Hyundai has introduced the 2016 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid at the Detroit Motor Show. The Sonata represents Hyundai’s first entry into the plug-in hybrid sedan segment.
The Sonata’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain is centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder GDI engine that makes 154 horsepower and 140 lb-ft. of torque. The four-banger works with a 50-kilowatt electric motor that replaces the torque converter in the hybrid-specific six-speed automatic gearbox to deliver a total output of 202 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.

The electric motor uses electricity stored in a 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery pack to power the Sonata by itself for up to 22 miles. With both power sources running, the sedan returns 38 mpg in the city, 43 mpg on the highway and 40 mpg in a mixed cycle. The battery pack can be fully recharged in as little as two hours by using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or in five hours when using a standard 120-volt outlet.

Visually, the Sonata plug-in hybrid stands out from the standard gas-powered model thanks to a model-specific radiator grille, unique bumpers on both ends, new wheels, revised head and tail lights and, of course, a charging port integrated into the driver-side fender. Additionally, buyers can choose from two hybrid-specific paint colors called Graphite Blue Pearl and Seaport Mist, respectively.

The interior has been upgraded with a new instrument cluster that provides vital information about the drivetrain such as how much juice is left in the battery pack. A charge indicator located on top of the dashboard lets the driver check on the pack’s state of charge without turning on the ignition.

A purpose-designed smartphone application called Blue Link makes it possible for Sonata plug-in owners to manage a number of functions remotely. The Blue Link app can be used to lock, unlock and start the car and to set a charging schedule. It can also provide real-time information such as the battery level, the electric or fuel range and the charge status.

The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid will go on sale in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont this year. Hyundai has not announced pricing information.

Following a leak yesterday, Lincoln has fully introduced the 2016 MKX ahead of its debut at the Detroit Motor Show.
Based on the second-generation Ford Edge, the new MKX is a carefully toned-down version of the MKX concept that was presented last year at the Beijing Motor Show. The aircraft-inspired split-wing radiator grille remains but the MKX gains a softer-looking front bumper with LED daytime running lights, HID headlights and less futuristic door mirrors.

Inside, the MKX looks noticeably more upscale than the Edge that it shares its platform with thanks to an elegant multi-story center console, faux brushed aluminum accents and a healthy dose of wood trim. The shift lever has been tossed out and replaced by individual buttons located on the left side of the infotainment system’s touch screen, clearing up space for a large storage bin.

The MKX inaugurates two new Black Label themes. The first is inspired by the lifestyle and the art scene of Paris in the 1920s, while the second pays a tribute to high-stakes thoroughbred horse racing. Buyers can also choose Modern Heritage or Indulgence, two themes already available on select Lincoln models.

The list of options includes adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping assist system, 22-way power-adjustable front seats, a 19-speaker Revel sound system, a blind-spot information system with cross traffic alert and a height-adjustable hands-free tailgate. The MKX further stands out as the first Lincoln to be offered with a 360-degree camera.

Power for Lincoln’s latest crossover comes from a 3.7-liter V6 engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque. Those after more power can select an optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes 325 ponies and a healthy 375 lb-ft. of twist. Both engines send power to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, and Lincoln’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system is available at an extra cost.

The MKX features an Auto Hold function that automatically keeps the crossover stopped at a light, meaning that the driver does not have to keep his or her foot on the brake pedal. Auto Hold automatically disengages as soon as the accelerator is pressed.

The 2016 Lincoln MKX will go on sale in the United States next fall. Shortly after, it will be offered in a number of international markets including China, Canada, the Middle East, Mexico and South Korea.

The first day of the North American International Auto Show press preview has come to a close, pulling the veil off a wide range of new vehicles to kick off the new year. LeftLane has highlighted a few of the most notable models, picked from our full list of today’s introductions. Be sure to check back tomorrow for the day-two rundown.

Highlights:

2017 Ford GT

Ford has again resurrected its iconic GT nameplate, celebrating 50 years since the company’s first 24 Hours of Le Mans win. The new flagship supercar brings an aggressive appearance with plenty of carbon fiber and a twin-turbocharged EcoBoot engine capable of producing over 600 horsepower.

Chevrolet Bolt Concept

The Bolt represents General Motors’ answer to the Tesla Model 3, promising to deliver more than 200 miles of all-electric range with a price tag around $30,000. The company claims the subcompact will be a game changer, with a focus on affordability and practicality.

