Must See Vehicles from the 2019 Detroit Auto Show

Some cynics are calling it “the last Detroit Auto Show.” In reality, the 2019 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will close a chapter in car show history, making way for a fresh start as the annual January event moves to June in 2020. The organizers of NAIAS hope the move to summer, with better weather and a livelier downtown atmosphere, lead to a more vibrant event.

However, there are still important vehicles to see and learn about this year at the 2019 show. Browse our gallery and take a look at them all with us.

What’s changed? The XT6 is an all-new addition to the Cadillac SUV lineup, a three-row luxury crossover that takes its place between the XT5 and Escalade. The XT6 will be assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the same factory that is home to XT5 and the GMC Acadia. Under the hood, expect a 3.6-liter V6 with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Cargo space is 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row; 43.1 cubic feet behind the second row; and 78.7 cubic feet with both rows folded, and XT6 can tow up to 4,000 lbs.

When is it available? Spring 2019

How much? Pricing to be announced

What’s changed? The Explorer is all-new for 2020, marking the beginning of the sixth generation of production since 1989. The biggest change for 2020 is a standard rear-wheel drive architecture, returning the Explorer to RWD for the first time since 2010. Two turbocharged EcoBoost engines will be offered: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter V6, each hooked up to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Four-cylinder models will get rear-wheel drive standard/all-wheel drive available, while V6 models will come with standard all-wheel drive. New exterior and interior design features abound, along with new technologies and available new Terrain Management System with seven drive modes.

When is it available? Summer 2019

How much? Starting at $32,765 ($400 more than 2019)

What’s changed? Based on the Mustang GT4 racer with a healthy dose of Ford GT included, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is the most powerful street-legal Ford ever with an output of over 700 horsepower.

A fastback coupe with unique aerodynamic and downforce components, the new GT500 features large angular grille openings, a muscular hood, wider fenders, and an integrated rear spoiler. It's also got a hand-built, supercharged 5.2-liter aluminum alloy engine hooked to a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Brembo calipers grip 16.5-inch two-piece rotors. Suspension upgrades are available. 0-60 mph is quoted as mid-three seconds, and Ford boasts of a sub-11-second quarter mile.

When is it available? Later in 2019.

How much? Pricing TBA.

What’s changed? The Chinese manufacturer Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co. LTD (GAC Motor) introduced their Entranze EV concept vehicle, a futuristic minivan with seating for seven in an unusual 3+2+2 configuration. The shape of the Entranze was informed by an airplane fuselage, and the interior was inspired by an indoor/outdoor living space.

When is it available? N/A

How much? N/A

What’s changed? The 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line, is the first N Line model in Hyundai’s US lineup. Hyundai would like you to think of N Line in the same vein as BMW’s M, Mercedes-Benz’s AMG, Cadillac’s V and Lexus’s F Sport. The Elantra GT N Line takes the Elantra GT and boosts it with exterior design elements from the i30 N, including a lower front spoiler, an N Line grille, blacked-out side mirrors with turn signals, N Line badging, and 18-inch N Line wheels, along with sporty interior details and N Line sport seats. A 1.6-liter turbo GDI engine with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT backs up the flash with improved grunt.

When is it available? Now

How much? $23,300 - $24,400

What’s changed? Based on the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N, the Veloster N TCR is the latest addition to the customer motorsports program operated by Bryan Herta Autosport. Prepared to compete in the 2019 International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Michelin Pilot Challenge, Veloster N TCR cars will boast 350 horsepower when they take to the track.

When is it available? March 2019

How much? Approximately $155,000

What’s changed? The QX Inspiration is an EV concept that will give an idea of the design and engineering direction of Infiniti SUVs and crossover vehicles for the next few years. For Infiniti, the future is electrified and high-performance. The electrified platform allows for a spacious, lounge-like interior. The concept car displays Infiniti’s usual attention to detail and superior materials selection, as well as a showcase for new interior technology.

When is it available? It’s just a concept – we should see its influences in the near future.

How much? N/A

What’s changed? The 2020 Kia Telluride is an all-new midsize crossover suv with seating for eight passengers in three rows. Named for the upscale ski village in the Rocky Mountains, the Kia Telluride has its own upscale ambitions. Available luxury options include double-stitched and quilted Nappa leather trim upholstery, heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats, reclining third-row seats and a heated steering wheel. Powered by a 3.8-liter V6 gasoline direct injection engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the front-wheel drive crossover will be available with all-wheel drive.

