2019 Detroit Show: Mostly Japs, one lone ranger
Subaru WRX STI S209
The Mitsubishi Evo is dead, while the STI is still going strong well into its fifth generation. The S209 is a special US-only track version of the "regular" WRX STI, a first for North America. Under the hood is the EJ25 2.5 litre, fitted with a HKS turbo running 18 psi of boost, resulting in a cool 341 HP. There's BBS alloys and a massive wing, canards and fattened arches hiding a wider track. Not a bad deal, considering the US almost always got left out of the JDM tuner party.
Lexus LC Convertible Concept
Lexus has clearly been busy this year, showing off another car that's slated for production. The LC Convertible Concept is drop dead gorgeous, no matter what reservations you might have for Lexus' design philosophy in recent years. The trunk is a little too large perhaps, but we're hard pressed to find further faults. Expect motors from the LC500 to carry over, maybe even an F edition. Is the Supra starting to look like a bit of a dud yet? Nah, Toyota will gain either way.
Toyota GR Supra
A torrent of hate has followed the Supra on social media, with people finding flaws in its design, 3.0 litre BMW sourced twin turbo V6, it's relative lack of power (355 HP) and the rumours that there's going to be a four cylinder version as a replacement for the GT86 platform. Re-skinned BMW Z4 or not, the Supra name has legendary connotations you can't ignore as well as immense potential for tuning, so welcome back, Supes. It's been a long time in the making for what many call the king of JDMs.
Lexus RCF Track Edition
Drowned out by the hype around the new Supra, the RCF Track Edition is probably a better machine to whet the appetites of enthusiasts wanting a solid performing GT car. Featuring crazy aero, a 5.0 litre naturally aspirated V8 pumping out 472 HP and 395 lb-ft torque, an eight speed auto with a revised final drive and launch control, the RCF Track is a limited edition beast squaring up against BMW and Mercedes. Coming in 2020, heating up competition for the Supra.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
One of the few cars of note to be launched at Detroit of American origin, the Shelby GT500 is both a sad reminder of Motor City's fall from grace and an emphatic pushing of the envelope in terms of what an American muscle car can do. The new Shelby offers "more than 700 HP" from its 5.2 litre V8 and a DCT gearbox—unheard of in America, probably. It's also ready for the corners with a race bred chassis and unique Michelin rubber.
Nissan IMs Concept
Another year, another non-descript concept from Nissan? They'd claim it's not. The IM in IMs doesn't stand for Instant Messaging, although it showcases connected car tech—Nissan's Intelligent Mobility concept promotes autonomous driving, EV operation and what Nissan claims to be an "elevated sports sedan". What that translates to is a high-riding, sporty EV. Yeesh. Just debut the R36 GTR already.
Comments