2013 North American International Auto Show

Slideshow of photos from Media Preview of the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.  (All photos courtesy of NAIAS)

2013 Detroit Auto Show

A Show to Remember: NAIAS 2012 Closes with Smiles, High-Fives, and Optimism

Detroit, MI (NAIAS) - After a spectacular nine day run, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2012 is in the books. Today's attendance of 101,141 topped last year's final day numbers of 98,106, bringing total attendance of the 2012 show to 770,932, the highest since 2005.

2012 NAIAS at Cobo Hall
Detroit, Michigan

Bill Perkins, chairman, NAIAS, said the show lived up to its reputation of being one of the top in the world.

"From the press to the public, everyone realized that this was a very special show," said Perkins. "People want to feel good again about the industry, which is now obviously in a better place than it was a few years ago. As a result, this year's show was a 'must-see' event, as the attendance numbers indicate," he said. "Everything that could go right.did."

Toyota reveals NS4 Advanced Plug-In Hybrid Concept

DETROIT (TMS/PRNewswire) -- Toyota Motor Sales, USA revealed the NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid concept vehicle at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The NS4 signifies Toyota’s vision for future mobility with a focus on connectivity and the human interface.

Toyota engineers were challenged to design a new mid-sized concept for potential global market introduction by 2015. The NS4 concept is a dedicated plug-in hybrid, separate from the Prius family, designed with future mobility requirements in mind.

“In this digital age, cars are becoming another spoke in the wheel of our electronic connectivity,” said Jim Lentz, TMS president and chief operating officer. “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.”

NS4’s advanced powertrain targets a next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in system featuring reductions in component size and weight with improved overall fuel economy, better acceleration and longer all-electric range, while maintaining a short charge time.

Lexus announces pricing for new CT 200h Hybrid

2011 Lexus CT 200h
Photo Credit: Lexus

Lexus has announced pricing for the all-new 2011 CT 200h hybrid, which arrives in dealer showrooms next spring, and the number comes in under $30,000.  The suggested retail price of the CT 200h will be  $29,995 including the delivery, processing and handling fee.

2011 Lexus CT 200h
Photo Credit: Lexus

Company officials say the CT 200h will boast the luxury car industry’s best overall combined fuel economy at 42 mpg and offer the most attractive price point in the Lexus lineup without compromising the level of refinement, quality and reliability that customers expect.

“For just $1,000 more than the cost of a non-luxury hybrid, buyers can indulge in a CT 200h with our proven Lexus Hybrid Drive technology,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “Lexus hybrids currently make up 90 percent of all luxury hybrid sales in the U.S., so you can imagine how excited we are to continue our leadership in this market with the CT 200h.”

The CT 200h emits approximately 60 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car, and has EPA-estimated ratings of 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway running on regular unleaded gasoline.  The CT 200h also can be operated in a switchable EV mode which generates zero emissions.

The 2011 CT 200h arrives in early March when it will become the fifth hybrid in the Lexus lineup.

Hit and Miss: GM bats .333 with Thursday's major announcements

GM Orion Assembly Center in Lake Orion, Michigan
Photo Credit: General Motors

THE HIT:  As a Detroit native with family ties to the automotive industry, I am happy to learn that General Motors will invest $145 million in its Orion Township assembly plant for the purpose of building small cars.  It means saving jobs in the heavily depressed Southeast Michigan area and allowing good auto workers to continue doing what they do best-- build cars.

I also hope this new investment is another indication that growth continues following the rebirth of GM, which is an integral part of America's fabric.  It has been great watching the company come back behind the introduction and success of several new models including the Chevrolet Camaro, GMC Terrain, Cadillac CTS Coupe, Buick Lacrosse and others.  Today's announcement included news that Buick's upcoming new small car offering will be among the models manufactured at the Orion plant.  Officials even released a photo of the planned model.

Consumer Reports issues safety warning about Lexus SUV

Consumer Reports has issued a "Do Not Buy" warning for the newly redesigned Lexus GX460 SUV for potential rollover dangers.



Click here to read Consumer Reports Q&A on the GX460.

Test Drive: 2010 Buick Lacrosse

2010 Buick Lacrosse Surpasses Expectations

When you think about luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti and Jaguar are probably the first brands that come to mind.  Cadillac and Lincoln still register, but they generally fall much further down the list for many people.  And, what about Buick? Does it register at all?  If your answer is no, you may want to reconsider.


