Buick Avenir Concept

Categorizing it as a flagship sedan that embodies progressive design, Buick took the wraps off of its new Avenir Concept on the eve of the Detroit Auto Show. Crafted by an international team of Buick designers and sculptors, the Avenir - which means future in French - was inspired by classic divisional styling cues including the "sweep spear" character line that has been a division hallmark. Ed Welburn, vice president of General Motors Global Design says those values -- which "focus on effortless beauty and presence without pretense," -- demonstrate the division's growing international reach and could signal a return to rear drive in its passenger car lineup

Finished in Crystalline blue tone, the Avenir's sleek exterior and long nose/short rear deck recalls the dramatic proportions similar to the original 1963 Riviera. The taut character lines and elegantly tailored contours impart a dynamic character which is further emphasized by its 21-inch wheel/tire package, full LED lighting and a striking new grille treatment. Michael Simcoe, vice president of design, GM International Operations says this modern interpretation of a design first seen on the 1954 Wildcat II Concept, represents "a break from convention and progressiveness in technology." Given the Avenir's stated mission, we suspect it also will become an integral part of the division's upcoming product portfolio

High style and high tech

Inside, the Avenir Concept seamlessly melds a host of high-tech features into a spacious 4-place cabin that displays the same sculpted feel as the exterior but renders it in rich leather that features a wave-like design motif set off by oiled wood and Galvano satin chrome accents. Using technology that's already available or soon will be, the Avenir's on-board connectivity automatically syncs up devices and configures its digital gauges and displays based on prior customization preferences. In addition to a next-gen Buick IntelliLink infotainment package with 12.0-inch touchscreen, OnStar with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless mobile device charging, the Avenir features a high-end rear seat entertainment setup with individual video screens and USB ports

Buick has confirmed that the Avenir Concept is fitted with a next-gen direct-injected V6 that incorporates Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation and start/stop technology. A paddle-shiftable 9-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four corners via twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system and a variable-damping suspension allows drivers to fine tune the ride and handling characteristics to their individual preferences. While the concept is all-wheel drive, the Avenir is rumored to be based on the same platform as the upcoming Cadillac CT6 sedan, which has a longitudinally mounted engine with a rear-drive bias. While Buick didn't announce a production model, it's clear that the division is looking at a new flagship to move the brand further upmarket and boost sales in both North America and China

Read More

Honda FCV concept

Offering the best look yet at a production version of the Honda FCV that will bow in 2016, the Japanese automaker also announced several new powertrains and models expected between now and 2018. In addition to selling this fuel cell vehicle, Honda will also add to its roster of hybrids, plug-in and pure EVs

 the recast FCV Concept, which made it global debut in Japan last fall, has a cleaner overall appearance, with the most prominent differences evident in the trimmer and more elegantly sculpted front and rear fascias. It also sports a tidier profile view that features additional real-world touches like conventional side mirrors and a traditional wheel cutout in the rear fender. While we suspect the show car's avant-garde steering wheel may not make the final cut, most of the rest of the design elements on its well-finished 5-passenger cabin appear to be production ready. Details are scant on the vehicle's electric motors, but Honda's FCV is still slated to travel over 300 miles on a single tank of hydrogen and have a refueling time of roughly three minutes on a standard 70MPa pressure line

More Hybrids, Plug-ins and BEVs ahead 

Honda provided plenty of good news for those seeking less-radical cleaner, greener alternatives, as well. Over the course of the next three years, it will introduce a host of new vehicles that further leverage the firm's Earth Dreams Technology. At least one new plug-in hybrid and one new battery-electric vehicle are currently waiting in the wings and the automaker also plans to ramp up applications of its current two-motor and three-motor conventional hybrid systems to increase their market penetration here in the U.S. Finally, by the end of 2015, Honda's plant in Anna, Ohio, will begin rolling out a new strain of 4-cylinder VTEC Turbo engines that will deliver impressive performance with exceptional fuel economy

On a more conventional front, the Honda execs confirmed that after the spring launch of the new 2016 Honda HR-V subcompact crossover, a fully redesigned 8-passener Honda Pilot SUV will go on sale followed by an all-new Ridgeline pickup in 2016

Read More

Nissan Versa Note SR 2015

Expanding the scope of its lineup at both ends of the spectrum, Nissan introduced a pair of new models for the subcompact Versa Note 5-door hatch in Chicago. Boasting a higher visual profile, the 2015 Nissan Versa Note SR caters to younger enthusiasts. The automaker also announced the new Versa Note SL, that adds more sophistication with standard features not often seen in cars of its size

