Is it cold? Yep! Are cars on the mind? Right again. Then, it must be time for the annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Media Days started off by naming the 238-miles all-electric Chevrolet Bolt, stylish Chrysler Pacifica and utilitarian Honda Ridgeline as North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year. It only got better from there.
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Ford Confirms New Ranger, Bronco, Autonomous Vehicle
The Blue Oval gang came bearing great news. A new Ranger mid-size pickup will debut for 2019, followed by a new Bronco SUV in 2020 and a “high-volume” hands-free autonomous vehicle in 2021. All of these vehicles will be built in Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant.
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VW I.D. Buzz Concept
An autonomous Micro Bus for the future boasts an all-electric driving range of 270 miles, 369 horsepower, and 0-60 mph in 5s. It can be charged to 80 percent in 30 minutes. All-wheel-drive keeps it moving. When in autonomous mode, the driver’s seat turns 180 degrees to face the rear conversation pit loaded with a tablet display, Beats audio and Bluetooth loudspeakers that can be used outside. An augmented reality head-up display focuses needed information.
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2018 VW Tiguan
An all-new Tiguan bolsters VW’s crossover line-up. A more chiseled exterior contains a more spacious cabin with sliding second row seat and available third row. The long wheel base model has 57 percent more cargo space. A reconfigurable instrument panel, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, and active crash avoidance systems are all on the menu.
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2018 Kia Stinger
A slick rear-drive, fastback sport sedan will join the Korean automaker’s line-up later this year. Muscular styling harbors either a 255 horsepower turbo-four or 365 horsepower 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 – both with 8-speed automatic transmissions. Kia targets 0-60 mph in 5.1s and 167 mph top speed. LED headlamps, Nappa leather, 720-watt Harman/Kardon audio, color head-up display, and an electronically-adjustable suspension impress.
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2018 Toyota Camry
America’s best-selling car adopts more aggressive exterior styling that accompanies a driver-focused interior with glassy control console, soft-touch materials, and enhanced passenger space. A 10-inch color head-up display will be available. Three powertrains include a 3.5-liter V6, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 8-speed transmission, and Hybrid that promises “Prius-like” driving efficiency. Collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane keep assist, backup camera, and blind spot monitor keep everybody safe.
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2018 Honda Odyssey
The fifth-generation Odyssey keeps its lightning bolt windowline, but adds flowing body sculpting for improved aerodynamics. Middle row seats slide sideways and rearward for versatility while a large infotainment display and cabin watch system to monitor second- and third-row seats please parents. Underfoot is a 280 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, 10-speed transmission, and new rear suspension with stabilizer bar to improve handling.
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Nissan V-Motion 2.0 Concept
It looks like a Maxima with more extreme sculpting, but also hints at an autonomous future. Wide suicide doors welcome passengers to a cabin styled with zebra wood and quilted leather, but also testing control strategies with a wide dash screen, console touchpad, and screens for rear passengers. Bose UltraNearfield™ Speakers enhance the driver’s situational awareness. Nissan imagines its ProPILOT system to guide the car on highways, but also in urban traffic and through intersections.
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2018 Chevrolet Traverse
A smaller and lighter second-generation Traverse debuts with seating for up to eight passengers. Sleek styling fronts a cabin loaded with standard 4G Wi-Fi, fold flat rear seats, hands-free liftgate, surround vision camera, and rear seat child reminder. Standard 3.6-liter V6 with 9-speed transmission and available AWD tow up to 5,000 lbs. A full suite of crash avoidance systems are available. High Country luxury and RS sport editions add personality.
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2018 GMC Terrain
Sleeker and lighter, Terrain is more efficient and better equipped. Evolving design language features fluid forms, sculpted grille, and floating D-pillar. Denali editions add LED headlamps and 19-inch wheels. Aluminum trim, heated steering wheels, Bose audio, and Wi-Fi grace the interior. An array of crash avoidance systems will be available. Three engines include 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engines and an all-new 1.6-liter turbo-diesel – all joined to a new nine-speed automatic transmission.
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Audi Q8 Concept
A large crossover with only four seats, the Q8 concept foretells a production model in 2018. It creates stretch-out luxury with leather-upholstered everything and climate controls in the armrests. Audi’s virtual cockpit serves drivers. Behind the bold grille is a 333 horsepower 3.0-liter turbo-V6, hybrid system, and eight-speed transmission. Audi claims 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds and 600 miles total driving range.
Infiniti QX50 Concept
Nissan’s luxury brand spreads its chiseled design language while preparing for its autonomous future. Driver-centric and passenger-minded, it’s equipped with a lavishly luxurious interior and automated systems to ease driver inputs through stop-and-go traffic. An innovative variable compression 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 268 horsepower for an invigorating drive.
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2018 Lexus LS500
Detroit hosted the premiere of the Lexus LS over a quarter-century ago and played the role again. Flowing four-door coupe styling leads to a roomy cabin with 28-way adjustable driver’s seat with massager, reclining rear seats with massagers, and Mark Levinson audio with ceiling speakers. Rich wood, leather, and the world’s largest color head-up display stun. Underway, a 415 horsepower twin-turbo V6, connected to a 10-speed transmission, scoots from 0-60 mph in 4.5s. The car can even recognize pedestrians in its path, brake, and steer around them.
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2017 Nissan Rogue Sport
As the Rogue outsells the Altima, Nissan finds space for a smaller version in the hot compact crossover segment. Smaller stature makes it more urban friendly while improving handling. Standard, is a 2.0-liter 141 horsepower four-cylinder engine powering the front or all wheels. Get it with available 19-inch wheels, heated steering wheel, and forward emergency braking. Sales begin this spring.
Storm Forward!
E-mail Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube and Twitter: @AutoCasey.
