From concept cars, to modern features on trucks, to a reboot of a classic, the 2018 Detroit Auto Show reveals that imagination and technology go hand in hand. Every major auto show usually has at least one concept car, an exercise in automotive design meant to ignite passions and imagination about the future of transportation, this year did not disappoint. See our favorite picks from the show then decide on your fave.
In the quest to be the most extreme of all, Lamborghini debuted its Urus crossover by divulging performance statistics that would impress supercar customers, much less SUV buyers. With its twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, the Urus will roar from zero to 62 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds, and zero to 124 miles per hour in 12.8 seconds. Top speed is 189 mph.
Lexus is the latest to express interest in creating what it calls a flagship luxury crossover. Though the LF-1 was shown as a concept with only four seats, look for three rows when it eventually comes to production. Lexus has large SUVs now, but they are more truck-based than the crossovers that have flooded the market.
“This is our vision for a new kind of flagship vehicle that embraces crossover capability without giving up the performance and luxury delivered by today’s top sedans,” said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty Design Research, the styling arm of the Toyota empire with offices in Huntington Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor.
Infiniti launched the Q Inspiration Concept with what it calls a revolutionary engine that offers a turbocharged performance and high efficiency. It sports the VC-Turbo, which the brand hails as a breakthrough. Inside, the cabin has been given a minimalist look. The vehicle also emphasizes connectivity as each of the four seats has its own touchscreen.
“This revolutionary engine offers a compelling blend of turbocharged performance and high efficiency,” said Francois Bancon, Infiniti’s vice president of product and programs.
Toyota’s Avalon brings sleekness to sedans. The 2019 Avalon, which touts technology, luxury, and safety, has an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission that channels power to its front wheels and enhances fuel economy. Its safety features include pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, lane departure alert, and blind-spot monitor. You will also love the rear cross traffic alert and the standard backup camera.
Nissan has given its XMotion SUV concept tough, rugged looks with a distinctly Japanese flavor. It has boomerang-shaped headlights in front and a wide grille with horizontal bars, which are meant to invoke Japanese architecture. The wheels and tires actually appear to be a single unit.
Hyundai showed an updated Veloster, its small, fun and sporty car. The automaker kept its basic looks but made it a little bit lower and moved the front roof pillars farther back. We also love the addition of more prominent fenders and wheel arches for an overall tougher look. The new model will come with a choice of four-cylinder engines: one is a 2-liter four-cylinder motor good for 147 horsepower and the other is a 1.6-liter that’s turbocharged, spitting out 201 horsepower.
Ford’s new 2019 Mustang Bullitt is inspired by Steve McQueen’s classic car in the 1968 film ‘Bullitt.’ This next gen version packs 475 horsepower and tops out at 163 miles per hour. The special model, due out this summer, will be available in Shadow Black or Dark Highland Green.
Mercedes unveiled a new version of its utilitarian, rugged off-road luxury SUV that will go on sale later this year. The new G-Class keeps its military bearing and off-road capability while adding to its luxury appointments. The G-Class is designed to do everything you wouldn’t expect your average Mercedes to do, whether it is wading through almost 27 inches of water or mud or climbing a steep hill for the true adventurer.
Acura’s new RDX is only a concept, but it will soon be a production vehicle that promises to be the brand’s most popular model with better fuel economy. The new architecture is lighter and stiffer for better handling and fuel efficiency. The sleek five-passenger SUV uses a new architecture that’s exclusive to Honda’s luxury brand. It will also feature a 2-liter turbocharged engine and 10-speed automatic transmission when it goes on sale this summer. The unusual control layout consists of a touch pad on the center console linked to a 10.2-inch display screen rising from the dashboard.
New from ground up and built in a freshly remodeled factory that used to make midsize sedans, the Ram 1500 breaks new ground by using a high-powered 48-volt electric system to power a starter alternator that uses tricks perfected in hybrids to boost fuel economy and torque. Dramatic changes continue inside, including a 12-inch touch screen, Harman Kardon audio, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.
You may not think much about pickup beds, but Chevy engineers sure did as they developed the 2019 Silverado pickup. It’s got a power tailgate, tailored inner walls for class-leading capacity, and a steel bed for pickup supremacy. Less obvious, the crew cab has 3.0 inches more rear legroom, and the truck shed up to 450 lbs., despite growing slightly larger.
So, tell us, which of these new vehicles will you be looking at this coming year? The Detroit Auto Show definitely did not disappoint! Looking for more information on electric cars? Click here for electric cars to watch in 2018!
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