Acura’s New NSX, 2013 Buick Encore, 2013 Dodge Dart, 2013 SRT Viper

Been away from your computer this week and missed all the automotive news? We’ve gathered a few of the top stories of the past week for your convenience.
Acura’s Future Product Plans — Including New NSX

Acura shared some its future product plans, the most exciting of which were promises of a new NSX supercar. A concept version of the NSX will bow at the Detroit auto show in January 2012, but we probably won’t see the finished production model for another three years. The aggressive, angular new coupe will showcase Honda’s technology know-how, with a hybrid SH-AWD drivetrain that uses a gasoline engine to power the rear wheels, and twin electric motors to power the fronts. In addition, Acura dished on the 2013 ILX, which is a small Honda Civic-based sedan; the 2013 RDX, which is an updated version of Acura’s small crossover; and a new flagship model that might be as large as a BMW 7 Series.
Buick Teases 2013 Encore Crossover Before Detroit Unveiling

Buick revealed a small teaser image of the 2013 Encore, a small crossover that will make its official debut at the Detroit show. The Encore will slot below the Enclave in Buick’s lineup, and is slated to offer the same range of upscale amenities, including QuietTuning noise reduction, we’ve come to expect from all Buick products. Both four- and six-cylinder engines are likely in store for the Encore.

Inside Look: Dodge Releases More 2013 Dart Interior Photos

Dodge has revived the Dart name from its archives and will apply it to a new small sedan, the 2013 Dart. Having granted us a look at the outside, Dodge has now shared photos of the interior of the upcoming Dart. A high-quality, Dodge Charger-inspired dashboard is home to a touch-screen infotainment system and a customizable LCD in the instrument cluster. The new Dart is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, although that platform will be lengthened and widened slightly for use in the American-spec Dart. The new car will make its debut at the Detroit show and should go on sale next year.

Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/

Toyota, Yamaha unveil connected electric trike, e-bike

With populations in urban centers expected to surge over the next few decades, auto manufacturers are looking beyond cars to find ways to mobilize the population without using more fossil fuels. Toyota teamed up with Yamaha to show off a couple of electric bicycle concepts at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. They're not the first companies to tackle e-bikes, but they could be the first companies to show how these non-traditional EVs can be connected to smart grids.

The three-wheeled EC-Miu and the electrically power-assisted Pas With bicycle are designed to work with the Toyota Smart Center, an advanced smart grid energy-management system designed for homes, businesses, and power companies, which means your e-bike will be another appliance you can manage online.

Commuters will be able to recharge these e-bikes using the same G-Station charging stations used by electric vehicles. Embedded Wi-Fi capability will give riders a way to use smartphone-based navigation and telematics services.

The manufacturers went one step further and modeled how electric bicycles could be integrated in city-wide bike-sharing programs, creating a mashup of Daimler's electric Car2Go program in San Diego and Paris' Velib project. By giving commuters a way to get from A to B without breaking a sweat, these electric bike concepts could make it easier to opt for two or three wheels instead of four, which would help ease congestion on city streets. However, they'll still have the problem of creating helmet hair.

No information on range, speed, or charging times were given in the news statement, but for comparison, the Smart eBike has a range of about 62 miles and a top speed of about 15 mph.

source:http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57333645-1

Honda Adds Almost 1 Million New Vehicles To Airbag Recall

Honda‘s airbag woes grew significantly after they recalled an almost 1 million additional vehicles.

The issue involves airbag pressure in 2001 and 2002 Accords, Civics and Odysseys from 2001 through 2003, CR-Vs from 2002 to 2003 and 2003 Pilots. The recall also affects 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TLs and 2003 3.2 CLs.

The latest development primarily includes vehicles sold in North America. Owners can expect to receive notice soon if their car is included The recall started three years ago, so far Honda has recalled 2.8 million vehicles.

source:www.autoguide.com