When is it available? Later this year

How much? TBA

What’s changed? The RC F benefits from a mid-cycle makeover targeting performance and appearance. Engineers reduced weight and improved handling. Slight increases in horsepower and torque and a higher final drive ratio on the eight-speed automatic transmission improved off-the-line response. Designers applied a new front fascia with stacked LED headlights and integrated daytime running lights, along with new taillights in the rear.

A new RC F Track Edition takes the RC F into a new dimension, designed to be a track car that can run hot laps all day and drive home at night. A weight reduction of 176 lbs over the outgoing RC F was achieved with the use of a carbon fiber roof and hood, Brembo carbon-ceramic brake rotors, and other smart features. A fixed wing at the rear is designed to improve both aerodynamics and downforce.

When is it available? Production begins in Spring 2019

How much? Pricing TBA

What’s changed? The Lexus LC Convertible Concept is a design study for what we might be able to expect from the next iteration of the LC Coupe and a possible drop-top variant. Manufacturers sometimes trot out such concepts to gauge the reaction of the press and public at auto shows. If the response is positive enough, executives might decide to proceed to production. If not, the concept gets warehoused and consigned to the hall of “might-have-beens.” We think the gorgeous LC Convertible concept seems like one that should advance to the next stage.

When is it available? Never – or soon?

How much? N/A

What’s changed? During a more elegant age, luxury cars featured rear-hinged rear doors, commonly known as “suicide doors” or “coach doors,” depending on your level of sophistication. The Lincoln Continental was the vehicle most identified with this style, so in celebration of the brand’s 80th Anniversary, Lincoln has conjured up a version of the Continental that revives the Coach Door. The special Continental will be one of the Black Label trim level vehicles, carrying Lincoln’s highest level of equipment and services. Only 80 limited edition models will be available.

When is it available? Summer 2019

How much? Starting at an estimated $100,000

What’s changed? The Nissan IMs concept represents an attempt to transform the traditional sedan with sleek styling, a slipstream cabin arch over an interior without a B-pillar, and rear-hinged rear doors. When both front and rear doors are open, an airy, spacious cabin is exposed. The design is also practical and aerodynamic and incorporates its flat, high-capacity battery pack underneath the passenger compartment.

When is it available? N/A

How much? N/A

What’s changed? Hot on the heels of the award-winning RAM 1500 light-duty pickup, the 2019 RAM 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickup benefits from many of the exterior and interior enhancements of its light-duty friend. The Ram HD now boasts a class-leading 1,000 lb-ft of torque when equipped with a 6.7-liter Cummins inline six-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Gas trucks get a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that puts out 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque – also class-leading. While we’re piling on the numbers, how about 35,100-lbs towing and a 7,680-lb payload capacity? The numbers don’t tell the whole story, as just about every aspect of this truck has been upgraded for 2019.

When is it available? Spring 2019

How much? TBA

What’s changed? Subaru hasn’t been fair to the United States. Since introducing the high-performance S200 version of the WRX STI in 2000, they’ve kept each version for their home market. The 2020 Subaru WRX STI S209 is the first S-line STI product to be built for the US. Due to homologation requirements for racing in the States, the S209 receives upgrades in power, handling, aerodynamics and driver engagement. The WRX also receives engine modifications and bodywork alterations. Only around 200 STI S209 vehicles will be built, earmarked exclusively for the United States.

Thanks, Subaru. All is forgiven.

When is it available? Late 2019

How much? TBA

What’s changed? For fans of the original Toyota Supra (1979 – 1998), everything has changed. The new Supra is the first production vehicle developed by Gazoo Racing, an in-house performance group. Powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine (335 hp/365 lb-ft of torque) with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, the Supra should scoot from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

When is it available? Summer 2019

How much? 3.0: $49,990; 3.0 Premium: $53,990; Launch Edition: $55,250

What’s changed? VW’s midsize sedan has received a substantial makeover as it enters its second generation of production. For 2020, the Passat will sport new sheet metal from end to end with a coupe-like roofline and a prominent mask-like grille. A single carryover 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine lurks beneath each Passat hood, sending 174 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard features will include 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, full LED lighting, App-Connect, Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert.

When is it available? Summer 2019

How much? TBA