Looking for a new car, truck or crossover? It can be quite confusing trying to figure out what’s best for your personal taste and needs. And it’s only going to become even more of a challenge with dozens of new models set to reach market for the 2017 model-year.
But don’t worry. TheDetroitBureau.com is on hand and ready to offer this guide to the most significant new products coming for ’17.
We’ve already given you our Alfa to Jaguar list. Now let’s look at what else is coming for the new model-year, with everything from Kia to Volvo.
(What’s New for 2017? Click Here for everything from Alfa to Jaguar.)
Kia Niro: Though late to the green party, Kia (and sibling Hyundai) are determined to catch up, and the new Niro is an indication of what’s to come. Using a dedicated platform and unique styling, Niro will be available with a choice of hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrains. (But it won’t have the pure battery-electric model offered on Hyundai’s new Ioniq line.)
Kia Optima Hybrid and PHEV: Like its bigger sibling Hyundai, Korea’s Kia is racing new green powertrain technology to market, and for 2017 it will offer both hybrid and plug-in versions of its familiar Optima sedan. Both take steps to improve aero by adding such features as active grille shutters. Expect the plug-in hybrid version to deliver up to 27 miles per charge.
Kia Sportage: Kia gives a facelift to its fourth-generation Sportage. It’s nothing flashy, but gives the CUV a more confident appearance. And despite an emphasis on “value,” there are some up-market touches, like the new LED running lights. Inside, the 2017 Kia Sportage gets a cleaner, more refined look, with a new color touchscreen and more soft-touch materials.
Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2 Coupe: The numbers say it all – if you’re able to speak Lamborghinese. Though not the most powerful version of the “baby” Lambo, the 580-2 may be the most fun to drive as one of the few rear-drive models the Italians have ever offered. It loses 30 hp compared to the 610-4, but it’s also 72 pounds lighter and lets you hang out the tail and flog it around corners like never before.
Lamborghini Huracan 610-4 Spyder: Outfitted with a top that operates like mobile origami, the Spyder adds another dimension to the Huracan’s impressive manners. It shares the same, 602-hp V-10 with the Huracan Coupe and manages nearly the same performance numbers – just falling short of the 200 mph mark with the top open.
Land Rover Discovery: Land Rover will debut a production version of the Discovery Vision Concept first shown at the 2015 NY Auto Show. It will feature a different design than the recently added Discovery Sport model and should slot just under the brand’s flagship Land Rover line. Expect to see plenty of cutting edge tech, including a system using lasers to scan the road to adjust the ute’s suspension.
Land Rover Evoque Convertible: While Land Rover and other SUV brands have offered models with removable or canvas tops before, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is one of the very few to offer a true, foldaway convertible roof. Key styling signatures, such as the rising beltline carry over from the hardtop version. The ragtop also gets Evoque’s new Rollover Protection System.
Lexus IS: One of the oldest models in its line-up, the fourth-generation Lexus IS will “bring exciting breakthroughs,” the maker promises. Among other things, it is adopting a more dramatic design than the current model, in line with the new L-finesse styling language. The interior goes more horizontal, with three distinct zones for climate, infotainment, and driver information systems.
Lexus LC: The long-awaited production version of the Lexus LF-LC Concept is finally set to roll into showrooms next year. Designed to prove the Japanese luxury brand can deliver both passionate styling and world-class performance, the two-door four-seater will initially offer a 467-hp V-8, but an even higher-performance model is coming, as is a hybrid.
Lexus LS: The current LS is the forgotten four-door among full-size luxury sedans. But Lexus is determined to challenge leaders like the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series with an all-new LS based on the edgy Lexus LF-LC concept vehicles. Due sometime next year, it’s expected to be longer, more lavishly equipped and offered with new powertrain options.
Lincoln Continental: The replacement for Lincoln’s MKS, the new Continental boasts a more dynamic, yet luxurious, design – including a distinctive new grille – and a much more upscale interior loaded with plenty of high-line features. That includes a unique 30-way Perfect Position driver’s seat. It also gets the adjustable new Lincoln Drive Control system, and a new 400-hp EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6.
