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| Cobo Hall, home of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
2015 North American International Auto Show Highlights
When I was growing up as a child in the suburbs of Detroit, the one thing I always made my parents do was to take me to the annual car show. At that time (late 1950’s) it generally only involved the “big three” and was held in conjunction with the Michigan State Fair in, if memory serves correctly, late September. Shortly before my parents decided that they had enough of the “dirty white stuff”, moving the family to California, the show was moved to the newly constructed Cobo Hall.
This year is the 27th time it has been held on an international stage, and more than 200 exhibitors gathered at the COBO Center on the Detroit River to present their latest offerings to a large audience. More than 18 million people have visited the show since 1989.
Although we didn’t hear the song once in Detroit, “The Boys are Back in Town” by Thin Lizzy, it could have been the show’s theme song. Remember the times before 2008 when outrageous design, halo and sport cars were the rage? After a short? 7 year stretch when small and economical choices led the marketing sheets most companies seem back, full steam ahead, into the stuff which dreams are made of. Whether that is fantastic looking sports cars harking back to symbolic brethren such as the original Acura NSX or Ford GT 40 or the brute force conveyed by trucks such as the Nissan Titan and Ford’s F150 based Raptor.
The companies haven’t completely backed down from the Eco roots planted during the last few years. Plug-In Hybrid appears to be where more manufacturers are heading but the Eco capabilities were not the leading message.
It may have been cold outside (+7 to +11 degrees F.) but it certainly was warm inside the Ford exhibit. It appears that Ford has stolen the show and hearts of the journalists with the “surprise” world premiere of the 2016 Ford GT. Not as a concept but as an actual purpose built race car. The street legal version will require subtle changes from the version shown.
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| The 600-plus horsepower Ford GT after its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
Set for production in 2016, as a nod to the 50th Anniversary of the 1966 24-Hours of Le Mans where the Ford GT 40 won the event, it is expected to run in the 2016 event.
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| Front and rear of the 600-plus horsepower Ford GT after its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show. Image Credits: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
Powered by a 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged Eco-boost engine making "more than 600 horsepower it exhibits a 0-60 time of around 3 seconds and a top speed greater than 200 mph. According to Ford, "the GT will exhibit one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car," thanks to its lightweight carbon fiber construction. The car also has racing inspired pushrod suspension and active aerodynamics.
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| The world premier of the long awaited Acura NSX Hybrid at the North American International Auto Show. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
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| Front and 3/4 rear side views of the 2016 Acura NSX Hybrid as seen in Detroit. Image Credits: Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
Cost is estimated to be around $150,000.00 with deliveries beginning late this year. If you want one you will have to wait behind Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld as they are vying for unit number 1. To further solidify his interest, Seinfeld was present for the World Premier.
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| Rear valances on the 2016 Acura NSX Hybrid at the world premier in Detroit. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon T. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
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| The 1975 IMSA GT Championship 3.0 CSL. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
This year marks two milestones for BMW. The first is the 40th Anniversary of BMW North America. The second is the 40th Anniversary of BMW Motorsports’ first wins in North America. This was marked by the presence of the Sebring winning #25 3.0 CSL.
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| The world premiere of the refreshed BMW 650i Grand Coupe. Image Credit: Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
BMW chose Detroit to showcase their recently revised 6-series line-up. Comprising over 50% of the 6-series sales the Grand Coupe has three engine options. The 450 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 TwinTurbocharged engine produces 479 pound-feet of torque. The 320 horsepower 6-cylinder TwinTurbocharged engine produces 332 pound-feet of torque or the 313 horsepower Twin Rail Direct-Injection diesel yielding 464 pound-feet of torque.
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| The world premiere of the refreshed 2015 BMW M6 Coupe at the North American International Auto Show. Image Credits: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
The new M6 is powered by the 560 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 Twin Turbocharged engine which yields 501 pound-feet of torque. Also available in 2015 will be the M6 Grand Coupe and M6 Convertible. On hand was the all new 650i Convertible.
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| The world premiere of the refreshed 2015 BMW 650i Convertible at the North American International Auto Show. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
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| 2015 BMW i8 Plug-In Hybrid as seen at Detroit. Image Credit: Brandon T. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
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| The 2015 BMW i3 Plug-In Hybrid was at Detroit for the Auto Show. Image Credit: Brandon T. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
BMW continued to highlight their Plug-In Hybrid technology by bringing both the i8 and the i3 to Detroit. When asked if we could see an i5 and i7 Ian Robertson said that it was too soon to tell if it would expand fully into its own line. He did say that some of the technology will be migrating to the other series.
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| The 2015 Cadillac CTS-V upon its debut at Detroit. Image Credit: Brandon T. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
Cadillac and Lexus (GS F ~450 horsepower) went different directions and the power, insert Tim Allen grunt here, side of me hopes that Cadillac is rewarded through the sales numbers.
The suspension with the third-generation Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management system allows four driver-selectable settings – Tour, Sport, Track and Snow which electronically calibrate performance variables to optimize the car for driving conditions.
