2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO

2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO

2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO

Several years ago, when Ford CEO Alan Mulally famously decreed that the Taurus badge would be dusted off and returned to prominence in the Ford lineup, it was one of several bold moves that helped spur Ford's renaissance. But with Taurus sales sagging this year, the car "that's more than just a car" to Ford needs a shot in the sheetmetal, hence the debut of the 2013 Ford Taurus at the 2011 New York show.
The biggest news surrounding the updated 2013 Taurus is the pending addition of Ford's new 2.0-liter EcoBoost four to the engine bay, tentatively rated for the Taurus at 237 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. A four in the Taurus? Why not, says Derrick Kuzak, Ford's chief product honcho. With the Edge and Explorer set to get a version of the same engine, it makes sense, he says. And the estimated 31 mpg highway number the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver will no doubt help with the marketing spin.
Taurus buyers still looking for two extra cylinders will be able to select Ford's revamped 3.5-liter V-6, which serves duty as the standard engine. The updated six is estimated to deliver 290 horsepower (up by 27 hp) and 255 pound-feet with slightly better fuel economy, thanks in large part to the addition of Ti-VCT, Ford's twin independent variable camshaft timing tech. Continuing to power the Taurus SHO is Ford's much-lauded 365 horsepower, 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which remains unchanged. All engines will continue to be mated to six-speed automatics, optimized for each engine. All-wheel drive remains an option.

2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO

2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO

2012 Hyundai Accent

2012 Hyundai Accent

2012 Hyundai Accent

A long-neglected segment in the U.S. market, the subcompact scene has suddenly gotten very interesting. First came Honda's second-generation Fit, which set the bar for the other contenders. Then, Ford's Euro-cutie 2011 Fiesta made its stateside debut, followed shortly thereafter by its distant cousin, the Mazda2. All along, Hyundai's Accent soldiered on as competent, if somewhat unremarkable, contender in the segment. Its competitiveness in the U.S. market was also hampered by the lack of a five-door configuration.
Now that Hyundai has finally gained respectability with consumers and critics with such models as the Genesis, Equus, Sonata, and new Elantra, the automaker is looking to dominate the subcompact segment with its all-new 2012 Hyundai Accent. No longer an also-ran, second-tier competitor, the new Accent has upped its game substantially. In equipment, style, and pricing, it poses the most serious and credible threat to the Fiesta and Fit to date. The one casualty of this re-imagining is the three-door hatch. In fact, the only three-door models in the segment are a version of the Toyota Yaris and Fiat's recently introduced 500 subcompact, which isn't offered in any other style.
So what's there to get excited about with Hyundai's new entry-level offering? Try the segment's only direct-injected engine, which also now happens to be the most powerful, at 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. That bests the next-most-powerful Fiesta by 18 horsepower and 11 lb-ft. The 1.6 liter DOHC engine also features dual continuously variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust camshafts. With all this technological wizardry, the Accent still manages a segment-leading 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. True, certain trims of the Fiesta manage the big 4-0 on the highway, buy Hyundai is proud of and quick to point out that the Accent's fuel economy ratings apply across the board, regardless of body style, transmission, or trim level.
Speaking of transmissions, it's six speeds for everyone, whether you're of the shift-it-yourself or slushbox persuasion. Automatic models also include an Active Eco button that further optimizes fuel efficiency up to 7 percent in real-world driving, Hyundai claims. However, the fuel frugality in this mode usually comes at the expense of throttle response and overall driving enjoyment.

2012 Hyundai Accent

2012 Hyundai Accent

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Following the debut of the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it didn't take long before the questions and the rumors started flying: Will Jeep bring back the Cherokee SRT8? Chrysler's Street and Race Technology team remained quiet through all the speculation and waited until the 2011 New York auto show to deliver its answer in the form of its latest uber-Jeep, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
When we tested the first-gen Cherokee SRT8 around California's Willow Springs Raceway back in 2006, we quickly discovered that its 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 -- rated at 420 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque -- helped make it one of the fastest and most agile sport/utilities we had ever tested, outperforming the Porsche Cayenne Turbo in the skidpad, slalom, and 0-60 mph time (4.8 to 5.1 seconds, respectively).
Not surprisingly, Chrysler's revamped 6.4-liter Hemi has been fitted under hood of the new super Jeep. Both the horsepower and torque figures bump up to 465, 45 more than before. Jeep is still rating the 0-60 mph time at 4.8 seconds, although there's a good chance that Chrysler may be sandbagging. We'll find out soon enough when we get our hands on one.
More power, however, doesn't equate to decreased fuel economy, thanks to Chrysler's Fuel Saver Technology and new-for-2012 active valve exhaust system, which deactivates four cylinders in most cruising situations. That should be good enough for a 13-percent improvement in highway fuel consumption, according to the automaker's estimations.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Lexus LF-Gh Concept

Lexus LF-Gh Concept

Lexus LF-Gh Concept

Although not technically making its debut until the 2011 New York auto show next week, these are the first official images of the Lexus LF-Gh Concept -- a preview of what Lexus' next grand touring sedan and corporate design language may look like.
The car previews the next generation Lexus GS sedan (expected to launch in time for the 2013 model year) and showcases a number of new design elements that will proliferate across the Lexus lineup in the coming years. Most notable is the spindle-shaped grille that dominates the front fascia, which is flanked by full LED headlights with L-shaped LED running lights. The rest of the design -- particularly its character lines, roofline, and proportions -- borrows heavily from Lexus' flagship LS range.
Lexus says that the interior will be a meticulously designed and engineered cabin using the highest quality materials. It has "re-examined every detail of the interior, with the aim of making [it] driver-focused." We'll have to take their word for it, for the automaker has refrained from releasing any images of the concept car's interior.
While we don't know much more about the LF-Gh Concept yet, we do know that it will be powered by some version of Toyota/Lexus' hybrid drive system, sending its power to the rear wheels. Expect further details on the LF-Gh Concept to emerge closer to its official debut at the 2011 New York auto show next week. Lexus has also released a video of the LF-Gh, which is available below

