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Top 7 Most Anticipated Cars and SUVs at the 2018 Detroit Motor Show
The year 2018 is here and there are many things for us to get excited about in the automotive world. Major global events hitting us this January will be the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) or simply known as the Detroit Motor Show. But in this article, we will only focus on the Detroit Motor Show.
Here is a quick look at the top 7 new vehicles that we are looking forward to see in the show:
1. Infiniti Concept Car
Inifiti recently teased what appears to be a snout of a new concept sedan. Based on sources, the car will likely be powered by a hybrid powertrain or it might be an all-electric Q series model.
2. Mercedes-AMG 53 Models
A new line of AMG models will be introduced in Detroit. The cars will bear the 53 moniker. The output of the AMG 53s will be higher than the 43s. The E-Class and the CLS range were confirmed to carry the 53 line.
AMG CEO Tobias Moers said in an interview that the CLS will no longer have the 63 model. Instead, the range-topper of the CLS family will be the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53.
3. BMW i8 Coupe
The BMW i8 Coupe takes many cues from the i8 Roadster, except of course the hard top of the coupe. However, the coupe will get an 11.6 kWh battery and 105 kW electric motor. It will keep its 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine. The total output of the car is at 275 kW with a zero to 100 km/h acceleration of 4.4 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h.
4. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The iconic G-Class in the SUV range of Mercedes is getting an overhaul. So far, the German automaker has released official photos of the vehicle’s interior, which suggest that it will probably be wider than its predecessor. As for its design, Mercedes might stick with the classic boxy body of the SUV that has been its signature trait since it was introduced to consumers decades ago.
5. Hyundai Veloster
Hyundai will be debuting a new generation model of the Veloster. The car is expected to use a variant of the 2018 Elantra’s platform. Then, it will be benefiting from the different engine options offered by the i30, including a high-performance “N” trim.
6. Lexus LF-1 Limitless
Lexus just teased some exterior elements of the LF-1 crossover last month. From the images revealed by its maker, the car will be slightly inspired by the LC 500h. The auto is expected to be marketed as the flagship SUV of Lexus.
What is very interesting about the vehicle though is its “LF” name. It should be noted that the letterings were once applied to a supercar of Lexus called the LFA. So does that mean that the LF-1 will have a top-of-the-line performance in the Lexus hierarchy?
7. Volkswagen Jetta
The next-gen Jetta is on its way. Teasers, concept arts and spy shots of the car hint that it will be sleeker than the current model. The interior of the auto appears to have a similar layout with the Mk VII Golf. The engine options will likely include a 1.4-liter turbo inline-four and a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four. The transmission will either be a six-speed or eight-speed automatic. The output of the vehicle should be higher than the existing model and a hybrid version of it is a possibility.
Reminder
It should be noted that some of the information here are based on predictions, insider scoops, official teasers and limited hints from automakers as most of them refuse to discuss models that haven’t had their official world premieres yet. Therefore, better take these with a grain of salt as we wait for the opening of the 2018 Detroit Motor Show.
Hennessey Roars in with its 2013 Ford Velociraptor SUV
Well renowned for refurbishing various monster machines over the past two decades, Texas-based designer and tuner John Hennessey converted Ford’s F-150 Raptor SVT crew cab pick-up into a full-fledged Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with seating available for eight passengers watching the seamless popularity of the Ford pickup especially from SEMA show in 2012. Hennessey Performance garage had already been offering an overhauled version of F-150 Raptor with an upgraded engine pacifying the needs of buyers who wanted more from the van than 411 horsepower. HPE have, since past three years, produced over 400 Raptor beasts and are overwhelmed to offer Velociraptor trucks for sports enthusiasts.
As the F-150 SVT crew cab from Ford factory travels through a series of dealers and is reached at the Hennessey Performance garage, the trailer from the crew cab and the top of pickup bed is scythed off and new parts are welded for attachment of rear set of doors. Original shaded glass windows from the discontinued in 2005 Ford truck, Excursion are installed above the rear set of wheels after masking with new sheet-metal and painting. Following this is the process of addition of a melded three door tailgate, acquired from the Excursion as well, is mounted surgically in place of the raptor trailer tailgate without altering the taillights and rear bumper from the Raptor.
