Getting into the driver’s seat of the 2012 GMC Acadia Denali for the first time to drive it home through a Manhattan rush hour was, on the onset, nerve wracking, but the solidness of the ride soon assuaged any fears. It’s not so much the streets of Manhattan that are terrible – although there are some bone-jarring potholes on the West Side Highway that the Acadia glided over – but more so the notorious yellow cabs that break, turn, and insist on getting in your lane despite the fact you are already in it that inspire anxiety. The manouverability of what I first perceived to be a land-boat crossover vehicle was impressive – smooth and easygoing, responsive, no stiffness in the rack-and-pinion steering, no lurching around due to size. Changing lanes in tight traffic wasn’t the challenge I thought it would be with an almost-17 foot long vehicle. With a 40.4 foot turning circle, I had no problems with U-turns on wider roads, or managing a three-point turn on smaller two-lane roads.

Taking it out to the country for a day at upstate polo grounds and horse stables improved my impressions of the Acadia. A new feature of the 2012 Acadia, standard on all trim levels, is hill-hold assist braking technology. What this means is that the brakes are applied for 1.5 seconds after the driver’s foot leaves the brake on a downhill incline of 5% or more. Speed and momentum on the downhill were noticeably reduced driving on the highway; on the other end of the spectrum, the 3.6 liter V-6 variable valve timing (VVT), 288 horsepower engine producing 270 lb.-ft. of torque didn’t lack for power driving uphill or accelerating to pass other vehicles.

GM’s StabiliTrack system comes standard in the Acadia, and is responsible for enhancing the driver’s control of the vehicle in adverse conditions – one such condition being snow. As luck would have it, Mother Nature threw in a rare October snowstorm – perfect for testing the StabiliTrack. Driving on the snow, swerving to avoid fallen trees, and maintaining control of the vehicle when driving into and out of snow ruts was reassuringly easy – a safe, confident drive in extreme weather. Maintaining Traction while staying at an average speed of 30 mph had me actually passing vehicles crawling in the inclement weather. Sitting high in a crossover already increases the view of the road and surroundings, and the SLT and Denali trim levels of the Acadia include an outside mirror with blind-zone spotting, adding to visibility in such a challenging blizzard situation. On-Star also comes standard, as well as roof-mounted curtain side airbags for added rollover safety and pelvic-thorax seat-mounted side air bags as safety features.

As part of a new era of openness mandated from CEO Akio Toyoda , Toyota opened their doors to the media at their Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) at the York Township, Michigan Toyota Technical Center (TTC) for the first time in company history. Collaborative research partners including representatives from MIT, the Transportation Active Safety Institute, Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Washtenaw Area Transportation Study, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute were on hand for the announcement of ten new safety initiatives. Toyota’s goal is to share technology and research results from the various studies with the automotive industry and public. To further support this effort, they launched a new website www.toyota.com/csrc in January where this collaborative research on automotive safety is available online.

A significant portion of the research is concentrating on the most vulnerable populations, which, in their eyes, are young children, new teen drivers, seniors, and pedestrians.

Teen Drivers
Teenagers are considered vulnerable because their brains are still developing as well as being inexperienced drivers. An example of some of the research being conducted is a three-year project with Virginia Tech Transportation Institute to develop driver coaching and feedback via five in-car cameras that monitor what the driver is doing and interacting with, beginning when the teen first gets his or her learning permit. Data from the cameras is downloaded every night using a wi-fi connection, but sensors are also installed with this system to alert the driver when risky behavior occurs, e.g. hard braking or swerving or the presence of alcohol. Report cards will be generated and be accessible to the parents for discussion with the teen subjects about driving mistakes and habits.

Children and Seniors
Severity of injuries in crashes are affected by seat and seat belt position, posture, and body shape. In addition, a child’s body structure is vastly different than that of a younger adult, as is that of a senior person. 3-D Computer models representing the developmental stage of a 10-year old child and a 65 – 75 year old female are being developed with partner Wayne State University for a better understanding of how the bones and organs of these age groups are injured in accidents.

