Traditionally, the North American International Auto Show (or Detroit Motor Show if you’re lazy) has been one of the most important events in the motoring calendar. However, it’s fair to admit that 2019 was a slight disappointment, especially for European markets.
With more and more manufacturers choosing to exhibit their tech-filled motors at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas just days before Detroit, the motor show itself was fairly barren for new car releases. There was some wheat among the chaff, though – here are eight of the most important or interesting exhibits from the show.
Toyota Supra
After years of concepts, teasers, promises and leaks, Toyota finally revealed the Supra at this year’s Detroit Motor Show.
Co-developed with BMW, it’ll get a 3.0-litre straight-six engine pushing out 335bhp when it arrives in the UK — although Japan also gets the option of lower-output four-cylinder variants. Will it live up to the hype? We’ll find out later this year…
Ford Explorer
SUVs may be big business in Europe, but they’re even more important in America. The new Explorer is therefore a crucial model for the brand.
It’s fitted with as much technology as Ford can squeeze in, including driver assistance tech, and it’s even managed to increase towing capacity by 66 per cent while making the Explorer lighter and more efficient.
Shelby GT500
All eyes may have been on the Toyota Supra, but one of Detroit’s own was on hand to steal the performance spotlight.
This is the latest Shelby Mustang GT500 — the most powerful road-going Ford ever built. Boasting in excess of 700bhp from its 5.2-litre supercharged V8 engine, the firm says it’ll deliver a 0-60mph time around the mid three-second mark and cover a quarter-mile drag run in under 11 seconds. It’s unlikely to come to the UK by official means, but there’s always the import route if this horse takes your fancy…
Lexus LC Convertible
It’s only a concept for now, but we’re fairly certain the Lexus LC Convertible previews an eventual production model. A flagship cabriolet is something that Lexus has never dabbled in before, but the slinky and powerful LC looks ripe for the opportunity if this concept is anything to go by.
An eventual production version would likely be fitted with the 3.5-litre hybrid powertrain, but we’d hope that the V8 model makes its way over, too…
Infiniti QX Inspiration
Continuing a long trend of electric concept cars, Infiniti unveiled the QX Inspiration in Detroit — a glance at what the next generation of SUVs from the Japanese brand could look like.
Clearly an evolution rather than revolution of the firm’s current corporate design, it boasts ‘human eye’ headlamps, sculptured surfaces and a brash stance. Details are pretty scarce and it’s unlikely to see production in its current form, but don’t be surprised to see future cars from Infiniti taking inspiration from the, er, Inspiration.
Kia Telluride
Kia sells several cars in the US that we don’t get in Europe, and the Telluride is the latest. It’s based on the concept first revealed at the 2016 Detroit show, and takes its place as the largest Kia model available.
Telluride is a three-row, eight-seat SUV fitted with a 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine – too juicy for the UK, no doubt. It’s fitted with the latest off-road tech, as well as some interior gadgets we might see trickle down to European models, such as the ability to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
Lincoln Continental Coach Door Edition
Lincoln is somewhat of an underdog in the American luxury car market, but this Ford-owned brand has some serious history to draw upon. It’s now decided that its flagship Continental needed something special to make it stand out from the crowd – so it’s debuted the lengthened Coach Door Edition.
As the name suggests, this car comes with a pair of rear suicide doors, paying homage to the fourth-generation ‘60s car. It’s a really special touch and one that Ford no doubt hopes will revive the brand’s standing in the luxury car stakes.
Subaru WRX STI S209
Subaru finished UK sales of the WRX STI last year — but the model is still going strong around the world. The latest in a long line of ‘S’ series limited-run models, the S209 gets a huge boost in performance to make it the most powerful Subaru ever made.
A US-exclusive, it also benefits from racy aerodynamic upgrades, grippy Dunlop tyres and trademark gold wheels to complete the package.