Japanese Cars Archives

Next week Mazda is going to unveil a special edition version of the 2012 MX-5 Miata at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

The 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition features a black-only hard top, which is the first time a non-body-colored hard top is available in North America. It also gets two new exterior colors (Crystal White or Velocity Red), new 17-inch black gunmetal alloy wheels, black exterior accents, black heated leather seats and piano black interior finishes.

The special edition MX-5 Miata is based off the Grand Touring model is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Both Premium and Suspension packages will be standard on the MX-5 Miata Special Edition and include features such as Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension.

Mazda is limited production to just 450 units.

Acura has announced that the production versions of the 2013 ILX compact sedan and RDX crossover will debut next week at the Chicago Auto Show.

The ILX concept and RDX prototype debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in January and both models that we saw are pretty close to what we expect to see unveiled in Chicago. According to Acura, the 2013 ILX sedan, which shares its platform with the Honda Civic, will be positioned as the gateway model to the Acura brand. It will be offered with three different powertrain options, including a hybrid.

The 2013 RDX has more passenger room and cargo volume than the outgoing model. The 2013 RDX also ditches the existing turbocharged four-cylinder for a 273-hp 3.5L V6. Although the new RDX will now be powered by a V6, Acura claims that it will offer the best fuel economy of any gasoline-powered luxury SUV in its class. Acura expects front-wheel-drive models to get 20/28 mpg.

Lexus has released its commercial, "The Beast" for Super Bowl XLVI. This marks the first time ever that Lexus will air a spot during the big game.

The :30 second commercial features the all-new 2013 GS as it breaks free from containment, illustrating the company's move in a new design direction for the brand. The spot also hints at the new vehicles Lexus will unveil later this year, which are waiting in the wings for their turn to burst onto the scene.

"The all-new Lexus GS is showcased in this ad because it's the first model to feature the new look of Lexus and it's also the first of nine new or updated models we'll launch this year," said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. "This spot looks very different than anything Lexus has done before and demonstrates to the 50-million-strong Super Bowl audience that 2012 will be a breakthrough year for Lexus."

The :30 second commercial is scheduled to air at the end of the first quarter of Super Bowl XLVI.

The Super Bowl is only a few days away, but automakers have started giving us previews of its commercials that will air during the show. Today we've seen previews of Honda's spot with Ferris Bueller and Toyota's commercial for the 2012 Camry. For the first time ever Acura is going to air a commercial during the big game.

During the third quarter of the game, Acura's commercial is going to air that features Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno coupled with the NSX concept that was unveiled in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show earlier this month.

"Acura has a specific plan in place across all communication channels to build off of the first round of product news announced at the North American International Auto Show. The response to the ILX, RDX and NSX supercar concept has been extremely positive," said Susie Rossick, Acura Brand Manager. "Our Super Bowl strategies are simple--build upon the buzz created in Detroit and leverage the excitement for the future return of the legendary NSX to the Acura lineup."

This commercial, "Transactions," depicts two actual top car collectors, Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno, in an unrelenting bid to be the first in line to take delivery on the first Acura NSX.

"The goal is to present a commercial that not only clearly positions the NSX as the ultimate 'must have' sports car, but does it in a way that is memorable, entertaining and aligned with Acura's brand position," said John Hage, EVP/executive creative director at RPA, Acura's advertising agency of record.

Toyota has released the extended version of its Super Bowl XLVI commercial that is going to air on February 5th, during the game. After not advertising during the game in three years, Toyota is returning with a spot that promotes the all-new 2012 Camry.

The 60-second "Reinvented" spot takes a cue from the marketing campaign promoting the reinvention of the 2012 Camry. The premise of the spot is that good things are always better when reinvented. The ad provides a humorous take on potential day-to-day experiences and items that could have been reinvented, such as a baby that never requires a diaper change or the Department of Motor Vehicles as an enjoyable place of fun and smiles.

"Reinvention is a powerful idea and one we took to heart when we redesigned America's most popular car with the launch of the 2012 Camry and elevated it above the competition," said Bill Fay, group vice president of marketing at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "The Super Bowl provides a forum to really drive home the reinvention message of the seventh-generation Camry, using humor to resonate with the American public.

