufactured solely by Honda Manufacturing Indiana, LLC (HMIN) at the company’s Greensburg, Ind., manufacturing plant, one of four manufacturing plants the Japanese automaker operates in the United States.

Photos: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

More Chicago Auto Show News:

2013 Nissan 370Z Debuts Ahead of Chicago Auto Show

Hot Stuff: 2013 Ford Shelby GT500!

New Hyundai Elantra Coupe Breaks Cover

Latest Carroll Shelby offering makes its debut.

The 2012 Chicago Auto Show was the venue chosen for the release of the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible, an update of this iconic special edition Mustang model. This sports car marks the 20th anniversary of Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and does so in neck-snapping fashion. The latest iteration of the GT500 features a 5.8-liter supercharged V-8 engine, rated at a jaw-dropping 650 horsepower. Equipped with an optional performance package, this drop-top edition will go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

20th Anniversary Edition

To mark the SVT’s anniversary, Ford has included a commemorative lighted sill plate in the 2013 Shelby GT500. Looking back at the original, the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra offered a 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, demonstrating just how far this model has been taken over the past two decades.

“The Shelby GT500 convertible is every bit the performer that the coupe is,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer. “All of the significant changes we made in the program were instrumental in delivering a convertible that could really shine on the track but can still be driven on a daily basis.”

2013 Ford Shelby GT500

Lap Time Improvement

The new model has also trimmed 3.5 seconds off of its lap time at the Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2011 and 2012 models. Credit that boost this car gets from its supercharged V-8 along with the SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers available on the Performance Package and the all-new chassis tuning.

Suspension tuning can be adjusted by pushing a button located on the dashboard. Choose normal mode and drivers will enjoy a more comfortable ride over uneven road surfaces. Select the sport mode and Ford says you’ll be able to acheive top levels of performance, with this car delivering improved response time on the track and less body roll while cornering with reduced pitch under braking. With its upgraded dampers, SVT engineers were able to tune the convertible more aggressively for the track, while still being able to maintain desirable on-road manners.

Power and Precision

Besides its 650 horsepower rating, the Shelby GT500′s aluminum block engine produces 600 foot-pounds of torque. This engine also features new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft along with upgraded clutch, transmission and axle. The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 goes on sale this spring and will be built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

See Also — Stolen Beauty: Ford Mustang

More Chicago Auto Show News:

2013 Nissan 370Z Debuts Ahead of Chicago Auto Show

Entry Level Premium Sedan: 2013 Acura ILX

New Hyundai Elantra Coupe Breaks Cover

Photos: Ford Motor Company

Coupe makes debut at 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

Today marks the first of two media days at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, but Hyundai has already released photos and information about its all-new coupe. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe advances the brand’s “fluidic sculpture” design, by bringing to the market a vehicle that is sporty, well-appointed and affordable.

Hyundai Competition

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe is being compared with the Honda Civic Coupe and, interestingly, to its corporate cousin the Kia Koup. The latest Elantra model goes on sale this spring and represents the latest model in Hyundai’s 7/11 product initiative. That initiative has Hyundai bringing to the market seven new vehicles in just 11 months.

Lift the hood and the same engine found in the Hyundai sedan powers the coupe. This 1.8-liter 16-valve four cylinder engine is rated at 148 horsepower @6,500 rpm and produces 131 foot-pounds of torque at 4,700 rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. The Elantra Coupe takes regular grade gasoline and is expected to deliver up to 40 mpg highway.

Hyundai says that the Elantra Coupe has a longer wheelbase than the Civic Coupe. It is also longer and wider overall, giving it about 20 percent more interior room than the Honda. That extra room puts the Elantra Coupe in midsize territory according to EPA’s skewed classification system, but everyone else will know that the this car is a compact model. Still, the extra room will certainly be appreciated by all.

Keep those drinks cool with the coupe's chilled glove box.

Available Equipment

The five passenger Elantra Coupe comes with or has available a number of goodies that will appeal to buyers. These include a 7-inch touch-screen navigation with rearview camera and iPod/USB inputs, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition and a choice of two audio systems. The standard system is a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with 6-speakers and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks. Optionally, a 360-watt system with external amplifier can be had when choosing the SE technology package.

Just as the Hyundai Elantra sedan has been lauded for its top crash testing rating, the Elantra coupe should do well too. Every Elantra comes equipped with 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability control and traction control. This model also features front and rear crumple zones, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Six airbags — dual front, dual seat-mounted front side and dual side curtain airbags — are standard.

