Detroit: Porsche unwraps 918 RSR hybrid super sports car [Live image update]

Clearly aimed at closed course performance, Porsche’s new 918 RSR combines the automaker’s 911 GT3 R Hybrid powertrain with a top-up version of the more svelte 918 Spyder to create a mid-engined high-zoot machine.

Porsche says that the 918 RSR will prove its worth as a “racing laboratory,” so while its innovations aren’t set to appear on any production car yet, their arrival is imminent. The 918 RSR builds on Porsche’s tradition as a builder of long-distance race car by following in the footsteps of the automaker’s 908 long-tail coupe and 917 short-tail coupe. Its number 22 badging recalls Dr. Helmut Marko and Gijs van Lennep’s successful bid at winning the 1971 Le Mans 24 Hour race in a 917. That victory – 3,315 miles at an average of 138.13 mph – was not topped until 2010.

Swathed in a unique “liquid metal chrome blue” with orange touches, the 918 RSR features an especially light and stiff carbon fiber-reinforced plastic monocoque design. It features a 563-horsepower V8 that delivers peak power at a race car-like 10,300 rpm. Two electric motors on the front wheels contribute 75kW each, driving power up to a total of 767 horsepower.

The two electric motors tucked away inside the front wheels are capable of varying torque from side to side to improve steering response and agility. The mid-mounted V8 sends its power to the wheels through a six-speed constant-mesh transmission operated by a pair of steering column-mounted paddle levers.

Inside, its interior is designed to evoke “gentleman racers” of the past, with a sparse design accented by leather touches. A flywheel accumulator – which stores power during braking and rotates at up to 36,000 rpm – is mounted where a passenger seat would go. Porsche says that the flywheel accumulator adds power for eight seconds with of speed bursts, much like in the 911 GT3 R Hybrid.

Don’t look for the 918 RSR to make production quite like the concept car presented at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but this high-performance race car will probably take to the track in the near future. Its hybrid powertrain will also likely make its way into production cars – albeit tuned to a rather less-manic state.

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Detroit: U.S.-spec Ford C-Max revealed [Video, Live images]

After the European-spec Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max were unveiled in September, American consumers have had to wait until the automaker was ready to reveal the details of the North American take on this MPV- until now, when it debuted today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

First things first – the seven-seater (5+2) MPV you are seeing in the gallery and reading about now will be called the C-Max in North America, but it is referred to as the Grand (read: bigger) C-Max in Europe, as there is also a five-seater version, the C-Max. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s move on to the details of the car.

For starters, the North American Ford C-Max is unique from its European counterparts in that it comes with a different powertrain lineup, as well as a new and industry-first convenience technology. If you take a peak inside, you will notice an interior that seems to blend characteristics of the North American Fiesta and upcoming 2012 Ford Focus – which shares its C-segment platform with the C-Max.

Powertrains explained
The base C-Max features a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter DOHC iVCT four-cylinder engine, which is actually already on American roads under the hood of the Ford Fusion. In the C-Max, this engine will provide for 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque, and will come mated to a six-speed automatic transmission in a front-wheel drive configuration.

The premium offering comes in the form of the first application for Ford’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine in North America, good for 168 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque while sipping normal 87 octane unleaded, but power boosts to 180 horsepower on premium fuel. Like the base engine, the EcoBoost comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and FWD.

Despite managing to produce over 100 horsepower per liter (even on regular fuel), the EcoBoost engine is not intended to make the C-Max a more sporty offering in this application, but more to increase fuel economy. Unfortunately, at this time Ford does not have the EPA ratings for either engine. Detailed spec sheets also reveal that the EcoBoost engine provides for a 99 lb. weight savings as well compared to the 2.5-liter engine.

Let’s talk technology
Like many of Ford’s latest offerings, the automaker has made a point to pack the C-Max with several technologies intended to make the vehicle a hub of entertainment and information, as well as convenience. As expected, both Sync and MyFord Touch will be available, as well as Sirius satellite and HD Radio. Other technologies include keyless entry and keyless push-button start/stop.

Drivers will also enjoy Ford’s Active Park Assist, which not only helps to automatically parallel park a vehicle, but also helps to identify suitable locations – but the most unique piece of technology Ford would really like you to notice in the C-Max comes not from within, but from outside the C-Max.

