WoodysCarSite.Com

Lexus RX Facelift (2013)

2012-02-12T11:53:00.001-05:00

The front fascia resembles the all new GS. I prefere the black mesh grille over the silver slot grille featured within the second photo from the top, but I still love the Infiniti FX exterior the best.

Rear tail lights are also improved with crisper angles, but nothing ground breaking.

It's hard to say if I like the Infiniti over this when it comes to the Lexus' all new interior. They did a good job making more sophisticated and sporty, but for some reason I see much more older people buying these. Maybe a smaller more youthful oriented SUV will be the answer?

Toyota Aqua/C Targa Coupe?

2012-02-11T16:46:00.000-05:00

A light weight hybrid coupe would be a really wonderful idea with an open roof. If it is peppy enough it will attract younger crowds, which the CR-Z failed to do.

If this isn't a hybrid, then my other guess is that this could be the return of the MR2 which is long overdue.

I just hope it doesn't end up as Scion. Toyota needs a younger face without the marketing tricks.

2014 Tesla Model X SUV

2012-02-10T12:12:00.000-05:00

This will be the industries first battery powered sport utility vehicle that's designed to seat 7 people with acceleration from 0-60 under 4.4 seconds. Prices for this BMW X6 competitor haven't been announced but you're friendly Tesla dealer is now accepting $5,000 deposits. RWD and AWD will be available.

One interesting detail to note is that the rear passenger and front passenger door handles are right next to each other, seen in many of Casey's chops. That means the door will swing up (see below). I wonder if that will make production or not.

Update: price will start at $57,400

2013 Volvo V40?

2012-02-09T17:44:00.001-05:00

Nice and very modern, but not for the U.S. yet. This will be the company's new entry level car with the looks of the all new S60.

I'm wondering if the fully loaded Ford Focus Titanium hatch ($27,000) will cost about the same as the as an entry level one of these. It would be interesting to see which one really gives you the better value.

2013 Nissan Altima?

2012-02-09T11:33:00.002-05:00

I apologize for the image quality and strange angle, but close inspection shows a difference fascia
and a slightly revised C pillar towards the rear. Hard to tell if the lights are different or not, but I hope it looks just as nice as a Sonata. It seems that the current design has stuck around too long.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander (Teaser)

2012-02-09T07:42:00.002-05:00

I though all Diamond Star products would adopt the Lancer look, guess not. They should have asked their collaborators Peugeot and Citroen for a little help.

The current design has a lot more character.

There is no word if they will continue with a V6, but Europeans may get an EV based plug in hybrid.

A 2.2 Liter diesel and a 2.0 liter MIVEC seem to be on the table as the other choice of engines. Not sure if we will get the former, but Subaru is likely to bring their diesel to the States so maybe that will encourage them too.

Launch dates should be sometime in next fall.

Just one more thing folks, what's going on with their sedans? Just all SUV news it seems.

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT

2012-02-08T12:54:00.002-05:00

I think they got the design down very nicely with this model. Its length and overall dimensions just seem right for folks who don't want to go into an SUV and worry about the crazy milage. You'll get around 28/39 mpg.

And what's really awesome is the handsome interior with modern touches you expect in something German twice its price. And let's not forget about the big sunroof which is fully functional that comes as option.

The same 1.8 Liter with 148 hp is used in identical car sold in Europe as the I30.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

2012-02-08T12:13:00.001-05:00

I honestly expected a nicer looking car. For a coupe it's missing its sporty dynamics. The fenders should be much wider with a lower belt line. I guess all the attention went into the Veloster.

Maybe folks should be complaining about the Civic coupe after all, lol.

Kia Track'ster Concept

2012-02-08T12:01:00.002-05:00

Interesting looking, but far from production ready to my eyes. I'm not sure if this two door will replace the Soulster or not, but with 250 hp and AWD from a small turbo 2.0 liter, why complain?

If the crowd really likes this at the Chicago Auto Show, Kia has no excuse but to built this!

2013 Acura ILX

2012-02-07T22:36:00.000-05:00

There is nothing wrong with the Civic just like there is nothing wrong with the Chevy Cruze, but both GM and Honda took their basic model one step further. Buick now has the Verano and now Acura has the ILX. Both models simply have more luxury features over their less expensive models and not much in performance or economy gains.

The ILX comes in 3 packages:

2.0 L 4-cylinder w/ 24/32 mpg (150 hp 5 sp auto)

2.4 L 4-cylinder w/20/29 mpg (201 hp 6 sp manual)

1.5 L 4 -cylinder hybrid w/ 35/38 mpg (111hp CVT)

The 2.4 L 4-cylinder from the Buick might give less hp over the Acura but Buick gives you an automatic with a little better fuel rating (21/32).

Although Buick worked hard making a Cruze a bit more fancy, the Japanese competitor will probably gain more sales due to resale value.

2013 Nissan 370Z

2012-02-07T19:53:00.000-05:00

A few design tweaks upfront, new LED lamps for the rear and new wheels are all new for 2013. If Infiniti never sold the G37 there would be double the number of Zs on the road like it was in the mid 80's. They really need a FT-86/BRZ competitor more than anything now!

Next Versa?

2012-02-06T13:44:00.001-05:00

This is just a concept that will debut in Geneva. It looks like a number of small cars that it typically competes with, but it seems promising

My biggest issue with Nissan is interior materials, especially on their less expensive cars. Shiny hard plastics really need to go (ie Nissan Cube)

Nissan has made plenty of money on Altimas not to cut costs anymore.

