AS THE DETROIT Auto Show wraps up for another year the trend of 2018 is clearly still going to be dominated by large SUVs but being the first American motor show of the year (not counting CES), there were plenty of native vehicles unveiled.
There were also a lot of American-only models unveiled but they all had one thing in common: combustible engines. Yes, whilst there were plenty of hybrid and electric cars on show the models making the most noise, literally, were the ones with brawn under the bonnet.
1. Ford Mustang
There is perhaps no car more American than the Ford Mustang. It’s a name that is known the world over and the latest generation (one ahead of what is sold in Ireland), gets a new Bullitt edition. Those familiar with the famous film starring McQueen will recognise the distinctive look of the new car, which is painted in the same Dark Highland Green as the original.
The 5.0-litre V8 is tuned to deliver 481hp and the car also features a white cue-ball gear selector knob. Sadly, this limited-edition is set to remain a US-only car. The better news is that Ford also unveiled one of the original movie cars from Bullitt, which many thought had been lost.
2. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
One of the biggest stars of the show was the all-new Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Most people still call it by its original G-Wagon name, and even Mercedes might find people struggling to call it a G-Class these days. Visually it might look virtually identical to its predecessor, but it has grown slightly in all the right areas, making the passenger compartment that bit better. Only three parts have been carried over from the old model.
MB has also worked at future-proofing the car, to give it the capability of taking a variety of engines and hybrid options in future.
3. Jeep Cherokee
Another classic SUV name revealed a fresh look at Detroit – the Jeep Cherokee. The outgoing model divided opinion with its styling and this new version addresses that.
Some of the familiar traits, such as the trademark Jeep grille remain, and overall, it’s not a bad looker, but it’s far from groundbreaking in its new look. An all-new 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with Start&Stop joins the 3.2-litre Pentastar V6 and 2.4-litre PZEV Multiair2 Tigershark I-4 available in the Cherokee lineup.
4. Hyundai Veloster N
It wasn’t all American cars and SUVs at Detroit, Hyundai debuted its new high-performance N-version of the Veloster. The N designation is part of a new sub-brand for Hyundai, and in Ireland it has just started sales of the i30 N.
The four-door Veloster sports coupe was once sold here – it featured two doors on one side and one on the other – but sluggish sales resulted in it being dropped a few years ago. It is hoped that the new Veloster N will spur on sales Stateside but sadly it won’t be coming to Europe.
This high powered N version gets a 275hp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 353Nm of torque which is the same engine found in the new i30 N, which we will be getting over here! Hurrah!
5. Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen will treat US buyers to a new Jetta this year, its bread-and-butter saloon (sedan) in the US. The mid-size saloon has long proven a popular choice in the States, and this new version gets an all-new chassis.
Its looks carry a familiar Volkswagen air, making it appear very much like the junior Passat. While the 147hp 1.4-litre petrol engine of the launch car isn’t going to set the world alight, the good news for Americans looking for a speedy sedan is that the Jetta GTL will eventually join the lineup and will be powered by the 2.0-litre turbo that makes a healthy 210hp in the current version.
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