Literally and figuratively, Subaru, which is the Japanese word for the Pleaides – has been a rock star in the depressed auto sales environment spawned by the collapse of the economy in 2008. Over the past few years, Subaru has seen double-digit sales increases and 2011 was its best year ever.

Perhaps it’s Subaru’s legendary reliability or perhaps its just that the company stayed laser-focused on its core “outdoor lifestyle vehicles” for its rabidly-loyal customers. Whatever the reason, there is no argument that Subaru has hit a successful formula that continues to resonate with hard-core enthusiasts as well as more recent members of the Subaru family.

If you know nothing about Subaru, you should know that it has two defining traits. First, it’s the only mass-market auto manufacturer that uses flat boxer engines in all its vehicles. (Porsche uses boxer engines in its sports cars, but not its other products.) And that boxer engine always drives all four wheels to form what Subaru calls symmetrical all-wheel drive.

Here’s an animation of how the Subaru boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive work:

While Subaru is a popular niche brand in the Southland, you really need to drive up to Big Bear, Mammoth or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest to appreciate how many people choose a Subaru over other AWD cars. The first time I went to Jackson Hole, I was amazed by the number of people (full-time residents) who had a big 4-wheel drive pickup or SUV and a Subaru wagon in their driveways.

The Impreza has been Subaru’s humble entry-level car for many years. For 2012, while Honda and Toyota played it safe with subtle evolutions of their core products, Subaru took a quantum leap with the Impreza. The body, while remaining almost identical in size to the outgoing model, received new creased and crisp sheet metal and the interior lost much of the cheap-looking plastics in favor of more tailored, textured and soft-touch materials.

2012 Subaru Impreza Sedan

Beneath the handsome new metal (with nicely detailed wheel wells) is Subaru’s new 2.0L boxer engine making a relatively modest 148 hp 145 lb-ft of torque. The new engine sheds half a liter and 22 horsepower, but you’d never know it because its power and torque is managed much more efficiently by the new Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) that replaces the old-school four-speed automatic. Both a 5-speed manual and the CVT are available, but the CVT is the only transmission offered on the top-line Limited model.

Subaru's new 2.0L Boxer engine

Subaru claims a zero to 60 mpg time of 9.8 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the last Impreza that had a more powerful engine. While it’s not glacial, it’s 1/10^th of a second slower than a standard Prius. It did seem quick off the line, but it takes a bit more time and effort for the engine to achieve highway speed.

The big news, however, is that fuel economy jumped from a decidedly uncompetitive 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway to 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway. That stunning 30% increase instantly makes Subaru competitive with other subcompact cars, even while sporting the heavier AWD hardware not available on any competitor like the Honda Civic or Ford Focus.

The new Impreza has a smaller gas tank (14.5 gallons), but with the boosted fuel economy, it still has a potential cruising range of more than 500 miles.

The base 2012 Impreza 2.0i sedan is $17,495. Additional trim levels are Premium and Limited. Add $500 for the 5-door version and $1,000 for the 5-door Sport. I wanted to test the much more rakish and desirable 5-door Sport Limited model; but those are so popular, dealers can’t keep them in stock.

My gracious host at Subaru Pacific had a loaded Limited sedan (MSRP $24,895) ready for me to test. The standard Lineartronic CVT produces the best fuel economy. The sedan is identical to the 5-door/Sport model from the B-pillar forward, so both should have the same driving characteristics.

2012 Impreza Sedan

First, I’d like to state for the record that I’m not a big fan of CVTs. CVTs are a bit buzzy and the mechanical shifts I like to feel when driving are missing. That said, Subaru’s CVT is pretty advanced and civilized. Humming and complaining was reserved for heavy acceleration. However, in normal stop-and-go city traffic and highway speed cruising, the transmission works well and is unobtrusive.

Subaru's Lineartronic CVT in the 2012 Impreza

The Lineartronic’s “M” mode gives the driver the feel and control of a 6-speed automatic. Handsome silver paddle shifters behind the steering wheel engage the fun. The LCD information screen between the analog gauges displays the number corresponding to the “gear” you feel you’re in. Slick stuff, but it’s more of a gimmick than useful. You’ll find yourself just leaving it in Drive and saving the manual mode for a steep decline.

2012 Impreza steering wheel with paddle shifters and audio/telephone and cruise controls. You can see the top edge on the paddle shifter barely visible above the right spoke.

The four-wheel independent suspension with double wishbones in the rear and MacPherson struts up front absorb rough surfaces better than in the past and the overall architecture is 110 pounds lighter (mostly from engine weight) and more rigid. Subaru added some sound-deadening materials that makes the cabin a place where you can hold a normal conversation at highway speeds, even if there is some road noise.

2012 Subaru Impreza Sport. It's almost a wagon, and I know people are calling it a wagon. Subaru calls it a 5-Door.

Standard 4-wheel antilock disc brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) grab the wheels with assurance. Some cars in this class are still cutting costs with rear drum brakes. Of course, there are loads of airbags and the standard electronic nannies of traction control (TCS) and vehicle dynamics control (VDC) and the IIHS awarded the 2012 Impreza its Top Safety Pick rating.

Driving the new Impreza is an uncomplicated experience. As I discussed above, it’s not fast, but it is quick off the line which is good for city driving. There is no torque steer, thanks to the AWD and the 50/50 split torque management system. The electric power steering is light and easy, if a bit vague. It tracked dead straight with my hands off the wheel. It also had a great turning radius (34.8 feet) that allowed me to do doughnuts in the Porsche Pacific parking lot.

The little Subie’s low CG and stiffer structure help keep it flat and controlled in corners — this is no Costa Concordia. Visibility was excellent due to a low belt-line and the new higher seating position.

