2014 Detroit Auto Show Preview

Another year is upon us and that means another 12 months of auto show fun, plus all the new model and concept unveilings that come with it. First off the ranks is the annual Detroit Auto Show, or North American International Auto Show as it’s officially known, and while the industrial city’s streets are typically cold during this time of year, things will be very hot inside the halls of the Cobo Center this coming week.

Last year’s Detroit Auto Show saw 61 world debuts, making it one of the biggest years in the event’s 107-year history. This year’s event, which starts Monday, January 13, is set to be just as big, with already more than 50 world debuts, both concepts and production cars, confirmed.

Over 5,000 journalists will also be attending, including our own crew, which will be bringing you all the breaking news in addition to live photos and video footage. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect, and don't forget to bookmark our dedicated Detroit Auto Show hub, as well as follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates.

CONCEPT CARS

Alleged teaser for Toyota Vision Gran Turismo concept - Image via AutoPlus

Toyota Vision Gran Turismo: Toyota is expected to reveal a striking sports car concept in Detroit previewing the design of a spiritual successor to the Supra. It’s also possible the concept is the same Vision Gran Turismo concept car that Toyota designers have come up with for the 15th anniversary celebration of Gran Turismo, a single teaser image of which has already hit the web.

2015 Acura TLX Prototype: Acura plans to roll out a thinly-veiled concept version of its 2015 TLX mid-size sedan in Detroit. The car will serve as a replacement for both the TSX and TL, and according to our own spy shots will be more closely aligned with the TL than the TSX. The design, which is said to be “emotional” and featuring “sports sedan proportions,” was handled by Acura's Los Angeles design studio, while most of the engineering took place at the automaker’s Ohio R&D center. Sadly, there won’t be a wagon variant like the soon-to-be-discontinued TSX Sport Wagon.

Volvo Concept XC Coupe, 2014 Detroit Auto Show

Volvo Concept XC Coupe: Volvo is joining the coupe crossover brigade and will be offering a glimpse of its first attempt at the genre with a striking concept car at the Detroit Auto Show this week. Importantly, the vehicle also previews many of the elements due on the 2015 Volvo XC90 due out at the end of the year. This is because the concept, called the Concept XC Coupe, is the second in a trio of concepts being launched by Volvo that preview the automaker’s future design language. The first of these was the Concept Coupe shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year.

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake: Audi’s concept for the 2014 Detroit Auto Show is a stylish shooting brake that hints at a future production model from the brand with the four rings, most likely the 2015 TT. In addition to Audi's new exterior design theme, the concept also gives us a look at the brand’s new high-tech cockpit in a full installation (a partial installation was shown at the recent Consumer Electronics Show). The concept is 13.78 feet long, and rides on 19-inch wheels. Other than that, there are no further official details so stay tuned.

Kia GT4 Stinger Concept

Kia GT Stinger: Kia has released a few images of a striking sports car concept it plans for the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. The concept is the GT4 Stinger, a rear-wheel-drive 2+2 coupe powered by a 315-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four. We’re not sure if it previews a future production model, but we certainly hope it does. Is the new Kia sports car concept a hint that the brand is moving toward a sports car? Or is it just tease, pretty and promising, but ultimately amounting to nothing? We’ll find out soon.

Nissan Sport Sedan: Nissan will present a new concept in Detroit this week that’s likely to preview the styling of its 2015 Maxima. The concept’s official title is Sport Sedan Concept, and according to Nissan it showcases a new design direction for the automaker where sports car principles are applied to regular models like sedans and crossovers. The automaker also confirms that it offers an advanced look at a future production model.

