The Magnificent Five
At a stunning exhibition held in Detroit, a marvellous display of automotive engineering was unveiled for motor fans that demonstrated the finest advancements in technology and innovation. This was, in many ways, unlike the Paris and Frankfurt motor shows in that it pulsed with a unique blend of enthusiasm and excitement for the advent of a new generation of luxury and performance. More than sixty world brands were on display to satisfy even the most seasoned aficionado. Here, we present to you the “Magnificent Five” of the Detroit show:
BMW 5-series
The long-awaited BMW 5-series looks like a smaller copy of the flagship 7-series (Li). The new BMW 5-series has increased in size, with the weight of the vehicle down by nearly 100 kilograms, as all body panels, including the doors, are made of aluminium. This novelty is equipped with a modern car-to-car communication system, which allows you to record all of the dangers on the road, including accidents and severe weather conditions, and to, then, send them to all other vehicles on the road connected to the car-to-car system. The most pumped-up version of the 5 Series is the M550i xDrive sedan, with a 462 HP engine. This vehicle has a more aggressive aerodynamic body kit and a sports exhaust system.
Mercedes-Benz E 400 Sport 4MATIC
This sedan E-Class is a new generation offering, known as the W213 index. It is the main star of the showroom. The vehicle is built on a new platform of Modular rear architecture (MRA), unique to Mercedes-Benz, and weighs 100 kg less than its predecessor. At the same time, its improved streamlined body makes it a dynamo on the road. Its defined character is emphasised by large air intakes in its bumper. The gorgeous dashboard has a 12.3-inch display, with a semi-autonomous control system that allows the owner to drive at speeds of up to 210 km/h.
Volvo S90
The new generation of Volvo, the S90 business-class sedan, has already equalled the level of comfort and equipment of its German competitors. The Drive-E engine is turbocharged and is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder piece of engineering, complete with an eight-speed Aisin-Warner automatic transmission or six-speed manual system. The diesel engine version provides between 190 and 235 HP and the patrol version comes in at between 264 and 320 HP. The hybrid version has a XC-90 T8 Twin Engine providing 407 HP and incredible fuel economy (1.9 litres per 100 km). The Volvo S90 is fitted with a semi-autonomous driving system called Pilot Assist, which, when switched, is an adaptive cruise control option that can steer the car on the road using lane markings; the next generation of automotive travel. Importantly, in this setting, the vehicle cannot exceed 130 km/h. Inside, the new sedan has made wide use of natural wood and introduced a number of innovative elements, one of which is a transparent handle selector gearbox.
Audi Q8 Concept
The new five-speed avant-garde model, with a hybrid powertrain, will be the largest and most expensive SUV in Audi’s history. The car is equipped with a turbocharged petrol engine putting out 333HP (3.0 TFSI). The eight sensational cylinders and 100-kilowatt motor-generator are standard, with a 17.9 kWh battery and permanent all-wheel drive. The sport version is called SQ8 and possesses a 4.0-litre diesel V8 engine (430HP). To not look too much like the Q5 and Q7 models, its optics, grille and interior have all been redesigned in a completely new way. The side windows are frameless and the handles are not traditional in that they are opened by means of sensors. Additionally, the parking brake and windows are operated using the touch panels, which are disguised by a smooth black interior panel. The production car will be on sale, tentatively, in 2019.
Lexus LS 500
The latest sports car offering from Lexus is the LS 500 — a challenge to the Porsche 911 Turbo. Its five-litre, bi-turbo V8 petrol engine has a capacity of 467HP. It works in conjunction with 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, allowing it to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Despite the increase in size, the vehicle is about 90 kilograms lighter than the previous model, through the use of