Over the past few years Lexus has been referred to as a Japanese Buick, with the number one reason being the ES front-drive luxury sedan a car that drew direct comparisons with the not-quite-Cadillac GM premium brand. To erase those comparos the new 2013 ES gets a more stylish exterior with a GS-themed front nose and a profile more like the flagship LS.
Swapping its Camry underpinnings for an Avalon platform it has, however, grown even more in size a notable Buick trait. Plus, to challenge the eAssist mild-hybrid LaCrosse, there's finally now an ES300h hybrid system getting 39 mpg average.
It might not get the billing of the Detroit or LA shows, but the NY Auto Show is always host to numerous important world premieres. This year's event will showcase the all-new Viper, launched under the newly-founded SRT brand. Also look for the reveal of the all-new Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Acura RL and Mercedes SL63 AMG.
See our preview below with live coverage starting April 4th.
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It certainly deserves a spot on the list of Top 10 Geneva Motor Show cars. Many would also agree it also deserves the last possible spot. And so here it is, the Bentley EXP 9 F concept.
Rather than a Continental GT styled swoopy looking crossover, Bentley's SUV concept is big, bold and brutish, taking styling from the brand's flagship Mulsanne, including a massive flat-fronted prow and some of the largest fog lights ever fitted to a vehicle.
Still, there's little doubt that it's excellently crafted and by all accounts appears near to production. Regardless of what it looks like, it's what it is that makes the EXP so important. If Bentley is to grow as a brand, especially in emerging markets, an SUV is what it needs.
Despite criticism, don't look for major changes to a production model. We overheard Bentley reps surveying numerous VIP guests about the car and all responded that they'd buy one right away.
The Platinum edition trim is Ford‘s ultra luxury truck package that is now working its way up the ranks into the Ford Super Duty.
For 2013 Ford’s F-250, F-350 and F-450 can all be had with the Platinum Edition package, specifically tailored to Ford’s Super Duty pickups.
The exterior of the Platinum Super Duty will be noticeably different, especially the grille, which will feature a satin chrome surround accented by perforated mesh inside the grille. Chrome is the key word in luxury car exteriors, and the Platinum edition Super Duty won’t miss the mark, coming with chromed out door handles, mirror caps, running boards, exhaust tips and even chrome tow hooks. The Platinum name will be featured on the outside of the truck with chrome badges. Finishing off the luxury look will be 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with painted black inserts.
Of course the interior will come all wrapped in leather, including a leather wrapped steering wheel. Wooden accents will be featured throughout the interior, showing up on the instrument panel, center stack and and door trim.
For infotainment, the Platinum super duty uses the MyFord Touch system with some exclusive tweaks specifically geared at truck buyers. Unlike other MyFord Touch systems which did not include physical climate controls, the Super Duty will incorporate the old school way of doing things with large knobs and buttons so that the climate can be influenced easily by someone wearing gloves. Other standard amenities include power adjustable pedals, a rear view camera, a remote start system, power telescoping mirrors and universal garage door opener.
The Ford Super Duty platinum edition will be offered with two engines, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel or the 6.2-liter V8 gas motor.
No pricing was announced, but considering the F-150 Platinum Editions $44,325 starting price, don’t expect this decked out Super Duty to be cheap.
It may be neutral ground, but each year automakers bring out the heavy artillery in Geneva, showcasing some or the world's most exotic, and powerful machines. Big debuts for this year's Swiss show include the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster, the Ferrari F630, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster, Infiniti Emerg-E plug-in hybrid spots car and plenty more.
See below for our preview of all the debuts and look for live coverage starting March 6th.
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