2017 Autoshow Photos & Impressions

[BORG]

Just got back from opening day at the Detroit Autoshow which was good fun. Here are a ton of unedited photos: https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B045VaUrziqiBw

 

After the complete overhaul from last year, most things were carried over this year. It was busy and certain exhibits draw much more attention than others. By far the busiest attractions were the Lincoln Navigator Concept, Cadillac Escala Concept, VW Microbus concept, and the gigantic Lego Batmobile in the Chevy exhibit which was unveiled this morning. I think the biggest and most enthusiastic crowd was around the Escala, it's definitely my favorite concept at the show and the first Caddy design I've really liked. They are heading in the right direction with that design language and I hope Lincoln is planning something more dynamic soon. The Navigator concept is impressive on the inside, I like the production Navigator better on the outside. The Lincoln exhibit had a good crowd, everybody was playing with the Continental doors. Lincoln probably shouldn't put light interior colors on the show floor, they were all horribly stained (I have the same issue in my MKX). Blue was also the big theme for the Lincoln Exhibit. Always enjoy the Lincoln owners lounge which was busier this year, got a spicy mocha...nice!

 

Ford exhibit is always quite nice but not much new to see, Ford's lineup is pretty old now but nicely spruced up. All the EcoSports were locked but it's not horrible to look at in person, but the the face is much worse from certain views. They had a stunning red GT in the center of the exhibit, the upper level was all Truck related. Mustangs were scattered throughout the exhibit including a GT350 which was hard to photograph because it was in a crowded area. I really like the Explorer Platinum, much better materials than other Explorers with more room than my MKX which is just too small for me. The seats are very comfortable. Too bad Lincoln isn't making one anytime soon. Ford interiors need some work, they need larger LCD instrument panels and nicer dash designs and materials to match up with brands like Chevy or even Chrysler. But on the flip side, Ford's Platinum Fusion and Explorer interiors are some of the nicest...it's an either-or situation but nothing quite in the middle.

 

FCA has a lone Chrysler 200 on the show floor which was funny. I'm a big fan of everything Jeep is doing.

 

Chevy Equinox looks great, I'm utterly bored by Traverse and so were the crowds. If that were a Ford I'd be burning it at the stake, it's so completely boring from it's architecture to its design. And the 'integrated exhaust' is really quite laughable. GMC Terrain actually looks very nice in person, I'm now a fan. I would definitely give it a chance, it makes an impression in person and is very distinctive.

 

Toyota Camry has a few variations that look cheesy but nice. The shocker to me is how nice looking the Highlander has gotten, I'd even say it looks better than Explorer (at least it looks more modern), but Toyota interiors are just so bland even if they feel high quality and comfortable.

 

I really like the new Lexus RX, if the tech was up to snuff I would consider it over the MKX. The interior is definitely a notch above and the exterior is far more striking.

 

The Caddy XT5 dashboard is covered in suede, can't say I like that in person. I definitely prefer my MKX, much better quality materials, switchgear, and even the door pulls are higher quality. The thing that shocks me is how crappy and plasticky door handles are in most cars, I take that for granted in my Lincoln.

 

I am absolutely floored by Mazda, they have some of the best looking Crossover designs and by far the best interiors of any mainstream carmaker. Mazda looks like it's transitioning to an entry level luxury brand, it's just stunning. I wish them huge success!

Genesis is making some impressive vehicles, soft close doors and all. Still can't get excited by them but I know they are iterating very quickly.

 

Lexus LS is probably my favorite new production car at the show, it's just truly special in every detail. The Kia Stinger is just weird, nice proportions but I have ZERO interest in that car. It almost looks like a cartoon Optima.

 

VW Tiguan is spacious, wasn't expecting that but I like that crisp German design, nicely executed but a little dry on the inside.

 

And of course, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi are always my favorites, although I couldn't find the Audi Q8 concept I was expecting to see. Sadly Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Tesla are nowhere to be found and the shrinking size of the show is growing more apparent with each year. Makes for a quicker walkthrough and more terrible filler exhibits to bypass. You'll see some of that in the photos.

 

Hope you guys enjoy the photos!

Edited January 15, 2017 by BORG

[sullynd]

Have you sat in the RX? My mom has one (She's had every RX since the first gen) and if you think the MKX is too small for you, the RX interior is downright tiny. I almost need a shoehorn to get in. The engine sounds like carp too. I also think the interior has gone downhill on the RX.