Maserati Levante: Say the name, Maserati, and you’re likely to picture a sleek sports car like the Quattroporte. But the Italian maker has had to bow to shifting customer tastes by designing its first SUV. The good news is that, despite the tall design, the Levante offers performance and handling that a true Maserati aficionado can appreciate. It also manages to deliver modest off-road capabilities.
Mazda CX-9: The latest addition to the growing family of SkyActiv products, the redesigned CX-9 is almost 300 pounds lighter than the model it replaces. Credit the platform it shares with the CX-5 crossover and Mazda6 sedan. The 2017 Mazda CX-9 also gets a new 2.5-liter four that is both sportier and more fuel-efficient. New infotainment and safety tech help round out the package.
Mazda Miata RF: Short for Retractable Fastback, the Miata RF sports an unusual roof design that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Porsche 911 Targa. The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s basic looks haven’t been changed, at least not below the shoulder line. It’s a complex system – though in operation it is rather elegant to watch. The good news is it adds minimal mass and takes away no trunk space.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe: Baby, this is a new Benz, and anybody who still might be prone to calling the C-Class the C-Class the “Baby Benz,” hasn’t seen the new C-Coupe. A bit larger than the outgoing two-door, the 2017 Coupe is nonetheless more sporty looking and nimble on the road. Look for a range of models, starting with the base turbo-four package.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class: There was a time luxury was measured by the pound and inch. No more. These days, technology is a key factor. And by that metric, the E-Class wins out. It gets a distinctive styling makeover and a leather-and-wood lavished cabin that is luxurious by traditional standards, but the 2017 E-Class gets more safety, comfort and infotainment tech than any other car on the road.
Mini Clubman All4: The British automaker is set to offer its ALL4 all-wheel-drive system on the Clubman model for the first time. The longest model in the British marque’s line-up, the front-drive Clubman was completely redesigned for 2016. But Mini hopes the addition of ALL4 will expand its appeal in snowier climes.
Mini Convertible JCW: Following up on the recent reveal of its next-generation convertible, it’s rolling out what it bills as “the fastest, most powerful convertible it has ever built,” the new Mini John Cooper Works Convertible. The base ragtop offers a mere 134 hp, the Cooper S 189. The JCW edition will significantly up the fun quotient at 228 hp.
Nissan Armada: The battleship-sized Nissan Armada gets a complete makeover for 2017, and not a moment too soon, considering it’s been 13 years since the last big update. Virtually everything changes, down to the bolt holes in its frame. Armada gets a new platform, newly redesigned body, all-new suspension, a new 390 horsepower V-8 and a variety of new safety and convenience technologies.
Nissan GT-R: Even though the current version of this affordable supercar is coming to the end of its lifecycle, Nissan has opted for a surprisingly significant makeover, with virtually every piece of sheet metal, save the roof and doors, redesigned for 2017. The interior also gets a welcome update, including new dash, wheel and infotainment screen. Now add an extra 20 hp and 4 more ft-lbs of torque.
Nissan Titan: In an unusual move, Nissan launched its all-new Titan pickup line with the XD, or medium-duty model, last December. Now it’s ready to go after the heart of the truck market with the half-ton model. It’s actually built on a different, smaller platform, nearly a foot shorter than its big brother. Offered with a variety of cab and bed options, it will debut with a new, high-torque 5.6-liter V-8.
Porsche 718 Boxster: The newly updated and renamed 718 Boxster reaches back in time to pay homage to the legendary Porsche 718 Spyder produced in the 1950s and early ‘60s. The new version, however, is following the current trend of offering smaller, turbocharged engines putting out more power than their naturally aspirated forefathers – in this case 300 hp from a mere 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four.
Porsche 911 Turbo: Never one to settle for something that’s simply fast, Porsche plans to push the limits a little further with the introduction of two new top-of-the-line versions of the familiar 911. Both the Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S models will see a significant bump in horsepower for 2017 that will help them both launch from 0 to 60 in less than 3 seconds, according to the German maker.
Porsche Panamera: Few cars have generated more debate than the German maker’s four-door sports car. The current version’s bubble-back design is polarizing, but its driving dynamics are pure Porsche. A new version set to debut within the coming year could end the debate, delivering a more eye-catching design while building on the current model’s driving dynamics. Expect a new touchscreen, too.
