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.

Saab Finally Calls It Quits

After several months of floundering in debt and desperately trying to scrounge together investors in China, Saab is finally calling it quits and filing for bankruptcy. While certainly expected, this is definitely sad news. After suffering at the hands of General Motors, Saab was finally establishing an identity of it's own with the new 9-5 and the 9-4X. Unfortunately, the Swedish automaker just couldn't make it on it's own. One main issue was the fact that though they were independent of the giant, they still relied upon GM for the production of the 9-4X crossover and GM just did not want to hand over the blueprints for one of it's products (the 9-4X is derived off of the Cadillac SRX) and completed products that cost billions to develop to a Chinese company.

According to the Car and Driver blog:

"Saab’s remaining assets will be liquidated by a court-appointed administrator. This includes any production facilities (we expect that the Swedish government or local investors will buy these), tooling, patents, and of course, the rights to the brand itself. In all likelihood, Youngman, Pang Da, or another Chinese company will score the rights to the Saab brand name, and produce new vehicles in China with the Griffin logo. This is similar to what happened with MG and Rover, which live on as Chinese brands."


Source: Car and Driver Blog

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.

Volkswagen's Sacrifice for it's Lofty Goals

Last year Volkswagen managed to sell 256,830 cars. Do you know what their sales goal here in US by 2018 is? At 800,000 units it's just over three times that number. Seems like the folks over at Volkswagen are a little delirious doesn't it?

So, the question now is how exactly do they plan on achieving that lofty goal? By making an attempt to raise appeal in the US market, primarily through cutting prices, sizing up and getting rid of any hint of style or personality in their cars. This trend could be seen with the recently released sixth generation Jetta, as depicted below:

Now, in terms of styling the Jetta is terrible. It is in fact quite decent looking, but that does little to cover the conservative nature of the design. Volkswagen took things a step further with the new Passat, making it even more bland and arguably anonymous. Check it out below:

Once again, the design doesn't offend, although that is the exact point. Summed up, this is the epitome of please-everyone styling. Unfortunately for Volkswagen, they took the blandness a little too far, because, honestly, both the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are far more visually engaging and interesting than this thing and they aren't exactly what you would consider the most exciting cars to begin. This issue of styling is exacerbated even further with the presence of the flowing lines of the Hyundai Sonata and the top notch styling of the Kia Optima. Certainly Volkswagen may achieve they're goal of increased sales with this Passar, but to a tasteless audience.

Geneva Auto Show: Alfa Romeo 4C

Today Alfa Romeo revealed the 4C concept and, though the 8C Competizione was sold here earlier, apparently it's due to lead the charge of Alfa Romeo's constantly rumored return to the United States.

Take a look:

Definitely an attractive car, isn't it? Certainly a worthy follow up to the absolute beauty of the 8C (pictured below).

Geneva Auto Show: Lamborghini Aventador

Today at the Geneva auto show Lamborghini finally took the wraps off of their latest super car, and the replacement for the aging Murcielago, the Aventador.

Take a look at it for yourself:

Isn't it beautiful? If you've been following Lamborghini you should be able to make out an un-mistakable resemblance to the Reventon. Unfortunately I can't really delve further into details, drivetrain and mechanicals aren't exactly my specialty. For those details head to Car and Driver.

The Minivan Redefined?

With the latest generation of minivans, automakers are attempting to redefine the minivan. I can't quite attest to powertrain and all of the technical details, but speaking in terms of styling a monumental shift has certainly been made.

The main models to consider here: the Toyota Sienna, the Honda Odyssey, and the Nissan Quest. I'm not terribly sure what encouraged this change, but the Sienna was certainly the first to introduce this movement towards a sportier, more attractive design in minivans.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of each van's current and previous generation:

Toyota Sienna

Nissan Quest

Honda Odyssey