Lexus debuts a number of premiere's at the 85th Geneva Motor Show.

• European premiere of the new Lexus F performance model, the GS F
• European premiere of the LF-C2 roadster concept
• World premiere of a new Lexus concept

The Geneva motor show will host the first European appearance to the latest addition to Lexus’s F portfolio of high-performance models, the new GS F. Seen first at the Detroit show in January, the GS F is a refined, four-door saloon with the speed and agility of a premium sports car. Its normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine produces 470bhp and maximum torque of 530Nm. The GS F is also the first model to be equipped with the new, comprehensive Lexus Safety System+.

The GS F will be shown alongside the LF-C2 concept, which is also making its European debut following its unveiling in Los Angeles in 2014. This 2+2 open-top roadster design study explores styling themes that will be part of a new styling direction for the Lexus brand.

Geneva will also witness the world premiere of a new Lexus concept, to be unveiled during a press conference that will take place at 12:30 on 3 March on the Lexus stand (4211) in Hall 4 of the Palexpo exhibition centre.

The next generation BMW 6-Series, Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe, all refreshed, still hideous.

BMW will take the extraordinary step at next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit of launching an entire new model series in one fell swoop. The next-generation BMW 6 Series Coupé, Convertible and Gran Coupé will be announced simultaneously on 9 January, 2015, before becoming the centrepieces of the BMW stand in the Cobo Arena.

Model	Power Hp	Torque   Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds*	Top Speed Mph**	Combined Mpg*	CO2 Emissions g/km*
BMW 640d Coupe/Convertible/Gran Sport Coupé/Convertible/	313	630	5.3/5.5/5.4	155	54.3/52.3/52.33	139/144/143
BMW 640i	320	450	5.3/5.5/5.4	155	38.2/37.2/37.7	172/176/174
BMW 650i	450	650	4.6/4.6/4.6	155	32.9/31.7/32.9	199/208/199
BMW M6	560	680	4.2/4.3/4.2	155	28.5/27.4/28.5	231/239/231
* Coupe/Convertible/Gran Coupe respectively ** All versions electronically limited

The new BMW 6 Series models benefit from external styling revisions which imbue them with an even more purposeful and more powerful stance. At the same time the interiors take on a more sportingly luxurious ambience thanks to new trim materials, centre console surfaces and lighting, and there is a more extensive range of standard and personalisation features. The BMW ConnectedDrive navigation and infotainment package is fitted to every model, while Concierge Services accessed through an embedded SIM card allow drivers to set up a bespoke supply of information and connected-car services.

All petrol models have a sports exhaust system with a switchable valve which adds a more intense timbre to the engine soundtrack, while aerodynamic improvements along with the extensive package of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies mean the six-cylinder models – petrol and diesel – are even more fuel-efficient than before. Through features such as Dynamic Damper Control, Active Drive and Integral Active Steering, owners are now able to create a made-to-measure driving experience, while the latest BMW Head-Up Display and Driving Assistant Plus with Active Cruise Control minimise distractions and supplement the driver’s reactions to enhance safety.

Sportier edge goes hand-in-hand with efficiency improvements 

The new 6 Series range will again consist of three distinctly individual takes on a common theme – the sportily stylish classic Coupé, the exclusive all-seasons Convertible and the elegant longer-wheelbase four-door Gran Coupé. Almost 80,000 versions of the outgoing range have been sold globally in three years with the Gran Coupé now claiming almost half of 6 Series sales.

All three body styles are available with a choice of highly efficient TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder and V8 engines featuring the full gamut of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies to save fuel and reduce emissions. All engines meet EU6 emissions standards and drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission which combines long ratios for ultra-efficient motorway cruising with fast-shifting capabilities that complement the vivacious character of the engines.

The 3.0-litre 313hp turbodiesel engine in the 640d models and the similar-capacity 320hp petrol engine in 640i versions are now more fuel-efficient thanks to the latest EfficientDynamics features and aerodynamic improvements. As a result, CO₂ emissions are as low as 139g/km on the 640d SE Coupé. Yet every 6 Series can comfortably achieve the 0-62mph sprint in 5.5 seconds – and in many cases, considerably less. That is especially true for the 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo 650i models, while the ultimate members of the 6 Series range will again be the 560hp V8-engined M6 cars from BMW’s high-performance specialists.

