Automotive

The best of the 2017 Detroit Auto Show

The best of the 2017 Detroit Auto Show
Check out the best metal from Detroit
Check out the best metal from Detroit
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The AMG GT C Edition 50 is a birthday present to celebrate 50 years of tuning in Affalterbach
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The AMG GT C Edition 50 is a birthday present to celebrate 50 years of tuning in Affalterbach
The GT C gets a grille similar to the one fitted to the AMG GT R
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The GT C gets a grille similar to the one fitted to the AMG GT R
The AMG GT C Edition 50 makes 550 hp
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The AMG GT C Edition 50 makes 550 hp
The AMG GT C Edition 50 has a voluptuous booty
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The AMG GT C Edition 50 has a voluptuous booty
The Audi Q8 Concept was one of the biggest-name launches at this year's Detroit Auto Show
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The Audi Q8 Concept was one of the biggest-name launches at this year's Detroit Auto Show
The Q8 previews a production car, set to launch in 2018
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The Q8 previews a production car, set to launch in 2018
The Q8 is finished in a gorgeous shade of Bombay Blue
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The Q8 is finished in a gorgeous shade of Bombay Blue
The wide, slim taillights on the Q8 Concept serve to make it look wider
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The wide, slim taillights on the Q8 Concept serve to make it look wider 
Audi clearly was channelling its inner "Jaws" Bond Villain when it designed that grille
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Audi clearly was channelling its inner "Jaws" Bond Villain when it designed that grille
The Audi Q8 Concept is powered by a clever hybrid drivetrain
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The Audi Q8 Concept is powered by a clever hybrid drivetrain
The Audi SQ5 swaps diesel for petrol in this generation
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The Audi SQ5 swaps diesel for petrol in this generation
The Audi SQ5 was overshadowed by its Q8 sibling, but it's still a good looking car
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The Audi SQ5 was overshadowed by its Q8 sibling, but it's still a good looking car
The SQ5 looks remarkably similar to its predecessor
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The SQ5 looks remarkably similar to its predecessor
The Audi SQ5 shares its powertrain with the S5
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The Audi SQ5 shares its powertrain with the S5
The new Chevrolet Traverse aims upmarket with a new, more luxurious High Country trim
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The new Chevrolet Traverse aims upmarket with a new, more luxurious High Country trim 
The Traverse is powered by a V6
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The Traverse is powered by a V6
The new Ford F-150 looks just like the old model
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The new Ford F-150 looks just like the old model
The new grille on the F-150 is designed to make it look tougher than before
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The new grille on the F-150 is designed to make it look tougher than before
The new Ford F-150 King Ranch, complete with its chrome rear section
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The new Ford F-150 King Ranch, complete with its chrome rear section
The new Ford F-150 will be available with a diesel
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The new Ford F-150 will be available with a diesel
Can the new Honda Odyssey make minivans cool again?
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Can the new Honda Odyssey make minivans cool again?
The new Odyssey has magic sliding seats inside
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The new Odyssey has magic sliding seats inside
The Kia GT Stinger was born on the Nurburgring
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The Kia GT Stinger was born on the Nurburgring
The GT was designed in Germany
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The GT was designed in Germany
The Stinger GT has a pretty face, and drew a huge crowd at the auto show
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The Stinger GT has a pretty face, and drew a huge crowd at the auto show
The slick profile of the Kia GT Stinger
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The slick profile of the Kia GT Stinger 
The Lexus LS500 has one of the best looking iterations of the new corporate grille we've seen
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The Lexus LS500 has one of the best looking iterations of the new corporate grille we've seen
Lexus really has committed to its new design language
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Lexus really has committed to its new design language
The rear end of the new Lexus LS500
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The rear end of the new Lexus LS500
The new Lexus LS500 drew a crowd in Detroit
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The new Lexus LS500 drew a crowd in Detroit
Let us know what you think of the Lexus grille in the comments.
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Let us know what you think of the Lexus grille in the comments. 
The grille on the new Lexus LC500
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The grille on the new Lexus LC500
The Nissan Vmotion 2.0 previews a refined styling direction
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The Nissan Vmotion 2.0 previews a refined styling direction 
Obviously, the suicide doors won't make production, but the details on the Vmotion might see the light of day
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Obviously, the suicide doors won't make production, but the details on the Vmotion might see the light of day
The Nissan Vmotion 2.0 will likely inform the design of the next Altima
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The Nissan Vmotion 2.0 will likely inform the design of the next Altima
It's all about angles at Nissan right now
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It's all about angles at Nissan right now
The VW ID Buzz was aptly named given the number of people trying to get a look
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The VW ID Buzz was aptly named given the number of people trying to get a look
The ID Buzz is a new take on the classic VW Microbus
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The ID Buzz is a new take on the classic VW Microbus
