Before the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, we were excited that we may get to finally see the rumored mid-engined Corvette or Shelby GT500. Unfortunately, neither of these cars materialized. Although we did get a small teaser of the GT500 and the reveal of a new Buillitt Mustang. We also didn't get the big sports car reveals that we were hoping for, but there were some very important reveals at this year's show. Detroit 2018 will go down as the year of the truck as each of the big three American automakers each had a truck reveal at the show.
FCA and GM both revealed new full-size trucks at Detroit, but we gave a slight edge to the new Ram 1500. The Chevy Silverado made big leaps by adding a new diesel engine to the lineup and dropping a lot of weight with extensive use of aluminum. However, we think that Ram pushed the segment forward more with the introduction of V6 and V8 engines with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. We also loved the new interior with an available 12-inch touchscreen display.
The Ford F-150 was already the newest full-size truck on the market, so Ford decided to reenter the mid-size truck market with a fully refreshed Ranger. We don't know how much power the new Ranger will have, but we do know that it will be powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. Ford has taken a long hiatus from the mid-size truck market, but the new Ranger looks ready to do battle with the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma. There is even a rumored Ranger Raptor model in the works, that could make this truck even cooler.
Not to be outdone by the American automakers, Mercedes-Benz revealed its first all-new G-Class since 1979. The G-Class may be an SUV, but it is a rough and tumble truck underneath. Even though the G-Class is a leather-filled temple of luxury, it still comes with three locking differentials that can help it conquer the toughest obstacles. We love that Mercedes kept the classic G-Wagon styling, while still updating the interior in a major way. The G-Class will still be one of the most popular vehicles for famous rappers and Kardashians.
Mercedes didn't just show up to Detroit with a new G-Class, it also brought a new range of AMG 53 models. The AMG 53 badge will first appear on the CLS Coupe, E-Class Coupe and E-Class Cabriolet. All of these models are powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six combined with an electric auxiliary compressor. Total output is 429 hp and 384 lb-ft. We are excited to drive new Mercedes models with the inline-six engine as well as the first hybrid AMG cars.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta may not have been the most exciting reveal at Detroit, but it was certainly an important one. The Jetta is Volkswagen's best selling car in the US, which is why were were surprised that the company updated the Golf without updating the Jetta. The new Jetta is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 147 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This power goes out to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. We predict that a sporty GLI model will join the lineup eventually and give enthusiasts a reason to love the Jetta once again.
The final car on our list may have been our favorite reveal from the Detroit Auto Show. When Hyundai showed of its European i30N model, we knew that we wanted it. Luckily, the US will get its first Hyundai N model in the form of the new Veloster N. This car checks all of the enthusiast boxes. It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 247 hp or 275 hp that goes out to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. There will be a dual-clutch transmission on lesser Veloster models, but the N will be manual only. Can we get a hallelujah?