Creature features are present too. There is the usual power windows, mirrors and remote locking. Leather trimmed seats are standard on the Limited model, as is the effective single-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights and two-level heated front seats for those chilly mornings.

The interior of the 2012 Subaru Impreza Limited is much improved.

The back-lit analog instruments are easy to read and a vertical LCD screen between the two gauge displays the gear and fuel level was well as information from the multi-function trip computer including ambient temperature, average fuel economy and time. A 4.3″ horizontal LCD screen centered on top of the dash also displays information from the mufti-function trip computer.

The simple analog gauges are easy to read as in the center car information screen.

The Limited trim level includes a 6-speaker single-CD audio system with USB/iPod/AUX and power port (under the armrest) and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.

The $2,000 Moonroof + Navigation Package on my tester added a power moonroof, GPS touch-screen navigation, an upgraded audio system with HD radio, iTunes tagging, XM Satellite Radio, XM Real-Time Traffic, Bluetooth 2.0 audio streaming, an SD card reader (music only) and SMS text messaging capabilities.

The center dash console is decidedly uncluttered and mercifully free of fake plastic wood. I liked the dark graphite plastic surround and the aluminum-look horizontal blades on either side.

The rotary automatic climate control knobs are easy to use and have a quality feel with notches. There is no digital readout for the climate setting. The optional GPS navigation system is uncluttered with only three buttons and one volume knob.

Only three buttons adorn the left side of the navigation screen Audio, Voice Control and Map. Simple, yes, but I was looking for a dedicated telephone button. All radio functions are performed through the touch-screen, but I think physical shortcut buttons for AM/FM/Sat/Aux would be helpful. Redundant audio and telephone controls are on the steering.

My car was equipped with the optional $250 auto-dimming rearview mirror with digital compass and HomeLink garage opener. I love the compass and ditching the garage door opener clipped to the visor tidies things up. It can be factory-ordered or dealer-installed.

Of course, I have a few gripes. I would have liked more legroom and additional driver’s seat adjustments. The good news is that I was able to sit behind myself, and I had the front seat as far back as could go for my 6 foot 1 inch frame. In fact, the 2012 Impreza added one inch to the wheelbase which helped engineers add two inches of rear leg room. This is much appreciated space in a small car.

There is a much welcome increase in rear seat legroom.

The door plastics were still hard, although textured. The dash cowl was covered with softer plastic, more in line with the competition. I give Subaru props for the effort, but compared to the competition, there is room for improvement.

2012 Subaru Impreza Sedan and 5-door Sport

The 6.1 inch navigation screen looks small compared to the 7 inch screen in the Hyundai Elantra and the 8 inch one in the Focus. However, the full color graphics were sharp and the touch screen was responsive. I’d also like a backup camera.

So here’s the deal: A fully-loaded Impreza is just slightly more than a similar Civic or Elantra. But only Subaru delivers as standard equipment, its reliable, proven symmetrical all-wheel drive with a new, efficient boxer engine and a CVT.

The Verdict: The 2012 Impreza is a fun, economical and versatile little car that can take you places no other subcompact dare go. And based on 2012 Impreza sales – a 58% increase in December 2011 alone – I’d say the secret is out.

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

Note: If you want something with more ground clearance, something in the crossover category, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek, based on the 2012 Impreza platform and drivetrain, is coming in a few months.

Without seeing the pictures of mid-20th Century America, and with only minor tweaks to the script, you’d swear that it was a speech at a modern meeting of urban transportation planners.  GM’s solution to the traffic problem was more buses produced by, of course, General Motors.  GM wanted people to ride on one of their buses to work and for downtown shopping but still own at least one or two (GM) cars to park in their suburban carports to be used for off-time recreation, family shopping and errands.

We know from history that GM, Standard Oil and Firestone conspired to purchase and then kill the extensive system of commuter railroads that used to crisscross Los Angeles.   Right here in West Hollywood, the rail yard and main hub for the Pacific Electric Railway was on the southeast corner of Santa Monica Blvd and San Vicente, now home to a large MTA bus yard. In fact, West Hollywood used to be called Sherman, after Moses Sherman, one of the owners of the railway.  (Sherman Oaks is also named after  him.)

A pile of Pacific Electric Red Cars waiting to be crushed.

GM’s reasoning sounds simple.  People work and shop in congested downtown districts filled with highrises and streets that were built before the advent of the automobile.  It would be very difficult and expensive to widen the streets and building downtown public parking would be expensive – up to $4,000 per space.

Because of the burgeoning population, people were moving to the suburbs and as a result, they drove themselves to work, usually alone (sound familiar?).  Studies at the time showed that the average passenger car carried only 1.5 persons.  Even the 101 freeway, which was built to connect the San Fernando Valley to Downtown LA, had bumper to bumper traffic in the 1950s!

One easy way to widen a street is to remove street parking and parking meters. That way, you gained one traffic lane each way to help relieve traffic; however, as the logic went, if we opened up another lane of traffic, it too would fill with cars unless public transportation, using comfy GM buses with air conditioning and air suspension, were placed into service.  The first part of that assumption turned out to be true. Unfortunately the second part, public bus transportation, didn’t.

GM estimated that for every bus, 34 cars would be taken off the road during commuting hours.  With an extensive bus system, privately operated, municipalities and states would be able to dramatically reduce taxes as there would be no need for expensive widening of streets and motorways (what we now call freeways).

GM saw no need for publicly-funded, inefficient and expensive public transportation systems (like the NYC subway) because private bus companies could easily earn a reasonable profit.  Yeah, right. GM even argued that a bus company should even be taxed less than other businesses because they would be providing such a great public service that saved taxpayers so much money.  Oh, if only this was true.

