Detroit Auto Show: 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe Concept

Honda has unveiled its 2012 Civic Si Concept at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, previewing the production versions of the popular small car and targeting a growing number of competitors with an aggressive new look and multiple engine choices.

With a series of revamped elements at the exterior and improved interiors, the Honda Civic Si Sedan and Coupe Concepts features 19 inch alloys, and while he four-door model looks pretty much similar to the current generation Civic, the 2-door seams heavily inspired by the current Accord Coupe.

Meanwhile, four-door buyers can expect an exterior design very similar to the 2011 Civic. Though the sedan's front-fascia wears a little bit more menace than the current design, the carried-over grille and headlights are more than a little familiar. Out back, new tail lamps and a re-sculpted trunk deck dominate the view.

Under the hood, power will be provided by the "widest array of engine choices available in its class." Options will include conventional petrol units, a natural gas variant, and a hybrid. The latter is slated to adopt the newest Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system which will be powered by a lithium-ion battery - a first for a Honda.

The new 2012 Honda Civic will go on sale in Spring 2011.

via: carscoop




Press Release

Honda Debuts Sleek and Sophisticated Concepts for All-New 2012 Civic Si Coupe and Civic Sedan Models

The Honda Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan are making world debuts at the North American International Auto Show today, providing the first official glimpse at the styling direction of the all-new, ninth-generation 2012 model set to go on sale this spring, the company announced.

"The Civic is known for providing a balance of 'just-right' packaging, fun-to-drive character and outstanding fuel economy, at a price that even first-time buyers can afford," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The redesigned Civic builds on this legacy and promises to be the best Civic yet."

The 2012 Civic embraces the company's vision as a "Civic for all people," a phrase originally expressed in defining the goal of the first-generation Civic. With the widest array of engine choices available in its class, the 2012 Civic lineup intends to meet the needs of an increasing group of compact-vehicle buyers with a renewed vision of a "Civic for all people." The diverse vehicle range includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, two sporty "Si" performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant. Collectively the depth of the Civic line offers a compelling balance between fuel economy, low emissions and fun-to-drive performance unlike any other vehicle in the industry.

As a new interpretation of the current Civic's iconic "one-motion" mono-form shape, the upcoming, ninth-generation Civic conveys a more substantial, high-energy appearance. The exterior styling of both Civic concept models showcases the sedan's and coupe's clean-yet-powerful lines with steeply raked windshields, wide stances and pronounced character lines along the profile. The lower character line on both models broadens toward the rear fenders to enhance the dynamic feeling of forward energy. The front fender surface treatments form a complex, three-dimensional look to further enhance the image of sophistication and structural depth against the deeply set headlights.

The Civic Concept sedan takes on a sophisticated presence with a front grille defined by crisp lines and a solid bar that integrates a chrome Honda emblem. The look of the Civic Si Concept coupe conveys an aggressive demeanor with a more angular front fascia, mesh grille and a tapered rear roofline that flows smoothly into the trunk. The Civic Si Concept coupe is exclusively equipped with a rear air diffuser, a center-mounted exhaust outlet and a rear deck lid spoiler with dual vents. Each concept model has 19-inch machined alloy wheels.

Powertrain Technology
The Civic's family of engines with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC®) technology become even more fuel efficient for 2012. The upcoming Civic Hybrid offers the latest generation of the compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist^TM (IMA^TM) gasoline-electric hybrid system and features the first application of a lithium-ion battery in a Honda hybrid.

Building on its emphasis on fuel-economy, most upcoming Civic models receive Honda Eco Assist^TM technology, already available in the CR-Z and Insight hybrids. The 2012 Civic is the first U.S. Honda model to employ Eco Assist technology in a gasoline-only powered vehicle. Eco Assist is just one example of how the new Civic can be customized and configured by the drivers to suit individual preferences.

Additionally, Honda is expanding retail sales of the natural gas-powered Civic GX model, which is the only OEM-built, dedicated CNG passenger car assembled in America. The increased availability of the Civic GX helps bring inherently clean-burning natural gas technology to an even broader audience while also supporting diversity in transportation energy resources.

