Lincoln MKX, Toyota Tacoma among new vehicles introduced at the 2015 Detroit auto show
The North American International Auto Show begins this week in Detroit with media and industry previews. It opens to the public Jan. 17.
Here are some of the new cars and experimental concept vehicles unveiled at the show:
— LINCOLN MKX: Ford's luxury Lincoln brand unveiled the 2016 MKX midsize crossover, which sits between the smaller MKC and the Navigator SUV. Outside, the look is slightly sportier and less rounded than the previous model. New features include a hidden front camera that can spritz itself off if it gets dirty and a liftgate that can be set to the driver's preferred opening height so it's not as difficult to close. Inside, there are new massaging seats with side bolsters that deflate to make it easier for occupants to get in and out and inflate again once they're seated. Lincoln also has a 10-year exclusive deal with Revel — Harman Audio's premium brand — for the new MKX's 19-speaker sound system. Under the hood are two engine choices, the standard 3.7-liter V6 with 300 horsepower and an optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 330 horsepower. The MKX goes on sale in the U.S. this fall. China, Korea, Mexico and other markets will follow.
— HONDA FCV CONCEPT: Honda is moving ahead with a next-generation fuel-cell vehicle that the automaker hopes will advance the technology and entice more buyers. The aerodynamic FCV Concept, which is expected to launch in the U.S. in 2016 after debuting in Japan, has a fuel cell stack that's 33 percent smaller and 60 percent more powerful than its predecessor, the FCX Clarity. It's also anticipated to have a driving range of about 300 miles and refueling time of 3 minutes. Honda said it's also working on the accessibility side by investing about $14 million to build more hydrogen refueling stations in California. The lack of refueling stations has hindered wider production.
— TOYOTA TACOMA: With fresh competition from the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota is aiming to hold on to its spot at the top of the midsize pickup market with the new Tacoma. The frame and body have more high-strength steel, to make them lighter but more rigid. Toyota gave the Tacoma a new chiseled face and hexagonal grille, to better match its bigger sibling, the Tundra. The hood is also bigger and more muscular. The Tacoma has a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional 3.5-liter V6. Both are paired to a new six-speed transmission; the V6 can also be mated to a new six-speed manual. Five versions will be offered, in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, including a top-of-the-line Limited and an off-road TRD with multi-terrain select and a built-in mount for a GoPro camera near the rear view mirror. Toyota says around 40 percent of Tacomas sold are TRD models. The Tacoma, which will be built in Texas and Mexico, goes on sale this fall.