The Explorer Sport, powered by a 3.5L twin-turbo V-6 EcoBoost engine, also is targeting domestic competitors. Peterson says the new Explorer should take a bite out of Dodge Durango R/T and Grand Cherokee sales.

Auto industry R&D is heavily represented in France, and the country encourages research with tax benefits. Last year’s 20 biggest filers published 38% more patents than in 2010.

The ILX boasts a slew of updates from the ’12 Civic, which went on sale last year. These include more insulating materials, changed suspension and steering systems and a remapped engine-control unit for the hybrid model.