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If you’ve attended major international auto show in the U.S. this season, you’ve likely seen this car: Edsel Ford’s 1934 Model 40 Special Speedster. We first saw it at the Monterey Concours d’Elegance last August, then again in January at the Detroit Auto Show. It is, frankly, a most beautiful specimen, and since we hadn’t yet taken the opportunity to capture it with our own lenses, New York seemed like the perfect place to hold an impromptu shoot.

The Speedster has a very long history going back to 1932 when Edsel Ford, then president of Ford Motor Company, returned from Europe and asked design director E.T. Gregorie to pen a sports car similar to the ones he saw running around Europe. It started out as a 1934 Ford, but was radically altered to make a low slung, two-seat sports car with technology that wouldn’t appear on production Fords for many years. It originally weighed 2,100 pounds and was powered by a 75-bhp Model 40 flathead V8 that was later replaced by a 100-bhp Mercury V8.

Edsel Ford enjoyed the car until his death in 1943, at which point the car began a journey of many ownerships, ultimately vanished and then resurfaced in 1999 when it was sold to a collector for $1.76 million. When the collector died, the Speedster was given to the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House who oversaw a complete restoration of the car. It now travels the auto show circuit, on display in a place of honor within the Lincoln display.

Continue reading Edsel Ford’s 1934 Model 40 Special Speedster

Edsel Ford’s 1934 Model 40 Special Speedster

The streets of Gotham are about to look a lot different. After being inundated with legions of bulky Ford Crown Victoria and the occasional Toyota Sienna or Prius for years, New York City’s hack pool is slated to get a fresh crop of yellow ugly thanks to its “Taxi of Tomorrow” program.

Chief among those vehicles figures to be the Nissan NV200 Taxi, also unveiled at this week’s New York Auto Show, but the Japanese automaker isn’t the sole manufacturer to be in the good graces of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. The 2013 MV-1 seen here has also gained approval, and its maker, the snappily named Vehicle Production Group, notes that this is the first purpose-built vehicle to gain the board’s approval since the Checker Cab.

And not only is the MV-1 purpose-built for taxi duty, it was designed with the Americans with Disabilities Act in mind – the square-rigged design is built around a 56-inch by 36-inch door for wheelchair access, and VPG will fit MV-1s with either manual or power ramps as requested. The American-made, body-on-frame MV-1 will also be available powered by Compressed Natural Gas.

It remains to be seen how many taxi companies are eager to buy vehicles from a startup automaker, but VPG says it has approval for up to 13,000 units. We imagine much of the MV-1’s success will come down to pricing and reliability, as well as acceptance of the vehicle’s unusual appearance. Of course, Nissan’s new NV doesn’t look like it will be contending for any design laurels, either…

VPG Autos MV-1 Taxi will leave the light on for you

You may not have ever heard of a car called the Daihatsu Copen, but it’s ending production and we’re sad to report it. The Copen is (or was) made by the budget Toyota brand and stands as the only convertible kei car – those being the whimsical little cars that zip around Japan – still on the market.

A tiny two-seat roadster with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Copen was a favorite among customers for being just downright fun. But apparently after ten years of production, there just aren’t enough of those customers left to justify its continued production.

As a result, Daihatsu is reportedly discontinuing the line, with no apparent plans to replace it. Before it does, however, a 10th anniversary edition is reportedly in the works, with production limited to just 500 units. But with only 2,000 Copens sold last year, that represents a full quarter of production.

Daihatsu Copen, Japan’s last kei convertible, ending production

BMW has treated its high-performance X6 M to a refresh for the 2013 model year, rolling the controversial bad boy out during the New York Auto Show for its first official appearance. Unfortunately, the changes are so subtle that we required an official BMW tour guide to point them out. In lieu of such a service for each of our readers, the next paragraph will have to suffice.

Most obvious is the new ‘power bulge’ hood, borrowed from the now-defunct BMW X6 Active Hybrid. Less visible are the cosmetic changes to the BMW-signature kidney grill and the new optional LED headlights (active HID bulbs remain standard). Peer inside the 20-inch wheels to spot the painted calipers, now in a distinguished “M” blue (vehicles with optional carbon/ceramic brakes have gold calipers). Lastly, inside the cabin, BMW’s active sport seats are now standard.

Unchanged – and rightly so – is the gobsmacking twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 boasting 555 hp and 501 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed paddleshift automatic and permanent all-wheel drive, the hunchbacked hero will easily crack 60 mph in under than five seconds. By the way, you’ll have to make your own arrangements to get the gaudy Olympic sponsorship graphics seen on the vehicle above.

