Detroit Auto Show Picks

Acura NSX Concept

The concept that really took this year's Detroit Auto Show by storm was Acura's NSX concept. Just over six years ago the production of Acura's flagship sports car ended, and ever since there have been rumblings and rumors of a new model. Now it seems that the NSX is back on track to getting a second generation an re-entering production. What is most notable about this concept, as I'm sure you tell by the image above, is the styling whose sharp lines prove to be incredibly attractive. The much detested power plenum grill is incorporated, but thankfully Acura's designers have quite tastefully integrated the company's controversial signature look into the concept.

2013 Cadillac ATS

Late last year Cadillac unveiled their next full-size sedan, the XTS, at the LA Auto Show. Now they've taken the wraps off of the long-rumored ATS, which offers full competition to BMW's 3-series. The styling is very much in line with that of the previously mentioned XTS, taking Cadillac's design language to a higher level.

2013 Dodge Dart

When it comes to small cars, Dodge has been struggling a bit lately. The Caliber, the rather popular Neon's replacement, was never really able to find success and now that the small car segment is heating up in the US Dodge desperately needs to stake their claim in the market. Sourced mainly from Alfa Romeo, it seems that the Dart could do just that. Gone is the inelegant truck-like styling, and in enters much more attractive and flowing lines. The Dart's taillight design greatly mirrors that of the Charger refresh, a very welcome sight. Unfortunately, for now at least, Dodge only plans to offer the sedan body style.

Lexus LF-LC Concept

Lexus' styling has exactly been all that breathtaking, but they're slowly beginning to change that with the new GS and now the LF-LC concept which has been stated to be the inspiration for all future styling of Lexus models.

Lincoln MKZ Concept

It's no secret that Lincoln has been really struggling lately, and this concept car is intended to show what the future will hold for the Ford sub-brand. The MKZ concept features styling more in tune with the swooping four door coupe style currently in trend. It is certainly much more appealing to the eye than anything currently on offer by Lincoln. Hopefully this soon to be production car will lead to a reinvention of the luxury brand.

LA Auto Show Picks

2012 Hyundai Azera

Seemingly cast aside and forgotten in Hyundai's recent line-up overhaul, the Azera finally get's what it's due: a complete refresh. Everything is completely new and the styling has made the jump forward from rather plain and conservative and now matches that of Hyundai's current fluid design language.

2012 Cadillac XTS

The replacement for both the STS and DTS, and Cadillac's answer to the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series and the Audi A8. Of note, the XTS marks the unveiling of Cadillac's new infotainment system dubbed CUE.

Subaru BRZ Concept

For awhile now, while Toyota has been displaying concept after concept of their upcoming FT86 (which the BRZ is directly related to through a collaboration between the two companies), Subaru has only been showing off a clear body shell of their sports coupe that simply showed off the powertrain. That has, thankfully, finally changed with the BRZ concept displayed at the LA Auto Show.

2013 Ford Escape

The Vertek concept revealed at the Detroit Auto Show back in January was clearly a preview of the upcoming overhaul of the rather tired Escape, and while there are some differences, the new Escape revealed at the LA Auto Show remains quite true to the concept's styling. It's certainly looking to be a strong competitor for the Honda CR-V and other crossovers in the segment.