The scrumptious NSX

Honda (or Acura for the Detroit Motor Show) has confirmed that the NSX Supercar is going to be reborn, with a launch date planned for three years time. It’s because of this that the unveiling of the concept was so widely talked about, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The end result was undeniably stunning, making use of the typical Honda styling points that were never used to their full advantage in cars such as the reworking of the Civic. As well as the distinctive looks the NSX will feature that Honda petrol-electric hybrid powertrain that the brand keeps harping on about, as well as the SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) - essentially a V6 for the rear wheels (with direct fuel injection) and two electric motors mounted at the front.

The surprisngly popular Q3 Vail

The Q3 Vail is one of those cars that will only excite you if you’re heading off to do some skiing with the family and want to buy a car specifically for the occasion. OK, so that’s a little harsh, but the winter-sports theme to the Audi concept is impossible to ignore. As for the car itself, it’s nothing we haven’t seen versions of before - 2.5-litre, 310bhp five-cylinder petrol engine, seven-speed S tronic transmission and 295lb-ft of torque, enough to deal with the snow on its off-road tyres. It’s stylish, just the right amount of powerful, and targeted at a specific audience – so there seems very little doubt that this will do well when it is released onto the market.

Sexy stuff from the Lexus LF-LC

Well, you won’t miss the Lexus LF-LC in a crowded room. Staying with the brands recent movement in the direction of stylish superconcepts with a distinctive brand to them, the LF-LC has a curvy front grille and the sort of concept headlights that you just know will be watered down for any future Lexus models. Either way, it’s the sort of wow car that elicits an immediately passionate response in most people upon first viewing (whether love or hate is up to you), and the  FR setup–front engine, rear-wheel drive makes use of that now-familiar hybrid drive. It’s a wave themed beaut that will be interesting to watch for clues of upcoming Lexus models and styling, albeit hopefully without the tacky looking plasticky styling.

More fun for the VW Beetle this year!

The Beetle has got a big year coming up, what with the release of the most controversial Beetle redesign since they relaunched all those years ago. We’re massive fans of the new look here with that low down sporty sweep and the upping of the aggression ante, but we can’t help feeling like the e-Bugster hot rod concept that VW were raving about is little more than a nod in the direction of all the environmentally friendly critics that were hating on the brand in 2011. That said the battery-electric E-Bugster has a range of 110 miles, and will accelerate from 0-60mph in 10.9sec, planting it securely in the range of current electric cars if it ever makes it to market.

Volvo go hybrid. Again.

Sticking with the (predictable) electric and hybrid themes at this year’s Detroit Auto Show was the Volvo XC60 Hybrid Plug-in. The super safe plug-in hybrid is an indication of the route Volvo are looking to move in with regards to the US market, and their stats make for some interesting reading - a 35-mile all-electric range, and a recharging time of 3.5 hours from a 220V outlet. That’s 7.5 hours charging for most 110V outlets, but even so they are starting to make moves to correct the issues that the American consumers are most likely to be concerned about for hybrid drives. Other than that this is yet another safe and kind of attractive Volvo, expected on the marketing in 2014-2016.

The future of the Prius?

Our final pick is the Toyota NS4 concept, a plug-in hybrid that ties in with the brands existing eco-friendly credentials. I perhaps would have liked to see something more different from the Japanese Automaker, but the styling is certainly sleek-yet-Toyota, and the attitude more pronounced. Aerodynamics is the name of the game here (note the lack of wing-mirrors), and the shape is tailored to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. As for the tech, the NS4 boasts an advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain that is being kept strictly under-wraps, but which we would hope to exceed the current Prius offering of 135mpg and drop the fuel emissions down another notch.

Which has been your favourite car at the Detroit Motor Show?

So, what better topic than Jeremy Clarkson. He is, undoubtedly, a bit of a pr*t. Some people would replace “a bit of” with “a lot of” or “a complete”, but we on THE Blog About Cars like to tread a safe middle ground! But, at the same time, there is something fascinating about how someone can repeatedly say all these things without his brain ever once vetoing them as something he should keep inside his head. Some of his best worst quotes (and the ensuing complaints) are below…

From: carbuzz.co.uk – New car reviews

• Christiano Ronaldo

Christiano Ronaldo

•  James Dean

James Dean

•  Princess Diana

Princess Diana

•  Jay Kay

Jay Kay

•  Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna

•  Marc Bolan

Marc Bolan

•  George Michael

George Michael

•  Lisa Lopes

Lisa Left Eye Lopes

•  Rowan Atkinson

Rowan Atkinson (Previous Crash)

•  Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly (Crash Site)

Polo BlueMotion

Name: Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion
Price: £14,860
MPG: 80.7 Combined
CO2: 91 g/km
Opinion: I am a major fan of Polos in general (and not the minty sugared variety), because although they aren’t necessarily the cheapest or the most exciting, they are the sort of sturdy and reliable car that also comes with a decent set of little luxuries as standard. They also, thanks to the VW Bluemotion technology, are definitely one of the more economical hatchbacks available.