All petrol versions now have a sports-tuned exhaust which provides a soundtrack to match the cars’ emphatic performance. A switchable valve adjusted through the Driving Experience Control system can be used to reduce exhaust back-pressure, adding a significantly sportier edge to the sound coming from the tailpipes.

The suspension systems have been honed to the character of the individual models and can now be further personalised through options like Dynamic Damper Control, which varies its responses electronically according to where and how the car is being driven; Adaptive Drive, which includes roll stabilisation; and Integral Active Steering, which introduces an element of rear-wheel steer to reduce the amount of turning effort needed while enhancing agility.

New look emphasises powerful stance while further raising quality

Styling changes to the front and rear of all 6 Series variants add further emphasis to their powerful on-road presence, while new LED headlights, new metallic paint colours and revisions to the interior ensure that they continue to set the benchmark for understated luxury in their class.

The BMW kidney grille now features nine bars where previously it had 10 – a small change, perhaps, but one that emphasises the power of the engines through the amount of cooling air they need. The grille bars (black on six-cylinder models and matt aluminium for the V8s) have been reprofiled to emphasise their forward slant, and there is now a single, full-width air intake in the new apron. Full-LED headlights are now standard. They emit low-beam light from the upper reflectors and the main beam from the lower reflectors, adding a sophisticated new night-time look to the typical BMW twin circular signature lighting. Indicators are cut into the accent strip on top of the headlight units. There are also LED front foglights. Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant are optional.

At the rear, the 6 Series appears wider thanks to a new horizontal chrome bumper insert which draws attention to the wide rear track and the inherent stability this promises. Six-cylinder models also have 10mm larger chrome tailpipe embellishers in enlarged cut-outs which again attest to the cars’ dynamic abilities. Newly styled side mirrors improve the cars’ aerodynamic properties and contain slim horizontal indicator strips, while for the Gran Coupé the side window surround has been revised and houses a black painted aluminium section with raised “Gran Coupé” lettering at the foot of the Hofmeister kink on the C-pillar.

There are new 18-inch alloy wheels for the Coupé and Convertible, and five new metallic paint finishes – Jatoba, Cashmere Silver, Glacier Silver, Mediterranean Blue and Melbourne Red. New wheels of up to 20 inches in diameter are available.

The standard leather dashboard with contrast stitching – previously an option on all but the M Sport versions – is an immediate clue to the enhanced quality and luxury of the new range. There is now a modern, stylish high-gloss black finish on the centre console around the switches for the climate control system and audio system. This contemporary look complements the iDrive system’s more precise Control Display with its chromed surround, the new multi-functional instrument panel and the LED lights to illuminate the footwells, door openings and glovebox. Dakota, Nappa or Merino leather trim will be standard in the UK, depending on model. The Nappa leather now offers two bi-colour options – Ivory White with Black or Cognac with Black.

Standard ConnectedDrive heads upgraded equipment and personalisation possibilities

BMW will reveal the UK model line-up, pricing and specification when the cars are revealed 9 January, but the range will include SE, M Sport and Sport versions, depending on engine, with the M6 models as the sporting flagships of the respective body styles.

The BMW 6 Series will be an even more competitive value proposition as a result of significant enhancements to standard equipment. At the same time there will be greater scope for personalisation through the new features now available.

ConnectedDrive, the intelligent link between a BMW and the outside world, is now standard. It provides full navigation and infotainment facilities, and includes a SIM card embedded within the car which gives the driver access to Concierge Services. This can be tailored to the owner’s preferences and includes helpful information such as Real Time Traffic Information, BMW Teleservices and Intelligent Emergency Call. It can even reserve hotel rooms and find flight information, ATM machines and out-of-hours pharmacies.

ConnectedDrive is also linked as standard to the latest version of the BMW Head-Up Display, which projects essential safety and guidance information ­– from speed limits to navigation instructions – onto the windscreen within the driver’s field of vision, but not in such a way that it could be distracting. In certain circumstances telephone number lists and entertainment information can also be called up. Meanwhile, the backlighting of the new multifunction information display now changes colour according to which driving mode – COMFORT, ECO PRO or SPORT – has been selected via the Driving Experience Control switch.

