OpenRoad's favourite world debuts from Detroit Auto Show 2016
Once the countdown to the New Year is over, a countdown of another sort begins almost immediately: to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. This year, the Motor City’s annual event showcased lots of sporty goodness as well as practical and efficient vehicles from the likes of Lexus, Infiniti and Honda. Let’s have a look at a few standouts from the show.
Lexus LC 500
The global debut of the LC 500 luxury coupe at NAIAS is a “dawn of a new era,” according to Lexus. This rear-wheel drive flagship is clearly inspired by the LF-LC Concept unveiled in 2012, and is a 2+2 seater housing a 5.0-litre V8 engine with 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft of torque under the hood, similar to the one found in both the RC F and GS F.
Power is transferred using a unique 10-speed automatic transmission, which is smaller and lighter than some eight-speeds found on the market, and is said to help propel the LC 500 from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Infiniti Q60
You might have noticed that the popular G Coupes have disappeared from Infiniti’s lineup — don’t worry, because they’re not gone, just renamed. The Japanese luxury brand introduced to the world the third-generation version at the big show, which is now called the Q60.
There are two V6 options for the 2017 model, driving either 400 or 300 horsepower to the rear wheels, and Infiniti is offering an upgraded form of the Direct Adaptive Steering system with customizable steering feedback.
Honda Ridgeline
If it’s one thing we know on this side of the globe, it’s trucks. That’s why Honda’s new 2017 Ridgeline mid-size pickup truck was designed by Honda R&D Americas and is being built at their manufacturing plant in Alabama.
The bed is 5.4 inches wider and 4 inches longer than the outgoing pickup, and features an In-Bed Trunk allowing for valuables to be stored securely without taking up extra space. The Ridgeline will run off a 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and both front-wheel and all-wheel drive will be available.
