Consider the car unveilings at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2016 in Las Vegas last week as a setup toward the North American International Auto Show (Naias) this week in Detroit.
Monday served as day one of the Detroit Auto Show's press preview, and already, there have been plenty of thrilling vehicles to roll out in Motor City, ranging from a hydrogen-powered Audi H-Tron Quattro concept to a Lexus LC sports coupe and even a Chrysler Pacifica minivan. Yes, a minivan can be exciting, too. Wait ... we'll explain.
Here, Tech Times lists the six most exciting vehicle reveals (2017 models and concepts) from media preview day one of the North American International Auto Show. Get ready to mash the dash.
Ford Fusion
OK, so the mere mention of the Ford Fusion doesn't exactly elicit spine-tingling excitement. However, that might have changed Monday as Ford rolled out its 2017 Fusion Sport model, revved up with 325 horsepower and all-wheel drive. That's more power under the hood than the V6 Toyota Camry, V6 Honda Accord and even the BMW 340i. If you want to get extra fancy, Ford even introduced a 2017 Fusion Platinum model in titanium trim, offering Venetian and cocoa leather seats over the same 325 horsepower.
The Fusion hybrid and plug-in hybrid Energi were given software updates. The Fusion Sport starts at $34,350, with the Platinum model beefed up to a starting price of $37,495. Ford is definitely trying to live up to its tag line to "Go Further" with its new Fusion.
Audi H-Tron Quattro concept
The H in H-Tron Quattro stands for Hydrogen, as in the hydrogen that powers Audi's newest concept. The automaker boasts that the car can refill its tanks in four minutes flat, touting two electric motors — one in the front axel, one in the rear axel.
Audi's fifth-generation fuel-cell technology, pumps out 110 kWh of performance.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Think Mercedes-Benz is in high gear, anticipating fully-autonomous cars? Yes, indeed. After the company's head of autonomous technology, Heiko Kraft, told Tech Times at CES 2016 last week that he thinks fully-autonomous cars won't be ready by 2020, the automaker is working toward just that with its new 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan.
The vehicle touts a semi-autonomous system, which can drive up to 130 miles per hour on its own and just over 80 mph in the company of road markers. It can also park itself via an accompanied smartphone app. The all-new E-Class sports a 12.3-inch display and vehicle-to-vehicle technology, which is exactly what's needed to propel the acceleration of fully-autonomous vehicles.
Fiat Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
When's the last time you were excited about a minivan — if ever? Well, the 2017 Fiat Chrysler Pacifica might mark the first time. The Pacifica Hybrid gives off an 80 mile-per-gallon equivalent via its full electric range with a slated 248 horsepower under the hood, 16 kWh Lithium-ion battery and two hours flat for a full charge.
Hyundai Genesis G90
Hyundai hit hard this past November, announcing that it's turning its Genesis vehicle into its own luxury brand. Well, the Detroit Auto Show served as the debut for the automaker's Genesis G90 luxury sedan, running on a 5.0-liter, V8 engine with roaring 420 horsepower under the hood on the high end.
It will be one of six Genesis models to hit the road by 2020, including the G70 sports sedan and the G80 compact sedan. Everyone from Lexus to Infiniti, Acura and even BMW and Mercedes-Benz should take notice.
Lexus LC 500
Lexus is aiming high — really high — with its LC 500 sports coupe, equipped with a V8 engine and 467 horsepower, capable of hitting 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds ... not to mention, giving BMW and Mercedes-Benz a run for its money.
This was only day one of the press preview from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
What will day two of the media preview deliver?
