Best 2017 NAIAS: Brands Reveal New Concepts in Detroit
The Detroit Auto Show always means new concepts, car technologies and astonishing surprises. The 2017 year event is not an exception. What’s new at the NAIAS, what are most curious updates or newcomers? What about those hot debuts which certainly get you excited? Meet our favs of the event here:
#5 – 2018 Kia Stinger GT
This sporty 365-hp (if coming with a turbo V6) hot-hatch made great waves at Detroit Auto Show. With a four-door sports coupe, a catchy name and an awesome dynamic look, Kia definitely has good chances of sales winning. The GT concept features a branded “tiger nose” grille (as well as the same styling theme), two drivetrain – all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive – options, five driving modes and a choice of two engines. Reaching a top speed of 167mph, the Stinger GT takes 5.1 seconds to accelerate 0-62 time. The sportiest and most refined Kia ever, we think.
#4 – 2018 Ford F-150
For 2018 model year, Ford decided to update the look of its top-selling F-Series flagship, the F-150. Different trim levels could boast different – and redesigned – grilles. The 2018 F-150 will get a diesel option, new head-and taillights, along with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Customers could get the 2.7- and 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 as well as standard automatic stop-start technology, to increase fuel economy. Well, diesel means almost all now.
#3 – 2018 Lexus LS 500
The new fifth-gen LS 500 sedan impresses with a sleek exterior design, a perfectly-developed “spindle” front grille and a bold, comfortable interior featuring natural, organic shapes inside the vehicle. Equipped with a powerful twin-turbo V6, this premium 415-hp flagship comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel-drive, air suspension and active sway bars. The sedan is claimed to reach 0-62 time in 4.5 seconds only. L means an upscale class, as always.
#2 – 2018 Audi Q8 Concept
The new Audi’s plug-in concept is powered by a supercharged V6 paired with a 17.9kWh battery adding up to 443 horsepower. Not bad. The carmaker promises a 60-mile EV range, with a total full tank range of 621 miles (still on paper, you remember, as we deal with a concept only). It’s worth noting the X-design of the front grille, a bold, aggressive exterior design, along with MMI and the Virtual Dashboard setup inside. The new retro-futuristic crossover’s concept is right on target.
#1 – Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Concept
Dudes, you have never seen such a concept before! Classic minivan’ style, oh, forget this clunker. The I.D. (Isn’t Diesel) Buzz, VW’s latest microbus concept, epitomizes the spirit of old good 60’s – fully autonomous, get it? The powertrain is claimed to deliver 369 ponies with rear-wheel-drive and a single-charged 373 miles range. The vintage-inspired concept is based on the MEB platform. Still remain skeptical? The concept is expected to hit the production in 2022, so let’s wait this.
