Posts Tagged ‘SUVs/Crossovers/Trucks’
NAIAS 2016: Ford
The latest Ford GT, Raptor, and Fusion were on display in Detroit, but the 2016 Focus RS was our favorite. The all-wheel drive hot hatch will be arriving to US dealers soon, although they were sold out long ago. Exterior styling is relatively subtle compared to the performance it offers over a base Focus. The subtle but functional exterior styling cues could be easily missed on a more subdued color, although this Nitrous Blue does not exactly blend in. Only three other color options are available: Shadow Black, Frozen White, and Stealth Grey. The 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four is out of the Mustang, but it has been upgraded to 350 horsepower. And it will only be available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
NAIAS 2016: Audi
Audi debuted the updated 2017 A4 allroad quattro in Detroit. It is based on the A4 sedan but the wagon benefits from increased ride height and standard quattro all-wheel drive.
NAIAS 2016: BMW
The BMW M2 finally made its debut in Detroit. The rear-wheel coupe will be powered by a 3.0 turbocharged inline-6 good for 365 horsepower. It will come with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT. Starting price is $51,700 and it will be available this spring.
NAIAS 2016: Volkswagen
The diesel smoke is still clearing from the Volkswagen emissions scandal, and stock prices and sales are yet to fully recover. The apology tour was in full swing at NAIAS with everyone at VW committing to make things right and lead a more green future. To this goal VW showcased it’s plug-in hybrid Tiguan concept. The small ute is rugged looking and reminiscent of a Dakar race Tiguan. The far more vanilla second-gen Tiguan should arrive by the end of 2016, and they will need it to be a hit.
NAIAS 2016: Lexus
Lexus is continuing to look like more and more of a threat to the established Germans in the luxury segment. Now they are taking aim at the brute coupes that fill the segment like the Jaguar F-Type and Mercedes SL with the new Lexus LC 500. It is an imposing rear-wheel drive rocket with the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 out of their RC F and GS F good for 467 horsepower mated to a new 10-speed automatic. The styling is what sets this car apart and Lexus should be praised for its bravery in making a car that is angular, audacious, and beautiful.
NAIAS 2016: Volvo
The Volvo S90 made its public debut in Detroit, replacing the S80 as their new flagship sedan. Just like the XC90, it is based on the Scalable Product Architecture platform and will utilize 4-cylinder engines. It is the first vehicle to offer a semi-autonomous Pilot Assist program as standard equipment, and it will work up to 80 mph. It will be available later this year.
2015 Volvo XC60 Review
2015 Volvo XC60 T5 Premier
2.0L turbo inline-4, 240 hp, 258 lb-ft, front-wheel drive, 8-speed auto, leather seats, 24/31 mpg
NAIAS 2015: Chevy
The Bolt EV is still a concept, but Chevy hopes to turn it into a production model in the next few years. It is an all-electric car with a 200-mile range and $30k sticker price.
NAIAS 2015: Ford
Ford surprised everyone in Detroit by unveiling an all-new GT to be put into production in 2016. A successor to the previous GT, which ceased production back in 2007, was not expected, and it was easily one of the biggest surprises of the show. It will be powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
NAIAS 2015: Toyota
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma made its debut in Detroit. While the outgoing Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize pickup for ten years, it had no real competition. Newcomers Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon hope to win some of the segment back.