Volkswagen to Debut Beetle-Based Electric Hot Rod at the Detroit Motor Show

We just learned that Volkswagen's surprise debut at next week's 2012 North American International Motor Show in Detroit will be a pure-electric concept model based on the new generation of the Beetle – despite previous reports saying otherwise.

The conceptual EV version of the recently launched 2012 Beetle will sport a heavily modified body with a lowered roof and wider fenders with its looks slightly resembling the Volkswagen Ragster Concept (pictured above) that was displayed at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show.

Power of course will come from an electric motor fed by a battery pack.

We'll post an update as soon as we find out more. In the meantime, feel free to check out the pictures of the 2005 VW Ragster concept after the break.

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Kia Insiders Say GT RWD Sedan Could be Joined by Coupe and Sport Wagon

Kia's ascent from an inexpensive maker of bland products to a company that aspires to compete with the heavy weights in the mainstream segments continues with the South Korean firm now planning to introduce its first-ever rear-wheel drive model based on the GT concept we saw at the Frankfurt Motor Show this past September.

But the sedan model, which is expected to make its appearance in production form as early as 2013, may not be alone if we are to believe a report from Edmunds' Insideline.

Citing company insiders, the report says that Kia is also considering adding an even sportier two-door coupe version as well as a more practical station wagon model to the range of the production GT.

According to the unnamed insiders, Kia sees the GT range as being a "more affordable alternative" to the Audi A5 and A7 models.

The Frankfurt Show GT concept sported a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine delivering 390HP and 534 Nm (393.8 lb-ft) of torque, matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.

The production version of the GT sedan, along with the station wagon and coupe models if they receive the green light (remember, this remains a rumor without official confirmation), will share a common platform and other hardware with a Hyundai model, possibly the Genesis sedan.

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Nissan Confirms New Pathfinder and All-Electric Van Concepts for Detroit Show

As we're approaching closer to the 2012 edition of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 9, more automakers are slowly rolling out their plans to create some additional buzz around their products.

Today, Nissan confirmed that it's presence at the show will be highlighted by the worldwide debut of two concept vehicles, including a Pathfinder preview study and an all-electric van prototype.

Nissan says that the Pathfinder SUV concept previews the production model's "all-new look, style and attitude" adding that it will go on sale in the States in fall of 2012.

The Japanese carmaker's second concept model doesn't have a name yet, but according to Nissan, the van study previews a future production version of a pure electric model "designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy cargo space, while offering a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction".

Nissan plans to release the complete skinny on both concepts, so stay tuned.

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