More than 40 new vehicles will be revealed at the 2017 North American International Auto Show
2017 North American International Auto Show Here’s what’s happening at media days of the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as it happens. ▲
GAC GS7 The final new vehicle debut of the media days was the GAC GS7 from China’s Guangzhou Automobile Group, which may be the first wholly Chinese automaker to enter the North American market. It won’t happen right away – 2019 is the current target. The company does plan to establish a technical centre in the U.S., however. ▲
GAC GS7 The GS7 is a five-seat, midsize SUV about the size of a Ford Edge, which will soon go on sale in China. It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine of the company’s own design, with a six-speed automatic transmission, auto start/stop and AWD. ▲
Infinity QX50 Concept 2:30 PM – Infiniti revealed a new QX50 crossover concept that continues the Japanese brand’s slick styling approach to luxury. Its powerful and flowing lines, which Infiniti calls “Powerful Elegance,” stood out on the show floor thanks. Its bold demeanour features the brand’s signature double arch grille, human eye headlights and character body line. This latest version takes the QX Sport Inspiration design, which debuted at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show, one step closer to the QX50 production version that will probably arrive in late 2017. ▲
Infinity QX50 Concept The looks of the crossover concept may lure some in, but the technologies inside are even more intriguing. Under the hood will be a turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that offers up variable compression ratios based on driving conditions. In addition, Infiniti will use a semi-autonomous driver assistance feature called ProPilot. This technology can navigate stop-and-go traffic, maintain a cruising speed on the highway, and keep track of surrounding vehicles. The Renault-Nissan alliance is bullish on autonomous vehicles in the future, and this new system will push that envelope a little closer to becoming a reality. ▲
2018 Kia Stinger 1:45 pm – Kia showed off its sporting chops here in Detroit with the Stinger GT. Back in 2011, the GT Concept brought about rave reviews, and finally Kia is ready to use a twin-turbo 3.3-litre V-6 with more than 365 hp to make it a reality. And if you were wondering, that’s the same engine found in the Genesis G80 and it will be matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. ▲
2018 Kia Stinger The 2018 Stinger GT is a four-door sedan with a coupe-like design that can be had in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Stinger immediately becomes Kia’s fastest vehicle ever built. During the presentation, Kia talked about its quick acceleration that has a reported 0-100 km/h burst of 5.1 seconds and a top speed that surpasses 240 km/h, with its optional 365-hp 3.3-litre twin-turbo V-6. The production version should be released in late 2017, and it will be interesting to see how a more reasonably-priced sports sedan will compete with the likes of the BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. ▲
1:25 PM – That’s not a new production model under wraps at the Volvo stand. Rather it’s an experimental, semi-autonomous XC90 SUV destined for delivery to the first of 100 families who will live with it and test it in real-life conditions. ▲
The Hain family from Gothenburg, Sweden took delivery of their XC90 on stage from Volvo’s CEO Hakan Samuelsson. They won’t get to relax too much behind the wheel, though – the car isn’t completely autonomous, and is just the start of the major project designed to lead ultimately to that goal. ▲
2018 Toyota Camry 12:45 PM – The completely redesigned eighth-generation Toyota Camry revealed here today takes Toyota’s best-selling (in the U.S.) mid-size sedan in a bold new direction. To call it sexy may be an overstatement but sporty – yes. Premium – yes. While it’s clearly a Toyota in appearance, its dramatic, pinched front-end design suggests a strong familial relationship with Lexus. The 2018 Camry, which will be available in the third quarter of this year, also features a new high strength chassis, longer wheelbase and a wider, more stable in its stance. ▲
2018 Toyota Camry Not surprisingly, given its NASCAR success, Toyota played up the Camry’s racing connections, however tenuous. More important to many potential buyers is the fact that the production model will be built on Toyota’s new global platform, which is designed to raise its level of handling prowess. It will come with three new power trains including a Hybrid model. Toyota Safety Sense technologies will be standard and panoramic glass sun roofs are also available. ▲
