At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Toyota has revealed their “Vision of the Future” NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid concept which is set for potential global market introduction by 2015.

While the NS4 concept is a dedicated plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), Toyota says it isn’t part of its Prius family, with a next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in system that is not only smaller and lighter, but is also more fuel efficient, boasts better acceleration and a longer all-electric range than the current system.

Claiming that connected vehicles are the third fastest growing technological device behind smartphones and tablets, Toyota has developed the NS4 concept with a heavy focus on connectivity. Its Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is built around a multi-touch screen that takes its lead in the look and usability departments from a smartphone and acts as a hub for displaying information and controlling the car’s multimedia, air conditioning, battery-charge and navigation functions. Toyota says the HMI system is also able to learn driver preferences and habits and anticipate driver responses in certain situations.

The NS4 concept also sees the introduction of a number of new safety features. A next-generation Pre-Collision System (PCS) is designed to predict collisions before they occur and help avoid them. It uses millimetre-wave radar and front-mounted stereo cameras to detect and react to lane departure, pedestrians and other vehicles, with near-infrared beams to enhance performance at night. When the system detects an imminent collision, the brake assist system is placed in standby mode and the driver is warned by a buzzer and warning light. If the system determines that the collision is unavoidable, it will apply the brakes and automatically tighten the front seatbelts.

For those times when a pedestrian collision cannot be avoided, the car features a pop-up hood structure that automatically raises the rear of the hood within certain speed ranges to increase the space underneath and reduce the chance of the pedestrian sustaining head injuries.

With interior and exterior rear view cameras replacing mirrors, a dedicated dashboard-mounted screen positioned above the navigation display is used to display a panoramic rear view image that is wider than that possible with conventional rear view mirrors. The rear view panoramic camera view also works in conjunction with a sub-millimetre wave radar in the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system to detect a vehicle in an adjacent lane.

Meanwhile, Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights uses a camera mounted behind the front grille and partial shielding inside the headlights to allow drivers to maintain near-high beam illumination without producing vision-impairing glare to oncoming drivers.

Toyota’s engineers have also given the NS4 concept’s windshield and side and rear windows a technological makeover with the application of anti-fog film, a high ultraviolet absorbing inner layer that removes 99% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, and an anti-solar film with radio-wave transparency that reduces the interior temperature without impacting mobile electronic device wireless reception. The windscreen and windows, along with the roof solar panel, have also been given a hydrophobic coating to help repel raindrops and improve visibility.

Hyundai’s performance-minded Veloster Turbo has made its official debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show this week. The hot hatch will go toe-to-toe with industry heavyweights like the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper S.

Like the standard car, the Veloster Turbo is powered by a 1.6L GDI four-cylinder engine, but the addition of forced induction boosts horsepower to 201 and torque to 264Nm. In comparison, the standard Veloster produces 138bhp and 166Nm of torque.

Power for the Veloster Turbo is routed to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The base Veloster’s EcoShift DCT gearbox is not on offer as it simply can’t cope with the added torque of the turbocharged engine.

Hyundai is keeping quiet on the Veloster’s official performance figures, but the Korean automaker says the manual version of the car will achieve 8.7L/100km in the city and a segment-leading 6.2L/100km on the highway.

Although the overall styling of the standard Veloster remains, Hyundai added a few tweaks to make the Veloster Turbo stand out from the crowd. Up front that means a new hexagonal front grille, with unique side sills running the length of the car. At the rear the Veloster Turbo gains a new bumper with prominent diffuser vents.

A set of unique 18” wheels is also part of the Veloster Turbo package, and buyers can also opt for Hyundai’s first-ever Matte Gray paint.

Inside, the Veloster Turbo gets standard leather seats with the word ‘Turbo’ stitched into the seatbacks. The Turbo model also gains two TFT screens located between the speedometer and tachometer and a “sport bike” inspired centre stack.

Honda has unveiled the 2013 Accord Coupe concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show this week.

Looking eerily familiar, the concept previews the next-generation model that will be launched this fall. Notable highlights include a honeycomb grille, “crystallized chrome” accents and 20″ alloy wheels. There’s also a dual exhaust system, a trunk-mounted spoiler and LED-infused headlights.

While the production coupe will be about the same size as today’s model, the sedan will be slightly smaller. It will also be lighter for “more responsive handling and improved driving dynamics.”