Performance Traction Management is offered in Track mode and features five settings of torque reduction and brake intervention for track driving. The Cadillac executives even commented that the testing video of the CTS-V getting all four wheels off the ground at Nurburgring has gone viral. Cadillac is definitely targeting Mercedes-AMG and BMW M both on the road and the track with this car.
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| The newly announced Shelby GT 350R in a special "auto Show" coordinated color. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
While we continue with the Made in America theme, Ford also announced the Shelby GT 350R. Even though the new Shelby GT 350 was only recently unveiled and no sales date has been offered Ford wasted no time in announcing an even more brutish rendering.
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| The "standard" Shelby GT 350 as seen in Detroit. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon j. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
Not for the faint of heart, like its 1965 predecessor the GT 350R was stripped of its back seats, stereo, air conditioning, carpets, trunk floorboard, and backup camera. Lightweight racing features such as carbon fiber wheels were added. This car is ready for the track and everything a race car driver is looking for.
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| The brutish Shelby GT 350R as seen at the North American International Auto Show. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
"The Shelby GT350R Mustang is a no-compromise car in the pursuit of maximum track capability," said Raj Nair, the Ford Group's vice president of global product development. "It is a thoroughbred street car making use of technology and ingenuity to deliver performance few enthusiasts have ever experienced." At the heart of the Shelby is a 5.2-liter 500-horsepower V8 engine built using technology from Ford's motorsports experience.
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| The large rear wing on the Shelby GT350R adds the extra down-force this car needs. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
"The Shelby GT 350R Mustang is a car with the nimbleness and power delivery you want on a road course" Nair said, "This isn't just about horsepower. The Shelby GT 350R is an all-around balanced athlete - one that is extraordinarily precise and agile." Expect to see the whole Shelby line-up in showrooms later this year.
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| The 2015 Buick Avenir concept on display at the North American International Auto Show. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
On a less dramatic scale, power wise, Buick premiered its’ latest concept. The Avenir – French for future – is distinguished by its premium sports proportions and all-new interpretations of traditional Buick cues. It is a flagship sedan exploring progressive design with new levels of passenger well-being and technology integration.
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| The new Buick grille design as seen on the Avenir concept in Detroit. Image Credit: Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
A long hood, wheels-at-the-corners stance and a sloping, rear deck that pays homage to historical models, such as the Riviera, distinguish the Avenir’s proportion. The most striking departure from contemporary Buick models is a new grille design that puts a new face on the brand. It features a large opening accented by a return to the three-color – red, silver and blue – Buick tri-shield insignia, accented by wing-shaped elements. The grille is flanked by bold headlamps featuring full LED lighting.
The Avenir’s four-place interior rewards the senses, makes managing technologies easier and enhances the feelings of personal space and well-being. Interior surfaces - inspired by nature and sea waves receding on a beach - flow seamlessly through the cabin. It is a motif featured on the seats and carried through in other trim components – even the carpet. In fact, a patterned insert for the carpet carries the motif in silk and bamboo. A color palette of light and natural tones blended with oiled and buffed wood trim, and Galvano satin-chrome accents, enhance the Avenir’s ambience.
Avenir’s designers are also pushing the technologies for home integration, which would allow accessing home security cameras or the capability of turning on outside lights and closing a garage door that was inadvertently left open. Rear-seat passengers, can access USB ports and video screens allowing occupants to plug in to their favorite media and slip into complete relaxation, arriving at their destination refreshed and rejuvenated.
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| The flowing lines of the 2015 Infiniti Q60 Coupe concept as seen at the Detroit Auto Show. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
"One look and it is clear: Q60 concept is a strong statement from Infiniti designers that the exhilaration is real," said Roland Krueger Infinity Motor Co’s new president, “Design is a key driver for developing a strong brand. Q60 concept is another building block in Infiniti's quest to refresh its portfolio with a strong and consistent design language. And in 2016, we will launch a new model heavily inspired by the Q60 concept."
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| 3/4 front profile, Formula 1 front fascia, small central ridge on the hood as seen on the Infinity Q60 Coupe concept. Image Credits: Top Photo: Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images, Bottom Two: Brandon T. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
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| Ali Abela standing by the "officially" announced Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe at the North American International Auto Show. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
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| The 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider as seen for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
After a prolonged tease Alfa Romeo “officially” rolled out the 4C Coupe. What was new was the “talked about” 4C Spider which was shown for the first time to the American market. The Spider is very appealing. Showing the family lineage, Alfa Romeo brought in a beautiful 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. We give Kudos to Alfa Romeo for a job well done in transferring the design cues into the new generation 4C.
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| The 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
As previously mentioned Eco, although less dominant, was
still present in Detroit. Chevrolet led the charge, pun intended, with their
new Volt and Bolt EV Concept vehicles.
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| The 2015 Chevrolet Bolt EV concept being displayed for the first time at the North American International Auto Show. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
The Bolt EV concept that
appears to have the BMW i3 in its sights– its vision, an affordable, long-range
all-electric vehicle designed to offer more than 200 miles of range starting
around $30,000.