As we age, our field of vision decreases; the quantity of information drivers seniors absorb is reduced by 30%. A three-year research project in conjunction with Virginia Tech Transportation Institute will measure the effectiveness of brain training – video games identifying flashing objects on the periphery of their vision – on improving Useful Field of View in seniors.

In addition, the partnership with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) collects real world child-specific crash and injury data, and The National Child Occupant Special Study (NCOSS) created subject contact and consent procedures to gather specific data – including age if child and type of in-car restraints – about real- life crashes and injuries with the ultimate goal of changing national child safety regulations.

In the late 1800′s, as cities grew larger and more crowded, the automobile become more and more of a necessity to offset the unhealthy and malodorous pollution from horses. Each horse could produce upwards of 35 pounds of waste per day, not to mention the macabre detail that dead horses littered the cities in the thousands per year. In 1903, William Phelps Eno wrote the first traffic code in the world for the city of New York and very soon the world was introduced to the Stop sign. Several years after that, Henry Ford put the modern assembly lines into practice, thus making the automobile cheaper and accessible to a wider range of consumers. This all led to the prevalence of automobile use and ownership facilitating the migration of people from cities to newly created suburbs post-World War II.

Now, in year 2011, we are at a similar crossroads. The trend has reversed; people are moving back to cities to decreasing space and resources. The streets are once again congested and, as a result, generating unhealthy emissions. Not only that, but the cost of filling up the gas tank just keeps skyrocketing. In the United States, CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards, enacted in 1975 as part of the Energy Policy Conservation Act, were updated in 2007 by the Bush Administration with the mandate to improve fuel economy (and therefore reduce tailpipe emissions) to 35mpg by model year 2020. President Obama announced another agreement July 29, 2011 to increase fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon by model year 2025.

Automakers have responded to both federal mandates and consumer demand by introducing hybrid and electric cars. In the past few years, more and more green leaf-badged vehicles have been plugging in and quietly zipping, emissions-free, onto main Street. But is this enough for burgeoning urban environments and ancient infrastructure? Does this even begin to address the complex problems and needs of modern urban transportation?

The thinking folks at General Motors Research and Development think not. To navigate modern urban spaces, vehicles should be a little more innovative than powering a car on a lithium-ion battery in the same old automobile size and shape. So in 2010 at the Shanghai World Expo, GM presented the EN-V (Electric Networked-Vehicle) concept, a product of three global GM design teams, as an inventive answer to personal mobility.

Toyota’s redesigned 2012 Camry mid-size sedan was launched today simultaneously in Los Angeles, Detroit, New York City and the Toyota- owned plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, where the Camry is being manufactured.

At first look, the exterior shape is fairly close to the 2011 Camry. The change is more in the details – the headlights reshaped to curve around the front horizontally, integrating with a more subtle and simplified honeycomb grille. The entire front end is beefier and is seated lower, the fog lights tied into the design with chrome detailing. The windows are a bit more squared at the A pillar and C pillar than the previous model, adding to the sharper, boxier appearance.

Toyota designed this generation of Camrys with all new exterior sheet metal, the lightweight steel thus reducing the weight by 150 pounds on the LE and 220 pounds on the hybrid. While significantly lighter, the 2012 Camry is the same size as previous generations, but is roomier with increased visibility.

Not left out of the redesign is the powertrain; the 2.5-liter four- cylinder engine in L, LE, SE and XLE models have been increased by nine to 178 horsepower, incrementally increasing combined mpg by two to 28 (estimated 25 mpg city/35 highway.)

SE and XLE offer a 3.5-liter V6 engine upgrade, increasing the horsepower to 268, boasting projected EPA-estimated ratings of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway. All transmissions are automatic, while the Camry SE allows manual shifting with steering wheel paddle shifters in “D” mode.

The all-new Camry Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain’s 2.5-liter four- cylinder engine is conceptually the same engine as the Prius. In combination with the aforementioned weight reduction, fuel economy is bumped up by 30% to EPA-estimated 43 mpg city/39 mpg highway/41 mpg combined.

This past April, I was given the opportunity to go on a June road trip in a 2011 Chevy Volt and photograph it with the newly launched Olympus E-P3 camera.

