Tag Archives: Detroit
BMW And Mercedes-Benz Pull Out Of Detroit Auto Show
Six weeks ago, Mercedes-Benz announced that it won’t be a part of the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. BMW is following suit with an announcement mirroring Mercedes’ sentiments.
The pullout of Europe’s top car brands is pushing the Detroit Auto Dealers Association to contemplate moving the annual January fair to October starting in 2020. The association also wants to recast it as a less expensive show centered primarily on products and technology.
Luxury brands and supercars maker Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, and Volvo also did not attend the Detroit show this year. Mazda and Mitsubishi skipped it as well. Aston Martin, Ferrari, Bentley, and Porsche have no display on the show, but have vehicles at The Gallery. Alfa Romeo, Audi, Chrysler, and Dodge all have displays, but did not hold press conferences. Lamborghini revealed the Urus there while Cadillac brought nothing new because its focus is on the New York auto show.
BMW released a statement, explaining why it would skip the trade show next year. “This decision was made as BMW Group is constantly examining our presence at trade-shows and other engagements, while, at the same time, also exploring alternative platforms and formats. The overall goal is to communicate our ideas and plans regarding future mobility in the best way and achieve the greatest possible visibility for our products, technologies and innovations.”
The DADA is looking at moving the event to fall when the weather is more comfortable in Detroit. It also believes that reducing operational costs could lead these major car companies back. The DADA wants to revamp the show by trying to pattern it after the Geneva motor show, where the focus is vehicles and technology. The group will vote about this proposal in mid-April.
When it joined the Detroit show in January, BMW released no new updates on its Rolls Royces, its Minis, and even its motorcycles. This is a good indicator of its plan to backdown from the show in 2019, seeing as it had traditionally showed off its luxurious models.
Top 3 Expectations From the New Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class will get a redesigned model this year. The iconic SUV of the three-pointed star brand has been confirmed to make its world premiere at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.
Last year, we have been seeing spy shots of the new G-Class under a zebra camouflage. Mercedes also released several teasers of the vehicle’s interior, and its camo-free photos were leaked a few days ago.
Based from spy shots, teasers and leaks, here are the top three things that we are expecting from the new G-Class:
1.Exterior Design
The leaked images of the Mercedes G-Class reveal that its distinct, classic, boxy styling will remain. Examining the auto closely though will show an updated design in the bumpers, grille and lighting system. The SUV looks more spacious than its predecessor too.
2. Interior Elements
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- The G-Class gets a more luxurious layout.
Major changes will be introduced in the interior of the new G-Class. Some of the tech found in the S-Class and in the E-Class cars of its maker will make their way into the SUV.
The most prominent feature its cabin is its dual display integrated in the dashboard. Then the layout of its controls have been updated for easy access of its functions.
The occupants of the auto are treated to its high-end two-tone leather surfaces as well that adorn its seats, panels and dashboard. Moreover, chrome linings highlight its knobs, handles, buttons and air vents.
3. Driving Performance
The G-Class recently completed its last leg of testing in the rugged and 1,445-meter high Schockl track. The SUV navigated its way to the demanding 5.6 km route of the mountain demonstrating its improved climbing ability, suspension and front axle design.
The new G-Class promises approach and departure angles of 31 degrees and 30 degrees, respectively with max fording depth of 27.5 inches.
Furthermore, a nine-speed automatic transmission will be carried into the G-Class. Lastly, it will introduce the “G-Mode” drive program for better off-roading experience with the vehicle.
Top 7 Most Anticipated Cars and SUVs at the 2018 Detroit Motor Show
The year 2018 is here and there are many things for us to get excited about in the automotive world. Major global events hitting us this January will be the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) or simply known as the Detroit Motor Show. But in this article, we will only focus on the Detroit Motor Show.
Here is a quick look at the top 7 new vehicles that we are looking forward to see in the show:
1. Infiniti Concept Car
Inifiti recently teased what appears to be a snout of a new concept sedan. Based on sources, the car will likely be powered by a hybrid powertrain or it might be an all-electric Q series model.
2. Mercedes-AMG 53 Models
A new line of AMG models will be introduced in Detroit. The cars will bear the 53 moniker. The output of the AMG 53s will be higher than the 43s. The E-Class and the CLS range were confirmed to carry the 53 line.
AMG CEO Tobias Moers said in an interview that the CLS will no longer have the 63 model. Instead, the range-topper of the CLS family will be the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53.
3. BMW i8 Coupe
The BMW i8 Coupe takes many cues from the i8 Roadster, except of course the hard top of the coupe. However, the coupe will get an 11.6 kWh battery and 105 kW electric motor. It will keep its 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine. The total output of the car is at 275 kW with a zero to 100 km/h acceleration of 4.4 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h.
4. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The iconic G-Class in the SUV range of Mercedes is getting an overhaul. So far, the German automaker has released official photos of the vehicle’s interior, which suggest that it will probably be wider than its predecessor. As for its design, Mercedes might stick with the classic boxy body of the SUV that has been its signature trait since it was introduced to consumers decades ago.
5. Hyundai Veloster
Hyundai will be debuting a new generation model of the Veloster. The car is expected to use a variant of the 2018 Elantra’s platform. Then, it will be benefiting from the different engine options offered by the i30, including a high-performance “N” trim.
6. Lexus LF-1 Limitless
Lexus just teased some exterior elements of the LF-1 crossover last month. From the images revealed by its maker, the car will be slightly inspired by the LC 500h. The auto is expected to be marketed as the flagship SUV of Lexus.
What is very interesting about the vehicle though is its “LF” name. It should be noted that the letterings were once applied to a supercar of Lexus called the LFA. So does that mean that the LF-1 will have a top-of-the-line performance in the Lexus hierarchy?
