NAIAS 2018 | Episode 6 : AUDI

What is it about Audi and battleship grey?  Once again they displayed several of their exhibits in what we consider to be an awful, unflattering color.  I guess their design guys must think otherwise.

The new A7 Sportback was introduced at the show featuring the taught, purposeful lines that we have come to expect from Audi.  The interior is where the big changes are with a touch screen system replacing the rotary dial and 32 other switches.  The main screen has haptic feedback, plus the ability to accept hand written input.  The overall interior design is clean and linear with a level of quality, fit and finish that only Audi seems to achieve.  We really like the frameless rear view mirror.

The new A8L, also just introduced in the US, is certainly an imposing machine that exudes understated elegance.  The A8 features similar instrument panel technology and general layout to the A7, but with a higher level of refinement.  Both the A7 and the A8 have power closing decklids – another feature that we will not be able to do without!

NAIAS 2018 | Episode 5 : VW

VW continues to struggle in the US.  Sales in 2017 were up about 5% versus 2016, but market share rose only slightly and remains below 2%.  The recently introduced Atlas SUV has yet to make a real impact on the numbers – hopefully they will see the effect of this key model in 2018.

The new Jetta announced at the show is bigger in almost every dimension compared with the outgoing model.  It fits below the Passat, but barely.  The all-new body is a dramatic improvement over the prior model, with sharp styling and bold feature lines – including 6 on the hood alone!  The grille and headlamps give the car a wide look and the decklid has an integrated spoiler.  The whole car is a big step up in perceived value and it will be priced just below the old car.  The rather simple and dare I say, “cheap-looking interior” was a bit of a disappointment, however.  Displayed alongside the new car was a nicely preserved, first generation Jetta.  It made for an interesting comparison.

The i.d. Crozz concept was featured on the stand for the second year running.  presumably to remind us that VW is still working hard on electric and autonomous vehicles.

NAIAS 2018 | Episode 4 : Fiat Chrysler {FCA]

Fiat Chrysler (FCA) followed the trend of the show focusing its announcements on trucks and SUV’s.  A new, tech-heavy Ram pick-up was introduced keeping pressure on Ford and GM for sales in this lucrative segment.  The Ram remains the only player in the segment with a coil spring, multi-link rear suspension.  The exterior has more sharply defined shapes and feature lines, although there are now some similarities with the Chevy Silverado.  Storage bins in the sides of the bed are carried over from the prior model.  The 12-inch touch screen (with split screen capability) in the center of the instrument panel is a unique feature in the segment.  The Ram also has plenty of in-cab storage with a notably large centre console.

The latest edition of the amazingly successful Jeep Wrangler, debuted at the Los Angeles show and was strongly featured on the FCA exhibit in various body styles.  The only missing version was the Scrambler or pick-up version that is expected to join the range later this year.  The carefully evolved design retains the familiar look, but with subtle changes.  This model, the “JL” is more user-friendly than its predecessors, yet somehow even more off-road capable and lighter too.  The 3.6L V6 is standard a 2.0L turbocharger 4 cylinder optional.  Jeep’s Ecodiesel with 442 lb-ft of torque will be available in 2019.

Also introduced at the show was a face-lifted version of the mid-sized Jeep Cherokee.  The controversial front end with its column of three stacked lights has been replaced by a more conventional look and the tail-lamps have been refreshed too.

NAIAS 2018 | Episode 3 : FORD

Ford created a lot of “buzz” surrounding the Mustang before the show with rumours of a Bullitt version of the 2019 car to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Steve McQueen’s famous film of the same name.  Not only did they display the new version of the current car, but it also shared the stand with the actual, un-restored car used in the movie and driven by McQueen.  A great marketing coup by Ford and a cool addition to the Mustang range.

Reintroduction of the Ranger mid-size pick-up to compete with the Chevy/GMC Colorado and Canyon was important news at the show.  The Ranger will be available in XL, Lariat and FX4 Off Road trim levels.  The FX4 displayed on the stand in an ugly gold/tan colour frankly looked a bit dull and the large, black plastic grille gave us a feeling of low cost.  Photos we have seen of the XL and Lariat are more appealing and project greater value.  Power is provided by a 2.3L EcoBoost 4 cylinder with direct injection mated with a 10-speed transmission.  It will be interesting to see how these mid-size trucks impact sales of their larger and more profitable siblings.

Also new at the show was the Ecosport small SUV that will slot in under the Escape.  The styling has a family similarity with the Escape, but with softer lines and a more tightly packaged front end with greater plan view.  Notably it has a side-hinged tailgate that will almost certainly be controversial.  The release handle is cleverly disguised in the taillamp —  perhaps too cleverly.  Engines will be a 3 cylinder EcoBoost 1.0L or a naturally aspirated 4 cylinder 2.0L standard with AWD.

Also introduced at the show was a facelifted version of the Edge, featuring a new front end, liftgate and taillamps.  The new, wider grille is now separated from the headlamps.  More, high tech features have been integrated and a new, sporty ST model added to the range – for reasons best known to the Ford planners……….

New large SUV’s from Ford, the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition, also were introduced at the show.  Their sheer size is impressive and the interiors are truly cavernous – especially with the second and third row seats folded down.

NAIAS 2018 | Episode 2 : GM

General Motors has now completely evolved its show presence from one giant stand to four individual and distinct display areas, one for each brand.  Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac.

The big news from Chevy and GMC was the new full-size pick up trucks.  This is a key market in the US of course, with Ford as the clear market leader.  The Chevy/GMC share of segment has been slipping recently and the resurgent Ram trucks from FCA have been gaining ground, largely at GM’s expense.  The new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pick-ups will be key to maintaining or growing share in this lucrative segment.

The new trucks are lighter than their predecessors, using aluminium for the doors, hood and tailgate, but remain heavier than the all-aluminium bodied Ford F150.  A wide range of body and powertrain options is retained and the interiors have become increasingly luxurious and feature laden.  The battle continues.

Buick is fast becoming a significant global brand, largely because of its significant footprint in China.  With the addition of the Avenir premium sub-brand, Buick is also moving up-market and into Cadillac territory.  The product range is modern with new Enclave SUV, LaCrosse and Regal sedans introduced in 2017.  The Regal, in either Sportback (fastback) or TourX (wagon) configuration show a fresh, more European approach to the US market.  The TourX has an interesting and distinctive bright trim moulding that extends up the A-Pillar along the roofline and all the way down the D-Pillar to the taillamps. The prominent plastic wheel arch extensions, fascias and sill mouldings convey the required ruggedness and are reminiscent of the Audi Allroad and the Volvo Cross Country.

For Cadillac it was a quiet year, nothing new on display.

NAIAS 2018 | Episode 1

It was no big surprise to find that this year’s auto show in Detroit featured an emphasis on trucks and SUV’s.  In spite of this tendency there were quite a few car announcements, as well an underlying message that more and more electric vehicles are just around the corner.  A lot of skepticism remains about the viability and profitability of electric and hybrid vehicles, but it looks like they are coming whether they make sense or not.

Also coming are the Chinese.  GAC exhibited at last year’s show, but now they are serious, with a full range of vehicles that they plan to start selling in the US market in 2019.  They even revealed an interesting all electric concept vehicle.  But more on this later…