The North American International Auto Show begins this week in Detroit. Here are some of the new cars and experimental concept vehicles unveiled at the show.
General Motors rolled out a hot new version of the Corvette Stingray, called the Z06, with a 625-horsepower supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine. The company says its performance will rival the best supercars in the world.ReutersPorsche launched two new 911 models, bringing back the classic 1965 design, with a removable front roof section and a wrap-around rear window. The Targa 4 has a 3.4-litre boxer six-cylinder engine and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds; the 3.8-litre 400bph Targa 4S takes just 4.2 seconds.ReutersVideo game players will get a chance to try out a virtual version of Toyota's new FT-1 concept sports car. It is available as a downloadable vehicle for Sony PlayStation 3 Gran Turismo 6. Technical details of the vehicle aren't being released, but it's billed as a powerhouse. The prototype's engine is in the front, with a window in the bonnet to showcase what's underneath.ReutersMercedes-Benz's top-of-the-range S600 sedan is getting an upgrade, with a 12-cylinder, 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine that packs 523 horsepower. The luxury car features touchpad controls that allow letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting in nine languages.ReutersKia's GT4 Stinger concept car, which made its debut in Detroit, boasts a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 315 horsepower. There are no plans for a production version, but the company says it "provides a possible and highly provocative glimpse into Kia's future".ReutersChrysler is rolling out a revamped 200, with hopes of competing against the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Ford Fusion. The new 200 is based on Alfa Romeo underpinnings designed by Chrysler's new owner, Italian automaker Fiat. Al Gardner, CEO of the Chrysler Brand, says it will deliver on ride, handling and performance with two engine choices: a new 184-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder, and a 295-horsepower 3.6-litre V6.ReutersHyundai is counting on the revamped Genesis to pull buyers from luxury car market leaders Mercedes and BMW. The 2015 Genesis goes high tech with Google Glass headsets. The glasses project text and images, and wearers can use voice or gestures to give commands. People with the glasses can start their cars and unlock or lock doors remotely, find their cars in parking lots and search for points of interest or petrol stations.ReutersThe Sport Sedan Concept which Nissan displayed in Detroit may provide clues as to what the company's new Maxima sedan may look like. Expect a similar floating roof design, V-shaped grille and boomerang-shaped headlights when the Maxima makes its expected debut in April.ReutersHonda's Fit, once the top-selling subcompact in the United States, is getting a badly needed update. The Fit fell behind when Chevrolet, Ford and Hyundai entered the market. Honda promises that the car will be faster, more efficient and more fun, with added interior space and better handling.ReutersVolkswagen imagines the Beetle Dune concept car appealing to skiers and sandboarders in Florence, Oregon. The company bills it as a 21st century of the Baja Bug, which is a modified Beetle that can handle tough off-road conditions. Officially, VW says no decision has been made on whether to produce the thing.Reuters
