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Automotive

In pictures: The 2016 Detroit Auto Show

By Scott Collie
January 13, 2016
In pictures: The 2016 Detroit Auto Show
The best of the 2016 Detroit Motor Show
The best of the 2016 Detroit Motor Show
View 83 Images
The Audi A4 Allroad made its debut in Detroit, and will take the fight to the ever-growing crowd of SUVs in showrooms
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The Audi A4 Allroad made its debut in Detroit, and will take the fight to the ever-growing crowd of SUVs in showrooms
Acura's Precision Concept has been designed with a floating center console – literally
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Acura's Precision Concept has been designed with a floating center console – literally
The Acura Precision Concept's interior is a four seater, with flowing lines designed to mimic the exterior surfacing taking pride of place on the seat
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The Acura Precision Concept's interior is a four seater, with flowing lines designed to mimic the exterior surfacing taking pride of place on the seat
Acura's designers have worked to make the exterior detailing flow neatly into the interior for a cohesive package
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Acura's designers have worked to make the exterior detailing flow neatly into the interior for a cohesive package
The grille on the concept will make it onto a production car "soon" according to Acura
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The grille on the concept will make it onto a production car "soon" according to Acura
The Acura's rear lights are designed to look like they're floating
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The Acura's rear lights are designed to look like they're floating
Lincoln's new Continental will be powered by a turbocharged V6 making 400 hp
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Lincoln's new Continental will be powered by a turbocharged V6 making 400 hp
The Continental has been designed with the motto of "quiet luxury" behind it
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The Continental has been designed with the motto of "quiet luxury" behind it
Lincoln's designers have been criticised for not being original enough with the Continental, but it's still a handsome car
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Lincoln's designers have been criticised for not being original enough with the Continental, but it's still a handsome car
Buick surprised the show with the slinky Avista concept
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Buick surprised the show with the slinky Avista concept
After showing the Avenir at NAIAS in 2015, Buick has developed a habit of surprising us in Motor City
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After showing the Avenir at NAIAS in 2015, Buick has developed a habit of surprising us in Motor City
The car is built on the Chevrolet Camaro platform, and is powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine
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The car is built on the Chevrolet Camaro platform, and is powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine
The new Mercedes E-Class looks like a mini S-Class, but almost outshines its big brother on the technology front
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The new Mercedes E-Class looks like a mini S-Class, but almost outshines its big brother on the technology front
Kia's Telluride Concept looks like a cross between Bentley's EXP 9F and the Chevrolet Suburban
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Kia's Telluride Concept looks like a cross between Bentley's EXP 9F and the Chevrolet Suburban
It's a handsome car, although we're not sure about some of the occupant-wellness features in the interior
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It's a handsome car, although we're not sure about some of the occupant-wellness features in the interior
The interior of Kia's Telluride is all about making the driver feel stress-free and revitalised
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The interior of Kia's Telluride is all about making the driver feel stress-free and revitalised
The Telluride's interior is all about making the driver feel stress-free and revitalised
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The Telluride's interior is all about making the driver feel stress-free and revitalised
The Telluride is unashamedly big and brash
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The Telluride is unashamedly big and brash
After so much positive feedback about its LF-FC Concept, Lexus followed through and built the LC500
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After so much positive feedback about its LF-FC Concept, Lexus followed through and built the LC500
Power comes from a naturally aspirated V8, giving the car a very different flavour to the raft of turbocharged supercoupes out there
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Power comes from a naturally aspirated V8, giving the car a very different flavour to the raft of turbocharged supercoupes out there
There's no doubt the LC500 is distinctive, but we're not sure it could be classed as pretty
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There's no doubt the LC500 is distinctive, but we're not sure it could be classed as pretty
Nissan's Titan Warrior Concept is kitted out in a "modern armor" bodykit for a rough and ready look
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Nissan's Titan Warrior Concept is kitted out in a "modern armor" bodykit for a rough and ready look
The car draws is three inches taller and six inches wider than the regular Titan XD
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The car draws is three inches taller and six inches wider than the regular Titan XD
The Titan Warrior has been designed with the view to become a go anywhere load lugger
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The Titan Warrior has been designed with the view to become a go anywhere load lugger
The Infiniti Q60 was teased last year, but not too much has changed in the transition from concept to reality
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The Infiniti Q60 was teased last year, but not too much has changed in the transition from concept to reality
To our eyes, the car looks really good - even if some of the surfacing is a bit fussy
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To our eyes, the car looks really good - even if some of the surfacing is a bit fussy
Two six-cylinder engines will be available, as well as a four cylinder entry level model
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Two six-cylinder engines will be available, as well as a four cylinder entry level model
The Mercedes E-Class interior is a widescreen, high luxury delight
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The Mercedes E-Class interior is a widescreen, high luxury delight
From the rear, the E-Class bears more than a passing resemblance to the C-Class and S-Class
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From the rear, the E-Class bears more than a passing resemblance to the C-Class and S-Class