VW has become very zen since Dieselgate - at least, that's what the dash ornament in the Buzz would have you believe
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VW has become very zen since Dieselgate - at least, that's what the dash ornament in the Buzz would have you believe
The ID Buzz is powered by a fully electric powertrain
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The ID Buzz is powered by a fully electric powertrain
The gaping smile of the VW ID Buzz
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The gaping smile of the VW ID Buzz
Although there are a few show car flourishes, much of the ID Buzz could be production ready
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Although there are a few show car flourishes, much of the ID Buzz could be production ready
The new Toyota Camry has been made more aggressive
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The new Toyota Camry has been made more aggressive
The grille on the new Camry could grate cheese
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The grille on the new Camry could grate cheese
Toyota wants to liven the Camry up
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Toyota wants to liven the Camry up
This is the hybrid Camry - wait until you see the sports version...
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This is the hybrid Camry - wait until you see the sports version...
The Cadillac Escala still looks gorgeous, even though it was launched almost 12 months ago
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The Cadillac Escala still looks gorgeous, even though it was launched almost 12 months ago
The Escala's name translates from Spanish to "scale"
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The Escala's name translates from Spanish to "scale"
The rear of the Escala is undoubtedly its best angle
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The rear of the Escala is undoubtedly its best angle
The new Mercedes E-Class Coupe is like a shrunken S-Class
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The new Mercedes E-Class Coupe is like a shrunken S-Class
The E-Class Coupe drew a crowd in Detroit
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The E-Class Coupe drew a crowd in Detroit
In red, we can't help but notice a hint of Ford Taurus in the back of the E-Class Coupe. No, that's not a compliment
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In red, we can't help but notice a hint of Ford Taurus in the back of the E-Class Coupe. No, that's not a compliment
The Le Mans winning Ford GT
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The Le Mans winning Ford GT
The GT knocked off its closest rivals from Ferrari at Le Mans
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The GT knocked off its closest rivals from Ferrari at Le Mans
Need proof racing is a rough, tough business? Check out the front of the Le Mans-winning Ford GT
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Need proof racing is a rough, tough business? Check out the front of the Le Mans-winning Ford GT
The EcoBoost engine in the road-going Ford GT peeks out from behind the glass
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The EcoBoost engine in the road-going Ford GT peeks out from behind the glass
Carbon fiber wheels on the Ford GT
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Carbon fiber wheels on the Ford GT 
The Ford GT was launched two years ago, but it still looks remarkable
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The Ford GT was launched two years ago, but it still looks remarkable
The GT should be hitting the road this year
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The GT should be hitting the road this year
The Mercedes-Maybach S650 Convertible is a yacht for the roads
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The Mercedes-Maybach S650 Convertible is a yacht for the roads
The Mercedes-Maybach S650 Convertible on show in Detroit
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The Mercedes-Maybach S650 Convertible on show in Detroit
Mercedes has treated the GLA to a mild update, but only trainspotters will be able to notice
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Mercedes has treated the GLA to a mild update, but only trainspotters will be able to notice
The wing on the new GLA45 AMG isn't what you'd call subtle...
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The wing on the new GLA45 AMG isn't what you'd call subtle...
The Subaru Viziv Concept previews a bigger future SUV
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The Subaru Viziv Concept previews a bigger future SUV
The Subaru stand was remarkable quiet, but the Viziv drew some attention
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The Subaru stand was remarkable quiet, but the Viziv drew some attention
The Viziv 7 will be the biggest Subaru ever built
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The Viziv 7 will be the biggest Subaru ever built
Subaru is targeting the VW Atlas with the production Viziv
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Subaru is targeting the VW Atlas with the production Viziv
Subaru was keen to show off its rally connection in Detroit
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Subaru was keen to show off its rally connection in Detroit
The VW Tiguan Allspace is a bigger take on the popular SUV
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The VW Tiguan Allspace is a bigger take on the popular SUV
The Tiguan Allspace looks just like the regular Tiguan
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The Tiguan Allspace looks just like the regular Tiguan
The Allspace has more room inside
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The Allspace has more room inside 
The new Alfa Romeo Stelvio looking good in Detroit
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The new Alfa Romeo Stelvio looking good in Detroit
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is powered by a Ferrari-derived V6
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The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is powered by a Ferrari-derived V6
The Audi S5 Cabriolet was somewhat shadowed by the Q8 Concept
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The Audi S5 Cabriolet was somewhat shadowed by the Q8 Concept
The S5 Cabriolet is powered y the same motor as the SQ5 SUV
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The S5 Cabriolet is powered y the same motor as the SQ5 SUV
The BMW 5 Series made its global debut in Detroit
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The BMW 5 Series made its global debut in Detroit
In person, the 5 Series is a handsome car
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In person, the 5 Series is a handsome car