To be more exact, the technology is found behind and underneath in the form of two special sensors that allow anyone who has the vehicle key on their person to simply wave their foot under the rear bumper to activate a totally hands-free opening of the rear liftgate. One sensor is aimed out the rear bumper, while the other aims below the bumpers, and both must be triggered in conjunction in order to open the liftgate.

If you refer to the image gallery and video, you will notice how the woman can open the rear liftgate with two hands full of shopping bags without setting any of it down, or reaching into her pocket to push a button on a keyfob.

(More after video)

While a hands-free rear liftgate may not be as sexy or find as much daily use as Sync or MyFord Touch, Ford says it is a world-first, a claim that might be countered by the recently-unveiled European-market Volkswagen Passat that also features the technology.

The new C-Max will also feature Ford’s semi-automatic parallel parking technology and blind-spot detection.

Interior space and seating
When it comes to the interior of the C-Max, it is all about packaging – and this is because automakers must make efficient use of space attempting to fit a family in a C-segment car. To do this, Ford says it utilized a 5+2 seating arrangement that is ideally intended to fit five adults and two smaller passengers in the rear. Ford says it landed on the eventual configuration based on research studies and popular layouts chosen by consumers.

This MPV features twin sliding rear side doors and a new seat folding concept for second-row seats. The second-row seat is equipped with a unique mechanism that allows the middle seat position to fold quickly and easily under the right-hand seat, creating a handy walk-through space between the two outboard seats so passengers can easily access the third row, as well as two individual, bucket-like seats for the second row.

The second-row seats also have slide and recline functionality, adapting to multiple combinations of passenger seat positions and cargo capacity. Outboard second-row seats also have a tip-and-slide forward function for easy access to the third-row seats when the second row is used.

Interestingly, Ford says that consumers can opt to omit the third-row seats as a delete option, which could be appealing for those more focused on cargo than people carrying.

Trim levels
Ford hasn’t revealed the exact breakdown of trim levels or pricing for the C-Max as of yet, but we do know that this MPV will come in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL. All three trim levels come standard with 17-inch wheels, while the based S comes with steel wheels and wheel covers, the SE with alloy and the SEL with premium alloy wheels.

Although Ford has not yet specified the packaging for the C-Max, there is also a panoramic roof that will at least be available on upper trim levels.

Safety, safety, safety
Although the C-Max has yet to be crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Ford believes the C-Max will be a segment leader. In Europe, the Grand C-Max received the highest possible rating of five stars from the Euro NCAP system, and recorded the highest score ever for whiplash protection.

The C-Max will come standard with AdvanceTrac with RSC (roll stability control) with Curve Control, fuel front and side airbags with smart occupant sensing technology that adjusts the airbag’s deployment based on occupant weight, size and seat belt status. There are also first-, second- and third-row safety canopy side-curtain airbags.

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Detroit LIVE: Tech-loaded Hyundai Curb concept [w/ Video]

Hyundai says that its new crossover concept – the Hyundai Curb – is an urban activity vehicle that will serve as a test bed for the automaker’s new Hyundai Blue Link technologies.

The automaker’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language is taken to a new level with the Curb, which is swathed in a soft white shade that masks many of its curves.

“We wanted the Curb to be urban tough without looking like a Brink’s truck,” said Jason Brown, Hyundai designer, in a statement released to the media. “City driving was going to be its forte, not crossing the Rubicon trail, but we wanted it to have urban armor for daily driving on city streets. It needed to empower its passengers in this setting.”

Curb rides on 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in black and orange Michelin tires and its numerous LED lights illuminate sequentially. At night, the Curb badge illuminates through the vehicle’s one-off paint scheme.

A large acrylic screen inside and a heads-up display show off Hyundai’s new Blue Link technology. Following in the footsteps of General Motors and Toyota, among others, Blue Link gives drivers access to automatic crash notification, SOS emergency roadside assistance and remote unlocking, among other features.

Curb is powered by a 1.6-liter direct-injected gasoline four-cylinder motor pulled from the Hyundai Elantra. Mated to a direct-shift automatic transmission, it cranks out 175 horsepower but, thanks to start-stop technology, it averages more than 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, according to Hyundai.

Live images by Chris Doane

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Detroit: Hyundai Veloster to take on MINI, CR-Z

Not like anything else in the Hyundai lineup, the automaker’s new, long-awaited Veloster is set to bridge the gap between two door sporty coupes and practical hatchbacks.

Offering three doors, a dual clutch transmission and Hyundai’s newest Blue Link telematics system, the Veloster ushers the Korean automaker into a whole new era.