VW's Tiguan Active GTE prioritises power to the rear axle for a fun feel
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VW's Tiguan Active GTE prioritises power to the rear axle for a fun feel
With powerful LED lights, the Tiguan looks ready to tackle to desert. Whether any Tiguan owner has ever felt the need to take on the desert is another question.
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With powerful LED lights, the Tiguan looks ready to tackle to desert. Whether any Tiguan owner has ever felt the need to take on the desert is another question.
The Chevy Bolt was rolled out with Mary Barra and Mark Reuss on stage
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The Chevy Bolt was rolled out with Mary Barra and Mark Reuss on stage
We now know the car will have a battery that costs just $145 per cell to make
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We now know the car will have a battery that costs just $145 per cell to make
Thanks to slimline batteries, the Bolt should have plenty of space inside
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Thanks to slimline batteries, the Bolt should have plenty of space inside
Audi has taken on hydrogen power with its new H-Tron concept
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Audi has taken on hydrogen power with its new H-Tron concept
The car looks remarkably similar to the E-Tron that uses, you guessed it, electric power
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The car looks remarkably similar to the E-Tron that uses, you guessed it, electric power
The Ferrari 488 GTB was on display as a part of Brembo's display. We weren't looking at its brakes, though
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The Ferrari 488 GTB was on display as a part of Brembo's display. We weren't looking at its brakes, though
The Porsche Boxster Spyder harks back to the days of James Dean with its speedster-style rear deck
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The Porsche Boxster Spyder harks back to the days of James Dean with its speedster-style rear deck
The Spyder has an extra touch of drama compared to the regular Boxster
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The Spyder has an extra touch of drama compared to the regular Boxster
The new Porsche 911 Turbo has become faster - now the "S" will hit 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds
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The new Porsche 911 Turbo has become faster - now the "S" will hit 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds
The Turbo has been criticised for not being involving enough, but there's no word from Porsche on whether the new car will bring the driver into the action
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The Turbo has been criticised for not being involving enough, but there's no word from Porsche on whether the new car will bring the driver into the action
Toyota's stand at NAIAS was largely underwhelming, save for this Avensis. Designed to show you the area covered by airbags
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Toyota's stand at NAIAS was largely underwhelming, save for this Avensis. Designed to show you the area covered by airbags
I'd feel good putting my kids in a car with airbags covering this much space - just not this particular car. Seems like things will be a bit breezy in there
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I'd feel good putting my kids in a car with airbags covering this much space - just not this particular car. Seems like things will be a bit breezy in there
This hydrogen Mirai was designed to celebrate 'Back to the Future' day
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This hydrogen Mirai was designed to celebrate 'Back to the Future' day
It's not a DeLorean, which means it probably won't travel through time. It is, however, also singnificantly less likely to break down
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It's not a DeLorean, which means it probably won't travel through time. It is, however, also singnificantly less likely to break down
This cutaway of the Toyota Mirai's powertrain shows exactly what's going on with its hydrogen fuel cell powertrain
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This cutaway of the Toyota Mirai's powertrain shows exactly what's going on with its hydrogen fuel cell powertrain
The Lexus LF-FC debuted in Tokyo, and has a fuel-cell engine hiding beneath that massive spindle grille
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The Lexus LF-FC debuted in Tokyo, and has a fuel-cell engine hiding beneath that massive spindle grille
As its potential flagship sedan, the LF-FC is big and imposing
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As its potential flagship sedan, the LF-FC is big and imposing
The car's taillights are in the same shape as the LC500, a new Lexus signature
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The car's taillights are in the same shape as the LC500, a new Lexus signature
The G90 is the first car launched under Hyundai's new Genesis luxury brand
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The G90 is the first car launched under Hyundai's new Genesis luxury brand
The new Genesis G90 made its debut in Detroit. With its derivative styling and old-fashioned powertrain, we're not expecting it to set the world on fire.
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The new Genesis G90 made its debut in Detroit. With its derivative styling and old-fashioned powertrain, we're not expecting it to set the world on fire.
The Kia Sorento PacWest has been given a similar treatment to the Ford Raptor, with a higher ride, tough suspension and a big dose of in your face attitude
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The Kia Sorento PacWest has been given a similar treatment to the Ford Raptor, with a higher ride, tough suspension and a big dose of in your face attitude
The concept's exterior additions are all bolted on, but the paintjob is intricate and detailed
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The concept's exterior additions are all bolted on, but the paintjob is intricate and detailed
With an LED lightbar and roof rack system, the Sorento should be able to cart all you could possibly need - just be careful of scraping that intricate, layered paintjob on the trail to the campsite
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With an LED lightbar and roof rack system, the Sorento should be able to cart all you could possibly need - just be careful of scraping that intricate, layered paintjob on the trail to the campsite
Fiat's 124 Spider is based on the Mazda MX-5 - the main difference seems to be that Fiat has ruined the styling and made the car heavier
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Fiat's 124 Spider is based on the Mazda MX-5 - the main difference seems to be that Fiat has ruined the styling and made the car heavier
The 124 will be available with a turbocharged engine - a key difference to the Mazda's small naturally aspirated motor
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The 124 will be available with a turbocharged engine - a key difference to the Mazda's small naturally aspirated motor