Heading the extensive range of new options for the BMW 6 Series is Driving Assistant Plus, a camera- and radar-based intelligent connected-car system incorporating Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning and Pedestrian and Collision Warning with Braking. It automatically maintains a safe gap to the car in front, alerts a 6 Series driver whose actions might cause a collision and, at up to 37mph, brakes the car to a standstill if there is a risk of an impact with a pedestrian.   

The new BMW 6 Series Coupé, 6 Series Convertible and 6 Series Gran Coupé and their BMW M equivalents go on sale in the UK from 1 March, 2015.

Mercedes to bring in lower priced AMG range to lug the price gap.

Daimler performance subbrand Mercedes-AMG aims to double sales in the next three years by offering a cheaper product line to narrow the price gap with Mercedes-Benz cars.

The first two models from the new AMG Sport family will premiere at the Detroit auto show in January 2015 with further models to follow, the company said at a press event here, near Stuttgart.

Audi has already implemented a similar strategy with some success, offering the S-line that is situated price-wise between Audi’s base cars and the RS models built by its in-house tuner, Quattro GmbH.

“The A 250 Sport was the predecessor of the AMG Sport product line, we saw that it was successful and decided to expand this into a strategic business model,” said Tobias Moers, head of Mercedes-AMG. He added the new line could represent 30 percent to 40 percent of AMG sales in the future.

“Real sports car technology will become more accessible and appeal to an even broader customer group,” Moers said, adding that the subbrand will not water down its promise of top performance.

AMG expects to sell considerably more than 40,000 cars this year -- setting a new record -- because of a broadened model range that includes everything from the 115,430 euro AMG GT sports car, which rivals the 911 Turbo, to performance compacts such as the 355-hp AMG variant of the A class, which starts at just under 50,000 euros.

“In the next three years we want to more than double vehicle sales over 2013,” Moers said, referring to the 32,200 sold last year. “We want to be seen as being on par with the most successful German sports car makers.”

When asked how they could achieve this when the most famous of them all, Porsche, sells four times as many cars, he replied: “We don’t want to compete in terms of vehicle sales, that would not be realistic from today’s point of view -- we want to compete in terms of our profile and brand awareness.”

To further boost volumes, Mercedes will used the AMG Sport range to close the gap between Mercedes cars equipped with the AMG Sport Package trim level and the classic AMG models. Right now, customers who want a more sporty C class than the Mercedes-Benz C400 4MATIC have to pay 76,100 euros in Germany to get the Mercedes-AMG C 63, which is roughly 24,000 euros more.

In between those two will be the new Mercedes-Benz C 450 AMG that will debut in Detroit. It will be offered at a starting price of about 50,000 euros. AMG will also premiere the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe at the Detroit show.

The AMG Sport cars will offer six-cylinder engines with increased output, all-wheel drive as standard plus special chassis and brake parts from the traditional AMG models.

Unlike the classic AMG models, however, the engines will be tuned versions off the series production line rather than handcrafted by one person in Affalterbach as is currently the case with the AMG performance cars.

The new models also will contribute significantly to lowering the carbon emissions of AMG’s fleet starting next year, the company said. In the last five years, CO2 has been reduced by 35 percent.

This is not just important for its European emissions targets, Moers said. “There is the possibility that China will legislate in the future individual emission targets for each product line [like the C 63 AMG], but we will have an answer so that we can guarantee that this won’t impede our growth,” he said.

AMG already has enough to cope with just meeting demand from China, let alone additional restrictions potentially imposed by the government.

“It went so far that we had to stop the sale of the A 45 for two months this summer, because we couldn’t keep up with demand,” he said, explaining that in China this is preferable to making customers wait longer for their car.

When asked whether its future emissions strategy could include alternative powertrains such as a plug-in hybrid, Moers said that in the coming years AMG will certainly offer a product in this direction given the desire by performance sports car owners to be socially responsible.

Christiaan Hetzner

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CALTY: Home of the Toyota FT-1

Toyota’s FT-1 coupe concept was a show-stealing success when it broke cover in Detroit in January. Much credit for the car’s huge impact is due to the work of Calty, the West Coast studio that’s been spearheading Toyota’s new design thinking for more than 40 years.

The team’s success is reflected in the fact that around 75 per cent of the concepts it has created have subsequently gone into production. Fans might see this as auguring well for the prospect of the FT-1 making it into showrooms, but at present the high-performance sports car remains purely a concept model.

