Nissan Shows Off Pathfinder's New Interior

We first saw the Nissan Pathfinder concept at the Detroit auto show last month, but something was missing. Actually, it was the entire interior. Although the concept looked like a thinly disguised production Pathfinder, and we heard about its new interior features, it was empty. Today, Nissan released pictures and details of the large SUV's updated interior.

The automaker is making the Pathfinder more comfortable inside and out, returning it to a unibody platform -- instead of its previous body-on-frame design -- and adding more creature comforts to the cabin. 

Kia Track'ster Concept: Photo Gallery

In terms of design, Kia put the pedal to the metal, literally, with its debut of its Track'ster concept. Building on the heavy-metal theme it used during its recent Super Bowl XLVI ad, the automaker hired a Motley Crue cover band to welcome the concept to the Kia stage at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. They were loud; so was the concept’s bright orange paint.

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The Track'ster concept takes the Soul's looks to new extremes with exaggerated, enlarged wheel arches, a lowered stance and carbon-fiber exterior trim. Though Kia says it'll never be produced, Kia can always dream.

Kia Track'ster Concept at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show

• Looks like: Soul's portlier, menacing cousin
• Defining characteristics: The body is low and long, with eye-catching Whiteout White and Inferno Orange paint colors and flared, sculpted front wheel arches
• Ridiculous features: Taillamps that appear to be set into the rear glass
• Chances of being mass-produced: Not a chance

Although most people already consider Kia's boxy Soul to be bold-looking, the automaker is ramping things up with a new Soul-based concept. The Track'ster takes the Soul's looks to new extremes with loud orange paint, exaggerated and enlarged wheel arches, a lowered stance and carbon-fiber exterior trim.

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"The idea was to make the Track'ster tough looking, like a bulldog. But the car had to be approachable as well. We wanted to base the car in reality so people instantly knew it was a Soul, but with a lot of attitude," said Tom Kearns, chief designer for Kia Motors America.

Seinfeld Begs, Bribes Way Into Acura NSX

Automakers are rolling out the big names for their Super Bowl XLVI ads. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is the latest star to endorse a car during a game-time commercial.

Unsurprisingly, the spot is funny, and true to form, it's an uncomfortable funny. Jerry wants the new Acura NSX, but finds out he’s customer No. 2 on the waiting list. In response, he launches a campaign to be the first in line to get Acura's new sports car.

Chrysler 700c: Photo Gallery

Could the 700c concept foreshadow Chrysler's next Town & Country?

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According to Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, the concept hints at the future design-direction of its minivans.

Honda Accord Coupe Concept Video

Honda has a knack for delivering concept cars that look pretty much production ready. The Honda Accord Coupe concept is a pretty good indicator of what to expect for the next-generation Accord, which goes on sale this fall. Overall, the updates are subtle compared with the current model, but there's more use of trapezoidal shapes, bulges and crease lines, according to Cars.com editor Joe Bruzek.

Maserati Kubang Concept: Photo Gallery

Maserati's first foray into the SUV market will yield a vehicle composed of many different DNA strands. The new SUV, previously thought to be called the Kubang, will be built in Detroit and use Jeep Grand Cherokee architecture, a Fiat transmission and a Ferrari-sourced powertrain.

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Though Maserati's been throwing the Kubang name around since the first concept debuted at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show, the production version will use a different moniker when it goes on sale for the 2014 model year, according to Fiat boss, Sergio Marchionne. Another version of the concept SUV resurfaced at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid: A Plug-in With a Plug You Can Handle

I've driven several groundbreaking plug-in vehicles lately, namely the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt. The Volt is an electric car with a range-extending gas engine. It uses a bulky, electrical charging cord that winds around an electric panel contraption that my 9-year-old daughter said looks like a "man tool" (whatever that means). It's laden with “Danger! Risk of Electric Shock” stickers that can be a little, well, shocking at first.

My $19 hairdryer from Target has a cute electrical cord that retracts with the push of a button. My vacuum cleaner has simple, short arms that I wind the cord around to keep it neat and tidy. And my Apple computer has a cord that connects to the computer via a magnet.

Perhaps the emergence of plug-in cars should give rise to charging cords that are more manageable for the everyday family to use. Volvo seems to offer a solution with its XC60 plug-in hybrid concept. Volvo isn't rushing to market with a plug-in, so perhaps the company is taking extra time to Scandanavianize — or simplify — the actual cord itself.

2012 Detroit Auto Show Winners and Losers: Concept Cars

The Detroit auto show has traditionally had a strong concept-car presence, and the 2012 edition is no different. More than a few concepts strongly hint at upcoming production models, and Cars.com editors Joe Wiesenfelder, David Thomas, Kelsey Mays and Mike Hanley trekked the show floor to see them all.

• 2012 Detroit Auto Show Winners and Losers: Production Cars
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Acura NSX Concept

Mike Hanley: Winner
The original NSX is revered in sports car circles, and the NSX Concept has the swagger to be a worthy successor. It's smaller than you think, and the design reminds me a lot of McLaren's MP4-12C, which is a looker in its own right.

David Thomas: Winner
It reminds me of a lot of other cars, especially the Audi R8. Perhaps Acura will tweak its corporate design some more before the NSX is finally on sale, but the design as-is is still a success. I like all the news about an all-new V-6 engine for the brand and it being built in the U.S. more than the actual concept. Maybe I just want to drive it right now.

Lexus LF-LC Concept: Photo Gallery

Lexus' LF-LC hybrid supercar concept turned heads in Detroit with its dramatic styling and fluid, sculpted lines.

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From its imposing aluminum mesh grille, to its floating glass roof and 3-D effect taillights, LF-LC is one of the most provocative and stylistic Lexus vehicles we've ever seen.