In addition to the Honda Civic SI Concept, Honda also brought the new Civic Concept Sedan to the Detroit Auto Show. Together with the SI Concept, the two new Civic models give us a good idea on what the latest generation of Honda’s legendary Civic line is going to look like.

As for the Civic Concept Sedan, Honda designed the car using clean and powerful lines and overall pronounced character lines in the front while having lower character lines towards the rear fender, enhancing the car’s dynamic outlook of vibrancy and forward energy.

Similar to the Si Concept, the Civic Concept Sedan also features a front fender surface treatment that forms a complex, three-dimensional look, further enhancing the sedan’s depth and sophistication.

Moreover, the Civic Concept Sedan features a completely new front grille that’s defined by crisp lines and a solid bar that integrates a chrome Honda emblem to go along with a set of 19” machined alloy wheels.

Apart from the Sedan and Si models, the ninth generation Honda Civic line-up will include a sedan, a coupe with conventional gasoline models, and two sporty “Si” performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant.

According to John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda, the new and redesigned Civic is going to be the best one yet. “The Civic is known for providing a balance of ’just-right’ packaging, fun-to-drive character and outstanding fuel economy, at a price that even first-time buyers can afford,” he said.

The lights for the Detroit Auto Show haven’t even dimmed and already Honda is announcing its lineup of vehicles for the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon starting Friday, January 14th to Sunday, January 16th, 2011. So far we gather that the line-up will include both automobiles and motorcycles, with the most impressive model being the TS-1X test study based on the CR-Z.

No details have been revealed on any of the models scheduled for Tokyo yet, but this image released by Honda reveals a matte black exterior paint with a revised front fascia, extended side skirts, and a massive rear spoiler for the TS-1X. Not bad for a test study, eh?

Also headed to Japan for the Tokyo Auto Show are accessorized production automobiles and motorcycles, along with a variety of specially designed vehicles. These vehicles include the Freed Spike caravan car, the Acty Truck and the Enepo generator special coloring editions, and the HSV-010 GT machine. On the motorcycle front, the most impressive appearance will be made by the RC212V, which competed in the MotoGP class races.

After years of sticking to a tried-and-tested formula, MINI has spent the better part of these past few years expanding its product portfolio, all in the name of diversifying its offerings to a growing number of market segments. From the hatchback Cooper, MINI has already gone and released the Clubman, the Countryman, as well as a variety of special edition Coopers. Then there are the concept vehicles, which MINI has a boatload as well. One of these concepts – the Paceman – debuted at the Detroit Auto Show. Don’t put too much on the ‘concept’ tag, though, because there’s a very big chance that this slimmed down Countryman could find its way onto production blocks soon. MINI claims that the Paceman will be the first of its kind in the small premium segment. We’re pretty sure that it’s just MINI’s way of drawing attention to itself, which, for better or worse, it does better than anybody else in the industry.

UPDATE 01/12/2011: Well that didn’t take long. Just a couple of days after Mini debuted the Paceman Concept, Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, has announced that the Paceman will go to production.

“I’m thrilled to tell you now, for the very first time, that there will be a seventh member of the MINI family – and we will base it on this concept”, he said during MINI’s press conference at the Detroit motorshow.

MINI retained some of what it considers ‘unique characteristics’ on the Paceman Concept’s front end – the radiator grille being one of them – while also diving into making the vehicle as unique as possible. For starters, the Paceman features large headlights with chrome surrounds that extend well into the front wings. Add that to the contoured bonnet and we have the makings of a pretty imposing front end. Over on the side, the Paceman comes with a new front wing and side indicator, making it look as rugged and sturdy as it can be. The vehicle’s dark wheel arches and the matching side skirts complete the overall sporty and aggressive look of the new crossover concept.

MINI’s unmistakable shoulder line is also evident on the rear of the Paceman Concept to accentuate its sporting look. Unlike the shoulder line, MINI decided to add new elements, including how the glass and the roof on the vehicle were treated. Moreover, the windows on the vehicle wrap around the car similar to a band of glass with the roof having that ‘suspended’ effect, which MINI explains is called a ‘helmet roof’. The Paceman’s rear apron looks a lot like the Cooper S Countryman. There’s a diffuser in there that channels the airflow between the twin exhausts to further enhance the car’s aerodynamic properties.