General Motors is serious about competing with its European and Asian counterparts in the luxury market.  The Cadillac CTS is regarded as the best luxury sport sedan ever manufactured by an American automaker, performing well against-- if not outperforming-- European competitors.  Now, Buick is seriously challenging the likes of Lexus with the 2010 Lacrosse.

If you have seen the commercials comparing the new Lacrosse to the Lexus ES350 and you find yourself saying, "no way," I'm here to tell you, "way!" Skepticism is understandable.  I had plenty, until I drove the Lacrosse CXS.


Forget about the previous generation Lacrosse.  Buick has totally redesigned the model-- front-to-back, top-to-bottom-- and Lexus was squarely in the crosshairs from drawing board to production line.  If I did not know better, I would say GM kidnapped a Lexus designer and forced him/her to create an ES350 killer.

There are many similarities between the two models.  As demonstrated in a commercial, the profiles of the Buick Lacrosse and Lexus ES350 are nearly identical.  Approach a Lacrosse from just about any angle and you will likely think it's a Lexus until you get close enough to see the Buick logos.  Climb inside and you will discover an interior quality not often associated with recent GM models.

The leather seating is very comfortable and the cockpit is designed to place controls well within reach.  The new center panel design takes a little getting used to.  The layout can be a bit confusing at first glance, but once you get the feel for it, you'll be fine.  Rear seating is also excellent providing generous leg, shoulder and head room.  I don't think you'll hear complaints from passengers.

Features


Since the CXS is the top-of-the-ladder Lacrosse, everything is a standard feature. 
Dual-zone climate control-- standard. Ultrasonic rear park assist-- standard.  Harman/Kardon 384-watt, 11-speaker, 5.1 Matrix surround sound audio system-- standard.  Bluetooth phone connectivity, XM satellite radio, keyless start, ventilated leather seats, power sunshade-- all standard.  I looked up the base CX model on GM's website and discovered the only thing that would leave you feeling less than luxurious is the standard cloth seats.  Again, Buick is clearly serious about taking on and beating the competition.


Powerplant


Under the hood, GM's 3.6L, V-6 VVT direct injection engine powers the Lacrosse CXS.  The engine is mated to a six-speed, automatic transmission.  Together, the powertrain pairing produces 280 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque.  Acceleration is good, but very Buick-like. This is not a sports sedan.


Buick models have a rather distinctive feel on the road.  For the driving enthusiast, that feel is a bit soft.  For the more refined highway cruiser, the feel is heavenly.  The suspension absorbs nearly all minor road imperfections to provide one of the smoothest rides I have experienced since testing the Lexus LS460L in 2007.  The cabin soundproofing is so good, I almost thought the engine wasn't running after I started the car.  You can imagine what that means for road noise.  You will hear very little.


Fuel efficiency is average.  EPA fuel economy ratings for the Lacrosse are 17 MPG/City and 27 MGP/Highway.  During my week in the car, I drove 345 miles consuming about 18 gallons of regular gasoline and achieving 19.1 MPG.


Summary

As Motor Trend declared on a recent cover, Buick is back!  The 2010 Lacrosse is the second phase of a major comeback for the division that began with the introduction of the Enclave crossover.  The Lucerne still exists, but I look for it to be phased out soon Buick's direction is clear and the division's new standard bearer is the 2010 Lacrosse.  While it's still a car more suitable for my mother than me, the new Lacrosse is quite impressive.  Pricing starts at $27,835. The CXS model starts at $33,765, including destination charge.

Test Drive: 2010 Lexus HS250h

One definition of the word hybrid is an offspring of two animals or plants of different races, breeds, varieties or species. Another definition of hybrid is something that has two different types of components performing essentially the same function.

In the automotive world, the two breeds that combine to form hybrids are performance cars and economy cars. The two types of components are gasoline-powered engines and electric motors.

Most Lexus models are known for luxury with a dose of powerful sportiness. Most hybrids—take the Toyota Prius for instance—are known for oddly unique looks and gas miserly performance. Enter the new HS250h. It works if you like and want typical hybrid performance. It does not work if you like and want a true Lexus.

