Best of Detroit Auto Show in Photos: Autobytel Captures NAIAS

Photo by Megan Green

The annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), also known as the Detroit Auto Show, is one of the largest automobile expositions in the world, and the 2014 NAIAS did not disappoint in this regard. Autobytel sent its team of editors, photographers, and videographers to the Motor City for the multi-day extravaganza of new conceptual and production vehicles. Based on what we witnessed inside of Detroit’s Cobo Hall, these were the best cars, trucks, and SUVs at the Detroit Auto Show, presented in alphabetical order by manufacturer.

Quietly, almost covertly, Acura is totally revamping its lineup and planning what might best be described as a “do over,” one that launches with a bang when the luxury division of Honda finally re-introduces the NSX sports car about a year from now. In advance of pulling that trigger, the 2015 Acura TLX Prototype debuted in Detroit, officially ending the lives of both the existing TSX and the TL.

While we sure will miss the TSX Sport Wagon, everything else about the new Acura TLX points in a positive direction. Shorter, but riding on the same wheelbase as the current TL, the 2015 TLX is a sleek midsize sport sedan that refines current Acura design cues. A direct-injected, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard, and a 3.5-liter V-6 paired with a 9-speed automatic is optional.

Acura will offer a next-generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) technology, and an Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) with Econ, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes. Numerous infotainment and safety features will also be available for the 2015 Acura TLX when it goes on sale in the middle of the year.

What’s important about the Audi Allroad Shooting Brake isn’t its design, which points to either a Q1 soft-roader or the next-generation TT sports car, or both. Rather, the Allroad Shooting Brake is equipped with next-generation Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) technology, new information displays, and an innovative climate control system design.

Beyond these features, though, the Allroad Shooting Brake contains the first application of Audi’s e-Tron plug-in hybrid powertrain technology to effectively create a Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine, a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission equipped with an electric drive motor, a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, and a lithium-ion battery, the Allroad Shooting Brake can travel as far as 31 miles on electricity alone, or can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds thanks to its combined horsepower rating of 408.

The 2015 Audi Q3 is a compact crossover SUV with seating for five people and a cargo area that’s about the same size as a midsize sedan. Of course, the space can be expanded to a maximum of 48.2 cu.-ft. but then you’ve gotta leave your friends at home.

Audi says the new 2015 Q3 is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard, along with front-wheel drive. A Quattro all-wheel-drive system is optional, as is Audi Drive Select, which allows the Q3’s owner to choose between Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic driving modes.

The Audi Q3 is well equipped in standard format, including features such as leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with push-button starting, and LED exterior lighting combined with Xenon headlights and a set of 18-inch aluminum wheels. Options include a navigation system, a premium sound system, and Audi Connect services including a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. A reversing camera, a blind-spot information system, and a Sport Package are also available for the new Audi Q3.

Replacing the 1 Series in BMW’s U.S. lineup, the 2014 BMW 2 Series model is a compact, 2-door coupe equipped with rear-wheel drive, 4-passenger seating, and plenty of performance potential.

The least expensive variant is the BMW 228i, equipped with the same turbocharged, 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine found in the larger BMW 428i model. The better performance bet is the M235i, seen in this photo, which is stuffed full of turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine to the tune of 322 horsepower and 332 lb.-ft. of torque, along with comprehensive M Sport upgrades to the suspension, brakes, steering, exhaust system, and more.

Manual and automatic transmissions are available, and the Driving Experience Control switch provides Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes. As is true of any BMW, buyers can upgrade the car with a long list of performance enhancements, cosmetic and comfort improvements, and infotainment and safety systems.