Matthew Broderick plays a grown-up version of Ferris Bueller in Honda's Super Bowl commercial for the 2012 Honda CR-V. The 60-second spot reinterprets a handful of landmark scenes from Paramount's 1986 Ferris Bueller's Day Off, including the museum visit, rogue valet and infamous parade float lip sync.

"Matthew's Day Off" is part of an integrated, multiplatform advertising campaign that began earlier this month to support the launch of the all-new Honda CR-V. The campaign encourages the active, hip Gen-Y audience transitioning between their carefree twenties and their more focused thirties to conquer their aspirations by completing their own "Leap List."

"Our primary goal is to support the launch of the all-new CR-V, a pillar vehicle in the Honda lineup, while representing the inherent fun and youthfulness of the Honda brand," said Tom Peyton, Honda brand manager, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Check out the extended version of the commercial after the jump.

Honda has announced the pricing for the new four-cylinder version of the 2012 Honda Crosstour, which starts at $27,655.

The four-cylinder Crosstour is powered by a 192-hp 2.4L four-cylinder that is mated to a five-speed automatic. The four-cylinder is only available with front-wheel-drive. Compared to the front-wheel-drive 3.5L V6 equipped Crosstour, the four-cylinder model is obviously more fuel efficient with an improvement of 3 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. The four-cylinder Crosstour is rated at 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

All 2012 Crosstour models now come standard with an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a rearview mirror back-up camera display on non-Navigation models, auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth and a USB audio interface.

"The new four-cylinder Crosstour offers sleek design, unmatched passenger comfort and ingenious functionality now with four-cylinder pricing and fuel economy," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With four-cylinder and V6 options and a long list of standard features, Crosstour should be on every CUV buyer's shopping list."

Nissan has announced plans to invest $2 billion for an all-new manufacturing complex in Aguascalientes, Mexico, to support the company's Americas growth strategy. The new plant will complement Nissan's two existing Mexican factories and will open in late 2013.

Initially the new facility will be able to produce up to 175,000 units annually of Nissan's "B" platform models, but further expansion of the site is possible. Up to 3,000 direct jobs will be created initially at the new facility, with approximately 9,000 positions to be generated within the supply chain and wider community.

It took 12 years, but Honda has announced that its cumulative worldwide hybrid vehicle sales surpassed 800,000 units as of the end of December 2011.

Honda introduced its first hybrid model, the Insight in Japan in November 1999. Since then Honda has produced two versions of the Insight , hybrid versions of the Civic and Accord and the CR-Z sports hybrid. Today Honda sells seven hybrid models in approximately 50 countries around the world.

Next year Honda plans to reintroduce an Accord hybrid with a plug-in hybrid system. The 2013 Accord Plug-in Hybrid will use a 6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a 120 kW electric motor to achieve an all-electric range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving and a top speed of 62 mph. Honda has also announced that the upcoming 2013 Acura ILX compact sedan will be offered with a hybrid system, marking the introduction of the first Acura hybrid.

Car and Driver recently spoke to Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes, who confirmed that a diesel-powered Mazda will be offered in the U.S. in early 2013. "It'll be here between 15 and 18 months behind the launch of the Skyactiv-G gasoline engine in the Mazda 3." The Mazda 3 with the Skyactive-G gasoline engine arrived in October, so you can expect to see a diesel in Mazda's U.S. lineup between January and April of 2013.

Which model will get the diesel engine? Barnes did not confirm which Mazda would get the diesel, but according to sources it will be the new CX-5. In Europe and Japan the CX-5 is already offered with a Skyactiv 2.2L diesel. In Europe the diesel is offered with either 148-hp and 280 lb-ft. or 173-hp and 310 lb-ft. of torque.

Until then, Mazda recently announced that the 2013 CX-5 in the U.S. will be powered by a 155-hp 2.0L Skyactiv engine that gets up to 35 mpg on the highway.

Nissan (NISMO) has announced the official release of a Nissan GT-R that conforms to FIA GT3 regulations: the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3.

Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) and JR Motorsports (JRM) teamed up to jointly develop the car. It's powered by a 3.8 V6 twin-turbo engine that is based on the standard GT-R's engine and puts out 530ps (523-hp) at 6400 rpm. The V6 is mated to a six-speed semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

According to Nissan, the GT-R NISMO GT3 was features a chassis that inspires confidence and the suspension set-up and driver controls can easily be adjusted to suit a range of preferences.

Honda has begun deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV, with the first one going to the city of Torrance, California. The delivery was marked by a ceremony at the Torrance City Hall, at which a key to the Fit EV was presented to Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto by Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda.

"This is an exciting day as we take another important step toward Honda's comprehensive vision for reducing CO2 emissions while at the same time advancing our relationship with the city of Torrance," said Steve Center. "Honda has a long history with electric vehicles starting with the introduction of our first battery-electric car, the EV Plus, nearly 15 years ago. With Honda's extensive experience and the real-world feedback from the city of Torrance, we will be even more prepared for the further customer adoption of electric vehicles."

The 2013 Fit EV was unveiled last November at the 2011 LA Auto Show and will go on sale to customers in California and Oregon this summer. It has a range of 76 miles and is powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and 92 kW coaxial electric motor. According to Honda, the Fit EV can be fully recharged in as little as 3 hours when connected to a 240-volt outlet. The 2013 Fit EV will start at $36,625 before any government incentives, with an estimated lease priced at $399 a month.

Nissan has announced the pricing for the 2013 GT-R, which now starts at $96,820, almost $7,000 more than the 2012 model.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R is powered by the same 3.8L twin-turbo V6 mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission that now puts out 545 horsepower and 463 lb-ft. compared to 530 horsepower and 448 lb-ft. in the 2012 model. According to Nissan the 2013 GT-R will reach 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds. Nissan also retuned the suspension and added a standard RearView monitor and the Black Edition gets a new dry carbon fiber rear spoiler.

Lexus has announced the pricing for the refreshed 2013 Lexus LX 570, which starts at $80,930 an increase of 1.9 percent or $1,475.

"With all of the enhanced features, the LX 570 offers perhaps the most exciting combination of luxury, on-road smoothness and off-road performance of any vehicle in its segment," said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division.

The 2013 LX 570 gets an updated face with the Lexus spindle grille, new LED daytime running lights with updated headlights and a revised front bumper. The rear also gets updated with new taillights and a revised bumper.

The interior gets a new a new multimedia system, a color TFT multi-information display, improved front seat cooling, easy access for the driver's seat, a power outlet for the middle row and unique trims and accents.

Under the hood the LX 570 is powered by a 5.7L V8 with 383 horsepower and 403 lb-ft. of torque. For 2013 the LX 570 gets an updated Crawl Control feature which provides optimum throttle and brake modulation when maneuvering over rough, uneven or difficult surfaces. The new Turn Assist feature tightens turning circles by adding more brake force to the inside rear wheel and the new Multi-terrain Select also allows the driver to optimize performance by choosing from five types of terrain settings.

Mitsubishi has released a teaser of a new model that will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. According to Mitsubishi, the new model will be the start of an all-new generation of global products with a "re-focused design language" from the automaker.

The model teased here is described as a "strategic and innovative premium vehicle" that will be released sometime this year. The new vehicle is part of Mitsubishi's "Jump 2013" business plan for a greener and more global Mitsubishi.

Lexus is planning on releasing a host of new models this year and to kick off the product onslaught, Lexus is going to debut its first-ever Super Bowl commercial for Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, February 5.

"This is a big year for Lexus as we introduce nine new or updated models, and the Super Bowl provides us with an equally big opportunity to reach a highly engaged audience of 50 million people," said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. "The star of our commercial is the all-new 2013 GS which launches in February and kicks off a pivotal era for the Lexus brand. The spot also will convey that even more products are waiting in the wings and are anxious to hit the road."

The 30 second commercial will air in the first half of the Super Bowl. Check out the 15 second sneak-peek of the commercial after the jump.

Nissan gave us a preview of the all-new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder this month with the Pathfinder Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The concept is basically the same thing that will show up in showrooms this fall with its new unibody platform that makes the new Pathfinder 500 pounds lighter and 25 percent more fuel efficient.