2017 Honda Odyssey 12:15 PM – Honda’s fifth-generation Odyssey is said to be the most connected and most comfortable one yet. If you have a family, a family that needs three rows of seating, this could be the minivan for you. Its flexible, functional features include a ‘magic’ sliding second row seat, with ability to move from side to side and front to back. Third row occupants will feel more connected to driver with increased cabin quietness helping make first to third row conversations a breeze. New technology features include a cabin watch system for the driver to keep an eye on those n the second and third rows, and the in-car audio system allows allows the driver to speak to everyone. Cabin controls can be manipulated from an app on a smart phone and the audio system becomes a virtual Family jukebox allowing everyone to input songs to a shared playlist. ▲
2017 Honda Odyssey While it’s built on a new platform shared with the Pilot and Ridgeline, the new Odyssey’s look is familiar and identifiable at a glance. In addition to a host of infotainment technology of n the inside, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, its new features include a more powerful 3.5-litre V-6 engine and a standard nine-speed automatic transmission – with a 10-speed on uplevel trim models. ▲
Nissan Vmotion 2.0 concept 11:45 AM – Nissan surprised the attendant media with its new Vmotion 2.0 concept, which the company says signals the future direction of the its sedan design direction and intelligent-mobility technology. The Vmotion 2.0 concept is said to combine a high sense of style, emotional design, space, comfort and technology to make the mobility experience seamless for busy professionals. The concept car’s dramatic silhouette is characterized by a “floating roof,” with a continuous line flowing from itssteeply raked A-pillars to the deck-lid lip. An extended wheelbase is said to enable generous cabin space. The distinctive body surface is defined by what Nissan calls itss “Emotional Geometry” design language. The body is crafted in a layered, warm silver paint with copper undertones so a glimpse of the body from different angles reveals a subtle but different hue. ▲
2017 Nissan Qashqai Nissan also showed its global Qashqai compact crossover, which finally will come to both Canada and the United States as a 2017 model this spring. It will slot in-between the entry-level Juke and the recently enlarged Rogue. Apart from a six-speed manual transmission and some cold weather technologies that include standard heated front seats offered in Canada, the major difference between the two North American markets is that the Qashqai will be called the Rogue Sport on the U.S. ▲
2018 BMW 5 Series 11:00 AM – The world premiere of the BMW 5 Series, which turned heads here, is said to be the most dynamic and innovative 5er so far. Designed to set new benchmarks in its market, the new version is lighter and quicker, dropping 100 kilos in weigh. BMW says it’s best in class for efficiency, comfort and safety features, including remote control parking and driverless support. Plug-in hybrid and M performance models will also be available. ▲
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 10:45 AM – The next-generation Volkswagen Tiguan that drove on stage here is sleeker and 26 centimetres longer than the previous model, with an available third-row seat and more cargo area. It has a new 2.5 litre engine and will go on sale this summer along with the full-size Atlas SUV. ▲
Volkswagen I.D. Buzz minivan concept VW also showed its I.D. Buzz all-electric minibus concept, based on the I.D. bus concept shown last September in Paris. It will have a range of 270 miles, or 450 km, and 10 laser scanners will let it be driven either manually or autonomously. It’s still just a concept, but the future’s arriving faster than anyone expected. ▲
Mercedes-Benz 2018 10:30 AM – Mercedes-Benz showed off a variety of new vehicles including the new E-Class Coupe, a refreshed AMG GLA 45 4Matic crossover and an AMG GT C Edition at NAIAS. ▲
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe The coupe concludes the E-Class trifecta after the release of the sedan and wagon. It’s powered by a twin-turbo, 3.0-litre V-6 engine that churns 330 hp and 354 lb-ftof torque that’s matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission. A longer, wider and taller E400 also was shown, featuring bold cuts, a long hood, and lowered suspension. Inside, Mercedes-Benz gives it a similar luxury treatment to its other sedans featuring dual 12.3-inch colour screen, semi-autonomous driving aids and more premium interior space, especially in the rear. ▲
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class The GLA gets a typical mid-cycle refresh that sees most adjustments made to its front fascia. The grille is noticeably larger and complemented by sleek new headlights. ▲
2017 Ford F-150 9:30 AM – Ford brought the latest iteration of its best-selling F-150 on stage. It’s smarter than before, with even more intelligent technology that can make the drive safer for both passengers and pedestrians. Before the show, the company announced that, as well as a new face, the 2018 model will offer a 3.0-litre V-6 Power Stroke diesel engine, mated with the 10-speed automatic transmission the company has co-developed with general Motors. ▲
Ford Bronco to return Ford also announced that there will be a new Ranger pickup truck in 2019, and the Bronco SUV will return in 2020, although it didn’t show any concept or prototype version of either truck. ▲
