Detroit Motor Show, the first international motor show of the year, has arrived, with some of the world's leading car manufacturers ready to reveal their latest production models and concepts.
Last year saw the introduction of BMW's highly popular M2 coupe, the smallest M car in the range, and Lexus also released its LC500 coupe, which has gone on to impress critics thanks to its naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 and luxurious interior.
This year is set feature new models from Kia, Audi and Lexus, with Mercedes potentially revealing more details about its mysterious F1-enginned hypercar.
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Here are the latest stories from the Detroit Motor Show.
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(Image credit: 2017 Getty Images)
Lexus LS
Lexus has unveiled a new version of its flagship LS saloon, which is expected to rival the BMW 7-series and Mercedes S-Class. Under the bonnet sits an exclusively designed 3.5-litre V6 engine, sending 415bhp and 445lb-ft torque to the rear wheels. Built on the same GA-L platform as the LC500 coupe, the LS will be lighter, longer, wider and a little lower than the outgoing model. Prices have not yet been revealed, but expect it to cost more than the £99,995 needed for the current model.
Find all the details about the new LS saloon here.
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Mercedes AMG GT C coupe
Mercedes is celebrating its 50-year anniversary with the AMG tuning brand at Detroit, revealing a coupe version of its AMG GT C sports car. The new model, which sits between the GT S and the hardcore GT R, features flared wheel arches and bigger air intakes for a more muscular look. It also has the GT R's rear-wheel steering and active aerodynamics, making it more nimble in the corners. It is expected to go on sale later this year and cost a little bit less than the GT C roadster's £139,445 price tag.
Read all about the AMG GT C and update GT range here.
(Image credit: VICTOR JON GOICO - www.goico.eu)
Porsche 911 GTS
Porsche used Detroit to announce its latest turbocharged 911 Carrera line-up would receive GTS variants in 2017. The cars will receive a power hike of 30bhp and an extra 37lb-ft torque to their 3.0-litre flat-six engines, bringing the total power output up to 444bhp and 406lb-ft torque. The range-topping variant will also come with plenty of equipment as standard, including a wide body - previously available on AWD models - as well as tweaks to the front splitter and rear diffuser to improve aerodynamics. The GTS trim is expected to reach showrooms in March, says Evo, with prices starting at £94,316.
You can find all the details about the GTS range here.
(Image credit: Jaguar)
Jaguar F-Type facelift
Jaguar has announced a small facelift for the F-Type as it enters its fourth year in production. Taking several design elements from the hardcore SVR, the 2017 model features a tweaked front bumper and a GoPro system that records driving footage. There's also a limited-edition Sport 400 model which will only be on sale for one year and feature a a 395bhp supercharged V6 engine with uprated brakes. Both models will become available over the next few of months, reports Autocar, which adds that prices will start from £51,450 for the V6 coupe.
Audi SQ5
Audi has taken the wraps off its 2017 SQ5, which is expected to go on sale in the summer. The mid-size SUV is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that produces 346bhp and 369lb-ft torque, launching it from zero to 62mph in 5.4secs and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. It's coupled to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that directs the power to all four wheels, with shorter ratios at the lower end for a more sporty feel.
Audi Q8 concept
(Image credit: AUDI AG)
Audi Q8
Following the release of several teaser images towards the end of 2016, Audi revealed its flagship Q8 SUV concept at Detroit, which is expected to rival the Range Rover and BMW X6. It features a coupe design and the single long, sweeping tail light that denotes Audi flagship models. Under the bonnet sits a 3.0-litre turbocharged engine along with an electric motor, producing a combined power output of 443bhp and 516lb-ft torque. Expect it to cost a little more than the Q7's £64,950 price tag when it launches next year.
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(Image credit: AFP/Getty Images)
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
Volkswagen has demonstrated a longer, seven-seat variant of its mid-level Tiguan SUV. The Allspace SUV will feature design tweaks to the front and rear end, as well as an "enhanced standard specification" to distinguish it from its smaller sibling, the company says. Prices have yet to be announced, but expect it to cost more than the regular Tiguan's £23,140 when it launches in the late spring.
Kia Stinger
Set to rival the Audi A4 and BMW 3-series, the rear-wheel drive Stinger will be available in standard or high-performance G trim, with the latter featuring a twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6 engine boasting a power output of 360bhp and 376lb-ft torque. There's no word on pricing or a release date, but AutoExpress says it could have a "list price of £43,000".
Mercedes has taken the wraps off its 2017 GLA, which will rival compact SUVs including the BMW X1 and Audi Q2. This latest generation GLA has a more muscular body that is also more aerodynamically efficient. There's also a raft of improvements inside to make the interior feel more up market. Orders have already opened, with first deliveries expected in April.
Volkswagen has also revealed its all-electric ID Buzz microbus concept, which features a host of self-driving modes and enough room to accommodate eight people. It's powered by two electric motors positioned on the front and rear axle and has a range of more than 270 miles thanks to its 111kWh battery. It's believed the ID Buzz could be used for VW's Moia car-sharing brand, which launches in 2020.
You can read more about Volkswagen and its Moia brand here.
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