Fabia

Name: Skoda Fabia (1.2 TDI CR)
Price: £13,805
MPG: 83.1 Combined
CO2: 89 g/km
Opinion: You know that the Fabia impressed us at Goodwood, and it continues to do so in the economy stakes. OK, so the VRs is where the fun really lies, but this is a serious contender in the market, and a hatchback that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Yaris

Name: Toyota Yaris (1.4 D-4D)
Price: £13,555
MPG: 67.3 Combined
CO2: 110 g/km
Opinion: The cheapest of the bunch, you do pay the price a little in terms of economy and CO2 emissions. However, I think it is fair to conclude that the Yaris is a popular car for a reason - it is fun to drive, has personality, and combines all this with the typical no-nonsense Toyota attitude.

Fiesta

Name: Ford Fiesta (1.6 TDCi Duratorq)
Price: £15,645
MPG:  78.5 Combined
CO2: 95 g/km
Opinion: You have to pay a lot for a Fiesta – they aren’t cheap, just like most Fords. However, they are great cars to be driven in, with plenty of room, and they also boast a remarkably low CO2 emissions level, well into Grade A on the scale. They are also prettier now than they used to be, making them the luxury option.

Ibiza

Name: Seat Ibiza Ecomotive
Price: £13,490
MPG:  80.7 Combined
CO2: 92 g/km
Opinion: This is the car for someone who likes to drive something good looking and sporty in style, but who still wants impressive fuel economy and rock-bottom CO2 levels. In fact, this may be the best all-rounder thanks to the 80.7 MPG combined it achieves, and the funky stylish look it gives off without even trying.

The Map...

So, inspired by the owners of this classic car, we thought we would share with you some of the best driving routes we can think of in the world, and invite you to contribute your own suggestions in the comments below.

1. Route 66, USA

An Iconic Route Well Travelled

Yes, it’s a cliché. And yes, it certainly has been done before. And yes yes yes, the route will be packed with tourists all doing exactly the same trip. However, once you have read Jack Kerouac’s On The Road and got that itchy beat generation jazz beat in your toes, you will know why it is such a popular choice.

2. Northern Territory, Australia

Entering the Outback...

If your road trip is as much a journey of self discovery as it is a chance to get a beautiful car onto the vast expanses of hot tarmac, then Australia might be the one of you. The outback is terrifying, yet inspiring, full of great expanses of absolutely nothing and some of the most spiritual sites you could see. A proper journey to Ayers Rock from some breezy coastal location is bound to stir the spirit into action. A word of warning though – you need lots of water, and a good car.

3. Alpine Road, Germany

Stunning Locations

It perhaps lacks the immense time requirements and scale of other monumental road trips, but roads like this are all about seeing things. This in particular looks to be a spectacular route, winding high in the Alps through meadows and forests. Properly scenic, yet the 300mile length should be enough to allow people with rather less of a holiday supplement to get their fix.

4. South Island, New Zealand

Haast Pass

New Zealand is one of those places that has lots of sights. The entire thing would make the ideal road trip, and it is as such popular with the campervanners and the coach trips. In particular, however, Highway 6 stands out, what with its combination of mountain and coastal driving, and it’s proximity to favourite locations such as Fox’s Glacier.

5. Alaska Highway, US

The Route

From one icy glacier to an entire icy country,this route isn’t likely to be a favourite with the sun worshippers. However, this route (all 1,422 miles of it) has more than enough to convince any naysayers. Where should I start? The history perhaps, that World War II heritage that saw  its construction? Or perhaps the chance you might end up fact to face with nature, with bears and wildlife bound to etch itself in your memory? Or, perhaps, with the availability of Alaska’s ferries to make the journey into a more rounded event.

So there you have a selection. I know that much has been missed off – the Karakoram Highway, for instance, or the path of Che Guevara’s final days. Or the 1,000 lakes in Finland. As a sample, however, it gives an idea of length and breadth of the incredibly road trips available both further afield and on our European doorsteps.

Where would you recommend?

The New Beetle

And The Old

The Beetle is perhaps one of the most iconic convertible shapes in the world., We’re not huge fans, but there is no denying that these cars are fun and retro looking. Our choice would be for the charm of the vintage Beetle, but with the new Beetle coming out soon we suspect it may be even more popular for a while!

Fiat 500C

Another one for the budget end of the convertible market, the Fiat 500C is one of those cars that has shot to popularity. I suspect that the  beautiful luxury interiors are a large component of its success, but at the same time it is popular because it offers city car size in a retro package - that comes in plenty of cool colours.

The Beautiful Figaro

A favourite of the editorial team, it doesn’t matter how this retro-yet-modern convertible drives – it just looks awesome. This is the idealconvertible for people who like driving with glamorous head-scarves wrapped around their heads, and who also like the feeling of owning a limited edition.

The Ultimate Mustang

How could we leave off the Mustang? In all its various incarnations over the decades this iconic American convertible has been the star of the roads, and has pretty much owned the idea of an American Roadtrip. If you are driving around LA or exploring Route 6, this powerful gas-guzzler is perfect for you. It works in Skegness too, but some of the glamour may be lost…

Looking slick

To be honest the Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 isn’t our favourite. It seems a little pretentious, and at the same time a little to “suit”. However, it is the best way for an uptight business man to let his hair down, even if he does have to zoom past you on a narrow corner to do it.