Drivers will be able to select operating modes designed
around preferred driving styles such as daily commuting and spirited weekend
cruising, for uncompromising electric driving. The modes adjust accelerator
pedal mapping, vehicle ride height and suspension tuning. The Bolt EV concept
is also designed to support DC fast charging.
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| The bold use of glass all around yield an airy feel to the interior of the 2015 Chevrolet Bolt. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
The Bolt EV concept’s airy interior ambience is enhanced
with bold use of glass all around – as well as a full-length, frosted glass
roof with unique, faceted design elements. A high beltline sweeps upward with
the D-pillar, culminating in an integrated roof spoiler, for a lean, athletic
stance. An advanced nano-composite rear
hatch and wraparound rear window give the Bolt EV concept a distinctive appearance
and flood the interior with more natural light.
“The Bolt EV concept is a
game-changing electric vehicle designed for attainability, not exclusivity,” said General Motors CEO Mary Barra. “Chevrolet
believes electrification is a pillar of future transportation and needs to be
affordable for a wider segment of customers.”
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| A cutaway version of the entirely new 2016 Chevrolet Volt as seen for the first time in Detroit. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
Chevrolet unveiled the all-new 2016 Volt electric car with extended range, showcasing a sleeker, sportier design that offers 50 miles of EV range, greater efficiency and stronger acceleration. The Volt’s new, efficient propulsion system will offer a General Motors’-estimated total driving range of more than 400 miles and with regular charging, owners are expected to travel more than 1,000 miles on average between gas fill-ups.
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| The newly designed 2016 Chevrolet Volt at the Detroit Auto Show. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon T. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
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| The newly designed 2016 Chevrolet Volt at the Detroit Auto Show. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon T. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
The 2016 Volt will use an 18.4 kWh battery system featuring
revised cell chemistry developed in conjunction with LG Chem. While overall
system storage capacity has increased, the number of cells has decreased from
288 to 192 as the result of a revised chemistry. The cells are positioned lower
in the pack for an improved (lower) center of gravity and the overall mass of
the pack is 21 pounds (9.8 kg) lighter.
Like the battery system, the next-generation Volt’s
two-motor drive unit delivers increased efficiency and performance along with reduced
noise and vibration. The drive unit operates up to 12 percent more efficiently
and weighs 100 pounds (45 kg) less than the current system.
Both motors operate together in more driving scenarios, in both EV and extended-range operation. The ability to use both motors helps deliver a 19 percent improvement in electric acceleration from zero to 30 mph (2.6 seconds) and a 7 percent improvement from zero to 60 mph (8.4 seconds).
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| The newly introduced Mercedes-AMG GLE 6.3 S Coupe as seen in Detroit. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
Mercedes-Benz was on hand to introduce four new models and also show their F 015 Luxury in Motion concept vehicle that was introduced to the world at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Like BMW, Mercedes-Benz has added a new SUV/Coupe combining the sportiness of a Coupe with the utility of an SUV. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 6.3 S Coupe has a 5.5-liter V8 producing 577 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque. Another model will also be available with the 3.0-liter V6 producing 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes are calling it the GLE 450 AMG 4Matic.
Mercedes-Benz also announce that by the end of 2017 they will have 10 new Plug-In Hybrid models. Following its premiere in the S-Class Mercedes-Benz is now offering its most advanced hybrid technology in the C-class. Called the C 350 Plug-In it will be available in dealerships in the fall. Powered by a 208 horsepower turbo I-4, coupled to the 80 horsepower electric, it has a total horsepower rating of 275 and produces 443 pound-feet of torque. In pure electric mode it is expected to go 20 miles.
With the S 500 INTELLIGENT DRIVE and the Future Truck 2025, Mercedes-Benz has made the vision of autonomous driving reality. Its latest self-driving luxury sedan concept, the F 015, Mercedes-Benz is illustrating how the car is growing beyond its role as mere transport. This vehicle is designed to take its occupants to the opera or board meeting in style and without fuss.
Like BMW, Mercedes-Benz has added a new SUV/Coupe combining the sportiness of a Coupe with the utility of an SUV. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 6.3 S Coupe has a 5.5-liter V8 producing 577 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque. Another model will also be available with the 3.0-liter V6 producing 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes are calling it the GLE 450 AMG 4Matic.
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| The new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 320 Plug-In Hybrid. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
With the S 500 INTELLIGENT DRIVE and the Future Truck 2025, Mercedes-Benz has made the vision of autonomous driving reality. Its latest self-driving luxury sedan concept, the F 015, Mercedes-Benz is illustrating how the car is growing beyond its role as mere transport. This vehicle is designed to take its occupants to the opera or board meeting in style and without fuss.
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| Just after its premiere at the CES in Las Vegas the Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion concept arrived in Detroit. Image Credit: Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
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| The front grille and interior of the Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion concept at the Detroit Auto Show. Image Credits: Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
The mass of arctic air that moved across the country this week may have put a chill on the Detroit area and the spirits of the attendees during the Media and Press preview days but once they were inside, the rush of masculine adrenaline found within Cobo Hall quickly thawed everyone out..
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| The Detroit River with ice flows and the Ambassador Bridge which connects Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Image Credit: Brandon J. O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
ENDS
