Automation Detroit Auto Show 2017 [BEST IN SHOW REVEALED]

[DeusExMackia]

##Daily Round-Up - Day 1

Welcome back to Splendid Auto Monthly’s coverage of the Detroit Auto Show 2017. It’s been a very busy first day with a whole host of announcements and reveals from all corners of the Automation world, and we’ve only just got started.

The displays halls were packed within a few hours of doors opening, with more people than ever before coming on day 1, a new record for the show. There was a focus on sports coupes today, though the variety was astounding. Whether this is an indicator for what to expect this year from the automotive industry, we don’t know yet.

Time to go over all the action from day 1 of Detroit 2017!

Today’s musical accompaniment is Over The Waves Waltz by Juventino Rosas.

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Calvinator celebrate 50 years of the Bruiser with anniversary model
Calvinator kicked things off at 9am on the dot, merely seconds after the show opened, to reveal a 50th anniversary model of their Bruiser muscle car, though it seems to have been turned into a hypercar. The 261 mph monster will be going on sale for little over $90k, which appears to make it an incredible bargain. However, we are slightly concerned at the complete lack of any aero work, which does raise some questions about high speed stability…

Opinion split on the bold new Rapier concept from Megacorp
Megacorp’s exccentric new Rapier concept already looks to be a contender for ‘Most Unusual Car’ at this year’s show, and opinion was split over what people made of it. We asked people on Twitter what they thought, and responses ranged from “What in the name of f-” to “Where do I place my order?”

The Rapier seemingly blends design characteristics of cars from the 30s - with its chrome lines, tall grill and long, thin body - with modern design styles, and is certainly a striking vehicle. The chrome gills and side exhausts all point to this thing being a powerful beast, though no specs have been released yet.

Brivio postpone their keynote at the last minute
The keynote theatre was packed by 5 to 11 this morning as we waited for Brivio to reveal what they’ve brought along, but we soon received news that the massive traffic jam on Highway 94 was being caused by the broken-down convoy that was bringing their vehicles along. Said keynote has been rescheduled for tomorrow evening.

DSD dazzle with hybrid-powered Samba
The queue for the deli in the Cobo Center foodcourt was huge by 12:30 as everyone rushed to grab lunch before DSD’s first keynote of the show. It was the usual affair for the company: plenty of theatre and special effects, and it certainly got the crowd going. The brand new Sambar was soon unveiled, a whole new type of hybrid and the first from the company.

But immediately there was confusion. While on stage, Darkshine was thanking Saminda for providing the engine for the Sambar, the press release given by DSD stated that Maesima had provided the engine. However, this confusion was overwhelmed by the spectacle of their display. Feature after feature was rolled off - head up display, full leather interior, active suspension that can be controlled by passengers in the rear of the car - we were certainly very impressed.

While details of the actual hybrid system powering the Sambar were limited, it certainly left an impression. DSD have set a new standard for eco vehicles.

Storm open up their display with spectacular street parade
Storm brought some noise to the streets of Detroit this afternoon in the form of their Raceworks Division piloting a whole range of their vehicles down to the Cobo Center. A very well kept example of the Prince from 1955 led the way, it’s once revolutionary styling still looking incredible even today. Shortly following this was the infamous Demon GRX, the first ever V12 rally car, that competed in the 1965 Dalnit-Bralka rally. Its distinct yellow livery was a joy to see once more.

On the new car front was the much anticipated, electric powered Shadow, cruising in complete silence through the main hall doors. We cannot wait to get behind the wheel of this thing later on this year. Contrasting the quiet of the Shadow was the roar of a groundbreaking twin-engined coupe called the Piranha, which is powered by two 360hp V8s connected to two gearboxes. We’re as confused as you are.

IMP tease a whole host of new utility vehicles
The IMP display is still currently hidden away behind a mass of TV screens, displaying what they will be showing off later on in the show. More to follow.

Arzami reveal self-driving HUD Concept
Behind the minimalist styling of the Arzami HUD Concept sits years of research; the new concept was revealed this afternoon, and rumours about its massive windscreen-glass roof combo were proven true. Whilst not on sale just yet, the technology behind the car was shown off to the public, and it certainly looks to be revolutionary.

An incredible amount of work has been put into developing the gorgeous heads up display found on the car, which includes full Sat-Nav and media integration. The promise of a self-driving version of this car later on in the year is also very exciting indeed.