The little stormtrooper is just a paintjob special, but we can't help but feel there's a strong pull with this car
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The little stormtrooper is just a paintjob special, but we can't help but feel there's a strong pull with this car
Fiat channeled its inner Star Wars fan with this 500 concept. It appears the force has well and truly awakened in Italy, it appears
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Fiat channeled its inner Star Wars fan with this 500 concept. It appears the force has well and truly awakened in Italy, it appears
Chevrolet was keen to show off the range of styling upgrades available for its Corvette
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Chevrolet was keen to show off the range of styling upgrades available for its Corvette
There's nothing new about this car's engine, but there are specially finished wheel caps and graphics to separate it
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There's nothing new about this car's engine, but there are specially finished wheel caps and graphics to separate it
It's been twelve months since the Ford GT landed in Detroit, but that doesn't mean it doesn't look fantastic in white
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It's been twelve months since the Ford GT landed in Detroit, but that doesn't mean it doesn't look fantastic in white
Ford's active aerodynamics mean the rear wing can move depending on the mode the car is in, and active suspension can raise or lower the ride height
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Ford's active aerodynamics mean the rear wing can move depending on the mode the car is in, and active suspension can raise or lower the ride height
Those taillights also include aero outlets to improve airflow
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Those taillights also include aero outlets to improve airflow
Unique fabrication was advertising its cost cutting tooling techniques with this off roader
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Unique fabrication was advertising its cost cutting tooling techniques with this off roader
Power comes from a big Hemi V8, although we're not sure you'd want to try out full throttle in a home made car
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Power comes from a big Hemi V8, although we're not sure you'd want to try out full throttle in a home made car
The rear seats are padded foam, but the driver and passenger are treated to bucket seats
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The rear seats are padded foam, but the driver and passenger are treated to bucket seats
VLF Automotive's Force 1 is based on the Dodge Viper, and takes around six weeks to build
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VLF Automotive's Force 1 is based on the Dodge Viper, and takes around six weeks to build
Thanks to its big V10, the Force 1 should top 218 mph - provided the driver is brave enough
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Thanks to its big V10, the Force 1 should top 218 mph - provided the driver is brave enough
The styling is an acquired taste - it's not nearly as clean or neat as the Fisker Karma, not as classic as an Aston Martin, even though there's element's of both in the looks
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The styling is an acquired taste - it's not nearly as clean or neat as the Fisker Karma, not as classic as an Aston Martin, even though there's element's of both in the looks
A paddle shift automatic puts that power to the ground
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A paddle shift automatic puts that power to the ground
The Allroad is a good looking wagon which will probably battle with sales against the SUVs, but we'd love to see more of them on the road
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The Allroad is a good looking wagon which will probably battle with sales against the SUVs, but we'd love to see more of them on the road
The Allroad's styling might look familiar, but the A4 is lighter and more efficient than its predecessor
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The Allroad's styling might look familiar, but the A4 is lighter and more efficient than its predecessor
As well as showing off a Corvette dressed up with all the extras, Chevy was keen to celebrate its win in Motor Trend's car of the year contest with this car
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As well as showing off a Corvette dressed up with all the extras, Chevy was keen to celebrate its win in Motor Trend's car of the year contest with this car
The Camaro mightn't have the same following as the Mustang, but to our eyes this SS is a seriously handsome car
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The Camaro mightn't have the same following as the Mustang, but to our eyes this SS is a seriously handsome car
Mercedes was all about drop tops at this year's show, with the S65 Roadster and a new Smart Cabriolet
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Mercedes was all about drop tops at this year's show, with the S65 Roadster and a new Smart Cabriolet
Thanks to a V12 Biturbo engine, the S65 will ruffle your hairdo
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Thanks to a V12 Biturbo engine, the S65 will ruffle your hairdo
It wasn't all high-end roadsters, although no Mercedes convertible is cheap
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It wasn't all high-end roadsters, although no Mercedes convertible is cheap
The SLC43 is the smallest ticket to AMG membership, but its twin-turbo engine still shoots it to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds
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The SLC43 is the smallest ticket to AMG membership, but its twin-turbo engine still shoots it to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds
It's been twelve months since the Ford GT landed in Detroit, but that doesn't mean it doesn't look fantastic in white
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It's been twelve months since the Ford GT landed in Detroit, but that doesn't mean it doesn't look fantastic in white
To our eyes it's still a good looking car, even is it lacks the drama of something like an Audi R8
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To our eyes it's still a good looking car, even is it lacks the drama of something like an Audi R8
Lamborghini's Aventador SV never fails to draw a crowd, especially when it's painted in frozen white like this example
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Lamborghini's Aventador SV never fails to draw a crowd, especially when it's painted in frozen white like this example
With a starting price of US$400,000, the Aventador SV's 740 hp V12 power is for wealthy applicants only
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With a starting price of US$400,000, the Aventador SV's 740 hp V12 power is for wealthy applicants only
The best of the 2016 Detroit Motor Show
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The best of the 2016 Detroit Motor Show
View gallery - 83 images

