Mean machines storm Motor City
The industry starts 2015 with plenty of new models at the Detroit show, writes Lerato Matebese
THE North American International Auto Show, better known as the Detroit Motor Show, is currently in full swing and, judging by the piping hot metal that was revealed, it seems the forthcoming months will be awash with some exciting models.
Alfa Romeo has unveiled the open top variant of its mostly brilliant 4C, the Spider. It will feature a canvas roof that can be manually removed to keep its weight down, which only adds a miniscule weight penalty of 10kg over its coupe variant. The model includes updated headlight clusters and interior appointments, while the glass engine cover of the coupe makes way for a metal one.
Production of the model will begin some time this year, although its arrival in SA is yet to be confirmed.
Bentley used the show to announce the name of its forthcoming SUV as the Bentayga, which although is a touch obscure as far as names go, somehow sounds better than the EXP 9F concept name. The new name comes from the rugged peak found in the subtropical Canary Islands called Roque Bentayga which, according to the company, offers climbers a rewarding view of rich, diverse landscapes.
The company expects the majority of sales to come from the US, which currently has a 29% market share of the company’s global sales. According to Wolfgang Durheimer, Bentley chairman and CEO, some 4,000 orders have been placed even though actual pricing of the model is yet to be confirmed, which indicates the interest in the new luxury SUV.
While on the subject of manufacturers announcing the names of their models at the show, Jaguar has finally decided to christen its CX-17 crossover concept the FPace which, according to the marque, draws from its mantra of grace, space, pace”. The model’s global introduction will be in 2016. The final engine line-up is yet to be confirmed, suffice to say that it will have a performance bent when it finally hits the market.
Infiniti unveiled its Q60 concept, a 2+2 coupe featuring the company’s new design language as seen recently in the Q50 and which is likely to underpin future models from the stable.
For those with high octane fuel coursing through their veins there were some rather striking models unveiled at the show. The production ready Honda NSX, for instance, is one we cannot wait to sample. Replacing the now 25year-old first generation model, the latest model is bursting with performance and new technology. The basis of the powertrain will be a twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine allied to a nine-speed dual clutch and three electric motors, all of which is termed the Sport Hybrid system by the company. Power will go to all four wheels.
Unlike its predecessor, which had an aluminium body construction, the latest NSX will have a spaceframe body which utilises aluminium, ultra-high strength steel and other advanced materials. The independent suspension, for instance, will be hewn from aluminium while the floor of the car will be constructed from carbon fibre, which is revered for its light yet rigid characteristics.
Another iconic nameplate to be resurrected at the show is the next generation Ford GT sportscar, which will go into pro-