Detroit Auto Show 2015 Round Up

Considered by many to be one of the most important industry events, many of the leading manufacturers will make an appearance at the North American International Auto Show, better known as the Detroit Auto Show. The 2015 Detroit Auto Show is shaping up to be one of the most exciting car events, showcasing the debut appearances of many new cars.

I. MUSCLE CARS

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R



Building on the already potent GT350 that made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2014, the R is expected to be lighter, faster and tuned specifically for track usage. It is expected to feature bigger aerodynamics on the outside, six-point harnesses on the inside, and even more power from the naturally aspirated, 5.2-litre V8, which already rolls out over 500 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque in the non-R trim GT350. It is expected to give a maximum speed of 190mph from 0-60mph in less than 4 seconds with a six-speed manual and a specially tuned limited-slip differential. The estimate price of this car would be around $65000.

II. GREEN CARS

Chevrolet Volt



The Volt, originally launched in 2010, subsequently won a variety of awards over the next several years.

The new Volt would come with an all-new Extended range Electric Vehicle (EREV) propulsion system, which includes a smaller battery pack, drive unit, and a revised, high-compression, 1.5-litre petrol engine. The result of all these revisions is an expected 12 percent increase in overall efficiency. It would also be $10000 cheaper than the first gen, putting it around $25000 from the dealership.

III. COUPES, SEDANS AND CONVERTIBLES

Buick Velite



This car is a totally new addition by Buick. For the past ten years or so, Buick has been hinting at the release of a two-door convertible called the Velite. This is basically a rebadged Opel Cascada, which is built on the Delta II platform, equipped with three different engines in five different trim levels. These include a turbocharged, 1.6-litre, four cylinder engine with 118 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque and a turbocharged 1.6 litre four cylinder topped out at 197 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. There is also a turbo, 2.0-litre diesel engine with up to 192 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

IV. LUXURY CARS

Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG Sport



Mercedes would show up at Detroit with several new semi-performance models from its skunkworks division, AMG. First on the docket is the C450 AMG Sport, a sedan designed to fill the gap between the standard C400 and much more powerful C63 AMG. Accomplishing that feat is a projected 3.0-liter, V-6 engine with an estimated 375 to 400 horsepower. Not only will the C450 come with a ton of power, rumors persist of an all-wheel-drive 4MATIC version as well.
In addition to the C450 AMG, Mercedes is also expected to bring a high-powered coupe-crossover, possibly dubbed the GLE Coupe AMG. As a competitor to the BMW X6 M, the GLE Coupe is built on the standard M Class platform, but with a swept back exterior, short rear-end, a 544-horsepower engine, and all-wheel-drive.

V. SUVs/CROSSOVERS

Chevrolet Trax



The Chevrolet Trax first made its debut at the 2014 New York Auto Show, but with the subcompact SUV crossover set to arrive in dealerships soon, it has been put on display for one more time.

Aimed at a young buyer looking for a small crossover that still offers the high-stance and cargo space of an SUV, the Trax starts at a sensible $20,000. Powered by a turbocharged, 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, which yields 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, this car is worth the money. The transmission choice is limited to a single unit: a Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed slush box. While the drivetrain is not exactly exciting, there is available all-wheel-drive, plus a cornucopia of interior features, like leather seats, seven-inch infotainment screen, OnStar 4G LTE with WiFi, Sirius XM radio, navigation, and Apple’s Siri Eyes Free software. For a young buyer looking for a crossover with car-like gas mileage, SUV stance, and tons of features, Chevy might be the way to go.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe



BMW is often credited for creating the coupe-crossover niche segment with the X6. In response, Mercedes has dropped the curtain on the new GLE Coupe, divulging the official details several weeks before its public debut in Detroit.

The coupe-crossover philosophy is simple: take a large, high-stance SUV, and add the swoopy lines of a coupe by shortening the rear end curving the roofline. Throw in a drivetrain capable of motivating all that mass to a decent performance spec, mount a huge amount of rubber to keep it glued in the corners, and the result is a physics-defying highway bruiser.

