Autocar will be reporting live from the Detroit motor show on Monday 14th. Here's our complete preview
The Detroit motor show opens in tomorrow. As one of the most important events on the US automotive calendar, Autocar will be reporting live on all the new cars unveiled. Here’s our complete guide to the show.
Acura
Honda’s US-only luxury arm Acura is to show a concept car that previews its forthcoming MDX SUV, due for release in 2013. A seven-seat rival for the BMW X5 and Mercedes ML, Acura is hoping to expand MDX sales into Russia and the Middle East, though it’s unlikely to be coming to the UK.
The Audi SQ5 is to be unveiled with a petrol powered supercharged 3.0-litre V6, aimed at diesel-spurning buyers in America, Russia and China, It’s not coming to the UK, where the more powerful (349bhp) diesel SQ5 will remain the Q5 range topper.
The new Audi RS6 also makes its international debut in Detroit. Lighter, more powerful and more efficient than its forebear, the RS6 develops 552bhp from its twin-turbo V8 and will crack 0-62mph in a supercar-rivaling 3.9 seconds. It arrives in showrooms this July.
The performance car showcase continues with the R8 V10 Plus. Sitting at the top of the R8 range, the Plus features revised suspension geometry and standard carbon-ceramic brakes for greater track performance.
America is an important market for the RS5 Cabriolet, so it is to receive a second airing in Detroit. Using the same 4.2-litre V8 as the coupé, the RS5 develops 444bhp and can reach 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds.
Bentley is to showcase the world’s fastest four-seat cabriolet in the form of the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible. With a claimed top speed of 202 mph, the new GT speed is 7mph faster than the model it replaces.
BMW is showcasing the facelifted Z4 roadster, complete with a new entry level 2.0-litre petrol motor. Developing 154bhp, the new engine will get the Z4 from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds.
The BMW M6 GranCoupe features the same 552bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 as the two-door model. Shown for the first time at Detroit, the GranCoupe will reach UK shores in April, priced around £100,000.
The BMW 4-series is being shown in concept form. It will replace the 3-series coupe upon its UK launch later this year, and will distance itself from its saloon sibling by being a more focused driver’s car.
BMW is also to unveil its X4 SUV. Based on the X3 crossover, and expected to wear the same striking coupe styling as the bigger X6, the X4 will reach the UK in early 2014, priced around £32,000.
Cadillac’s ELR range-extender hybrid will be shown for the first time at the show. It uses a similar drivetrain configuration to the Vauxhall Ampera, mating a four-cylinder petrol engine to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.
Dodge
Dodge’s Alfa Giulietta-based Dart is to get a performance range-topper in the form of the Dart GT. Fitted with a 184bhp 2.4-litre engine and revised suspension settings, it will retail at the equivalent of around £13,000 in the United States only.
GM
General Motors is showcasing new versions of the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado. Updates include a new six-speed automatic gearbox and cylinder deactivation across the range of V6 and V8 engines.
The new Corvette C7 is also being officially launched at the show. While it keeps the classic proportions of old, the new Corvette could be offered with downsized engines, including a turbocharged V6.
Honda is to unveil a new concept car called Urban SUV, which will hint at the design of its forthcoming baby off-roader. Expected to go on sale in the next three years, it is likely to be based on the Honda Jazz platform and rival the Nissan Juke and Vauxhall Mokka.
The Hyundai HCD-14 Concept being unveiled at Detroit is designed to give a taste of what a Hyundai luxury car would look like. It features futuristic design touches such as gesture-based controls.
A production version of the new Q50 (formerly the G series) – Infiniti’s 3-series rivaling compact exec – will be unveiled at Detroit. The styling is expected to be heavily influenced by the Emerg_e concept car. It will be available with a range of small capacity petrol and diesel engines.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been facelifted for 2013 and comes with the usual improvements to material quality and refinement. It is also to be offered in the US with a diesel engine for the first time. A new eight-speed automatic gearbox replaces the old five and six speed units.
A revised version of Kia’s K7 saloon, the Kia Cadenza will be marketed in the US only. Slightly longer and narrower than a BMW 5-series, the Cadenza will rival popular US saloons the Acura RL and Toyota Avalon.
The brand new Lexus IS is to make its first public appearance. Remaining largely faithful to the look of the LFCC concept car, the IS will eschew diesel power in favour of a frugal and efficient hybrid drivetrain, of which CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km are expected.
Lincoln
US luxury brand Lincoln is hoping to re-invent itself with its MKZ concept. Based on Ford’s mid-sized platform, this strict four-seater is slathered in luxury accoutrements.
The new Maserati Quattroporte sits right at the sporty end of the luxury saloon car market, featuring new Ferrari-derived turbo engines and heavily revised styling. Prices will start at around £80,000.
Mercedes is showcasing the entire lineup of the freshly revised E-class range, including the coupé, cabriolet and AMG performance versions. Described by Mercedes as the most comprehensive makeover in its history, it is aiming the E-class at a younger market.
The Mini Paceman coupé-crossover is to receive a potent range-topper in the form of the Mini Paceman JCW. With a 215bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, it promises hot-hatch performance in a larger body.
The Nissan Leaf has been updated for 2013. Charging times have been slashed and standard equipment levels improved.
The Toyota Furia concept car will be on display in Detroit. It is expected to preview the design of the forthcoming Corolla, which is due for replacement in the next two years.
Daljinder Nagra