AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: LINCOLN MKC CONCEPT

On The Cover Review: Lincoln MKC Concept

Editor's Note: Welcome to our annual look at the concept vehicles that were revealed to the world at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Part of determining used vehicle values is predicting the future. With that in mind, it makes sense to look at what the manufacturers believe the future will bring us. Whether it’s new ways to power vehicles or new ways to package them, there are lots of great ideas on the horizon. This is the sixth in a series of The Automobile Red Book’s annual review of some of the best concepts from COBO Hall.

Lincoln wants to be considered a relevant, thriving luxury car maker. But let’s be honest, every single vehicle in their lineup is a tarted-up Ford. The MKZ is based on the Fusion. The MKX draws from the Edge. The MKS is based on the Taurus. The MKT is pretty similar to the Flex. And of course, the Navigator is just a chromed-up Expedition. At the NAIAS, Lincoln came up with an all-new concept—the MKC SUV. And this one is based on (you may already be ahead of us here) the Ford Escape. But this Escape is slated to compete against the likes of the Acura RDX and Cadillac SRX. Don’t get us wrong; Lincolns are nicer than Fords. Despite their obvious similarities, they can do an awful lot with chrome trim, leather, and wood accents to justify Lincoln’s premium price point. And this MKC definitely has a more upscale appearance than the Escape. This situation isn’t all bad, though. Ford is putting out some awfully nice stuff these days, so these Lincolns are anything but bargain basement. If you can look at Lincoln without that Ford association, you’ll realize they’re every bit as good as the purport to be.

THE SPRING/SUMMER EDITION OF THE CLYMER POWERSPORT VEHICLE BLUE BOOK IS AVAILABLE TO ORDER

The March 2013 edition of the Clymer Powersport Vehicle Blue Book® will arrive later this month and is now available to order. For subscription information and pricing, click here.

The Clymer Powersport Vehicle Blue Book® has more than 20 years of motorcycle, ATV, personal watercraft, snowmobile, and trailer specifications and values. It also includes VIN identifiers, displacement, dimensions, weight and factory SRP.

AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: HONDA URBAN SUV CONCEPT

On The Cover Review: Honda Urban SUV Concept

Editor's Note: Welcome to our annual look at the concept vehicles that were revealed to the world at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Part of determining used vehicle values is predicting the future. With that in mind, it makes sense to look at what the manufacturers believe the future will bring us. Whether it’s new ways to power vehicles or new ways to package them, there are lots of great ideas on the horizon. This is the fifth in a series of The Automobile Red Book’s annual review of some of the best concepts from COBO Hall.

Goldilocks would love the Honda Urban SUV Concept. Because while she may think the popular CR-V is too big, and the compact Fit is too small, she’ll think the Urban SUV is just right. Over the years, the CR-V has grown in size to the point where it almost isn’t a compact anymore. That’s why Honda believes the Urban SUV will be popular. For the most part, there is nothing particularly outstanding about the Urban SUV concept—it’s just a Honda SUV that’s smaller than a CR-V. So you aren’t going to find hydrogen power or fingerprint scanners or any of that other futuristic nonsense. In fact, this is just barely a concept. Picture it with more normal wheels, lights, and door handles, and you’re looking at a rig that will be for sale in the near future.

AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: HYUNDAI HDC-14 GENESIS CONCEPT

On The Cover Review: Hyundai HDC-14 Genesis Concept

Editor's Note: Welcome to our annual look at the concept vehicles that were revealed to the world at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Part of determining used vehicle values is predicting the future. With that in mind, it makes sense to look at what the manufacturers believe the future will bring us. Whether it’s new ways to power vehicles or new ways to package them, there are lots of great ideas on the horizon. This is the fourth in a series of The Automobile Red Book’s annual review of some of the best concepts from COBO Hall.

Don’t let the crazy concept car lighting and trim fool you. This big, square shoebox with the low, round top likely gives you an idea of what the next generation rear-wheel-drive Genesis sedan will look like. But more importantly, it gives you an idea of the gadgets and technology that the Korean automaker is working on these days. For example, it can track the movement of your eyeball to run things like the navigation and infotainment systems. Futuristic suspension and multi-mode power steering attempt to artificially connect you to the road without feeling artificial. But a 450-hp V8 under the hood keeps this ride decidedly old school. In years’ past, you might not expect concept muscle cars to be in the Hyundai display, but here it is all the same.