Best: The North American International Auto Show
This was the last North American International Auto Show to take place in January, as the former juggernaut makes a desperate switch to June in search of relevance. It marks the end of a tradition in Detroit that’s stretched back decades and that, for me personally, was a fixture from childhood through adolescence and early adulthood and into my professional life. January was always auto show time, and to say I’m sad about the move would be a tremendous understatement (and not just because June in Detroit is nearly as uncomfortable as January).
But I was filled with pride after attending this year’s show and seeing the strides organizers went to in order to keep the floor looking full despite the absence of most European brands. And I’m especially eager to see the reception the citizens of metro Detroit give this final January show – despite the lack of new, important, or especially exotic vehicles, it seems like there’s going to be plenty for Detroiters to do.
Brandon Turkus, Managing Editor
Worst: Cadillac XT6
I could go on for a week about all the ways I loathe the Cadillac XT6. I hate that it took a decade and the resurgence of Lincoln for Cadillac to realize it should have replaced the first-gen SRX with another three-row CUV. I hate that rivals are doing interesting things with electrification and turbocharging while the XT6 is stuck with a dull, corporate 3.6-liter V6. And I think it’s the height of stupidity for Cadillac to not offer Super Cruise in any way, shape, or form on this car. There’s been a lot of evidence of perpetual mismanagement at Cadillac – the only thing that confirms it more than this car being 10 years late is that it’s so lackluster on arrival.
Brandon Turkus, Managing Editor
Best: Lexus LC Convertible Concept
Even though I’m not much of a convertible fan, let alone of those that have big grilles, I do have a soft spot for the Lexus LC Convertible. It’s a gorgeous concept that hopefully will hit the assembly line one day, preferably with a hardtop. As with its coupe counterpart, its interior is a breath of fresh compared to the more conventionally styled German rivals.
Massive wheels like this fancy 22-inch set are generally not my cup of tea, but somehow Lexus made them work. The high-revving 5.0-liter V8 with 471 horsepower is a nice bonus for fans of naturally aspirated engines, so there’s a lot to like about this concept.
Just build it, Lexus.
Adrian Padeanu, News Editor
Worst: Volkswagen Passat
I blame crossovers for slowly killing sedans and for VW’s decision to stick with the same old bones of the previous U.S.-spec Passat launched back in 2011. But over in Europe, the midsize sedan switched to the MQB platform in 2015 and is about to be facelifted. In China, VW launched the MQB Passat towards the end of last year. So why no Modular Transverse Matrix love for the U.S. then?
VW did spice up the exterior design here and there, but the cabin already looks kind of dated even though there’s now more tech. Dropping the GT version means there’s no V6 anymore, so you’re stuck with the 2.0-liter developing the same 174 hp as before. You do get a bit more torque, but nothing to write home about.
Adrian Padeanu, News Editor
Best: Subaru STI S209
Thank you, Subaru for showing the Detroit Auto Show how to build a hardcore performance car without going horsepower mad. This wide-body, 341-horsepower, all-wheel-drive monster looks ready for a track or rally stage. STI didn’t cut any corners, making sure the suspension and brakes are up to the challenge posed by the extra muscle. Generally, the look of wide fenders, canards, and huge wings isn't my style, but these elements look amazing on the STI. I just wish Subaru would build more than 200 of them. With production so low, I have no chance of ever owning one, let alone getting behind the wheel to experience the enhanced performance.
Chris Bruce, Contributing Writer
Worst: GAC Entranze
Chinese automakers have been showing up to the Detroit Auto Show for years, and each time, we’re stuck hearing about how they’re going to make their market entry. But with concepts as ugly as the Entranze, there's not much worry about GAC breaking into the American market. The big, round minivan looks like a jelly bean on wheels, and the bulbous butt is by far the worst part. Not that a production version would ever happen, but the translucent sides wouldn't offer the occupants much privacy either, so don't do anything you wouldn't want the entire world to see.
Chris Bruce, Contributing Writer
Best: Toyota Supra
It’s here, it’s finally here. After more than a decade of teasing, Toyota pulled the cover off its new 2020 Supra in Detroit. Already some people have knocked the new Supra for its obvious BMW cues (particularly iDrive), but I still think it’s the best car at the show. It has beautiful lines, inspired by the FT-1 concept, a lightweight rear-wheel-drive platform, and a 335-horsepower inline-six built by BMW. On paper, the new Supra sounds promising. We’ll have to wait until we drive it to know for sure.
Jeff Perez, Associate Editor
Worst: Infiniti QX Inspiration Concept
In concept, the Infiniti QX Inspiration sounds promising. It previews Infiniti’s first EV, complete with a 483-horsepower (360 kilowatts), 115-kilowatt-hour battery pack with an estimated 380 miles (612-kilometer). But it stalled in Detroit – literally. The QX Inspiration concept was supposed to drive on stage, but instead broke down in a hallway and missed its press conference. Oops. At least Infiniti handled the snafu with some grace.
Jeff Perez, Associate Editor
Best: Nissan IMs Concept
If this is the future of Nissan design, then count me in. Although I'm not too crazy about the marketing gimmick of calling this an "elevated sports sedan" (it's a sedan, dammit, and my guess is that pretty soon every sedan will adopt "elevated" crossover-like looks. Which I guess means, we'll have to soon admit crossovers are just wagons – or "elevated wagons" in Nissan-speak.), I'm absolutely enthralled by its clean and simple styling. Every body line appears to serve some design purpose, and the design team did a fantastic job of creating a grille-less front end that doesn't appear devoid of character. If Nissan can make a production version of the IMs with 80 percent of the concept's charm and all of its electric powertrain's stated power and range (483 horsepower and 380 miles of range), then it will no doubt have a hit on their hands.
