When Mazda first launched its flagship crossover utility, dubbed CX-9, it took what was then a radical approach to designing CUVs by adding, of all things, a third row. This quickly helped the CX-9 garner such high honors as North American Truck/Utility of the Year and Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year and has helped it remain popular today.
When initially developing the latest generation Frontier pickup, Nissan chose “More” as its marketing mantra – more size, more power, more off-road capability, more towing and cargo capacity and more comfort and utility. More size put Frontier squarely in the new middle-sized class of pickups that feature performance figures rivaling those found in full-size pickups just over a decade ago.
The Toyota Camry has been the best-selling car in America for 12 years and for the 2015 Toyota Camry model year, Toyota decided it needed to up its game with the midsize sedan. Engineers and designers set out to make the best handling and most comfortable Camry yet while also updating styling and addressing the growing sport sedan segment.
Although it may seem like the Ram (formerly Dodge) truck division of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Corporation has been serious about competing against the likes of Chevy and Ford pickups in recent years, the brand’s off-roading heritage goes back to the waning days of WWII and a purpose-built ¾-ton military truck known as Power Wagon.
There was so much to see and do at the annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week. Press days precede the official opening of the show to the public which runs Jan. 17-25 this year. Automakers from around the globe bring their newest production cars, trucks, SUVs, CUVs, EVs and just about every other V(ehicle) in their arsenal.
Ford Motor Company stole the Detroit Motor Show this year with the introduction of the GT Supercar that Ford says it will build next year. Carbon Fiber body and 600+ horsepower. For more information on the next Ford GT, see our story from NAIAS.
The third vehicle debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor which will utilize the aluminum construction found in the new 2015 F-150 and the Raptor will see a new beefy next-generation EcoBoost engine and new 10-speed automatic transmission. For more information see our story from the show.
Ford debuted the new Shelby GT350R Mustang at the auto show in Detroit this week. Ford said they designed this car with “everything you need, nothing you don’t” in referring to the track-readiness of the new GT350R. For more information see our post from the show.
Cadillac took the stage in Detroit to debut its most powerful production vehicle in its 112-year history, the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V performance sedan. Cadillac’s president Johan de Nysschen said this new car is meant to go for the jugular of its European competitors and that Cadillac is not just in it to compete but to win.
Lincoln Motor Company (still a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company) took the world stage Tuesday morning to shows its all-new MKX luxury midsize crossover utility vehicle. While not calling it at 2016 model, the next MKX will boast a choice of V-6 powertrains including the new 330hp turbocharged EcoBoost 2.7-liter V-6 and two new available Lincoln Black Label limited edition designer themes.
While the Fiat Chrysler Automobile group did not host a bevvy of press conferences at the big auto show in Detroit this year, it was represented by one of its small brands Alfa Romeo with the debut of the all-new 2015 4C Spider. The new model is said to build on the brand’s legendary racing history offering an exciting open-air motoring experience.
Acura used the world’s stage known as the North American International Auto Show to premiere its production version of the next NSX Supercar. Twenty-five years after the launch of the first generation, Acura says the new car will feature a Sport Hybrid Power Unit (AKA gas/electric engine) mounted midship and mated to a new 9-speed dual clutch transmission.
Hyundai took the stage Monday afternoon showing the 2016 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid sedans and surprised attendees at the Detroit Motor Show press days by rolling out the Santa Cruz Concept Truck aimed at Urban Adventurers. The Sonata models boast improved hybrid technology while Santa Cruz features its own eco-friendly powertrain in the form of a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine.
Nissan has been promising a new fullsize pickup for some time and they finally have taken the wraps off the next-generation Nissan Titan that will also see a diesel engine offered under the hood. At the Detroit Motor Show, Nissan unveiled the new truck including the XD version outfitted with a new Cummins 5.0-liter V-8 turbodiesel engine.
Chevrolet unveiled its electric future at the Detroit Auto Show today, showing journalists the next-generation extended range electric vehicle Volt and an all-new electric vehicle to be named Bolt. Volt extends its EV operating range by 31 percent and the new Bolt EV concept is said to eliminate range anxiety by delivering up to 200 miles per charge.
Ford Motor Company wowed the journalists in attendance at its press conference at the North American International Auto Show today by debuting three significant new vehicles, two based off current production models and one “dream” car. Shown in Detroit were the F-150 Raptor, Mustang Shelby GT350R and the GT that Ford CEO Mark Fields says will be built next year.
Avenir means “future” in French, and that is what’s being showcased in the Buick Avenir Concept. No, this isn’t a model that you’ll necessarily be able to buy any time soon, but the technology and eye-catching design found in the Avenir will likely find their way into future or existing flagship models.
Detroit. Rock City. Motown. Motor City. Home of the North American International Auto Show and that is where GearDiary is taking you this week as we cover media days at the granddaddy of motor shows in the U.S. Over the next two days, automakers from around the globe will be showing off their newest, coolest, current, future and concept vehicles.
Dan and I were among the first to put down non-refundable $1000 deposits on the Elio last year, after we first saw the prototype at CES. Let’s just say that the barely functioning vehicle we sat in last year has come a long way! Dan and I couldn’t be more excited and happy about our upcoming new cars!
I’ve made no bones about the fact that if it weren’t for Wilson Electronics, which has recently rebranded as weBoost, I would have an absolutely pitiful signal inside my home if it weren’t for their products, and they have only become better. I had a chance to talk to weBoost about their new 4G signal boosters for home and car.
First-ever compact luxury coupe. That is how Cadillac describes its new two-door version of the ATS while also touting it’s being lighter and more agile and even more engaging than its competitors. OK, they say it’s designed to be all those things but is the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe capable of taking on the Bavarian competition?