Motor shows are a great way to see what exciting cars are on the way in the coming months and years – with this week’s Detroit show the first major automotive event of 2019.
Although many of the most important releases at the show won’t be coming to the UK, here are the biggest attractions from this year’s show.
Cadillac
One of America’s largest brands has revealed its first all-electric SUV – which for some reason is yet to be named. With all the naming and technical details to be revealed closer to its market launch, the EV will be the first to use General Motors’ new flexible electric platform, which will be used to power future EVs.
Ford
The Shelby name is associated with some of Ford’s most extreme models, and it now adorns the American brand’s most powerful street-legal car yet. Based on the Mustang, the Shelby GT500 is fitted with a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 engine developing more than 700bhp – which can get the model from 0-60mph in around 3.5 seconds. The ferocious-looking model can also do a quarter-mile sprint in under 11 seconds.
Infiniti
The Nissan subsidiary used Detroit to show off its latest concept – the QX Inspiration. The all-electric model is built on a new platform and will be a ‘direct blueprint for the brand’s first electric vehicle’. Infiniti also said the new design would allow for more lounge-like interiors to be used in its models.
Nissan
For this year’s event, Nissan has displayed an all-electric autonomous saloon that comes with all-wheel drive and a 2+1+2 seating arrangement – with the Japanese brand looking to create the ‘elevated sports sedan’ segment. Coming with a quoted range of 380 miles from a single charge, the IMs concept is fitted with two electric motors – which between them develop 478bhp.
Toyota
Detroit has seen Toyota finally take the covers off its new GR Supra sportscar – 17 years after the fourth generation. It was developed alongside BMW and its Z4, helped by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing team, and comes with a 335bhp straight-six petrol engine. It can sprint to 60mph from a standstill in 4.1 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 155mph. Prices for this model start from £52,695.
Volkswagen
The Passat is a familiar name to motorists on this side of the pond - but they won't be getting their hands on the new version that has just been revealed at Detroit. Coming with a new face that is reminiscent of the latest Touareg, the 2020 Passat also comes with new tech, such as heated rear seats and an improved sound system. As this version is almost entirely different to the UK model, don't expect to see a Passat looking like this in the UK anytime soon.