Pricing and product details will be announced later today. A GT version will also take a bow.

Photos: Hyundai Motor America

Nissan 370Z is one of the stars of the Chicago Auto Show.

One day before the 2012 Chicago Auto Show entertains the press, Nissan Motors has taken the veil off of the 2013 Nissan 370Z, the latest iteration of its iconic two-seat sportscar. That this car made its debut ahead of time shouldn’t really be much of a surprise as car manufacturers continue to gain an edge in the crowded and highly competitive news cycle.

The new “Z” is scheduled to go on sale next June at Nissan dealerships nationwide. As before, the 2013 model will be available in Coupe, Roadster and NISMO Z configurations.

2013 Updates

Changes are many although not particularly revolutionary. That makes sense given that this model is beloved by enthusiasts, thus evolutionary changes were appropriate.

As the photos attest, the Z gets an updated front fascia flanked by vertical LED daytime running lights. From the rear, the black center cover is gone, having been replaced by a red reflector. Models equipped with the sport package now have revised 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels while 18-inch wheels are standard with the Coupe.

Sport package equipped models also get Euro-tuned shock absorbers and red-finished brake calipers. All models now feature a dark-finish fuel gauge trim and two new exterior colors, magma red and midnight blue, are now available.

“Since the original 1970 Z® was first introduced our goal has always been to keep the design moving forward. The changes for 2013, though subtle, go a long way in enhancing its dynamic appearance inside and out,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

Inside, NISMO editions get a new Bose Premium Audio Package with two additional speakers and two subwoofers. Premium gun metallic dark-finish 19-inch wheels and high-rigidity brake hoses and performance brake fluid as found in the off-the-chart GT-R are also included.

Powerplant Choices

The Z’s engine is a 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 that comes paired with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission in Coupe, Coupe Touring and Roadster editions. The Roadster Touring is paired with the manual transmission only. A specially tuned version of this engine producing 350 horsepower and paired with a 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match for heel-tow-like downshifting is a NISMO offering.

More details about this model including pricing will be released by Nissan just ahead of its June 2012 release.

Photos: Nissan North America, Inc.

See Also — 2012 Nissan Titan Overview & Specs

More Chicago Auto Show News:

Entry Level Premium Sedan: 2013 Acura ILX

Hot Stuff: 2013 Ford Shelby GT500!

New Hyundai Elantra Coupe Breaks Cover

From November through April, auto enthusiasts in the U.S. are treated to some of the most spectacular auto shows to be found. Four shows enjoy much international attention including the Chicago Auto Show that is held every February. That show begins this week, beginning with two media days followed by a charity preview. This year’s show runs from Feb. 10-19 and promises to present a number of firsts including the global introductions of several anticipated new or updated models.

Media Preview

The Chicago Auto Show is sponsored by the Chicago Auto Trade Association and is held at the McCormick Place complex. The Chicago show got started in 1901 and this year marks its 104th edition. Nearly 1,000 different vehicles will be on display with four indoor test tracks available. These can be found in the Chrysler, Ram, Jeep and Toyota displays. There are also five outdoor test-drive opportunities for show visitors. You can find these by visiting the Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan and Subaru displays.

Show Stoppers

Look for several new models to show up in Chicago this week. If you watched this year’s Super Bowl you may have noticed at least one commercial for a new car including the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI. Auto Trends has learned that the Kia Track’ster concept, the 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition, the 2012 Fiat 500 Stinger by MOPAR and 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Limited will also be on display.

Word has it that a refreshed 2012 Nissan 370Z will launch, Toyota will unveil the 2013 Land Cruiser and Ford will debut its 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible. New models from Chevrolet and Hyundai will also be unveiled.

Social Media Thrust

The show organizers understand the power of social media and have dedicated a slice of the media preview to enable bloggers to access key executives. On the Thursday, the second media day, the Chrysler Group will host a breakfast for social media attendees and show off its new vehicles. Chrysler executives will be on hand for interviews. Following the Chrysler event, other manufacturers will host media events designed to appeal to influencers and Facebook fans, with traditional media on hand too.

Said Michael Ettison, co-chairman of the Chicago Auto Show about social media attendees, “While we have sought them out, the interesting part of our social media group is that it is comprised of people the manufacturers themselves find valuable.” Ettison went on to note that although these influencers are invited by the automakers, they aren’t restricted to where they can go and what they can do. Programs will be posted and held throughout the day for influencer consumption.