7. Volkswagen Jetta
The next-gen Jetta is on its way. Teasers, concept arts and spy shots of the car hint that it will be sleeker than the current model. The interior of the auto appears to have a similar layout with the Mk VII Golf. The engine options will likely include a 1.4-liter turbo inline-four and a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four. The transmission will either be a six-speed or eight-speed automatic. The output of the vehicle should be higher than the existing model and a hybrid version of it is a possibility.
Reminder
It should be noted that some of the information here are based on predictions, insider scoops, official teasers and limited hints from automakers as most of them refuse to discuss models that haven’t had their official world premieres yet. Therefore, better take these with a grain of salt as we wait for the opening of the 2018 Detroit Motor Show.
Top 3 Facts About The 2018 Lexus LS
For many years, Lexus LS, which debuted in 1989 at the Detroit Auto Show, has been the standard of many stylish sedans. Lexus is looking to recapture some of that former glory during this year’s North American International Auto Show.
To do that, Lexus has to make this fifth-generation LS larger, more powerful, and more stylish than ever based on a report.
1. Size And Design
The new architecture used by Lexus makes the LS lower, wider, and is closer to the ground center of gravity. The front end reminds us of the LC Coupe but the side profile is far different from the current generation LS. It comes with Lexus’ new six-side window design and 20-inch wheels with a special hollow rim structure which can reduce the vehicle noise.
Why is this important for Lexus? The exhaust will certainly be noisier than this model’s predecessor even if the sedan is fitted with an active noise cancellation system in the cabin.
2. Powertrain
During the auto show, the Japanese automaker only showed the specs of the LS500 model. It comes packed with a twin-turbocharged direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 engine that can produce 415 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.
The power allows the LS to compete well with its counterparts from other luxury car makers: the Mercedes-Benz S550 that cranks out 449 horsepower and the BMW 750i that produces 445 horsepower.
The engine is paired with Aisin-supplied 10-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as optional. According to Lexus, the car can go 0-60mph in just a matter of 4.5 seconds.
3. Interior
Luxury is the name of the game in the LS’ cabin. It’s covered with plush, buttery-smooth leather and beautifully designed dashboard. Owners can choose different types of wood trim and ambient lighting that is based on Japanese lanterns.
It also comes with Lexus’ remote touch interface that controls the 12.3-inch central display screen. It has smartphone-like operations.
3 Reasons Why The 2018 Honda Odyssey Remains To Be A Family-Friendly Minivan
The trend all over the world now is for families to choose three-row crossovers instead of the minivans. Fortunately, in the United States, at least, there is still a huge market for the likes of the Honda Odyssey.
Introduced during the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, the new 2018 Honda Odyssey promises versatility, functionality, and most of all, space. A huge chunk of space. On the outside, the Odyssey seemed to have not changed at all from its predecessor. The only changes are the embellished beltline, a hockey-stick character line, new LED headlights and taillights, and a grille similar to the one on the Pilot.
However, here are the real gems in the new Honda Odyssey based on a source:
1. Magic Slide Seats
The previous models for the Odyssey has a removable center section for the second row. That means it can either seat three or be separated for two. Honda made this even more incredible now. The whole row can be moved forward to allow easier access to the third row. This also means that the ones on the first row can reach back easier to the people in the middle row.
The center can still be removed, so the outboard seats can slide to the center together. Either of the outboard can move to the center, depending on whether the third row wants a more spacious left or right. It can also be moved in a side-to-side positioning in increments.
2. Cabin Watch
The cabin is filled with technologies that allow for better communicating between those in the front seats and those in the rear seats. The most interesting out of which is the Cabin Watch, an infrared camera that works in darkness or daylight. It allows people in the front seats to see what’s going on in the last two rows. The images on the camera will be sent to the dashboard’s central display screen. Pinch and zoom is allowed.
3. Honda Sensing
The safety features are another element that should factor into why families are choosing Odyssey. The Honda Sensing packs a suite of active safety features that are standard on all models, except for the base LX.
The package includes adaptive cruise control with automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, and rear cross-traffic alert.
3 Must-Knows About the Volkswagen Atlas SUV In R-Line Attire
The North American International Auto Show in Detroit is where Volkswagen’s much-anticipated seven-seater SUV is going to be seen once more. Together with the regular Atlas is the R-Line package, which we can expect to be launched later in the year.
The regular Volkswagen Atlas will be available in five trim levels, and will arrive as a 2018 model in spring, according to reports. The R-Line package, expected to arrive by the year’s end, will only be available in the upper SE and SEL trim levels.
Exterior
The R-Line aims to add a touch of sportiness to the already well-equipped and functional Atlas. For the exterior, the package will boost the Atlas with 20-inch aluminum-alloy twin-spoke wheels, new front and rear bumpers, new side skirts, and air intakes and rear with a diffuser design. Of course, never to forget is the R-Line badging that would essentially separate this from the regular Atlas.
Interior
The changes inside the cabin are not that much. In a nutshell, it has a small R clip on the steering wheel, stainless steel pedal covers, and an R-line logo on the infotainment screen when the vehicle starts up. This pack is available for all powertrains, whether the four- or six-cylinder engines with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Powertrain
That being said, there’s nothing new with Atlas R-line’s powertrain. Under the hood, you’ll find the same engine as non-R-line models: there’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or the 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The four-cylinder engine gives off 235 horsepower while the V-6 produces 276 horsepower. Standard to both engines is the eight-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive is what’s packing in the four-cylinder engine while the 4MOTION all-wheel drive is available for the V-6 engine.
Pricing for the R-line Atlas has not been revealed for now, but let’s wait if we’ll get more details at the Detroit Auto Show.
