Finally revealed in Detroit, the MKZ Concept signals the next step in Lincoln’s reinvention.

With the all-new Lincoln MKZ, Ford is hoping to reinvigorate its luxury arm that has been stagnating for years.Revealed at the Detroit Auto Show, the MKZ concept strongly hints at the production model that will be arriving at dealerships this year and gives insight into Lincoln's design future."The MKZ Concept's shape is a vision of simplicity completed with just a few strokes," said Max Wolff, Lincoln design director.



"Our movement as a brand is toward something we call elegant simplicity. It's something warmer and more restrained, which is moving away from complex designs and traditional luxury."Although Ford claim to be "essentially introducing a new brand" with the MKZ Concept it is clearly identifiable as a Lincoln, with a modern interpretation of the split wing grille featuring multi-unit LED lights a standout example of its familiar design elements.The Cognac-colored exterior when viewed in profile reveals a sleek and sweeping roofline giving the car an elegant, aerodynamic appearance.

This is accentuated further by a panoramic glass roof integrated into the body spanning uninterrupted from the windshield to the top of the backlight.At the rear, LED technology permitted a thin full-width tail lamp graphic we spied in the teased photo released yesterday, while exhaust tips integrate cleanly into the fascia.The proportions of the MKZ concept, shorter and wider than the 2012 model, will likely be mirrored by the production model, although the slender side mirrors and lightly tinted glass roof may not make it.



A comfortable, functional interior features wood, aluminum and satin finishes with Champagne-colored leather seats, and a host of innovative technology such as a 10.1-inch TFT LCD operated with the latest MyLincoln Touch and a flush-mounted center 8-inch LCD touchscreen.Ford has not been specific about the mechanicals under the hood other than to say the sedan, riding on an all-new midsize platform, can utilize multiple powertrains in FWD and AWD configurations. The MKZ will however feature the Lincoln Drive Control and Continuously Controlled Damping adjustable suspension found in the 2013 MKT and MKS.

An all-new Lincoln Design Studio is in the making in Michigan under Wolff's direction, and when complete will be the first time the brand has had its own space since the seventies. Here, a dedicated team is planning to create a line of seductive vehicles, starting with the MKZ Concept. Let's hope they stick to their word.

















Sursa: Carbuzz

Honda is turning heads with their preview of the 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept.

Honda is marking their arrival at the 2012 North American International Auto Show with a preview of their 2013 Honda Accord Coupe. The concept on display in Detroit has garnered plenty of attention from journalists the world over and shows off the redesign of the popular model.The 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept is powered by the new Earth Dreams engine, a 2.4-liter inline 4-clyinder with direct injection tech, delivering a solid 181hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.



Power is transferred to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission. Honda has said that they will continue to provide an optional 3.5-liter V6 for the mid-size model, paired to a six-speed transmission in either an automatic or manual configuration.Also of note is that Honda is bringing back the Accord Hybrid, complete with an all-new two motor plug-in hybrid system. That means a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine coupled with a 120kw electric motor which runs on a 6kWh lithium-ion battery. The Accord Hybrid will feature three driving modes: all-electric, gasoline-electric and what the Japanese automaker calls "direct-drive."

The Accord Hybrid was last seen in 2007, and the new model is quite impressive in its hybrid function. In all-electric mode, the concept has a range of 10-15 miles and can reach a top speed of 62mph. The battery takes less than four hours to charge on a standard outlet and less than one and a half hours when plugged into a 240 volt outlet."Marking the 30th anniversary of U.S. production, this new ninth-generation Accord will raise the bar again through a tour de force of new Honda powertrain and safety technologies, geared to ensure that Honda and the Accord continue to lead in fuel economy, safety and fun-to-drive performance," said John Mendel.



The executive VP of sales for American Honda said this with conviction, and after taking one glance at the concept you can see why.The Accord Coupe Concept also comes complete with all of the company's safety technology and has a new, aggressive design sure to attract attention on the roadways. The front bumper features sporty design lines, a revised four-sided honeycomb grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights.The rear features a trunk-lid spoiler and a redesigned bumper. It sits on a set of of 20-inch machine-finished wheels.

The 2013 Honda Accord will go on sale in fall 2012. This is the ninth-generation Accord and is sure to surpass its predecessors in terms of technology, styling and, in what Honda hopes, sales.The 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept is currently on display at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.







CarBuzz

Toyota is working hard to shed its current image as a builder of boring cars; they hope the new NS4 concept will help to do just that.

Toyota has just unveiled their all-new NS4 concept at the Detroit Auto Show. With the stated "vision of future mobility, with a focus on next generation connectivity and safety," the NS4 is another advanced plug-in hybrid model that joins the Prius Plug-In Hybrid. According to Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota U.S. Sales, "The NS4 demonstrates Toyota's take on the human connection to the car with technology that considers both emotional and rational relationships, person-to-car and car-to-society."



Yeah, ok. Anyhoo...the NS4 features an advanced powertrain that has a hybrid plug-in system that's smaller and weighs less than previous systems. Because of this, the NS4 has improved acceleration and a longer all-electric range, while still maintaining a short charge time. Besides the updated technology, it's clearly obvious the NS4 concept is a step forward in Toyota design with its trapezoid grille that's accented by a floating lower spoiler and daytime running lights. The rear taillights wrap around the sides and supposedly create the effect of a rear spoiler. And like the Prius, the NS4 has a lift back design, only now it's much sleeker.

It also comes equipped with Toyota's latest in safety developments such as next generation pre-collision system, adaptive beam headlights, and a blind spot monitoring system.What's clear is that Toyota is determined to remain on top in terms of hybrid and now plug-in hybrid technology. And unlike the Prius, the NS4 actually has some design character. Whether it'll make production or not is one thing, but we could be seeing an early preview of the next generation Prius.













Sursa: CarBuzz