Cost and Specials

Weekends are particularly busy at the Chicago Auto Show, therefore if you can stop by during the week you may find the lines to test-drive displays shorter. Attending during the week is cheaper too, with show organizers offering discounts through Chicagoland BP stations, at local State Farm offices and though CATA member car dealerships while supplies last. Additional opportunities to save can be had via specially-marked cans of Pepsi and for those who bring food can donations on select days.

See Also

Looking Ahead: 2012 Washington Auto Show

Looking Ahead: 2012 NAIAS Highlights

More Auto Show News:

7 Hot Detroit Auto Trends, Part 1

7 Hot Detroit Auto Trends, Part 2

Looking Ahead: 2012 NAIAS Highlights

Teaser pictures of the small Buick Encore have given us a glimpse of the latest model coming forth from Buick, GM’s premium brand. Those earlier pictures were gradually teased to us in December via Facebook, with the full reveal offered on the second of the two press days at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Buick Design Language

With the unveiling now past, we’re left with assessing a vehicle that is still about one year away from being released. The 2013 Buick Encore remains true to its Buick look, advancing the brand’s design language on a small platform. Indeed, that platform also underpins the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic, with both vehicles conceived in South Korea. The Sonic is built in the United States, but the Buick Encore will be built at a factory on the Korean peninsula.

“Buick Encore is a great-looking, smart choice for those who want luxury crossover amenities in a more maneuverable and agile vehicle,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “It represents a luxury alternative for a new audience of Buick customers, and delivers features and flexibility not typically found in vehicles of its size today.”

Small Crossover Segment

GM is positioning the Buick Encore to compete against the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. This move is in keeping with GM’s approach to the luxury market, assigning Cadillac to do battle in the upper end of the market and positioning Buick to handle the lower end. The Encore follows the compact Verano sedan to the market, a vehicle that was introduced by Buick last fast.

Although the Buick Encore is still one year away from release, what GM has shown us about the vehicle will likely remain the same. The Encore gets the automaker’s 1.4-liter turbocharged four that is expected to make 140 horsepower in this model. It will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and be sold in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Desired Amenities Offered

Numerous amenities will be standard for the Buick Encore including remote vehicle start; dual-zone automatic climate control; rainsense wipers; Bose premium sound system; a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; 6-way, power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustment and driver memory. Its 18.8 cubic feet of standard storage space is slightly larger than what is offered in the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, and can be expanded to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

Like all Buick models, the Encore will receive the brand’s standard QuietTuning features that help reduce exterior noise from intruding into the cabin. These features include an acoustically treated headliner with a tuned gap between it and the high-strength-steel roof panel; sound-absorbing materials used in the cabin, under the hood and in the wheel house liners; an acoustic-laminated windshield and thicker 5 millimeter side window glass; foam baffle insulation at the opening of body structure cavities; and specially designed 18-inch Continental tires.

Emerging Crossover Segment

Pricing for the 2013 Buick Encore has not been announced. Those prices will likely be lower than its competitors with the BMW X1 hitting the market this winter and the Audi Q3 arriving later this year. Thus, GM has an entry ready in what is essentially an all-new segment of compact luxury crossover SUVs reports the Detroit Free Press.

Photos: General Motors Company

Concept MKZ offers a picture of brand's design direction.

Its takes two days of press events to show all the good stuff that is on display at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Yesterday, we featured 7 Hot Detroit Auto Trends, today we’re giving you the second part, a list that includes some Monday offerings as well as Tuesday’s new releases.

1. Lincoln MKZ concept — The Lincoln MKZ may very well lose much of its warmed-over Ford Fusion look when the next generation model is released. That isn’t meant to be a swipe against the Fusion, rather to point out that the MKZ barely has enough differentiation from the Fusion to make a difference. On Tuesday morning, Lincoln got its chance to showcase an MKZ concept, a vehicle spearheaded by Max Wolff, Lincoln’s design director. Its nose mirrors what both the MKS and MKT are offering for 2013, with the remainder of the body lines showing a car that appears much more luxurious, modern and of its own identity. Unlike the Fusion, which seats five, the MKZ concept offers seating for four to provide more room for rear seating passengers. The concept likely strongly resembles what will arrive this fall as a new model — we’ll see if parent Ford is serious about giving Lincoln much more freedom.