To service the suburbs, GM advocated for perimeter parking – something still being built in Los Angeles today near new light rail and subway hubs.  As the theory went, commuters would park in these lots and then ride the bus into the congested downtown business area. The parking lots would be much cheaper because land was cheaper in the ‘burbs – and it used to be.  People would board a bus that leaves every five minutes (!!), exit at a stop just a few steps or a block away from work/shopping and then apparently be able to catch a bus from downtown that got them back to the perimeter parking lot with equal alacrity.  Not only that, but they would arrive at their destination well ahead of driving time.  Unfortunately, that wasn’t true either.

Downtown LA traffic and a bus from the 1950s.

Los Angeles is still trapped in this illusion that buses are going to lead the way to alleviate traffic.  Even the light rail we’ve built during the past two decades crosses city streets and is often halted by traffic accidents.   When my parents bought their home in 1955 in Tarzana, they were just a stone’s throw from railroad tracks belonging to the Southern Pacific Railroad. They were told at the time that a commuter rail system would be going in there “soon” and that it would be easy for us to take public transportation.

Fifty years later, that railway was transformed into the MTA Orange Line bus line.  Just as GM predicted in this short film, there would be roads specifically dedicated to buses.  The Orange Line runs lovely, modern accordian buses but it’s hobbled by the fact that it has to cross normal streets with crossing guards almost identical to ones still used by railroads.  Naturally there are accidents at those intersections because drivers are either too distracted or too stupid (or both) to stop when they see the flashing lights.  Under- or overpasses would have solved this problem, but it was too expensive to contemplate.

At least the Orange Line is nicely landscaped and has lovely bike paths.  Unfortunately, the Orange Line didn’t solve the cross-Valley and Warner Center traffic problem.

What happened in Los Angeles and countless mega-cities across the country was that they were built to cater to automobiles.  Los Angeles County is so large and so sprawled out that it would be impossible to provide bus service sufficient to significantly dent the surface street traffic.  While buses help, they move just as slow or slower than normal traffic. Transferring to another line or route adds significant time to any trip.

Also, Downtown LA is not the center of jobs and shopping.  As with the population, centers of commerce also left downtown. You can work at Toyota in Torrance and live in Tarzana.  No bus line, subway or light rail is going to get you there faster than a car.

Something GM couldn’t have predicted is that we now live in a 24 hour economy. No longer is work from 9 am to 5 pm. If only! People work odd and long hours and many have to drive during work hours every day.  No private company could run the MTA bus/rail/subway system for a profit and still have riders.  People work from home and drive to meetings all day long.  Private cars are now second offices.  And for many, their daily drive has become their only private time.

The 27 minute film, uploaded to YouTube, has flaws and sound problems. Stick with it, if you can, as it’s a fascinating history lesson. The pictures of mid-Century Los Angeles come on around 5:09.

Now that you’ve had a good laugh of GM’s vision for the past, check out GM’s latest vision for the future. The EN-V (electric networked vehicle) concept sure sounds amazing, but one has to wonder how it would work in the snow. Any chance we’ll see this happen in LA or anywhere outside the Arabian Peninsula in the next 50 years?

Once the full one minute spot is shown, Chevy hopes for the world famous Super Bowl “echo” or “ripple” effect that makes the $7 million ($3.5 million for 30 seconds) investment pay off.  (The cost of producing a Super Bowl commercial can easily run into the millions, in itself.)

The name of this video is “Chevy Happy Grad” and it’s funny and memorable.

However, it’s not nearly as memorable or heart-warming or tear-inducing as this 2011 long-form commercial for Chevrolet, “My Dad’s Car.”   I recommend getting a tissue ready before viewing.  This is about as good as it gets for brand (rather than product-specific) advertising.

Now it’s time for GM to bring back a proper rear-drive Impala (not the bloated front-drive version currently sold to rental fleets) and give it the proper SS treatment like it’s done with the Camaro.

Audi

Audi continues on its steamroller trajectory with the thinly-veiled Q3 Vail Concept and A4 Allroad.  The Q3 officially went on sale last year in Europe and Audi hadn’t confirmed US sales plans until this week. The Q3 is based on the Volkswagen Tiguan platform, but it’s wrapped in Audi chic sheet metal and a vastly superior interior (it will cost a lot more too – count on it).

Audi Q3 Vail Concept

The Q3 Vail Concept borrows the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain ski resort’s name to remind you that  its compact luxury SUV can play in the snow and schmooze with the 1% on ski vacations.  Other car companies offer heated and cooled cupholders, but the Q3 Vail uses a separate battery to heat and cool your beverages while the car is shut off so when you come off the black diamond slopes you can still have a hot cappuccino waiting for you.

Audi Q3 Vail Concept Interior. It oozes with typical Audi quality and efficency.

Audi has confirmed that a US-spec Q3 will come to these shores at the end of 2013 as a 2014 model.  Both the Vail Concept and production Q3 will get Audi’s 2.5 L 5-cylinder turbocharged direct-inject engine currently found in the TT RS.  While the TT RS engine is tuned to 360 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque, the unit for the production Q3 Quattro will likely be tuned down some.  I predict that a base Q3 will be offered with a less powerful 2.0T engine like in other Audi products.   I think the Q3 is a sure hit for the US market.

The original Audi Allroad was Audi’s first baby step into the SUV world.  The last Allroad sold in the US was in 2005 and it was basically an A6 Avant (wagon) on steroids.   Allroad hardcore fans will be thrilled to know it’s making a comeback.  This time, it’s based on the A4 Avant, which has grown in size to match the original A6 Avant and it will replace the lovely A4 Avant in Audi’s line up.  Apparently Americans won’t buy the wonderful A4 wagon, so they have to lift it a few inches to give it SUV height without competing directly with its own Q5 SUV.