The Paceman Concept’s interior is unmistakably MINI in every shape, form, or imagination. There’s the instrument panel of the Paceman that is defined by its distinctive, concave forms, and the sporting yet functional impression it exudes. Also found in the Mini are the central air vents, Central Speedo, and gearshift lever featuring outer rings, which come in a contrasting color with large side air vents to underline the MINI character further.

The center console is also similar to the Countryman in that it coalesces into the Center Rail. What this does is create a visual and functional link between the front and rear seats, running along the centerline of the passenger compartment all the way back to the rear seat backrests. The Paceman also has been treated with high-grade leather to further stamp on the luxurious feel of its interior. Likewise, there’s a new take on the brand’s elliptical door as well as the shaped armrests with large storage compartments, ergonomically designed door pulls. The speakers for the sound system are embedded in the main element of this ellipse.

All in all, the interior of the Paceman Concept was designed to provide both high-end luxury and a sporty design language, complimenting each other to create a study of premium quality and funky design all dressed up in one package. The MINI Paceman Concept will be powered by MINI’s most powerful engine to date. The MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine gives the MINI Paceman Concept the capacity to produce 211 horsepower and 192 lb/ft of torque. According to MINI, the torque value on the Paceman can also be boosted up all the way to 207 lb/ft of torque, thanks in large part to the vehicle’s Overboost function.

The MINI Paceman Concept will be made available in both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.

Pricing

Since this is just a concept as of now, there’s no word as to what the Paceman Concept will cost if ever Mini decided to take it to the production block.

Competition

For all intents and purposes, the Paceman Concept will have its fair share of competitors if it gets produced, with one of the most notable being the new Range Rover Evoque. Both vehicles are still ways away from being out on the road, but for sure, if and when both make it out, expect the Paceman and the Evoque to be in the same conversation as it pertains to compact SUVs of the future.

For every Ford, Chevrolet, and Chrysler that made an appearance at SEMA, there were other less-heralded American automakers in attendance, most of who were there to attract some much-needed publicity.

Li-Ion Motors is one of them. A lot of you might not be familiar with the North Carolina-based company, but thanks to events like SEMA, the electric automaker was able to build on its attendance and the car that it brought to the event, the Inizio all-electric supercar. So you’re probably asking yourself, “Wait a second, an all-electric supercar?” Well, if you go past the skepticism, you might discover that there really is such a thing.

UPDATE 01/12/11: The Li-Ion Inizio is the world’s first all-electric supercar, making it a pioneer of sorts despite not being a recognizable brand. Well, everyone needs to get ready to be introduced to the Inizio because the car is now slated for production. On top of that, it’s going to come with a pretty steep price tag of $139,000. For a brand that you probably couldn’t pick out of a line-up of auto brands, forking over that much money might be a stab in the dark. But hey, it’s a world’s first, so at least it has a distinction all its own.

Exterior and Interior: The exterior of the car looks like a mesh between the front of a Dodge Viper with the backside of a Ferrari. A couple of striking features of the Inizio include rotational doors that rise on a 90-degree angle and a hydraulic lift system that allows the car to rise about three inches for easier and more comfortable access. Then there’s the set of what looks to be 20-inch rims that add a final touch to the car’s supercar appeal.

Since the car runs on electric batteries, the interior was built to accommodate having to remove the lithium-ion batteries without breaking so much as a sweat. The two-seater electric supercar comes with adjustable Recaro seats – leather or suede, depending on customer preference – that also come with heating and cooling features. In addition to that, the interior was also given some pretty nice entertainment digs, including a DVD player, a built-in 12-inch subwoofer, digital surround sound system, and an integrated navigation satellite system.

Performance: The Inizio electric supercar comes with lithium-ion batteries that produces more than 40kW with an electric motor that bumps up the figure to about 145kW. That kind of power allows the electric car to reach a range of 250 miles with a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of somewhere around 170 mph. For comparison’s sake, the established Tesla Roadster can reach top speeds of only 125 mph, pedestrian figures when lined up against the Inizio.

Pricing: The good news for the boys over at Li-Ion Motors is that the Inizio already has DOT approval, which means that should all things fall into place, we could see America’s very first electric supercar out on the market by 2012. The bad news is that Li-Ion is looking to build about 2,500 units a year with a price tag of $139,000 a pop. Definitely not chump change.

Competition: The easy thing to say is that the closest competitor of the Li-Ion Inizio is the Tesla Roadster. But given the huge discrepancy in numbers – and price tag – it’s more likely that the two cars fall on two different market segments, and as far as affordability is concerned, two different client markets.

