Yesterday we covered some of the good-looking vehicles launching at this years’ show. In Part Two we look at the weird awkward and ugly selection – a very competitive area I have to say… They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I can’t imagine anyone thinking these are attractive. Without further ado…
AUDI
SQ5 – The only crossover that performs like a sports car. Whether you yearn for sporty performance, luxurious comfort or the versatility of an SUV, the Audi SQ5 is engineered to exceed your expectations. You’ll experience an impressive 354 hp and 347 lbs-ft of torque, plus an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission that reduces fuel consumption, yet is flexible enough to allow dynamic, sporty acceleration and low-rev, high-speed cruising. The sleek, spacious design incorporates striking LEDs, optional 21˝ wheels and a distinct bumper and roof spoiler for the best on-road impression. Experts will see straight away that the vehicle belongs to the S family by the horizontal double chrome bars of the single-frame grille in platinum grey, or by the SQ5 badges on the radiator grille and at the rear. Sophisticated details, such as the SQ5 emblem on the door sill trim ensure plenty of dynamism. Even the instrument cluster has a special S design with a grey dial, white needles and newly designed aluminum-look needle hubs. The 3D-looking SQ5 logo on the rev counter catches the eye. The screen of the MMI, the Multi Media Interface, is always in view. The optional MMI Navigation plus with 3D map visualization features a 7-inch screen, CD and DVD compatibility, voice recognition and Bluetooth® streaming audio.
CADILLAC
Escala Concept – The Cadillac Escala – from the Spanish word for “scale” – is a reflection of our design evolution. Immediately apparent are the sculpted exterior lines on its large frame, giving it the appearance of gliding down the road. The many technology features inside the Escala are a perfect complement to the handcrafted interior. Inside you’ll find an OLED touch screen spanning the front console, a central module control that responds to your voice, touch and gestures, and a rear seat connectivity system. In addition to the technology and craftsmanship, the Escala offers a robust performance system featuring a powerful 4.0L V8 engine and a new RWD-centric mixed-material construction which makes it as powerful as it is beautiful. The Escala will only be at the Canadian International AutoShow for the first two public days of the show — February 17 and 18.
GMC
Terrain – The all-new 2018 Terrain unveils the next chapter of GMC design via a boldly styled and intelligently engineered successor to the brand’s popular compact SUV. The Terrain offers greater refinement and versatility to adapt to customers’ unique needs, and it’s packed with more available advanced safety technologies than ever before. The all-new Terrain’s bold exterior design signals an evolution of the brand’s signature cues with stronger, sharper and more sculpted elements such as the grille and lighting features. Like the exterior, the new Terrain’s interior makes a statement and serves as a fundamental component of the vehicle’s heightened emphasis on refinement and functionality. A range of three all-new turbocharged engines, including an all-new 1.6L turbo-diesel, provides more choices when it comes to performance, efficiency and capability. New 1.5L and 2.0L turbocharged gas engines are matched with two unique new nine-speed automatic transmissions.
Honda
2018 Odyssey – The next-generation Odyssey brings a host of new features and technologies for 2018, including a uniquely versatile new Magic Slide™ second-row seat; new CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies; new Display Audio touchscreen with Honda-developed OS; 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity; new Rear Entertainment System with streaming video; and Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive technologies – now offered standard on all trims. The 2018 Honda Odyssey will be powered by a 3.5-litre, direct-injected i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). Peak engine output is 280 hp (+32 HP) and benefits from the advanced capabilities of its two available new transmissions – a 9-speed automatic. Upper grades get an all-new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic – the first of its kind in a minivan, providing more confident and refined performance. An all-new body and chassis design underpins the new Odyssey’s incredibly quiet cabin and class-leading steering precision, handling prowess and ride comfort.