Edited January 15, 2017 by sullynd

[BORG]

Have you sat in the RX? My mom has one (She's had every RX since the first gen) and if you think the MKX is too small for you, the RX interior is downright tiny. I almost need a shoehorn to get in. The engine sounds like carp too. I also think the interior has gone downhill on the RX.

 

 

I sat in the RX, first time in this generation. It's quite spacious, the MKX lost too much headroom for 2016 which is my big issue and why I want to look elsewhere. The last generation was noticeably more roomy for my dimensions. Of course the MKX also looks rather good because of it's lower greenhouse. I do like the spacious cargo area and backseat, but again as a tall person it's just not working for me this time. It's not impossible of course but over a year later and I'm constantly fidgeting with my seat because I can't find a position that works for my long legs, the short steering wheel and the low roof.

Edited January 15, 2017 by BORG

[sullynd]

I'm 6'4" and loath riding in my Moms RX, my Edge is significantly more spacious.

[rperez817]

BORG, you are an excellent photographer sir! Thank you for sharing your work.

Edited January 15, 2017 by rperez817

[BORG]

I'm 6'4" and loath riding in my Moms RX, my Edge is significantly more spacious.

 

 

I'm 6'3" but all my height is in my legs.

Edited January 15, 2017 by BORG

[BORG]

BORG, you are an excellent photographer sir! Thank you for sharing your work.

 

 

Thanks, if I had time to spruce up the images they would look much better, but some exhibits just have really challenging lighting (Chevy and FCA) which is why I didn't take many photos there.

Edited January 15, 2017 by BORG

[jpd80]

Thanks for the great write up Borg, I'm sure that all of us at BON appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts

and your photography is just tremendous, well done..

 

Ford exhibit is always quite nice but not much new to see, Ford's lineup is pretty old now but nicely spruced up. All the EcoSports were locked but it's not horrible to look at in person, but the the face is much worse from certain views. They had a stunning red GT in the center of the exhibit, the upper level was all Truck related. Mustangs were scattered throughout the exhibit including a GT350 which was hard to photograph because it was in a crowded area. I really like the Explorer Platinum, much better materials than other Explorers with more room than my MKX which is just too small for me. The seats are very comfortable. Too bad Lincoln isn't making one anytime soon. Ford interiors need some work, they need larger LCD instrument panels and nicer dash designs and materials to match up with brands like Chevy or even Chrysler. But on the flip side, Ford's Platinum Fusion and Explorer interiors are some of the nicest...it's an either-or situation but nothing quite in the middle.

The Ecosport is tiny in persion, I remember the first time I saw it a few years ago, it really is a two seater

and a very short hop 4-seater but yeah styling is homely vanilla = will appeal to similar demographic as Trax

 

A lot of us share your thoughts regarding Explorer Titanium and a nice Aviator - build both of them at Oakville.

Edited January 15, 2017 by jpd80

[sullynd]

I'm 6'3" but all my height is in my legs.

Ah, my height is in my torso. The MKX has more headroom, the RX more legroom. I find the RX narrow, it doesn't help that the center console is super wide.

[ANTAUS]

Thank you Borg, I always look forward to your experience at that car show, great pics as well !

[sullynd]

What did you get think of the new LS? It hasn't impressed me in photos.

[probowler]

I'm guessing that ugly orange thing is the escape/kuga whatchama call it?

 

I'm digging the white fusion interior, very clean. F150 also looking sexy as hell. Love the new grill

 

 

Nice photos!

Edited January 15, 2017 by probowler

[tbone]

Nice writeup. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

 

The GT looks fantastic in that color. I wonder if they can be had without the racing stripes. I was talking to my dealer and they had a customer who bought a 2005 and a 2006 GT and he did not qualify for purchase of the new one, so clearly they are very difficult to get.

[BORG]

Overhearing people near the EcoSport many people seemed to know about it and a few thought it was the Escape (Most people pronounced EcoSport like EcoBoost). It didn't draw much attention as you can see in the photos but it's the first car you see when you walk into the North Hall entrance between Ford and Chevy. I don't really like the Sport model because it brings too much attention to the shape of the grille, the Titanium does a better job filling it out. The rear of the EcoSport is what might confuse people, it's so flat and square, it looks more like a micro van than an SUV. I think it will attract some Escape customers because of its glancing similarity.