Ford’s vision for the future of mobility Much of Ford’s presentation to the press concerned its vision for living and moving in the cities of the future. Bill Ford and Mark Fields spoke of how Ford wants to develop smarter vehicles and smarter transportation networks to improve urban air quality and traffic congestion. ▲
2018 Lexus LS 500 8:45 AM – The all-new 2018 Lexus LS 500 was unveiled this morning, and passenger luxury is where it’s at for this vehicle. Lexus’s fifth generation flagship sedan is said to be exhilarating to drive, while providing its occupants with outstanding luxury and comfort. With suspension upgraded, drivers can set the air ride suspension to adjust to their needs by use of a key fob. The 2018 Lexus LS 500 will have the world’s first intuitive braking and pedestrian detection with active steering to avoid pedestrians in the driving lane. ▲
2018Lexus LS 500 On entering the LS 500, the driver is presented with an opening seat bolster, arm rests that seem to float from the door and ambient lighting to sooth, while rear passengers enjoy reclining heated seats, a massage if they feel tense and an ottoman that raises to meet their feet – all included in the executive option. The LS 500 will be on sale at the end of the year. ▲
Audi Q8 Concept 8:15 AM – Audi used its press conference slot to show off a plethora of world premiere vehicles that include its Q8 Concept SUV and SQ5, as well as its A5 and S5 Cabriolet. The Q8 Concept is an important vehicle for the German brand as it shows off the design language of not only its flagship SUV, but its lineup. Audi has finally taken more of a chance in styling with a coupe-like physique that steers away from conventional with a sleek silhouette and downward sloping backside that still allows for rear seat passenger comfort. ▲
2018 Audi SQ5 With increased power, a new turbocharged V-6 engine and a more sporty design, the all-new second-generation offers a full suite of available driver assistance systems and advanced infotainment features, combined with a dynamic driving experience that is intended to set a new standard in the luxury performance crossover segment. It features an all-new 3.0-litre TFSI V-6 engine that produces 354 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, between a broad 1370 – 4500 rpm range. The eight-speed tiptronic transmission complements the ample low-end torque of the turbocharged V-6. ▲
2018 Audi S5 The convertible A5 and S5 sit on Volkswagen’s new MLB platform that sheds weight due to its lightweight construction. An automated one-touch soft-top roof that takes 15 seconds to open and close will be added to make life easier for the driver with the potential to block out road noise. Under the hood will be a duo of turbocharged engines in 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre form that produce 252 hp and 354 hp, respectively. ▲
2018 Chevrolet Traverse 7:40 AM – Chevrolet took the wraps off its wholly redesigned 2018 Traverse SUV redesigned 2018 Traverse, which offers what is expected to be best-in-class third-row legroom, maximum cargo room and passenger volume as well as an enhanced roster of available active safety features. ▲
2018 Chevrolet Traverse The top-of-the-line 2018 Traverse High Country trim features premium content and technology, including a unique interior trim featuring leather appointments with suede accents, 20-in polished wheels, High Country badging, D-Optic headlamps and standard twin-clutch AWD. ▲
2017 Honda Ridgeline is NATOTY 7: 20 AM – The Honda Ridgeline won the 2017 North American Truck of the Year Award, repeating its inaugural win in 2006. It fid so with a score of 305 points, beating out the Ford Super Duty family of full-size, heavy-duty pickups, which ranked second with 193 points and the Nissan Titan in third, with a total of 72 points. ▲
7:10 AM – The all-new Chrysler Pacifica minivan was the winner of the first ever North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award, joining the long-established North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards. The Pacifica earned 300 points to win, while the silver medal went to the slick Mazda CX-9, with 135 points, and bronze to the racy Jaguar F-Pace, with a score of 125 points. ▲
Chevrolet Bolt wins NACOTY 7:00 AM – Media day for the North American International Auto show kicked off with the announcement of the Chevrolet Bolt as the 2017 North American car of the Year, adding to its award collection. The Bolt has already been named Green Car of the Year and Motor Trend Car of the Year. With a total score of 364 points, the Chevy Bolt EV was chosen over a pair of all-new luxury sedans, the Korean-made Genesis G90, with 105 points, and the Volvo S90, designed and manufactured in Sweden, with 101. ▲
2017 North American International Auto Show Here’s what’s happening at media days of the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as it happens. ▲
Infinity QX50 Concept Infiniti QX50 Concept interior ▲
Keyword: LATEST UPDATE: From the floor of the Detroit Auto Show