Safety
The 2012 Civic continues to emphasize safety and is anticipated to score well in both the federal government's New Car Assessment Program1 (NCAP) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety2 (IIHS) vehicle evaluations. The 2001 Honda Civic Coupe was one of the first two passenger cars ever to earn the federal government's top 5-star crash safety rating3 for the driver and front- and rear-seat passengers in both frontal and side-impact crash tests.

All 2012 Civics are equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist^TM (VSA®) as standard equipment. Additionally, the ninth-generation Civic continues to provide Honda's exclusive and innovative Advanced Compatibility Engineering^TM (ACE^TM) body structure for frontal collision energy management.

Accolades and Manufacturing
As a top-selling model for Honda, the current, eighth-generation Civic has sold more than 1.5 million units since the 2006 model went on sale in late 2005. The 2006 Civic earned both the prestigious Motor Trend "Car of the Year" and the North American Car of the Year awards.

The current-generation Civic continues to be a significant entry-point to the Honda brand for younger buyers, introducing on average more than 90,000 new-car customers under the age of 35 to the brand every year. More than 95 percent of all Civics sold in the U.S. as of calendar-year 2010 were made4 in North America at manufacturing facilities in either Greensburg, Indiana or Alliston, Ontario in Canada.

Ciento Once by GWA

GWA Tuning, a North American firm, has revealed the images of the Ciento Once. The prototype is still under development and is a revival of a famous Mercedes Gullwing prototype from the 70s. GWA has created a modern take of the same vehicle.

The Ciento Once is built upon a tubular space frame chassis, but instead of the original Wankel diesel that powered the concept car it gets aMercedes V12 with with 408 HP mounted in the middle visible through the glass hood. It is backed by a 6-speed Cima H type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust.

Wheelbase is slightly shorter than the original at 103 inches (2616 mm) and weight is similar at 1,400 kg (3086 lbs). Brakes are the same as on the S55 Mercedes-Benz.

The interior of the GWA Tuning Ciento Once offers carbon fiber seats, brushed aluminum pedals and illuminated door sills. the car has the same wheel-tire setup as the Mercedes SLS AMG (19x9 wheels with 265/35/19 tires at the front and 20x11 wheels with 295/30/20 tires at the rear.)






Exterior and Interior

The Ciento Once will come with a body made out of high-grade aluminum and an electrically operated rear adjustable wing. Other elements that will be added to this one-off vehicle include a swooping front hood, front spoiler with large air intake, a rear diffusor, and of course, those gull wing doors.

Comparing it to the 1970 Mercedes-Benz C111 from which it was based on, the Ciento Once will come with a slightly shorter wheelbase at 103 inches while maintaining the same weight – around 1,400 kg – as its inspiration. The one-off car also runs on GWA Type A wheels, 19X9 front and 20X11 rears, with 265/35/19 and 295/30/20 rubber.

As for the interior, GWA Tuning gave the Ciento Once a modern take while also taking into account a vintage retro feel. Modern items include carbon fiber seats covered in plaid, an instrument panel that’s been modeled after a W120R MB, modern dashboard accents, illuminated door sills, and brushed AMG aluminum pedals.

Performance

GWA Tuning certainly made sure to give the Ciento Once an engine worthy of its one-off status. Housed in a tubular space frame chassis, the car’s power plant is derived from a M120 Mercedes V12 engine that produces a robust 408 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed Cima H-type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust. Even better, the car’s powerful engine can be seen through a glass on the rear deck, making for some nice ‘ooohing’ and ‘aaahing’ from passersby.

Pricing

No word yet on how much it’s going to cost, but considering it’s most likely going to be a one-off vehicle, there’s a very big chance that it’s going to come with a steep price tag. How steep? Well, we wouldn’t be surprised if it punches a number north of six digits.

Competition

Scoff if you want, but if you’re in the market for a one-of-a-kind Mercedes with gullwing doors to rival your neighbor’s SLS AMG, then GWA Tuning’s Ciento Once is the perfect candidate for that. Just make sure you call ‘dibs’ on the car before everybody else.

