An all-new Honda "Urban SUV Concept" vehicle made its world debut today at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The dynamic and youthful concept hints at the styling direction of an all-new small SUV slated to launch in Japan by the end of 2013.

Chevrolet is redefining modern performance with today's debut of the all-new Corvette Stingray. And only a Corvette with the perfect balance of technology, design and performance can wear the iconic Stingray designation.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower and 610 Nm. It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, exceeding the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model.

Although the all-new Lexus IS compact sport sedan is expected to make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 15, 2013, Lexus has released some photographs as a sort of teaser.

Hyundai must be feeling a bit of pressure from the Scion FR-S/Toyota 86/Subaru BR-Z that it's chosen the 2012 North American International Auto Show to debut a mid-cycle refresh of its best-selling Genesis Coupe as well as its entry-level Veloster coupe.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe, with its 300++ horsepower V6 engine and rear-wheel drive found its way to the heart of every car enthusiast. For the 2013 model year however, the love has grown. The same 3.8-liter V6 engine on the range-topping Genesis Coupe now makes 348 horsepower thanks to direct-injection technology. Meanwhile, the entry-level forced-induction 4-cylinder model sees a power bump to 274 horsepower from 201 thanks to a modified and improved turbo and intercooler set-up. Hyundai is retaining the 6-speed manual transmissions as standard on these two models while offering a new 8-speed automatic as an option.

This mid-cycle refresh also features a new front end, an improved interior with better materials and finishes, a revised and quicker steering rack, new front strut settings and a revised damper setting as well.

Meanwhile, the best-selling Veloster coupe gets an engine the looks deserved. While the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine was okay, the sporty looks of the Veloster dictated that it needed more power under the hood. The result? Hyundai has shoehorned a twin-scroll turbocharger upping the output to 201 horsepower. According to Hyundai engineers, the overall power combined with the Veloster's light curb weight bests the likes of the Volkswagen GTI and Honda Civic Si in power-to-weight ratio. In fact, it's pretty darn close to that of the Mini Cooper S. Capping of the upgrades is a quicker steering rack.

The Veloster Turbo also gets unique exterior upgrades such as a revised grille, front and rear bumpers, tail lamps and center-exiting exhaust.

More photos after the break.

Photo courtesy of Ford Press

Ford has debuted the all-new Fusion at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. Though this car is intended for the Americas only, buried in the press kit is an interesting tidbit: "This car will appear in Ford showrooms in North America and South America later this year. Mondeo will be introduced next year in Asia and Europe."

Thanks to Ford's global product strategy, the car you see on these pages will very well be basis for the all-new Mondeo which in turn, will finally come to Asia and most likely, the Philippines. Though 2013 is still a full year away, let's look at the basis for Ford's return to the executive sedan market in the Philippines (cross your fingers).

You can't start a year brighter than this: winning the North American Car and Truck of the Year. And for 2011, the honor has been bestowed on the Hyundai Elantra and the Range Rover Evoque (coincidentally, will be launched in Manila this Wednesday).

The Hyundai Elantra bested over 30 rivals including the Ford Focus. On the other hand, the Range Rover Evoque had to beat out the likes of the BMW X3 and even the all-new Honda CR-V.

For Hyundai, this is their second North American Car of the Year award. In 2009, the Genesis (the sedan and not the Coupe) trumped the competition. Last year, the Sonata was one of the three finalists. As for Range Rover (and its parent company, Land Rover), this is their first North American Truck of the Year Award.

Photos courtesy of Dodge Press

After teasing us with some shots of the 2013 Dart, Dodge has finally shown us what to expect inside. And we're liking what we see.

The gauge cluster, in particular, looks highly sophisticated thanks to its integrated TFT display. Add to that the new "racetrack" ambient lighting (it goes all the way to the foot wells, door handles, map pockets, center console and cup holders).

What does all this bode for the Philippine market? The rumor mill suggests that CATS Motors, Inc., the exclusive distributor of both Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge cars is planning to beef up its North American offering. Although nothing's final yet, we cannot discount that the Dodge Dart may make it to our shores, perhaps giving the likes of the Honda Civic and Mitsubishi Lancer EX a run for their money. 

Photos courtesy of Dodge Press

Dodge is finally getting serious with their compact car offering. After often ridiculed with the terrible design and quality of their Caliber hatchback, Dodge is trying to hit the bulls-eye with the 2013 Dart. The full reveal is slated at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, but Dodge is quick to reveal teaser shots of their all-new compact sedan.