Under the skin, BMW has loaded the 5 Series with semi-autonomous kit
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Under the skin, BMW has loaded the 5 Series with semi-autonomous kit
The Mercedes E-Class should be very, very worried about the new 5 Series
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The Mercedes E-Class should be very, very worried about the new 5 Series
China's GAC brought three cars to the Detroit Auto Show
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China's GAC brought three cars to the Detroit Auto Show
China's GAC brought three cars to the Detroit Auto Show
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China's GAC brought three cars to the Detroit Auto Show
China's GAC brought three cars to the Detroit Auto Show
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China's GAC brought three cars to the Detroit Auto Show
China's GAC brought three cars to the Detroit Auto Show
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China's GAC brought three cars to the Detroit Auto Show
China's GAC brought three cars to the Detroit Auto Show
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China's GAC brought three cars to the Detroit Auto Show
China's GAC brought three cars to the Detroit Auto Show
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China's GAC brought three cars to the Detroit Auto Show
The Infiniti QX50 Concept is likely to make production largely unchanged
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The Infiniti QX50 Concept is likely to make production largely unchanged
The new Toyota Camry is a much wilder looking car than before
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The new Toyota Camry is a much wilder looking car than before
Yes, that's a fake vent on a Camry. We were surprised too
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Yes, that's a fake vent on a Camry. We were surprised too
The new Camry on show in Detroit
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The new Camry on show in Detroit 
Toyota has big goals for the meaner new Camry
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Toyota has big goals for the meaner new Camry
The new Camry NASCAR was also on show in Detroit
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The new Camry NASCAR was also on show in Detroit
Although it shares nothing with the road car, the new Camry NASCAR wears its styling stickers well
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Although it shares nothing with the road car, the new Camry NASCAR wears its styling stickers well
The VLF Force 1 might look mean, but very few people were paying it any attention
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The VLF Force 1 might look mean, but very few people were paying it any attention
The VLF Force 1 is the brainchild of Bob Lutz and Henrik Fisker
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The VLF Force 1 is the brainchild of Bob Lutz and Henrik Fisker
Also on the VLF stand was this mean looking truck
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Also on the VLF stand was this mean looking truck
The X-Series makes a Hummer H2 look soft
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The X-Series makes a Hummer H2 look soft
Disney was promoting its new Cars film with Lightning McQueen
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Disney was promoting its new Cars film with Lightning McQueen
The new VW Atlas is very, very big
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The new VW Atlas is very, very big
The new Atlas (good name, that) will be built in the USA
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The new Atlas (good name, that) will be built in the USA
The VW Atlas was also unveiled in R-Line Trim
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The VW Atlas was also unveiled in R-Line Trim
This GRC Beetle was driven by Scott Speed
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This GRC Beetle was driven by Scott Speed
The GRC Beetle takes on dirt and tarmac - all in the same lap
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The GRC Beetle takes on dirt and tarmac - all in the same lap
Spoiler alert! This one is fitted to the VW GRC Beetle
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Spoiler alert! This one is fitted to the VW GRC Beetle
The new Volvo XC90 is serving as a test bed for autonomous driving systems
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The new Volvo XC90 is serving as a test bed for autonomous driving systems
The Volvo XC90 Drive Me
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The Volvo XC90 Drive Me
This Ferrari 458 Challenge would argue cars can be art
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This Ferrari 458 Challenge would argue cars can be art
The new Nissan GT-R looks similar, but is much nicer from behind the wheel
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The new Nissan GT-R looks similar, but is much nicer from behind the wheel
The GMC Terrain joined the ever-growing crowd of SUVs in Detroit
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The GMC Terrain joined the ever-growing crowd of SUVs in Detroit
The Terrain is a handsome car, especially from this angle
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The Terrain is a handsome car, especially from this angle
You'll cut your hand on the Lexus UX Concept if you're not careful
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You'll cut your hand on the Lexus UX Concept if you're not careful
The UX Concept previews what a future compact Lexus SUV could look like
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The UX Concept previews what a future compact Lexus SUV could look like
The new Jeep Compass promises to be a much better resolved car than the original
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The new Jeep Compass promises to be a much better resolved car than the original
The new Jeep Compass on the floor of the Detroit Auto Show
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The new Jeep Compass on the floor of the Detroit Auto Show
The Mazda MX-5 RF, complete with targa-style top
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The Mazda MX-5 RF, complete with targa-style top
The new Mazda CX-5 looks remarkably similar to its predecessor
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The new Mazda CX-5 looks remarkably similar to its predecessor
No matter how many times we see it, this MX-5 Speedster never gets boring
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No matter how many times we see it, this MX-5 Speedster never gets boring
Check out the best metal from Detroit
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Check out the best metal from Detroit
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View gallery - 118 images

