Top 10 New Car Debuts at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show

Another Detroit Auto Show is in the books and though there were no huge surprises or show-stealing reveals, it was still quite the spectacle.

This annual Motown gathering hosted dozens of important reveals, with plenty of cutting-edge concepts giving us a glimpse of the future. But perhaps more importantly, automakers unveiled plenty of groundbreaking production models as well, and here are the 10 most significant.

2018 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

The Ford Edge crossover has been updated for 2019, gaining refreshed bodywork, plenty of standard driver assistance features and even a performance-tuned ST model. Mass-market versions feature a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, while ST variants are motivated by a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 that’s rated at a muscular 335 horsepower. Ford also debuted the Mustang Bullitt, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the famous Steve McQueen movie.

Ford is getting in the U.S midsize truck segment by Americanizing its global Ranger. This hard-working pickup will feature a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame and sturdy, ferrous bumpers front and rear. Under hood, the only powertrain offered in ‘Murica will be a 2.3-liter turbo-four mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Look for the Ranger at dealerships early in 2019, yes, an entire year from now.

An all-new Hyundai Veloster debuted in Detroit. Retaining its iconic asymmetrical door layout, this sporty hatchback will be offered in three flavors, a standard model, another with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and a new high-performance N variant. That latter one will be endowed with 275 horsepower and a standard six-speed manual, making it a South Korean Honda Civic Type R rival.

It may look essentially the same as every G-Class ever built, but the new 2019 iteration has been thoroughly updated. Thanks to the use of advanced materials, this vehicle has lost nearly 400 pounds, though it’s no less capable, as it retains low-range gearing and three locking differentials. Making it far more modern, it also sports an independent front suspension and electromechanical rack-and-pinion power steering. Mercedes-AMG also revealed a new 53 Series of cars, all of which are hybridized. They are powered by a turbo inline six-cylinder engine that’s augmented by a 48-volt electric system.

Underneath the Jetta’s tastefully handsome bodywork is a lot of advanced engineering. The 2019 iteration rides on the Volkswagen Group’s stiff, safe and space-efficient MQB architecture. Power is provided by a 1.4-liter TSI four-cylinder engine that’s good for 147 horsepower. A six-speed manual and eight-ratio automatic gearbox are offered.

The RDX has been totally redesigned for 2019. In fact, it’s so fresh, it rides on an all-new Acura-exclusive architecture. Power will be provided by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that will almost certainly share some components with the Civic Type R’s engine. No output, fuel economy, or pricing information has been released but it will feature a 10-speed automatic transmission. The brand’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive will also be offered.

Lighter, stronger and more feature-laden, the all-new Silverado is looking to up Chevrolet’s truck game. This bold and boxy-looking rig has lost up to 450 pounds, which should be a boon for both fuel economy and capability. A brand-new 3.0-liter straight-six diesel will also be offered, while the gasoline V8s will also benefit from a range of important improvements.

But arguably the most important reveal at this year’s Detroit Auto Show was the 2019 Ram 1500. A ground-up redesign, this pickup has lost some 225 pounds, though in the process it’s gained so much more. The frame is stronger than ever, being comprised of 98 percent high-strength steel, there’s an available version of FCA’s Uconnect infotainment system with a 12-inch screen, plus it even offers a 48-volt electrical system that enables an array of mild-hybrid functions including fuel-saving stop-start and regenerative braking. Ram is working to redefine the full-size pickup segment and it may have just done it with this 2019 model, which goes on sale very soon.

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