 

Also got to take a closer look at the Volvo S90 and the interior is just a stunning piece of design, great tech, and it's just something completely original which I really like.

 

BTW the Black Label Continental was the Rhapsody theme and drew allot of attention, there's nothing else quite like it on the show floor. I still think the Continental exterior is too bland compared to everything else in the segment, but the details and experience make a difference. It's definitely a step in the right direction but a little more excitement or technology would be welcome. I get a little queazy when Lincoln gets nostalgic but I know it excites people who are into that mod mid-century vibe and everything seams to have been done thoughtfully with some compromise.

 

The Lexus LS is lean and mean, very long and beautifully sculpted. It has to be one of the most striking vehicles in its class. I think the Japanese are doing a great job creating designs that are very expressive while remaining sophisticated. Infiniti and Lexus are certainly the most ambitious designers these days and the future of design is clearly in their hands along with Nissan and Mazda. Audi is on the other side of the spectrum which I also really respect and admire but only they can properly execute and I think there is some growing apathy in the current climate of more expresive design.

 

I've often talked about the quality and craftsmanship of the German products. Yesterday when I was in the Audi exhibit, I grabbed the handle of an Audi S5 I believe and I was marveling at how perfectly fit and flush the door pull was to the door, which brought my attention to the extremely tight seams throughout the exterior. It's simply something I never see on Ford and Lincoln products in particular. There could be a good reason for this at Ford and it's easy for me to pick on them for it without knowing why their panel gaps are so much bigger or why everything seems to have big plastic gaskets around them. Lincoln is getting better very slowly now that they have their own designs and parts but I don't have any expectation that they are going to match that Germanic precision.

Edited January 15, 2017 by BORG

[fordtech1]

Styling is subjective. Otherwise, everything would look exactly the same. I personally don't care how good a car Lexus is or the fit anf finish. I absolutely can not stand the Japanese anime styling. It's repulsive to me. I don't understand why every model has to look like a cartoon. However, I'm sure some find it gorgeous. Seems like Lexus and Acura are in competition for odd designs. Btw surprisingly enough I do find Volvo's new stuff very stylish. A Scandinavian Audi.

 

I forgot to mention. Great pictures. Also, I agree that I wish the continental was a little more flashier on the exterior. Maybe something as suicide doors. Just a little more wow factor. Could still be quiet luxury just a little something to set it apart.

Edited January 15, 2017 by fordtech1

[brucelinc]

I have never purchased or avoided a car based on it's styling. However, I have to wonder if Cadillac, Lexus, Audi and Genesis are deliberately trying to see who can create the largest and most hideous grills and front ends. If any of them would graft the original MKT cow catcher front end on, it would be an improvement. I find the Volvo, BMW and Mercedes far more tasteful.

 

The Continental is ultra conservative. It reminds me a bit of the Lincoln LS. Not that it looks like a Mitsubishi but rather that it is pleasant enough but not striking or original. I am not sure how it could be made to "pop" more without a complete redo, though. The overall design theme is consistent from front to rear unlike the MKZ that looks like two different cars depending upon which end is viewed.

[sullynd]

I can't put my finger on why, but I really dislike the rear of the Volvo sedan - it looks downmarket to me somehow - Mitsubishi-ish?

[brucelinc]

I can't put my finger on why, but I really dislike the rear of the Volvo sedan - it looks downmarket to me somehow - Mitsubishi-ish?

I agree. I like the front and I like the interior but the rest of the car just doesn't appear very upscale to me.

[fordtech1]

I can't put my finger on why, but I really dislike the rear of the Volvo sedan - it looks downmarket to me somehow - Mitsubishi-ish?

I thought add a lip spoiler and it would look more Audi s8. I think it looks VW from the rear. I can see how it could be considered down market. Compared to past sedans it's definitely an improvement.

[2b2]

I can't put my finger on why, but I really dislike the rear of the Volvo sedan - it looks downmarket to me somehow - Mitsubishi-ish?

I like the S90's tail lights (put them in the category of new LaCrosse and even some Aston Martins)

What I don't like are all the planes/creases/angles of the rear end surface(s)...

