Honda Civic

This concept-car preview of the 10th-generation Civic was a surprise hit at the 2015 New York Auto Show. It represents Honda’s intent to imbue its bread-and-butter compact with a little more style and excitement.

The concept showcases a new design language that marks the first substantial styling change for the Civic since 2006. With a low stance, wraparound taillights, and plenty of aggressive scoops and spoilers, it checks all of the sport-compact style boxes.

That sporty styling is totally appropriate, because a version of the high-performance Civic Type R is finally slated to come to the U.S.

A production model based on this concept will debut later this year. Some styling details may change, although that crazy green paint is expected to remain as a production color option.

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Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6

It’s not often that Bentley makes a major change to the types of cars it builds. The current Continental series dates back to 2003, after all, and the company will still brag about 24 Hours of Le Mans wins from the 1920s.

That makes the EXP 10 Speed 6 truly radical. While still a bona fide luxury car, it’s much smaller and closer to a traditional sports car than just about anything Bentley has ever made.

Propulsion for the sleek coupe comes courtesy of a hybrid powertrain, with enough grunt to get the EXP 10 Speed 6 up to 200 mph. Other up-to-the moment touches include 3D-printed components and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

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Aston Martin DBX

An electric SUV from Aston Martin… why not? The Aston Martin DBX concept shocked (pun intended) the world at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show with that combination of decidedly un-Aston traits.

Despite its taller profile, the DBX manages to look as sleek as Aston’s traditional motors, and with one electric motor powering each wheel, it promises to be similarly exhilarating to drive should Aston use that setup in an expected production SUV due out in a few years.

The DBX shows that Aston Martin’s unique character can survive in a future where SUVs rule the luxury market, and tough emissions standards voce engineers to get more creative when it comes to powertrains.

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Audi Prologue

Originally debuting at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Audi Prologue takes its name quite literally. It’s a clear preview of the styling and technology direction of the next generation of Audi production models.



On the styling front, the two-door Prologue takes a longer-lower-wider approach to Audi’s current – very successful – design language. Under the hood, there’s a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 605 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.


For the interior, Audi essentially turned the entire dashboard into a touchscreen, while the center console is made of thin, bendable OLED film. There’s actually so much tech that Audi installed a beefed-up, 48-volt electrical system to power it all.

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Toyota RAV4 2016

Eighth member of the automaker's ever-expanding gas/electric contingent, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid made its world debut in New York. This new greener variant was accompanied by other members of an updated/upgraded 2016 RAV4 family that will include a new SE trim grade.

Set to arrive in the fall, Toyota is aiming the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid at young active-lifestyle couples. While offering no specifics on the Hybrid Synergy Drive system that will be fitted to this compact crossover SUV, Toyota did say that in addition to earning superior EPA numbers, the new RAV4 Hybrid also will be quicker off the line and more powerful than its conventional RAV4 counterpart. The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid will be offered in XLE and Limited trim grades, both fitted with Toyota's On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i). In addition to six exterior colors including a new bespoke BLUE, the Hybrid variant will be available with unique 17-inch alloy wheels.

A fresher look and new features for all 2016 RAV4 models 

To help enhance the RAV4's appeal in what's become the hottest segment in today's automotive market, Toyota has made a number of significant changes to the entire lineup. All versions feature more aggressively styled front/rear fascia treatments, revised rocker sills and new skid plate garnish elements along with new wheel designs and colors. The RAV4 remix also adds the option to step up to full LED headlights and taillamps. 

Inside, the roomy RAV4 cabin gains new and more premium trim touches throughout complemented by detail upgrades like an additional front USB port and rear 12V powerpoint, reconfigured cupholders and a dedicated sunglasses holder. Front/rear parking sonar is standard across the board and all but the LE will come with SiriusXM All-Access Radio and a 3-month complimentary trial subscription -- although the entry-level model will now offer a Scout cellphone -- based navigation system. Other available new-for-2016 upgrades include a 4.2-inch multi-information display in the revised gauge cluster, 7.0-inch touchscreen for the Display Audio sound system and a 360-degree Bird's Eye View Monitor. The 2016 RAV4 also will offer the new Toyota Safety Sense system. Standard on the top-line Limited, it complements the existing Star System elements with a Pre-Collision/Pedestrian Pre-Collision System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams. 

New RAV4 SE adds enthusiast appeal

Those seeking a RAV4 with more dynamic character will find it in the new SE which matches a sport-tuned suspension with a unique front bumper/lower grille, full LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels and available two-tone exterior treatment that pairs a Super White, Black Sand Pearl or Electric Storm Blue upper color with a Classic Silver Metallic lower body trim. Inside, the new RAV4 SE features the Limited's SofTex seat coverings and a black headliner while adding SE-spec instrument graphics and the 4.2-inch info display as well as steering-wheel mounted shifter paddles. 

Specific packaging details as well as pricing and EPA numbers for the entire 2016 Toyota RAV4 lineup will be realesed closer to their actual on-sale dates. 

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