Auto Industry, Vehicle News, and general automotive hoonery
Sunday, January 17, 2016
2016 NAIAS Wrap-up: Tasted Great But Less Filling
Overlooking the NAIAS from the Lincoln display (Image courtesy of Gary McFarland)
It was another fun year for the Vehiblog crew at the 2016 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Michigan. We were even able to add a third member, our new intern Stephanie, to our motley crew to help with real-time social media uploads. While there was a lot of new manufacturers displays that, according to NAIAS, cost around $200M, the show was also noticeably smaller. Automakers such as Tesla, Bentley, Jaguar, Mini, and Rolls Royce did not attend this year. The normally full basement which had a lot of custom manufacturer's such as Equus in past years, only had some Army vehicles from the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) , a couple other small booths. Now onto the highlights!
The all new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Minivan
Chrysler led off with the introduction of the all new 2017 Pacifica Minivan. The Pacifica will replace the existing Town & Country minivan as an all new platform that has been re-engineered from the ground up. The new design also adds some much needed exterior styling to hopefully soften the blow for those that need a minivan but would rather be in something else. The Pacifica if packed with a host of safety features such as 360-degree Surround View camera, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Hold and Forward Collision Warning-Plus.Plenty of other tech is packed into the inside too. Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment, 8.4-inch touchscreen display, premium audio systems and a full array of comfort and convenience technologies available, including Stow ‘n Vac integrated vacuum, tri-pane panoramic sunroof, handsfree sliding doors and liftgate and redesigned Stow ‘n Go seating with Stow ‘n Go Assist and Easy Tilt access to the third row.
2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
In a move that is sure to put them into the forefront of mass production, affordable electric vehicles (EVs), Chevrolet unveiled the 2017 Bolt EV. Available in late 2016 the Bolt should offer more than 200 miles of range on a full charge for around $30k after the federal tax credit.
2017 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback
Also unveiled by Chevrolet was the 2017 Cruze hatchback. 200 pounds lighter then the previous generation the Cruze will be available in L, LS, LT, Premier, and RS trims. The Cruze will go on sale fall of this year.
Audi h-tron quattro concept (Image courtesy of Gary McFarland)
Audi unveiled it's h-tron quattro concept that utilizes a hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain It was also packed full of upcoming piloted driving and parking technologies to be found in its upcoming vehicles.
2016 Audi Allroad A4 quattro
Audi also unveiled an updated A4 Allroad quattro for 2016. With larger wheels and added ground clearance the Allroad adds approximately 1.3" additional ride height compared to a normal A4. Adjustable suspension is also available.
VW Tiguan GTE Active Concept
VW showcased its Tiguan GTE Active Concept which offers increased efficiency through a plug-in hybrid system and increased off-road performance. The drivetrain includes a 148hp engine and two electric motors which allow it to drive around 20 miles in zero emissions electric mode. Which it doesn't look that capable off-road VW engineers added to include:"ground clearance under the axles increased from 7.1 to 8.9 inches and the maximum ground clearance under the body increased from 7.9 to 9.6 inches. The approach and departure angles were improved from 25.6 to 26.1 degrees at the front and from 24.7 to 29.9 degrees at the rear. The maximum ramp angle for overcoming road bumps grew from 20 to 24.7 degrees."
Mercedes-Benz SLC Roadster
All new Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 Cabriolet
Mercedes-Benz unveiled a trio of automobiles this year. The SLC Roadster which will replace the existing SLK roadster, an all new E-class sedan, and the extremely luxurious and powerful AMG S63 Cabriolet.
BMW unveiled the latest performance car in its M lineup, the M2 coupe. Weighing it at 3,296lbs with a 3.0L twin turbo V6 making 370hp and 343 lb-ft of torque this car brings back the simple and SMALL performance sports cars we have loved from BMW in the past. Base price should be around $53k.
2016 Volvo XC90 Won North American Truck/Utility Of the Year
Volvo's new S90 premium sedan
Volvo showed off its XC90 SUV which won the North American Truck/Utility of the year award and it's new S90 premium sedan.
Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet (Image courtesy of Gary McFarland)
Porsche unveiled its new top of the line 911 models for the 2017 model year. The new 911 Turbo will make 540hp and the 911 Turbo S will produce 580hp from Porsche 3.8L flat six engines.
Ford's new F-150 Raptor with the ecoboost V6
Ford's new Fusion sedan
Ford had a relatively tame unveiling this year compared to the Raptor, GT, and GT350R they unveiled last year. The F-150 Raptor gets a host of updates, including a much lighter 3.5L ecoboost twin turbo V6 in the front end which saves weight and produces more over then the previous 6.2L V8. Ford also unveiled it's new Fusion lineup which includes a very intriguing Fusion Sport model which has all-wheel drive and a twin turbo 2.7L V6 which is set to make 325hp and 350lb-ft of torque. This is up from the previous Fusion Sport which had a 3.5L V6 making 263hp and 249lb-ft of torque.
Infiniti Q60 coupe. (Image courtesy of Stephanie Greene)
Infiniti unveiled it's new Q60 couple which will be available in either a 300hp or 400hp twin turbo V6 in a rear-wheel drive configuration.
Lexus LC 500 (Image courtesy of Lexus)
Lexus, much to the surprise and delight of everyone actually turned its LF-LC concept it debuted in the 2012 NAIAS into the LC500 2+2 premium sports coupe. Its 5.0L V8 will make 467hp and 389lb-ft of torque.
The all new Honda Ridgeline
Honda unveiled it's 2nd generation Honda Ridgeline truck. Packed with a lot of features and multiple drivetrain options this truck won't be winning any awards at the local tractor pull but is probably the best all-around truck your typical suburbanite will ever need.
The Hyundai Genesis G90 luxury flagship sedan
Hyundai, in an attempt to expand more into the premium/luxury marketed unveiled a new brand, Genesis, which builds upon it's existing Genesis platform, but also unveiled the G90, the first vehicle under the new brand. Offered with a variety of drivetrains, safety, and infotainment features it should be poised to give those looking to get into the premium/luxury markets a great value if the brand name isn't a factor.\
Kia Telluride Concept
Kia unveiled a new Forte coupe, Forte hatchback, and it's Telluride concept SUV. Packed with a ton of fairly ridiculous tech features revolving around health and wellness technologies.
Acura Precision Concept
Even though it's only a concept vehicle the Precision Concept's lines and features will be used on all future Acura Products.
2017 Lincoln Continental
Lincoln unveiled its 2017 Continental, the flagship vehicle in its lineup. Equipped with a 3.0L twin turbo V6 making 400hp and 400lb-ft of torque this car is sure to give buyers luxurious driving or riding experience.
2017 GMC Acadia
The new for 2017 Acadia is a redesigned midsize crossover from GMC that offers a host of new drivetrains and features such as 5, 6, or 7 passenger seating.
Nissan Titan Warrior Concept
In a bid to beef up it's off-road game Nissan unveiled the Titan Warrior Concept which looks to take aim directly at Ford's F-150 Raptor.
Buick Avista Concept
Even though they didn't have a scheduled press conference Buick blew everyone away with their Avista concept car. A 2+2 coupe with a 400hp twin turbo V6, in a stunning deep blue color really caught everyone's eye.
If you attend the show be sure to check out the audio/visual demonstration at the Fiat/Chrysler area. It is pretty impressive.
We hope you enjoyed our wrap-up and that you get to enjoy the autoshow yourself. The public portion of the show runs until January 24th, 2016. For more information go to www.naias.com
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