As always, the Detroit Motor Show witnessed the carmakers from around the world get together and show the automotive world what can they do. Once again, Detroit justified the nickname it has been awarded by the world - the Motor City. From the list of the vehicles which were showcased at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show, we have chosen these seven cars that will surely excite you.
1. Volvo S90
The Swedish carmaker launched its flagship sedan - S90 - at the Detroit Motor Show. This was Volvo's way of saying thanks to the American market where it grew by 24.3% in 2015. In the last three months of 2015, Volvo registered sales growth of almost 90% over the same months in 2014.
Being a typical Volvo, the S90 oozes luxury both inside and outside. The Volvo S90 will be powered by a hybrid T8 engine producing 410bhp and enabling the car to touch 0-100km/h mark in just 5.2 seconds. The car also has a range of 30kms if running on pure battery power.
The Pilot Assist feature helps the car remain aligned and within the lane markings at speeds up to 130km/h. Another feature is the ability to detect large animals, where the car not only warns the driver, but also stops the car, if needed.
2. Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet Edition 130
One of the many cars that Mercedes-AMG launched at the Detroit Motor Show was its S63 Cabriolet Edition 130. The name Edition 130 was given to celebrate 130 years of Karl Benz inventing his Patent Motorwagen in 1886.
The car is based on the Mercedes S63, which means that it has a 5.5-litre, twin-turbo, V8 engine. This engine delivers 585bhp of maximum power and 900Nm of maximum torque, which is then transferred to all four wheels using the 4Matic all-wheel drive. The Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet Edition 130 will do 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
To make the limited edition car more lucrative, Mercedes-AMG will make just 130 units of this machine.
3. VW Tiguan GTE Active Concept
Volkswagen took the covers off its Tiguan GTE Active Concept - a hybrid SUV with a petrol engine and two electric motors - at the Detroit Motor Show. This can be considered as VW's attempt to leave its past behind and look ahead with a more positive and focussed approach.
The five-seater SUV is based on the second generation Tiguan, which will be launched in the western markets in 2017, and is powered by a petrol engine producing 148bhp of power and two electric motors. The two motors will deliver 54bhp and 114bhp at the front and rear ends respectively. This will be VW's first SUV to be developed around the MQB platform. In an all-electric mode, the VW Tiguan GTE Active will do over 30kms.
The all-wheel drive technology will let the Tiguan GTE Active stay grounded even in the most hostile conditions, even in all-electric mode. The power will be delivered using a six-speed gearbox. In the all-electric mode, the Tiguan GTE will have a top speed of over 110km/h.
4. Mercedes-Benz SLC
Mercedes-Benz has decided to discontinue its SLK, and will have its successor in the form of the SLC. Looking more similar to a C-Class, the SLC is a two-seater, folding roof roadster. Mercedes-Benz will offer the SLC with an array of engine options. The three engine options are: a four-cylinder, 1,595cc petrol producing 156bhp; a four-cylinder, 1,991cc petrol delivering 184 and 245bhp; a four-cylinder, 2,143cc diesel producing 204bhp; and a V6, 2,996cc, twin-turbo petrol giving 367bhp.
The SLC 180 and SLC 200 trims will arrive with a six-speed manual transmission, and the SLC 250 d, SLC 300 and SLC 43 will have a nine-speed automatic transmission. However, the SLC 180 and SLC 200 owners can also opt for the nine-speed automatic gearbox.
5. 2017 Ford Fusion
Ford unveiled its 2017 Ford Fusion at the Detroit Motor Show, and keeping up with the time, Ford will now give plenty of options to its customers to choose from.
Where the Ford Fusion V6 Sport will boast of a twin-turbo, 2.7-litre, V6 engine delivering 325bhp and 475Nm of power and torque, Fusion Hybrid and Energi will have a hybrid powertrain with a 7.6kWh battery. Supported by the electric power, the car will have an overall range of more than 800kms. Both these cars will have a top speed of over 135km/h in the all-electric mode. Ford Fusion Platinum will have a two-litre EcoBoost engine and an all-wheel drive drivetrain.
According to Ford, the Fusion V6 Sport not only out-powers Honda Accord and Toyota Camry , but also the 2016 BMW 340.
6. BMW X4 M40i
German carmaker, BMW, showcased its latest offering to the famous X line-up - the new X4 M40i - at the Detroit Motor Show. The M40i version of the current X4 has an inline six-cylinder, twin-turbo, three-litre, petrol engine producing 355bhp of maximum power and 465Nm of torque.
These numbers are then transferred to all the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox helping the car to do 0-60m/h in mere 4.7 seconds. The chassis of the new BMW X4 M40i has been tuned to resonate with the responsibility the M badge commands. Common to all BMW X4 models, the BMW X4 M40i also has BMW xDrive all-wheel drive technology. This technology regulates the variable distribution of drive torque between the two rear wheels, which provides perfect traction irrespective of the road condition.
7. 2016 BMW M2
Another eye-popper from the BMW stable at the Detroit Motor Show was the new BMW M2. The car is powered by a twin-turbo, three-litre, inline six-cylinder, petrol engine which delivers 370bhp of power at 6,500rpm, and 465Nm of torque which can be increased to 500Nm. The six-speed manual (or the optional seven-speed DCT) transmission helps the car do 0-60m/h in 4.2 seconds (4.4 in manual) reach an electrically governed top speed of 250km/h, which is 270km/h if the M Driver's Package is specified.
The BMW M2 is a rear-wheel drive car, which means that it should be extremely agile and fun around corners, and of course on a race track. Activate the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) and feel free to throw this car around any corner without worrying about things getting out of control as the MDM moderates, and controls drifts on the track.