Airborne show off a range of coupes
1 old and 2 new coupes were on display today at Airborne’s stand, showcasing the companies long history of making sports coupes. The Aquila, which caused huge controversy back in the 1990s for being a copy of a Hypera prototype, sat here today like an elder statesman, alongside its new relatives, the Yujin and S340.

The Yujin is an all new kei-coupe that will be hitting Japan and European dealerships this year, and long time readers of S.A.M. will know how much we love a mini-coupe. The stats look very promising for both versions; even if the car is comparatively slow compared to other low-end coupes, it is undeniably cool thanks to how small it is.

Also on show was the new S340, a V6 powered mid-range sports car. It looks set to take on equivalent German coupes thanks to its 5.3 second 0-60 time and 268 kmh top speed.

JHW re-enters the compact market with the Theia
The brand new Theia was launched today, an unusually shaped two door compact from JHW. The well specced and abstract looking car is being sold with a 2.8l V6, which should offer some uniquness against competition from Adenine, Maesima, Erin, Samdina and the lot. Pricing looks to be in the mid to upper level range.

Baltazar return to the hot-hatch market with the RS325
It was an exciting end to the day as Baltazar revealed the handsome Quasar RS325. The Brazillian giant’s return to the hot-hatch sector has been long awaited, and the specs of the new car are incredibly competitive - able to keep up with the fastest hot hatches on sale today despite prices starting at just $28k. We’ve already booked our test drives for when the car is released.

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That rounds up the days events. While all this was going on, we somehow managed to squeeze a few interviews in as well.

Mei from the marketing department of Airborne joined us in our press room this afternoon for a chat about what Airbone have brought to this year’s show.

Thank you very much for coming along. Tell us more abou the Yujin. Why did you decide to make a sporty kei car?
“Yujin is sort-of our entrance to growing market of sporty Kei Cars in Japan. We wanted to do something specifically for this market, you know. Plus the car points perfectly for perfect car ideal of youths: cheap (cough) but not too cheap, with bit of comfort, fuel efficient and somewhat quick.”

It seems to be a well targeted car. How do you think the Yujin will fare in Europe against the current crop of entry-level sports cars?
“In Europe Yujin is pointed mainly for people who import kei cars for their own or just want sporty version of our basic hatch. Main market is still Japan.”

By the sounds of it, it’ll be a quirky little thing when its released. Moving on now, what was the thinking behind the S340? What cars do you expect it to compete with?
“New S340 teases our new directions for new production model from S car series, you know. It also serves as my design expression (laugh). If I had to choose specific cars with which S340 could compete in this form they would be Audi S5-ish I guess.”

Interesting. I see some parralells with Auxuras here, a Japanese luxury brand looking to take on their European counterparts. When can we expect the Yujin and S340 to go on sale?
“Gavin, I guess Yujin will hit the dealerships at fall of 2017 and S340 C1 isn’t going into production in this form, it’s just too heavy. You can however expect production model in 2018 or 2019.”

Mei, it’s been great talking to you, thank you for coming along.
It was lovely to talk to you Gavin. Good luck with other interviews. (smile)

We also managed to snag a quick word with one of the team from Calvinator whilst down at their display.

Asking them about their bonkers hyper-minivan, the Sublime, they explained that it was a return to their roots: making ultra fast sleepers.
“Calvinator is the power division of CMC (or CAC). Our first car was based off of the Royal Orange in 1947, and we kinda did this a joke originally, but we made a sleeper version of it called the Orange Peeler (cause it peeled out). Calvinator was started from that car . . . Sleepers are the best cause they pull the best reactions out of people who don’t expect anything of the car.”

Asking them about whether they intended to try and set some new lap records with the Sublime, they said:
Laptime records, probably not, cause we have faster cars (up to 370 mph with 2.2 seconds from 0 to 60). But for minivans, absolutely. This is the fastest minivan ever.

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Whew! That concludes today’s round-up. I am knackered, so it’s back to the hotel for me. See you guys tomorrow for more from Detroit 2017. Gavin out.

- Gavin Anderson

[rcracer11m]

Were the interviews done with the heads of the specific company? Like did you message Oskiinus to perform the interview or just come up with it yourself?

[Oskiinus]

Mei Onashikara is Airborne’s main marketing manager, she went to Detroit instead of CEO. This interview is magic of roleplay.