Lexus LF-Gh Concept

Lexus LF-Gh Concept

2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC

2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC

2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC

We've shown you the Maserati MC Corse Concept and the European production car it begat, the GranTurismo MC Stradale. That's MC for Maserati Corse (racing), Stradale for the street-legal variant. See, in the Old World, where Maserati is remembered as a racing marque, some rich folks actually consider tracking the big grand tourers the Trident builds today. But Americans reckon there are better, lighter, more lithe cars to go racing in, so the U.S. spec 2012 GranTurismo MC (making its debut in New York) dispenses with the serious track-only aspects of the MC Stradale. That car has no rear seat, its front seats are non-adjustable lightweight shells, and it wears carbon-ceramic brakes, all of which save 220 pounds. Our version retains the typical interior seating and runs grooved steel brakes behind your choice of three 20-inch wheel designs (each lightened by 2.2 pounds relative to the standard 20s).
Power comes from Maserati's top-performing DOHC V-8, a 444-hp 4.7-liter, bolted to a 6-speed automatic with MC Shift (paddle shifters with quicker response and match-rev downshifting). The factory claims it'll accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 185 mph (of course, so did Joe Walsh's, and he cautions "I lost my license, now I don't drive.")
A revised aluminum hood features vents that relieve underhood pressure to reduce lift. Along with revisions to the rockers, and an aggressive rear spoiler and diffuser, Maserati claims that downforce is increased by 25 percent in front, 50 percent in the rear. And yes, they mean downforce, not just lift reduction-apparently the base coupe generates a small amount of measurable downforce at speeds of 120 and up. More impressive-the drag coefficient is claimed to remain the same, at 0.35. Standard trim changes include piano black treatment of trim that is chrome on other models, dark-appearance headlamps, and a meaner looking front fascia. Optional equipment includes a carbon-fiber package consisting of mirror caps, door handles, and rear spoiler.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but the car is now orderable, and now ranks as the brand's most exclusive, limited production model. Also now on sale, the GranCabrio Sport, sharing the powertrain and dark trim of the M

2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC

2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept

Mercedes' A-Class has historically been a four-door hatchback more concerned with environmentally friendly utilitarian duties than making a statement about style. For the 2011 New York and Shanghai Auto Shows, Mercedes intends to change that frumpy image with an aggressively styled concept that looks more performance hot-hatch than green hipster-hauler, taking the A-Class in an entirely new direction. Thought it is just a concept, it might show the direction the front-wheel drive platform is headed-one that will appeal to a more youthful and enthusiastic buyer.
Looking ready to go head-to-head with the likes of the Audi A3 and Volvo C30, the A-Class Concept is powered by a 210-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged I-4 mated to a dual-clutch transmission. In hot-hatch tradition, this powertrain is splayed out transversely across the front of the car.
The design language seen on this new A-Class first appeared on another concept, the F800 Style shown at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The body consists of free-flowing surfaces accented with sharp creases. Mercedes states that the styling was influenced by wind and waves and reflects aviation engineering. This theme is reflected in the interior, with see-through fabric stretched over a skeletal structure. The vents, instrumentation, and shifter all reflect avionic controls, looking minimalist and very futuristic at the same time.
The A-Class Concept is stuffed with technology. Mercedes boasts of being the first in the compact segment to offer a radar-based collision avoidance system and adaptive brake technology. The system audibly and visually warns inattentive drivers about possible collisions while preparing the braking system for an immediate and powerful stop. Infotainment details are handled by a fully integrated smartphone and use a three-dimensional dash display formed of magenta-colored laser lines. The interior seats four in separate buckets, and one long center console is shared by both the front and rear seats.
Rumors of Mercedes bringing the A-Class to the American market have been brewing for years. It looks like we may be one step closer, but in an entirely unexpected form. Instead of a smallish people-mover, it may very well end up being an upscale performance hatchback. There is even a possibility it may turn into multiple A-Class vehicles. We will get our first look at the concept in New York later this month. Maybe Mercedes will have more information about future plans then.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept

Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept

Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept

The Suzuki Kizashi isn't the most popular small sedan on the market, and that's too bad. We love the car's sharp design, comfortable interior, and enthusiast driving experience. The only letdown is its straight-line performance. The standard 2.4-liter inline-four engine offers just 185 horsepower (180 with continuously variable transmissions) and 170 pound-feet of torque, which yields adequate but hardly thrilling acceleration. Suzuki's Apex concept aims to rectify the power deficiency by turbocharging the Kizashi to produce up to 300 horsepower.
We're big fans of the Suzuki Kizashi, admiring its smart styling, practicality, and engaging handling dynamics. The one area we'd address is acceleration, which is competent but hardly awe-inspiring, thanks to a 2.4-liter inline-four offering 185 horsepower (180 with continuously variable transmissions) and 170 pound-feet of torque. Suzuki will cater to our speed-freak side with a turbocharged Kizashi capable of up to 300 horsepower, debuting at the New York auto show.
This isn't the first time that Suzuki has given in to the need for speed, having previously contracted Road Race Motorsport to build a 290-horsepower Kizashi Turbo for last year's Specialty Equipment Market Association show. Although considerably quicker than its donor car, the RRM Kizashi car felt unrefined, with excessive turbo lag and overly stiff suspension that made for a jarring ride. RRM also built a 221-horsepower Suzuki SX4t back in 2008, which was quicker than the regular 143-horsepower SX4 but also suffered from poor suspension tuning.

Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept

Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept