Top 5 Most Important Production Car Debuts of the 2017 Detroit Auto Show
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The 2017 Detroit Auto Show was pretty quiet this year with no big surprises or crazy supercar debuts to steal the spotlight.
The focus of this year’s show seemed to be on production cars that real people actually buy. A few hugely significant new cars were unveiled, so here are the Top 5 most important production car reveals from the show.
ALSO SEE: Top 5 Best (and Only) Concept Car Debuts at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show
A few other production vehicles debuted that should also get honorable mentions: the new Honda Odyssey, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Terrain, Lexus LS, Audi SQ5, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-E-Class Coupe, among others.
5. Nissan Rogue Sport
The Nissan Rogue Sport (called the Qashqai in Europe and Canada) is not the most exciting, but it is an easy sell. As a compact urban crossover to slot in between the Juke and Rogue, it promises sporty driving dynamics and affordability with all the tech and driver assistants that are becoming the norm.
ALSO SEE: 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport/Qashqai Debut to Join the Small Crossover Squad
4. Volkswagen Tiguan
People have been asking for a three-row Volkswagen SUV, and now there are two to pick from: The full-sized Atlas or the new Tiguan for people who want something more compact. The new Tiguan debuted with a longer wheelbase that makes it possible for three rows of seats and 57 percent more cargo capacity than the old model. The design is conservative but the crossover gets more technology and VW’s smooth and refined 2.0-liter turbo four engine.
MORE INFO: New 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Debuts With More Room for Junk in the Trunk
3. Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is the best-selling truck in North America, and the popular truck got a big refresh for the 2018 model year. Although the exterior changes aren’t very noticeable, the big news with the F-150 is that for the first time ever, a diesel engine will be offered. No output or towing specs have been released, but the truck will get a bunch of new driver assistance and safety tech.
MORE INFO: 2018 Ford F-150 Debuts with New Diesel Engine and More Tech
2. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is the best-selling car in North America, so naturally, the debut of a next-generation model is very important. Although it will still be the reliable and affordable family sedan people know and love, Toyota has tried to inject some personality by giving it an aggressive new look and better driving dynamics. The redesign has people split, but we imagine Toyota will continue to sell loads of Camrys.
MORE INFO: 2018 Toyota Camry Gets Aggressive Overhaul
1. Kia Stinger
Although we all knew it was coming, it was great to see the production car debut with so much style. The new rear-wheel-drive sport sedan from Kia has great potential with a topline twin-turbo V6 under its long hood and a sportback style that looks legitimately good. We also heard from Kia executives that you can even turn off the traction control and drift the Stringer, which is crazy because this is a Kia! This is a huge deal for the Korean automaker, as the brand has never had a car like this before.
MORE INFO: 2018 Kia Stinger Debuts as RWD Sports Sedan-Shaped Middle Finger to German Rivals
Watch all our video coverage from the 2017 Detroit Auto Show in the playlist below:
Jodi has been obsessed with cars since she was little and has been an automotive journalist for the past 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the prestigious North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Besides hosting videos, and writing news, reviews and features, Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoGuide.com and takes care of the site's day-to-day operations.
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