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge: Infiniti’s Formula One-inspired Q50 Eau Rouge concept car has been revealed ahead of its debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. Exterior wise, the concept shares only its doors and roof with the regular Q50. The result is a car that's much lower and wider than a stock Q50, and slipperier. Completing the redesign is a set of 21-inch forged alloy wheels, a dual sport exhaust system, and an integrated rear spoiler. Hopefully the drivetrain has been worked over too

MINI John Cooper Works: MINI will preview the styling of its next-generation of John Cooper Works performance models with a concept car at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show next week. The concept features all the typical JCW cues, including many performance-enhancing items. These include 18-inch light alloys, aerodynamic aids and a sports exhaust system. The tail-pipes of the concept’s exhaust system also features a special chrome finish which we bet will be offered as an option to buyers of future JCW products.

Hit the next page to see the performance cars that will be on display at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, and remember to follow our dedicated show page for all the latest updates.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 teaser

PERFORMANCE CARS

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: One of the real highlights of the upcoming Detroit Auto Show is the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, based on the latest-generation ‘C7’ Corvette. Considering the gains the base Corvette made from the transition from the C6 to the C7 generation, the new Z06 variant should be encroaching on supercar territory. We’re expecting the car to come with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, though we could still see the outgoing model’s naturally-aspirated 7.0-liter V-8 continue with some modifications. Whatever’s under the hood, we know the car's output is a delicious 620 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.

2015 Subaru WRX STI: Subaru's STI-enhanced version of its new 2015 WRX will be presented this week at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, and the first images of the car have already leaked. Like the previous generation, the new WRX STI is expected to build upon the regular WRX with stiffer suspension, increased output and more aggressive styling. Peak output should match or come close to the 305-horsepower rating of the previous generation, most likely derived from an upgraded version of the regular WRX’s turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It’s also possible that a larger 2.5-liter unit may be fitted instead.

2015 Ford Mustang Conrvertible

2015 Ford Mustang: The all-new, sixth-generation Ford Mustang has already been revealed, in both fastback coupe and convertible bodystyles. However, Ford is yet to release all the details so hopefully we’ll have more of these following the official debut of the cars at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show this week. The base engine is a 3.7-liter V-6 good for at least 300 horsepower, while at the other end of the spectrum is a 5.0-liter V-8 with more than 420 horsepower on tap. In between is a new four-cylinder EcoBoost option, which thanks to turbocharging and direct-injection technology can generate around 305 horsepower from just 2.3 liters of displacement.

2015 Lexus RC F: Lexus will present a new performance model called the 2015 RC F Coupe. As its name suggests, the RC F is the high-performance F variant of Lexus’ new RC coupe. Under the hood is expected to be a new 455-horsepower version of the naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 fitted to the current IS F, which bows out of the market at the end of the year. The engine will be paired with an eight-speed automatic and drive the rear wheels.

2015 BMW M3

2015 BMW M3 And M4: Also debuting in Detroit will be the aforementioned Lexus RC F’s closest rival, the new 2015 BMW M4 coupe. The car is the replacement for the M3 Coupe and is essentially a two-door version of the 2015 BMW M3 sedan debuting alongside it. Both cars will come powered by a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six good for 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.

Volkswagen Golf R: Volkswagen's latest Golf R based on its seventh-generation Golf platform will make its North American debut in Detroit this week. Unfortunately, the car won't be available for sale until the first quarter of 2015. Nevertheless, this is one hot hatch that's worth the wait. Why? Well, the car’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will deliver an estimated 290 horsepower, 34 more than the 2.0-liter mill fitted to the outgoing Golf R. This will make it the most powerful Golf ever sold in North America. Peak torque will register at 280 pound-feet.

2015 Porsche 911 Targa spy shots

2015 Porsche 911 Targa: Porsche will finally reveal its new ‘Targa’ variant of the latest 991-series 911 family. Like previous 911 Targa models, the latest will feature a fixed roll bar crossing the center section of the car. In front of this roll bar is a folding soft top and behind it is a glass section. In some of the earlier shots you can see a prototype with the soft top folded away. We’re expecting it to be offered in Carrera and Carrera S trim.

2015 BMW Z4 Pure Fusion Design: With an updated Z4 launched only last year, BMW is keeping its updates for the classic roadster to a minimum for the new model year. The only real highlight is a new equipment package, known as Pure Fusion Design, which adds a number of special touches in the cabin. Unfortunately, no changes have been made to the drivetrains.

