Toyota Hints At The Next Corolla To Come

DETROIT (Jidosha Shinbun) -- Toyota late last year teased a Furia Concept and has revealed the actual concept as the Corolla Furia Concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).  The concept only had an exterior but Toyota Group Vice President and General Manager Toyota Division, Bill Fay, says that their "designers are also pushing the envelope on interior styling that will surprise a lot of people."  Fay also says that the "Corolla Furia sends a clear message where we’re going in the future.  Not only will the styling be more expressive, but it will also reflect our overall approach to the
compact segment in every way."

Toyota NAIAS Press Conference (Courtesy Toyota)

Detroit Hosts Annual NAIAS

DETROIT (CarPressions) -- I'ts that time of the year again when the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan.  NAIAS is open to the public from Saturday, January 19th through Saturday, January 26th.  Doors open at 9 am and close at 10 pm, but there is no admittance after 9 pm.  The last day for NAIAS is Sunday, January 27th when doors also open at 9am, but closes at 7pm and there is no admittance after 6pm.    Adult tickets can be purchased online at http://www.naias.com/tickets/public-show-tickets.aspx   or at the door for $12. Seniors and children's tickets are only available at the door for $6 each. Children ages 6 and under are free when accompanied by a parent or guardian with a paid ticket.

The Cadillac Converj Concept Becomes The ELR

DETROIT (CarPressions) Wednesday, January 16, 2013 -- The Cadillac Converj concept that was shown at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) back in 2009 returns to NAIAS in production form as the ELR.  It may be related to the Chevrolet Volt, but this isn't a Volt with a Cadillac badge.  Unlike the Chevrolet Volt, the Cadillac ELR is a coupe like the Converj concept and one can see the influence.  It's quite stunning and we hope Cadillac will make a four door version in the future.  Production will start this year and sales is to begin worldwide early next year.  The ELR is powered by an electric motor mated to a "range-extending' 1.4 liter petrol powered electric generator.  The ELR produces a total of 207 horsepower.  Cadillac says that the ELR's battery is covered by a 8-year/100,000 mile warranty.

Mercedes-Benz Unveils The New E-Class

DETROIT (CarPressions) Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - Mercedes-Benz revealed a "fully-updated E-Class line" at the North American International Auto Show. The new E-class will come in sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet versions. Mercedes put an emphasis on their "Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive" which consists of systems to crossing vehicles, pedestrians, and lane assist. There are six powerplants ranging from 136 horsepower all the way to 408 horsepower. If that's not enough, there's always the E 63 AMG which has a 585 horsepower powerplant. Sales of the new E-Class begin in April of this year.

Stingray Hits Detroit

DETROIT (CarPressions) Tuesday, January 15, 2013 -- Stingray hits the North American International Auto Show in its 2014 form.  The powerplant is an all new LT1 V-8 that has a displacement of 6.2-liters.  Chevrolet says the powerplant has a preliminary output of 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.  The new Corvette Stingray will be built at the Bowling Green, Kentucky assembly plant.  Sales of the new sports coupe will begin third quarter 2013.

2014 Lexus IS Sport Sedan To Debut At NAIAS

TORRANCE, Calif. (Jidosha Shinbun) Friday, January 11, 2013 -- Lexus has released pics of the 2014 Lexus IS F Sport and announced that the new IS will make a world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  Lexus will be holding their press conference at 9:30 am (ET) at Cobo Center.  The IS model range consists of the IS 250, IS 250 F Sport, IS 350, IS 350 F Sport, and IS300h.  The Lexus IS F Sport models resemble the LF-CC concept vehicle.  The gauge cluster, steering wheel, and even the engine start button location are similar to the concept car.    The Lexus IS competes with the 2014 Infiniti Q50 and BMW 3-series sport sedans.

Toyota Teases Furia

TORRANCE, Calif  Friday, December 21, 2012 (Jidosha Shinbun) -- +Toyota USA  has announced that they will be unveiling the Furia Concept at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.  In order to gain some interest in the concept, Toyota has released a video to stroke people's curiosity.  Toyota did not specify whether this was a pure concept, or a prelude to a production vehicle.  The only clues is that Toyota has said " this exciting new sedan concept will be revealed in the Toyota display at Cobo Hall."  Full details will be unveiled on January 14, 2013.