...& the shape of the C-pillar window-ette

[fordmantpw]

Just got back from opening day at the Detroit Autoshow which was good fun. Here are a ton of unedited photos: https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B045VaUrziqiBw

 

After the complete overhaul from last year, most things were carried over this year. It was busy and certain exhibits draw much more attention than others. By far the busiest attractions were the Lincoln Navigator Concept, Cadillac Escala Concept, VW Microbus concept, and the gigantic Lego Batmobile in the Chevy exhibit which was unveiled this morning. I think the biggest and most enthusiastic crowd was around the Escala, it's definitely my favorite concept at the show and the first Caddy design I've really liked. They are heading in the right direction with that design language and I hope Lincoln is planning something more dynamic soon. The Navigator concept is impressive on the inside, I like the production Navigator better on the outside. The Lincoln exhibit had a good crowd, everybody was playing with the Continental doors. Lincoln probably shouldn't put light interior colors on the show floor, they were all horribly stained (I have the same issue in my MKX). Blue was also the big theme for the Lincoln Exhibit. Always enjoy the Lincoln owners lounge which was busier this year, got a spicy mocha...nice!

 

Ford exhibit is always quite nice but not much new to see, Ford's lineup is pretty old now but nicely spruced up. All the EcoSports were locked but it's not horrible to look at in person, but the the face is much worse from certain views. They had a stunning red GT in the center of the exhibit, the upper level was all Truck related. Mustangs were scattered throughout the exhibit including a GT350 which was hard to photograph because it was in a crowded area. I really like the Explorer Platinum, much better materials than other Explorers with more room than my MKX which is just too small for me. The seats are very comfortable. Too bad Lincoln isn't making one anytime soon. Ford interiors need some work, they need larger LCD instrument panels and nicer dash designs and materials to match up with brands like Chevy or even Chrysler. But on the flip side, Ford's Platinum Fusion and Explorer interiors are some of the nicest...it's an either-or situation but nothing quite in the middle.

 

FCA has a lone Chrysler 200 on the show floor which was funny. I'm a big fan of everything Jeep is doing.

 

Chevy Equinox looks great, I'm utterly bored by Traverse and so were the crowds. If that were a Ford I'd be burning it at the stake, it's so completely boring from it's architecture to its design. And the 'integrated exhaust' is really quite laughable. GMC Terrain actually looks very nice in person, I'm now a fan. I would definitely give it a chance, it makes an impression in person and is very distinctive.

 

Toyota Camry has a few variations that look cheesy but nice. The shocker to me is how nice looking the Highlander has gotten, I'd even say it looks better than Explorer (at least it looks more modern), but Toyota interiors are just so bland even if they feel high quality and comfortable.

 

I really like the new Lexus RX, if the tech was up to snuff I would consider it over the MKX. The interior is definitely a notch above and the exterior is far more striking.

 

The Caddy XT5 dashboard is covered in suede, can't say I like that in person. I definitely prefer my MKX, much better quality materials, switchgear, and even the door pulls are higher quality. The thing that shocks me is how crappy and plasticky door handles are in most cars, I take that for granted in my Lincoln.

 

I am absolutely floored by Mazda, they have some of the best looking Crossover designs and by far the best interiors of any mainstream carmaker. Mazda looks like it's transitioning to an entry level luxury brand, it's just stunning. I wish them huge success!

Genesis is making some impressive vehicles, soft close doors and all. Still can't get excited by them but I know they are iterating very quickly.

 

Lexus LS is probably my favorite new production car at the show, it's just truly special in every detail. The Kia Stinger is just weird, nice proportions but I have ZERO interest in that car. It almost looks like a cartoon Optima.

 

VW Tiguan is spacious, wasn't expecting that but I like that crisp German design, nicely executed but a little dry on the inside.

 

And of course, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi are always my favorites, although I couldn't find the Audi Q8 concept I was expecting to see. Sadly Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Tesla are nowhere to be found and the shrinking size of the show is growing more apparent with each year. Makes for a quicker walkthrough and more terrible filler exhibits to bypass. You'll see some of that in the photos.

 

Hope you guys enjoy the photos!

 

As always, appreciate your autoshow photos. Impressive job!

[Anthony]

Great pictures and recap.

[BORG]

I'm not a big fan of the S90 rear-end either. The only Volvo I would buy however would be the XC90, but the S90 is basically a sedan version of that.