Ram Power Wagon: Based on the Ram 2500 4×4 HD Crew Cab, the 2017 Ram Power Wagon aims to deliver the best of both worlds. It’s designed to slog through mud and crawl over rocks, but it’s also got plenty of creature comfort features you wouldn’t traditionally find in a serious off-roader. Another appealing feature: twin cameras, one for backing up, the other to monitor the vehicle’s load.
Subaru Impreza: The Japanese maker has long been known for rugged, reliable products, but now it’s taking things up a notch, with more stylish exteriors and more lavishly executed interiors. The 2017 Impreza rides on an all-new architecture, meanwhile, that will be used by virtually every future Subaru model. Available technologies include an 8-inch touchscreen and the Subaru EyeSight safety system.
Tesla Model 3: The California battery-carmaker doesn’t use model-year designations (even though they’re required for federal standards), Tesla intends to have the first of those long-range, affordable – at a base $35,000 – electric sedans on the market by sometime during the 3rd quarter of 2017, though it’s routinely late to market. The Model 3 is expected to take this niche player into the mainstream.
Toyota 86: While the Scion brand will be gone by the end of the year, several models will live on – albeit with a different name, in the case of the old FR-S. The sports car now becomes the Toyota 86. It gets some modest sheet metal tweaks for 2017, as well, along with a new steering wheel and other interior updates. There’ll now be a 6-speed stick, and the manual version gets 5 more hp and 5 more lb-ft.
Toyota C-HR: This is the little CUV that almost wasn’t. The C-HR was actually designed to wear the Scion badge, but with that youth-oriented brand set to disappear by the end of this year, the Japanese maker is bringing it out under the Toyota brand, instead. It’s over-the-top styling is proving quite controversial, but it’s slotting into one of the market’s fastest-growing niches.
Toyota Highlander: Toyota is aiming to take advantage of the growing shifts from cars to crossovers and SUVs with a newly updated Highlander. It will get some modest design tweaks, but the primary focus was on enhancing the long popular ute’s safety, powertrain and convenience technologies. That includes the latest in collision avoidance systems like automatic emergency braking.
Toyota Prius Prime: The Prime takes the place of Toyota’s original, largely ignored Prius plug-in hybrid, roughly doubling its range – at an estimated 22 miles per charge — and, the maker hopes, doubling the earlier model’s sales. It should help that the 2017 model will come in at a lower price point, even while offering more content including an array of advanced safety features.
Volkswagen CrossBlue: VW has plenty of problems in the U.S. market, not the least of which is a shortage of utility vehicles. It’s set to address that challenge with a production version of the CrossBlue Concept. Set to be produced at the maker’s Tennessee assembly plant, it will share the VW Golf’s platform but stretched to fit seven.
Volvo S90: Sharing the same underpinnings as the big SUV, the Volvo S90 will take aim at some of the toughest competition in the auto industry, models like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The sedan will share the same luxurious touches, including the oversized touchscreen used to control almost all vehicle functions. Two gas engines, as well as the Twin Engine plug-in hybrid will be offered.
Volvo XC40: The Swedes are keeping plenty of details close-to-vest, but they’ve offered up a few teaser images, and some details about the next 40-series family. In production, the next-gen Volvo XC40 — and the S40 sedan — will ride on the maker’s all-new Compact Modular. As with all new Volvos, there will be several different four-cylinder powertrain options, including the Twin Engine plug-in hybrid.
/2016/03/toyota-primes-up-phev-market-with-new-prius-prime/
Heard you on Doran’s Insight radio program on Sirius.
Two questions please:
I’m interested in a midsize suv hubrid. I’ve been a dedicated Infiniti owner but dislike the size of the QX60. Love the look of the QX70. Do you know if they are planning on a hybrid version please?
Secondly, while in Israel at the automotive event, did you happen upon Argus Auto Cyber Security Co.?
Thanks,
David.
Hi, David,
Checking on the QX70; and, no, I didn’t connect with Argus.
Paul E.