Last month, car manufacturers from around the globe gathered in Detroit to share their latest, greatest vehicles at the North American International Auto Show.
As you know, the past decade has been rocky for the automotive industry, especially Detroit’s Big 3 of Chrysler, Ford and GM. But, this year’s show seemed to signify a bounce back for the industry. Along with falling gas prices, there was a newfound sense of optimism on the show floor. Attendance even hit a 12-year high.
And the show was more diverse than ever, with electrics, hybrids, muscle cars, trucks and something we’re not quite sure what it is.
Here’s a recap of what you may have missed and what you can look forward to seeing on the roads this year and in the years to come.
Car and Truck of the Year
A year after Chevy swept the Car and Truck of the Year awards with the Stingray and Silverado, this year’s winners were a split decision.
Volkswagen took home Car of the Year honors with its Golf model, beating out the Ford Mustang and Hyundai Genesis. The Ford F-150 was crowned Truck/Utility of the Year, edging out the Chevrolet Colorado and Lincoln MKC.
Return of the American Supercar
Last year’s Ford Mustang brought back some much-needed edge and style to the classic franchise. But Ford wasn’t satisfied with simply one re-design.
This year, it unveiled a beautiful new 2017 GT supercar. Its style and power is good enough to rival anything coming out of Europe. But if you want one, you’ll have to wait until next year and probably shell out over $150,000.
Japanese Automakers Push Pickup Trucks
With Ford and Chevy winning for best truck in back-to-back years, Japanese automakers like Nissan and Toyota were eager to improve their pickup game.
Nissan introduced its new Titan XD model at the show. In an apparent attempt to gain market share in the full-size pickup market, its style is very similar to the F-150.
Toyota unveiled a new generation of Tacoma trucks. These new mid-sized pickups are Toyota’s best effort to remain in the top spot after recent gains by GM.
Electrics and Hybrids
Even as gas prices continue to fall, automakers are betting big on electric, hybrid or alternate fuel vehicles.
The public got a first look at the new Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid. GM has come a long way in just over a decade, from buying back its original electric cars for scrap to leading the way with new electric technologies.
Maybe the most intriguing hybrid of the show was the 2016 Acura NSX. This sleek sports car boasts both a twin-turbocharged V6 and three electric motors. The result is supercar speed with hybrid gas mileage.
What Is It?
The oddest concept unveiled at the show might have been the Toyota FV2.
Part scooter, part Segway, part 3-wheeler and part skateboard, this concept vehicle defied easy characterization. What we do know is that it has no steering wheel and that it’s supposed to be like guiding a sled down a snowy hill. We can’t wait to test-drive.
