Summarize

The Detroit Motor Show has long marked the start of the motoring year, but this year’s event seemed limp in comparison as motor shows in general lose their lustre in the face of the digital revolution. Carmakers seem to think launching a car at a computer show is the thing to do — makes one wonder what the world is coming to? It did not help that GM, Ford and Jaguar announced significant job losses this week, but once it started, the new cars certainly made up for it all.

We have covered the two showstoppers in the Toyota Supra GR and Shelby Mustang GT500 elsewhere, but several other interesting newcomers are worth noting. Subaru’s 250kW US-only STI S209 is said to be its most powerful model yet, but the similarly SA in-house developed Diamond Edition makes 260kW. Likewise boasting upgrades in power, handling, aerodynamics and driver engagement upgrades. 209 is inspired by the 24 Hour class-winning STI Nürburgring Challenge racer and he Audi RS3 rival gets a bigger turbo for its 2.5-litre boxer four, new front and rear limited-slip differentials and improved aerodynamics.

Like Toyota, Lexus was still out in full force in Detroit, showing a revealed a seemingly production-ready LC convertible concept riding on 22in wheels and with a near-identical interior to the coupé as a likely Porsche 911 Cabriolet and Ferrari Portofino rival, probably powered by the coupe’s 5-litre V8 in the LC500 and 265kW and bi-e-motor 3.5-litre V6 LC500h hybrid. Lexus also released the 350kW RC coupé F performance alongside an aerodynamically enhanced Track Edition  to rival BMW's M4 with a 4.5-second 0-100 sprint.

Ford's new sixth generation bestselling Explorer SUV is a new Jeep Grand Cherokee alternative with new styling, a more diverse model range, new engines and a new rear-wheel-drive powertrain on entry-level models. Packed with a power tailgate, an 8.0in infotainment touchscreen, in-car wi-fi, FordPass Connect intelligent navigation technology and Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assistance with lane, pedestrian and blindspot functions. New engines include a turbo 2.3-litre petrol and a 300kW biturbo V6 ST halo model.

Kia revealed its biggest car yet in the eight-seat Telluride SUV, with an all-terrain response system that's set to be used on Sportage and Sorento SUVs in the future. The 220kW Telluride uses a 3.8-litre petrol GDi V6, gets four Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort driving modes and introduces Bluetooth connectivity that allows two phones to connect simultaneously. 

Nissan’s IMx electric and autonomous SUV is concept closer to a saloon than a crossover and has raised cabin height is due to the battery being located under the floor, takes advantage of  flexibility offered by an electric powertrain and offers autonomous capability. Boasting a ‘2+1+2’ seating arrangement, the cockpit is driver focused in manual driving mode, while autonomous mode causes the steering wheel to retract and the front seats to pivot for a more sociable environment. A motor per axle delivers 350kW and 700Nm off a 115kWh battery for 550km on a single charge. 

Detroit saw several other launches for US-only models too, but the show fell well short of its halcyon heights. Next year it moves to a midyear date in search of more summertime visitors as yet another fine old tradition falls victim to a fast changing world...