Greg Fink, Associate Editor
Worst: Cadillac Electric Crossover Concept
Cadillac revealed a concept vehicle designed to showcase the brand's electric future. And it's stunning. Well, at least in the renderings the brand showed to the media. While Infiniti, Nissan, and even GAC showed off physical models of their electric concept cars, Cadillac decided a two-dimensional artist interpretation of their concept car would satisfy. It was lazy and disappointing (almost as much as the XT6) and it made the American luxury brand appear as though it lacked the resources and wherewithal to properly build and develop a concept vehicle in a timely manner. Sure, the Infiniti QX Inspiration concept struggled to get itself on stage, but at least the Japanese luxury brand took the time to create an actual concept car for both the media and the public to ogle at. Cadillac meanwhile, couldn't muster the means to get its concept off the drawing board.
Greg Fink, Associate Editor
2020 Ford Shelby GT500
Ford's line of Mustangs is to me like the spread of ingredients at Chipotle: I like some more than others, but everything is generally pretty damn good. I guess that makes the GT500 a big scoop of guac, because this car is totally worth the extra money. The GT500's face reminds me of the Galpin Rocket – a car that I adore – with a huge mouth and front lip. The carbon fiber wheels are the perfect complement to the car's in-your-face attitude, as are the rear wing and exhaust tips.
The jury’s out on the dual-clutch transmission, but with "over 700 horsepower" how much can you really complain? In a world where Hellcats roam the streets making noise and turning heads, the GT500 has to be great, and I’m convinced it will be just that. Hell, even hearing it start up at on the auto show floor made me smile.
Clint Simone, Associate Editor, Video Producer
Worst: Subaru STI S209
After seeing the picks from my esteemed colleagues, I’m apparently in the minority here. My issue isn't totally with the S209, which is an inoffensive take on the current STI, but more with the age of the vehicle the S209 is based on. This current generation is tired, and putting shiny wheels and a wide body kit on it doesn't change that. The limited nature is also a disappointment. No more special editions, please. It's time for a new STI – and bring back the wagon!
Clint Simone, Associate Editor, Video Producer
Best: Subaru STI S209
Take note automakers – this is how you make a splash at a major show. Subaru didn’t overhype the S209, giving us just a few teasers in the days (not weeks) leading up to the reveal. And when the covers did come off, we were treated to an attractively aggressive STI with legitimate performance enhancement all around. So often these days we see lots of pomp and circumstance on new “performance” editions that are little more than snazzy wheels and black trim.
The S209 is a cool car that actually delivers on its promise of performance. Perhaps more importantly, Subaru was just as cool with its low-key reveal. The one-two punch stole my heart, and when you consider a new Toyota Supra and Shelby GT500 also debuted at this show, that’s really saying something.
Chris Smith, Contributing Writer
Worst: Toyota Supra
Yes, I’m going there. Here’s the thing – the car looks cool, and the first drive we had in the prototype was impressive. It’s got a gutzy inline-six up front driving the rear wheels, and it’s got undeniable stage presence. But is it a Supra? Judging the car strictly on its merits, it should be an exceptional machine. However, this is one of those rare times where the merits alone don’t tell the whole story.
Toyota literally spent 12 years on the return of this storied nameplate, and the result is a reskinned BMW. We knew the partnership was there, and we knew the Supra would share a platform with the new Z4. We were also told the Supra would be uniquely Toyota, because the automaker spent two years telling us as much while testing prototypes in plain sight on the road. And when the new Z4 debuted last August. And during the past year, through so many teasers and "leaks" that we lost count. Now that it’s finally here – after 12 years if anticipation – we literally have a less-powerful BMW Z4 with no manual transmission, featuring BMW mechanicals, a BMW interior, and hell, even BMW warning chimes. The Supra might be a good car, but as the months progress I suspect this much-anticipated Supra revival will be shunned not only by Toyota’s core audience, but by many disappointed enthusiasts.
Chris Smith, Contributing Writer
Best: Ram Heavy Duty
With a peak torque of up to 1,000 pound-feet (1,356 Newton-meters), the new HD family from Ram is the business. While there are no exact figures to compare it with the new Silverado HD, I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to tow your house on wheels no matter how big it is (you might even be able to do it with your actual house…) on board the new 3500 HD equipped with a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel. I mean, it has a monster towing capacity of 35,100 lbs.
Not only that – you’ll be doing it with ease and confidence. The 2500 and 3500 build on the already awesome 1500 and add more technologies making towing big trailers a funny game, such as 360-degree and cargo cameras, as well as back-up sensors specifically designed to cover the added width of the dual rear wheels (for the 3500). Oh, and don’t forget about the new Power Wagon variant with suspension and powertrain modifications for more off-road capabilities.
Anthony Karr, Contributing Writer
Worst: Ford Explorer
The new Explorer is good. It is roomier and has more powerful engines plus higher tow ratings than its predecessor. But what’s the deal with that vertical-oriented screen for the infotainment system in the higher trims? Seriously, why would anyone not put that massive 12.3-inch display horizontally?
In my eyes, this layout is just a desperate attempt to make something different to what most automakers do just for the sake of it. It doesn’t look good, it doesn’t seem to be more intuitive, and it doesn’t fit the overall conservative design approach of the SUV’s interior. Then, what’s the point?
Anthony Karr, Contributing Writer
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