Richmond Review ·· Page Page 13 13
Friday, January 23, 2015
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Acura NSX Infiniti Q60
Visit the Auto Show gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca
Nissan Titan XD
Bolt EV concept
Detroit Auto Show: New wheels, big dollar price tags Detroit, MI – The daddy of all auto shows isn’t offering The fully equipped XD promises a towing capability much new for folks with lean budgets this year. of more than 12,000 pounds, and payload capacity But if you are in the market for trucks, super cars or of 2,000 pounds with the fuel-efficiency of a half-ton green vehicles, then there’s plenty to feast your eyes pickup. Looking forward to later this year when we can upon at the North American International Auto Show. put our truck expert Ian Harwood into a production In recent years, new compact cars have version of the Cummins 5.0-litre V8 Turbo been heavily featured but there was Diesel Crew Cab example on show here. none of significance launched here No prices yet or news of a rollout for the during this year’s press preview days. rest of the new Titan range. Asian manufacturers tend to dominate Our Zack Spencer shares his thoughts on that market segment and increasingly another truck grabbing some limelight at they choose to launch their new wares at the show: “the Detroit-three automakers other shows such as the now important might have the lion’s share of full size Los Angeles extravaganza in November pickup sales but it’s the Toyota Tacoma (of the preceding model year). mid-size pickup that rules the road, outBut those whose work demands truck selling the competition two-to-one. In recent years, ownership will not be disappointed with “Toyota is offering a heavily updated compact cars have new offerings populating the stands Tacoma with a new 3.5L V6, replacing here. Traditionally, domestic manufacthe old 4.0L V6, and choice of either a heavily featured turers have dominated the truck market 6-speed manual or automatic transmisbut there was none but now the so-called import manufacsion. The engine features direct injection of significance turers (most of whom now operate full technology and should vastly improve production lines and design centres here launched here. fuel economy. These and other updates in Canada and the U.S.) are mounting a should ensure the latest Tacoma remains Keith Morgan serious challenge. dominant.” The introduction of the Nissan Titan at Hybrid and electric powered-vehicles the turn of the century caused some ripare no longer a novelty feature here and ples in the full-size truck market but the 2016 Nissan now an increasing share of the floor space. Virtually Titan XD could make some more substantial waves. It every manufacturer has a production model to sell or a takes its design lead from the Big Guys, with a bold and promise of more for the near future. bulky design because that’s what consumers want. NisThe second generation Chevrolet Volt looks nearly as san doesn’t threaten to be number one in performance sharp as the artist’s impression of the first model, which and fuel economy because it believes you can’t have it didn’t live up to its promised looks when it rolled off both ways. Arguing that excelling in one often comes at the production line. More importantly, the new version a cost to the other. Listening to its existing owners and delivers much more in fuel economy new customers, it determined being “up there” in both Alexandra Straub reports on its compact sibling: “For areas will check more consumer boxes. the EV enthusiast or those looking for alternative fuel,
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Chevrolet expands its electrifying portfolio with the Bolt EV Concept. With a range of more than 300 kilometres, this all-electric stylish crossover is aimed for the masses, not just the select few. “While it’s still a concept, pricing for this type of vehicle will be in the $30,000 range. Not cheap, but certainly attainable. It even allows you to use a smartphone to perform as the key fob.” Acura is showing off the return of its simply beautiful NSX sports car to the market. The Porsche-loving Jerry Seinfeld was flown in to add some celebrity power but there was no — because this $150,000-plus super car speaks loudly for itself. It will be powered by a new Honda V6 mated to a ninespeed dual clutch transmission, assisted greatly by three electric motors — one for each of the front wheels and another to add torque while the turbos get up to speed. Interesting that Honda should be getting back into F1 racing; now it features hybrid power plants! Ford is teasing showgoers with a stunning new 600-horsepower Ford GT, which will more than likely have a price sticker similar to that of the NSX. The Infiniti Q60 concept’s premiere appearance was somewhat overshadowed by the aforementioned machines in the media here. However, Alfonso Albaisa, the Infiniti executive director of design, delivered a passionate description of the high-performance sports coupe that will come to market within the next year, with a price tag somewhat lower than the Ford and Acura products. View our team’s Detroit gallery and complete show reports online at drivewaybc.ca
Question of the Week This week we offer comprehensive coverage of the Detroit Show. What car caught your eye? Send your choice to our editor keith.morgan@drivewaybc.com Go to DrivewayCanada.ca for question of the week
Safety Tip: Consider using your headlights when it’s foggy or weather is otherwise poor and visibility is reduced – even during the day – to help you see ahead and be seen by other drivers. Low beams are more effective in fog or heavy snow.
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