Over the years, I have driven LS, GS, ES and IS models and found each to be cars that I would seriously consider owning. So, when Lexus sent the new HS250h Premium sedan for me to test, I was anxious to see if this hybrid would perform like a true Lexus while providing the fuel efficiency benefits of the gasoline-electric power plant. I was greatly disappointed.

Yes, the HS250h provides Lexus comfort and luxury. Leather seating, automatic dual-zone climate control, premium audio system and more are standard. There is ample rear seat comfort and a sizable trunk that can accommodate a standard set of golf clubs, bag and all. But I never got past feeling like I was in an overdressed Toyota Prius. The two models share the same basic platform but the HS250h is longer, wider and taller than the Prius.

The HS certainly has the Lexus look but also carries that distinctive hybrid look as well, possibly because the HS is a solely hybrid model. Unlike other Lexus hybrids—RX450h, GS450h and LS600h—there is no gasoline-only version of the HS. The appearance would not be a deal breaker for me, but it is not overly endearing.

The deal breaker would be the lackluster performance compared to other Lexus models. In every Lexus I have ever driven, step on the gas pedal and you get instant acceleration gratification from the V-6 and V-8 powertrains. Step on the gas pedal in the HS and the high-tech electric motors and four-cylinder gasoline engine provide acceleration that left me wondering if I was in a base model Toyota Corolla instead of a Lexus.

On the plus side, my HS250h test model achieved 34.9 miles per gallon, essentially matching the EPA estimate of 35 mpg. While alternative energy advocates will argue the impressive fuel economy is the goal, I would give up a few miles per gallon to have the electric motor mated to a V-6 gasoline engine and achieve the more spirited performance Lexus customers have come to expect. If the RX450h utility vehicle can produce 32 mpg in city driving, I would be willing to bet an HS350h could produce at least the same.

I did like the joystick controller for the multi-information display. It was comfortably situated on the center console and combined many features of a traditional joystick and a computer mouse allowing the driver to easily manipulate features with minimal distraction.

Features

Standard features on the 2010 Lexus HS250h test model included a power moonroof; Smart Access with push-button start/stop; XM Satellite Radio; Bluetooth technology; genuine wood trim; and 18-inch aluminum wheels with all season tires.

Optional features included wide view front monitor with backup camera; an upgraded Mark Levinson audio system with 15-speakers and 6-disc in-dash DVD changer; Navigation system; and the Tech Package including a head-up display, front & rear park assist, radar cruise control which helps maintain a designated distance from the vehicle in front of you; and a feature Lexus calls Lane Keep Assist which warns you if you drift out of your lane.

Summary

The Lexus HS250h is filled with features, comfortable to be in and fairly attractive on the eyes. Unfortunately, it is not much fun to drive. Fans of dedicated hybrid vehicles who want luxury eco-friendly transportation will like the HS250h. Those who prefer more spirited performance will likely steer clear. The HS250h starts at $34,650.

Editor’s Note: Since the noted review period, Toyota Motor Sales, USA announced a voluntary recall on 2010 Lexus HS250h models to update anti-lock brake (ABS) software after some owners reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during steady application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces. Owners were to begin receiving recall notices in mid-February 2010.

2010 Prius and Lexus HS250h models among latest Toyota recall

Quality control issues continue at Toyota. The Japanese automaker has announced another major recall involving hundreds of thousands of vehicles.

Toyota is voluntarily recalling 437,000 hybrid models including the 2010 Prius and 2010 Lexus HS250. The automaker says both models need a software upgrade to the anti-lock brake system (ABS).

The ABS normally engages and disengages rapidly as it senses and reacts to tire slippage. According to Toyota, some 2010 Prius and HS250h owners have reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during use on rough or slick roads while trying to maintain traction.

"We're committed to doing everything we can-- as fast as we can-- to restore consumer trust in Toyota, and these recalls are part of this effort," said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer of Toyota Motor Sales. "We regret the inconvenience this recall will cause to Prius and HS 250h owners, and will do our best with the support of our dealers to make sure that it is conducted in the most trouble-free manner possible."

Prius owners affected by this recall should begin receiving letters from Toyota next week instructing them to schedule an appointment with their dealership for the software upgrade. The automaker will begin contacting affected HS250h owners within the next few weeks.

This latest recall comes less than a month after Toyota recently recalled more than 4-million vehicles to fix a problem with sticking accelerator pedals. The automaker recalled more than 5-million vehicles in 2009 for floor mat pedal entrapment problems.