Last year’s Detroit Auto Show, or North American International Auto Show as it’s officially labeled, turned out to be a bonanza for performance fans with cars like the new GT supercar, Shelby GT350 Mustangs and Acura NSX all making their debut at the event. Things are looking a little more subdued for this year's show, but it’s still early days as we’re more than a week out from the opening day.
The action all unfolds January 11 and we’re told around 40 debuts are planned, including both world and North American firsts. The Detroit Auto Show is also where we learn the winners of the prestigious North American Car and Truck of the Year awards, which this round has a couple of Motor Authority editors serving as judges.
To stay on top of it all, visit our dedicated hub for our complete show coverage and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the breaking news. In the meantime, here’s our roundup of some of the cars set to appear, and what we know about them so far.
2017 Volvo S90
2017 Volvo S90: The second model in Volvo’s brand renaissance makes its world debut in Detroit. The car is a mid-size sedan brimming with luxury and technology shared with its XC90 platform-mate, and, on paper at least, it looks like it may have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with some of the German offerings, namely Audi’s A6. In the United States there will be three engine choices available: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; and a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four working with an electric drive system.
2016 Buick Envision
2016 Buick Envision: The debut of this small crossover will likely prove controversial, as the vehicle is destined to be the first Chinese-made car sold in the U.S. by a major American automaker, in this case General Motors Company [NYSE:GM]. The Envision was actually shown in China more than a year ago but was only recently confirmed for sale in these parts. The Envision will be launched with just one engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering an estimated 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and spin all four wheels via GM’s new twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system.
2017 Porsche 911 Turbo
2017 Porsche 911 Turbo: Porsche has slowly been introducing updated versions of its 911 family. The latest to arrive is the 911 Turbo, which as part of its update received more power and an upgraded display. The engine remains a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six but output now registers at 540 horsepower. The slightly more potent Turbo S now has 580 hp. That represents a 20-hp bump in power for each compared to the previous model. Torque, meanwhile, registers at 523 pound-feet in the Turbo and 553 lb-ft in the Turbo S (with overboost).
Teaser for Henrik Fisker Design The Force 1 - Image via Automobile
Henrik Fisker Design The Force 1: This is one model appearing in Detroit for which we don’t have much in the way of details. It’s a supercar called The Force 1, and it has been designed by Henrik Fisker of Fisker Automotive fame. We’re told that it was developed by Fisker in partnership with a legendary American racer, and its engine is said to be one of the most powerful naturally aspirated units in production. Other specs include a six-speed manual, active suspension and carbon fiber construction.
Teaser for Acura Precision concept debuting at 2016 Detroit Auto Show
Acura Precision Concept: Another vehicle debuting in Detroit that we know little about is a new concept car from Acura called the Precision. From the sole teaser shot released by the brand, the Precision looks to be in the form of a sleek sedan with coupe-like styling. The concept is meant to hint at the next-generation design language of the brand, particular that applied to future sedans. Acura design boss Dave Marek calls the company's core DNA "precision crafted performance," and says that the goal is to more strongly express performance through design.
Infiniti 'VR' twin-turbo V-6 engine
2016 Infiniti Q50: The Q50 isn’t exactly a new sedan but the 2016 model year sees the introduction of a new V-6 engine. The engine is called the VR, and it will eventually replace the aging VQ range of V-6 engines found in numerous Infiniti and Nissan models. It’s a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 developed in-house by Infiniti and Nissan engineers. In the 2016 Q50, the engine offers up two outputs: 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque in its top high-output form, or 300 hp and 295 lb-ft in standard form.
2017 Mercedes-AMG SLC43
2017 Mercedes-AMG SLC43: Mercedes-Benz will present in Detroit its new SLC. The car is essentially an updated version of the current SLK but we’re sad to report that there’s no direct replacement for the V-8-powered SLK55 from Mercedes-AMG. Instead, the official Mercedes tuner has come up with a SLC43 which packs a twin-turbocharged V-6 good for 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. Also forming the SLC lineup, at least in the U.S., is an SLC300 powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 241 hp and 273 lb-ft.
2017 Chrysler Town & Country spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
2017 Chrysler Town & Country: Chrysler will present the latest version of its Town & Country minivan in Detroit. We’ve already spotted thin-disguised prototypes which reveal a much sharper, Chrysler 200-inspired look for the popular family hauler. Not much is known about the vehicle except its Detroit debut, though there are rumors it will offer a plug-in hybrid option. Though it’s not common for multiple powertrains to be offered in the minivan segment, it’s likely a non-hybrid option will be available as well, either a four-cylinder or V-6.
Hit the next page for a rundown of some of the other cars appearing at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, and remember to follow our dedicated hub for all the latest updates.
2016 BMW M2
And The Rest...
2016 BMW M2 Finally Breaks Cover: Video
2016 BMW X4 M40i M Performance Model Makes Debut
2016 Infiniti QX60 Gets Tweaked Styling, New Chassis Features
2017 Honda Ridgeline To Debut In Detroit, Star In Super Bowl 50 Spot
2017 Genesis G90 Revealed: Video
2016 North American Car And Truck/Utility Of The Year Finalists Announced
That’s it for now, but don’t forget that you’ll be able to access the latest information from the 2016 Detroit Auto Show at any time via our dedicated hub.
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