Under the hood, the 2013 Accord will offer three engines. The new 2.4L Earth Dreams four-cylinder will produce more than 181bhp and 240Nm of torque. It can be paired to a six-speed manual or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Next up, the Accord Plug-in Hybrid will feature a 2.0L four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine, a 161bhp electric motor, a 6 kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). This will enable the sedan to travel 16-24 km on electricity alone at speeds up to 100 km/h. When the battery is depleted, it can be fully recharged in less than four hours using a 120V outlet or less than 1.5 hours using a 240V outlet.

There will also be an updated 3.5L V6 engine which will likely produce 310bhp and 359Nm of torque. It can be connected to a six-speed manual or a new six-speed automatic.

In the tech department, the Accord will offer a lane departure warning system, a forward collision warning system and a blind-spot monitor. Other goodies include a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity and an SMS text messaging function which can read incoming messages over the speakers.

At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show this week, Honda has lifted the sheet off the much anticipated NSX Concept vehicle that previews the replacement for its cherished NSX supercar, which is expected to enter the market in the next three years.

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 favourable 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.”

Honda 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.

The new NSX will be developed by Honda’s North American R&D centre, and will be built in Ohio, but the company states that the car will be pretty much a global offering, catering to sports driving enthusiasts throughout the world.

At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai has introduced the significantly refreshed versions of its Genesis Coupe.

Sure, the refreshed 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe now looks more aggressive, but the real story is under the hood, with new powertrains that pack more punch and a few more gears, as well.

The V6 Genesis Coupe now features direct injection, while the turbocharged four has a new turbo and intercooler setup. Both models are available with eight-speed automatics and get slightly better fuel economy, as well.

The 3.8L V6 in the Genesis Coupe now makes 348bhp and 401Nm of torque, up from 306 and 360, respectively. The 2.0T model gains even more, going from 201bhp to 274bhp, with torque improving from 302Nm to 373Nm.

Both cars retain their six-speed manuals, but now have a Hyundai-developed eight-speed with paddle-shifters as the automatic option. Despite the new automatic, fuel economy goes up by just a single digit. More importantly, Hyundai says the new V6 is good for a 0-100 km/h in the low five-second range.

There’s plenty more to this mid-lifecycle revision, including seven new exterior colours and some new hues for the interior, which has also been improved. Other hardware upgrades include a re-calibrated, quicker steering rack, front strut camber adjustment, and revised damper settings.

The Genesis Coupe also gets the Hyundai BlueLink telematics system, providing Genesis Coupe owners with a variety of infotainment services to meet their individual connectivity needs.

The Lexus LF-LC concept has been leaking on the Internet longer than most Detroit-bound reveals, but that doesn’t make the 2+2 coupe any less stunning. Today, Lexus has officially unveiled the LF-LC concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The LF-LC concept showcases the future design direction for Lexus and potentially previews a future model.

Challenged by the Lexus Centre in Japan to come up with a design for a future hybrid sport coupe concept, the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California sought to advance the redefinition of Lexus with emotive, avant-garde beauty and advanced technology, yet remain within reach for premium buyers.

The movement is not new. “The concept we’re showing here in Detroit continues the Lexus design revolution started with the CT and GS. The concept hybrid 2+2 liberates the idea of a sport coupe and pushes the boundaries of performance, style and technology,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Group VP and GM.

The LF-LC displays the new Lexus design language in its bold interpretation of the signature Lexus spindle grille and rear architecture. Sumptuous curves blend smoothly into dynamic angles, creating an inviting display of lines, shadows and corners.

Framed by a deep aluminium surround, the mesh pattern of the spindle grille takes 3D sculpture form, and functional air intakes in the bottom corners of the grille show the fusion of distinctive style and engineering functionality.

Daytime running lights are shaped like an “L” while the vertical fog lamps utilize a fading dot matrix pattern to suggest a sense of movement.

The concept car’s glass roof features a lightweight, cantilevered pillar with a glass-to-glass juncture inspired by modern architecture. A rising, kick-up window graphic and polished aluminium trim are unexpected elements. Overall, the greenhouse design enhances driver visibility while adding to the sleek lines of the car.

The dynamic cabin lines are carried through to the rear deck, sculpturally integrating the spindle grille theme to echo the front of the vehicle while creating a unique sense of width. The tail lamps, inspired by the look of a jet afterburner at take-off, use inner lighting to create a remarkable sense of depth. The rear is also fitted with fog lamps, repeating the fading dot matrix pattern of the front fog lamps. Visually, the integrated tail and fog lamps repeat the “L” shape and lead the viewer’s eye down to the powerful Lexus quad exhaust.

