2012 NAIAS Coverage Kick-Off
Normally we’d be asking for sympathy as we setup residence in the winter wonderland of Detroit to cover the North American International Auto Show, but truth be told the temperatures this year are mild and there isn’t a snowflake to be found. But even if a blizzard descended there’s no place we’d rather be since the annual kick-off to auto show season always delivers the stunning concepts and fresh production debuts we crave. We’re expecting a good show this year as the automakers close the books on a resurgent 2011 and look forward to a growing market this year. Tomorrow we’ll be onsite bringing you all the pictures, news and video you’ve come to expect from us, but for tonight here’s a preview of what’s to come.
Audi A4 / S4
Though 2012 is only days old, the 2013 Audi A4 and its sportier S4 sibling have been revealed with cosmetic and mechanical upgrades. First impressions of the updated looks are positive though discrete enough to leave one questioning what has changed. New to the lineup is electromechanical power steering that corrects torque steer as well as enhances fuel economy. The enthusiast should be pleased to hear that a six speed manual remains available and Audi further utilizes its 8-speed automatic by offering it in the A4. We hope to see a continuance of Audi’s outstanding interiors when we scrutinize the car at the show.
Photos courtesy of Audi
Bentley Continental GT V8
In an effort to look concerned about the environment and offer a bit of a discount on their entry offering Continental range, Bentley has developed a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 to motivate the Flying B in place of the 6.0-liter W12 that they’ve used for almost a decade. Horsepower comes in at an even 500 while torque maxes at 481 lb-ft. An 8-speed automatic sends power out to all four wheels and all the usual Bentley luxuries remain available. Thanks to technologies like direct injection and cylinder deactivation engineers expect the newly frugal Continental to return more than 20 miles per gallon on the highway. Hey, every little bit helps we guess. For those wealthy clients who aren’t as concerned with saving polar bears the W12 remains available.
Photos courtesy of Bentley
Cadillac ATS
Cadillac might have sold the CTS as its 3-Series competitor when it debuted a decade ago but the truth is the CTS has always been a bit too big and heavy to match the stalwart 3-Series punch-for-punch. In an effort to make the fight more interesting Cadillac will introduce the ATS that measures within an inch of the Bavarian in every important dimension. Engineers focused on keeping weight low and spent plenty of time tuning the dynamics on tracks around the world. With a 6-speed manual, a variety of engines including a 270 hp turbo, Magnetic Ride Control and Brembo brakes we can’t wait to drive the new baby Caddy when it goes on sale this summer.
Photos courtesy of Cadillac
Dodge Dart
Dodge’s unexpected announcement last month that its newest small car would be named the Dart ushered in a new level of anticipation for the brand’s smallest offering. Tomorrow we will get uninhibited views of the first Dart to be sold in America since 1976. Early glimpses of the car suggests this is more a successor to the long departed Neon sedan rather than the unloved nearly-a-crossover Caliber. We’re eager to see the full extent of the Dart’s interior upgrades. We also wait in anticipation to see how close the Dart comes to achieving the 40 mpg EPA highway rating.
Photos courtesy of Dodge
Porsche 911 Cabriolet
To the surprise of absolutely no one Porsche is following up the debut of its latest 911 with the first of which will undoubtedly be more variants than we can keep straight. The new Cabriolet making its debut in Detroit can be had in base 911 and 911 S variants and features an advanced folding soft top utilizing magnesium supports to keep weight low. With the top up Porsche says the profile appearance is more in line with the coupe styling and the whole top folds more compactly to reduce the “hump” usually associated with cabrio 911s.
Photos courtesy of Porsche
Toyota Land Cruiser
In an effort to cover the automotive news in the smallest detail, we will be looking up close at the changes made to one of the industry’s slowest selling vehicles. Regardless of the number of buyers that will take notice, Toyota created a handful of updates for their long running Land Cruiser. These updates focus on an exterior refreshening, LED lighting, standard navigation system, dynamic and safety improvements and not to mention a shifting of optional equipment onto the list of standard features. We’ll see just how much of an impression the changes to this beast of obscurity leave on us as we tour from press conference to press conference.
Photos courtesy of Toyota