Hit the next page to see the luxury cars that will be on display at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, and remember to follow our dedicated show page for all the latest updates.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

LUXURY CARS

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: There's a new C-Class coming, and it's beautiful. It's also lighter, more powerful, with standard all-wheel drive, and packing several new high-tech safety features. Mercedes has already shown us the interior of the new C-Class and revealed some of the technical details, and so far the car appears to offer a level of luxury, quality and technology not previously seen in this segment. Its platform is also very advanced, featuring a mix of aluminum, high-strength steels and even some composites. This has helped engineers shed some 220 pounds off the weight of the outgoing C-Class, while also allowing the new model to be safer and more rigid.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe: Cadillac’s award-winning ATS sedan is about to spawn its first spinoff, an ATS Coupe, which will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show. The new coupe, which will target the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and new BMW 4-Series, will eventually go on sale in the summer, as a 2015 model. Further down the track, a high-performance ATS-V variant is expected.

2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe

2014 BMW 2-Series: BMW’s replacement for its 1-Series Coupe, the new 2-Series, will make its world debut in Detroit next week. Two models will be available at launch in the spring, a base 228i rated at 240 horsepower and a sporty M235i which comes with 332 horsepower on tap. Fans are already dubbing the car the spiritual successor to the BMW 2002 of the 1960s and ‘70s, and we’re sure it will be a hit in years to come. Why? Because you can get a stripped-down version with a six-speed manual for just over $30k.

2015 Hyundai Genesis: We’ve already had a good look at the new Genesis sedan, but we’ll get our first look at a U.S.-spec car in Detroit next week. Hyundai estimates it will sell 62,000 Genesis sedans annually, split evenly between the Korean and international markets. Sales commence next fall, and pricing should stay close to the $35,095 starting price of the outgoing model. Four different engines make up the powertrain lineup for the 2015 Genesis. In the U.S., expect to see the base model feature a 3.8-liter V-6 rated at 333 horsepower and a range-topper powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 good for about 429 horsepower. Elsewhere, Hyundai will offer 3.0- and 3.3-liter units.

2015 Audi Q3

2015 Audi Q3: Debuting this week at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show will be the 2015 Audi Q3, which the German automaker has finally confirmed will go on sale in the U.S. in the fall of this year. Unfortunately the version of the compact crossover shown in the supplied photos, presumably the one we’ll seen in showrooms, is about to be superseded by a facelifted model. Nevertheless, Audi’s Q3 can’t come a moment sooner. Its larger Q5 sibling is Audi’s most popular model in the U.S., and with demand for compact crossovers burgeoning the Q3 is poised to do well also.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S600: The latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz S Class has impressed us at every turn, from the 2014 S550 to the 2014 S63 AMG. This week, the V-12-powered 2015 S600 will join the range, and we expect just as much in the way of luxury, style, and competence from it, too. Yes, V-12 engines have a bright future at Mercedes-Benz, and the one in the 2015 S600 is sure to be a treat. It’s expected to deliver around 523 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque.

VL Destino convertible concept rendering

VL Destino Convertible: American startup VL Destino, a company whose business plan is to sell slightly modified Fisker Karmas powered by Corvette V-8 engines, will show off a new convertible concept in Detroit this week. We suspect it may be a version of Fisker’s own Sunset convertible concept shown in 2009. Hopefully VL Destino’s version actually makes production because a V-8-powered convertible styled like the Karma should be one tasty ride.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG: Following months of prototype spy shots and the reveal of a thinly-veiled concept version last year, the all-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG is finally here. Its power unit is a familiar one, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder already found in the A45 AMG sold overseas and the CLA45 AMG, Motor Authority’s Best Car To Buy 2014. With its rating of 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, the engine is the most powerful four-banger in production.

Hit the next page to see what else will be on display at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, and remember to follow our dedicated show page for all the latest updates.