The interior of the LF-LC concept vehicle contrasts the cool ambience of advanced technology with soft textures and organic shapes to create a driver-focused synergy of form and function. The cockpit expresses a feeling of both openness and security. The driver is enveloped by deeply scooped side panels and a high, curved console. The effect is to focus the driver zone on the controls and on the road.

Based on Lexus’ commitment to creating an intuitive driving experience, the LF-LC incorporates a remote touch-screen device that allows the driver to comfortably operate controls without shifting position or altering line-of-sight.

Twin 12.3” LCD screens provide information and navigation display. Inputs come from a touch-screen control board piercing the swept centre console. Used to control the audio system, climate controls and navigation, the interface features a pop-up touch-screen keyboard for more complex entries. Similar touch-screen surfaces on each door operate the windows, mirrors, seat adjustments and personal entertainment settings.

Set directly in front of the driver, multi-level meters layer analogue and LCD technologies. The bottom layer displays temperature, fuel and the background for the Eco meter. The middle layer is the tachometer mechanical centre ring. The topmost layer provides indicators for the tachometer, speedometer and Eco meter.

Surfaces throughout the cabin are presented in a combination of smooth leather and suede, with brushed metal trim and wood accents. The lightweight, race-inspired front seats are formed of multiple layers and repeat the interlacing curves that define the cabin interior. The racing style steering wheel is also a lightweight design and contains integrated controls and start button. Beautiful stitch details emphasize organic movement throughout the interior.

Lexus doesn’t provide too many details about its powertrain except that its front-engined, rear-wheel drive with Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive.

But speculation places the LF-LC concept as the SC successor. It is believed that the vehicle will be named LC 600h and it will be powered by a hybridized 5.0L V8 engine which will produce upwards of 500bhp. This should enable the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than five seconds. It is scheduled for launch in 2015.

Lexus also states the LF-LC concept hints at the design cues that are coming in a wave of new Lexus models over the next 24 months.

In 1986, when the Nissan Pathfinder first appeared, it quickly revolutionized the sport utility vehicle segment. Offering previously unavailable features such as ample cargo room and a comfortable on-road ride, along with authentic off-road adventure performance, it immediately set a new standard in the emerging SUV class. Now 27 years and 1.2 million-plus Pathfinder sales later, a new dimension is about to be added to the popular nameplate with highly evolved, aerodynamic styling – previewed in the stylish Nissan Pathfinder Concept.

One of the biggest changes to the upcoming Pathfinder design is the return to a unibody platform (also utilized on the second generation Pathfinder), which offers numerous benefits including enhanced interior packaging flexibility. This, in turn, provides an opportunity to create a more aerodynamic exterior without compromising headroom or cargo capacity. One constant through the previous generations of Pathfinder, and that continues into the new design, is its strong presence.

Moving upscale in look, the new exterior styling presents a smart fusion of signature Nissan styling cues and dynamic strength. The look is adventure-ready with wheel-oriented muscular fenders and a strong, stable stance. The upper body features an open cabin with a low beltline and thin A- and D-pillars, which flow smoothly into the rugged, durable-looking lower body. The new Pathfinder utilizes front and rear spoilers, rear tyre deflectors and rear suspension fairings to help achieve what is expected to be among the best aerodynamic performance in the segment.

Other exterior details include a wide chrome grille and large aerodynamic headlights, recessed front windshield wipers, chrome door handles and large rear combination lights. A panoramic dual-panel moonroof, with sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel, combines with the large windows to create an open, airy interior environment.

The Pathfinder Concept provides full-size cabin roominess inside, yet with a highly manageable exterior size. In one other important measurement, the next-gen Pathfinder is expected to weigh substantially less than the previous body-on-frame design, which helps contribute to the enhanced fuel economy performance.

Addressing buyers’ desire for more efficiency in every aspect of their lives, the Pathfinder powertrain utilizes a refined V6 engine mated to a next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to provide an expected 25% increase in combined City/Highway fuel economy (over the previous V6-equipped design). The Pathfinder Concept also features an intuitive four-wheel drive system and a towing capacity comparable to the leaders in the segment.

The next-gen Nissan Pathfinder, based on the Pathfinder Concept design, is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in fall 2012.