At the show Nissan didn't provide any details about what would power the new Pathfinder, but since it shares its platform with the Infiniti JX35, its pretty much been assumed that it would be powered by Nissan's 3.5L V6. Well according to Motor Trend the 2013 Pathfinder will in fact be powered by the 3.5L V6 thanks to an anonymous tip they received.

The 3.5L V6 will be the same V6 that powers the Infiniti JX35 and will be the only engine available in the Pathfinder. Nissan may retune the engine giving it a slightly different output from the 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft. that it puts out in the JX35. The V6 will be mated to a CVT.

Nissan also confirmed plans to unveil an all-new vehicle at the upcoming New York Auto Show, but it hasn't been confirmed what it will be. Maybe the all-new 2013 Altima?

Some Nissan Pathfinder fans may be disappointed with the new car-based 2013 Pathfinder that is going to arrive later this year, but fans of the smaller Xterra do not have to worry about it too becoming a crossover. Nissan's engineers have confirmed that the Xterra will continue with its body-on-frame chassis.

That means the Xterra will continue to share its platform with the Nissan Frontier, which is a good thing for hardcore SUV fans...

Mazda has announced the fuel economy figures for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover, which is headed to dealerships this spring.

The front-wheel-drive, six-speed manual equipped CX-5 models are rated at 26 city/35 highway/29 combined mpg. When its equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission those numbers drop slightly to 26 city/32 highway/29 combined. The all-wheel-drive CX-5 gets 25 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg.

All CX-5 models are powered by a Skyactiv 2.0L engine with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft. of torque.

Mazda says that pricing for the 2013 CX-5 will be announced closer to its launch date.

Toyota has unveiled the fourth Prius model, the 2012 Prius c, today in Detroit. The Prius c is now the smallest Prius available and will start under $19,000 when it hits dealers this March. How small is it? It's about the same size as the Toyota Yaris and is 19-inches shorter than the Prius Liftback. The Prius c also weighs 542 lbs. less weight than the Prius Liftback (2,500 vs. 3,042 lbs.).

Since it's the smallest Prius, the thing most of us are most eager to hear about is its fuel economy ratings. Toyota has announced that the Prius c will have a rating of 53 mpg in the city, 46 mpg on the highway and a combined rating of 50 mpg. The Prius c is powered by a 1.5L four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor within a CVT. The system has a total output of 99 horsepower and the nickel-metal hydride battery rides below rear bench.

Toyota has unveiled what could be the Prius of the future with the NS4 Plug-in Hybrid Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. According to Toyota, the "NS4 signifies Toyota's vision for future mobility with a focus on connectivity and the human interface."

Toyota's engineers were tasked with designing a new mid-sized concept that could potentially be introduced by 2015. The NS4's 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.

In addition to its next-generation hybrid system, the NS4 introduces a next generation Pre-Collision System (PCS) with lane departure, rear-end and pedestrian collision avoidance technologies. The PCS uses millimeter-wave radar and stereo cameras mounted on the front of the vehicle to detect and react to lane departure, pedestrians and other vehicles. Adaptive headlights and new glass technologies integrated into the windows also help improve driver visibility and gas mileage.

The NS4 concept also gets a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) that provides a user interface built around a multi-touch screen with the look and feel of a smartphone. It provides quick information to the driver and controls the climate control, audio system and navigation functions to minimize distractions.

Honda has given us our first preview of the all-new 2013 Accord with the 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept that was unveiled today in Detroit. In typical Honda fashion, the Accord Coupe Concept is a thinly disguised version of the production version that is arriving this fall.

The 2013 Accord will get three all-new powertrains, including a 181-hp 2.4L direct-injected engine and a two-motor plug-in hybrid system. The new Earth Dreams 2.4L engine will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a new CVT. Honda claims that the 2.4L equipped 2013 Accord models are targeted at delivering class-leading fuel economy.

Honda is not going to follow Hyundai and Ford's lead by no longer offering a V6 in their midsize sedans, since Honda has announced that the 2013 Accord will be offered with a 3.5L V6 mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The new V6 will generate more power fuel economy than in the current Accord.