The recently added trailer bed is carpeted and padded, while the padded interior contour lines which cover the sidelines are adapted from the Excursion, too. Then the roof which is insulated with a thick insulation layer is covered with a dark character. Hennessey remarked this was to make the interiors appear, as company-like as possible. The wings of the van remain aboard while modern cues have been grafted onto the body. Chasmal interiors are exposed as the rear compartment is opened, largest in the sports utility market. It is a customer’s decision so as to what to do with the interiors – they could leave it hollow or place a second and even a third row for added seating up to eight riders. Additional mechanical upgrades like fancily wrapped aggressive tires, better Brembo brakes and armour option, alongside interior LED lighting, custom upholstery and entertainment add-ons are available.
Hennessey offers a stock 411 horsepower unit with a 6.2litre V-8 engine that fires from 0 to 97kmph in a span of 7.5 seconds while an alternative supercharged version, a 600 horsepower unit due to which Velociraptor 600 derives its identity, which despite of added 200 kg of weight reaches 97kmph mark in just 5.9 seconds. Moreover, Hennessey is developing another 800 horsepower behemoth for much more curious souls. Even after this beasty performance, on pushing the pedal right, the interior cabin remains silent, while for customers seeking roaring engine can opt for exhaust solutions. Apart from so many changes, the Velociraptor is essentially a Raptor ahead of the front door including stock dashboard and meters, and unchanged wheelbase and chassis.
The success of the beast is certainly enthralling even after rising concern for the fuel prices, but the edition vehicle is restricted to a limited audience because of its base pricing of $159,500 and thus Hennessey is determined to narrow production to only 30 units per year.
Will Hummer Make a Come Back With the 2013 H4 SUV?
What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘Hummer’? Definitely it will be nothing but a huge and bold SUV that might just run over any other vehicle leaving it a complete piece of trash! Well, you might need to feed some new data into your mind as the brand will now be bringing a new smaller SUV, which looks and performs as brutally as its elder brothers do!
Realizing the fact that the world has started to prefer compact SUVs and crossovers over the larger ones, the company has finally decided to bring in some products which are not as huge as boulders. Yes, we are talking about the beautiful Hummer H4 concept SUV, which is nothing less than an extreme beast!
Hummer has stated that the H4 will be great choice for those who travel a lot off road. What else do the 35 inch diameter wheels yell in your face? Besides the huge wheels, the H4 also comes with an impressive array of equipment which makes it one of the best off road SUVs. It is based on the HX concept that the company unveiled back in 2008. The engine statistics that the SUV features will also make you realize why the vehicle is such a beast. We would also like to mention that the H4 is a two door SUV, and each and every inch of the vehicle shouts manliness like no other vehicle does!
We consider calling the engine that the SUV features under its hood downright insane. What other adjective do you think would fit in best for the 3600cc direct injection V6 engine that comes with the monster? Yes, this engine for a two door SUV! The engine would provide some insane power to the huge wheels. The machine features an all-time four wheel drive system with locking front and rear difference. The 35 inch wheels are also combined with a feature which can reduce vibrations to a great extent. Your ride will hence be smooth at not so smooth terrains as well. Expecting a legendary off road driving experience from this beast is obvious!
We mentioned above that every inch of the SUV stinks of manliness, and we surely mean it! You can tell by a single glance that the H4 is perhaps one of the most robust SUVs that have ever been built. The front grilles as well as the head lamps are ordinarily shaped, but there is just something about the H4 that instantly makes you fall in love with it! The interiors of the 2013 version are also quite elegant and futuristic. With cleaner and spacious interiors and the amazingly comfortable seats, you will feel like you are sitting in some luxurious sedan, just a bit more aggressive!
The SUV is being produced in China, and will be out for sale soon. Hummer has faced a very huge blow to its reputation since the rise of the compact SUVs. We certainly hope that the massive improvements accompanied by the brutality that Hummer was known for will certainly help it rise and shine once again!