And I kinda came myself with proposition

[11alualhati]

Announcement from AL AUTOS

Hello one and all! AL Autos will be bringing a good number of production cars to our display! These vehicles will range from rapid supercars, to long range luxury cars, to sporty hatchbacks, sedans, and coupes. Look forward to our debut tomorrow!

[DeusExMackia]

@rcracer11m Yeah, Oskiinus asked me to do an interview, and then I decided to do more of them. I’ll try to get some sort of interview stuff with everyone at some point during the show

[Awildgermanappears]

Starting things off is is IMPs smallest offering, the Nero Supermini. It may be small, practical and economical, but it certainly isn’t cheap, with standard equipment rivalling that of a fully grown luxury sedan. Full leather upholstery, four individual climatized and electrically adustable massage seats, four zone climate control, a high-end sound system and magnetic ride suspension are all standard. For 2017 there are two engine options: a 1.25L Inline four Turbo with 125hp and 215Nm and a 1.7L Inline four Turbo with 215hp and 325Nm of torque. The small Diamond.

On a completely different end of our product range, the Monolith Atacama 4x4. First presented in concept form at the Chicago International Auto Show last year, now the production version is here.

As part of pre-production testing and for promotional purposes we’ve shipped a pair of them to Canada, where they and their support vehicles consisting of two Monolith N340Ds, two M161 Diesel and one Artisan 425D1 went on a grueling adventure to the north pole. Each vehicle completed said journey with no issues whatsoever. Once finished all of them were driven to the southern tip of the americas from where they’ve been shipped to Antarctica in order to reach the south pole as well. And once again all trucks made it. A film crew recorded the entire three-month trip, the resulting Documentary can be bought online or at any Monolith Dealership.
The Atacama is available with a 2.7L Petrol engine, a 3.2L Turbodiesel, and for developing markets a 3.2L Flex-fuel engine. In the US it is exclusively sold with a 3.3L Inline 6 producing 250hp.

[DeusExMackia]

UPDATE: Change of plan with the voting at the end of the show; rather than having just one vote for “best display”, I’ll split it up into categories, such as “Best small car”, “best utility vehicle”, “best concept” etc…

These will be announced once the show has ended, so that I can adjust what to include in each category so that there’s enough to vote for.

Is this OK with everyone?

Edit: I take it that the likes mean “yes”

[Darkshine5]

umm ahem DSD would like to apologize for Darkshines drunken mistake the engine powering the Sambar is a Maesima sourced unit not a Saminda unit. We apologize to Maesima and well Darkshines feels like abit of a tool.............

[Awildgermanappears]

Meanwhile LaVache is preparing to unveil the 2018 Ramjet…

[Speedemon]

The first day of the Detroit Auto Show rolls by, and during the day people have spotted something strange about the Blackbird exhibit. Blackbird was set to go to Detroit for the auto show, which is strange as they usually only produce performance engines. The exhibit is hidden away with this curtain surrounding the stage.

Most people have a good idea of what is behind the curtain, but rumors are spreading fast, the story changing rapidly as well. No stories can be trusted as only the people at Blackbird know the full story. The picture shows the obvious, a turbocharged V8, but that is all that has been revealed so far. Blackbird came out before the auto show saying “We will be proud to reveal our new platform in Detroit. Our plans include that and other things that you will see at the show soon.” The performance tuning company did not say what the “Platform” was specifically, nor did they say what their other plans were. This all shall be revealed later on in the show.

[BobLoblaw]

A note from Petoskey Motors: Due to some logistical issues (real life matters) our display will be slightly delayed upon arrival. If all goes well, it should be up and ready tomorrow afternoon.

[Fayeding_Spray]

#We Start With Arzami Des Voiltures.

Here we begin with ADV.

Starting with the ADV Modele SM. The SM is the new city Supermini for Non-Japanese markets. This is a continuation of the Modele 1 started all the way back in 1949, and continued all the way up until now through the SM name plate.

The inline 3 powering this is the International/US version, at 700cc in size. Making only 55hp, this small supermini is a useable thing. This is the production ready model, hitting the market in just a few weeks.

Next up is the ADV AXO, or American CrossOver. This is a US model only, with 6 seats, in a 2-2-2 layout. This is an all new model, and we expect an above average amount of sales for 2017 and 18.