The snow might be dumping down outside, but the cold couldn't put a freeze on the annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Unlike the Paris Show, which focused on modern mobility solutions for an increasingly crowded world, Detroit wound back the clock with plenty of sports cars and four-wheel drives – though that doesn't mean economy and environmental considerations were taken off the table. Here are some of the best launches from the floor of the Cobo Center.

Detroit auto show 2017

Audi Q8 Concept

The Audi Q8 Concept was one of the biggest-name launches at this year's Detroit Auto Show
The Audi Q8 Concept was one of the biggest-name launches at this year's Detroit Auto Show

Launched first thing on day one, the Audi Q8 Concept is arguably the most impressive debut of the whole show. It's powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, linking a 333 hp (245 kW) turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 442 hp (332 kW). Audi is claiming 37 miles (60 km) of all-electric range, helping the car return a scarcely believable 102.3 MPGe (2.3 l/100 km).

It wasn't the powertrain that got tongues wagging, though. There's simply no getting past the huge grille grafted onto what is otherwise a slick – if typically understated – soft roader. Theories about what inspired the design team range from reasonable (the grinning face on new Lexus models) to ridiculous (Richard Kiel as Jaws in Moonraker) but we can all agree it gives the car serious presence. Whether it survives the transition to production remains to be seen.

Lexus LS500

Let us know what you think of the Lexus grille in the comments.
Let us know what you think of the Lexus grille in the comments. 

Speaking of bold faces, take a look at the nose on the Lexus LS500. Designed to take on the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class, it makes up for its forgettable decade-old predecessor with a new look you'll instantly love or hate.

Move past the chintzy nose and you'll find an interior that, although unashamedly Japanese in its design, is able to match the Germans for quality. Tick the right boxes, and front seat passengers are treated to leather seats with 28-way adjustment, while rear passengers can relax in reclining thrones. When it comes time to beat a hasty retreat, the back seats raise by 24 degrees – perfect for avoiding awkward red carpet exits in front of hungry paparazzi.

Although the interior is all about quiet luxury, Lexus says its new GA-L chassis should also make the LS500 a treat for keen drivers. The use of aluminum and ultra high-tensile steel makes the new platform 200 lb (91 kg) lighter than before, and Lexus says more weight is held between the axles. Combined with the lighter, more powerful twin-turbo V6 under the hood, that should make keen drivers and chauffeurs happy.

Kia Stinger GT

The Kia GT Stinger was born on the Nurburgring
The Kia GT Stinger was born on the Nurburgring

Still not convinced Kia has moved past the days of cheap and cheerful hatchbacks? Take a look at the Stinger. Behind that pretty shape (more on that later) is an old-fashioned front engine, rear drive layout designed to deliver the continent-crushing grand touring ability when the driver needs it, and corner-carving sportiness when they don't. That's no mean feat, especially when you're known for economy cars and cheap faux-wheel drives, but the initial signs are good.

For one, it looks fantastic. We've lavished praise on Peter Schreyer – the designer largely responsible for a Hyundai and Kia style revolution – in the past, but the Stinger is arguably his finest work since joining the Korean brands. From the long, low bonnet to the sloping roofline, everything about the car just looks right to our eyes, like a much prettier Dodge Charger.

Power comes from a twin-turbo V6 engine in range topping cars, which will hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.1 seconds. Buyers will get a choice of all-wheel drive or rear-drive, and all models are hooked up to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.

That's just a taste of the splendid automotive wares on display in Detroit. Take a flick through our 2017 NAIAS photo gallery to see the rest of the hot new releases.

View gallery - 118 images
5 comments
5 comments
Sergius
It seems that designers of cars were far from their duties during the year 2016 and that their departments were invaded by graffiti artists and vandals.
McDesign
Uhh - that Lexus - hard to think of a nice thing to say.
DavidRogerBrown
Seems most of the concept front ends were drawn up by Disney cartoon artists? Least not boring. Perhaps it's my ignorance but shouldn't a "Pink Beetle" be pink? Ford,"tough" fronts should not be made of plastic,plastic,plastic. Nice photos,good job.
JuanCarlosFuertes
" The rear of the Escala is undoubtedly its best angle " Dear Scott Collie: are you insane ?
BobMeyer
Seems the auto-makers are in a race to see who can design the most hideous front-end. Right now, I'd say Lexus (and Toyota) has taken the lead over Audi, but Audi is still in the running. Ford and Nissan are gaining ground, though.