Calty – an amalgam of California and Toyota – was established in 1973 as a beachhead for Toyota design in North America and was the first studio to be opened by a major motor manufacturer in the state.

In the early days, its activities were kept firmly under wraps: “Given the security surrounding vehicle design, we kept it as a hush-hush operation. Some locals thought we were a small manufacturing facility, or even selling T-shirts. Early on, it was so low profile, we were not allowed business cards,” said Doris Kusumoto, Calty’s Financial Manager.

The team developed their ideas and their influence, celebrating their first design to go into production, the Celica Liftback, in 1978. In the same year Calty moved to Newport Beach, where today it employs 65 people in an 8,000m² design space. Designs are generated using a full range of creative skills, from sketching and clay modelling to CAD programs and fabrication.

Calty gained prominence as Toyota’s status grew in the global market, earning more design responsibility and influence.  In the late 1980s, its designers focused on coupe studies, leading to the development of the original Lexus SC, a model that made a strong visual statement about what the young luxury brand stood for.

With a growing emphasis on regionalising product development, Calty opened a subsidiary design centre in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2004. This made for easy collaboration with the nearby Toyota Technical Centre to support local production design efforts such as Tundra and Avalon for the American market. Keeping pace with advances in global technology, Calty added the Toyota Innovation Hub in San Francisco. Strategically locate close to Silicon Valley, this entre was an important step in Toyota’s mission to work closely with new technology, social media and design enterprises.

The FT-1 symbolises, in the words of Calty president Kevin Hunter, “a new chapter for Toyota global design”. He said: “We see FT-1 as symbolic of an evolution in our mission as we move toward designs that better balance key emotional and rational elements as part of our brand promise.

“Calty will be integral in the movement to bring more emotional, more satisfying and engaging Toyota designs to market.”

USA - At long last Alfa is back in the States.

Since early last year, we've been hearing that the new Alfa Romeo 4C will be gracing our shores. Each time a launch date was announced, it was continually pushed back until we thought we'd never see the new Alfa.

During the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler and Fiat CEO, announced that the new vehicle will hit the U.S. in the second half of 2014, with more models expected to arrive in 2015. During that same press conference, Marchionne went on to talk about the return of Alfa to the U.S. "We're not looking to rule the world with our premium strategy. I just want a piece of the market. It doesn't have to be Dieter's share," he said in reference to Mercedes-Benz chief Zetsche.

We can expect the first crop of Alfa Romeo 4C models to be sold out of select Maserati dealers, while the best-performing Fiat dealers will most likely get Alfas from the second wave of imports. As of yet, those Fiat dealers that will be selling the new 4C have not been notified, despite claims made my Marchionne at the Detroit Auto Show.

Many of the dealers that were promised the opportunity to sell the Alfa Romeo 4C will not be getting them. Michael Golling, owner of two Fiat dealerships in Mich., originally opened his shops as he was told he would be allowed to sell Alfa Romeos. Golling told The Detroit News that selling the Italian sports car was part of the reason he opened the doors. "We're in the perfect spot for it in Birmingham. We've got Audi, Land Rover, Porsche and Mini on the same block. I think we could sell a lot of them. But we're not guaranteed."

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USA - Got $75,000 ? then get the new Camaro Z/28, the muscle car of the year.

Chevrolet today announced the 2014 Camaro Z/28 will go on sale this spring with a suggested retail price of $75,000, including a $995 destination charge, but excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees.

The new Z/28 is offered in five exterior colors – Red Hot, Black, Silver Ice Metallic, Ashen Gray Metallic and Summit White. Only a single option is available: A $1,150 package that adds air conditioning and a total of six audio speakers. The standard Z/28 package includes one speaker.

“The Camaro Z/28 is an uncompromising performer that’s bred for the track – and every one of its unique components supports the goal of faster lap times,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. “It takes the Z/28 back to its racing roots and adds to the strong lineup of Chevrolet performance cars, including a revamped Camaro SS and supercharged ZL1, as well as the SS sedan, Corvette Stingray convertible and 2015 Corvette Z06, which we’ll introduce at the North American International Auto Show next week."

