Japan's aftermarket auto parts and racing expo, the Tokyo Auto Salon features displays by all major domestic automakers including Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and Subaru. Tuners from NISMO to TRD and Mugen display their latest products and point to the future of the Japanese tuner industry. The 2012 show promises to be a big one, thanks to the debut of the Toyota GT 86 and Subaru BRZ.
For some of the more minor auto shows, a Top 10 list of the most important cars often covers most of the new debuts, but not so at the North American International Auto Show. Held each January in Detroit it's the obvious launch site for major products by the Big Three domestic automakers and over the years has also become the venue for important new models by the rest of the auto industry.
Domestics made their mark at this year's Detroit show, starting with one very different concept car revealed by Chevrolet. Called the Tru 140S it may look like some outrageously fast and expensive exotic machine, but it's neither. Based on the same front-drive platform as the Chevy Cruze, it is powered by the same 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which makes just 138 hp in that car. Designed, along with the Code 130R concept, as part of an initiative to attract youth buyers back to the brand, Chevy seems serious about the concept, even announcing that if it made production, the target price would be around the $20,000 mark.
It's the first auto show of every year and it's always a big one. The Detroit Auto Show, officially the North American International Auto Show, takes place from January 14-22, preceded by several private days, including the press preview on January 9th and 10th. Notable debuts at this year's event include the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ in US-spec trim, the Cadillac ATS, a new Dodge compact car and even a hybrid version of the Jetta.
As another calendar year draws to a close it's time to take a look back at the top 10 biggest stories of the year in the auto industry. It's been a busy 12 months, starting all the way back in March when the Fiat 500 officially went on sale, marking the return of the brand to America. The last time an Italian car was sold here that didn't cost six figures (or close to it) was 27 years ago. Since then, Fiat has introduced the 500C convertible model and most recently the Fiat 500 Abarth, aimed at enthusiasts.
The jury is still out on the Fiat brand's success in North America, although the first year has failed to live up to expectations, with Fiat predicting sales of 50,000 units, while according to automotive data firm GoodCarBadCar only 17,444 have been sold in the first 11 months of the year (add 5,000 more if you include Canada). Some of this may be the result of Fiat's marketing initiative with several ads featuring Jenifer Lopez, which the Fiat faithful rejected and many believe cost the brand boss Laura Souve her job. Getting the Fiat dealer network up and running also proved a challenge.
With more models coming, and Alfa Romeo set to return in 2013, Fiat is here to say. More importantly, perhaps, is the Fiat connection to Chrysler – a company it saved from bankruptcy and which it is now slowly rebuilding back into a profitable automaker.
The only non-Japanese car to make our Top 10 cars list of the Tokyo Motor Show, the Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept was also one of the few true surprises. While a show car, it makes use of an all-new VW platform, an impressive AWD plug-in hybrid system, while also taking a look at the future styling direction of the brand.
On the later note, that's by no means a bad thing. And while hardly a significant departure from the current VW style guide, the Cross Coupe is certainly an attractive machine.
Built on the brand's new MQB (modular transverse matrix) platform, the Cross Coupe is the first example of an electric differential with front and rear electric motors that can be "attached" to deliver an all-wheel drive system. VW claims the system can be used for two AWD scenarios, one for added grip and the other for an AWD electric only drive mode with 25 miles of range. (For a more extensive run-down on the system, see our post and video here). Paired with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine up front, VW claims a total power output of 261-hp and a 0-60 mph time of 7.0 seconds.
Making all this technology all the more significant is that it is being unveiled on a new platform, with the obvious suggestion that both could be paired together in a near-future production model.
A lackluster economy and struggling auto sales over the past few years have really hurt the Tokyo Motor Show, but that will change this year. While financial collapse is still in the headlines and the Japanese auto industry continues to emerge from the earthquake and tsunami earlier this year, one car will put the Tokyo front and center: the Toyota FT-86.
While there will be numerous debuts from the big Japanese automakers (including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda and Subaru), the focus will be on the big T's new affordable sports car; a vehicle that was crafted to rebrand Toyota. And let's also not forget it's Subaru sibling, the BRZ, which is also expected to make it's official debut in Tokyo.
Just a few years ago picking a Top 10 Cars list from the LA Auto Show would have been a simple task, with few world premieres and most of the vehicles on display having already been revealed at some overseas venue. That's no longer the case, with over 20 global debuts this year. So with a sizable list to choose from, the AutoGuide team sat down at the end of the two media days of press conferences to determine the most exciting, most interesting and most important reveals of the show. And here they are:
From the Fiat 500 to the Smart fortwo and Scion iQ, the mini car segment continues to grow in North America. Not wanting to pass this segment by, Chevrolet has entered the fray with a tiny car of its own, the Spark. Sized down from even the new Sonic sub-compact it still has a livable amount of space and comes powered by an ultra-small 1.2-liter 4-cylinder engine making just 85-hp. Thankfully it weighs just 2,300 lbs, so acceleration, shouldn't be terrible.
Notable features on this car include a standard 7-inch screen with Chevy's new MyLink system and Bluetooth. Plus, power windows, air conditioning and 10 airbags come standard.
Promising a total of 17 world premieres and 50 debuts, the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show will give many a chance to see some of Frankfurt's major models, including the new BMW M5, Mazda CX-5, Kia GT Concept and Volvo's Concept You. But the real focus will be on the new product reveals, from the production version of the Infiniti JX, to the Hyundai Elantra Coupe and Azera.
In addition, look for the reveal of the Fiat 500 Abarth as well as an STI-themed concept version of the Subaru BRZ sports car. Other automakers planning original products include Honda, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Lincoln, while Ford will reveal three all-new cars and General Motors will show off two.
The contest works like this:
Today until November 24, the contest will be open for submissions. You must post your pictures in this thread to enter. You may only post your own car. Better yet, read the rules of the ROTM contest first.[/URL]
From November 25 - 30 a poll will be added containing the entered submissions. All members are asked to vote on their favorite. The person with the most votes at the end of the month will be the winner for the month of November!! The prize:
The November 2011 Ride of the month will be featured on the homepage during the month of December 2011 and be entered in a draw with other Ride of the Month winners from the Autoguide.com network for a chance to win a free oil change.
Let's see whatcha got!
Ever since Lexus first began participating at the SEMA Show the team from Five Axis has been around. Showing just what's possible when you're not constrained by styling that must appeal to all types or by volume manufacturing, creative boss Troy Sumitomo has been crafting wild one-offs for years. Initially some rather wild tuner-style cars, more recently the design house seems to have developed its own identity, showcased most recently in the "Project GS" concept based on the all-new 2013 Lexus GS. With an extra wide body, massive 20-inch wheels and a low-low stance, this unique interpretation of the new GS is easily the best reason yet why Toyota should hire Sumitomo.
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