2013 BMW X6 M reveals its very discreet enhancements

Move over, Batmobile, and make room in the geekosphere for the latest comic book superhero ride.

Acura, as you may be aware, signed a multi-picture deal with Marvel to have its cars featured in a raft of superhero movies. The Japanese luxury brand’s cars were there at the end of Captain America, they were there in Thor, and they’ll be there in full force in the highly anticipated upcoming superhero spectacular, The Avengers.

Most prominent of these will be the NSX-like roadster Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has been spotted driving on set, but that won’t be the extent of it for the Honda brand. Feast your eyes on the MDX which Acura has prepared for the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division – the fictitious government agency that brings the gang together.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. MDX with the Sentinel Package is, according to its ficticious Monroney, packs the same Palladium-powered titanium engine, nine-speed transmission and diamond quartz brakes as the Stark roadster, albeit packed into a more capacious form. It’s got an aerial drone stored in a briefcase in the back, a cloaking device, bulletproof body, repulsor cannon and advanced targeting system.

So what would a fictitious vehicle like this set you back? MSRP (with destination and Sentinel package) is pegged at a nearly $6 million. Suck on that, Bugatti Veyron.

Acura MDX ready to S.H.I.E.L.D. the Avengers from harm

As if last year’s 800-horsepower GT500 Super Snake wasn’t enough, Shelby has just taken the covers off their lastest creation, the “1000″ at this year’s New York Auto Show. The muscle coupe comes in two flavors – the 950 horsepower street version and the track-only 1100+ horsepower S/C – although the difference seems like a moot point when it comes to a car’s capability on the Pirelli street tires. A massive Kenne Bell 3.6L supercharger is the main source of the increased engine output, while a variety of chassis and drivetrain enhancements ensure that the additional horsepower and torque is delivered to the pavement.

Besides being the most powerful production car ever to come from Shelby, the 1000 will also be one of the most exclusive. Shelby President John Luft tells us that just 100 of the examples will be built with a starting price of close to $200,000. If the idea of a six-figure Ford Mustang seems like a hard sell, then you’re underestimating the lure of the Shelby brand. While the company has refused to take orders for the car before its debut, Luft informs Autoblog that the company already has a waiting list of more than 30 customers anxious to plunk down their hard earned cash for the model.

You can read full details on the 2012 Shelby 1000 in the press release by scrolling below and take a look at our live photos of the car’s debut in the gallery above.

Continue reading 2012 Shelby 1000 is Carroll’s ultimate Mustang

2012 Shelby 1000 is Carroll’s ultimate Mustang

Cadillac has announced base pricing for the 2013 XTS, its all-new, full-size luxury sedan. The car goes on sale this spring with a starting MSRP of $44,995 (*including destination charges).

The front-drive XTS will be available in four specifications: Base, Luxury, Premium and Platinum. All-wheel-drive will be available with any of the three trim packages. Cadillac will be deploying CUE, its new capacitive touch infotainment system, as standard equipment and every XTS will be equipped with Magnetic Ride Control.

Not mentioned today was the specific availability of Cadillac’s new safety suite or any further pricing information about the specific packages. Cadillac did say it will be releasing a CUE Apple iPad app next month that will replicate the XTS’ center screen. Click past the jump to read the full press release, then comment on whether you think Caddy’s pricing is a fair shake in Comments.

Continue reading 2013 Cadillac XTS priced from $44,995*

2013 Cadillac XTS priced from $44,995*

Lacking the fanfare of a flashy press conference, the 2012 Lotus Evora S arrived at the New York Auto Show sporting an upgraded interior and new wheel options (Lotus is one of the few automakers still following the actual calendar when it comes to model year introductions, meaning 2012 models are just now flowing into the North American marketplace).

While hardly lacking lavishness, the Evora’s cockpit has been further enhanced with additional leather on the door panels and lower sills. There is a new trim ring around the transmission shifter, the standard Recaro seats have been re-upholstered with upgraded leather (with contrasting piping and woven fabric inserts) and the bright brushed metal dashboard has a new dark finish for better contrast. Rounding up the interior alterations, the loathed Alpine audio/navigation system has been replaced with a superior system from Pioneer.

