BMW used their time in the spotlight to introduce two new models (plus a very subtly updated Z4) and a thinly-disguised concept that will soon join the lineup as the newly-christened 4-Series replacement to the aging 3-Series coupes. Let’s start with the 320i that features a lower output version of the 2.0-liter turbo four we’ve enjoyed in the 328i. Here it makes 180 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque but it does net you a starting price of $33,445. Most of the usual options, including all-wheel drive will remain available and if you were expecting a fuel milage bump over the more powerful 328i you’ll be disappointed to learn they are estimating the same 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway EPA ratings. You’ll just have to take solace in the nearly $3,500 you saved when selecting this new base model. Read more…
The thoroughly upgraded 2013 Ram 1500 capped a decisive Awards Show season with a dominating performance in the North American Truck/Utility of the Year competition. The revised Ram utilizes an 8-speed automatic to return better performance and 25 mpg on the highway. Coupled with other enhancements like more aerodynamic styling, an available air-ride suspension, improved interior ergonomics and power lockable Rambox bedside “trunks”, the Ram 1500 walked away from its fellow finalists, the Mazda CX-5 and Ford C-Max. For you trivia buffs out there, we’ll save you the trip to Google: The Ram 1500 last won the coveted award in 1994 when it debuted with the iconic styling still in place today.
Kicking off the festivities at Cobo Hall for the North American International Auto show was the announcement of the North American Car and Truck / SUV of the Year winners. The Cadillac ATS was named North American Car of the Year, edging out the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord midsize sedans. This was Cadillac’s first time receiving the award and was no surprise since the automotive press has been giving the luxury brand’s compact rear-wheel-drive sport sedan high praise. North American Car of the Year awards are determined by a panel of 49 journalists from the United States and Canada. The jurors are given 25 points to distribute among the cars. The ATS led with 207 points, followed by 159 points for the Honda Accord, and 124 points for the Ford Fusion. Cadillac executive cheif engineer, Dave Leone, was on hand to accept the award on behalf of the Cadillac team. Read more…
RS 7
Audi has been on a winning streak of offering a long succession of beautiful cars. If the A5, A6, and A8 aren’t pretty enough, Audi has the A7 Sportback. If the A7 isn’t fast enough then an affluent buyer with an extra $18,700 laying around can opt for the S7 with 420 horsepower.
We’ve never been given the task to design a car, much less one as sacred to the automotive faithful as the long running Chevrolet Corvette. The look of such a car must be a challenge to the designers in order to balance the continuation of the legend while reinventing and innovating to keep the car fresh and competitive. It is much easier for those of us on this side of the drawing board to praise or criticize each generation of Corvette. At the end, however, it is the consumer and enthusiast who decides the success and failure of each successive automotive generation. We’re critics though and we know what we like and we know Corvette history. Unfortunately this new car, which revives the Stingray name, did not immediately take our breath away. Even so we must remember our original thoughts when casting our gaze on the C5 Corvette, which is now considered the car that revolutionized what it meant to bear the beloved name. That car didn’t immediately strike us as beautiful then either. Certainly we can praise the upgraded interior and speculate on what it will feel like to row through seven gears. What we can’t predict is whether the C7 will grow better with age or be remembered as the car that broke the Corvette’s beauty streak.
Automakers are feeling pretty good about 2012 and from what we’ve been able to pry out of them they’re going to be kicking-off 2013 in style by rolling out more than 50 new concept cars and production vehicles at the annual auto show season kickoff we call the North American International Auto Show. That means we’re going to have to take our coverage to the next level so readers far and wide will feel like they’re in the Motor City with us taking notes, snapping pictures and tracking down the best gourmet cappuccino. And we plan to do just that by increasing our video offerings and on-the-spot Twitter reporting. (Follow us @automotvtrnds) Of course we’ll be recapping things each night with all the highlights and stunning photography you crave. Find your way back here Sunday, January 13th as we descend into the madness and get things started with our predictions for North American Car and Truck of the Year.
There’s a lot to see at the 2012 North American International Auto Show and many of our readers won’t be able to experience it firsthand, but if you’re looking for just the highlights you’ve come to the right spot. Executive Editor Brandon Dye, Senior Editor Jason Muxlow and Design Editor Erich Gernand spent two days covering the show from top to bottom and they’ve got the sore feet to prove it. So anyone who can’t make it to the Motor City this year should sit back and listen in as they discuss the big news coming out of Detroit. You don’t even have to risk sore feet.
This year no debut earned more applause than the announcement that the Acura NSX Concept would be entering production within three years. Check out this video of Executive Editor Brandon Dye sharing the highlights of the returning Japanese supercar. Read more…
Buick has been teasing us for the last several weeks by slowly revealing bits of their newest crossover. Buick has also chosen to tease those of us with a long memory by choosing the moniker ‘Encore’ for this crossover. That name was last used on a much unloved Renault hatchback marketed in the 1980’s alongside its Alliance sedan counterpart at AMC dealerships. No matter, the Encore name likely was chosen due to its audible similarity to Buick’s large Enclave crossover. Unexpectedly, the Encore is based on the Chevrolet Sonic rather than the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Read more…