When I told friends that I was going to Alaska to drive a Chevrolet Volt around, their first reactions were, “Ice Road Truckers!” Then came a barrage of questions; “Good luck with that, can you even drive that far in it? What’s the range, like 50 miles? How are you going to charge it in the middle of the wilderness? Are small towns even equipped to recharge electric vehicles? How long does it take to charge it?”

Can you even drive it that far?

The Chevrolet Volt was designed specifically to be a long-range electric vehicle. Contrary to many people’s general impression, it is an entirely electric-powered vehicle and a hybrid. The electric range is 25-50 miles depending on weather and terrain. The 1.4L gasoline-powered engine kicks in after that only to support the electric system and the 435-pound lithium-ion battery system – the car is never directly powered by gasoline.

How are you going to charge it in the middle of the wilderness?

To be fair, I was only on the edge of the wilderness. In Seward, my accommodations were a lodge set-up; six or eight small buildings with rooms and ample parking in front. Each lodge had electric outlets on the outside. Recharging was really quite simple. The plug and cord is in a compartment in the trunk, you open the charging panel to the left of the driver’s side door, and you simply plug it in. Easy as that.

How long does it take to charge it?

It depends on what you plug it into. You can plug it into a regular, household 120V outlet, and it will take about 12 hours. If you have access to, or install, a 240V outlet, it recharges in around four hours. Typically, washing machines or dryers use 240V outlets, so it’s not a strange or difficult request to have or have a professional electrician install an outlet.

Chevrolet has revamped their mid-sized Malibu sedan while keeping handling, comfort and fuel economy in mind. Taking exterior design cues from the Camaro and efficient aerodynamics from the Volt, the 2.5L four-cylinder engine six-speed automatic powers it along for a quieter, smoother ride. Beefier than previous versions, this Malibu sports a tightly designed exterior that competes with the sharpness of the Hyundai Sonata. The most impressive aspect of the Malibu, especially in light of current escalating gas prices, is the fuel efficiency; the design is not just about aesthetics as it significantly reduces wind drag – nearly 60 points – compared to the previous model.

Safety features are enhanced with driver and passenger front, side, and knee airbags as well as roof rail air bags, available rear-view camera system,  and an On-Star package that includes Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.

The interior is surprisingly upscale with comfortable two-tone stitched seats. A tactile soft-touch dash stylishly curves around below the A-pillar while incorporating instrument panels and Chevrolet MyLink.  The MyLink system safely integrates  driving experience with online connectivity for streaming music or wireless use of smartphone with Bluetooth hands-free technology. The Malibu LTZ that is on the show floor sported attractive wood accents on the steering wheel, dash and doors.

Chevrolet has increased the interior cabin space by around 4 cubic feet which translates to a comfortable level of room and mobility for my 5’8″ frame, with no squeezing getting in and out of the doors. The back seat can get a little tight for adults with the front seats pushed all the way back.

There are three trim levels for this version – the LS, LT, and LTZ. The red Malibu shown is the LTZ.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu with be on sale in the United States in 2012.

Product highlights for North American models include:

• All-new, fuel-efficient and powerful 2.5L four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic that lead Malibu’s powertrain lineup
• Expressive exterior design with a wide, athletic stance
• Segment-best aerodynamics – close to those of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car – that enhance fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise, including active electronic shutters on select models
• All-new, Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit interior that is more spacious, features premium materials and is engineered to be the quietest in the midsize segment
• New Chevrolet MyLink connectivity seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora® internet radio and
• Stitcher SmartRadio®
• European-influenced ride and handling traits
• New safety features and technologies including 10 air bags, ultra-high-strength steel, lane departure warning/forward collision warning and rearview camera system

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Automotive Icon Gets a Major 21st Century Update

Volkswagen had the glow of a proud papa announcing the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle at the New York International Auto Show today. Looking to shed its feminine demeanor, VW redesigned the Beetle with the aim at attracting a more masculine audience. Gone is the flower vase that used to occupy the center dashboard area and the cavernous roof area. The revamped version gets some exterior tweaks that lend it a more sporty and dynamic look.

