Concepts
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Concept vehicles at the Detroit auto show range from whimsical design exercises to advance peeks at production vehicles. Here's a sampling. PHOTOGRAPHS BY JIM FRENAK
Honda Accord Coupe
Engine: Three choices: 2.4-liter inline-4 with direct injection; 3.5-liter V-6; hybrid with 2.0-liter inline-4
What's cool: The Accord gets new styling to match changes in its drivetrain. The swoopy lines may help it stand out in the highly competitive mid-sized sedan segment.
Will it be built? Yes; on sale this year
Audi Q3 Vail
Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5
What's cool: The compact crossover is a potential variant of the Q3 now sold overseas. The Vail variant comes with aluminum roof rails for skis and snowboards. It also has a special paint job in Energy Red, LED lighting along the roof rail and an interior trimmed in black leather with gray stitching.
Will it be built? Audi said last week that it will bring a version of the Q3 to the United States. The U.S.-bound Q3 will be built in Europe starting in late 2013. It should arrive at U.S. dealerships for the 2014 model year.
Chevrolet Code 130R
Engine: 1.4-liter Ecotec turbocharged inline-4
What's cool: It's a four-seat coupe on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the new Cadillac ATS, but could be priced for around $20,000. It has muscle-car design cues but fender flares and rounded front fascia lend a contemporary look.
Will it be built? GM sees a spot in its lineup for buyers who can't afford a Camaro but want something flashier than a Sonic or Cruze. A positive response from young people could push it into production.
Volkswagen E-Bugster
Engine: Plug-in electric
What's cool: The E-Bugster is a plug-in version of the VW Beetle. The 695-pound lithium ion battery under the floor delivers a range
of more than 100 miles.
Will it be built? Not in the near future. VW has a plug-in version of its Golf on the way. The Golf EV goes into production in Europe for the 2014 model year. VW hasn't said when it may come to the United States.
Toyota NS4
Engine: Plug-in hybrid
What's cool: Design is sleek compared with the stodgy Prius. As part of the car's telematics functions, the central touch screen learns driver preferences and habits to anticipate inputs. Asahi Glass showed several new window technologies, including anti-ultraviolet, anti-solar, anti-fog and raindrop-elimination features.
Will it be built? Yes. This will be Toyota's lead vehicle for its next-generation hybrid family. It may not look exactly like this, but it will be positioned above the Prius. Whether it carries a Toyota or Lexus badge is still to be determined. It should arrive in 2015.
Chevrolet Tru 140S
Engine: 1.4-liter Ecotec turbocharged inline-4
What's cool: It looks fast and more expensive despite a low-$20,000s price tag if built. It is GM's first use of a matte white paint.
Will it be built? Early feedback suggests show-goers preferred Chevrolet's other concept at the show, the Code 130R. But GM plans to seek feedback from young people throughout 2012. It's unlikely both concepts would be approved for production.