This is a 2.5L Turbocharged inline four engine, making 180hp. With an 8speed automatic, and FWD is the specific US model. If there is interest, a model will be made for international markets, but would be expected for 2018 at the earliest. Expected to go on sale, and for orders tomorrow.

Finally for today is the ADV Marquis. The Marquis is a large, and foreboding Luxury Sedan, here painted in a deep green. This one is also a US only version, with the European model expected at the 1st EU show of 2017.

Powered by a 6.0L V12 engine, making 518hp, and a rear design inspired by Storm Autoworks, the Marquis is expected on sale by mid 2017.

That concludes ADV’s presentation for the Detroit show. Thank you.

[Madrias]

Storm wasn’t done quite yet, by the sound of things, as a dark green Shadow sprinted down the streets of Detroit, twin-turbocharged V12 screaming to the city.

Luke looked up from signing an autograph, then said, “Sounds like we’ve got another one. Some of the Raceworks Division said they were going to be late. By the engine note and the shift pattern, that’s the XVR-12.”

Shortly following the late Shadow arrival, an old concept, one seen forever ago, turned up.

The driver who stepped out looked more than a little frazzled, and immediately complained to his fellow Raceworks Division drivers, who all stated, “You got the short straw fair and square. It was your turn to drive the Deathtrap.”

“But, the thing has no power until the last thousand revs, then it’s all there like someone turned on a light switch labeled “Rocket Booster,” but unlike a normal car which just squirms violently, this thing tries to snap around and chase its tail.”

“You drew the short straw. We’ll draw straws again for who brings it home.”

Luke stopped the arguing with a quick, and lightly sharp, “Why can I hear my Surge being driven here?”

“You’re joking. Seriously? Who’s the moron who stole the boss’ car and drove it here?”

The driver stepped out, then said, “Luke, you left your keys on your desk. You know, the ones that also have all the keys to the building? Figured I’d bring them to you and also something notable for the show. After all, you’ve got Serial number 1010 of the Surges, so I figured…”

“I’d have driven it if I wanted it here, but I suppose it’s noteworthy enough. Though if I find one thing out of place in it, you’ll regret doing this.”

“We’ll just make him drive the Deathtrap home.”

“Wait, what!? No, that’s not fair!”

[CadillacDave]

No show today as the Kenworth W900 pulling the trailers has blown a radiator hose, never use a truck from the 80’s, we have most of the cars ready at the show but we can’t open until the centre piece arrives, more updates will follow as we learn more.

Alex Hindsley, Brivio Marketing Department

[Darkshine5]

Ladies and gentleman we were due to release the SFRAV today but Darkshines is still…well ummmm… he is still tanked and someone gave him medicinal cannibis… the result of this means that the release will be delayed 12hrs while we I.V black coffee thru out his system…again we at DSD apologize but we are queenslanders.

[JohnWaldock]

I will be unavailing my second Gaia platform car later on, and this has 2 levels of trim

[ArtyomRanger]

At the River Automotive stand

"Are the two cars ready ?"johnson whispered
"yes sir they are ready"an engineer answered
“Alright guys its showtime” Johnson said walking on the stage.

Hello Detroit auto show i welcome you to our stand, we present to you a classic car (even technically speaking its first presentation of this car cough anyway) i show you the 1970 liti.

“two green colored liti drives up on the stage”

The liti was our newest car in our lineup it also replaces our other model, the h21 due to poor sales we had to discontinue it in beginning of 1970.

The liti is powered by two new engines, it is first car from river automotive with a inline 3 in our liti we have a 1.0L inline 3 producing 58hp & 89Nm with a top speed of 155Km/h, the second engine is a 1.5L Inline 4 producing 89hp & 130Nm with a top speed of 180Km/h.

It only comes with a 4 speed manual, the liti combined with inline 3 is only available with the basic trim level while the inline 4 can be ordered either basic or standard trim level but all trim levels are included with a power steering and radio.

Thats the car for today, make sure to come tomorrow for the second car.
Thank you for visiting our stand and your are welcome to take a look at our cars.

(A little side note the two of the three cars that well broke down are repaired, only our concept car is well not working properly yet but we can fix…i hope.)