2. Toyota Prius c — What is so exciting about a Prius? Well, this writer has never been enchanted by Toyota’s hybrid model, but now that Prius is Prii — offering a model line — he is intrigued by what is being offered. The Prius c arrives this March and will ride on the same platform that powers the subcompact Toyota Yaris. Prius Chat reports that the c is rated at 53 mpg city, 46 mpg highway and has a sticker price that will start below $19,000. Yes, Toyota is going gun’s a-blazing with this “city” car in hopes of expanding interest in its hybrid line. I believe that they’ll have a difficult time keeping up with demand.

3. Chevrolet Spark — Can Chevrolet compete in the minicar market? That remains to be seen as the Smart ForTwo hasn’t been well received and a new Scion iQ model will roll out too in a segment that also includes the Fiat 500. Chevrolet is importing the four passenger Spark from South Korea and the Spark will come with restrained expectations as GM observes whether customers will bite or not. With expectations managed, even a few thousand sales a year to start probably won’t scuttle this vehicle which slots below the Chevy Sonic.

4. Hyundai Genesis Coupe — Hyundai takes a somewhat confusing approach to its Genesis line. Its sedan targets luxury models, while its coupe competes with more pedestrian models including offerings from Scion and Honda. In any case the Genesis Coupe has been a terrific edition to the Hyundai line up, a late-coming replacement for the Tiburon. The coupe is getting some important mid product lifecycle tweaks including an enhanced 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that is rated at 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 275 foot-pounds of torque at 2,000 rpm. On the outside, this model now features a more aggressive face with updated fascia, grille, headlight and hood design.

5. Mercedes-Benz SL Series — Six decades after the first model was introduced, the SL series is set for an evolutionary update, one that will yield the 2013 model later this year. True to form, the SL advances the styling language we like in this roadster, but brings in LED daytime running lamps for some eye candy. This model weighs in some 275 pounds less and its engine enjoys a bump in horsepower to 429 hp. Figure that you’ll be able to ride this model from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Cool!

6. Volvo XC60 concept — This writer has always found Volvo models to on the boring side although he has appreciated the many safety innovations that the Swedish automaker has developed down through the years. Its XC60 crossover shows that Volvo is innovative in other areas too, offering a plug-in hybrid that will greatly enhance this brand’s environmental-friendly cred. The model on display in Detroit is a concept although the New York Times reports that Europe will get a diesel-electric PHEV model later this year. We could see this technology by 2015, but by then it may pop up in an entirely different model. That’s too bad because its 280-hp four paired with a 70-hp electric motor sounds intriguing.

7. Buick Encore — You’ll have to wait nearly a year to see it, but the Buick Encore crossover is coming to America beginning early 2013. This 2013 model is based on the platform underpinning the Chevrolet Sonic and will be built by GM operations in South Korea. Powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, the Encore aims to bring luxury crossover goodness to a small footprint. This vehicle will compete against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, and include available leather, a Bose premium sound system, quite tuning and a host of technology and safety features. This model may be a gamble for Buick, but the brand might pull it off if the Encore compares favorably to BMW and Audi competition.

EyesOn Design

Before we forget: congratulations to the 2012 EyesOn Design winners. Designers chose the Lexus LF-LC as its Concept Vehicle Award Winner and awarded its Production Vehicle award to the 2013 Ford Fusion.

More Auto Show News:

Looking Ahead: 2012 Chicago Auto Show

Hot Stuff: 2013 Ford Shelby GT500!

Looking Ahead: 2012 NAIAS Highlights

Make no mistake about it: Detroit’s auto show is second to none, especially when it comes to all of the hot new products unveiled. Two days of press reveals means that there are multiple vehicles to talk about including these seven models unveiled on just the first day of the NAIAS:

1. Cadillac ATS — Cadillac jumped the gun by introducing its ATS compact Sunday night. This wasn’t entirely unexpected as GM and some other automakers routinely do sneak previews in advance. Nonetheless, the Cadillac ATS reveal has shown us that Cadillac is making a serious play for the European luxury car buyer, by introducing a rear- or all-wheel-drive compact sedan that harnesses the great looks of the larger CTS and the passion of a BMW 3-Series. The only thing missing is a diesel powerplant, but we think that omission will be resolved in coming years. Look for coupe and V-Series editions to follow.