In showrooms this spring, the new Allroad is wider, taller and has more ground clearance than the standard A4 Avant.  Power will come only from Audi’s standard 2.0L direct inject turbo four rated at 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission will be an 8-speed Tiptronic and quattro all-wheel drive is standard.  It also gets some skid plates and side sills, roof rails, and other cosmetic styling details.  A panoramic sunroof , eight-way heated power seats and upgraded infotainment are options. Prices haven’t been announced yet, but it will be more expensive than the outgoing A4 Avant that starts at $36,400.

2013 Audi A4 Allroad

BMW

The new 2012 BMW 3-series got its first US display in Detroit. I’ve already posted pictures and details about the new 3 and you can check those out here.

The “big” debut for BMW in Detroit was the 2012 ActiveHybrid 5 sedan coming in at a lofty base price of $61,845.  Why BMW insists on giving us these cars is mystifying.  That’s $14,945 more than the base 528i, $8,500 more than the mid-range 535i and nearly the same price of the V8-powered 550i.

2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5

The ActiveHybrid 5 is based on the 535i with BMW’s lovely 300 hp in-line six with TwinTurbo power, direct injection engine and BMW’s slick valve-timing software. The hybrid sandwiches a 55 hp electric motor between the engine and the ZF 8-speed automatic.  A compact lithium-ion battery takes up some trunk space. The total package is good for 340 hp and fuel economy of – wait for it – 23 mpg city, 34 mpg highway.

While those numbers sound good in a vacuum, bear in mind that the base 528i sedan, with a new twin-turbo 2.0L four is rated at 22 mpg city, 32 highway and the standard 535i is rated at 21 city, 31 highway.   If fuel economy is your concern when buying or leasing the BMW 5, then you will be hard-pressed to understand why you should pay such a lofty premium for barely a tick up in fuel economy.   BMW can’t sell the ActiveHybrid 7 and it has HUGE incentives tacked on to move it off dealers’ lots. I see the same fate for the ActiveHybrid 5.

Buick

GM has doubled down on Buick in the US and has showered the venerable division with three new products in the past few years – the LaCrosse, the Regal and the Verano.  For some unknown reason, GM thinks that Buick needs a small B-segment crossover, the Encore.  The little ‘ute is based on the spiffy Chevy Sonic platform and GM’s marketing minions think that it will occupy a “white space” in the”luxury small crossover” market.   “White space” is marketing lingo for a niche in the market that hasn’t been filled.  The closest competitor will be the MINI Countryman, at least until the Audi Q3 (see above) and the BMW X1 hit the market.

2013 Buick Encore

The Encore is bestowed with GM’s 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec engine making 140 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission will be a GM 6-speed automatic.  It will have all the now-familiar Buick styling cues: lots of shiny (fake) chrome, a waterfall grille, fluid lines and fake portholes on the hood.

To further appeal to luxury buyers, Buick uses “active noise cancellation” to quiet the cabin using microphones to listen for noise and computer-generated sound waves to cancel the noise through the car’s audio system. Cool stuff.   Note to MINI: this would be very helpful for your noisy products.

2013 Buick Encore interior. Could Buick just ditch the fake wood?

Buick calls the interior plush and many luxury options not normally available on smaller cars will distinguish the Encore from competitors. It will be equipped with Buick’s voice-activated IntelliLink infotainment system that will use Bluetooth or a USB port to connect to your smartphone.

2013 Buick Encore

Buick says the Encore should go on sale in the first quarter of 2013.  Prices haven’t been announced. The market for such a car in the United States is untested and Buick is going to ask younger buyers to help it blaze a trail. All I can say is I wish them luck.

Honda

Oh Honda, where did you go astray? I used to really like your products. You had the cool factor nailed. Each new car was bristled with fun, great engines and transmissions and a cut-above high-tech interior.  A decade ago, it seems that Honda decided to play it safe and just take evolutionary steps. It followed rather than lead.  The bold designs of the past were replaced with play-it-safe styling and less innovative drivetrains.

The 2012 “all new” Civic failed to impress new buyers.  In fact, your long-term bromance with Consumer Reports seems to be fading as CR  ‘dissed the Civic and didn’t “recommend” it.  It wasn’t the earthquake that hamstrung Honda, it was its own internal myopic view of the competition who, while you weren’t watching,  blew by you and spit dust and exhaust fumes in your corporate tailpipe.

I’m just saying that Honda chose an evolutionary approach while its competitors chose to revolutionize their mid-size offering.

Enter the all-new 9th generation Honda Accord, due to go on sale later this year.  To hint at the coming excitement, Honda showed the Honda Accord Coupe Concept in Detroit.  To say the shape looks familiar is an understatement.  Not that the outgoing Accord is horrible, it’s just boring. The new Accord lines look sharper and the haunches appear beefed up; but it’s definitely an Accord.

2013 Honda Accord Coupe (Concept)

The good news is that the Accord gets two new engines. The base engine will be its new 2.4L four-cylinder direct-injected engine with 181 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.  It will be offered with either a 6-speed automatic (finally) or a “fun” CVT.  I have yet to drive a fun car with a CVT.   Honda will also offer its re-engineered 3.5L V6 engine with your choice of six-speed automatic or manual.  Of course, Honda claims all models will be more efficient and “class leading” – whatever that means.

2013 Honda Accord Coupe (Concept)

The best news, however, is that there will be an Accord Hybrid again. This time, it will be a plug-in hybrid that will be able to operate in three modes: pure electric drive, hybrid and “direct drive” which is by gas engine only.  Honda will use a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine coupled with a 120 kW motor and a 6 kWh lithium-ion battery. Honda claims it will drive up to 15 miles in pure EV mode at speeds up to 62 mph.  Honda will also introduce Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning and LaneWatch blind spot display.  In other words, it’s catching up to the competition.

