THE NORTH AMERICAN International Auto Show, also called the Detroit Motor Show is the first big motoring event of the year – and it is where a lot of important models are unveiled to the public for the first time.
We’ve picked out the headline-stealing cars that got the crowds talking at this year’s show.
Audi showed off its Q8 concept, which gave us any idea at what its flagship SUV will look like when it arrives next year.
The concept is over five metres long with a three-metre wheelbase meaning there should be plenty of room inside the cabin. It is 1.7 metres tall, with a sloping roofline and tapered rear end that give it a coupe shape – and hence room for just two rear passengers despite its size. (The production model is expected to have five seats.)
This concept is a plug-in hybrid model with a 3.0-litre TFSI engine and an electric motor. The system produces 442hp and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, on to a top speed of 249km/h. It returns up to 2.3 litres/100km (122mpg) with CO2 of only 52g/km.
The Audi Q8 is expected to rival the Range Rover, BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
This was the world debut of the fifth-generation Lexus LS, 28 years after the first-generation Lexus LS premiered at the 1989 Detroit Motor Show. The new car shares its rear-wheel drive platform with the new LC 500 Coupe – this is a lighter platform and the new LS is down 90kg on the previous model, despite being a larger car.
This new model has a coupe-like shape and is longer and lower than the car it replaces. For the first time ever there won’t be a V8 in the LS – instead, this new version is powered by an all-new 3.5-litre twin-turbo 415hp V6 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Lexus LS is expected to rival the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
This striking concept is the Nissan Vmotion 2.0. We’re told the inspiration for the design came from modern architecture and the idea of futuristic private jets. It previews the future design of Nissan saloons and showcases the evolution of the signature “V-motion” front design seen on many of today’s Nissan vehicles.
The interior design aims to keep occupants constantly connected and is dominated by a seamless, thin and wide graphic user interface. The seats are funky and modern-looking and float above the wooden floor, making this concept feel like an ultra modern luxury apartment.
The concept was very well received – winning the 2017 EyesOn Design Award for Best Concept Vehicle as well as the award for Best Innovative Use of Color, Graphics and Materials.
This is another microbus concept from Volkswagen and is reminiscent of the old Type 2 hippy bus. It has super-cute retro styling and uses the same all-electric MEB (Modular Electric Drive Kit) underpinnings as the ID hatchback concept as seen at last year’s Paris Motor Show. The zero-emission all-wheel-drive system has power output of 368hp and reaches 100km/h in 5.0 seconds with a top speed restricted to 160km/h – and most importantly in can do up to 600km on a single charge.
The electric MPV has eight seats plus space for bikes and boards and can be driven in fully automated mode. With a push of the VW badge the steering wheel retreats into the cockpit, switching the ID Buzz from manual into ‘ID Pilot’ mode. Then, the driver’s seat can be turned around so he or she faces the passengers in the back.
No American auto show would be complete without a pick-up or two, and this monster made its debut in Detroit. The F-150 is the most important product Ford makes and it has been the best-selling vehicle in America since 1977.
Yup, the F-Series has reigned as the top-selling truck in the US for 40 consecutive years and the best-selling vehicle for 35 years. Ford has now sold more than 26 million F-Series trucks since January 1977.
With this, the 2018 F-150, Ford claims the truck is tougher, smarter and more capable than ever.
As a first in the segment, the new F-150 has a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body helping it save weight and adding capability to tow heavier trailers than ever and deliver best-in-class payload ratings (although Ford hasn’t said what these are yet).
Also a segment first, the new F-150 gets adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection to help drivers avoid or mitigate collisions with vehicles and pedestrians.
For the first time ever Ford is offering a diesel engine with the F-150 in the form of an all-new 3.0-litre Power Stroke engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
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