2. Ford Fusion — Since it was first introduced in for the 2006 model year, Fusion sales have increased year over year. This is all the more remarkable given that toward the end of most any car’s product cycle sales tend to fall. Credit a significant 2010 model year refresh with bringing more attention to the model as well as the addition of a hybrid. For 2013, the Fusion will be all-new and powered by a family of four cylinder engines. Two EcoBoost engines and a normally aspirated four will be paired with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The new Fusion mirrors the EVOS concept, delivering a car that should help keep sales around or above the 250,000 units sold last year. A hybrid and a plug-in hybrid will also roll out, delivering exceptional fuel economy in both arrangements.

3. Dodge Dart — Who said that small cars have to be boring? Over the past few years we’ve seen the introduction of several new stylish models including the Chevrolet Cruze, the Ford Focus and the Hyundai Elantra. Dodge gets a new entry thanks to its relationship with Fiat. The Alfa Romeo-based 2013 Dodge Dart is a car that should be very competitive in an ultra competitive segment. A trio of gasoline engine choices and three transmission options are offered with this model which takes its styling cues from the big Dodge Charger. One model will make 40 mpg per gallon the highway. Other models will demonstrate that compact performance is possible in a compact car built by someone other than Mitsubishi, Mazda, Honda and Ford.

4. Volkswagen Passat Hybrid — Volkswagen, which already has gas and diesel powered versions of its Passat midsize sedan is readying a gas-electric hybrid that it says will get 45 mpg, topping the current segment leader by about 4 mpg. That leader, the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid is all-new, but Volkswagen aims to top this with a car that is powered by a 158 horsepower gas engine and a 22-hp electric motor. Pricing hasn’t been set yet for a sedan that will go on sale toward the end of 2012.

5. Chevrolet Code 130R Concept — Two concept coupes were introduced by Chevrolet on Monday. Both could be similarly priced, from the low $20,000 range, and both are appealing. Me thinks that the Code 130R has a more realistic chance of being built than the TRU 140S, but this writer would be pleased to see either model go into production. Perhaps both?! Both models target young drivers, offering 2+2 seating and would be powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four making 40 mpg on the highway. The “TRU” is based on the same platform underpinning the Cruze and the Volt; GM hasn’t said what the “Code” is based on. The chiseled look of the Code 130R evokes thoughts of other coupes, passing for an adaptation of the Camaro to a smaller frame.

6. Acura NSX — It may take three years to hit the market, but when it arrives the Acura NSX should breathe fresh life into Honda’s premium brand. And that’s important for a brand that doesn’t get the attention that Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz receives, a line of cars that are sometimes compared more to Buick than to Cadillac. The all-new NSX will be built at one of Honda’s Ohio plants and will feature a V-6 gasoline engine that is mid-mounted, offers direct injection and is paired with a dual-clutch transmission. The NSX will be a hybrid too thanks to its electric motor. What may prove most surprising is its suggested $60,000 sticker price — giving people a Ferrari-equivalent model for just a fraction of the price.

7. Audi A5 and S5 — Redesigned coupes are on the way for the Audi A5 and S5, but the biggest news is that Audi hasn’t messed with success. Instead of a radical overall, Audi has chosen an evolutionary update, one that offers a stronger shoulder line, a more robust hood and an expanded front grille. Inside, there will be wireless internet technology via Audi connect, adaptive cruise control, and an important safety feature — enhanced active lane assist.

We’ll be following up this list with our second part tomorrow. That list will include vehicles introduced on Tuesday plus a few Monday releases that didn’t make our first list.

More Auto Show News:

New Faces for Pair of 2013 Lincoln Models

Visited: 2011 Food Lion AutoFair

L.A. Auto Show Looms Large

Next generation Acura RDX makes its debut.

The Honda Motor Company takes a curious approach to unveiling its cars at major auto shows across the globe. When Honda shows a concept vehicle, in all likelihood that model will be built or something close to it, with very few changes made.

Yesterday, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, its Acura brand revealed two concepts and one prototype. The Acura ILX and NSX were the concepts, a compact sedan and a supercar that will be arriving on scene in short order. The prototype, representing the next generation RDX crossover was also displayed, a term not commonly used when a car is introduced. To confirm what I suspected we were seeing, I turned to Merriam-Webster for the precise definition of prototype, what the dictionary defines as “an original model on which something is patterned.”

In other words, the Acura RDX unveiled in Detroit on Monday is, indeed, the 2013 model. Prototype…such a fancy word!