The standard alloy wheel package remains a staggered 18- and 19-inch setup, but Lotus is also offering a new 19- and 20-inch wheel package with several different finishes including a gorgeous matte anthracite (the wheels shown in our gallery). The 2012 Lotus Evora / Evora S is rolling into showrooms today.

2012 Lotus Evora S nearly sneaks by, but we catch the improvements

General Motors is taking a big gamble in a little way with its 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The Detroit automaker is betting that high fuel prices and an increased awareness of one’s ecological footprint will mean more consumers are willing to entertain a new car with an even smaller err… footprint. The Spark will join other minicars like the Fiat 500, Scion iQ and Smart ForTwo, none of which have met with significant sales volume. On the other hand, its big brother, the Sonic has performed well in the early going. In addition, the Spark offers more physical volume than its peers – as well as a set of rear doors – so practicality appears to be solidly in favor of Camp Chevy.

The five-door Spark will test America’s appetites for small car life with a starting price of just $12,995 (*including delivery) when it arrives in Chevrolet showrooms later this year. Available in a trio of trims, the lineup will start with the well-equipped LS model that includes a whopping 10 airbags, air conditioning, power windows, OnStar and 15-inch alloys.

Stepping up to the 1LT trim will cost $14,495, but it adds an audio system with seven-inch color touchscreen, USB connectivity and satellite radio. Additional features include keyless entry, power mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth (”for select phones”) and mundane items like visor mirrors and floor mats. The range-topping 2LT ($15,795) will be distinguished by a unique set of 15-inch wheels, sportier body-color fascias, fog lamps and additional exterior brightwork. Inside, heated, leatherette-covered seats and a leather-wrapped wheel spruce up the cabin.

Regardless of which trim spec is selected, buyers will find a 1.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder underhood, and a five-speed manual is standard equipment, though a four-speed automatic can be substituted for $925.

GM announced back in October that it will also bring a Spark EV to “select markets” in the U.S. sometime in 2013, though it has yet to announce pricing or an on-sale date for the pure electric runabout.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Spark to start at $12,995*

2013 Chevrolet Spark to start at $12,995*

First announced last October, the reborn, all-electric Delorean has made a surprise appearance at the New York Auto Show this year. It’s a surprise because not even Delorean Motor Company president Stephen Wynne knew he was going to be here until a few weeks ago, when show organizers called with an invite.

With a prime spot near the EV ride along track – the DMCev is sadly not involved – Wynne said he’s been getting good attention, even though said track is in the basement. We asked Wynne what’s been going on with the car since last fall’s announcement and the short answer is that this is one EV concept that’s going into production.

The target date for fans to buy the DMCev is early 2013, but a lot has to happen between now and then. Right now, all the company has is the converted DMC-12 to show off the technology. To create this, the designers had to add 200 pounds of stuff, and the production version is going to be either the same weight as the gas version, or a few pounds less, in order to improve both performance and range. The car is powered by a 32-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack and has a 125 mile per hour top speed with a range of 100 miles. Published specs claim a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds, but Wynne said the target is now under six seconds. Price for all this fun? $95,000.

DMC will assemble the car in Houston, TX with a lot of help from Louisiana’s Epic EV, the company working on the Torq and Amp vehicles (not the Amp conversions). These two companies are testing different motor/inverter combinations for the electric Delorean, and Wynne said they are looking for a “proven product” from a company that has at least “several hundred” units on the road. The current prototype also uses a DC motor, but the production will use AC for better range, performance and regenerative braking ability. The old-school dashboard is also due for an upgrade

Those are the details we could glean in New York. Can you believe we made it through this entire post without a Back To The Future reference? The DMCev can’t do it, though, with a license plate that reads “Gas? Where we’re going we don’t need gas” and a battery that carries the “Flux Power” nickname. For more, you can watch a video of Translogic going for a ride in the DMCev down below, where you’ll also find a related press release.

Continue reading Delorean Electric surprises in New York, will cost $95,000 in 2013

Delorean Electric surprises in New York, will cost $95,000 in 2013

Audi told us a new R8 was coming, and now our spy shooters have caught it testing. The good news is that the car still looks stunning. The bad news is that’s because the original R8 design has aged so well.

What we’re seeing in these photos doesn’t indicate much has changed outside of minor tweaks to the front fascia that seem mostly designed to accommodate new headlights with a different LED pattern. The rear fascia and taillights are similarly reconfigured, with round twin tailpipes like the R8 GT, but without the side ducting.

When they sent us the images, KPG Photography also speculated that this forthcoming R8 update will ditch the R-tronic sequential automatic transmission for a dual-clutch gearbox. That’s in line with rumors we’ve heard for the next-generation R8, which indicate that the DSG will be the only transmission available.

We’ve got shots of both the coupe R8 and the R8 Spyder, including some taken at night where it’s easier to see the new LED designs. Check out all the high-res images in our gallery.

Audi R8 facelift reveals evolutionary change

Not that we don’t like the Land Rover DC100 Concept or anything, but this is the third version of the next-gen Defender that Land Rover has trotted out at an auto show in the space of seven months. (Never mind that it looks like they just repainted the Heritage Blue one from the L.A. show.) Forgive us, then, for wishing Land Rover would get on with it and announce that it’s going into production.

But no. Instead, we get this: The Land Rover LR4 Luxury Limited Edition. With a mere 2,000 available worldwide, Land Rover seems serious about the limited part. A long list of unique trim pieces including “HSE Luxury” badging on the tailgate and interior finishes borrowed from the Range Rover should take care of the rest of the equation.

If you’d like all the details about things like “satin chrome” and “Havana” (that’s a color, by the way), the full press release on the special LR4 is after the jump.

Better yet, check out the episode of Translogic where our sister site drives the DC100 – also available after the jump.

Continue reading Land Rover brings expedition-minded DC100 concept and LR4 special edition to NY

Land Rover brings expedition-minded DC100 concept and LR4 special edition to NY

Just the other day, we heard that General Motors might extend its traditional two-week summer shutdown to three weeks for the Chevrolet Volt. But, after record Volt sales last month, we wonder how the calendar looks in Hamtramck now. We wonder because we are hearing reports that the current shutdown – originally scheduled to run for five weeks, from March 19 to April 23 – will be shortened by a week. GM originally decided on the hold to reduce supply that had grown too large because of soft demand.

Don LaForest, the chairman of the United Auto Workers bargaining committee at the Hamtramck plant where the Volt is made, told Talking Points Memo that GM is “adding a week of production back in.” The Detroit News reports that GM President of North America Mark Reuss said the same thing Wednesday during the New York Auto Show. Reuss said, “We’re doing it because we sold a lot.”

Increasing sales numbers (GM sold 2,289 Volts in March – well over double February’s 1,023-unit total) come at a time when some of the right-wing attacks on the plug-in hybrid appear to have calmed down. LaForest told TPM that his union workers have been confused about these criticisms. “I don’t think Newt or Mitt have said a single negative thing about the Nissan Leaf,” he said. “They’re attacking our car to get at the President. But our car is going to change the way America does business. It’s a breath of fresh air.”

Improving Chevy Volt sales leads GM to shorten summer shutdown

Shortly after Jaguar announced that the production F-Type will be coming to market in mid-2013, we sat down with Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Global Brand Director, to discuss some of the finer points of the new sub-XK sports car. The F-Type is more or less the production version of the C-X16 concept that debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, but instead of sticking to the concept’s coupe body style, Jaguar said that the production F-Type will launch as a two-seat roadster. But that doesn’t mean a coupe isn’t coming.

Jaguar “certainly won’t stick to just a convertible. If you get a convertible right, it’s easy to do a coupe.”

“C-X16 was a vision car,” Hallmark stated. The intent of C-X16 was to show off a new design language, and it’s easier to completely realize the full capacity of a new styling direction on a coupe body style rather than on a roadster. But when we asked Hallmark about the possibility of a hardtop F-Type, his response was that Jaguar “certainly won’t stick to just a convertible. If you get a convertible right, it’s easy to do a coupe.”

Jaguar’s director of design, Ian Callum, added that there are no plans to offer a folding hardtop version of the F-Type roadster – it will use a standard soft top. A folding hardtop “would ruin the shape of the car,” Callum told us.

As we reported earlier, the F-Type will use a new powertrain family, possibly previewed by the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and electric motor combination found under the hood of the C-X16 concept. Hallmark stated that in terms of driver involvement and performance, the F-Type “will start where the XKR-S finishes, even with less power.” In other words, the F-Type will be more of a focused sports car rather than a luxury GT. As for pricing, Hallmark stated that the F-Type will be priced below the XK but above competitors like the Porsche Boxster/Cayman, BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK.

Moving away from the F-Type, Hallmark spoke briefly about plans to add all-wheel drive into the Jaguar lineup. “We’re very interested in all-wheel drive,” he stated, later adding that the company will likely offer it in its next-generation products rather than fitting it to the vehicles that are currently available. Hallmark assured us that it will be “not more than two years” until we see an all-wheel-drive Jag, and that prototype vehicles are already in the on-road testing phase.

Jaguar confirms F-Type coupe, AWD coming within two years

A Passat used to be a Passat, and that was that. But these days, things have gotten more complicated. Like Honda does with the Accord, the Passat that Volkswagen builds and offers in the United States is an entirely different vehicle from the one it offers overseas. And while we used to have a Passat wagon at our disposal in American showrooms, that one stayed on the opposite shore when the model was split.

And then there’s the Alltrack. Taking a similar approach to what Volvo took to make its V70 into the XC70, what Subaru does to its Legacy to turn it into an Outback and what (perhaps most pertinently) sister-brand Audi does to its A6 to make it the Allroad, the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack production model was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show back in November with a higher suspension and some rugged-looking lower body cladding.

Although the Alltrack – or for that matter, the Passat wagon altogether – is not currently available in the United States, Volkswagen has brought the overseas model to the New York Auto Show (as a “concept”, mind you) in an effort to gauge reaction. If it drums up enough support – and over 80 percent of you have supported in our informal poll so far – VW could opt to offer it to American customers as a more cost-effective alternative to the Audi Allroad range. The showcar seen here is fitted with a TDI diesel engine, but presumably if it came to the States, it would be offered with a gasoline engine as its main powerplant. Take a closer look in our gallery of high-resolution live images from the show floor and the official release below and decide for yourself.

Continue reading Volkswagen brings Passat Alltrack “concept” from overseas

Volkswagen brings Passat Alltrack “concept” from overseas

If the orange Subaru XV you see here looks familiar, it’s because we’ve seen it before. Not only that, we’ve driven it. So why, then, would Subaru choose to unveil its high-riding Impreza yet again here at the 2012 New York Auto Show? It’s coming to America, that’s why. And the car displayed here in the Big Apple is the official U.S. model.

The XV Crosstrek is, essentially, a lifted Impreza that speaks to the Outback Sport models that came before it. It boasts a surprising 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru states that its engineers have made quite a few tweaks to the body and chassis to make the XV substantially more rugged than its Impreza kin.

Power comes from the same 2.0-liter boxer four that’s found in the standard Impreza, putting out 148 horsepower and mated to either a five-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission. Naturally, all-wheel drive is standard, and because the XV is capable of achieving up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway, Subaru touts that it’s the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive CUV on the market.

The XV Crosstrek goes on sale this fall and official pricing will be announced closer to that time, but we’re guessing it’ll start off somewhere in the neighborhood of the 2011 Outback Sport’s $20,720 price of entry. Scroll down for Subaru’s press release.

Continue reading 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek finally arrives Stateside

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek finally arrives Stateside

The gorgeous Mazda Takeri concept is making its U.S. debut at the New York Auto Show, and you’ll want to take another close look at it: it will “strongly influence” the 2014 Mazda6 that we’ll see at the Paris Motor Show later this year. The next Mazda6 will also follow the Mazda CX-5 in the company’s lineup of SkyActiv vehicles.

In spite of the 2014 model year, the 6 will go on sale during Q1 of 2013 and will feature the SkyActiv 2.0-liter gas engine that shifts through a six-speed auto or six-speed manual. Mazda says it is gunning to post class-leading fuel economy figures.

We will also be looking to see if it spawns a coupe, since the Takeri could make an equally beautiful two-door. If so, that isn’t expected to happen for at least a year after the sedan bows, but recent events at Mazda have made such long-distance predictions exceedingly difficult. Follow the jump for a press release with more info on the 2014 Mazda6.

Continue reading 2014 Mazda6 confirmed for Paris Motor Show

2014 Mazda6 confirmed for Paris Motor Show

Remember the stunning Jaguar C-X16 concept that debuted at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show? Guess what, kids – it’s coming to production. Well, sort of.

Jaguar has officially announced that a new entry-level sports car will come to market next year and that it will indeed carry the “F-Type” moniker. But unlike the coupe concept that we saw in Frankfurt, the automaker has revealed that the F-Type will be a two-seat roadster.

No other official details have been confirmed, though Jaguar’s press release confirms that “a range of engines will be available, including a new powerplant family.” For reference, the C-X16 concept came with a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 – good for 376 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque – matched with a “Push to Pass” hybrid system controlled by a steering wheel-mounted button that delivers an additional 92 hp and 173 lb-ft of twist when pressed.

