6 photos
CES 2019 presented a glimpse of the automotive future. Cars will operate with autonomy, play nicely with digital assistants, and have 48-inch dashboard displays that don’t obtrude. NAIAS in Detroit took a different turn. Carmakers sliced through the mobility jargon with some gasoline-swilling performance, presenting cars that were, in the words of F1 legend Fernando Alonso, “totally lit.”
Ford’s mobility strategy? Putting the pedal to the metal, bro. The company unveiled the Shelby GT500 Mustang, the most powerful street-legal Mustang ever built by Ford. Its 5.2-liter supercharged V8 will deliver more than 700hp and a 0-60mph time of around 3.5 seconds. Ford did not produce a Bronco for the show. But, Ford did produce an ST “Hot SUV” version of the new Explorer with 400hp and 415lb-ft of torque for some high-performance kid hauling.
Lexus likes big engines. The Japanese maker will continue with a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 in the RC F. The new “RC F Track Edition” adds power (472hp), drops weight and hits 60mph in less than four seconds.
Toyota revived the Supra. That, of course, meant cramming a 335hp BMW-developed 3.0-liter V6 into a two-seater coupe. The Supra will reach 60mph in 4.3 seconds.
Subaru countered with a limited edition, top-tier STI S209. That collectible bit of all-wheel-drive awesomeness will be the hottest STI branded car ever (341hp) and the first “S” car to hit the U.S. market.
We can’t forget trucks. Sorry – TRUCKS. RAM revealed its new heavy-duty truck. It won’t trump the Silverado 2500HD for grille surface area. But, the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbodiesel will make the HEMI hold its manhood cheap. The new RAM will produce 1,000 lb-ft of torque, hold a 7,680lb payload and tow up to 35,100lbs.
