Powertrain

NAIAS 2012: Falcon Motor Sports introduces production version of F7 “supercar” First-year production run of 10 units in a Series I is planned. Price is $225,000 for model with 7.0-L V8 rated at 620 hp. Ricardo supplies six-speed manual transmission. Read full story

Ford touts Shelby GT500 as world's most powerful V8 Ford lands a bolt from the Blue Oval to stake a 650 hp (485 kW) claim to the world's most powerful production V8 engine with the 200-mph ((322 km/h) 2013 Shelby GT500. Read full story

NAIAS 2012: New Honda Accord to feature next-gen powertrains including plug-in hybrid The 2013 Accord, which goes on sale this fall, will feature three all-new powertrains, including the first U.S. application of both a 2.4-L direct-injected engine and two-motor plug-in hybrid system from Honda’s next-generation Earth Dreams powertrain technologies. The V6 Accord will be the first Honda sedan to feature a new six-speed automatic transmission. Read full story

NAIAS 2012: Toyota shows smaller, lighter Prius and plug-in concept targeted for 2015 To reduce weight, scale, and improve efficiency for the Prius c, every major component of the hybrid system was redesigned and high-strength steels were used in the chassis, while the NS4 signals Toyota’s new direction in design. Read full story

NAIAS 2012: More diesels coming to U.S. More U.S. consumers are buying diesel-powered passenger vehicles, and more diesel-powered vehicle choices are en route for the U.S. market. Read full story

NAIAS 2012: Jetta Hybrid has pure EV mode Volkswagen chose the 2012 NAIAS in Detroit to debut a hybrid version of its new Jetta with a 1.4-L TSI four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed DSG transmission, and a 20-kW electric motor. Read full story

NAIAS 2012: BMW brings 3 Series sedan and ActiveHybrid 3 to Detroit BMW used the occasion of the North American International Auto Show to introduce the sixth generation of the 3 Series sedan and ActiveHybrid 3, dubbed the first full hybrid compact sport sedan in the premium segment. Read full story

NAIAS 2012: Volvo shows innovative plug-in hybrid Based on the S60, it has a transverse 280-hp 2.0-L gasoline four-cylinder, Integrated Starter-Generator, and eight-speed automatic in front, and a 12-kw·h lithium-ion battery pack with electric motor in rear. Read full story

NAIAS 2012: Acura NSX Concept sports new performance hybrid system, exotic materials Featuring new powertrain and chassis technology, the next-generation supercar, which is due to come to market within the next three years, will be developed by engineers in the U.S. and manufactured at an Ohio plant. Read full story