2010 Kia KV7 Crossover Concept

Kia decided to play Santa early and gifted us with a teaser of its KV7 Concept, which is scheduled to debut next month at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

The company has tagged it as a convention-challenging concept, and certainly, those rear gullwing doors do capture the attention in a big way. The vehicle’s lines are reminiscent of the Soul’s, and it does look like a – rather – stretched version of the latter.

Aside from the teaser rendering you see pictured above, the Korean firm didn't really reveal any details on the funky crossover model that features a set of Gullwing-style rear doors, but if you insist, we've added the press release after the jump.





Press Release

For the past several years Kia Motors' design-led transformation has been delivering production vehicles – such as the Soul, Forte Koup and Sportage – that bear a very close resemblance to the original concept designs that preceded them. At the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Kia will make another dramatic design statement with the world debut of an all-new, convention-challenging concept vehicle named "KV7."

Further information will be released in early-January.

Nissan Leaf Aero Style Concept

Nissan revealed today the LEAF Aero Style Concept, a new show car, which will be introduced in January, at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon.

The Leaf Aero Style concept boasts a new front bumper, extended side skirts, and restyled mirrors. Other goodies include LED daytime driving lights and unique wheels.

Among the highlights, visitors will be able to check out the Nissan Leaf Aero Style Concept, which as you can see from the photo, comes fitted with a futuristic looking aero body kit, the JUKE Sporty Package, which enhances the automaker's compact crossover with a series of exterior accessories, various chrome parts and 17 inch aluminium alloys or the Elgrand Rider Premium Concept which received a tuned engine, body and suspension.

The suspension and power steering have also been tweaked to provide a more dynamic ride, and engine output is up 16kW to 261kW.

The firm will also show off the charmingly-named Juke Sporty Package which previews a host of exterior accessories designed for the European and North American markets. The car includes chrome parts and 17-inch alloys.

Also making their debuts at the show will be the Motul Autech GT-R, which appeared in the 2010 Super GT season, and the Nissan Nismo GT-R RC, a specifically developed circuit racer designed to FIA standards.
The nine vehicles will be on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon on January 14-16, 2011, at Makuhari Messe.




Press Release

Nissan to Showcase Nine Exciting and Innovative Models at Tokyo Auto Salon

YOKOHAMA (Dec. 21, 2010) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., together with AUTECH Japan and Nissan Motorsports International Co. Ltd. (NISMO) will present nine exciting and innnovative models equipped with the latest custom and aftermarket parts at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2011 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association). It will be held January 14-16, 2011 at Makuhari Messe.

Nissan will recreate the exciting atmosphere of its participation in the SUPER GT domestic racing series with a display of a race vehicle, transporter and hospitality cars, along with "pit stop" tire changing demonstrations, Also on display will be the 100% electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF Aero Style Concept and Nissan's range of standard road cars stylized with the latest genuine aero body kits that complement the vehicles' pure forms.

Autech will showcase its expertise in custom cars with three fun, relaxing models, including "Elgrand Rider" concept. NISMO will be presenting its new production race car, the Nissan NISMO GT-R RC, which will be officially announced at the Salon, and the MOTUL AUTECH GT-R racecar that competed in the 2010 SUPER GT series.

Highlights of the exhibit include:

NISSAN Area
• Nissan LEAF Aero Style Concept
Equipped with an aero body kit that accentuates Nissan LEAF's distinctive silhouette and character lines, this concept car expresses an image of futuristic sport EV driving.

• JUKE Sporty Package (Reference exhibit)
With its dealer-installed option enhancing JUKE's strong, dynamic feel, this custom car is equipped with exterior accessories designed for the European and North American markets. The car includes chrome parts and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

AUTECH Area
• Elgrand Rider Premium Concept (Reference exhibit)
Seeking the ultimate level of "mobility space,"' the engine, body and suspension are specifically tuned up for a higher level of driving performance. The genuine leather seats are configured in two rows, accommodating four people, and feature a quilted design. Based on the Elgrand Rider, the Premium Concept also features a cabinet with indirect lightning for the ground below and a cool/warm storage box. The custom exterior items such as a smoke-plated front mask, 19-inch wheels and tires and a front protector accentuate the uniqueness of this car.