Gorgeous Audi R8 Spyder

You couldn’t really go wrong with an Audi R8 Spyder, could you? It is just a damn sexy car inside and out, and although the lines may work better when not a convertible, I am willing to bet that not much beats the feeling of driving in this beauty with the roof down.

Sexy Volante

Finally we get to the real luxury end of the market, and there was no choice but to share the Volante with you. An Aston Martin DBS Volante is perhaps the most desirable way to drive around a coastal road and enjoy the sunshine, and if you have the cash to splash on one of these I envy you dramatically!

Now, this legislation could easily be the topic for a serious blog post, about how to make affordable sound generation technology for cars at specific times – but instead, we thought we would feature the noises we wish electric cars would have to make…

1. Buzzing

Bzzzz...

How annoying would this be? There you are, walking down the road, when all of a sudden you hear the buzzing of a swarm of bees flying straight at you. The reactions of the general public would be hilarious, and I can guarantee it will mean they get out of the way – even if they can’y work out what is making the noise!

2. Spoken warning

You know that strange robotic reversing voice that some vans and lorries use? You know, the one that goes “WARNING! THIS VEHICLE IS REVERSING!”? Well, now imagine that one all  electric cars, except it is saying “WARNING! THIS VEHICLE IS APPROACHING!”. And every car will have a different voice. At different pitches and different speeds. It will be AWESOME.

3. The sound of the sea

Splash...

From a thoroughly jarring noise to one designed to warn you simply. The soothing sound of the ocean, waves lapping on the shore, whenever an electric car approaches a pedestrian. This one may have the unfortunate effect of making pedestrians need the loo, however.

Can you think of any other potential noises for electric cars to make?

Well, being that THE Blog About Cars is never adverse to a challenge, we have endeavoured to scour the blogs and websites of this world for the very coolest tread patterns, ever. It turns out the selection is somewhat limited (what do you mean we have to meet certain regulations on our tyres?!) so in the spirit of creating an article that contains more than one forlorn tyre, we have let ourselves include non-car tyres too. You know, like moped or scooter tyres, or even bikes. It is a good job too, this post would have been very boring without.

A futuristic pattern from Dunlop...

One for the tractor-lovers, these bad boys love to zig and zag!

Put a wiggle in your step with these funky tyres!

I'm guessing these tyres are aimed at young girls?

These flame tyres are probably the coolest tyres on the auto market

A finally why not spread some love?

[Feature image: Source]

So in no particular order, here are the top cars of 2010:

1. Audi A1

The Most Exciting Car Of The Year

2. Citroen DS3

The Small Car Of The Year

3. Renault Mégane Renaultsport

The Hot Hatch Of The Year

4. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Business Car Of The Year

5. Peugeot RCZ

The Coupe Of The Year

6. Koenigsegg Agera

The Hypercar Of The Year

7. Jaguar XJ

The Luxury Car Of The Year

8. Peugeot 3008

The Crossover Car Of The Year

9. Aston Martin Rapide

The Most Beautiful Car Of The Year

10. Skoda Supurb Estate

The Family Car Of The Year

1. Ferrari 458 Italia

Oh so sexy, in my humble opinion this is aesthetically the best car Ferrari have ever produced. Sleek, and just darn beautiful!

Ferrari 458 Italia

2. McLaren MP4-12C

Another new car in the line-up, this is a McLaren for people who normally hate McLarens. No matter how nice the shape, however, it is still horrible in orange. Sorry, but it’s true.

McLaren MP4-12C

3. E-Type Jaguar

A true classic. Compact yet beautifully shaped, the E-Type shows that sometimes the best things come in small packages.

Jaguar E-Type

4. A.C. Cobra

Another classic, but one that is so curvy and cute that it just had to be added to the list. Certainly not often a “sexy” member of lists like this, the Cobra is still incredibly pretty.

AC Cobra

5. Porsche 356

One for the boys, the birth of the modern Porsches. Need I say more?

Porsche 356

6. 1969 Shelby Mustang

I don’t feel I need to explain this one. Just look at the picture. Just look. Sleek, sexy, muscular and powerful, all on one package. The 2010 Mustang is pretty sexy too, a rare achievement in this day and age!

1969 Shelby Mustang

7. Audi R8

Bound to stir up some controversy is the Audi R8. This super-car tends to divide opinion, but I think it is as beautiful in real life as it is in the pictures, and is easily one of the fittest cars around.

Audi R8

8. Chevvy Corvette

Totally ridiculous, and really beautiful at the same time. This is one of those legendary cars that just looks great.

Chevvy Corvette

9. Facel Vega

Not the most obvious choices, as beautiful cars tend to be the curvy sexy ones. However, there is something regal, majestic and downright gorgeous about the Facel Vega, so it more than deserves its place on the list.

Facel Vega

10. Aston Martin Vanquish

Speaking of curvy cars, here is the Vanquish. There had to be an Aston in the top 10, the only problem was deciding which one deserved to go on the list!

Aston Martin Vanquish

Do you agree with our choices?