Veloster is powered by a 1.6-liter direct-injected gasoline four-cylinder that cranks out 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 123 lb-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. Coupled to either a six-speed automatic transmission or Hyundai’s first dual clutch automatic transmission, the powertrain will be capable of helping the Veloster achieve more than 40 mpg on the highway – a higher figure than even the coupe’s Honda CR-Z hybrid rival.

Inside, the Veloster draws heavily from its Hyundai Elantra cousin, meaning it features a heavily styled dashboard with a center stack that Hyundai says recalls a sport bike. Unlike the Elantra, the Veloster offers three doors – two traditional coupe-like doors and one short door behind the passenger seat for access to the second row. Unlike the now-departed Saturn coupe, the Hyundai’s rear door is not suicide-style.

Velosters will be available with Hyundai’s new Blue Link telematics system. Like GM’s OnStar, Blue Link can assist with vehicle problems, including crash response and vehicle diagnostics. A Dimension-branded audio system with integrated Pandora Internet Radio will be available on certain trim levels.

Hyundai has not announced pricing for its newest model, but the automaker promises us that it will be competitive with the MINI Cooper, Honda CR-Z and the Scion tC.

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Unveiled: All-new 2012 Audi A6 sedan [Live Image Update]

Audi has unveiled its all-new A6 sedan at the Detroit Auto Show. Despite se6veral shapely efforts, Audi has never made a major dent in the global midsize luxury sedan market, but the German automaker hopes that its redesigned 2012 model will reverse its fortunes.

Audi didn’t announces any U.S.-specs for the A6, but the global lineup is set to include two gas engines and three diesel options, ranging from 177 horsepower to 300. A 2.0L diesel is part of the mix, which Audi says will deliver 48mpg U.S. The range-topping mill will be Audi’s supercharged 3.0L V6

Other global markets will get six-speed manual and CVT gearboxes, but North American buyers will likely only get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that Audi says has been substantially reengineered.

The A6 Hybrid will follow shortly after the gasoline unit hits the road.

Drawing from the A8
The 2012 A6 doesn’t just look like its larger Audi A8 sibling. Lightweight aluminum components make up 20 percent of the A6's body, meaning the 2.0-liter TDI model weighs just 3,472 lbs. Look for V6-powered all-wheel-drive North American models to add several hundred pounds to that figure, however.

Extremely sleek, the A6 features a paneled underfloor to direct airflow beneath the vehicle, resulting in a very low 0.26 Cd despite an upright front fascia designed to meet European pedestrian safety standards.

The new A6 is actually slightly shorter and lower than the outgoing model despite a longer wheelbase. As such, it boasts especially short front and rear overhangs. An available S-Line package will add a special body kit and unique alloy wheels. Audi says that the European model will be available in 12 paint schemes, ranging from typical grays and silvers to a pearl-effect Garnet Red.

LED headlamps with a daytime running strip will be optional in some markets but probably standard in North America.

Inner trappings
Inside, the A6 again draws heavily from its sibling and it doesn’t deviate too much – at least in terms of its overall theme – from the outgoing model. A wrap-around dashboard is canted toward the driver and upscale materials abound, including real metal trim and substantial use of matte-finish wood inlays in certain models.

Optional 18-way comfort seats feature available heating, air conditioning and massaging functions will undoubtedly be wrapped in leather for North American A6s, although cloth will be standard in Europe.

Audi’s latest generation MMI system will be fitted as standard. A seven-inch driver information system sits between the instruments, while the MMI’s controller is located in the center console thanks to an electronic parking brake switch that frees up space.

Look for A6 pricing info to be released closer to the car’s on-sale date in mid-2011.

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Detroit: BMW 1 Series Coupe facelift debuts

On the heels of its recently-announced 1 Series M, BMW took the wraps off of its lightly facelifted 1 Series Coupe today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Like the M-enhanced 1 Series, the 128i and 135i coupes gain new front fascias that incorporate BMW’s unique Air Curtain, a design that enhances airflow over the wheels to reduce aerodynamic resistance. The design is integrated into both the 128i’s standard front fascia an the M Aerodynamic Kit that comes standard on 135is. BMW hasn’t said if the design improves its EPA fuel economy rating, however.