Not to be out-done by Cadillac, Nissan and Infiniti weigh in on their versions of the Ugly Car Of The Show 2017…
INFINITI
QX50 Concept – The QX50 Concept showcases INFINITI’s vision for a next-generation mid-size premium crossover. Demonstrating how the design of the 2016 QX Sport Inspiration – its conceptual forebear – could be adapted for a future production model, the QX50 Concept confidently articulates INFINITI’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ design language. A ‘cabin-forward’ silhouette combines with muscular lines and flowing surfaces to telegraph its purpose as a dynamic and practical crossover. The organic forms of the ‘driver-centric, passenger-minded’ cabin were designed in harmony with the exterior shape. Blending progressive design with modern craftsmanship, the QX50 Concept’s interior reflects INFINITI’s desire to challenge conventional approaches to premium interior design. INFINITI’s latest concept is the next step toward the company’s future autonomous drive support technologies. Central to the strategy for the development of all future INFINITI autonomous driving support systems, they ensure the driver retains ultimate control over their vehicle – in keeping with INFINITI’s focus on driver engagement. Furthermore, the QX50 Concept illustrates a potential application for INFINITI’s advanced Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine, offering drivers a powertrain that adapts to offer both power and efficiency.
NISSAN
Vmotion 2.0 Concept – The Vmotion 2.0 concept combines a high sense of style, emotional design, space, comfort and technology to make the mobility experience seamless for busy professionals. Nissan Vmotion 2.0 is the evolution of the “V-motion” front design signature seen on many of today’s Nissan products, such as the Murano mid-size crossover and Maxima 4-door sports car. Vmotion 2.0 takes the design a step further by forming an intelligent three-dimensional shape to create the volume and architecture of the vehicle. In this concept, the V-motion grille becomes the main fuselage, allowing for extremely sharp yet expressive surface language, accented by crisp character lines that resonate throughout the body. Providing hints at the future of “Nissan Intelligent Mobility” – Nissan’s roadmap to achieve zero emissions and zero fatalities – the lighting around the front Nissan emblem glows to indicate when the vehicle is in ProPILOT mode, which is envisioned to provide autonomous driving support technology on urban roads and at intersections. Wrap-around rear glass and the floating C-pillar also provide an impression of intelligent and efficient aerodynamics.
PORSCHE
Macan Turbo (Performance Package) – The figures simply speak for themselves: the 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6 engine produces 440 hp – 40 hp more than the Macan Turbo. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds – making it four tenths faster. Its top track speed: 272 km/h. The improved performance on the racetrack can be measured using the digital and analog stopwatch. It delivers the typical Porsche sound – at the touch of a button and in its most powerful, resonant form. The Sport exhaust system with sport tailpipes is a treat for both the eyes and ears with larger front brakes ensuring plenty of stopping power is available. The first units will begin arriving in Canada in the first quarter of 2017 with pricing starting at $97,600.
VOLKSWAGEN
Tiguan – Long Wheel Base – The 2018 Tiguan is all-new from the ground up. It is bigger than ever, and now offers an available third row for those times when the guest list just keeps on growing. The Tiguan is a stylish and modern compact sport utility that handles all types of roads and weather with ease. Inside, driver and passengers alike will be surrounded with quality finishes and the latest technology. Powerful, safe, spacious and fuel efficient – the Tiguan is a great choice for the active family.
…and finally the drug-induced winner……
RINSPEED
Oasis – The Rinspeed concept vehicle Oasis – the ingenious self-driving electric vehicle for the city and surrounding areas, refutes the deeply ingrained notion of the urban jungle that requires SUVs the size of battle tanks for the daily struggle for survival. This alternative concept: a maneuverable speedster with an integrated small garden plot behind the windshield is what you design when you take enough drugs.
The Canadian International AutoShow will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre between February 17th and 26th.
Please visit autoshow.ca for more information.
Social Media: #AutoShowOhCanada #CIAS2017
Instagram: @cdnintlautoshow
Facebook: @autoshowcanada
Twitter: @autoshowcanada with the hashtags.
Copyright © 2017 by Iain Shankland. All rights reserved.
Editing: Iain Shankland / Images: Respective manufacturers
Also published at: Flagworld.com
Road-Test.org 