[Dorifto_Dorito]

#OAM Announcements

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#OAM 2017 Chevalier II Concept
Although a bit late, OAM’s entry to NAIAS was, well a bit dramatic…

OAM opened their display with the brand new OAM Chevalier II Concept doing a burnout on their entrance. The driver the proceeded to drift around the stage drawing the OAM logo…until the tires exploded. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and after a fresh set of tyres, the Chevalier then returned to the OAM stand…where the driver proceeded to do another burnout.

The Chevalier II will begin production in February 2017

##Extra Info

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#OAM 2017 Traveller II Concept
Meanwhile, another OAM car was also on show, the OAM Traveller II.

Although not the most loud and aggressive looking car, the Traveller II concept had a reasonable amount of horsepower behind it. Inside was state of the art luxury interior (although the standard cars will not be equipped with all these features), including a new HUD, based on the HUD in fighter planes, a flipout sat-nav/computer and a new electric and new voice activated heated seats/ windows.

Production of the Traveller II will begin in February 2017

##Extra Info

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Older OAM Classics, EADC and the Nadier-Schoefield Displays will be arriving soon.

[JohnWaldock]

The 2017 JHW Gaia

for day 2, we have decided to unveil the namesake of the Gaia Platform.

The Gaia is our take on a “Compact Executive” car, and we aim to bring this to market with a projected price of $28,980.

We took the name Gaia from the Greek primordial goddess of Earth, and we felt that fit a car and platform that had a more “global” appeal than most premium cars on the market.

As you can see, we gave the car a very clean shape, and those are pillar-less suicide doors. those aren’t just there for looks, either. Because there is no B pillar, the cabin feels much more spacious than a typical 4 door.

Mechanically, it is identical to the Theia, albeit heavier. so, you loose some of the performance, but a 7.7 0-62 and a 142mph top speed isn’t much slower.

2017 JHW Gaia S500

The S500 is the high performance iteration of the Gaia. as the name implies, it is limited to 500 units per year.

the styling has been subtly enhanced for a more aggressive look and to fit meatier tires.

But, it’s under the hood where the real changes have taken place. the V6 has been tuned to give 292hp, and we’ve fittied a 7 speed DSG AWD transmission, in place of the standard 6 speed DSG FWD.

This results in a 0-62 time of 5.9s and a top speed of 160mph. so nothing scary fast, but this car is the ultimate Q-car (or sleeper in the US), as you now have a highly comfortable 1.7 ton sedan capable of going toe-to-toe with most sports cars!

The Price for this is $38,780, so not as much as you’d think, but it is very exclusive and can only be ordered direct from a dealership.

again, Test drives available from our booth for journalists

[CadillacDave]

WE HAVE MADE IT!!!

Loud honking and the sound of a rumbling diesel engine rocks the main road driving up to the show, Alex Hindsley stands outside of the Brivio stands closed door

“Ladies and gentlemen the truck has arrived, and the car is quickly being loaded on to the main stage, if you would please make your way to the main stage Markus Brivio is there ready to show off our new car”

Meanwhile on the main stage

“Ladies and gentlemen the wait is now over, we are ready to show you the stunning new full-size luxury saloon and coupe, the all new 2017 Brivio Scivolare.”

Markus Brivio pulls the cover off of the car ‘Eleganza Classica Coupe’ shown as ‘Hot Chocolate - You Sexy Thing’ plays

You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate [Lyrics]

“The latest car from Brivio cames with a 2.0 Inline 4 Turbo coupled to a 7-Speed DCT transmission, availavble in either RWD or AWD, in coupe or sedan form. We have chosen to show you the 2.0 engines as they are the newest additions to our range”

Markus opens the hood using the new smart key feature revealing the all new all all alsi petrol engine

“The all new engine produces 161hp@6500rpm and produces 179ft-lb@3400rpm”

“The car does the 0-62mph sprint in a respectable 8.8 seconds and happily runs all the way up to 147mph”

“The car is capable of 33mpg highway, that is pretty good for such a large car”

“The car itself comes with a whole array of digital assists making sure no matter how much of a mess you make of a corner, the car will try its best to correct itself”

“More information of the car will be available in the brochures at the main stand which is now open”

“Now please enjoy a montage ‘the best of Brivio’ including some of our best moments”

*Montage plays with London Electricity - Just One Second"

London Elektricity - Just One Second (Apex Remix) "The City is Beautiful" time lapse

“Thank you everyone, please stick around for the next scheduled show”