MotorWeek is in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show. One of the most anticipated parts of the show is the North American Car, Truck and Utility of the year awards. This year, the Honda Accord won Car of the Year.
Truck of the Year goes to the Lincoln Navigator.
The Volvo XC60 took home the prize for Utility of the Year.
Lexus revealed the LF-1 Limitless Concept. They call it their “flagship crossover”. The company says the design was inspired by liquid metal and the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword. The LF-1 concept could be powered by fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, or even all-electric.
Ram revealed the new 1500. For the 2019 model year, this tough truck gets a new frame built from 98 percent high-strength steel to improve durability. As for power, Ram gets an eTorque mild hybrid system on second generation 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engines.
Chevrolet got a jump on the reveals in Detroit. They debuted the next-generation Silverado over the weekend. It’s 450 pounds lighter and will have six engine/transmission choices, including an all-new Duramax 3.0L inline-six diesel.
Ford was also working over the weekend showing the 2019 Ford Ranger. They revived the name in the form of a new midsize pickup. It features a high-strength steel frame, a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. Production begins late this year in Michigan.
Ford is tipping its hat to an iconic movie car. The company has unveiled a 2019 Mustang Bullitt. This cool car features a retuned 5.0-liter V8 engine that packs at least 475 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque and tops out at 163 mph. It was inspired by a 1968 Mustang GT fastback used in the award-winning movie “Bullitt” starring Steve McQueen. The audience in Detroit saw the original roll onto the stage. The 2019 Mustang Bullitt is due out this summer.
Ford is also bringing more muscle to its SUV line-up. The company introduced the all-new Edge ST. It’s Ford’s first SUV to be tuned by the Ford Performance team. The 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine pumps out 335 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive with selectable traction control is standard.
The all-new BMW X2 is debuting in Detroit. We first saw it as a concept in the Motor City last year. The newest addition to the BMW X line-up gets a 228 horsepower 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine that will work with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Look for it in dealerships in the spring.
2018 brings an update for MINI.
Detroit was the scene for the world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The rugged and iconic member of the family goes on sale in the U.S. later this year.
There will be more choices for fans of performance blended with the style of Mercedes-Benz. The product range is being expanded with the Mercedes-AMG 53-series. The special treatment will be available on the CLS, E-Class Coupe, and E-Class Cabriolet. The 3.0-liter in-line-6 engine generates 429 hp and 384 lb-ft. of torque. The engine works with an electric auxiliary compressor, EQ Boost starter-alternator and 48 V on-board electrical system.
The crowd in Detroit saw the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. Built on the MQB architecture, it features a coupe-like design, shorter overhangs, and a new front fascia. The new Jetta goes on sale in the spring.
Nissan is giving us a look at where their designs could be going for 2020 and beyond. The company revealed the new Nissan Xmotion concept. The three-row SUV could includenew-generation Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology.
The 2019 Acura RDX Prototype made its world debut today at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. The 5-passenger luxury SUV will be powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC VTEC Turbo engine, working with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and torque vectoring Super-Handling All Wheel Drive. When it launches later this year there will also be a new A-Spec variant.
The 2019 Kia Forte made its global debut in Detroit. The company says the design cues were inspired by the new Stinger. Underneath will be Kia’s first in-house designed and built Intelligent Variable Transmission. The third generation Forte also brings Advanced Driver Assistance technology to the driver’s seat.
MotorWeek is checking out the 2019 Honda Insight at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The five passenger sedan is powered by Honda’s third generation hybrid system, featuring a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine and an electric motor. The company anticipates the combined fuel rating to be more than 50 mpg. The 2019 Honda Insight launches nationwide later this year.
We're getting a first hand look at the 2019 Hyundai Veloster.
INFINITI followed up on the teaser images revealing the new Q Inspiration Concept. They say it combines “classical sedan forms” with a “coupe-like appearance”. Powering this mid-size sedan would be a four-cylinder VC-Turbo with next-level autonomous drive technologies.
Toyota brought the 2019 Toyota Avalon to Detroit. The fifth generation flagship is underpinned by a Toyota New Global Architecture platform. Power will come from a 3.5-liter V6 or a Toyota Hybrid System. They’ll be in dealers in the spring.
Chinese automaker for GAC Motor is back in Detroit. They unveiled the GA4. The company calls it an “all-new signature sedan” designed as a family sedan.
GAC also revealed the Enverge concept. Their first compact new-energy concept SUV is designed for the North American market.