Two 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engines return. 128is are powered by a naturally-aspirated 230-horsepower, 200 lb-ft. of torque motor mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The 135i, on the other hand, will now offer a 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline six that puts out 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft. of torque. Used in virtually every other BMW, this engine has finally made its way into the 1 Series. Its turbo system helps it achieve maximum torque from just 1,200 rpm to 5,000 rpm, an improvement over the outgoing twin-turbo inline six. A six-speed manual is standard, while a seven-speed dual clutch automatic is optional.

Inside, the 1 Series is mostly carried over, although a new interior package featuring a gloss white trim is added to the options list for both models. The front seats add active head restraints for increased safety in rear impacts.

The 1 Series’ audio and Bluetooth system has also been upgraded, although the changes apply to late 2011 model year cars, too. BMW’s iDrive system can now access emails, text messages and notes on connected Blackberry devices, while the iPod connector has been simplified. Album cover art is now displayed through the 1 Series’ dashboard-mounted display.

BMW says that the 128i Convertible will start at $37,475, while the 135i Convertible will list from $44,675. Both prices include a mandatory $875 destination charge.

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Detroit: Toyota unveils all-new Prius c Concept

Both Ford and Toyota have revealed a handful of new hybrid and electric vehicles at the 2011 International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. While some models were already in production form, Toyota’s Prius c Concept was simply a sneak peek into what the near future will hold for the global hybrid sales leader.

Toyota is billing the Prius c Concept as a “small city-centric hybrid vehicle,” which is to say it will be a bit smaller than the current Prius hatchback, likely aimed at a slightly younger demographic. As a result, expect the price and feature list to me lower and shorter than its big brother.

Without saying it, it is clear that the Prius c Concept will eventually do battle with the likes of the Honda Insight once it reaches production form. Toyota hopes to “appeal to young singles and couples who want an eco-sensitive, high-mileage, fun-to-drive Prius.”

While this vehicle is clearly a concept with its outlandish interior and not-so-production like lines, make no mistake, the Prius c Concept is the inspiration for an additional Prius family member that will come to market in the first half of 2012. Toyota believes that the production form of the c Concept will provide one of the most compelling arguments for buyers looking for a strong blend of valuer and fuel efficiency.

Toyota did not specificy details regarding the powertrain or fuel economy figures, but expect a slightly smaller engine than the 1.8-liter currently found in the Prius.

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Lexus RX meets Cayenne: BYD unwraps crossover hybrid

China’s Build Your Dreams – better known as just BYD – took to the stage at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to make the North American Debut of its S6 DM crossover.

Looking more than just a little like a second-generation Lexus RX 350 with the tail of a Porsche Cayenne, the S6 DM continues BYD’s tradition of blatantly copying other automakers’ designs.

Unlike the Lexus, however, the S6 DM features a 102-horsepower gasoline engine powering its rear wheels and a 14-pony electric motor sending power to the front wheels. BYD claims its crossover is the world’s first dual mode SUV, but that’s a point that is likely to be contested by Lexus.

BYD says the crossover can travel up to 60 kilometers – or about 37 miles – on purely electric charge and around 275 miles with a full tank of fuel.

The Chinese automaker is optimistic about bringing its S6 DM to North America, but we wouldn’t hold our breath.

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Mercedes reveals SLS AMG E-Cell EV supercar [Live Image Update]

Mercedes-Benz’ zero-emissions SLS AMG E-Cell super has taken to the stage at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The SLS AMG E-Cell will take on eco-minded sports cars from Audi and BMW.

(More after video)

Seen here wearing an ‘AMG lumilectric magno’ paint job, the E-Cell promises to be the world’s first all-electric supercar, trumping the Tesla Roadster in both price and performance. The E-Cell will begin production in 2013.

Power for the E-Cell will be provided by four electric motors – all located at the rear of the vehicle – that are capable of revving to 12,000 rpm. Power for the setup totals 525 horsepower and 649 lb-ft of torque, good enough for a zero-to-62 time of just 4 seconds. For comparison, the gas-powered SLS can hit 62 from a standstill in 3.8 seconds.

Unlike the standard SLS, the E-Cell employs a permanent all-wheel drive system.

The car’s electric power will be provided by a set of lithium-ion batteries, located behind the cockpit and down the center tunnel. Made up of 324 lithium-ion polymer cells, the E-Cell’s batteries are capable of a 480 kW max load.

Due to the addition of all-wheel drive, the SLS’s front suspension had to be redesigned for the E-Cell version. Whereas the standard SLS employs a double wishbone axle, the E-Cell features an independent multilink suspension with pushrod damper struts.