Spring Launch

The 2013 Acura RDX will launch this spring, a five passenger crossover SUV (or CUV) that will be be built at Honda’s facility in East Liberty, Ohio. The current RDX is built in Marysville, Ohio, but Honda is shuffling its production facilities to move around capacity. Indeed, the NSX supercar will also be built in Ohio, although Honda has not announced which facility will get the car. It seems likely, however, that the NSX will be built in Marysville following the move of RDX production.

Changes to the next generation RDX are many and are most apparent under the skin. An all-new all-wheel-drive system will be used and a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 273 horsepower will power this CUV. This engine will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter. Acura estimates that the 2013 model will achieve 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway for the best fuel economy of any gasoline-powered CUV in the luxury segment.

Notable Changes

On the outside, the RDX incorporates a more aerodynamic body, featuring a sculpted hood and styling that is more refined, in keeping with Acura’s current design language. The 2013 Acura RDX offers a longer wheelbase and a wider track, and includes Amplitude Reactive Dampers and a new motion adaptive electronic power steering system.

Inside, the RDX’s cabin features matte surface trim and a broader use of leather to give this CUV a more upscale look. Acura says that the RDX makes greater use of sound deadening materials and active sound control to reduce cabin noise. This model also offers larger door openings, expanded passenger room, an increase in cargo volume along with a new, power liftgate.

Technology Updates

Technology updates are many, helping the Acura RDx stay at the top of the CUV range in amenities offered. Each model will include or make available Pandora internet radio interface, SMS text message feature, a smart entry keyless access system, pushbutton start, and a 3-view rear camera. Also available is a technology package that offers 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. The RDX’s navigation system will also include a whopping 60 gigabytes of storage capacity, with 15 gigabytes that can be allocated for music storage.

Pricing has yet to be announced for the 2013 Acura RDX. Honda expects that the newest model will perform highest in IIHS and NHTSA crash ratings, maintaining the ratings the current model has achieved.

Source: Honda Motor America

The Nissan Pathfinder has been a holdover in the sport utility vehicle segment. This model, one of the oldest continuous names in the industry, has held on to its truck-derived chassis even as other models, including the Ford Explorer, have transitioned to car-based or crossover SUV platforms. At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week, Nissan took the wraps off of a Pathfinder concept that seeks to thoroughly modernize one of the most recognized names in the industry.

Exterior Reveal

This concept isn’t a complete display, however. If you happen to stop by the Nissan stand, you’ll see its exterior, but its interior is not being shown nor will you be able to pop its hood to check out its engine. Typically, concepts have at least a sample interior to show, but Nissan has chosen to hold its plans close to the vest, at least for now.

The transition to crossover SUVs by manufacturers has been strong and steady one over the past decade. Among the popular sellers in the Pathfinder’s segment are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer, models that were recently redone. Both the Jeep and the Ford are selling well above 100,000 units annually while Nissan sold only 25,935 Pathfinders in 2011 reports Automotive News. Nissan has sold upwards of 70,000 Pathfinders in years past, but this SUV has not kept pace with its competitors, something Nissan plans to remedy when the next generation model goes on sale this fall.

Familiar Platform

Look for the next generation Pathfinder to ride on the same platform that underpins several of its other vehicles including its Maxima sedan and Quest van. Its “Global D” platform also powers the Nissan Altima, a midsize sedan that is the best-selling model in Nissan’s line up. The new for the Pathfinder platform will enable Nissan to shave about 500 pounds off of its weight when comported to the current model and yield a larger interior. The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder will have three rows of seats and offer seating for seven passengers.

Look for a 25 percent increase in fuel economy; the current two-wheel drive model is rated at 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway or 17 mpg combined and is powered by a 4.0-liter V-6 engine. With the new model, Nissan should be able to get a combined 21 mpg. Likely, the new Pathfinder will offer front-wheel-drive standard with optional all-wheel-drive. The current model offers rear-wheel-drive standard with optional four-wheel-drive.

Lost Market?

Nissan risks losing a following of off-road enthusiasts that prefer a truck-based SUV to one featuring a unibody construction. Off-road prowess is typically reduced with crossover models although the Jeep Grand Cherokee has managed to keep its “trail-rated” capabilities without sacrificing its towing advantage too. That price is something Nissan appears ready to pay, perhaps welcoming a new type of SUV buyer to help advance its sales.

Source: Nissan North America, N.A.