Toyota has brought out the big electric guns to the Detroit Auto Show with the new Prius family, including the new Prius c Concept. With the “c” standing for “city”-centric vehicle, the new concept is a preview version of a future Prius model that aims to young singles and couples who want an eco-sensitive, high-mileage, fun-to-drive car.

Toyota hasn’t exactly offered many details on this concept, but they did confirm that it offers outstanding fuel efficiency and a surprisingly spacious interior. It will include many advanced technology features, including some offered on the current Prius. Like with all the other Prius models in the line-up, the c Concept will share the current generation Prius’ platform and Hybrid Synergy Drive technology.

The Prius c Concept is the inspiration for an additional Prius family member that will come to market in the first half of 2012 as the most value-oriented hybrid in the U.S. market with the highest mileage of any “cordless” hybrid. We are not exactly as thrilled about the new Prius line as Toyota is, especially with so many up and coming hybrids on the market, but it’s nice to know that Toyota isn’t going to go down easy.

Exterior and Interior: The new Prius c aims to attract younger buyers, so it’s no surprise that its exterior design is much sportier and aggressive, with a revised front end and new headlamps. We’re just hoping that at least some of the new elements will actually make it to production.

The Engine: Like with all the other models in the Prius family, the c Concept is powered by an 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle petrol engine that delivers 98 HP combined with an electric motor, for a total output of 134 net horsepower. The Prius c will deliver an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 42 mpg city/38 mpg hwy/ 40 mpg combined.

The Competition: By the time the Prius c goes into production, the automotive world will most likely get many more hybrid city cars. But until then we’ll focus our attention on the latest Honda Jazz Hybrid. It packs a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine combined with a CVT gearbox, and an electric motor sandwiched between the two to create a parallel hybrid system. All this for an impressive 64.2mpg and 104 g/km CO2. Prius, we believe that you just may be in trouble!

When Can I Buy One? With the number of concepts Toyota has on the Detroit Auto Show floor, we don’t expect to see any of these vehicles until late 2012. Prices should start at about $20K.

Mitsubishi Colt is a car that usually attracts no buyers. But what if the car will look like this CS Concept designed by Gábor Farkas. His work is not just a futuristic design, but a car that looks almost production ready. And it follows in almost all lines Mitsubishi’s design language.

The Mitsubishi CS Design Concept features a Lancer inspired shark nose with an aggressive body shape and an interior inspired from the Outlander Sport. “During the winter holiday I had some time to speculate and this is how I imagine a Colt successor that Mitsubishi fans could like. When designing the conceptCS, the main goal was to summon the spirit of its ancestors.

The design concept revives the Colt CA (92-96) with a touch of the C50 (88-92) model at the front, wrapped in Mitsubishi’s new jet-fighter design language. The interior is similar to that of the Outlander Sport/ASX/RVR.

Next to the Veloster sports coupe, the South Korean company has also brought the Curb crossover concept tot he 2011 Detroit Auto Show. This concept is a preview version for a future model that they say will compete with models like the Nissan Juke. Hyundai expects the production model to debut in the next two to three years.

“We wanted the Curb to be urban tough without looking like a Brink’s truck,” said Jason Brown, Hyundai designer. “City driving was going to be its forte, not crossing the Rubicon trail, but we wanted it to have urban armor for daily driving on city streets. It needed to empower its passengers in this setting.”

The Hyundai Curb crossover concept is defined by Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, a design language created to attract younger buyers. Next to the impressive exterior look, the new Curb Concept is also offered with advanced Blue Link and connectivity features against impact and shock.

Exterior: Like with the Veloster coupe, the Curb’s exterior design has also been inspired by a sports motorcycle. The concept front features glass that spills into the hood and wraps around the cowl, covering the A pillars and resembling a motorcycle helmet. The profile is dominated by a boomerang trajectory body side line, while the headlamps and taillamps create the illusion that they are connected to the engine compartment or interior. And to finish with the same aggressive look, the Curb sits on 22-inch five spokewheels wrapped in Michelin tires with a custom saffron colored tread pattern to match the interior.

Interior: The interior gets a large acrylic screen with multiple zones that allow information to be passed between passengers all via a touchscreen. Facilitating this transport of information are the large monitors featured on the headrests. The list of technologies includes: Heads Up Display (HUD) provided by Continental with navigation, Pandora internet, and, of course, the Blue Link Location Sharing feature that will send Curb’s location to select members of social networking sites.

The Engine: The Curb is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine that delivers 175 HP and 169 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission and Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology.

