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Detroit Auto Show 2018: Biggest Debuts
John M. Vincent | January 15, 2018
Photo: John M. Vincent / U.S. News & World Report
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Here Are the Most Important New Models From the 2018 Detroit Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is where the world's automakers show their most significant new products each year. Also known as the Detroit Auto Show, NAIAS 2018 brought several significant introductions of all-new models, plus redesigns of some of America's best-selling products.
It's a big year for the pickup market with the return of the Ford Ranger, plus comprehensive redesigns of the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks. On the eve of the show, Ford introduced a diesel engine option for the 2018 Ford F-150 pickup.
BMW brought a new entry into their SUV lineup, while Toyota, Hyundai, and Volkswagen brought redesigned models to Detroit.
Take a look at the following slides to see some of the biggest debuts from this year's Detroit Auto Show.
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The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 made its auto show debut in Detroit. The redesigned Silverado 1500 is larger than ever, but drops up to 450 pounds in overall weight, depending on the model. It retains a steel bed but gets an aluminum hood, tailgate, and doors.
With a bed floor that is 7 inches wider than the outgoing model's, the new Silverado is expected to have class-leading cargo volume when it arrives in the market next fall. Six powertrain options will be available, including a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel. Its gasoline-fueled 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines feature new fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology that will allow them to operate on anywhere between one and eight cylinders, depending on driving conditions.
The Silverado will be available in eight trim levels, from the basic Work Truck to the opulent High Country. For the first time, Chevy will offer a power tailgate that can be operated from the cab, the key fob, or a switch on the tailgate.
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The 2019 Toyota Avalon arrived in Detroit with a stylish redesign, plus a host of technology and connectivity features that are new to the brand. The sedan is lower, longer, and wider than the outgoing model. It will be available with either a V6 engine or a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain.
The Avalon will be the first Toyota to feature support for Apple CarPlay. It will also support Amazon Alexa and smartwatch connectivity, so you can unlock or lock your doors, start the engine, or even check your Avalon's fuel level from your smartwatch or Amazon Alexa-enabled device.
Expect the 2019 Avalon to arrive in dealerships this spring. It will be built at Toyota's Georgetown, Kentucky plant.
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For 2019, the redesigned Volkswagen Jetta moves to a new platform, grows in nearly every exterior dimension compared with the current model, and is protected by the longest basic warranty available in the segment, with coverage for six years or 72,000 miles. Its larger exterior yields additional space in its reworked interior.
Volkswagen is offering a number of upscale features on the new Jetta, including a panoramic sunroof, a 10-color ambient lighting system, heated and ventilated seats, and VW's digital cockpit reconfigurable instrument panel.
The redesigned Jetta is expected to go on sale in the second quarter of 2018.
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Photo: Ford Motor Company
The Ford Ranger returns to the North American market for 2019, bringing a host of advanced features, including standard automatic emergency braking, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It will be available in extended- and crew-cab models.
In addition to three trim levels, the 2019 Ford Ranger will be available with an aggressive FX4 off-road package that includes off-road-tuned shock absorbers, all-terrain tires, additional skid plates, and a sophisticated traction management system that takes over acceleration and braking in challenging terrain.
Production of the small pickup truck begins late in 2018 at Ford's Michigan Truck Plant.
The 2019 Ram 1500 full-size pickup arrived in Detroit with new technology under the hood and in its cabin. Each of the Ram's two engine options will be outfitted with a mild hybrid system to improve efficiency, performance, and towing capacity. Both engines also feature cylinder deactivation to save fuel.
Towing capacity has improved from the 2018 Ram's 10,640 pounds to 12,750 pounds when properly equipped, while maximum payload has been increased to 2,300 pounds. The Ram's optional four-corner air suspension system has been updated to further enhance ride, efficiency, and off-road capability.
Ram has upgraded the UConnect infotainment system with an available 12-inch touch screen, a 360-degree camera system, and a 900-watt, 19-speaker audio system.
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2018 BMW i8 Coupe
Following the introduction of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, BMW brought the refreshed 2018 i8 Coupe to the Detroit Auto Show. The plug-in hybrid has increased power and can travel up to 18 miles on electricity alone at speeds up to 75 mph.
Between the i8's electric motor and three-cylinder gasoline engine, total power output has increased to 369 horsepower. BMW estimates that the lightweight coupe can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph.
The redesigned 2018 BMW i8 coupe and all-new i8 Roadster will be available in the spring of 2018.
2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
It's not too often that an automaker is proud that their redesigned vehicle looks just like the outgoing model. That, however, is the case with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which only has three parts in common with the 2018 Mercedes G-Class but is unmistakably a G-Wagon.
The G-Class has undergone a metamorphosis in its cabin, casting off its utilitarian roots for a luxurious interior loaded with technology. It comes standard with analog instrument dials, but an optional pair of 12.3-inch customizable screens can provide a widescreen alternative.
