The best of the 2012 Detroit auto show

January 18th, 2012 - Daniel Barron

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Dodge Dart - This new entry in the small car segment received a large introduction at the show, and we heard very few negative things about this sedan. Already one of the coolest-looking vehicles in its class.

 

 

Acura NSX – We already knew the 21st century version of this supercar was going to be shown in Detroit, but nothing had been officially unveiled. The moment the sheet was pulled off this hybrid coupe, numerous cameras were trained on it, and the flashing lights never left. Audiences have been clamoring for the NSX reimagining, and though we only know a little bit about it, the unveiling didn’t disappoint.

Lexus LF-LC – With the LF-A and this newly-introduced LF-LC, Lexus really has shown off some stunning designs in recent years. Whether you like the styling of these vehicles or not is beside the point – these aren’t staid sedans or conservative crossers. They’re showing a new side of Lexus, and the LF-LC generated plenty of buzz at this year’s show.

Ford Fusion – A giant leap forward for Ford’s midsize sedan. A gasoline, gasoline-electric, and plug-in model has already been announced, and the newest Fusion is sure to be full of all kinds of technology to appeal to tech-obsessed consumers. Here’s hoping it injects some genuine driving excitement into the segment.

Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ – These two vehicles were developed together by Toyota and Subaru, and are nearly identical in terms of both styling and engineering. There’s no doubt they both sound like a blast to drive, and we can never get enough of sporty, compact coupes.

Mini Roadster – Let’s be honest here – the rear seats in the Mini Cooper always were kind of wasted, because who wants to plop a couple of people in the back when you’re driving something that fun? With the Mini Roadster, you get the thrill of a true top-down, two-seat experience, in a vehicle that handles like it’s nobody’s business.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo – There’s no doubt the Veloster is a great-looking hatchback, but it lacks a certain something when it comes to power. You can throw that all out the window now thanks to the turbocharged version that’s going into production. We can’t wait to get our mitts on the steering wheel of one of these.

Chevrolet Code 130R – Besides the silly, trying-too-hard-to-be-hip code naming, this youthful-looking concept from General Motors definitely acts the part of a fun, performance-oriented coupe. It has a certain retro flavour that we like, especially considering a lot of other automakers have gone away from the retro route in recent months.

Mercedes-Benz E400 – Yes, we know a next-generation SL was shown by Mercedes in Detroit, but we’re suckers for the E-Class. Basically every automaker is making a big push toward fuel efficiency, and a diesel-electric E-Class is just what the doctor ordered in that respect. Throw in the understated styling and superb luxury, and this has “winner” written all over it.

Bentley Continental GT V8 – One of the fastest-looking vehicles at the Detroit show. It’s one thing to be chauffered around in a vehicle that has a price that easily reaches six digits, but it’s another thing altogether driving one. The second we saw this on the show floor, we wanted to drive it.

Cadillac ATS – Will this sedan truly be able to take on the big boys from Europe? At the very least, it’s sure to make things very interesting. For that reason alone, the ATS has to go on our list. Its much-bigger brother the XTS is nearly as impressive.

Smart For-Us – Will a Smart “pickup” ever go into production? That remains to be seen, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun pretending to drive this little thing around town, carrying more than just a couple of small bags in the cargo area (which is about what you’re limited to in the Fortwo).

Audi Allroad – The Allroad makes its return to the Audi lineup in North America for the 2013 model year, and will replace the A4 Avant. It’s a little more rugged than your average A4, but still retains the unmistakeable Audi styling, and we’re guessing it’ll still do wonders in terms of handling and acceleration.

Infiniti Etherea – One of the curviest concepts out there right now, the Etherea is something to behold not just on a computer screen or in a magazine, but in person as well. Pure eye candy, and we’re okay with that.

3 comments

  1. 8.4LitreViper says:

    Do not care about over-hyped japanese supercar. It’s all about the Dart/BRZ/Veloster Turbo. Anything that is affordable and fun. The Dart better have a six speed manual. If Nissan can put one in their compacts than no reason Dodge can’t.

  2. I’m really pumped for the Dart and Veloster Turbo as well, Viper. By the way, it was announced at the auto show that the Dart will indeed offer a 6-speed manual, as well as a 6-speed auto and 6-speed dual clutch transmission.

  3. K J Tarnawski says:

    Is it just me or can you see a Bow Tie in the grill of the new Dodge Dart ?

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