Hyundai

I’ve been very excited about the visual appeal and rice rocket potential of the all-new Hyundai Veloster that is on sale now.  However, the big complaint was that the car looked faster than it drove. That’s been remedied with the introduction of the 2013 Veloster Turbo. The 1.6L direct-injected turbo engine produces 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and it’s mated to a new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission.  Now it’s a suitable rival for the VW GTI, Honda Civic Si and MINI Cooper S.

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

The Veloster went on sale in September 2011 and has already sold more than 9,000 units. The Turbo, complete with the two new paint colors, including a matte finish, will go on sale sometime this summer.

Lincoln

Ford has neglected Lincoln. Once the proud icon of American Luxury, Lincoln was relegated to rebadged (think MKZ) and blinged-out (think Navigator) Fords.  Lincoln hasn’t had a proper rear drive flagship in over a decade (excluding the Town Car which was a thirty year old design, mostly sold to fleets for black car or livery service. It was finally discontinued in 2011).

Ford realized the error of its ways and hit the reset button. It hired a team of dedicated, talented designers and engineers to remake Lincoln. It will take significant investment and hard work to replace Lincoln’s tired portfolio, but this week, Ford laid out its vision for the future of Lincoln with the stunning MKZ Concept.

2013 Lincoln MKZ Concept

Based on the all-new Ford Fusion, the MKZ is no longer a rebadged Ford. It has its own unique look and distinct styling, inside and out, that will challenge the established luxury players in this near-luxury or “smart luxury” category.   It makes the Lexus ES350 look instantly obsolete, Acura ‘s TL looks common and the Germans look austere (which, to be fair, is probably what the Germans are for). In short, its both modern and futuristic.

The face is familiar as it has already shown up on the mid-life facelift for the MKT  and MKS.  I’m not a fan of the grille, but with so much more visual interest on the concept, I’ll go with it.   Lincoln designers have taken note of the four-door coupe movement with slick cars like the Mercedes CLS, the Audi A7, the Volkswagen CC, the BMW 6 Gran Coupe.  The steeply-raked windscreen connects to a fantastic glass roof which sweeps all the way back to the trunk lid. Full-width taillights evoke past Lincolns and LEDs, front and rear, abound.

The concept features Lincoln Drive Control and an adjustable suspension with Continuously Controlled Damping.  This is probably similar to magnetic ride control or computer-controlled air suspension systems found on other luxury cars.

2013 Lincoln MKZ Concept

The interior is filled with leather wood, soft-touch surfaces and all the requisite luxury touches.  The instrument panel is now a 10.1″ TFT screen. It will be equipped with the latest version of MyLincoln Touch infotainment system as well as all the latest electronic nannies, driver aids and safety devices also found in the new Fusion.  These days, it’s getting harder and harder to find stand-out technology that hasn’t already been invented.

2013 Lincoln MKZ Concept interior

Lincoln gave few details about the drivetrains that will be available; however, it’s a safe bet that they will be similar to the five options on the new Fusion.   For more information on the Fusion, see our previous post.  The production version of the MKZ will likely show up later this year in another US auto show (maybe New York?) and it should go on sale before the end of the year.

Maserati

Maserati used the Detroit Auto Show to remind us that it plans to produce the Kubang SUV based on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee which shares a platform with the new Mercedes ML.  The engine will be sourced from sister company Ferrari and Maserati engineers will be responsible for steering, brakes and suspension.  The only transmission will be an 8-speed automatic, probably similar to the ZF 8-speed currently being deployed on many Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.

2014 Maserati Kubang Concept

The Kubang will be built at Chrysler’s Jefferson North assembly plant (just outside Detroit). That’s good for US jobs, but the volume will likely be pretty low.  But if it’s not built at a Maserati factory in Italy, is it really a Maserati?

2014 Maserati Kubang Concept

Maserati loyalists are retching, but like the Porsche Cayenne, it will probably sell.

Toyota

The new baby Prius, the Prius c, has already been plastered all over the airwaves and internet, so it seems almost anticlimactic with its debut in Detroit.  It’s a smaller version of the standard Prius but has the same powertrain. The difference is the cheaper interior and missing amenities like automatic climate control.   It’s still plenty versatile as a 5-door car, but rear seat passengers will be squished.

Toyota says the Prius c, starting at $19,000, will carry a combined rating of 50 mpg and it’s rated at 53 mpg on the highway. The standard Prius is also rated at a combined 50 mpg; however, the Prius c has a price advantage of more than $4,000.

2013 Toyota Prius c

It appears as if Toyota felt it needed a smaller Prius to compete with the Honda Insight (itself a Prius clone) on both price and content. However, since few people are interested in the Insight (2011 sales of 15,549, a 25% drop from 2010), it remains to be seen if the Prius name and lower price is the magic tonic to propel sales of the Prius c.

2013 Prius c dashboard

More interesting was the NS4 Advanced Plug-in Hybrid Concept that Toyota says is a plug-in hybrid “separate from the Prius family.”  Hum… It’s exactly the same size as the current Prius and it wouldn’t be a leap to believe that the new styling direction will be seen on the 4th generation Prius.

Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-in Concept

The NS4 features a next-generation hybrid system with smaller and lighter components, and with better fuel economy and greater range in pure electric mode.  Of course, it will have next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

Toyota says the NS4 has a touch-screen that reduces driver distraction (ha!) and has cool new glass technology from supplier Ashai Glass, including anti-ultraviolet, anti-solar, anti-fog and raindrop-elimination features.   It could also end up as a Lexus design; but it’s more likely to be a new shared platform for the Prius and other variants, including a Lexus version.

Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-In Hybrid concept interior.

GM, Ford and Chrysler came on strong with some exciting new designs that are sure to be a hit in the market. Nissan and Porsche returned to the show after being absent during some of the dark years of the recession.  The all-new Mercedes-Benz SL made its world debut, VW showed off some cool green concepts and the all-new, all-important BMW 3-Series made its North  American debut.

I sifted through the deluge of information from Day 1 and below are the ones I found most interesting and/or important.

Acura:

Honda’s mild-luxury division is back in the chair for another round of hair and makeup.  The current TSX, a slightly restyled Euro Accord, is gone in favor of an all-new ILX sedan based on the new generation Honda Civic.  Acura thinks that the ILX will nail Gen Y who demand something better (and better-looking) than a Civic.  Priced under $30,000, the ILX will be available with three powertrains, just like the Civic:  A 2.0L 4-cylinder mated to an automatic (hopefully 6-speed); the hybrid system out of the Civic Hybrid – a 1.5L gas engine with Integrated Motor Assist, and the 2.4L 4-cylinder Civic Si engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. If you think it looks like the outgoing TSX, join the club.

2013 Acura ILX. I wish Acura would ditch the beak.

The 2013 Acura ILX looks a bit better from the rear, but not by much.

Not satisfied with one new product, Acura showed the all-new RDX, based on the new Honda CR-V. This time around, thankfully, Honda ditched the laggy turbo four, 5-speed automatic and expensive SH-AWD in favor of Honda’s 3.5L 273 hp V6, a six-speed automatic and the simpler and lighter AWD system found in the CR-V.  The Acura beak is still there, but to my eye, this “concept” (which is production ready) looks a bit dull and sad. I don’t see anything that will make it stand out in the crowd of smaller CUVs.

2013 Acura RDX - Concept - although we understand it's pretty close to the production version.

The interior of the 2013 Acura is handsome; however, it's not too much different from the outgoing TSX - which has a similar interior.

The real news is the long-awaited return of the Acura NSX super car.  This time around, Acura is aiming high. As high as the upcoming Porsche 918 Hybrid and the Audi R8.  The  NSX is to be designed in the US and built in Honda’s Ohio plant.  The details released are the stuff of boy-racer dreams.   It will have Honda’s first Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.   A next-generation 3.5L V6 engine will add direct injection and be good for at least 308 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. It will be mated to a dual-clutch automatic with a built-in electric motor driving the rear wheels.  In addition, a pair of electric motors at the front axle will drive the front wheels and also be capable of propelling the NSX in electric-only mode.  Also new is another wordy system: Bilateral Torque Adjustable Control – a.k.a. torque vectoring.   The entire system is melded together with silicon chips and highly-sophisticated software to produce all-wheel drive.   It should be amazing. Honda says is should go into production in 3-4 years.

Acura NSX Concept. I hope the eagle beak gets toned down in any production version.

Acura NSX Concept

Cadillac:

GM’s luxury division is finally dead serious about taking on the Audi A4, BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class.  No more rebadged Chevrolets (Cimmaron)  and no Opel reskins (Catera).  The Cadillac ATS rides on an all-new, bespoke rear-drive platform and offers the choice of three engines as well as all-wheel drive:

• Base engine is a 2.5L inline four with 200 hp and 188 lb-ft torque. The only transmission is a 6-speed automatic and it’s only available in RWD.
• Optional 2.0L turbo four making 270 hp and 260 lb-ft torque.  Choices of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. AWD is optional, but only with the automatic transmission.
• Optional 3.6L V6 with 318 hp (take that BMW 335i) and 276 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission is the 6-speed automatic and AWD is available.

Cadillac is using a sophisticated 5-link independent rear suspension with struts up front – this matches what the Germans have had for years. Cadillac claims a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution to match BMW’s long-held mantra. It’s also relatively svelte at around 3,400 lbs, which should help performance and fuel economy.  Electric power steering is sourced from ZF in Germany.  It will offer a vast array of electronic gadgets and nannies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, heads-up display, and adaptive headlights.  Cadillac’s new CUE (Cadillac User Experience) is optional with an 8-inch display.  Prices haven’t yet been announced; however, you can bet it will closely match the new BMW 3-series, so maybe $32,000-$34,000 base. It should go on sale this summer.

2013 Cadillac ATS

2013 Cadillac ATS

The Cadillac ATS has a handsome, balanced interior. The leather looks nice and Cadillac swears the wood is real.

Chevrolet:

The Heartbeat of America had some interesting concept cars and one hot hatch.

The 2013 Chevy Sonic RS is more of a styling exercise than tuner car.  The RS starts with the 5-door Sonic with the optional 1.4L turbo four making 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque – so there is no engine upgrade or tweak.  It comes with a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. The exterior gets some new fascia, unique grille, rocker panels, a revised bumper and a spoiler. Inside, Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system will be standard with a 7 inch touch screen and Bluetooth. The Sonic RS does get a stiffer suspension and rear disc brakes, so it should handle and stop a bit better than the standard Sonic.  Pricing hasn’t been announced yet.

2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS

2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS

Chevrolet also debuted two concept cars in an attempt to attract more Gen Y buyers (a burgeoning demographic).

First up is the Code 130R. It’s a rear-drive (yah!) four-seat coupe that has some of the looks and about the size of the BMW 1-series coupe.  Car & Driver magazine reports that it sits on the same platform as the ATS, but this isn’t confirmed by GM.  Power comes from Chevy’s 1.4L turbo four, bumped to 150 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. It is also fitted with GM’s mild-hybrid system called eAssist, currently in the Buick LaCrosse. It comes with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.  Frankly, I think it looks cartoonish – like it comes from the latest Cars animated film.  Chevy calls it a “heritage” look.  The rear looks like a squeezed Camaro.