2013 Mercedes-Benz BLS (CLC)

2012-02-05T19:03:00.001-05:00

Riding on the B Class platform, Mercedes is getting ready to launch a small 4 door coupe. If the illustration looks anything like what we should see in April at the New York Auto Show, it should be an attractive sell, but rear room room might be tight.

If you really want style and not spend a bundle, and a little more leg room look for the new Fusion instead. It will probably cost less anyway.

(WCF)

Now live, configure your Panda

2012-02-05T10:13:00.000-05:00

For those eager to see Fiat's MPV in different color both inside and out and don't live in Italy, here's a chance to do it. Just click the link and feel free to let us know what color you like yours in.

Kia K9

2012-02-04T17:45:00.001-05:00

The K9 still hasn't been signed off for final production. If this car is already based on the Genesis, why is it taking so freaking long to do a re-badage engineering job? Are Korean Execs having second thoughts??

Mercedes Citan Van

2012-02-03T10:47:00.003-05:00

Aimed at the Ford Transit Connect, it joins the growing Benz family of commercial vehicles The baby Sprinter will come in different body styles (panel, crewbus and mixed use) along with low emission engines (diesel and Blue Tech). An all electric version is also in the works.

Expect delivery next Fall, no word about the US or other markets.

Next Audi TT?

2012-02-03T10:28:00.002-05:00

The old saying is that you can't reinvent the wheel, its best just to stick to the old recipe. And that's what designer Larson feels with the next generation TT. The first generation model that was launched some 14 years ago was a very inspiring design. The current one is nice but lacks the original feel(Bauhaus). Audi buyers seem to have got turned onto the A5 instead, lets hope Audi does in fact stick with more of the retro theme with the next TT.

(autobild)

Fiat 500 L MPV (Ellerzero)

2012-02-02T12:23:00.000-05:00

Fiat's answer to the Nissan Note and Mini Countryman has finally shown itself in full form.

The new nose, single bar grille and headlight treatment set it apart from the base 2 door hatch.

Standard with be front-wheel drive with all wheel drive being an option.

My guess is that the Panda, which this is based on will be sold in the U.S as a "Jeep"while the 500 L will help bring in more customers to Fiat showrooms.

Full details will be available in March at the Geneva show with sales by the end of the year.

Everyone else might have to wait a little longer, maybe for a larger engine.

(and interior shots from a few weeks ago)

2012/13 Mercedes A Class Hatch

2012-02-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

So far looks good for a third generation model and more upscale for an entry level model too. The body style would be perfect to compete again the Lexus CT Hybrid. They have been working on a half electric and fuel cell model (E Cell) for quite some time why not bring it out already and give back Mercedes its name in the industry?

2013 Infiniti G37?

2012-02-01T17:03:00.002-05:00

It looks more like the same type of facelift Hyundai gave the new Genesis coupe: same body and not much really new, well that is according to this Japanese illustration. Both carved a reputation to have followers from here to entirety. I seriously love both and wouldn't be disappointed in owing either one. However, Genesis buyers are more likely to cross shop Camaros, whereas Infinit folks would look at a BMW 3 series.

Although it sports the Nissan lego on this JDM version, Hyundai didn't have to reestablish itself as a luxury car maker with its more expensive models, including this one. Nissan went the extra mile with the Infiniti name, it seems smoke and mirrors is well understood as a gimmick to the true driving enthusiast.

Let's see how well the next gen G37 really turns out and if the Koreans beat the Japanese at their own game.

(BC)

2013 Dodge Viper

2012-01-31T12:22:00.000-05:00

The snake is back and this time without partnering up with Mercedes. I'm just wondering how "Italian" or "Alfa" like will it be, will it have that great leather? It would be sad if it is just a quicker meaner looking Chrysler Maserati, lol.

This is just a guess of what it may look like...

Lambo 4x4? Oh Boy.

2012-01-30T21:06:00.001-05:00

Little is known about the rumored Sports car SUV, but if true styling seems to be based on the Aventador sports and further gossip suggests that maybe a Maserati V10 maybe used from the Quattroporte.

If this is all true, which I can't guarantee expect to see this at the Bejing Auto Show.

The original below wasn't very attractive but stood out in the 80's. It reminds me of a bad rerun of Miami Vice, lol.

Telsa Model X (Teaser)

2012-01-30T20:52:00.002-05:00

The first high end luxury fully electric SUV, with a mission to take on the aging fossil fuel pack lead by Range Rover and BMW and the like.

But if you're not willing to shell out big buck, just wait for the RAV4 electric version.

For 1/2 off, would you buy one?

2012-01-29T14:38:00.001-05:00

I took a screen shot of this advertisement from a NY dealership offering great deals for about 1/2 off on brand new cars Saab is helpless about warranting their cars, only certain models during GM rule will be honored. Reports claim people are coming in and buying them, but would you? Why and why not?

2013 Mercedes E Class

2012-01-28T00:09:00.002-05:00

(Image courtesy of Automedia)

The current generation has been criticized for being way to boxy both inside and out. It is understandable that they waited after the brand new 5 series to speed up development as seen in this spy image. People might feel cheated if it ends up looking like a small S class and like the C class if flipped back and forth from round lights, which BMW has always used to squarer shaped ones. BMW must feel confident to keep it's cars generally looking the same, Mercedes not. Interesting.

Update: This is the new C class spy shot.