• Serena Rider
Based on Serena, this custom car adopts punchy aeroform coating and an emblematic front grille design, which are features of the Rider Series of custom cars. Black-themed special seat materials and silver carbon-style instrument shift finisher enhance its sportiness.
With the front protector* installed in the display model, its unique styling is emphasized.

• March Bolero
This March-based model has an elegantly coordinated interior and exterior. For the exterior, the front grille, which has been characteristics of previous generation models, features a plated mesh design, while its interior is highlighted by wine-colored, horizontal-striped seat materials delivering a distinguished atmosphere.

* Special front protector for the Rider series, to be scheduled to go on sale in January, 2011, for Elgrand and Serena.

NISMO Area
• Nissan NISMO GT-R RC**
Based on the iconic Nissan GT-R, which offers the world's highest level of performance as a road going car, the NISMO GT-R RC was specially developed for circuit driving. It features a slick tire-compatible suspension, lightweight components and special safety equipment and devices - including a welded roll cage that meets the FIA standard, a 120-liter safety fuel tank made by ATL and air jacks. It is able to compete in various production races held around the world. This car will be officially released at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
** RC=Racing Competition

• NISMO Version FAIRLADY Z
This model builds on the Fairlady Z's high level of driving performance with added fun and sporty functionality. Along with engine output that is increased to 261kW(355PS), a higher level of sporty handling is realized through special body and suspension tuning and modification of the power steering characteristics. For the exterior, excellent aerodynamic performance is achieved through use of special body components providing greater downforce and reduced air resistance.

• Elgrand S-tune
This model is equipped with NISMO S-tune kit for exhilarating driving on the street, and genuine optional parts for enhanced comfort and sportiness.

• MOTUL AUTECH GT-R
This car, campaigned in the 2010 SUPER GT season took the pole position in Round 5 in Sugo and finished in second place in Round 4 in Sepang and Round 6 in Suzuka.

NISMO will also have a "Kids & Ladies Ride Event," where participants can experience what it's like to be inside a racing car, and the "Pitwork Simulation," where NISMO mechanics will be demonstrating racing tire changes and other techniques.

NISSAN/NISMO Collection Booth
Official Nissan merchandise, including Nissan LEAF, Nissan GT-R and NISMO motorsports products, will be available at the Nissan/NISMO booth.

MINI Paceman concept【Video】

Mini has revealed a new concept car ahead of the 2011 Detroit motor show. The Paceman Concept is billed as a ‘sports activity coupe’: think a smaller Range Rover Evoque or BMW X6.

The Mini Paceman Concept is based on the same ALL4 permanent all-wheel-drive platform as the Countryman crossover and also has the same dimensions. However, it cuts out two-doors, creating a largest tailgate than the Countryman.

Power is provided by the same 1.6 litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine found in the brand's John Cooper Works models, developing 155kW and 260Nm of torque.

The concept has a center-rail console like the one found in the four-door crossover, and accompanying bucket seats, while restyled interior door and trim panels use ovals to lend an impression of more interior space. The Paceman's dimensions are an overall length of 161.8 inches, 70.4 inches wide, and 60.7 inches wide.






Press Release

The first Sports Activity Coupe in the premium segment - and a MINI through and through.

World premiere of the new MINI Paceman Concept.

MINI is marking an important milestone in its history by once again presenting a fascinating new vehicle concept for the MINI family - the MINI Paceman Concept. Exactly 10 years ago, visitors to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit witnessed the relaunch of the MINI brand in North America, which signalled the beginning of an unparalleled success story. And now the brand is also preparing to celebrate this landmark anniversary at the NAIAS - taking place from 10-23 January 2011 - with the world premiere of the MINI Paceman Concept. This spectacular study vehicle establishes a totally new category of car with its potential for providing even more driving fun and an even greater range of usage. The MINI Paceman Concept could become another building block in the ongoing development of the brand and its product portfolio.

The MINI Paceman Concept takes the fundamental strengths of MINI - its uniqueness, go-kart handling, agility, dynamic capability and individual design - and gives them a fresh twist with the help of cutting-edge technology and an innovative body concept. It combines a sporty, masculine appearance, versatility and coupe looks with the dimensions of the four-door MINI Countryman. And it brings together the classical MINI concept, the defining features of the MINI Countryman and the style of a coupe to harmonious effect. The result is a MINI with visual "muscle car" design cues, which displays its dynamic capability from every angle and showcases it impressively both when viewed from the side and in the design of the rear.

The MINI Paceman Concept, whose crossover design makes it the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) in the small car segment, blends lifestyle elements with premium quality. It is the ideal car for young, modern, extrovert urbanites who love the hallmark MINI go-kart feeling, enjoy stand-out individuality, place great importance on the personality of a brand and buy into its character and ethos. They are confident types, who live according to their own style and express their distinctive individuality in a MINI, who use the big-city mobility the MINI provides to embark on voyages of discovery through the urban jungle, and who experience driving fun in its most concentrated form thanks to the excellent ride comfort of the MINI both in everyday driving and over long journeys.

The masculine design language of the MINI Paceman Concept spotlights both the stand-alone identity of the concept and its membership of the MINI family. The four-seater study, whose two large doors and a wide-opening tailgate mark it out unmistakably as a MINI, imbues the sporty, cutting-edge Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) category with undeniable appeal. The platform of the MINI Countryman, with its hallmark MINI proportions, increased ground clearance and raised seating position, defines the study's compact dimensions.

Exterior: Sports Activity Coupe - urban and masculine.

The MINI Paceman Concept retains the familiar MINI family front end, but adds its own distinctive flavour. The large headlights with chrome surrounds extend far into the front wings and, together with the strikingly contoured bonnet, emphasise the imposing front end. The MINI Paceman Concept largely replicates the front grille design of the MINI Cooper S Countryman. However, additional intakes in the lower section of the front bumper ensure improved brake ventilation and combine with the study's deep-set foglamps to sharpen its sporting edge. The MINI Paceman Concept's fresh interpretation of the side scuttle at the transition from front wing to door houses both the side direction indicator and an air outlet. The side scuttle has a broad, sturdy-looking design and leads the eye from the A-pillar down towards the front wheel, making it an unmistakable, sporty, wheel-accentuating feature.

Large 19-inch wheels designed exclusively for the study car and dark wheel arch borders with side skirts highlighted in the same colour team up with the familiar MINI shoulder line rising up slightly towards the rear to underline the car's sporty and powerful appearance. The MINI Paceman Concept shows off its roof contours particularly effectively. The flat roofline runs horizontally from front to rear, where it flows into a wide, transparent-looking C-pillar. The windows appear to wrap around the car like a band of glass, with the "helmet roof" - in a strikingly contrasting colour - suspended on top. The coupe-specific windows taper as they extend to the rear, and combine with the slightly rising waistline to create a prominently dynamic wedge shape when viewed from the side. The classic MINI three-level split of roof, greenhouse and body is again clearly recognisable in this study vehicle.

"In contrast to the more vertical design of the MINI Countryman, we've given the MINI Paceman Concept a horizontal emphasis and accentuated the width of the car rather more," explains Marcus Syring, Head of MINI Exterior Design, to underline the powerful appearance of the study. The new interpretation of the traditional coupe values (the word "coupe" comes from the French "couper" meaning "to cut off") produces a new homogeneous coupe tail which retains the unique MINI charm. Powerful proportions and the muscular design of the vehicle flanks, with their broad rear wings, reinforce its unconventional, athletic impression.

The newly interpreted rear lights are positioned at the outer edges of the rear and underline the dominance of horizontal lines, which run parallel to one another and emphasise the wide track of the rear axle. As with the MINI Cooper S Countryman, the rear apron of the MINI Paceman Concept has a diffuser design. The airflow is channelled between the twin-tailpipe exhaust on the underbody section, further optimising the car's aerodynamic properties. Even the licence plate recess echoes the form of the air intake in the front bumper, forging a stylistic link between the front and rear of the car.