The Versa Note SR's cosmetic changes are evident up front, where a unique fascia and grill treatment is set off by dark headlamp surrounds and standard fog lights with black and chrome accents. The package also uses body-color side spoilers and revised side-view mirrors with integrated directional signals while the rear is topped by a spoiler. The Versa Note SR rides on 195/55 all-season tires on 16-inch high-contrast alloy wheels

Inside, the Versa Note SR has a Euro-inspired motif that includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, seats covered in faux suede with orange accents, a new tri-dial Fine Vision instrument cluster with trip computer and a Piano Black center dash with bright trim. Opting for the SR Convenience Package adds Nissan's trick Divide-N-Hide Adjustable Floor, the NissanConnect system with a 5.0-inch color display, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth Streaming Audio, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, USB connection port, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and NissanConnect Apps with smartphone integration for Facebook, Twitter, Pandora as  well as iHeartRadio and TuneIn Radio

Using the same 16-inch wheels, the Versa Note SL passes on exterior changes to focus on improving the cabin. It comes standard with all of the SR Convenience Package content as well as variable intermittent front wipers, heated front seats, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and the Easy-Fill Tire Alert. Like all 2015 Versa Note variants, it also features a multifunction steering wheel that incorporates a new Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System

The 2015 Nissan Versa Note SR and Versa Note SL will arrive in dealers this spring along with the existing Versa Note S MT, S Plus CVT and SV CVT models. Pricing for all will be announced closer to the on-sale date

Read More

Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner TRD 2015

Ready to rock, roll and dish dirt on demand, the 2015 Toyota TRD Pro 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra were revealed in Chicago. Aimed at hard-core off-roaders, each features unique suspension enhancements and cosmetic tweaks created by the automaker?s renowned Toyota Racing Development operation. The most advanced TRD truck packages ever, the new Pro-spec kit is highlighted by a number of common core elements that include Bilstein high-performance shock absorbers with remote reservoirs, custom-tuned springs, a unique grille, TRD-designed front skidplate and black wheels along with TRD floormats, shift knobs and bespoke badging

2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

Big gun of the TRD Pro contingent, the Tundra's package also starts off with softer, more off-road friendly springs and a 2.0-inch front lift kit but features 18-inch alloys wearing Michelin ORP tires. Toyota's full-size pickup also gets a TRD dual exhaust system and TRD Pro quarter panel bed stamping plus unique interior seating trim

2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

Building off of the aforementioned basics, the TRD Pro Package on the 2015 4Runner rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels and features a 1.5-inch front lift kit plus an additional inch of wheel travel

2015 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Boasting an even finer-focused off-road character, the TRD Pro upgrade for the 2015 Tacoma bring this compact pickup recalibrated springs, a 2.0-inch front lift kit, TRD exhaust system and 16-inch beadlock-style wheels wrapped in 265/75 BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires

The exterior color palette of three 2015 Toyota TRD Pro variants will consist of Black, Super White or a new Inferno red seen here. Pricing for each will be announced closer to their actual on-sale date

Read More

SRT Satin Vapor Editions 2014

The Chrysler Group's go-faster operation made its own bit of news in Chicago by showing new SRT Satin Vapor Edition packages for its 2014 Chrysler 300, 2014 Dodge Challenger and 2014 Dodge Charger models. While all three retain their standard 470-horsepower/6.4-liter Hemi V8, wear common 20-inch forged alloy wheels finished in Black Satin Vapor Chrome and carry a unique gray "Hemi" badge, each boasts unique cosmetics and content

Offering a choice of Bright White, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal - with or without an optional  black accent stripe - the 2014 SRT 300 Vapor Edition's exterior features Satin Black trim on the roof, mirrors and rear spoiler. Inside, the seats are covered in black Nappa Leather with ultra-suede inserts set off by matte-carbon and piano black accents

The 2014 SRT Challenger Vapor Edition complements a Bright White, TorRed, Header Orange or Graphite exterior with Satin Black mirror housings and fuel door plus red-trimmed calipers for its Brembo brakes. Its cabin recasting pairs charcoal-colored Nappa leather with ultra-suede while a carbon instrument bezel rounds out the mix

While sharing the Challenger's exterior color choices, the 2014 SRT Charger Vapor Edition sports a Satin Black finish on its roof, hood, rear spoiler and mirror housings as well as a Satin Black Super Bee tail graphic. Seat trim reprises the black Nappa leather/ultra-suede combo found in the SRT 300 Satin Vapor Edition and this distinctive 4-door also comes with the primo Uconnect Media Center with an 8.4-inch LED touchscreen display

Adding a Satin Vapor Edition package to the 2014 SRT 300 will bump its base price by $2,300 while moving up to Satin Vapor status raises the cost of a 2014 SRT Challenger and 2014 SRT Charger by $1,700 and $2,330, respectively. All three Satin Vapor Edition variants go on sale this spring

Read More