When Can I Buy One? Do not expect to see a production version of the Hyundai Curb until 2013. Prices should start at under 20K.

Competition: When put into production, the Hyundai Curb will take on models like the Nissan Juke and the Kia Soul.

The Nissan Juke is powered by a choice of three engines: one diesel and two 1.6 Liter versions. Horsepower ranges from 110hp to 190hp, so most of the choices are outrun by the Curb. We don;t like the look of either car, but if we had to choose one, we’d pick the Nissan Juke only because it doesn;t make us want to say, “Beam me up, Scotty!” like the Curb does. The Kia Soul is powered by a 126 hp diesel or gasoline engine. The Hyundai Curb laughs at this power output, but we still get a chuckle out of the Curb’s design so we may even take the Hamster-toting Soul over the Curb. Yep, us speed-lovers dislike the design that much.

Chevrolet first used the Z-Spec name at the 2010 SEMA Show where they revealed the Volt Z-Spec, the Spark Z-Spec, and the Cruze Z-Spec. Continuing their use of the name at the Detroit Auto Show comes the new Sonic Z-Spec Concept. Not many details have been revealed on the concept as of yet, but Chevrolet has confirmed that it showcases a family of factory-engineered accessories and the best of the aftermarket under a single design theme.

The concept’s exterior is distinguished by a massive rear-deck spoiler, an orange paint scheme, and eighteen-inch multi-spoke BBS wheels. The interior is also defined by the same orange color scheme, as well as new Recaro seats covered in tan leather. Other minor adjustments for the inside include a billet shift knob and flat-bottom steering wheel cap.

The powertrain for the concept is still being kept under wraps, but we expect it to carry the same 1.4L turbo engine with maybe some tweaks here and there. We do know that Chevrolet has added a new K&N filter and Borla exhaust to help bump up whatever output the concept is delivering.

So maybe it’s not as obvious and toy-like as the BMW X1 or the Bugatti Veyron built straight from Lego blocks, but this Rolls Royce Apparition Concept bears some strong resemblance to the construction toys we used to play with when we were young. Except a Rolls Royce is nothing to play around with so we are not sure what Jeremy Westerlund was thinking when he put together this boxy contraption.

Then again, he provided a little synopsis of the inspiration behind his creation. He sees the Apparition Concept as “An ultra luxurious chauffeur driven limousine evoking the glamor and sophistication of chauffeur driven cars in the past that has since been lost. This vehicle is about being seen, but at the same time being invisible or an “Apparition” in the sense that you’re safely tucked away in its palatial and private interior. Exterior model-milled foam from Alias data.”

Thankfully, this is just a 1:4 scale model concept, so the chances of anyone building this Phantom-based vehicle is slim to none. Actually it’s more like none to none, since it looks like the driver would be the only person able to ride around in it and he may only be able to jump in it to sit down. Radio, navigation system, and even simple luxuries such as cupholders seem to be completely out of the question for this ride. This car would only exist to make a statement, and that statement would be: “Because I can.”

In the year 2025, we’re hoping that we’d have a world where a car like this Bugatti design study called the ‘Aerolithe Concept’ would be free to roam the streets as a production vehicle. Otherwise, this would have been a waste of a perfectly awesome concept design.

The work of Coventry graduate, Douglas Hogg, for his final course project, the Aerolithe Concept is a car that takes its inspiration from the original Bugatti Aerolithe prototype that was presented at the 1935 Paris Motor Show. The prototype of the original Aerolithe Concept actually was the inspiration to Bugatti’s Atlantic 57SC, which were built with just four models.

A good 75 years after the original concept made its debut in Paris, Douglas Hogg has designed a modern interpretation of the car, complete with styling cues found in the original Aerolithe while also taking into account a lot modern – and futuristic – design elements. According to Douglas Hogg, the design study is “a minimalist exercise in pure surfacing inspired by Ettore Bugatti’s principles of automotive design and the legacy of the original Aerolithe.”

Among the notable features of the Aerolithe Concept include styling cues from the original concept car. Among them the pronounced shoulders, the split windshield and rear window, aeronautic doors that open “split open canopy” style, and Bugatti’s trademark grille.

All told, the Aerolithe Concept is a nice piece of work by Douglas Hogg that doesn’t bring with it questionable safety features like the one found on another final project, the Saab Sports Sedan Concept. The Aerolithe Concept is definitely something that would be feasible and something we’d want to see come to life in the not so distant future of 2025.