The four-seater car measures 4,110 millimetres in length, 1,789 millimetres in width and 1,541 millimetres in height. In telltale family style, the MINI Paceman Concept has extremely short overhangs, which lend particular emphasis to the car's athletic stature.

Interior: a blend of modern functionality and luxurious character.

The interior of the MINI Paceman Concept deliberately draws from the MINI design language, yet also comes across as refreshingly new. Behind the study's masculine exterior lies an elegant yet sporty core imbued with a premium sense of quality. The instrument panel of the MINI study is defined by its distinctive, concave forms and the sporty but functional impression it creates. Particularly large side air vents underline the character of the interior, which is defined by cutting-edge functionality. The central air vents, Centre Speedo and gearshift lever are given broad surrounds in a contrasting colour.

The slim centre console, which maximises legroom for the driver and front passenger, melts between the seats into the Centre Rail familiar from the MINI Countryman, creating a visual and functional link between the front and rear seats. This unique and innovative U-profile rail system runs through the middle of the passenger compartment back as far as the rear seat backrests. Light shades of leather pervade the interior of the MINI Paceman Concept and lend it an expressive, luxurious allure. The new interpretation of the brand's familiar elliptical door and side trim extends along the length of the cabin, taking in the B-pillar and emphasising the length of the interior. At the same time, the communicative and communal character of MINI cars is clearly highlighted. Embedded in the elliptical main element are the shaped armrests with large stowage compartments, ergonomically designed door pulls and the speakers for the sound system. Behind the sports seats are two comfortable individual seats, whose backrests merge boldly into side sections to create fully contoured supports. The "lounge" character that this creates underlines the individual, unconventional appearance of the study car and turns every journey into an experience for the rear passengers, as well as those in the front.

Drive system: powerful and efficient.

Both from a space point of view and in its chassis set-up, the MINI Paceman Concept has been designed to allow the most powerful drive unit currently available for a MINI to be fitted under the bonnet. The MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine gives the MINI Paceman Concept the means to achieve top-class levels of sports performance. The four-cylinder unit develops 155 kW/211 hp and generates maximum torque of 260 Nm (192 lb-ft), which can be increased to as much as 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) in brief bursts thanks to the Overboost function.

Its MINI Countryman roots give the MINI concept study an ideal platform for the optionally available MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel-drive system. This features an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive which varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the drive is sent to the rear wheels, in extreme situations as much as 100 per cent. Harnessing the power of the brawny four-cylinder engines, in all-wheel-drive form the MINI Paceman Concept would offer an extra dose of driving fun through a traction-led, sporty expression of the agile handling for which MINI is famed.

Chassis: the best handling characteristics in the segment.

MINI chassis technology has been further developed for the MINI Paceman Concept to turn the potential of the extremely powerful engines - safely and with impressive poise - into inspiring agility. Precise, sporty handling and excellent ride comfort set the MINI Paceman Concept apart. That is down not least to the go-kart feeling typical of the brand. The front axle features MacPherson spring struts with lower track control arms, while Electric Power Steering with speed-sensitive power assistance plays a major role in giving the SAC the agility customers expect of the brand. The multi-link rear axle was developed on the back of BMW Group chassis expertise and is designed for use in both the front-wheel-drive and the ALL4 all-wheel-drive versions of the car.

MINI Paceman Concept: an idea ahead of the game - once again.

The MINI Paceman Concept embodies the idea of an incomparable driving experience in a way that meets the needs of a modern, lifestyle-oriented target group but also stays true to the character of the brand.

With the MINI Countryman having already opened up a fascinating new avenue in the expansion of the brand family, the designers are now tapping into the potential of its state-of-the-art drive technology and flexible space concept once again to develop additional usage options in a coupe sibling. The MINI Paceman Concept prioritises a particularly emotional driving experience and demonstrates this ability in a style typical of the brand. Here you can find clear evidence of how totally new vehicle concepts can still be developed today through unconventional creativity.