Chevrolet Code 130R Coupe Concept

Chevrolet Code 130R Coupe

Next is Chevy’s Tru 140S Concept hatchback. It’s about the size of a Chevy Cruze and rides on the same platform. Like the Code 130R, it has a 1.4L turbo four making 150 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. However, instead of the eAssist, it gets a start/stop system to save gas.  Transmission choices are also the same as the Code 130R – six speeds, automatic or manual. Chevy says it seats four people (albeit very tight).  While I’m not in Detroit and didn’t see it in person, the matte white paint is supposed to be sick.

Chevrolet Tru 140S Concept Hatchback. I love the headlights.

Chevrolet Tru 140S Concept Hatchback

Dodge:

I can’t resist the obvious metaphor: The 2013 Dodge Dart is right on target.  Starting at $15,995, this stellar new 4-door sedan (and only a sedan) based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, is a star among a sea of subcompact anonymity.  While it’s instantly recognizable as a Dodge by the cross-hair grille and mini-Charger-like taillights, you can see the Italian influences in the interior.

2013 Dodge Dart

2013 Dodge Dart - it definitely has the Charger's rear end.

Some dizzy designers at Dodge decided that the Dart should be easily customizable.  There are no less than twelve exterior colors and fourteen interior and trim colors.  The model levels will sound familiar to Dodge buyers:  SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and coming a bit later, R/T.

The Dart's cockpit looks inviting. The large 8 inch touch-screen is also used in other Dodge products.

The Dart's seats look much nicer than a standard subcompact car. That's the Italian speaking.

There are three different engines and three transmissions:

• The base engine is a “Tigershark” 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine  making a respectable 160 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. It can be had with either a six-speed manual or automatic.
• Optional on the SE, SXT, Rallye and Limited is a 1.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled engine similar to the unit found in the Fiat 500 Abarth.  It makes 160 hp and a whopping 184 lb-ft of torque, which makes all the difference given the engine has the same ponies as the Tigershark 2.0. It can be mated to Fiat’s all-new 6-speed dual clutch automatic as well as the regular 6-speed manual and automatic.
• A few months after launch, an all-aluminum 2.4L  Tigershark 4-cylinder engine with a tantalizing 184 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque will be introduced. It’s available only on the R/T trim level. You get your choice of the 6-speed manual or automatic – no dual clutch option.

Dodge hasn’t released full pricing levels or fuel economy ratings. However, it’s likely that at least one of the powertrains will hit the seemingly-magical 40 mpg highway mark.

Ford:

In keeping with Ford’s “One Ford” mantra, the 2013 Ford Fusion is the Mondeo in the rest of the world. Like the Focus from last year, the same great car available only outside the US is now the same worldwide. Only the names are different.  The styling is forward and dynamic. It’s the new face of Ford and it bears more than a passing resemblance to the sensational Ford Evo concept shown in Frankfurt last year.

The Ford Evo concept car from the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

The Fusion is already a best-seller for Ford, with 248,067 units in 2011. By comparison, Honda sold 235,625 Accords, Toyota sold 308,510 Camrys and Hyundai sold 225,961 Sonatas.  In short, this mid-size sedan is the heart of the passenger car market in the US.

2013 Ford Fusion

The new Fusion will be sold in three familiar trim levels: S, SEL and Titanium.  There are five (!) engine configurations, and none of them have more than four cylinders:

• Base powertrain is a naturally-aspirated 2.5L  inline 4 with 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Fuel economy figures were not released by Ford.
• Option 1: An EcoBoost 1.6L direct-inject turbo-charged engine with 179 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. It’s available with either a 6-speed manual or automatic.  Fuel economy: 26 mpg city, 37 mpg  highway.
• Option 2: An EcoBoost 2.0L direct-inject turbo-charged engine with 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission is Ford’s dual clutch 6-speed automatic.  Fuel economy: Ford says it will get 25% better fuel economy than the outgoing V6.
• Hybrid powertrain: 2.0L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gas engine and a permanent-magnet AC synchronous motor. The pair is good for 185 hp and 130 lb-ft torque. The only transmission is an eCVT.  Lithium-ion batteries replace the old nickle-metal hydride batteries. Fuel economy: 47 mpg city, 44 mpg highway. (Take that, Camry and Sonata hybrid!)
• Plug-in Hybrid powertrain: 1.6L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder replaces the 2.0 unit in the non-plug-in hybrid. The combined electric motor and gas engine is good for 185 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque and it has the same eCVT transmission. However, with benefit of the plug-in EV range, Ford says the Fusion Energi will get 100 mpg-e (equivalent).

Ford is offering a slew of electronic nannies to help distinguish the Fusion from the competition. It will offer adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping system (to help the drowsy driver), blind-spot warning, active parking assist (it will parallel park the car for you) and Ford’s controversial MyFord Touch infotainment system with voice recognition and customizable screens.

2013 Ford Fusion interior. You can see that it's similar to the Focus, but larger and better equipped.

It’s a slick package that is sure to attract the attention of the millions of car buyers looking for a mid-size family sedan. The two hybrids will also be a hit with greenies and hypermilers.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes chose Detroit for the world debut of its sensational new SL. The styling is controversial and I’ve read lots of complaints about it, but the more I look at the pictures, the better I like it. And I think color has much to do with opinions – you know, like it in black, hate it in silver.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550

For those not steeped in Mercedes’ Byzantine nomenclature, SL = sport leicht, or sport and lightweight.  The SL lineage goes back to the ground-breaking 300SL Gullwing racer of the 1950s.  For much of the past two decades, the concept of “lightweight” has been more of a formality than a reality as the SL easily weight two tons.  For 2013, the all-new SL has an all-aluminum body and high-strength, lighter-weight steel in the frame.  Mercedes claims a 275 pound weight loss – as much as one healthy Texan.