The Z/28’s unique exterior is designed like a race car to produce downforce that presses the tires against the track for greater grip – up to 1.08 g in cornering acceleration – and faster lap times. The aerodynamically optimized design helped the Camaro Z/28 log a  lap on Germany’s legendary Nürburgring road course that was four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1’s and beat published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

Power comes from the 7.0L LS7 engine, with dry-sump oiling, rated at an SAE-certified 505 horsepower (376 kW) and 481 lb-ft of torque (652 Nm). The engine will be built by hand at the new Performance Build Center within GM’s Bowling Green assembly plant.

A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is the only transmission offered and power is distributed to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set, rather than traditional clutch packs, for optimal traction. The differential works in unison with Chevrolet’s proprietary Performance Traction Management system, allowing drivers to adjust the level of throttle and braking intervention to match their capability and driving environment.

The Camaro Z/28 is also one of the first production cars fitted with race-proven, spool-valve dampers, which allow four-way damping control, enabling engineers to precisely tune both bump and rebound settings for high-speed and low-speed wheel motions. The wider tuning range also allows dramatically greater damper stiffness without a significant change in ride quality. Additional chassis changes include stiffer spring and bushing rates for improved cornering response.

Lightweight, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires reduce unsprung weight by 49.6 pounds (22.5 kilograms) per car compared to the 20-inch wheels standard on Camaro SS and ZL1.

The massive 305/30ZR19 PZero Trofeo R tires represent the first production-car application in the industry and are believed to be the widest front tire on any production car. To fully exploit their grip, the Z/28 also features Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix™ rotors and fixed, monoblock calipers. The large 394 x 36 mm front rotors are paired with six-piston calipers, while the 390 x 32 mm rear rotors are paired four-piston calipers. Compared to similar-size, two-piece steel rotors, the lightweight carbon discs save 28 pounds (12.5 kg) per car.

The combination of tire grip and braking power enable the Camaro Z/28 to achieve at least 1.5 g in deceleration. With standard front brake cooling ducts, the Z/28 is also capable of continuous track use.

Interior details

On the interior, the Camaro Z/28 features trim in a distinctive, matte-metallic finish called Octane, a flat-bottom steering wheel and Recaro seats with microfiber inserts. The seats feature aggressive bolsters for high-performance driving, as well as seat cutouts inspired by the five-point harnesses found on racing seats. To save weight, both front seats incorporate manual adjustment.

The rear seats of the Z/28 have also been modified for weight reduction. Nine pounds, or four kilograms, were saved by eliminating the seat-back pass-through, as well as using high-density foam in place of the rigid structure of the seat back and steel mesh of the seat bottom.

Additional examples of weight savings include:

• Elimination of the tire-inflator kit, except for Rhode Island and New Hampshire, where it is required by law
• Removal of some interior sound deadener, as well as trunk carpet
• Use of a smaller, lighter battery
• Thinner  rear-window glass – 3.2 mm vs. the standard 3.5 mm
• Elimination of high-intensity discharge, or HID, headlamps and fog lights
• No air conditioning except as part of the single option package.

The Camaro Z/28 will be available to order in late January with the first cars delivered to customers in the spring. Rights to the first Camaro Z/28, VIN 0001, will be auctioned at Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. on January 18.

The Detroit Motor Show, what to expect !

A handy round up of all that you can expect to see at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show

The 2014 Detroit Motor Show is the first major motor show in the 2014 automotive calendar. Officially known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), it opens its doors to the world's press on January 13 2014 before inviting the public in on January 18.

The biggest car manufacturers in the world will be showcasing a whole host of new metal at Detroit, from crazy concept cars to production models that we'll be seeing on the road very soon. And, of course, Auto Express will be there bringing you all the stories live as they happen.

Bookmark this page to stay up to date with the latest from the Detroit Motor Show 2014. We’ll be updating it regularly with all that we know on the biggest stories coming out of this year's show.

Click the links below for the hottest Detroit news stories of the moment and scroll down the page for our full manufacturer-by-manufacturer round-up…

Detroit Motor Show 2014: the key cars

Mercedes C-Class - the all-new Mercedes C-Class compact exec will make its world debut at Detroit with BMW's 3 Series in its sights.

Ford Mustang - the new Ford Mustang takes a bow in production form at Detroit and this one will be sold in the UK.

BMW M3 saloon and M4 coupe - the latest instalment in BMW's M3 dynasty is here but now the coupe version's called M4.   

Audi Q1 concept - Audi is gunning for the Nissan Juke with a new baby SUV concept car.

