Payne’s 2016 Detroit Show Top 10: Where are they now?

Posted by hpayne on January 5, 2017

Chrysler Pacifica: All that’s left of Chrysler’s lineup

It’s almost show time in Detroit once again, but visions of last year still dance in our heads. The 2016 North American International Auto Show unveiled a little of everything from sleek sedans to pickups; from the electric Chevy Bolt EV hatchback to the 745-horsepower, V-8-powered VLF Force 1 sports car. With auto sales revving to over 17 million unites, there was a toy for everyone.

So before the new acts roll out for 2017, here’s an update on my 2016 Detroit Show Top 10. Are they as good as promised? Have they even turned a key? Let’s find out …

Chrysler Pacifica

Everyone knows minivans are the best family haulers out there, but they’ve been typecast as boxy mom-mobiles (remember the devastating Mitsubishi SUV ad: “Whoever owns the tan minivan, your lights are on.”). The handsome Pacifica aims to change all that — including a plug-in version so you never need visit a gas station if your daily routine covers less than 30 miles. Pacifica’s sculptural design echoes Mercedes’ R-Class wagon, and doesn’t skimp on inside amenities with a dresser-drawer console and stowable, foldable, removable middle seats.

BMW M2: BMW delivered its 365-horsepower M2 – a $56K

BMW M2

BMW delivered its 365-horsepower M2 — a $56,000 gateway drug to BMW’s iconic performance badge that includes such highs as the $80,000 M4 and $115,000 X5 M SUV. A throwback to earlier, more compact generations of M-coupe — its dimensions the same as my own 2001 M3 — the ferocious M2 looks fast just parked at curbside. I found it more fun than any BMW I’ve driven — with a bottomless well of torque from its twin-turbo V-6. In a year that saw the sensational Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio challenge the M’s performance crown, the M2 is a reminder that the German brand is still the benchmark for style and speed.

Lincoln Continental: </div>If BMW’s M is all about performance,

Lincoln Continental

If BMW’s M is all about performance, the Lincoln brand is about interior comfort. The brand’s flagship Continental is a rolling couch. Check that, it’s way more comfortable than your couch. The 30-way front throne is tops in class — including an auto-headrest that cradles your head like a mother’s arm. From the posh rear seat you have full interior control from radio to moon-roof to front passenger seat positioning. No wonder that’s where Lincoln-spokesman Matthew McConaughey hangs out in his latest ads.

Honda Ridgeline: </div>Ridgeline 2.0 is back with the only

Honda Ridgeline

Ridgeline 2.0 is back with the only crossover-like, unibody chassis in the hot, small-pickup segment. Though the Honda gives up some towing and hauling capability to its more traditional, body-on-frame competitors from Chevy and Toyota, its ride is unparalleled on-road. Which is where most of its metropolitan owners will drive it. With its Acura-shared, torque-vectoring AWD system it’s fun to get dirty off-road, too.

Lexus LC500 Coupe: </div>I have yet to get my mitts on Lexus’

Lexus LC500 Coupe

I have yet to get my mitts on Lexus’ dramatic-looking, six-figure flagship, which is due in the States in the first quarter of 2017. The LC is a two-door sports car — but with its big, honking, front-mounted V-8 and porky 4,300 pounds, it’s aimed more at BMW 6-series customers than at the rubber-burning Porsche 911 crowd.

VLF Force 1: </div>Based on the now-defunct Dodge Viper

VLF Force 1

Based on the now-defunct Dodge Viper bones, the front-engine supercar is the second offering from VLF (the initials of partners Gilbert Villarreal, a successful manufacturer, ex-GM product guru “Maximum Bob” Lutz and legendary designer Henrik Fisker), a company that builds automotive Frankensteins for luxury customers. The first was the VLF Destino — a plug-in Fisker Karma retooled with a Corvette V-8 — which rolled out last year. In a nondescript building overlooking The Palace of Auburn Hills, the Force 1 is slowly taking shape. With a 513-cubic-inch Viper engine, you’ll feel the Hills shake when it’s ready.

Chevrolet Bolt: </div>For those living under a rock for

Chevrolet Bolt

For those living under a rock for the last year, the Bolt EV is the first electric car under $40,000 to go over 200 miles on a charge (238 miles to be exact). That range is real (though expect to subtract 25 percent in Michigan’s frigid winter temps), but this is no green snore-wagon. With the same-sized battery (60 kWh) as a base Tesla model S, low center of gravity and no range anxiety, the five-door hot hatch is a blast to drive hard.

Ford Fusion: </div>With Aston Martin-like good looks and

Ford Fusion

With Aston Martin-like good looks and the best-bod in class, the Fusion didn’t need to change much for its 2016 refresh. A nifty e-shifter here, sharpened grille there. The real changes came underneath where the mid-sizer adds Sport, battery-powered Energi, and luxe Platinum trims to its already diverse lineup. Powered by a throaty, 325-horsepower V-6, the Sport is a hot sedan with luxury performance at $20K less.

Acura Precision concept: </div>The Precision debuted as

Acura Precision concept

The Precision debuted as an old-school, head-turning design concept. The sedan’s purpose was to inspire Acura’s tired lineup and its effect is already being felt. The 2017 Acura MDX crossover sports the Precision-inspired “Diamond Pentagon” grille (ditching the much-maligned bottle opener). A near-production ready Acura Precision Cockpit concept followed at the LA Auto Show which points the way toward a new, touchpad-controlled infotainment interface.

Buick Avista: If you didn’t remember Acura’s concept,

Buick Avista

If you didn’t remember Acura’s concept, it’s probably because Buick’s concept blew everyone’s socks off at last year’s show. The stunning coupe — based on the same Alpha platform that under-girds the athletic Cadillac ATS and Camaro — inspired hope for a production version. Don’t hold your breath. Like the Precision, Avista is more likely to inspire next-generation sedans – like the stunning Lacrosse and coming Regal.

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