2013_Mercedes-Benz SL550

Power comes from Mercedes’ new 4.7L twin-turbo direct-inject V8 also found in the larger CL coupe. It’s good for 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission is a revised Mercedes 7-speed automatic with a start/stop function to improve fuel economy (like anyone buying an SL really cares).  The 550SL should sprint to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds – about the same as the outgoing SL63 AMG.

Mercedes thinks there is lots of Magic in the new SL. Like the refreshed SLK from 2011, you can opt for the Magic Sky Control folding glass roof.  It’s like a gigantic skylight; however if you’re not in the mood for too much sun, you can press a button and the electrochromatic glass can be “dimmed” from opaque all the way to black. Neat trick and expensive.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 with the Magic Sky Control electrochromatic glass roof.

The other Magic option is the Magic Vision Control.  MVC is really a high-tech windshield wiper system. The heated wipers can de-ice your windshield and when you need the washers, the nozzles are incorporated into the wiper arms.

The interior of the 2013 Mercedes SL550 looks like a comforable place for a long trip. I love the red leather.

Of course it has all of Mercedes’ electronic nannies and safety systems. Also the latest version of the company’s COMAND infotainment system complete with downloadable apps.  It goes on sale this spring (just in time for summer convertible weather) and although prices haven’t been announced, just figure it starts around $100,000.

Mercedes didn’t want to leave the green crowd out in the cold, so it introduced the E400 Hybrid.  The hybrid system in the 2013 E400 is an evolution of that found in the S400 Hybrid.  The E-class gets a 302 hp 3.5L direct-inject V6 coupled with a 27 hp electric motor sandwiched between the engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission.  The electric motor musters 118 lb-ft of torque on its own so the E400 can go up to 22 mpg or a whole half a mile on electric power alone.  Also, like the S400, the lithium-ion battery is placed in the engine bay so no trunk space is lost.  I’m not impressed with the fuel economy numbers of 24 city, 31 highway.  The 2012 E350 BlueTec diesel, on-sale now, gets 21 city, 32 highway — why pay the hybrid premium for the E400?

2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid

Detail of the engine bay for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid

As if to rub salt in a wound, Mercedes also showed the 2013 E300 BlueTec Hybrid Concept. It will get substantially better fuel economy, but as usual, it’s not for the US market. WTF Mercedes?

Nissan

In the face of steadily-climbing fuel prices, Nissan served up a larger, non-truck-based 2013 Pathfinder SUV concept.  It should be no surprise that Nissan would get its own version of the new Infiniti JX35, a 7 passenger unibody SUV introduced last year. The Pathfinder concept shares the same chassis and probably the same drivetrain, although Nissan was short on details.  The Infiniti JX35 uses Nissan’s ubiquitous 3.5L V6 making 265 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque.  The Pathfinder numbers would likely be a bit less.  Also, like the JX, the engine will be coupled with Nissan’s despised CVT (continuously variable transmission).  I know so many people who wish Nissan would ditch the use of the whiny CVT in almost all its cars; but Nissan is sticking with it.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder Concept

Nissan Pathfinder Concept Interior.

The old Pathfinder is an 0ld school body-on-frame, truck-based SUV.  The Pathfinder Concept grows in practically all dimensions, but Nissan probably needs a big SUV that will hold a large family and not look like a tank (yeah, I’m talking about the Armada).  The concept is handsome, if not exciting. I like it better than the Infiniti JX.

Porsche:

I know you might be tired of Porsche grabbing all the headlines and magazine covers for its all-new 911 that goes on sale this February.  The accolades keep rolling in and I can’t wait to drive it.  The big “news” in Detroit is the world debut of the cabriolet versions of the 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S.  Of course, the top is lighter and quieter and goes down in 13 seconds.  Here are a couple pictures to drool over.

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet in Guards Red

The new Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet's top in action

The interior of the new 911 Cabriolet is about as good as it gets. It's sublime.

Volkswagen:

VW still wants to achieve world domination by 2018, knocking out both GM and Toyota for total worldwide sales. A big part of that strategy is doubling sales in the US.  The new Jetta has been a hit, with sales up 44% for 2011 and it looks like VW will have the same success with the US/China-only Passat.

VW showed off two new “green” cars in Detroit.  The production-ready 2013 Jetta Hybrid is VW’s 2nd hybrid in the US market following the expensive Touareg Hybrid.  The gas-electric Jetta is powered by a new 1.4L turbocharged, direct-injected gas engine and it’s able to drive a whopping (not) 1.3 miles in EV mode.  VW is short on details like fuel economy ratings and price, but it’s expected to go on sale this November.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

The second VW concept – and this time it’s really just testing the public’s temperature – is the e-Bugster, a highly-stylized Beetle with a chopped roof and lowered suspension. It’s powered by what VW calls Blue-e-Motion electric drive using a 85 kWh 114 hp electric motor and a single speed transmission.  It uses a compact lithium-ion battery pack behind the front seats.  The drivetrain is real and VW is planning to use it in an electric Golf to be sold in Europe and maybe later in the US.  If we do get a “Bugster” (1) it won’t look nearly this cool and (2) VW has to change the name – it’s just a tad too easy to replace the “s” with another “g.”

Volkswagen Blue-e-Motion Bugster concept

Great looks for this VW concept Bugster