Honda's Two-Seater Is Back, Now It's a Hybrid

Honda is making plans to return to the market with a two-seater hatchback, which will be known as the CR-Z. However, this time, it will only be available as a hybrid. According to Honda officials, the vehicle is set to go on sale later this summer. The CR-Z will be powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, producing 122 horses, with Honda's compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system.

At least Honda didn't copy Toyota this time, as they did with the Honda Insight, when going after the Prius. Over the years Honda has struggled with their hybrid line up. The Insight and the short-lived Accord hybrid haven't put Honda on the map yet, as it has with Toyota for building hybrids. This time we believe and Honda hopes this two-seater sports-like coupe could make driving a hybrid cool, winning Honda new buyers.

To see more previews from the North America Auto Show, continue to read the other postings on this site.

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The LFA: Lexus' New Halo Vehicle

While Lexus has been known to produce luxurious vehicles, tapping into the exotic sports coupe market has't been their forte. Lexus is stepping into a new market, with the soon to be released all-new 552-horsepower LFA. If you can afford to swing the $375,000 asking price and promise to drive the car and not park it in your garage, as a collector's item, Lexus will allow you to lease the vehicle for two years. Lexus has decided to lease the vehicle to keep speculators from driving up the price. If you can afford to pay this price, does it matter how much the vehicle cost?

Domestic Alert: Caddy And Lincoln Recommits to Luxury

The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept is expected to replace both the DTS and STS. It will ride off the same platform as the premium class Buick LaCrosse. The XTS Platinum Concept uses Cadillac’s 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection gas engine, paired with a plug-in hybrid system.

Inside the vehicle the premium leather seats include a new style of automotive suede, with a laser-etched pattern. The patterned material adorns the center sections of the seats and accents the door trim. Thoughtfully detailed stitching is used throughout the interior, including the seats, instrument panel and door panels. Passengers in the spacious rear compartment of the XTS Platinum Concept also have access to the car’s connectivity feature, along with a range of infotainment choices. If this Caddy is anything like Buick's new LaCrosse, which goes head-to-head with Lexus ES350, this luxury cruiser, sitting on 20-inch rims, could restore the brand as the true luxury leader.




The restyled 2011 MKX, which arrives later this year, takes styling cues from its big brother the MKT, which hit the market last year. The vehicle noves away from its edgy design to wear the brand's new signature grille and incorporates Ford's advanced safety technology: Blind Spot Monitoring System and Advance Adaptive Cruise Control. The reworked interior also shows more attention to detail, too. Customers of the 2011 Lincoln MKX will enjoy a luxury crossover that has best-in-class power and torque versus all V-6 competitors with unsurpassed highway fuel economy of 25 mpg – all on regular fuel. Horsepower has been increased to 305. This updated crossover will go head-to-head with Cadillac and a number of its import luxury competitors.



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Look for more debuts from Detroit daily on JeffCars.com.

2012 Ford Focus: The New Gold Standard for Compacts

The 2012 European-style Ford Focus made its world debut on Monday at Detroit's North America International Auto Show. The Focus is scheduled to arrive in 2011. The curvaceous designed Focus has dropped its angular boxy design, making the next generation one sexy and appealing vehicle.

The vehicle will be available as a 4-door hatchback or sedan. Ford also will spin off an electric vehicle and possibly a hybrid, too. The redesigned Focus is expected to set a new standard for economy vehicles. It is estimated that the 2012 Focus will cost more than the current generation, according to Ford officials. In addition to the new exterior design, the new Focus will be outfitted with a new upscale interior layout, which is reminiscent of an airplane cockpit.

And because of the new fresh design, it's strongly rumored that Ford may offer an upscale luxury version of this compact vehicle in the Lincoln line up to compete against BMW's MINI brand, Audi's A3 and Volvo's C30. Ford is definitely taking names and kicking butt, as they charge into this new decade.



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Look for more debuts from Detroit daily on JeffCars.com.

VW's New Compact Coupe Concept

The VW New Compact Coupe was introduced at today's North America International Auto Show in Detroit. The vehicle is virtually the same size as the Jetta sedan. Could this be the new Jetta coupe? The New Compact Coupe Concept will be built as a hybrid and is expected to achieve 45 mpg. We'll give you more details on the vehicle as we gather more information. (To enhance the images, click on the photo).

Look for more debuts from Detroit daily on JeffCars.com.

GMC's New Box: The Granite Concept

At this year's 2010 Detroit's North America International Auto Show, GMC debuts its first box on wheels, which is expected to go-to-head with Scion's xD, Nissan's cube and Kia's Soul, the segment leader. The two-foot micro vehicle known as the Granite Concept is outfitted with GMC’s signature grille design and flanked by headlamps that sweep back into the fenders.

The headlamps and fog lamps are set at the far edges of the front-end bodywork, accentuating the Granite’s planted stance. At the rear, the vehicle’s planes and angles come together tightly, showing careful attention to detail. Other exterior elements include prominent taillamps with a multi-layer appearance and LED lighting technology; and a centered exhaust outlet with a brushed metal tip.

There is no chrome on the exterior of the Granite; all the trim has a satin or brushed metal finish, accenting the industrial look. Large, 20-inch wheels – wrapped in Bridgestone tires – were tailored within the fenders for a low, sporty stance. We first saw this vehicle at special VIP press preview event at GM's design center last fall. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures. As of now, no release date has been announced. As we get more details, we'll let you know. (To enhance the images, click on the photo).

Look for more debuts from Detroit daily on JeffCars.com.