Jaguar will announce the full F-Type model range and details later this year (likely at the Paris Motor Show) and the car will go on sale in mid-2013. Scroll down for the official press release and to watch – and hear – a disguised prototype.

Continue reading Jaguar F-Type officially confirmed for production in 2013 [w/video]

Jaguar F-Type officially confirmed for production in 2013 [w/video]

There is no sugar-coating the fact that the Acura RL has been a dud since Day One. Honda’s luxury brand is painfully aware of this fact, especially since next to nobody purchased the pricey sedan. Then again, the RL has suffered the indignity of being outgunned by a lower-priced model from within its own portfolio, so we can see how selling one has been an uphill climb for dealers. But Acura has an all-new luxury flagship waiting in the wings, and it’s seen its first light of day as the RLX Concept, which just debuted at the New York Auto Show.

Honda is quick to point out that the sedan will provide large car interior volume in a mid-size package.

Like most other Honda/Acura concepts, the RLX is sure to look much the same in production trim. The concept features a new design direction for the upscale marque, with more understated yet elegant lines that just look more expensive than the outgoing RL. With the exception of the fussy concept car wheels, we think it looks rather crisp, though it is very conservative and has a trunk that reminds us more than a little bit of the BMW 7 Series when viewed in profile. The concept appears to be quite large as well, but Honda is quick to point out that the sedan will provide large car interior volume in a mid-size package.

The RLX concept arrives packing some advanced technology under the hood as well, including an all-new 3.5-liter V6 mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. But the reworked V6 and all-new transmission is just part of the powertrain story. The concept also features an advanced Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system that helps boost overall power to a V8-like 370 horsepower.

The concept features a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system that boosts power to a V8-like 370 horsepower.

The “hybrid” part of that title includes what Acura is calling a “unique dual electric motor drive unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system.” Basically, it’s a through-the-road electric all-wheel-drive setup with torque vectoring on the rear axle. The same Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system first appeared on the NSX concept, and we drove a prototype of the system disguised as a Honda Accord last November. Acura promises fuel economy numbers of at least 30 miles per gallon on the highway and in the city.

The production RLX will also be available sans electric-AWD system, with 310 horsepower coming solely from the 3.5-liter V6. The front-wheel-drive version will feature a plethora of technology that improves handling, including Amplitude Reactive Dampers, a new double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. It will also weigh in “well under 4,000 pounds,” which should help in the handling department.

The production Acura RLX should be available in early 2013. Scroll down to read Acura’s official press release and click on the image above to view the RLX concept in high resolution while you wait for our live shots from the show floor.

Continue reading Acura RLX Concept looks to kickstart Honda’s premium brand from the top [w/video]

Acura RLX Concept looks to kickstart Honda’s premium brand from the top [w/video]

When the Toyota Camry gets overhauled, like it did this year, you know it’s not long before its corporate sister, the Lexus ES, gets revisited as well. And Lexus has done exactly that this afternoon at the New York Auto Show, with the new model doing what the ES does best: Surprise no one.

As expected, the biggest news is the announcement of a hybrid ES, a move that should be the final nail in the coffin of the slow-selling HS 250h. This new hybrid is essentially the Camry hybrid in a nicer package, powered by the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder fitted with the ubiquitous Toyota hybrid system. As it does in the hybrid GS, Lexus will offer a sport drive mode, as well as an EV mode. Lexus estimates that the ES hybrid will have 40-mile-per-gallon combined fuel economy, matching that of the Camry Hybrid XLE (a number that presumably will give it best-in-class bragging rights).

The ES gets the new Lexus spindle grille treatment and a 1.8-inch longer wheelbase, but changes to the sheetmetal aren’t as dramatic as the upgraded cabin. The instrument panel now resembles the one in the GS, with a horizontal treatment and a big LCD screen, along with the love/hate Lexus Remote Touch Interface controller snuggling next to the gearshift in the center console. New seats boast a leather-alternative NuLuxe covering, although real hide is also available, along with premium semi-aniline leather. Somehow, Lexus has even managed to find an extra four inches of legroom up front.

The ES 350 will still mate Toyota’s proven 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic, driving the front wheels. But Lexus says it’s modified the suspension and steering in this generation of ES to improve handling – and it’s even cut the curb weight of the 2013 ES by 90 pounds.

Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Lexus debuts 2013 ES including new 300h hybrid

Lexus debuts 2013 ES including new 300h hybrid