NAIAS 2012: Acura NSX, Acura ILX, Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Hyundai Genesis Coupe

By Megan Green

Acura ILX Concept

As the Acura brand enters its second 25 years as Honda’s premium luxury-performance automobile brand, a concept version of the Acura ILX luxury compact sedan and a prototype of the 2013 RDX crossover sports utility vehicle were also unveiled. 

Acura has big plans for the 2013 ILX Concept, a luxury compact sedan, to attract a new generation of buyers to the brand. The aerodynamic, fluid lines and understated Acura design cues might just be inviting enough to achieve this goal. Acura introduces its first ever gas-electric hybrid in the 2013 ILX with a 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain; two standard gasoline powertrain options will also be available –  the base model will have a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine under the hood, and a high performance upgrade with a  six-speed manual transmission powered by a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. The production version has a Spring 2012 launch planned.

All images © 2012 Megan Green

2013 Acura RDX

The 2013 Acura RDX five-passenger crossover SUV, also scheduled for a Spring 2012 launch, has had many of the major changes have happening under the hood. The new 273 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine adds 33 more hp, while expecting fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive models. The exterior design has been tweaked with a slightly larger, prominent grille. Both the RDX and the ILX will feature a pushbutton start, smart entry keyless access, and Pandora radio interface. Manufacturing of each will also be done in the United States, in Greensburg, Indiana and East Liberty, Ohio, respectively.

Acura unveiled the new NSX Concept, highlighting the design and technology direction for the next-generation supercar.

Low to the ground with sweeping lines and two rows of lamps integrated into the signature Acura nose, The hybrid supercar is powered by a mid-mounted VTEC® V-6 engine in tandem with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor. Acura engineers developed the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system that generates negative or positive torque to the front wheels while cornering, claiming it delivers unmatched performance handling.

Badged as an Acura in the United States, the NSX will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio and expected to go into production three years in the future.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Hyundai launched two new versions of existing vehicles at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. The Korean automaker, on top of its game after winning numerous awards, first introduced the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo. The turbo version of the popular three door sports coupe is equipped with a 1.6 liter four cylinder GDI engine with an estimated 201 horsepower and 195 lbs of torque. Unique to Hyundai’s twin-scroll turbocharger setup is a patent-pending one-piece cast design for the stainless steel exhaust manifold and the twin-scroll turbine housing, as well as a motor-driven electrical controller for the waste-gate.

Fuel economy with the six-speed manual transmission is, at press time, estimated to achieve 27 mpg city/38 mpg highway – giving stiff competition to sector competitors such as the 2012 Civic Coupe Si (22/31) and 2012 MINI Cooper S (26/34). (Data for fuel economy with a manual transmission is not yet available.)

The 2,800 pound Turbo Veloster is  slightly larger than the base model – .6 inches wider and 1.2 inches longer, while the wheelbase remains the same. The front grille has been redesigned to improve aerodynamics. Gray matte paint completes the stand-out Veloster Turbo package.

 

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Following the Veloster Turbo, the new 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe made its official public debut featuring more power, new features and a heavily revised face.

Immediately noticeable was the heat extractors on the hood. Under the hood, the 3.8 liter V-6 engine delivers 348 horsepower, 42 more ponies than the previous version (a generous 14 percent increase) – and 295 pound-feet of torque (an eleven percent increase) at 5,300 rpm. Hyundai says it will accelerate  0 to 60 mph in about five seconds.

Fuel economy is much improved as well: 18 city/ 28 highway with the 8-speed automatic transmission, and 18 city/27 highway with the 6-speed manual transmission. The 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine – with premium fuel – boasts improved fuel economy for the 8-speed automatic: 20 city/31 highway, and the 6-speed manual rates 21 city/31 highway. The 2013 Genesis Coupe is as pretty as it is powerful, and Hyundai has added new colors, named after racing circuits and segments. These new colors include Gran Premio Gray, Catalunya Copper, and Parabolica Blue.