 

Volvo is a little like Lincoln right now, it's in the middle of a transition so there isn't much consistency going on across the lineup and some things are just really outdated now. I do think there is much more enthusiasm for what Volvo is doing in terms of design and technology however and they seem to be stumbling around a little less as Lincoln has suffered more failed turnarounds than just about anybody. Volvo has relatively quickly found the way forward which is remarkable considering they've been suffering far longer than Lincoln and it's also a lesson in finding a unique cultural voice in a crowded established market.

 

As for Continental, it's definitely not my cup of tea but I still really like the look of the MKZ which still has one of the best looking rear quarter views in the business. I was admiring it while browsing the Audis which sit right next to the Lincoln exhibit. The new front doesn't look bad, I actually think it looks much more aggressive on the MKZ which helps to shed some of that 'retro luxury' look I really don't like on the Continental.

 

Lincoln just needs something more distinctive up front, the shape of the headlights and grille have been a basic motif of car design since the early 90s and it's so anonymous now, it just doesn't look special. I will say however that it does give the brand a little more confidence and authority as a luxury car, but if you're already a luxury customer all your options are going to be more expressive (Japanese/Germans) or simply better executed by the originators (Great Britain/Audi). They just need to keep iterating, each product should keep changing the motif instead of just copy/paste.

Edited January 16, 2017 by BORG

[rmc523]

Thank you for taking and posting the pictures, BORG. The look far better than the live pictures I see on various websites/blogs, so kudos to you for that.

 

--

 

I can't put my finger on why, but I really dislike the rear of the Volvo sedan - it looks downmarket to me somehow - Mitsubishi-ish?

 

Yeah, I hate the S90's rear. It looks unfinished. The front and interior look great, though. And the XC90 looks great too.

 

I'm not a big fan of the S90 rear-end either. The only Volvo I would buy however would be the XC90, but the S90 is basically a sedan version of that.

 

Volvo is a little like Lincoln right now, it's in the middle of a transition so there isn't much consistency going on across the lineup and some things are just really outdated now. I do think there is much more enthusiasm for what Volvo is doing in terms of design and technology however and they seem to be stumbling around a little less as Lincoln has suffered more failed turnarounds than just about anybody. Volvo has relatively quickly found the way forward which is remarkable considering they've been suffering far longer than Lincoln and it's also a lesson in finding a unique cultural voice in a crowded established market.

 

As for Continental, it's definitely not my cup of tea but I still really like the look of the MKZ which still has one of the best looking rear quarter views in the business. I was admiring it while browsing the Audis which sit right next to the Lincoln exhibit. The new front doesn't look bad, I actually think it looks much more aggressive on the MKZ which helps to shed some of that 'retro luxury' look I really don't like on the Continental.

 

Lincoln just needs something more distinctive up front, the shape of the headlights and grille have been a basic motif of car design since the early 90s and it's so anonymous now, it just doesn't look special. I will say however that it does give the brand a little more confidence and authority as a luxury car, but if you're already a luxury customer all your options are going to be more expressive (Japanese/Germans) or simply better executed by the originators (Great Britain/Audi). They just need to keep iterating, each product should keep changing the motif instead of just copy/paste.

 

Let's not pretend as if Volvo's new design language is anything crazy, though. It's handsome, for sure, but it's not massively different from what Lincoln is doing.

 

As I've said for a while, you're seeing Lincoln "stabilize" the lineup design wise - getting the whole brand/lineup on the same page design wise that will allow it to re-establish itself in the market and get itself back on the radar with more buyers - yes, the design language may be a little "traditional" or plain, but it's right in the core of the market that opens itself up to the most buyers. See Lexus as an example - how long did they have just "there" designs before going crazy with the ever-growing predator grille? I'm sure Lincoln will slowly push the envelope design wise as the brand grows and evolves over time.

[BORG]

I agree that Lincoln has a different struggle than others, they can't afford to gamble with design when they are trying to convince new customers to take them seriously. The previous design language, although unique and expressive, did not convey the appropriate message and wasn't universally liked. I think they made the right move to bring in some familiar luxury car design cues to make that communication clearer. And Lincoln isn't quite as afraid of its older clientele as other luxury makers, it's perhaps the only luxury marque that has no aspirational appeal among younger customers. Hopefully that eventually comes.

Edited January 16, 2017 by BORG