Drew Dowdell

The Detroit Auto Show is smaller this year compared to years past. This year is also the last year for the show in the winter. As we've reported before, the North American International Auto Show will move to June for the 2020 show, so no more mucking about in the snow in downtown Detroit for @William Maley and I. Here's a rundown of what we can expect to see for Detroit 2019. Cadillac - 2020 Cadillac XT6 The 2020 Cadillac XT6 will make its debut on Sunday, January 13th. We expect it will be based on the same chassis as the Buick Enclave and powered by the same 3.6 liter V6 and 9-speed automatic found in the XT5. We could get a surprise engine option available which would be needed to take on the fantastic new Lincoln Aviator. Ford - Shelby GT500 and 2020 Ford Explorer The 2020 Ford Explorer was previewed at an event in Detroit on January 9th. We expect further trim information, including Explorer ST and an Explorer Hybrid to be released on Monday during the show. We can't yet say what the hybrid powertrain will be, only that it will not be the same setup as in the Aviator. The Shelby GT500 will debut on Monday. Packing a supercharged, handbuilt V8, we expect between 600 and 800 horsepower to run with the Camaro ZL1 and the Challenger Hellcat GAC - Entranze Concept The Entranze Concept is a 7 passenger SUV that promises to add a lot of technology and comfort ergonomics. Hyundai - Unknown We can't say what Hyundai will be showing just yet. Last year they showed the Veloster N. We do hope a demo of their new augmented navigation system will be available to try. Infiniti - QX Inspiration Concept EV Infiniti will be showing the QX Inspiration Concept. It is an electric vehicle that claims to reduce range anxiety, so expect an ambitious range estimate. It also showcases future design language for the Infiniti QX crossover and SUV lineup. KIA - 2020 Hyundai Telluride The Kia Telluride was shown at NY Fashion Week back in September, appropriately overdressed. On Monday, we'll finally get to see the production model without all the fluff. Lexus - RC-F Track Edition, UX200 and UX200ht, Lexus LC Convertible Concept Lexus will be showing the Track Edition of their RC-F and some powertrain updates to the Lexus UX first shown in Geneva. Lexus will also show off the LC Convertible Concept being considered for production. Lincoln - Continental 80th Anniversary Coach Edition We've seen the pictures of the 2019 Lincoln Continental Coach Edition, but now we'll get to see it in person. Lincoln is only building a limited number of these beauties, so get your reservation in now. Nissan - EV Concept We're not 100% sure on this one, but we expect a new EV concept from Nissan. RAM - Heavy Duty Pickups Last January, RAM update the 1500 series pickups. Now it is the Heavy Duties' turn. Expect most of the powertrains to carry over and some mild electrification. Update: We now have some teaser images of the 2020 Ram HD trucks Subaru - WRX STI 209 Subaru will show a limited edition WRX STI called the S209. Expect bigger brakes, better shocks, bigger wings, and limited sales numbers. Toyota - Supra Last, but not least, the Toyota Supra will be making a return after a 17-year hiatus. Follow CheersandGears on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram for more pictures from the show floor. View full article

This could either be fantastic or super annoying....no middle ground here.

Infiniti will be showing the QX Inspiration concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week. The concept shows the direction Infiniti wishes to take in both vehicle styling and technology. Infiniti hints that the vehicle will have "complete range confidence" leading us to believe that they expect EV range to meet or exceed the EV range from competitors like Jaguar and Tesla. Infiniti promises a sensual, handcrafted, interior with "Japanese DNA" INFINITI's new concept will be revealed in Detroit on Jan. 14, 11:40 a.m. EST View full article

I wish I was able to get up closer, they had me up in the nosebleed section and I wasn't able to look at the vehicles up close. They do look fantastic rolling around the stage though. I'm impressed enough that I may want to put one in my driveway someday.

Given our collective stupidity... I really hope there is more intelligent life out there somewhere.

The effects they used for the intro were amazing

The Ford Explorer is the all-time best-selling SUV in the US. So when Ford redesigned it the ground up, they made sure the 2020 Ford Explorer keeps a familiar face. Now on a new rear-wheel-drive platform that improves interior space and towing capacity, the Explorer broadens the already strong brand Ford has built over the years. Under the hood are one of two turbocharged engines. Offered on the Base, XLT, and Limited is a 2.3 liter Ecoboost 4-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Standard on the Platinum is a 3.0 liter Ecoboost pumping out 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque when fed 93 Octane. The 2.3 liter comes in either rear-wheel drive or intelligent four-wheel drive with front axle disconnect. That same four-wheel drive system is standard on the Platinum. Power is fed to the wheels through the now familiar 10-speed automatic also found in the Ranger and F-150. 3.0 liter equipped models can tow up to 5,600 lbs, a 12% increase over the existing 3.5 Ecoboost. the 2.3 liter powered models gain a massive 2,300 additional pound towing capacity, maxing out at 5,300 lbs when equipped with a class-III hitch. Update: Ford says that more information regarding a hybrid and a Ford Explorer ST will be coming on Monday at the North American International Auto Show. The interior of the Explorer is also all new and features and available 10.1 in portrait oriented center infotainment screen featuring Ford's Sync3 infotainment system. Wifi service is also available and can support up to 10 devices. Charging those devices should be no problem with 4 USB ports, including new USB-C ports, available wireless charging pad, three 12-volt power sockets, and a 110-volt household style outlet. The overall silhouette of the Explorer doesn't change much and Ford maintained the blacked out A and D pillars. However, moving to a rear wheel drive platform allowed Ford to reduce the front overhang and give a more sloping roofline. Like on the new Ford Edge, Ford is including its suite of safety technology called Co-Pilot 360. This suite contains safety items like adaptive cruise control, speed sign recognition, pre-collision assist, automatic pedestrian braking, lane keeping system, automatic headlamps with automatic high beams, and more. The 2020 Ford Explorer will be built in Ford's Chicago assembly plant and will go on sale this summer. All New Ford Explorer Press Release.pdf View full article