Detroit is the home to two of the largest automakers in the world and also one of the global spiritual homes for the automobile in general. The Detroit Auto Show, also known as the North American International Auto Show, is possibly the most important auto show in the subcontinent and gives a chance for global and American automakers to showcase some of their newest and most cutting edge metal in front of the world's media. And this year, as with every year in the recent past, the list of global debuts and concept cars from almost every relevant manufacturer gives as all something to look forward to. So here are some of the most important launches and concepts we will see at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show!
(New Mercedes Benz G Class)
Possibly the biggest launch of the 2018 Detroit Auto Show is the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The rugged and squared off off-roader has already been leaked ahead of its launch and features an evolutionary and yet iconic design and a brand spanking new interior. The G-Class now features a lot more space on the inside as compared to the previous generation along with a dual screen infotainment and instrument cluster and the new turbine inspired air conditioning vents.
(New Mercedes AMG CLS53 )
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show a few weeks and now the German automaker will bring in a more powerful version of the car to the Detroit Auto Show. The 53 series will be a new AMG sport series that will make its first appearance on the CLS and will sit in between the entry level 43 series and the most powerful 63 series. The 53 series will also use a hybrid powertrain as compared to the conventional ones used by the 43 and 63 series. Power outputs are expected to be around the 430-450 bhp range.
(New BMW X2 SUV)
The BMW X2 is a new crossover compact SUV from BMW which shares its platform with the X1 compact SUV. That said, unlike the X1 which is more upright and conventional, the X2 is more raked like a coupe and more stylish. The new SUV will make its official public debut at the Detroit Auto Show with only a petrol engine while international markets also get a diesel motor.
(New Volkswagen Jetta)
Although unconfirmed, Volkswagen could surprise all by debuting the new gen Jetta at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. The German auto giant showcasing the new design language that we have already seen on the likes of the Volkswagen Arteon has already put out teasers of the car. The new Jetta in the United States will only get petrol engines to begin with while other international markets will continue to get the tried and tested (and infamous) diesel motors.
(New Ford Ranger)
The Ford Ranger is a small pickup truck - well, smaller as compared to the other behemoths that the Americans favour, and will mark the return of the American auto giant in this segment. The compact pickup is actually based on the same platform that the Ford Endeavour is based on and will be more affordable and with smaller engines as compared to the likes of the Ford F150.
(New Hyundai Veloster)
What is possibly one of the strangest vehicles on sale today, the Hyundai Veloster with its asymmetrical design (one door on one side and two doors on the other) in its second generation will be showcased for the first time at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. The new Veloster will continue to have the 2+2 seating layout and the shooting brake style design along with the underpinnings from the recently launched Elantra GT making it quite the hot hatchback.
(New Jeep Cherokee)
While in India we only get the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, the smaller and (in my opinion) more stylish Cherokee SUV has been one of the top selling cars in the United States. That said, with a design that has always been very polarizing, Jeep has decided to update the Cherokee with a new front end to make it fall in line with the rest of the Jeep lineup. Although still distinctive, the Jeep Cherokee now looks even better than before and will make its public debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show.
(New Infiniti Q Concept)
Infiniti, the luxury arm of Nissan, will showcase a stunning new concept car at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. The Q Concept as it is called is a large 4-door coupe with a swooping roofline and wide sporty fenders. The Q concept also has a large greenhouse with the roof and the windscreens all in one large glass panel. Under the skin, the concept will feature an electric/hybrid powertrain. The Q concept is the showcase for a new sedan that Infiniti will launch in the coming few years.
(Lexus LF1 concept)
Although not much is known yet about the new Lexus LF-1, the concept is a crossover SUV which will showcase a new design language for the Japanese luxury car maker. The LF-1 will also have a hybrid powertrain in line with Lexus' global philosophy and push towards electrified powertrains for all its models.
(New Honda Insight)
The Honda Insight was one of the first hybrid vehicles to be sold to the public in the late 90s. With its small and cute proportions, it did have a fair few takers but it did loose out on practicality as compared to its biggest rival, the Toyota Prius. Subsequent generations of the Insight haven't been very successful but with the new gen, Honda is looking to make a comeback. The new Insight will make its public debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show in a much larger and really cool looking avatar!
