Michigan Internet Marketing Club: 2016 Detroit Auto Show

2016 Detroit Auto Show

The Consumer Reports Cars team is in Detroit in force, covering the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Highlights from this major new-car event will be posted here, including notable all-new models and concept cars, with photos and video. In addition, expanded stories will be posted as car news.

Get the latest car news and show coverage by following us on Twitter @CRCars.

2017 Audi A4

As we’ve come to expect of Audi and its A4, the redesigned 2017 model doesn’t look much different from the outgoing car. But dig your nails below the surface and there’s considerable news inside the cabin and under the skin. The ninth-generation A4 has a reworked engine, a new transmission, a lighter body, and numerous advanced safety features, plus the availability of Audi’s customizable digital instrument panel, as already seen in the TT and the 2017 Q7.

The A4’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder has been reworked to produce 252 hp, up from 220. But instead of the previous combo of a CVT automatic for front-drive models and an eight-speed automatic for all-wheel-drivers, all 2017 A4s will come with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Audi has addressed the A4’s cramped rear seat with increased legroom, along with more shoulder and headroom up front, although specific dimensions weren’t given. A new standard infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto.

The 2017 Audi A4 goes on sale in the spring, starting at $37,300 for the base front-drive Premium model, with all-wheel drive beginning at $39,400.

Learn more about the 2017 Audi A4.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

Providing an alternative version of the redesigned 2016 Cruze sedan, the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback will share essential mechanicals and features. The liftgate exposes 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, capable of expanding up to 47.2 cubic feet.

On sale in the fall, the hatch benefits from the same weight reduction measures made to aid fuel economy and performance in the sedan. Both versions boast a generous roster of available high-tech features, such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, mobile Wi-Fi, Teen Driver monitor, and a full suite of active safety systems. In addition, there are some luxury touches, such as a heated steering wheel and heated rear seat.

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The new 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class hits the streets with enough fuel economy, safety gear, and comfort technology to keep it among the most sophisticated luxury sedans on the market. Through the redesign, the company’s mainstay “business-class” leader gets a longer wheelbase and more overall length.

The new base E300 will be powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the Mercedes C300 and GLC300, putting out 241 hp. It will run through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Diesel and hyper-horsepower AMG variants are likely on the way, as well. An optional driver-selected suspension allows both sport and comfort settings. An air suspension system is also available, with a self-leveling feature that adjusts depending on vehicle load and speed.

Safety highlights include a “Car-to-X communication” system, which uses your mobile phone to exchange information and on-the-road warnings with other vehicles further down the road.

The new E-Class goes on sale in summer 2016.

Learn more about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC Roadster

Mercedes-Benz continues to revitalize, and rename, its product line, with the latest example to be the transformation of the SLK retractable hardtop into the SLC. By adopting the classic SLC moniker, the brand is recognizing the roadster’s C-Class pedigree while aiming to better align the models in its range.

Of course, the new SLC variants will still feature the SLK’s pioneering “vario-roof,” a mechanical feat that defined the roadster as one the first retractable hardtop convertible sports coupes sold. The top can now deploy or retract at speeds up to 25 mph. The SLC will also offer the Magic Sky Control option from the SLK, which adjusts the opacity of the retractable glass roof to control the amount of sunlight allowed through.

The SLC300 will have a 241-hp, four-cylinder engine shared with the C300 sedan. Mercedes-Benz claims 0-60 mph sprints in 5.7 seconds.

Learn more about the Mercedes-Benz SLC.

2017 Volvo S90

The S90 is hailed as the beginning of the second chapter in Volvo’s product lineup revamp, on the heels of the XC90 introduction. The S90 and XC90 share the same platform and represent a commitment to Scandinavian design and safety from the Chinese-backed company.

The technology portion of the sedan’s features are some of the most significant to the brand’s ongoing commitment to active safety technology and zero deaths or significant injuries in its new models by 2020. Active safety system package includes forward-collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, distance alert, and lane-keeping feature. Volvo’s CitySafe system will now include a large animal detection option, similar to the pedestrian detection system, to avoid striking moose and other large road-crossing critters. The Volvo S90 will have the same powerplants as the XC90: a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine called T5 (about 250 hp); a supercharged variant called T6 (316 hp); and the plug-in hybrid variant T8 (410 hp).

Learn more about the Volvo S90.