The 2013 Accord will see the return of an Accord hybrid, which will be powered by a two-motor plug-in hybrid system that moves continuously through three modes - all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive - to maximize driving efficiency and fuel economy. In all-electric mode the Accord Plug-In Hybrid will use a 6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a 120 kW electric motor to achieve an all-electric range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take less than four hours using a 120-volt, outlet and less than 1.5 hours using a 240-volt charger. In the gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the Accord is powered by its fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission. The Accord Plug-In Hybrid launch next winter.

"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, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

In addition to the Acura ILX and NSX concepts, Acura has also unveiled the 2013 Acura RDX as a prototype. What you see here is basically the 2013 RDX, which looks more like a baby MDX than before, which is not a bad thing.

The 2013 RDX will launch this spring with a standard 3.5L V6 that replaces the previous turbocharged four-cylinder. The 3.5L V6 packs 273 horsepower, 33 more than the last RDX. The V6 is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a new, lighter all-wheel-drive system is optional. Front-wheel-drive models are expected to get 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, which Acura claims will be "the best fuel economy of any gasoline-powered luxury SUV in its class."

The new RDX rides on a longer wheelbase and wider track that translates into more passenger and cargo room. The RDX also gets a host of new technologies including Pandora internet radio interface, SMS text message feature, a smart entry keyless access system, pushbutton start, and a three view rear camera.

Here's one of the models that we've been eagerly awaiting, the Acura NSX Concept. Acura has unveiled its preview of the next NSX that will be released within the next three years. Unlike the previous NSX concept with its V10 engine, this one stays true to the original and is likely to make NSX fans much happier.

The newest NSX concept features a mid-mounted V6 engine and uses lightweight materials to keep the weight down. The NSX concept also gets a bunch of new technologies including Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD hybrid system. The all-wheel-drive hybrid system features two electric motors at the front of the concept that can can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. A next-generation V6 engine with direct injection works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

Is the world ready for an eco-friendly supercar? Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. stated, "In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities."

Acura has just taken the wraps off three new models at the Detroit Auto Show. The first one is the Acura ILX concept, which is the precursor to the new Acura compact sedan coming this spring.

Acura describes the ILX as the gateway to the Acura brand and it will get three different powertrains, including Acura's first-ever gas-electric hybrid.

"First time luxury buyers place the highest value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues and that's a virtual definition of what we have created with the new Acura ILX," said Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. "The strategy behind this new model is to position ILX as the first opportunity for many young buyers to enter the luxury market."

The ILX gets Acura's controversial grille, but fortunately its been toned down. For the most part the ILX stays true to Acura's current design language, but it isn't as harsh as the TL.

Buyers can choose between three engines, a 2.0L four-cylinder, 2.4L four-cylinder and 1.5L gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

Inside the ILX will get a smart entry keyless access system and pushbutton start, along with Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world.

The 2013 ILX will look pretty close to this concept when it goes on sale this spring.

Lexus has taken the wraps off the LF-LC hybrid 2+2 sport coupe design concept, which showcases the future design direction for Lexus with an emphasis on a driver-focused vehicle.

"The concept we're showing here in Detroit continues the Lexus design revolution started with the CT and GS," said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "The concept hybrid 2+2 liberates the idea of a sport coupe and pushes the boundaries of performance, style and technology."

The LF-LC displays the new Lexus design language in its bold interpretation of the signature Lexus spindle grille and rear architecture. Sumptuous curves blend smoothly into dynamic angles, creating an inviting display of lines, shadows and corners.

"Our entire studio worked to develop this beautiful interpretation of Lexus originality," said Kevin Hunter, president of the company's Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif. "The LF-LC concept embodies our vision of what a premium sport coupe could be."

27 years after the first Nissan Pathfinder SUV appeared, Nissan has unveiled a reinvented Pathfinder. Nissan has taken the wraps off the Pathfinder Concept in Detroit, which previews the all-new Pathfinder that will go on sale this fall.

The all-new Pathfinder will ditch its current body-on-frame construction for a unibody platform that it wil share with the Infiniti JX. The fourth-generation Pathfinder will have room for seven passengers and thanks to its "refined" V6 and next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) the Pathfinder will be one of the most fuel-efficient 7-passenger vehicles on the market. Nissan expects the 2013 Pathfinder to be 25 percent more fuel efficient than the current Pathfinder.

