With so many Japanese brands building cars in the U.S. over the past few years, it's a funny thing to think about that old rivalry between imports and domestic makes in this country. But indeed, that rivalry will be on full display at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, which is slated to kick off in just a few week's time. Heading the list of debuts will be the traditional collection of crossovers and SUVs, but concepts, hybrids, and even a sedan or two will join them on the show floor this year, each vying for attention on the home turf of Ford and General Motors. As such, we've collected five of the biggest debuts hailing from the Land of the Rising Sun that are worthy of your attention in the following list. Let us know your favorites in the comments below.
Continue reading to learn more about the debuts headed to the Detroit Auto Show.
2019 Acura RDX
Introduced in 2007 and updated with a second generation in 2013, the popular compact RDX is destined for a third generation soon, possibly dropping at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. So far, we've only got a collection of spy shots and not much else to go on, but we still expect Acura to provide the crossover with substantial updates for the exterior styling, a complete overhaul for the interior, and a downsized replacement for the standard 3.5-liter V-6 currently residing up front. A turbo four-cylinder would work just fine, we think.
Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Acura RDX.
2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
It looks as though Infiniti is bringing something rather special to Detroit this year, pulling the sheets on a new concept dubbed the Q Inspiration. Details are scant as of this writing, but we're thinking it's a possible preview of Infiniti's forthcoming Q90 flagship. What's more, the lack of any exhaust tips could mean electric motivation, or even the introduction of new hybrid technology, with AWD provided for extra grip. At the very least, we know the Q Inspiration will present four seats inside with high-end luxury and tech features, not to mention the latest evolution of Infiniti's design language, which, according to the limited pictures in hand, looks pretty good.
Read our full speculative review on the 2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept.
2018 Lexus LF1 Limitless Concept
Lexus is also getting in on the design study action in Detroit by introducing the new LF1 Limitless Concept. This time around, the car in question is a crossover, but details are once again a bit murky, limited to just a single teaser image. However, at this point, we do know the LF1 will get novel lighting front to back, a huge glass panel for the roof, and headrest-mounted digital screens for rear-seated passengers.
2019 Toyota Avalon
Now heading into a freshened fifth generation, the full-size Avalon will make its first appearance in Detroit. So far, Toyota has teased us with a few close-cropped shots, whetting our appetite with details like a new taillight housing. Power options will likely include a V-6 making roughly 300 horses, but either way, if the new Avalon is as good as the 2018 Camry that dropped last year, things are looking up for Toyota.
2019 Honda Insight
Heading back to dealer lots after a four-year hiatus, the Insight is set to make its return in Detroit this year. Previewed last month with a prototype model, Honda says the revamped green machine will get an “innovative two-motor hybrid system” for motivation, as well as mpg figures that are “competitive” with other hybrids currently on the market. Sounds great, but will it have better luck this time around?
Read the full story here.
References
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