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The 2015 Detroit Auto Show Model Debuts You Should Know About

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Since its inception in 1907, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit has become the leading auto show on this side of the pond, and for that reason, the Motor City typically serves as the grounds for many of the most highly anticipated new model debuts of the year.

In 2014, more than 40 new vehicles debuted at the Cobo Center, and although the overall total is slightly lower this year, there has been plenty to see at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

Scroll down to see some of the NAIAS highlights thus far. For more extensive coverage and additional photos, be sure to click the photos or links that follow.

2016 nissan titan detroit auto show debut diesel cummins grille wheels f-150

2016 Nissan Titan

The much anticipated 2016 Nissan Titan with the Cummins diesel engine was unveiled. But, Nissan only had the XD present at the show and provided few specs on the new truck.

chevy-bolt-concept-detroit-auto-show-200-mile-range-ev-volt-all-new-2016-press-conference-exterior-design-smile-grille-interior

Chevy Bolt EV

The future direction of electric vehicles was the focus of Chevy’s press conference, and although the proposed 200-mile range of the new Bolt EV Concept would be impressive, the automaker has admitted that it’s just “a vision” at this point.

acura nsx

Acura NSX

It was all about showmanship for Acura as the company brought back the beloved NSX. But aside from the presentation, the car was very impressive as well.

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Ford GT

Acura wasn’t the only automaker to exploit their new supercar in the Motor City. Ford debuted their new GT, which up until now, had been on a 10-year hiatus. But even after a decade, the Blue Oval has proved that they are still in prime form.

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Ford Raptor

The next-generation Ford Raptor was brought to light. The truck will see a lot of changes when it becomes available next year, including an EcoBoost V-6 engine and aluminum body.

2016 toyota tacoma

2016 Toyota Tacoma

A redesign was long overdue for the Toyota Tacoma. Pressure from the segment, including the Chevy Colorado, seemed to force Toyota into making an impressive midsize truck.

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Hyundai Santa Cruz Concept

Hyundai is hoping the Santa Cruz will fill a gap in the market. But do consumers really want a crossover with a small truck bed in the back?

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2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

Mercedes pulled the sheets off a pair of new AMG GLE Coupes in Detroit, giving us the first look at the renamed model line that will serve as a direct competitor of the similarly-equipped BMW X6.

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ram rebel detroit

Ram 1500 Rebel

It has already been said that the off-road ready Ram 1500 Rebel will not compete with the Raptor or Reaper, and a closer look at its stats shows the truth behind that, but the upcoming movie star is undoubtedly going to be compared to the two anyways.

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2016 Lexus GS F

We already knew what the GS F would contain before Lexus pulled back the veil on it, and although its produces some undoubtedly impressive numbers, it’s hard to get past the fact that it has the exact same engine as the RC F.

2016 lincoln mkx

2016 Lincoln MKX

The all-new MKX was the last of the models to get unveiled in Detroit, and not surprisingly, the addition of the new EcoBoost four-cylinder up front was one of the main focuses of the quick and to-the-point press conference.

John is a full-time automotive blogger who digs cars, but also spends a disturbing amount of time watching and reading about movies. His first car was a maroon 1993 Buick Skylark which, after a solid seven-year run, was laid to rest in August of 2013. He currently writes for phantomcopy.com.

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Ford Continues to Please Minivan-Skeptic Soccer Moms

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Ford Aerostar Minivan Exterior Does Ford Still Make

If the words Aerostar, Windstar and Freestar mean anything to you, you know that Ford is responsible for some of the best minivans ever made. Beginning with the first model Aerostar in 1986, Ford’s snub-nosed minivan set the standard of what would be created by automotive manufacturers in this class for decades.

The Aerostar was also the first minivan in the United States to feature upgraded, luxury packages. With an XLT package, and Eddie Bauer trim levels, the Ford Aerostar allowed drivers to bring passengers, cargo and more in style. For the first time, drivers could take advantage of the versatile and reliable minivan platform, without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

Does Ford Still Make a Minivan?

The Aerostar continued in the mid-90s as the Ford Windstar. The Windstar was a complete reinvention, shifting the drivetrain from RWD to FWD, and bringing the flagship minivan more in line with current minivan design. The Windstar became the Freestar in the early 2000s, lasting until the 2007 model year, with the final Ford “Star line” minivan rolling off the assembly line in December of 2006.

While we don’t know for sure what was behind Ford’s decision to discontinue their family-marketed minivan, we can take a guess. For starters, Ford has extended their reputation for reliable cars and trucks into the crossover market. With options covering a wide range of size and seating configurations (everything from the subcompact Ford Ecosport to the boxy family hauler Ford Flex), crossovers have become the new favorite for family vehicles.

Ford’s versatile crossover line has a vehicle that can meet almost any need. Do you have a small family? Go with the popular 2018 Ford Escape. Big family with lots of stuff to haul? The 2018 Ford Expedition has your back.

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Although crossovers and SUVs provide some distinct advantages (presence of AWD, higher ground clearance, and uni-body construction), the market for minivans hasn’t completely died, and neither has Ford’s commitment to providing drivers with a competent and compelling option.

Good News: Ford Still Makes a Passenger Minivan

ford transit connect passenger van in solar color_oAlthough Ford’s marketing has shifted toward promoting their incredible range of crossovers and SUVs as family choices, they still offer a more traditional minivan in the Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon. Utilizing the same body construction as the Ford Transit cargo van, the Transit Connect Passenger Wagon features up to 7 seats, and plenty of standard safety and comfort technology.

Lower ride height (easier in and out), sliding doors and greater visibility are among the reasons people still prefer vans for transporting their families. Additionally, the more contoured shape of most crossovers (not looking at you, Ford Flex) means that vans provide better cargo room! Family of four traveling cross-state with three suitcases? A Ford Explorer should be a great option.

Family of six, with a dog and 10 bags going cross-country, however, and the Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon starts to look a lot more up to the job.

Ford has a sterling reputation across the spectrum of vehicles they manufacture. Although the Transit Connect Passenger Wagon isn’t among their more well-known, it’s among the most competent and best value options in the minivan class.

 

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I Wasn’t Always a Dale Jr Fan – But Now I Get It

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dale jr nationwide

It was the crowning moment of the career of Nascar’s most popular driver. The 2004 Daytona 500. The chosen son, Dale Earnhardt Jr, had won the race that his father tragically died competing in only three years earlier.

Reports of the day say that everyone in the crowd was on their feet, cheering. Grown men were in tears. It was quite the moment, they say.

Well, I can tell you that there was at least one person that wasn’t cheering. That’s because I was that lone defector. (more…)

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The Essence Of 90’s Chevy Truck Commercials

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If you ever watched television for more than an hour at any time during the 90’s, you probably remember Chevy’s “Like a Rock” commercials. They aired on just about every channel, so they were pretty hard to miss—and pretty hard to forget as well. Even two decades later the sound of Bob Seger belting out those now-famous words is still shockingly memorable. (more…)

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