"Nissan is in a great position today. Sales are up, market share is increasing and our dealers have a great selection of 2012 Nissan cars, trucks and SUVs in inventory," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "This new Pathfinder Concept is just the beginning of a far-reaching wave of new products on the horizon for Nissan. By the end of 2012, more than 70 percent of our sales volume will be all-new or redesigned."

2011 is officially over and for some of the automakers it was a difficult year with the earthquake in Japan and the flooding in Thailand that crippled production. Honda and Toyota were hit the hardest with sales falling off sharply for some of their popular models. Although Honda and Toyota had a difficult year, Ford and Chevy had a much better year.

The top two models continue to be the Ford F-Series and Chevy Silverado, with the Toyota Camry holding onto the top selling car title.

Check out the list after the jump.

Toyota has unveiled the updates to its legendary Land Cruiser for the 2013 model year.

Toyota has released photos of the European spec model, but it's likely that the U.S.-spec model will look the same when it arrives here later this year. For 2013 the Land Cruiser gets an refreshed exterior with an updated front grille and headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, new chrome side molding, redesigned outer side mirrors and taillights. The front and rear fenders have also been enlarged to convey an "Advanced and Rugged" theme.

The interior of the 2013 Land Cruiser also gets some updates like: perforated leather trim with ventilated front seats, a higher gloss wood grain finish, brighter silver instrument panel ornamentation, chrome-plated air registers and updated meter-cluster lighting. The interior also gets some new features including a Multi-terrain Monitor, a new Multi-information Display, an Eco Driving Indicator light and zone display, a heated steering wheel and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

The 2013 Land Cruiser is powered by a 5.7L V8 with 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm that's mated to a six-speed transmission.

Lexus is going to unveil its new LF-LC hybrid coupe concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, next week, but thanks to Road & Track and Autocar, we get to see it now.

The LF-LC concept previews Lexus' new design direction. According to Lexus, "The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion." Overall the design of the LF-LC borrows styling cues from the LFA supercar and the LF-Gh concept that was the preview of the 2013 GS.

It's rumored that Lexus could be considering a new 2+2 luxury coupe, which could go on sale by 2015.

Next week Nissan is going to take the wraps off the Nissan Pathfinder concept, which is a preview of the all-new 2013 Pathfinder.

Nissan has released a quick teaser video of the concept, which gives us a really quick look at the Pathfinder's new face. Other than that we do not have many other details about the new Pathfinder. But we do know that it will share its platform with the Infiniti JX crossover, which means the new Pathfinder will ditch its current body-on-frame construction. It will also have room for seven passengers and most likely be powered by a version of Nissan's 3.5L V6.

Honda has confirmed that a new NSX concept will debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. the NSX concept that we're going to see is supposed to be a preview of the next NSX.

It's also being reported that the next NSX will be powered by Honda's new electric SH-AWD hybrid system that will use a 3.5L V6 and a pair of electric motors. The setup in the NSX will be reversed with the V6 powering the rear wheels with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the electric motors will power the front wheels. The combined output is expected to be somewhere around 400 horsepower and the NSX will reach 0-60 mph in less than five seconds.

The next NSX will reportedly also be offered in both coupe and roadster variants.

Come back for all the coverage on Jan 9th.

The standard Honda Civic may no longer have a "recommended" rating from the Consumer Reports, but the sportier Si version recently earned the publications highest rating.

Consumer Reports now Recommends the Si version of the Civic due to the fact that the 201 horsepower engine "delivers terrific acceleration at high revs." CR likes the new engine better than the last Civic Si engine, since it now has more torque. The Si also managed to get 29 mpg overall.

Although the Civic Si now has a Recommended rating from CR, it still suffers from many of the same issues as the basic Civic models, such as vague steering, cheap plastics, a jittery ride, and lots of noise.

The latest reports claim that Honda is hard at work on an update for the Civic, which is reportedly going to arrive as early as the end of 2012.

