The year has just begun, and already it’s shaping up to be an exciting one for the auto industry. The North American International Auto Show in Detroit traditionally kicks things off, and this year’s show gave us a number of interesting vehicles we’ll surely be talking about well into 2016.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler’s minivan is all new. And to solidify the minivan’s newness, Chrysler decided to kill the Town & Country nameplate and resurrect the Pacifica moniker, previously used for the Durango-based, three-row crossover. Since it’s also replacing the Dodge Grand Caravan, the 2017 Pacifica will be offered with a wide range of trim levels.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica
The new Pacifica rides on a new platform and will be the first minivan sold in the U.S. with an available plug-in hybrid powertrain. Combining an Atkinson-cycle Pentastar V-6 and a 16-kW-hr lithium-ion battery, the Pacifica PHEV is estimated to travel 30 miles in EV mode and return 80 mpg-e in the city.
2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Not surprisingly, the new E-Class is packed with tech, especially when it comes to autonomous driving. The sedan’s autonomous tech is very advanced and includes the capability to change lanes without a prompt from the driver. It’s also the first production car to earn an autonomous driving license from the state of Nevada.
2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
A number of S-Class luxury features have trickled down to the new E-Class. In addition to available heated armrests, the E-Class showcases a new ambient lighting system with 64 color choices and an available Burmester 3D sound system.
Buick Avista Concept
The Buick Avista concept was somewhat of a surprise, but we’re not complaining. With styling features inspired by the Avenir concept shown at last year’s Detroit auto show, the Avista coupe is gorgeous, yet instantly recognizable as a Buick. The exterior looks relatively production ready, though the interior is rich with flashy touches.
Buick Avista Concept
Perhaps more compelling than the Avista concept’s styling is its bones. Buick says the Avista rides on General Motors’ Alpha platform, which underpins the Cadillac ATS and the new Chevrolet Camaro. Powering the rear wheels is GM’s new twin-turbo, 3.0-liter V-6 making 400 hp.
Audi H-Tron Quattro Concept
Before introducing the Audi H-Tron Quattro concept, CEO Rupert Stadler reiterated the automaker’s commitment to resolve the emissions crisis affecting its diesel-powered models. He then said the ordeal serves as a “unique opportunity for change and innovation.” Could hydrogen-powered vehicles like the H-Tron concept become a staple in Audi’s lineup? Possibly.
Audi H-Tron Quattro Concept
Regardless of whether Audi moves forward with fuel-cell technology, the H-Tron Quattro concept is likely a preview of an upcoming crossover set to debut in 2018. Audi says the new crossover will get an all-electric system with more than 300 miles of range, and we’re guessing it’ll be called Q6, slotting in between the upcoming Q5 and the new Q7.
2018 Lexus LC 500
The LC 500 will finally roll into showrooms in 2018. First shown as a LF-LC concept back at the 2012 Detroit auto show, the new LC 500 will serve as the brand’s new premium coupe, which should complement the next-generation LS sedan set to debut next fall. Main competitors will include other large premium coupes including the BMW 6 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe.
2018 Lexus LC 500
Powering the 2018 LC 500 is a 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V-8 making 468 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. While the coupe is expected to offer a hybrid powertrain, enthusiasts are more interested in rumors regarding the high-performance LC F variant. Word has it that the LC F will feature a twin-turbo, eight-cylinder engine making more than 600 hp.
2017 Genesis G90
The G90 sedan kicks off Hyundai’s new standalone luxury brand, Genesis. Following the G90, the automaker plans to launch a barrage of other models by 2020, including the G70, which will take on the BMW 3 Series segment. The current Genesis sedan will be rebadged G80.
2017 Genesis G90
Essentially a replacement for the Hyundai Equus, the new 2017 Genesis G90 will serve as the luxury brand’s flagship model. Engine choices include a 5.0-liter, V-8 making 420 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. A twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 is also available (365 hp and 376 lb-ft).
2017 Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln brand has resurrected an iconic nameplate for its new large sedan. First seen as a production car at last year’s Detroit auto show, the new 2017 Continental attempts to bring back some prestige to the Lincoln brand once it reaches showrooms this fall.
2017 Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln Continental is packed with luxury niceties. Not only do the front seats have massaging functions, but there are individual adjustments for each thigh. The doors can be opened by the push of a button, while the rear passengers can also enjoy massaging seats.
2017 Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline truck is back, riding on the wave of the revitalized midsize truck segment. Now in its second generation, the 2017 Ridgeline is lighter and more powerful. Its sole engine choice is a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The mill can be paired with a six- or nine-speed automatic.
2017 Honda Ridgeline
The new Ridgeline may look more truck-like than its predecessor, but don’t let that gap between the cab and bed fool you. The Ridgeline is still a unibody, front-wheel-drive truck, though the bed has grown in both width and length. Ridgeline fans will appreciate the fact that the new truck retains the two-way tailgate: swinging down like a normal tailgate or to the side on left-hinge mounts.
Acura Precision Concept
Acura is flexing its styling muscles with the Precision concept, a long and wide sedan with suicide-style doors. Almost as long as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Precision has presence and is larger than Acura’s current flagship sedan, the RLX.
Acura Precision Concept
Acura says the Precision is strictly a design study meant to preview the automaker’s future design language. Still, it’s rear-drive proportions give the Precision a premium look worthy enough to take on the big German competitors. Also significant is the absence of Acura’s signature beak-style grille, though that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going away for good.
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
The Raptor is back, and it’s tougher than ever. While the outgoing 6.2-liter V-8 was a great engine, Ford promises better performance from the new 3.5-liter, twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 and claims it’ll make around 450 hp. That’s 39 more horses than the old V-8.
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
The Raptor will be a serious off-roader. It’ll be the only production truck with available beadlock wheels straight from the factory, while an available Torsen front differential and standard Fox shocks are just a few of the Raptor’s available off-roading hardware. Also new is a Terrain Management System, with multiple modes, including Baja and Rock mode.
2017 Volvo S90
Volvo’s XC90 crossover has been piling up the awards and accolades, and the automaker hopes to have the same success with its new S90 sedan. Slotting above the S60, the new S90 will compete in a crowded segment that includes the Kia K900 and Cadillac CT6.
2017 Volvo S90
Volvo confirmed it will launch both a standard and long-wheelbase model. When the sedan comes to the U.S., it will be offered with three powertrain options, including a 2.0-liter turbo-four for the T5 model and a plug-in hybrid T8 model.
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Source: Motor Trend