It might be cold outside in Detroit, but the world's car manufacturers have shaken it off to put on a sizzling display at this year's North American International Auto Show. As the pressure on manufacturers to meet strict emissions deadlines tightens, the number of hybrids and electric cars on display has grown. But that doesn't mean it was all eco-cars; from heavy-duty trucks, slinky sports coupes and minivans, there was something on the floor for everyone.

Buick is making a habit of wowing the Detroit Auto Show with its concepts. Last year it was the big Avenir and this year it's the Avista, a slinky sports coupe that seems totally at odds with what you'd traditionally expect of a Buick.

Buick surprised the show with the slinky Avista concept
Buick surprised the show with the slinky Avista concept

Based on the Chevrolet Camaro's platform, the Avista gets its power from a twin-turbo V6 engine producing 298 kW (400 hp). But this concept is less about the engine and more about the way it looks.

With lines that flow uninterrupted from the front to the rear of the car, and Buick's wing-shape detailing integrated neatly into the lights, the Avista has classic sports car proportions with a clean, modern look.

The grille on the concept will make it onto a production car "soon" according to Acura
The grille on the concept will make it onto a production car "soon" according to Acura

From one slinky sports car to another, Acura had a tough act to follow after last year's big NSX launch. Thankfully, Honda's luxury arm followed up with another big showing.

The Precision Concept is designed to act as a precursor to Acura's next generation in design. That grille will feature on a production car soon, and the headlamps take the current LED-heavy design on Acura's models and turn them into something altogether more beautiful.

Unfortunately, the car won't make it to production in its current form.

Nissan's Titan Warrior Concept is kitted out in a "modern armor" bodykit for a rough and ready look
Nissan's Titan Warrior Concept is kitted out in a "modern armor" bodykit for a rough and ready look

The Ford F-150 has been the best selling truck in the USA for 33 years, but that hasn't stopped Nissan going after its crown with all guns blazing. Last year it was the Titan XD, this year it's the Titan Warrior Concept, which takes a basic Titan XD and ramps up the aggression.

Nissan has given the car a 7.5 cm (3 inch) lift, and the bodywork has been inspired by the idea of "modern armor". That means integrated LED spotlights on the roof, angular fenders and guards, and special 18-inch beaded wheels to top it all off.

Unfortunately, truck concepts have a habit of being dramatically watered down before production, but Ford's Raptor is evidence that sometimes a little craziness doesn't sqush all hopes of making it to market.

There's plenty more cool concepts and important debuts from Detroit, so take a flick through our NAIAS 2016 photo gallery for the full motor-city experience!

View gallery - 83 images

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AutomotiveTruckCoupeConcept VehicleNAIAS 2016Detroit Auto Show 2016
3 comments
Scott Collie
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Scott grew up with a passion for cars and a love of writing. He now combines the two by covering all things automotive for New Atlas. When he’s got a spare moment, you can usually find him freezing himself silly in search of fresh powder to ski.

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3 comments
Keith Reeder
That Avista - they've just crow-barred the Aston Martin badge off and written Buick on in crayon, haven't they?
El_Zato
Nice try, Cadillac and Buick, your Camaro-based and Corvette-based cars are awesome but please GM, please bring Pontiac back.
gizmowiz
The new Nissan Titan is interesting enough but only if they don't water it down! So tired of watered down concept cars!! Automakers please stop the BS of wetting appetites and then disappointing everyone!!!!