Ever since the Honda Fit was introduced to the U.S. in 2006 the Fit has set the standard for subcompact cars. This year it was named to Car and Driver's 10-best list, for the sixth consecutive year. For the 2012 model year the Fit gets even better with the Sport models getting a slight exterior refresh and all models getting more standard equipment.

On the outside the 2012 Honda Fit Sport gets a new front grille and bumper, black headlight bezels and a dark "machined surface" finish alloy wheels. The non-Sport model makes due with the addition of body color mirrors and restyled wheel covers. On the inside the Fit is now quieter thanks to additional sound insulation and thicker front corner-window glass. New beverage holders and ambient lighting are also part of the updates to the 2012 Fit. The Fit Sport also gets steering wheel mounted audio controls and standard Bluetooth on the navigation equipped model.

Lexus has announced the pricing for the all-new 2013 Lexus GS 350, which starts at $46,900, the same price as the current model.

The 2013 GS 350 is powered by a 306 horsepower 3.5L V6 mated to a six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission comes with paddle shifters. It's available in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The all-wheel-drive GS 350 starts at $49,450.

Premium and Luxury packages are available in addition to the F-Sport package. The $1,400 Premium package includes rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats and a power rear sunshade. The $5,750 Luxury Package includes the features from the Premium package, but also adds Adaptive Variable Suspension, an Adaptive Front Lighting System, semi-aniline leather, 18-way power front driver and passenger seats, rear HVAC and audio controls, rear manual side sunshades, 18-inch alloy wheels and a wood and leather steering wheel.

The F-Sport package adds a more aggressive appearance to the GS 3560 with a sport bumper, and rear lower valence, rear lip spoiler, unique mesh grille inserts and F-Sport badging. 19-inch wheels and an F-Sport tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension are part of the package that adds $5,690 to the base price of the GS 350.

The 2013 GS 350 will arrive in showrooms in early February.

Honda has announced the introduction of two new four-cylinder, two-wheel-drive Crosstour models that are going on sale next month.

The four-cylinder equipped Crosstour is powered by a 2.4L four-cylinder that puts out 192 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. of torque. The four-cylinder is mated to a standard 5-speed automatic. The four-cylinder Crosstour models get 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which is a slight jump from the 18/27 mpg rating of the two-wheel-drive V6 Crosstour.

New standard features on all Crosstour models includes an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a rearview mirror back-up camera display on non-navigation equipped models, auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth and USB audio interface.

Following the recent photo leaks by Road & Track, Lexus has released the first official photo of the upcoming LF-LC concept that is going to be unveiled next month.

Lexus also released this statement about the concept:

"Crafted from a clean sheet of paper at the request of Lexus headquarters in Japan, the LF-LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine," said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe."

Lexus has released two teaser photos of its upcoming hybrid concept that we're going to see in Detroit, but the guys over at Road & Track have leaked the first official photos of the new concept.

The new concept has been named the LF-Lc and according to Lexus it previews the future design direction of the brand. The overall look combines elements from the LFA supercar and the LF-Gh concept, which was a preview of the 2013 Lexus GS.

Stay tuned for the official unveiling on Jan 9th.

It's no secret that Honda screwed up with the redesigned Civic that came out earlier this year. Honda's CEO has even gone on record by taking the blame for the Civic's poor reception. It was previously reported that Honda was going to speed up the redesign of the Civic due to the negative feedback, but that new Civic wasn't expected until sometime in 2013. Now it looks like Honda has already sent its dealers a memo stating that the reworked Civic will arrive by the end of 2012.

Since the redesigned Civic is coming so soon, don't expect to see any big changes. The redesign will probably be similar to a standard mid-life refresh. Hopefully Honda will pay most of its attention on the interior.

According to the The Associated Press, American Honda President Tetsuo Iwamura stated that Honda is going to "improve the Civic's drivability." With that announcement we can expect to see some suspension upgrades as well, although Iwamura stopped short of providing any further details.

Toyota has announced that it will debut a plug-in hybrid concept dubbed the NS4 and the Prius c hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

Toyota has released a single teaser photo of the NS4, which it is calling an "advanced plug-in hybrid concept."

The Toyota NS4 and Prius c will debut on January 10.