The North American International Auto Show (NIAS), is the first major auto show of the year from the city of Motor City. Also called as Detroit Motor Show, the motor show started in 1987. The Great Lakes Megalopolis and Metro Detroit area which the NAIAS serves is home to the "Big Three" American automakers – Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors. However, it also serves an important platform for European and Japanese carmaker’s to show their prowess on the American soil. So here is a detailed preview of the Detroit Motor Show which opens its gates on 14 January.
Toyota Supra:
After the endless wait and gazillion speculations later, the all-new Supra will be arriving at the Detroit. Co-developed with BMW Z4, the new Supra retains its styling previewed by 2014 FT-1 Concept. Under the long hood will be Z4’s straight-six, but BMW and Toyota assure that both these sports cars will have distinct characteristics.
The American-spec 2020 Volkswagen Passat will take its cues from the bigger and stylish Arteon. The sedan will get sharper styling and a host of new features inside the cabin. And under the skin, there will be a new hybrid powertrain to help it take the fight against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Lexus LC Convertible:
Based on the gorgeous looking LC Coupe, the drop-top version is heading for Detroit. Although Lexus will call it a Concept, the production-ready version will remain identical to what we see here and will hit the showrooms later this year. However, it is uncertain whether the convertible will get a soft-top or a folding hard-top at the moment.
Subaru WRX STI S209
The high-performance special-edition WRX STI is finally coming to the American market in the 209 guise. Unlike the previous models – R205, S206, S207, and S208 – the 209 will be sold in America and will carry hardcore Type RA inspiration in terms of aero and mechanicals. However, it will be limited to just 450 units.
Infiniti QX Inspiration Concept
Infiniti's next SUV will be based on QX Inspiration Concept and it will be pure electric. It will share its underpinning – including the V6 engine – with the Q80 sedan when it hits the production line. Until then, the QX Inspiration showcases brand’s new design direction with illuminated badges.
Hyundai N FCEV Concept
Although uncertain at the moment, Hyundai’s performance division is prepping up a concept for Detroit which will preview brand’s hydrogen fuel cell technology. Hyundai N boss Albert Biermann has teased a ‘surprise’ reveal for Detroit while talking about new technical capabilities.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The all-new GT500 is a long time coming and Motor City should be the apt venue for its debut. Shelby might be planning more than 700bhp from the GT350's 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V8 but details are scarce at the moment.
Lincoln Coach Door Continental
The Lincoln Continental marked the 80th anniversary of the brand’s heritage with the special Coach Door Edition. The coach doors (suicidal doors) was the identity of Lincoln back in the 1960s and the American carmaker has brought the legacy back but in limited numbers. At the Detroit stage, we’ll get to see the Coach Door Continental in flesh for the first time.