Mercedes endeavored to modernize the G-Class without reducing its legendary off-road prowess. A new G-Mode tunes several of the vehicle's systems for optimal traction under challenging conditions. Like the outgoing model, the 2019 G-Wagon includes three locking differentials.
The redesigned G-Class is 4.8 inches wider and 2.1 inches longer than the outgoing model. It is expected to be at U.S. dealers by late 2018.
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China's GAC Motor
China's Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co., LTD (better known as "GAC Motor") announced that they will enter the U.S. market by the fourth quarter of 2019 with the GS8 SUV (pictured above left), expected to be the first vehicle that they launch in North America. It would also be among the first Chinese-branded, mass-market vehicles sold in the U.S.
GAC's appearance in Detroit is part of a continuing project to build U.S. brand awareness. The company says they will be seeking out dealership groups at the upcoming National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) convention.
GAC also chose the 2018 Detroit Auto Show to debut a new electric crossover concept. The GAC Enverge (pictured bottom right) seeks to explore the possibilities of a battery-electric compact SUV designed for young American drivers. They described its interior as like a space capsule with wild swing-up doors – many of its design elements look far from production-ready.
GAC also debuted a compact sedan called the GA4 (pictured top right). It joins a wide variety of vehicles that the company produces for the Chinese market, ranging from sedans to SUVs to minivans.
Photo: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
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When Jeep introduced the last generation of the Cherokee, it featured an exterior look that was rather polarizing. With the introduction of the refreshed 2019 Cherokee, Jeep has chosen a more conservative route, with a new front fascia, headlights, and hood. Naturally, it retains Jeep's signature seven-slot grille.
The 2019 Cherokee is available with an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 207-horsepower and includes stop-start technology to save fuel. It joins a 3.2-liter V6 and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder in the Cherokee's engine lineup. All of the engines employ a nine-speed automatic transmission. Three different four-wheel-drive systems will be available for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee.
Jeep dealers will receive the 2019 Cherokee during the first quarter of 2018.
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Photo: Hyundai Motor America
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster is completely redesigned for the new model year, but it retains its unique three-door design, with two doors on the passenger side and one larger door on the driver's side. It will be available in standard and 201-horsepower Veloster Turbo versions.
Hyundai also announced the 275-horsepower Veloster N, the first model from Hyundai's new, high-performance N line of vehicles. The Veloster N will be aimed at the Honda Civic Type R, Ford Focus ST, and Subaru WRX, among others.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard in the Veloster, while a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional.
The 2019 Veloster comes standard with automatic emergency braking. A number of other advanced safety and driver assistance features are available, including lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and an attention assist system that monitors the driver for signs of drowsiness. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control are also available.
Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system supports connectivity via Android Wear and Apple watches.
Expect the new Veloster to arrive in dealerships in the second quarter of 2018.
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Photo: BMW AG
BMW introduced the latest entry into their wide array of SUVs in Detroit. The 2018 BMW X2 rides on the same platform as the 2018 BMW X1 but has a lower, sportier look and a turbocharged engine that can launch it from zero to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds.
The five-seat X2 joins the growing luxury subcompact SUV class. Compared to the 2018 BMW X1, the X2 is 3.2 inches shorter in length and 2.8 inches lower in height.
When it arrives, the X2 will be equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. It will initially be available in base and M Sport X models, with additional models expected.
The 2018 X2 will go on sale in the spring of 2018. Pricing has not been announced.
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Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
The 2019 Honda Insight Prototype is a lightly disguised version of the new Insight Hybrid expected to arrive at dealers in late 2018.
The original Honda Insight was the first mass-market hybrid vehicle sold in the U.S., but it was a two-seat hatchback that sold poorly compared with the more-practical five-seat Toyota Prius. It was replaced by a five-seat hatchback in 2010, which also sold poorly compared with other hybrids on the market and was discontinued after 2014. Now, the nameplate returns on the 2019 five-passenger sedan.
Power comes from a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and the third generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid system. Though certification has not yet occurred, Honda predicts that the car will achieve more than 50 mpg. The lithium-ion battery pack will be located under the rear seat, so trunk space will not be reduced as it is in some hybrid models.
The Insight will come standard with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition.
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2018 Ford F-150 Diesel
In the days leading up to the Detroit Auto Show, Ford unveiled a turbodiesel engine option for the top-selling pickup in the United States. The 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 is expected to arrive in the spring of 2018 and is one of six engines available in the 2018 Ford F-150.
Although official government testing has not been completed, Ford predicts that the F-150 diesel will achieve up to 30 mpg on the highway and tow up to 11,400 pounds when properly equipped. The new turbodiesel produces 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
For retail customers, the diesel will be available in several upper-trim models of two- and four-wheel-drive F-150s. Fleet customers can order the engine on a broader variety of trim levels.
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Photo: USN&WR
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