Mercedes followed this formula to an extent: the exterior is swollen with sporting intent draped over SUV-like proportions, the top-range engine is a bi-turbo, 3.0-liter V-6 producing 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, the transmission is a nine-speed auto, 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is included, and standard 21-inch lightweight alloy wheels at the corners come wrapped in high-performance 275/45 tires up front and 315/40 tires in the rear. Inside, there’s leather and Alcantara upholstery, sports seats, high-end infotainment, aluminum, wood, or carbon trim, and all the other technology bits Mercedes is known for. As the first real X6 competitor, the GLE Coupe certainly appears to be a stout performer.

VI. TRUCKS

Toyota Tacoma



The new upgraded Tacoma is finally making its debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Over the previous two generations, Toyota made a ton of sales with this unflappable pickup, and now its time to see what it plans to do to improve it. This time, it is expected to be upgraded with a larger front grille, plus the “TACOMA” stamped lettering on the tailgate. The interior has been upgraded with improved materials, plus features like Entune infotainment software, USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The current engine options include a 4.0-litre V6 with 236 horsepower, and a 2.7-litre inline-four with
159 horsepower which require a change for more power from both the V6 and I-4 configurations, with possibly a diesel option and maybe even a hybrid as well. The transmission should gain a gear to atleast a six-speed.

GMC Canyon Special Edition



This latest model is subject to a great deal of fanfare and praise. With three different engines, including a 2.5-litre inline-four, 3.6-litre V6 and, new for the 2016 model year, a Duramax. 2.8-litre, turbo-diesel four-cylinder, there is either a manual or automatic option for the transmission, both of which are six-speeds, plus the requisite four-wheel-drive system. When combined with the automatic transmission, the 2.5-liter engine can achieve up to 27 mpg on the highway, which is impressive for a midsize truck. Throw in an improved interior, which comes with a standard 3.4-inch infotainment screen, optional navigation, available leather, and tons of other techy options, the Canyon represents a fresh, refined approach to trucking.

VII. PERFORMANCE CARS

Acura NSX



A human-centred supercar that responds to the will of the driver, that's what the new Acura NSX is all about. Combining exotic looks, a high-performance engine, handling refined by Ayrton Senna, cutting-edge technology, and bulletproof reliability, the Japanese automaker has revealed a sure hit this time.

The new NSX is more like a technological powerhouse. The exact specifications is still a matter of guesswork. The engine could most likely be a direct-injection, mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged 3.5litre V6, with a wider V-angle than the previous units of that configuration. The chassis and body is a mix of aluminium, high tensile steel and composites, although there would be some carbon fibre components too. There are chances that one of the new seven and eight-speed dual clutch gearboxes, recently launched by the parent manufacturer Honda, might appear in the new NSX. There would be no manual transmission and speculations are there that Honda is targeting a curb weight of around 1400kg. The power output still remains a secret, but it is guaranteed that with three electric motors and a new bi-turbo V6, the power would definitely surge to some figure beyond 500bhp. Acura had previously promised that the NSX would be available at the price of a 911, so one can expect a starting ticket under $155k.

Ford Focus RS, Ford F-150 Raptor, Ford GT Successor



These three blue oval products have been grouped together as details on each of these are either sparse, second-hand, or both. This year the 2016 model Focus RS will represent the next generation with a new drivetrain, with an enhanced version of the 2.3-litre, EcoBoost turbo Four found in the Mustang, which could produce a roughly 330 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. It is expected to have a four wheel drive option this time along with a six-speed manual gearbox.



The new F-150 Raptor is a high-performance off-roader with tons of suspension travel, tires capable of handling any loose surface, and a 400 horsepower V8. It may also have a lighter chassis, even more power and higher capabilities.



There are also rumours that a successor to the Ford GT series would also be launched at the Detroit Auto Show this year. With a constantly improving overall sales record and increasing demand for high-powered sports cars, this can be treated as a well-timed move. If Ford succeeds in pulling the trigger on a project like this, this car could probably arrive with a boosted, high-strung variant of the flat-crank V8 found in the Shelby Mustang GT350, and both a manual and quick-shift paddle gearbox for transmission options.

