Detroit Motor Show 2013: Complete show report

Acura

Honda’s North American luxury arm Acura is to show a concept car that previews its forthcoming MDX SUV, due for release in 2013. A seven-seat rival for the BMW X5 and Mercedes ML, Acura is hoping to expand MDX sales into Russia and the Middle East as well.

Audi

Audi has unveiled  the SQ5 powered by a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol , aimed at buyers who prefer petrol SUVs in countries like the US, Russia and China. Audi also sells a diesel powered SQ5 in some markets.

The new Audi RS6 also makes its international debut in Detroit. Lighter, more powerful and more efficient than its forebear, the RS6 develops 552bhp from its twin-turbo V8 and will crack 0-100kph in a supercar-rivalling 3.9 seconds.

The performance car showcase continues with the R8 V10 Plus. Sitting at the top of the R8 range, the Plus features revised suspension geometry and standard carbon-ceramic brakes for greater track performance.

America is an important market for the RS5 Cabriolet, so it recieved a second airing in Detroit. Using the same 4.2-litre V8 as the coupé, the RS5 develops 444bhp and can reach 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds.

Bentley

Bentley showcased the world’s fastest four-seat cabriolet in the form of the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible. With a claimed top speed of 325kph, the new GT speed is 11.2kph faster than the model it replaces. 

Detailed photo gallery here

BMW

BMW showcased the facelifted Z4 roadster, complete with a new entry level 2.0-litre petrol motor. Developing 154bhp, the new engine will get the Z4 from 0-100kph in 7.9 seconds.

The BMW M6 GranCoupe features the same 552bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 as the two-door model. Shown for the first time at Detroit, the GranCoupe will reach international markets in April.

The BMW 4-series is being shown in concept form. It will replace the 3-series coupe and will distance itself from its saloon sibling by being a more focused driver’s car.

BMW is also to unveil its X4 SUV. Based on the X3 crossover, and expected to wear the same striking coupe styling as the bigger X6.

Cadillac

Cadillac’s ELR range-extender hybrid was shown for the first time at the show. It uses a similar drivetrain configuration to the Opel Ampera and Chevrolet Volt, mating a four-cylinder petrol engine to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.

Dodge

Dodge’s Alfa Giulietta-based Dart got a performance range-topper in the form of the Dart GT. Fitted with a 184bhp 2.4-litre engine and revised suspension settings.

General Motors

General Motors is showcasing new versions of the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado. Updates include a new six-speed automatic gearbox and cylinder deactivation across the range of V6 and V8 engines.

The new Corvette C7 has also been officially launched at the show. While it keeps the classic proportions of old, the new Corvette could be offered with downsized engines, including a turbocharged V6 in future.

Honda

Honda has unveiled the new Urban SUV, which will hint at the design of its forthcoming baby off-roader. Expected to go on sale in the next three years, it is likely to be based on the Honda Jazz platform and rival the Nissan Juke and Vauxhall Mokka.

Hyundai

The Hyundai HCD-14 Concept being unveiled at Detroit is designed to give a taste of what a Hyundai luxury car would look like. It features futuristic design touches such as gesture-based controls.

Infiniti

A production version of the new Q50 (formerly the G series) – Infiniti’s 3-series rivalling compact exec – is being shown at Detroit.  The styling is heavily influenced by the Emerg_e concept car. 

Jeep

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been facelifted for 2013 and comes with the usual improvements to material quality and refinement. It is also to be offered in the US with a diesel engine for the first time. A new eight-speed automatic gearbox replaces the old five and six speed units. Fiat will bring the Jeep brand in India later this year. 

Kia

A revised version of Kia’s K7 saloon, the Kia Cadenza will be marketed in the US only. Slightly longer and narrower than a BMW 5-series, the Cadenza will rival popular US saloons the Acura RL and Toyota Avalon.

Lexus

The brand new Lexus IS has made its first public appearance. Remaining largely faithful to the look of the LFCC concept car. 

Lincoln

US luxury brand Lincoln is hoping to re-invent itself with its MKZ concept. Based on Ford’s mid-sized platform, this strict four-seater is slathered in luxury accoutrements.

Maserati

The new Maserati Quattroporte sits right at the sporty end of the luxury saloon car market, featuring new Ferrari-derived turbo engines and heavily revised styling. 

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes is showcasing the entire lineup of the freshly revised E-class range, including the coupé, cabriolet and AMG performance versions. Described by Mercedes as the most comprehensive makeover in its history, it is aiming the E-class at a younger market.

Mini

The Mini Paceman coupé-crossover has received a potent range-topper in the form of the Mini Paceman JCW. With a 215bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, it promises hot-hatch performance in a larger body.

Nissan

The Nissan Leaf has been updated for 2013. Charging times have been slashed and standard equipment levels improved.

Toyota

The Toyota Furia concept car is on display in Detroit. It is expected to preview the design of the forthcoming Corolla, which is due for replacement in the next two years.