Volkswagen’s iconic Beetle has been redefined for the 21st century. Now, it has been further reinvented as a concept car for the future: the pure electric E-Bugster.

The name “E-Bugster” is a combination of “E” for electric, “Bug,” the American nickname for the Beetle, and “speedster,” which typically describes an open-top two-seater. Although the E-Bugster concept is clearly not a convertible, it sports the typical speedster profile of shallow windows and a low, dramatic roofline.

At the electric heart of the E-Bugster is an electric motor that makes 114bhp and 270Nm of torque. A lithium-ion battery enables the car to go more than 160 km in zero emissions driving.

Stored under the trunk floor and the rear bench, the battery weighs 315kg. The battery is recharged via a plug interface located underneath the hood’s VW logo and can accommodate all three types of available chargers: Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V), and, where available, Level 3 (quick charge, 80% charge in 30 minutes).

Holistically, Volkswagen calls the electric drive unit used in the E-Bugster “Blue-e-motion,” and it will be found in future products such as the Golf Blue-e-Motion.

In addition to being a study in pure-electric mobility, the E-Bugster is also a dynamic study in Beetle design. Up front, the E-Bugster’s flat and wide windshield is distinctive. The E-Bugster utilizes LED Daytime Running Lights, just like the production Beetle, except that here they form a distinctive graphic on either side of the lower air intake in the front bumper. This LED graphic is mirrored by reflectors in the rear bumper. Ever since the e-up! concept car was presented in Europe, these unique DRLs have become a signature element on Volkswagen electric vehicle studies.

From the side, the E-Bugster’s low, flat roof serves to frame the rest of the vehicle’s distinctive features. Between its flared fenders and 20” wheels, there’s a distinctive Beetle “V” that runs along the side of the vehicle. Above its side sill, a decal with the “E-Bugster” signature can be seen. Just above this point, the chrome has been lengthened from the lower window border towards the rear of the car. The top of the E-Bugster extends in a flat arch over this chrome line and borders the vehicle’s side windows. The height between the chrome lower edge of these windows and the uppermost roof line is tight, like a chopped-down speedster. Overall, the Bugster is nearly three inches lower than a Beetle.

A unique exterior look isn’t all that sets the E-Bugster apart from the production Beetle; it also sports EV-specific gauges inside. The traditional tachometer has been replaced with an energy consumption display that fluctuates with vehicle acceleration. Other instrumentation includes a driving range indicator, a display showing the battery’s charge state, and a display that shows the driver the intensity of battery regeneration.

Volkswagen has recently introduced the 2013 Jetta Hybrid at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Billed as the world’s fastest compact hybrid, the model uses a turbocharged 1.4L petrol engine with 150bhp and 249 Nm of torque. It is backed up by a 27bhp electric motor which is powered by a 1.1 kWh battery.

This gives the car a combined maximum output of 170bhp which enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 9.0 seconds and average approximately 5.2 L/100km. Additionally, the car can travel up to 1.9 km on electricity alone at speeds up to 71 km/h.

Besides the aforementioned equipment, the car also has an engine start/stop system, regenerative brakes and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Despite all these changes, the car only weighs 100 kg more than the standard model.

In terms of styling, the hybrid is distinguished by a new front bumper, a rear diffuser and a trunk-mounted spoiler. There’s also a unique grille, hybrid badging and 15” alloy wheels with low-rolling resistance tyres.

Inside, the cabin has a unique instrument cluster (with hybrid-specific gauges / displays) and Bluetooth connectivity. Options include heated front seats, a Fender audio system and GPS navigation.

One of the debuts everyone has been anxiously awaiting for has been leaked, with the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart hitting the interwebs ahead of its official 2012 Detroit Auto Show debut.

The first Chrysler product to be based on a Fiat architecture, the 2013 Dodge Dart looks sporty and contemporary. The Dart effectively replaces the Caliber in Dodge’s lineup offering the Chrysler Group a direct rival to the Ford Focus and Chevrolet saloons.

The vehicle itself is based on the Alfa Romeo’s Giulietta platform and it will be available with three different four-cylinder engines. The engine include a 1.4L MultiAir Turbo, a 2.0L Tigershark and a 2.4L MultiAir Tigershark. They can be connected to three different transmissions which are expected to include a six-speed TCT (Twin Clutch Transmission) and a nine-speed automatic.

We’ll know more when the wrap comes off this new stunner from Dodge at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show. For now, enjoy the first official pictures and video below!