Earlier this month, Ford broke the news that its new performance tuning house, dubbed Ford Performance, would combine SVT, Team RS, and Ford Racing into a singular organization. The new skunkworks division is already tasked with creating 12 new performance models in the next five years, possibly including the new Focus RS, the Fiesta ST, and F-150 Raptor. If you love fast Fords, brace yourselves, because it looks like Detroit will kick off one very exciting new era for the blue oval.

Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop



Based on the recently designed Cooper Hardtop, the new JCW is the most powerful Mini ever developed as of 2015. Designed to have an aggressive styling and the most powerful engine fitted in a Mini of 2015, a decent amount of luxury and a host of customization options can be attributed to this car.

The brand new JCW retains the turbocharged, 2.0litre, four-cylinder engine of its predecessor, but the beefed up hatch now benefits from significantly more power. The four-banger makes 228 horsepower at 5200rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1250rpm in the 2015 JCW. It is also the quickest, needing only 5.9 seconds to charge from 0-60mph with the six-speed automatic transmission, making it 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous model. Top speed has also been updated, being 7mph higher than last year's model at 153mph. The 0-60mph sprint also makes the JCW a lot more quicker than its closest competitor, the Ford Fiesta ST, which needs nearly a second more to achieve the same benchmark.

BMW M2



The Germans are back once again in Detroit with a brand new variant in the M2 series. Sporting the customary bulging fenders and hard coupe appearance found throughout the M lineup, the M2 is expected to come bearing extensive carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) componentry. A hallmark of the new i8, CFRP is that magic combination of high strength and low weight, perfect for a platform like the M2.
To realize speed capabilities worthy of an M badge, an upgraded version of the twin-turbo, 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine powering the M235i, with output rated somewhere around 400 horses, can be expected. Rounding out this performance package should be a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which will render a 0-to-60 time of a smidge over four seconds, placing the M2 neatly behind its sibling, the M4. As BMW’s entry-level sports car, this $55,000 autobahn stormer is definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Lexus GS F



This brand, described as the four-door equivalent of the Lexus RC F, is expected to receive the same 5.0-litre, V8 engine with an estimated output of around 500 horsepower, along with a close-ratio, eight-speed automatic transmission. Traction is maximized via a torque-vectoring differential in the rear, plus high-performance tires on 19-inch alloy wheels. Other sporting intent cues include four-piston calipers clamping down on slotted rotors, which are cooled by functional bumper ducts. There is a raised hood to accommodate the large engine, subtle aerodynamic enhancements and a quad exhaust in the rear. The inside is treated to sport seats, aluminium-rimmed gauges, and a new steering wheel. Also, carbon composites are expected to help shed weight.

VIII. CONCEPT CARS

Infiniti Q60 Concept



Nissan's luxury brand Infiniti has plans to revamp its upscale Q60 sports coupe by broinging its concept version of the 2016 model to Detroit. The new Q60 would retain its original 3.7-litre V6 engine, which is good for 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque in the current trim. A few more performance elements can be expected along with a possibility for a Hybrid with a slightly smaller 3.5-litre V6 paired to an electric motor for cruising or insta-torque while overtaking. Hybrid power for this version would be a great option, though it would complicate the drivetrain, it would definitely extend the usability of Nissan's internal combustion V6 engine.

Volkswagen Concept Crossover



With a US product lineup composed of mostly compacts and hatchbacks, Volkswagen might be looking towards expanding its SUV and crossover offerings with a new five-seat concept vehicle. Taken into consideration the immense popularity of such vehicles, VW is expected to offer more than six new SUVs and crossovers in the coming years. But the company has confirmed to create an SUV even larger than the Touareg, as well as a coupe-style variant of the Tiguan. However, to stand out in the crowd, VW will need to produce something that is distinct and innovative.