10. Nissan Vmotion 2.0
We bring down the curtain on this list with a concept car that many experts feel opens a window onto the Maxima’s future. There are the spectacular contours that give us a preview of the esthetic direction the Japanese carmaker is heading in, and then there’s the fully electric engine and the autonomous driving capabilities of the concept that even more radically point to the future. This was one of the very few models at the Detroit show, in fact, that was resolutely aimed into the far-future. This peek at a possible tomorrow is a car that is highly sculpted and elegant, the silver colour of which accentuates the harmony of its form.
Until next year
In general, the Detroit show just ended played out as a rather lukewarm affair when it came to splashy launches. The past year could perhaps best be thought of as one of consolidation and announcements of future models. Ford, for example, promised a new Ford Ranger in 2018 and a revived Bronco by 2021. In the case of the latter, the company offered nothing more illuminating than the animated silhouette of a Bronco horse rearing up on its hind legs. At Chrysler, which featured a huge stand at the show, no new models were announced at all, other than a confirmation that a new Wagoneer would be developed, reviving the biggest and most luxurious model ever produced by the manufacturer.
There were also notable absences at this year’s event. There were no exotic vehicles on display; Porsche was conspicuous by its absence, and it was joined in foregoing the show by Bentley, Jaguar and Rolls Royce, among others. This did have the effect of allowing other carmakers to increase the size of their stands, Lexus and FCA among them.
Quibbles aside, the 2017 show had its share of interesting and notable moments. A number of vehicles were introduced that will be offered commercially in the near-future, meeting the needs and expectations of consumers right now.
