2011 Toyota Verso S

Basically a larger version of the Yaris.
But it looks like this one might be based on the next Yaris.

I remember Toyota mentioning last year that we might see something like this in the US.
So this one might end up here as part of the redesigned Yaris lineup sometime next year.

It could definitely compete with the Honda Fit in the US.

We'll see...

Next Kia Rio

Looks like a small version of the new Optima, more than a small Forte.
Which is fine too.

Based on the all new Hyundai Accent.

Citroen DS4

The all new DS4 is based on the recently introduced C4. But with it's own design, and is claiming to be more upscale.

Not sure if this is working. The C3 based DS3 has been out for a bit in Europe and I wonder if it is selling well.

19 inch wheels, panoramic windshield, leather everywhere etc...

Still, it's no DS....

2012 VW CC

I know a few people here (Including myself) regard the CC as a great looking car. And we just don't want VW to mess with it.
Well, they will...

By next year, it will get the front end that all VW models have been getting over the past 2 years.
But actually, it doesn't seem to ruin the car. A good thing.

We might also see new lights in the back and a revised interior. But not an all new design.

Citroen C4 Interior

Many European cars do offer a glass roof.
But the one in the all new C4 has to be one of the most impressive ever.
It must be quite an experience.

2011 Audi A6?

This looks pretty real to me.
And if it's not, I bet it does look close to the real thing.

The new A6 will basically be a sedan version of the recently released A7. And cheaper.
Nothing amazing here, as all Audis look pretty much the same.

But if you do compare it with the current Mercedes E Class, this next A6 looks gorgeous. And holds its own against the new 5 series.

2011 Honda Fit Hybrid

So far, not for us either.
This will be unveiled in Paris next month.

It uses the same engine as the CR-Z. Which means it cannot run on electric power alone.

If Honda really want to be serious with hybrids, they need to understand one thing:
people want great mileage out of them.

The Toyota and Ford systems are vastly superior.
The CR-Z averages less than 40mpg. Which isn't much more than the regular Fit.

So will see if consumers are willing to pay thousands for the small improvement.
Seeing Honda Hybrid sale numbers plummeting in the past few years, my guess is no....

2011 Chevrolet Orlando

These are the first official pictures of the production version of the all new Orlando.
The Cruze based 7 passenger uses the same 1.8 Liter engine.
Plus a couple of diesels in Europe, its main market.

Again, GM has decided the Cruze is not for the US, although it looks like Canada is getting it.
So it could be really easy for them to change their mind.

Cadillac CTS convertible.

Well.. Not really, but yes, in a way.

Cadillac will not be making a convertible of the CTS. At least not for the current generation.

But you will be able to order one from Droptop Customs pretty soon.
It looks pretty good. At least from these pictures/illustrations.
Especially with the top up, where it does keep most of the silhouette of the coupe.

We'll see the real thing at the next SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Audi A3 Sedan

When it is redesigned, a bit over a year ago, the new A3 will be offered in both hatchback and sedan.
The sedan version will be the most popular in the US.

I think, even though I like the A3 hatch, this is a good move for Audi.
Already almost half of the A3s sold in the US are diesels. Which is pretty amazing.

I actually cannot wait for the next A3.

Buick GL8 Minivan

For the Chinese market.

And we have now rumors that GM might be considering re-entering the minivan market here in the US.
Sure. This is almost ready to go, so why not...

2011 Nissan Murano.

Slightly simpler front end design, new colors, new SV trim.
Not much else for the new year.
The real news will be at the L.A Auto show, where we'll finally see a soft top convertible version of the Murano.

One of the weirdest idea ever.
If they wanted a convertible, it seems that the Altima coupe would have been a much better choice...

Here is this year's model.

I still like the original 1st generation design so much more than this.

Mercedes CLS

Another car that should not have been redesigned.

The CLS has been one of the best looking sedan on the market since it came out.
The all new model is not an improvement.

don't get me wrong, I'm sure it's a great car.
But it really doesn't look better than the current model.

Inside or out.

VW Amarok in the US?

Maybe.
Originally, the compact pick-up truck was designed mostly for the south American market.
But now VW is said to be considering the US as well.

The Ford Ranger is on its way out, and Toyota and Nissan trucks aren't that compact anymore.

I think there could very well be a market for these in the US . If the price is right AKA:Cheap.

What do you think?

2011 Jeep Wrangler

It didn't really need anything, I thought, but it got it anyway.
A new dashboard. Which is fine.

And now, the removable top comes in colors.
Plus, the Jeep of the future also comes with Bluetooth and a USB plug for your iPod.

2011 Hyundai Accent hatchback. And sedan

Seems like the new hatchback is a 5 door instead of the current 3 door version offered in the US.




The new Accent looks more upscale than the car it replaces.

And don't forget, the current GLS sedan retails for about $13 500.
We are talking about a pretty inexpensive car here.

I think for the price, it foes look great.

2011 Hyundai Azera

Hyundai figures that between the Sonata and the $33 000 V6 Genesis, there is still room for another sedan.
Doesn't seem to be working with the current Azera, at least in the US.
(I have seen more Teslas than Azeras on the road in the past couple of years...)

But it looks like they will try again.
Not sure why not....

2011 Dodge Durango

Just a few teasers for now.

Underneath all these familiar design cues is hiding a cousin to the new Grand Cherokee.

They're even talking of a Hemi. Which will be very popular once gas hits $4 a gallon, I'm sure....

How it works

What could have been: 1980's Buick Riviera

These 2 GM sketches are from the late 70's.
Probably early ideas for the 6th or 7th generation Rivieras.
And actually quite stylish, for the time.


And noticed the exhaust being incorporated into the rear bumper, like so many cars now.

This is what the Riviera looked like from 1979 to 1985.
More stylish than the previous generation that was produced in 1977 and 1978.
But nothing like the early ideas pictured above.

And this was what it became in 1986.
I can see just a little bit of the illustrations in this , but not much.

This 7th generation introduced big changes for the Riviera, including a unibody, a much smaller size and no V8.