Lexus RC-F coupe - Lexus hopes to eclipse the BMW M3 with this coupe concept car rumoured to be packing a V8.

Volvo XC Concept - the XC concept car from Volvo should tell us a lot about the design of the new XC90 SUV.

Detroit Motor Show 2014: full round-up 

Audi

Audi has just announced 11 all-new models will be added to the range, and as far as we know the baby Q1 concept will be the first of those to make an appearance, with a debut at Detroit rumoured. It’s aimed at Nissan Juke buyers who crave something a little more premium. BMW and Mercedes are also working on entry-level SUVs

Audi has confirmed a three-door Crossover concept will be on display at Detroit, which is likely to be giving us an insight into the future design direction for the brands next-gen road cars.

BMW

BMW will be one of the busiest manufacturers at the Detroit Motor Show next month with five new or facelifted models making their debuts. Taking centre stage will be the new M3 saloon and M4 coupe, both powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine developing 424bhp. The new high-performance models are lighter, more efficient and more powerful than the outgoing M3.

Sharing the limelight will be the new BMW 2 Series. It’s a replacement for the outgoing 1 Series Coupe which goes on sale in March, priced from £25,040. Facelifted versions of the BMW X1 SUV and Z4 will also be making an appearance at Detroit, both featuring subtle visually tweaks inside and out.

Chevrolet

GM has announced Chevrolet will be pulled out of European markets by 2015 but iconic models such as the Camaro and the Corvette will still be available. The new Z06 will debut at Detroit, so far we’ve only seen a teaser image and rumours suggest the muscle car could use a tweaked version of the 7.0-litre V8 tuned to produce around 600bhp.

Ford

Ford has already showcased the new Mustang at several glamorous locations around the world but Detroit will be its motor show debut. For the first time in its 50 years of production, the Mustang will be made available in right-hand drive in the UK. There’s no official word on pricing but the EcoBoost model should start from around £30,000, with the V8 model demanding a further £5,000.

Infiniti

A potential rival for the BMW M3, the Infiniti Eau Rogue concept will be unveiled at Detroit. We only have a few details about the high-performance saloon and we expect a twin-turbocharged 3.7-litre V6 to fitted under the bonnet, producing around 500bhp. The concept is named after one of the most famous corners in the F1 calendar, a sweeping uphill bend at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Kia

Kia has revealed teaser shots of the GT4 Stinger concept car that will be on display at Detroit. We now know it will be  powered by a 311bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, driving the rear wheels. The teaser images show the concept to have a long bonnet, bulging wheels arches and a short tailgate, giving it the classic sports car look. Kia says the new concept is aimed at "delivering head-turning looks".

Lexus

The first image of the new flagship Lexus RC F coupe has leaked online. It’s set to debut at Detroit where the wraps will also be taken off the car's BMW M4 rival. Under the bonnet, a 5.0-litre V8 has been rumoured, with power somewhere in the region of 455bhp.

MINI

The range-topping model in the new MINI range, the John Cooper Works, will be unveiled in concept form at Detroit. It features an aggressive looking body kit and exclusive paint job as well as being powered by a tuned version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from the outgoing Cooper S. It should arrive in the UK in summer, priced at around £23,000.

Mercedes

After months of leaked images and spy shots the Mercedes C-Class was finally unveiled in December. The baby exec will draw in the crowds at Detroit with an Estate variant sharing the stage. A whole host of petrol and diesel engines will be availble, with a new 1.6-litre diesel engine adopted from Nissan being the entry-level motor.

Mercedes will again be showcasing the S-Class coupe at Detroit after the concept first debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in September. We’ll have to wait until March at the Geneva Motor Show before we get to see the production model, however.  

Porsche

Porsche will unveil the 991-generation Targa at Detroit, with leaked images online suggesting the car will revert back the original Targa style body that was first seen in 1966.

Toyota

There has been a lot of speculation about a replacement for the Toyota Supra and the Japanese manufacturer has confirmed there will be ‘some form of performance concept at Detroit’. Rumours started circulating about a successor to the Supra back in 2007, when the Toyota FT-HS concept first appeared at the Detroit Motor Show.

Volvo

Volvo will be showcasing the Concept XC Coupe at Detroit, which gives us a glimpse into the future styling of the manufacturers SUVs. It will also influence the design of the XC90, scheduled to arrive in the UK in the middle of 2014.

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