A Return to Power

What was the biggest characteristic of the 2015 North American International Auto Show (Detroit Show) in Detroit, USA? A quick walk around the Joe Louis Arena at the Cobo Center, which has been used for this show for a long time, revealed a striking abundance of sports cars, luxury imports, and trucks.

"It's like a reminder of the golden days before the Lehman Shock," wrote USA Today about the 2015 Detroit Show. The parade of large vehicles seemed to confirm the reports of a booming US economy. Falling gasoline prices likely removed any psychological barriers to proudly displaying large engines.

Ford GT

Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang

The highlights of the show might have been theHonda NSXandFord GT, which were introduced earlier. Ford also showcased models that appeal to American nostalgia, such as theShelby GT350R Mustang. True to its legendary name, which dates back to 1965, this model is approximately 60kg lighter than the existing GT350 and is powered by a 500-horsepower 5.2-liter V8.

Ford's booth, which displayed a balanced range from eco-friendly to super sports cars, gave the impression that the future lies not in autonomous driving or ultra-fuel-efficient cars, but in the creation of sporty vehicles, with the word 'power' appearing everywhere.

Interest in Trucks

Trucks were also a highlight of the 2015 Detroit Show. At Ford, the new F-150, with its aluminum body mounted on a steel ladder frame, was a major topic of conversation among Americans. Furthermore, a successor to the F-150 Raptor, known for its fun-car characteristics, was also unveiled early.

While trucks have a passionate following in Japan, they are less common. For Americans, who even call SUVs trucks, they are a part of daily life, even more so than sedans or sports cars.

Ram, the truck brand under Fiat Chrysler, unveiled a new pickup called the "Rebel." At the unveiling, they presented images of well-worn Red Wing work boots alongside the statement, "Trucks are not for those who wear loafers, but for those who choose their shoes for the purpose."

Ram Rebel

Nissan Titan

Nissan's large truck, the Titan, also garnered attention in the US. It was displayed on a rock-like platform, showcasing its large body equipped with a 5-liter V8 diesel engine from the American company Cummins.

There was also a noticeable trend to market trucks as new SUVs. Many models were displayed with bicycles or snowboards, and the aforementioned Rebel was promoted for its versatility, stating, "This is a truck that can handle both highways and forest roads."

Images of trucks were invariably accompanied by scenes of American nature. While this nature-oriented approach might seem at odds with automobiles, it evokes a sense of shared sensibility with the trend of returning to nature, exemplified by restaurants like "Chapanease." This connection is quite interesting.

German Manufacturers Push Forward with Diverse Models

"There are hardly any everyday sedans." This was how American journalism described the 2015 Detroit Show. While GM's Buick did exhibit the sedan concept model "Avista," generating some buzz, it was manufacturers from Japan, Germany, and South Korea that showed enthusiasm for sedans.

Mercedes-Benz offered the widest range of models. Starting with the concept model equipped with an autonomous driving system,F015 Luxury in Motion, they also presented the sporty SUVGLE Coupe, the " C-Class" with added AMG models and plug-in hybrid options, and the return to a large limousine with theMercedes-Maybach S-Class.

Audi Q7

MINI John Cooper Works

Audi followed suit. The redesigned " Audi Q7", proudly displaying its new generation front grille, and the Audi "Q3", also with a modified grille, were displayed in vibrant colors, attracting many visitors. The plug-in hybrid "A3 e-tron" was also present, but it felt somewhat disappointing to see it relegated to a corner in the power-focused year of 2015.

MINI debuted the "MINI John Cooper Works" at this show. This hot model, equipped with a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing a maximum output of 228 hp and 320 Nm of torque, had a vibrant booth befitting MINI's style, demonstrating significant presence despite its compact size.

Porsche's new model highlight at the Detroit Show was the "911 Targa 4 GTS." With a maximum output of 430 hp, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, surpassing the "Targa 4S" which produces 400 hp. Combining elegance and sportiness, it is expected to be popular.

Japanese Brands Focus on Sports Sedans and Coupes

Announced on the morning of the second press day was theInfiniti Q60 Concept. This 2+2 coupe proposal, powered by a 3-liter engine, is slated for release in 2016. Its most striking feature is its flowing lines. While a sensible car, it appeared to be well-received.

Following Infiniti's announcement was the unveiling of theLexus GS F. "One in four Lexus owners chooses an F model," said Jeff Bracken, General Manager of Lexus in the US.

The GS F is, of course, based on the "GS" but with enhanced sportiness. The body is finished with sporty touches, including carbon fiber parts, and it is powered by a 5-liter V8 engine that produces 348 kW (473 hp) at 7100 rpm and 527 Nm of torque at 4800-5600 rpm, making it quite fast.

Lexus RC F

Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE

Lexus also announced its participation in the FIA GT3 Championship from 2015 with theRC F. The Detroit Show indeed felt like the most fitting venue for announcing such sporty news this year.

In this way, the Detroit Show was filled with the word 'power' wherever one looked. Volkswagen announced the hybrid prototypeCross Coupe GTE. Despite being a hybrid, its 3.6-liter V6 engine is not small. Consequently, performance has been updated, with acceleration from 0 to approximately 100 km/h in 6 seconds.