Reference Auto

Audi is surely going to reap benefits from the accolade it won at the Detroit auto show and the 2012 Audi A6 could turn out to be a huge draw globally. After all, it bagged the award for ‘Best Production Vehicle’ at the auto show. An excited Achim Badstuebner, Audi's head of exterior design, said, “it shows strong feedback that we have done our homework.”

Audi has won the award for the last three years. The earlier models that bagged awards were the Audi R8 V10 in 2009 and the Audi A8 sedan in 2010.

This year, the A6 slugged it out with the likes of Bentley Continental GT, BMW 6-Series Convertible and the Hyundai Veloster to win the award. The price of the Audi A6 is expected to be over $50,000.

The aluminum body of the new A6 makes it nearly 70 pounds lighter. The 2012 Audi A6 will have two gas engines, three TDI diesel powertrains and a front-wheel drive-only hybrid model without the Quattro system.

The 3.0-lt TFSI Quattro will be a very powerful gasoline-fed model that can churn out 300 hp and 325 lb-ft torque. It will come with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The non-Quattro Audi A6 Hybrid will come with a parallel-hybrid system like the Q5 Hybrid Quattro. It is offered with a 211 hp direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine with a 45 hp electric motor that can produce 155.63 lb-ft torque.

The Honda Civic Si Coupe and Civic Sedan showcased at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit gives a clear indication that the Japanese carmaker will revamp the Civic.

The concept cars displayed at the auto show in Detroit have the typical short-hood and fastback proportions of the Civic that runs on the roads now.

The new concept wears the look of a typical sports car with its 19-inch wheels along with a trapezoidal center tailpipe and a rear spoiler with dual vents.

Three models of the 2010 Civic could be rolled out – a hybrid version, a natural gas-propelled model and another powered by gas.

Although Honda was tightlipped about its price and specifications – speculation is rife that the new Civic could carry a price tag of about $20,000.

The new Civic may be a tad smaller and lighter than the current set of models and will come with enhanced aerodynamics and better safety during a crash. The hybrid will be upgraded to lithium-ion batteries from NiMH used now.

One of the most pivotal developments at the 2011 North American International Auto Show is Toyota’s move to roll out a new range of cars based on the Prius Concept platform.

Toyota displayed three models at the auto show: a plug-in with 13 miles of all-electric range, a Prius V (V for volume) with 50% more cargo room and the C concept, a sporty type coupe-like Prius.

The Prius V Toyota hybrid comes with an optional retractable panoramic moonroof. Split folding 60/40 rear seats allow configurations for passengers and cargo, while fuel economy is commendable: It gives 42 miles per gallon in city conditions and 38 miles per gallon on highways.

In Prius C, the ‘C’ denotes ‘City’, a clear indication that the car has been ideally made for a city ride. The Toyota Prius brand has clocked sales of 955,000 since it was launched in 2000 in the US. The Prius-type models could come for over $27,000.

The new Hyundai Veloster coupe will most likely hit the roads this summer and be propelled by a 1.6-lt engine GDI Gamma engine developing 138 hp at 6,300 rpm and 123 lb.-ft torque at around 4,850 rpm.

The engine has dual continuously variable valve timing (D-CVVT), roller timing chain, electronic throttle control and anti-friction coatings, which is a unique feature.

The engine comes with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). The new dual-clutch gearbox of the Hyundai Veloster is light and has improved fuel economy with an optimal response and shift control.

The Hyundai Veloster could be priced around $18,000 and is different from the usual two-door coupes: There is a third door on the passenger side that provides easy access to the rear seats and this was a unique feature witnessed at the 2011 North American Internattional Auto Show.