Top 5 Concepts from the 2012 #NAIAS
There were many impressive concepts unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, these are Automopedia’s 5 favorites:
1. 2013 Dodge Dart – Resurrection
Based off Fiat’s Compact US Wide body (CUS-wide), the 2013 Dodge Dart took many of us by surprise. Instead of dropping teasers months before Detroit’s annual show, Chrysler Group kept their rebirth of the Dart nameplate pretty secret until about one month before NAIAS. Its sleek design borrows from the soon-deceased Avenger (up front) and Charger (rear end). The auto maker believes its appeal will range “…from millennials, young professionals likely buying their first car, to empty-nesters, those with active lifestyles who appreciate good value but don’t want to sacrifice quality and amenities in their choice of vehicle.”
Dart receives three separate four-cylinder engines: A 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 160-horsepower, a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter turbo, and 2.4-liter 184-horsepower. Chrysler adds that Dart “offers a special blend of style, performance and innovation.”
2. The SMART For-Us
Smart For-Us wants you to rethink the pickup truck, by shrinking it… A LOT. Comedian Jon Lovitz introduced Smart’s pickup concept at the press conference. Maybe we’re not supposed to take it seriously.
This electric SMARTCAR comes standard with a 55-kilowatt magnetoelectric motor. For-Us has the potential to hit 80 mph, while hailing practically nothing in its three foot tailgate.
3. Acura NSX – The Return
A second surprise appearance at 2012 NAIAS is Acura’s NSX Concept, another call back to the 1980′s and early 1990′s sports car. Available in both rear wheel drive and all wheel drive, NSX (which the Japanese auto maker hopes to premier by late 2014, as a 2015 model) will be powered by hybrid gas-electric motors.
The mid-engine V6 and new SH-AWD system, “uses the gasoline engine to power the rear wheels and provide juice for the two electric motors mounted up front.”
4. Ford Focus Energi – Possibly The World’s Greenest Ride
Ford calls it the “world’s most efficient mid-size sedan” – given its size and performance, Focus Energi could very well be the perfect introduction to EV vehicles becoming everyday drives, and not someone’s novelty car.
2013 Ford Focus Energi plug-in hybrid comes with an EPA mileage of over 100 MPGe (equivalent). Energi uses a 2.0-liter Atksinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, the same as Fusion Electric Concept.
5. 2013 MINCOLN MKZ – The Auto Maker’s Savior?
“This is what the future of Lincoln looks like,” according to brand design director Max Wolff. MKZ concept gives us a hint as to what the production 2013 MKZ sedan will look like. Ranging in prices starting at the mid-$30,000′s – LINCOLN (who insist on spelling it annoyingly in all caps) hope to appeal to young drivers, while shedding their design link to parent company Ford.
Honestly, we don’t see how this vehicle will save LINCOLN. Prove us wrong fellas.
Images: Jalopnik | Motor Authority
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