Volkswagen was quoted saying that the new Beetle is “longer, wider and lower, giving a more masculine and dynamic appearance.”

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be equipped with a 170 horsepower 2.5-liter five cylinder gasoline engine, a 2-liter diesel or a 2-liter turbocharged gas engine. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic or 6-speed dual-clutch version, depending on the model.

The quiet, four cylinder 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel engine produces 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft of torque. It meets all U.S. emission limits and offers 40 mpg highway, 29 mpg city, and 33 mpg combined (manufacturer estimates). The five cylinder engine produces 170 hp and 177 lb.-ft of torque. With a 10% increase of fuel economy over previous 2.5 liter engine models, VW estimates 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual and 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway when mated to the 6-speed automatic.

The Beetle 2.0L TSI is the sportiest model offered. With 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft of torque, power delivery will remain smooth and direct across the rpm range. The four cylinder turbo engine is estimated to provide 30 mpg highway fuel economy. To ensure that power is applied properly in challenging conditions, the 2.0L TSI model features the XDS® cross differential (limited-slip) system. The system electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the wheel or wheels with the most traction.

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will appear in the market by fall of this year and is scheduled to hit U.S. roads in September. The base model of 2012 VW Beetle is expected to get a price tag of around $18,900 with the advancement of prices associated with higher trim levels of the new generation Beetle. It will reach Europe in October and will likely be available in Asia by February 2012.

Follow the jump to read details from the VW press release, view photos, and watch the video.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Minutes before the much anticipated debut of the Chevy Camaro Z28, it was all over Twitter that the car revealed would actually be a ZL1. A high performance Camaro, the aluminum hood is raised with a vented insert, rear diffusers and spoiler, and 20 inch forged aluminum wheels. Under the hood is the LSA 6.2L V8 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. The ZL1′s power comes from a supercharged aluminum-block 6.2-liter V8 producing an estimated 550 hp.

The interior is given as much attention as the exterior design with microfiber suede inserts on heated leather seats. Unique to the ZL1 is a leather wrapped shifter and steering wheel, redesigned with the bottom of the wheel squared off and ZL1 badges. The ZL1 is still in development, though, and is projected to be available in early 2012. The ZL1 name is taken from the 1969 Camaro ZL1, which had an aluminum block 440-hp 427-cubic inch V8.

In the meantime, for all things Camaro, there is still talk of a Z28 down the line and 500 replicas of the SS Convertible Indy 500 Pace Car which will be built this spring. Also, the limited edition Camaro Synergy model will return this spring. The model is aimed at V6 buyers who want performance equipment at a lower price.

Hyundai Veloster Rallycross

To compete with the Ford Fiesta and Subaru WRX STI, Hyundai teamed with Rhys Millen Racing to create the 500-horsepower four-wheel drive Veloster Rally Car. It was stripped, welded, braced, with a safety cage and firewall added. Body panels were then recreated in carbon/Kevlar for an even lighter curb weight of 2,656 pounds. The third door was taken up by side air scoops. The Veloster Rallycross Team will race in the X Games.

Acura TL

After the much-maligned redesign of the TL sedan, many were curious how Acura would respond with the 2012 model. A refined and less bulky nose was immediately apparent, and a “beautifully proportioned” TL was much easier on the eyes. The trunk still comes to a point, but that has been toned down as well, tail lights updated and the size of the reflectors reduced.

Fuel economy has been improved to 20 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway. Two versions will be offered – the TL with a 280 horsepower V-6 engine and the TL SH-AWD™ with a 305 horsepower V-6 along with Acura’s Super Handing All-Wheel Drive. Upgrades are available regardless of trim level; a Technology Package that includes navigation, weather and premium audio systems and a new Advance Package with blind spot information, ventilated front seats, and split five-spoke aluminum wheels. (7-spoke aluminum wheels come standard on the TL, and 5-spoke on the TL SH-AWD™.) The 2012 TL should be available later this year.

