Automotive Trends

      Porsche does model variants better than anybody so we’re not surprised to see the Targa body style return to the 911 lineup. We were a bit surprised to see just how they’ve decided to implement the stowable roof panel which lets the wind rustle your toupee. Compared to the last Targa which had the panel slide down parallel to the back glass this is a bit more complex. First a truly retro-style metallic-finish B-Pillar has returned and remains fixed, however, the entire rear hatch and curved glass articulates up allowing the roof panel over the front seats to detach and swivel down to stow under the rear hatch. It looks dauntingly complex but clearly the engineers figured it out because the whole thing disappears in about 25 seconds. The model will be available this summer starting at $101k but you’ll have to be ok with all wheel drive because every Targa will come thus equipped.

     As the slightly more upscale brothers to the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the all-new 2015 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL also get the excellent new direct-injection V8 engines and chassis improvements to ride and handling, but they do maintain a couple of exclusives worth noting. The biggest of which is the beautiful and luxurious Denali trim which splits the difference between the lesser trucks and the full zoot Cadillac Escalade. With the additional luxuries and upscale materials of the Denali package also comes the 6.2-liter V8 making 420 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque–both segment leading. With fresh new styling inside and out and fuel efficiency improvements the big SUV twins should be popular as long as gas prices remain low.

     Since the start the Cadillac Escalade has been criticized for being just a Yukon with more chrome and Cadillac aims to put that argument to rest with the all new 2015 Escalade. You’ll notice all the major exterior components are unique with long vertical tail lamps even joining the design to identify the Escalade as a Cadillac. Inside, lots of attention went into colors and material finishes with beautifully detailed doors and seats providing a new level of luxury at the top of the GM lineup. The 6.2-liter V8 remains the one and only powerplant and a 6-speed automatic distributes power. The biggest advancement in the area of ride and handling is the availability of Magnetic Ride Control. We expect this system to offer big improvements in controlling body motions and smoothing out broken pavement that can otherwise upset the solid rear axle of these body-on-frame SUVs. Of course Cadillac’s CUE system is also included so you’ll want to start memorizing voice controls but all in all we’re glad to see Cadillac trying to justify the huge window stickers that the Escalade wears.

In the course of a press conference Chrysler has gone from second string to major player in the midsize sedan market with the all-new 2015 200S and 2ooC. The 200 seeks to erase the frumpy memory of past models by offering a stunning 4-door coupe body with upscale surface treatments and detailing not usually found at this price point. The front and rear lamps use LED accents and the narrow grille opening and prominent winged Chrysler badge debut the newly refined face of the company’s car line. Mechanically the 20o offers more than ever before with your choice of a 2.4-liter I4 (good for at least 35 mpg highway) or 295 hp 3.6-liter V6 matched to a standard 9-speed automatic and all-wheel drive with the V6. Chrysler says the 200S emphasizes sportiness and the 200C is the luxury tip of the lineup. However, when the doors swing open both models are way ahead of the competition. Great two-tone color schemes and uniquely finished wood trim along with plenty of metallic details make the new 200 feel a class above its class. The available 8.4″ UConnect infotainment system is present and the available heated steering wheel will be appreciated by demanding young buyers. The Chevrolet Malibu had better start printing some big rebate checks when this thing goes on sale later this year because the 200 is finally ready to steal some customers.

The Ford Mustang is an icon like no other so when a new one debuts the world pays attention. We were able to lay eyes on the new ponys at the NAIAS and came away pleased with the significant update that arrives just in time for the model’s 50th Anniversary. Gone is the solid rear axle so we expect a new level of handling finesse without the side skip you used to get on broken pavement. We’re also fans of the revised profile and sportier greenhouse with cleaner lines and a dramatically sloped rear fastback shape. Up front the wide grille remains tough looking and instantly recognizable. The rear end is visually reduced from the last generation and sportier looking as a result. The 5.0 V8 remains the top engine and the 3.7-liter V6 serves as the base motor but a new 2.3-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder will slot in the middle as an efficient option with more than 300 horsepower. The interior remains mostly retro inspired but with improved materials and easier to use controls to access the latest connectivity and infotainment options. Of course the usual bevy of special editions will start debuting before long but for now we’re happy to report the world can breathe easy because the Mustang GT lives up to its iconic status.

The big guns don’t get any bigger than the F-150. Just consider that it’s been the best selling vehicle in America for decades and represents a majority of Ford’s profits through the years and you’ll understand why it’s absolutely critical that Ford deliver an outstanding lineup that will last 6-8 years against relentless competition. Ford has done just that by pushing the boundaries of manufacturing to make nearly all of the F-150’s body out of aluminum contributing to a massive 700 pound weight reduction compared to the outgoing model. With more high strength steel in the chassis Ford will deliver a more efficient truck that offers even greater capacity for hauling and towing. Powertrain engineers were also hard at work developing a new 2.7-liter Ecoboost V6 to slot in as a mid-range engine above the naturally aspirated base V6. Although power output was not announced, Ford assures us it will compete favorably with competitor’s small V8s while returning far better mileage. The interior hasn’t been overlooked either with improved materials, helpful new apps on the infotainment system to aide in towing and off-roading, and an enormous glass roof to bring an open, airy feel to the crew cab interior. With handsome new looks derived from last year’s Atlas Concept we expect Ford’s big gun to keep firing with all barrels.

The only people not happy to see the C7 ZO6 roll onto the Detroit Auto Show stage today are owners of the once-mighty ZR1. Corvette engineers have forgotten all about model heirachy and brought the new ZO6 model to market with even more power and performance than last year’s $120k range-topper. What makes that news even harder to hear is that the much-improved ZO6 will almost certainly cost tens of thousands less than the previous flagship. Chevrolet expects true supercar performance with regards to road holding, acceleration and braking. All of the aggressive body additions are the result of intensive wind tunnel testing to improve downforce at speed and the car looks downright menacing in person. Oh yeah, one more fact to wrinkle ZR1 drivers’ noses: the ZO6 broke the Milford proving ground track record on the first go-round. You’ve gotta love the march of progress. We do!