2016 Acura NSX

Acura has finally revealed its long-awaited NSX, which closely resembles the concept model. It will showcase Honda’s latest and greatest technologies, notably the Sport-Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system that is rumored to deliver more than 600 ponies. Acura design chief Jon Ikeda promises the supercar has been designed to focus on the “synergy between man and machine.”

2016 Nissan Titan

Nissan is attempting to shake up the pickup segment with its all-new Titan. The half-ton model introduces a new design language and a Cummins V8 diesel engine. It has been built with utility in mind, though the interior has been upgraded with a renewed focus on comfort.

Infiniti Q60 Concept

Infiniti promises the Q60 Concept serves as an accurate representation for the next-generation production model. It embraces a sportier look, with muscular lines and sharper headlights. It could also be the first model to be sold with the company’s new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

Complete list of introductions:

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
Audi Q7
BMW 6-Series
Buick Avenir concept
Chevrolet Volt
Ford F-150 Raptor
Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang
Hyundai Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept
Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-in Hybrid
Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4Matic

MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop

Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
smart fortwo cabrio flashlight edition
Toyota Tacoma
Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE concept
Volvo S60 Cross Country

Live image by Brian Williams.

Ram has introduced an off-road ready variant of the 1500 pickup called Rebel at the Detroit Motor Show.
Exclusively offered as a crew cab model with a five-foot seven-inch bed, the Rebel eschews Ram’s traditional crosshair radiator grille and instead adopts a single-slat unit with an oversized “RAM” emblem. It also gains a blacked-out front bumper that incorporates a skid plate, tow hooks, LED fog lights and an aluminum powerdome hood with two air vents. Out back, the Rebel features a model-specific tailgate, a black bumper and black tail lamp bezels.

33-inch Toyo all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels help the Rebel cruise over even the roughest terrain. An air suspension allows the Rebel to offer a class-leading 10.3 inches of ground clearance.

The interior has been upgraded with seats upholstered in high-durability vinyl and a black instrument panel with gray and red accent stitching. The Rebel’s center console features a cast iron appearance thanks to an Iron Gray Metallic finish, and the seat upholstery is embossed with the tread pattern of the Toyo tires.

The 1500 Rebel comes standard with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine rated at 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft. of torque, while power-hungry buyers can opt for a 5.7-liter Hemi that generates 395 ponies and 410 lb-ft. of twist. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard regardless of which engine is chosen, and both two- and four-wheel drive models are available.

The 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel is scheduled to go on sale early in the second half of the year. How much of a premium it commands over the standard 1500 will be revealed in the weeks leading up to its on-sale date.

BMW has unveiled its updated 6-Series range at the 2015 Detroit auto show.

The coupe, the convertible and the Gran Coupe variants of the 6 all get a minor nip-and-tuck up front that brings an updated rendition of BMW’s trademarked kidney grille with nine slats instead of ten, more angular headlights with standard Adaptive Full-LED technology and a revamped lower bumper that incorporates new LED fog lights.

The updates continue past the A-pillar with more aerodynamic door mirrors, while the Gran Coupe gains a discreet emblem on the C-pillar that is made out of black painted aluminum with embossed letters. Finally, the rear fascia features minor tweaks such as redrawn tail lamps, wider exhaust pipes and additional trim pieces. New alloy wheel designs and paint colors round out the exterior revisions.

Inside, the 6 is fitted with high gloss trim on the center console and the latest generation of BMW’s touch screen-based ConnectedDrive infotainment system. The 6 also gains LED illumination in the footwells and in the glove compartment.

The 2015 6 inaugurates an appearance package called Black Accent that adds high-gloss trim around the radiator grille, high-gloss black tail pipes and package-specific two-tone multi-spoke 19-inch alloys. The interior is spruced up with bi-color Nappa leather and Fineline Brown wood trim.

Additionally, a new-for-2015 M Sport Edition blends the Executive Package and the M Sport package. It brings 20-inch M alloy wheels, a M sport steering wheel and the full suite of M exterior add-ons plus a leather-upholstered dashboard, ventilated seats, contrast stitching and soft-close doors.

BMW has not made any mechanical changes to the 6-Series, meaning buyers can pick between the 640i and its 315-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six or the 650i that is equipped with a 445-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, and all-wheel drive is available as an option on the 650i.

Similarly, the range-topping M6 carries on with a 4.4-liter V8 that makes 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft. of torque thanks to two beefy turbochargers. Linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission, the eight-cylinder sends the M6 from zero to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed that is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The 2015 BMW 6-Series range is scheduled to go on sale next spring. Pricing information will be available in a couple of weeks.

Live images by Brian Williams.