Audi TT RS

Audi introduced the TT RS sports coupe to the American market in a unique way – with a party for their Facebook supporters instead of a tradition press launch. The decision to bring the TT RS stateside was sealed with a vote on the Audi Facebook page. It is still early enough in development that much has not been decided, such as the color palette (although one Facebook fan that was present pleaded the case for orange). The interior will be offered in two choices – black and “silvery.” However, there will be no options for the inlays and bucket seats, available in the European version, but not be available in the U.S.

A rear spoiler will come standard but will be deletable if preferred. The aluminum wheels are more matte to identify this car as a TT RS. Audi is trying for a 360 horsepower engine, but, again, that is still up in the air. The price has not yet been set either, but they are looking to keep it in the low $60k range. The Audi TT RS will be a limited edition with well under 1,000 to be made available.

VW/Fender Audio

Volkswagen teamed with Fender and Panasonic for three years to offer the Fender Premium Audio System in the Jetta GLI. I spent a few minutes in a Jetta listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the 400 watt system is impressive. Fender worked with VW to strategically position two tweeters and speakers in the front, another pair of each in the back and rounded out with a sub woofer in the trunk to offer a clean sound experience. No matter the volume, it is soft on the ears, never getting tinny, and maintaining a detailed midrange, and rich but not overwhelming bass. I was told that the Jetta GLI will be offered at $23,500, and with the Fender Premium Audio package, $26,500.

The Chicago Auto Show runs from February 11-20, 2011 at McCormick Place.

Porsche 918 RSR
At a 6:30 a.m. press conference in snowy Detroit, the press gathered around in anticipation of the first reveal of the day. With smoky fanfare, Porsche rolled out their 918 RSR , a high-end hybrid sports car. The best of the 2010 Spyder concept and 911 GT3 R hybrid were combined to create the fluid yet powerful two-seat coupe powered by a V8 mid-engine. Two electric motors on the front axle contribute as well as store power while braking, utilizing its flywheel accumulator – taking the place of a second seat to the right of the driver. On the console, modern touch technology is eschewed in favor of rocker switches. Finishing aesthetic touches include brown leather bucket seats and steering wheel, wing doors, with the body painted a cool blue accented with bright orange racing stripes and brake calipers. It’s just a shame that the 918 RSR didn’t stick around for more admiration during the public show days.

Buick Verano
Buick teased us for weeks before NAIAS with leaks of photos of the new 2012 Verano compact luxury sedan. The car debuted in a sedate brown, accented with a black chrome waterfall grille and boasting creamy heated leather bucket seats and wood trim within. To differentiate itself from other compact sedans, e.g. the Chevrolet Cruze, Buick is emphasizing the quietness of the car created with triple door seals, forged alloy multi-spoke wheels to cut down on road noise, as well as laminated glass and sound insulation. This is not your grandpa’s gas-guzzling landboat though – the Verano is also equipped with On-Star technology, Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio, and touch screen navigation, to start. Currently with an Ecotec 2.4L engine with approximately 177 horsepower, Buick is estimating 31 mpg (highway) and 22 mpg (city.) Manufacturing of the Verano will be kept in the U.S. in Onion Township, Michigan.

Big Three Ponies

Mopar
Chrysler, Jeep and even FIAT were all sporting Mopar customization on the show floor. The standout for me (and the many attendees crowding around it on the first public day) was the white-with-blue-stripes 2011 Challenger SRT-8. Dodge is really working on the interior details on all of their cars, and it shows. While the dash is still a little plain and plastic, the seats were oh-so-comfortable.

Ford
Within view from the Challenger’s front seat were an impressive array of Mustangs and Shelbys. Ford has a dynamic presentation with a bright red Boss. If you get your “Ford passport” stamped, you might even be picked from the audience to sit in the front seat with a professional race car driver on the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Dyno Pull.

Chevrolet
At least three Camaros were on display, one of them the convertible that debuted in L.A. last November. There are also two Corvettes, one a conservative but beguiling light metallic blue. All are open to inspect and sit in, and there is also a chance to get a 3-D photo of yourself jumping next to one.

Believe the hype. After two dismal, anxious shows in 2009 and 2010, this year’s display is full of energy, hope, and ideas in Detroit.

NAIAS Detroit is open through Sunday, January 23 at COBO Center, downtown Detroit.