The 2012 Detroit Auto Show or North American International Auto Show is set to begin January 9 and run through the 22nd. This year 36 new vehicles are to be unveiled with a total number of global introductions reaching more than 40. The Detroit Auto Show is the premier auto show in the world with all of the new concept and production vehicles making their debut.
It would be impossible to list all of the vehicles making their debut but we’ve picked out some of the most anticipated models to appear.
Dodge Brings the Dart Back to Detroit
Originally built back in the ‘60s and ‘70s the Dodge Dart was built to replace the Plymouth as a low-priced car for Dodge. The Dart was instantly popular and enjoyed a life span of over 15 years until it was put to rest in 1976. Now more than 35 years later the Dodge Dart is making a new debut. The 2013 Dart hopes to take center stage in the compact sedan segment with its 40 MPGs and available 9-speed automatic transmission. As of now Dodge has only released teaser photos, but it is sure to be a hit in Detroit.
Nissan Returns for First Time Since 2009
The newly redesigned
Nissan Pathfinder will be debuted at the Detroit Auto Show and will be
Nissan’s first appearance at the auto show since 2009. The 2013 Pathfinder appears to be crossing over from an SUV to a CUV, built on the platform of the
Murano crossover and
Quest minivan. Based on spy photos and other hints the seven-passenger Pathfinder could share many of its features with the recently revealed Infiniti JX.
Volkswagen Jetta to Appear as a Hybrid
Volkswagen plans to unveil its Jetta Hybrid at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show and start selling to U.S. customers by the end of 2012. Volkswagen claims that the
Jetta Hybrid will feature a 1.4-Liter turbocharged gas engine with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack.
VW is attempting to meet the 44/44/44 (city/hwy/combined) MPGs set by the
Honda Civic Hybrid. Volkswagen hopes with the Jetta Hybrid they will further strengthen the Jetta’s bid for alternative-fuel efficiency excellence.
Going Back to its Roots Mercedes Unveils the 2013 SL
The SL stands for Sport Light, but the last several models of the
SL-Class were anything but. Loaded with luxury and designed as a Grand Tourer the SL has been part of the heavy weight class. However, for 2013
Mercedes-Benz is attempting to bring the SL back to its roots with a body made up of 90 percent aluminum. The A pillars and roof crossmember are the only features to use high-strength steel for rollover protection. With this new body the chassis comes in 243 pounds lighter than the current model. All in all the 2013 SL-Class comes in at 308 pounds lighter than the 2012 model.