In order to achieve maximum performance while simultaneously cutting weight, the E-Cell is fitted with AMG’s ceramic composite brakes. Measuring 402 x 39 mm at the front and 360 x 32 mm at the rear, the composite brakes are about 40 percent lighter than conventional cast-iron discs.

In addition to mechanical changes, the SLS E-Cell also features a number of styling tweaks to improve aerodynamics. The E-Cell’s front apron has been moved forward and features an extendable front splitter that moves downward by as much as 7 centimeters at speeds over 75mph, improving under body air flow. As no exhaust system was needed for the E-Cell, engineers added a new rear diffusor with a steeper angle, increasing the car’s overall downforce.

AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with smooth surface technology are also part of the E-Cell package, as are more efficient LED headlights. The E-Cell sports a wider radiator grille with transverse slats and new hood-mounted air inlets to aid in cooling.

Of course the car’s interior has also been modified for the electric treatment, with the E-Cell’s cabin featuring a revised instrument cluster, a new 25cm touch screen in the center stack and a three-button setup to engage Drive, Reverse and Drive.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell is slated to begin production in 2013.

References
1. ‘Mercedes SLS…’ view

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Detroit LIVE: 2012 Honda Civic concept [w/ Video]

Ahead of its production debut – expected to come in the next few weeks – Honda teased its next Civic today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit with a pair of thinly-veiled concept cars.

Previewing the mainstream Civic sedan and the sport-oriented Civic Si Coupe, the two concepts are just about production-ready aside from some paint, wheel and detail colors.

Honda is short on powertrain details, but the automaker said that “most” Civics will gain its Eco Assist system, which can modify shift points and throttle sensitivity to promote greener driving. Honda currently offers its Eco Assist buttons on its CR-Z and Insight hybrid models, but the Civic will be its first gasoline offering with the function.

In addition, the automaker confirmed that a hybrid Civic will return, as well as a CNG-powered Civic GX.

Originally, the ninth generation Civic was set to debut in the Summer of 2010 as a 2011 model, but once CAFE regulations changed and the auto industry hit hard times in 2009, Honda had to rethink things. Rumors stated Honda originally wanted to make the Civic larger, but as you can see from our earlier spy photos, the overall size of the 2012 Civic will remain largely unchanged.

Following its formal debut soon, the 2012 Civic will hit Honda dealers during spring 2011.

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Detroit: Toyota debuts Prius MPV, now known as Prius v

Toyota has finally revealed its second-ever Prius model, to be known as the Prius v. The Prius v is an MPV and is intended to offer a fuel efficient option for small families that don’t quite fit in the standard Prius hatchback model.

With the introduction of the Prius v, Toyota is looking to further cement its lead as the top producer of hybrid vehicles in the world. The Prius v is comes with the same powertrain found in the hatchback model, but offers a crucial 60 percent additional cargo space. Despite the sizable jump in room for passenger’s belongings and the associated weight increase to go along with it, Prius v is still expected to be rated at 42 miles per gallon in the city, and 38 on the highway.

The Prius v shares the same platform and Hybrid Synergy Drive system as the current Prius, resulting in net output of 134 horsepower.

Because the Prius v is aimed squarely at families and their needs to take cross-town or cross-country trips, the v also intends to entertain thanks to the first-ever availability of Toyota’s newly unveiled Entune infotainment system. Like similar systems from Ford and Chrysler, Toyota’s Entune will allow drivers to view local fuel prices, traffic information, weather reports, stock market updates and sports scores.

Entune also allows users to listen to a variety of audio options, including Clear Channel’s iheartradio, Pandora, XM, HD terrestrial radio and USB connections for portable media devices. Clear Channel’s iheartradio offers more than 750 “hometown” stations, giving users the ability to listen to any connected Clear Channel station anywhere they have mobile coverage, while Pandora lets users customize their own station based on their music type preferences.

The internal layout consists of seating for five with sliding second row seats to allow for easier ingress and egress and rear-storage flexibility. Second row seats also feature 45-degree recline for greater comfort. The 60/40 split, folding rear seats present four different seating arrangements to accommodate both passengers and luggage, while a fold-flat front-passenger seat allows for longer cargo.

Prius v has a standard backup camera and a wide-opening cargo hatch with 34 cubic feet of luggage space. Marking another first for a Toyota vehicle, Prius v will also offer an available lightweight resin moon roof with retractable sunshades.

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