Detroit motor show 2015 preview

As the first motor show in the calendar year, the Detroit show is expected to set the ball rolling for the year to come. With significant launches, debuts and concepts, just like any other automobile show, the Detroit motor show will be an opportunity for carmakers to gauge the response from masses and set a blueprint for the rest of the car’s timeline. The Detroit motor show 2015 starts on January 12, and automotive giants like Audi, BMW and Mercedes will be unveiling their newest creations.

Here what to watch out for –

Audi

The first of five new luxury SUVs planned by the Volkswagen Group, the new Audi Q7, will be making its presence felt in Detroit. The flagship SUV from the Ingolstadt-based carmaker has gone on a diet and shed nearly 325kg. It is based on the new MLB2 platform from Volkswagen, which will in the future underpin cars like the new Porsche Cayenne, the Lamborghini SUV and the Bentley SUV. The weight reduction has also helped improve fuel efficiency by more than 20 percent. It will feature styling cues from the latest TT Coupe and A8 luxury sedan, as well as a range of eight, six and even four-cylinder diesel engines. It will also get a plug-in hybrid 'eTron' powertrain.

New Audi Q7 

BMW

After having recently announced a facelift of its 6-series lineup, BMW will be giving the 6-series coupe, convertible and the GranCoupe its public debuts. Changes to the outside are minimal, but the cabin is higher in quality, and it gets two-tone leather. The engines are retained, but are now tuned to perform slightly better, deliver better fuel efficiency and low emissions. What also seems to be noteworthy is the addition of a coasting start/stop function.

Facelifted BMW 6-series

Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Volt is GM’s electric car. This second-generation model’s front-end has already been revealed. GM has claimed that the new Volt will offer longer range, updated cabin and a drop in weight. It comes with a petrol-electric hybrid setup.

Chevrolet Volt

Honda

The Honda NSX, known as the Acura NSX, is one of the very popular sportscars in the world. So it’s not surprising that the model is sold out in some international markets, even before it has made a public appearance. The Detroit show will provide an arena to this Audi R8 competitor. It gets a V6 engine and three electric motors that make around 400bhp, and this power reserve is adequate to take it to 100kph in 4.5 seconds.

New Honda NSX

Infiniti

The Nissan-owned luxury carmaker will be bringing in a concept that allows a peek into the production version of the next-generation Q60. It takes design cues from the top-of-the-line Q80 Inspiration concept that was revealed at the Paris motor show 2014.