Here are some key products and technologies likely to generate headlines in the next 12 months.
The Bolt's big year
The Chevrolet Bolt, Motor Trend's Car of the Year and a
finalist for North American Car of the Year, may be the most watched new
car of 2017. The compact hatchback has a 238-mile range on a single
charge, which tops some versions of the Tesla Model S. It is the first
of several non-luxury battery electric cars with a 200-plus-mile range
headed to market. Next up is the second generation of the Nissan Leaf,
expected to be shown late this year and go on sale in 2018.
Wrangler re-do
Expect the redesigned Jeep Wrangler to get a huge amount of
attention in 2017. Fiat Chrysler's cash cow is getting overhauled from
its tires up for the first time in 11 years. This time around, most of
the Wrangler's exterior body panels will be made of aluminum to save
weight, which should boost the vehicle's poor fuel economy. Aerodynamics
will be given attention, but not so much that it alters the vehicle's
iconic looks. A diesel engine, along with a beefy turbocharged
four-cylinder, is possible.
Return of the legends
Two other SUVs with historic nameplates might also break cover in
2017 -- at least in the form of spy photos and perhaps in early
previews. Land Rover's new Defender -- one of the original SUVs along with the Wrangler's ancestor -- is far along in development and is already undergoing testing in England. It's widely expected to join Land Rover's North American lineup in late 2018. Look for it to be powered by Jaguar Land Rover's new Ingenium diesel engine.
Ford could also make official the return of the Bronco, which is likely to be based on the body-on-frame Ranger pickup truck and will probably be built in the company's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., near Detroit.
Eyes front, please
On the technology front in 2017, keep your eyes on the debut of
Cadillac's Super Cruise on the flagship CT6 sedan. It's a semiautonomous
system that enables the car to drive itself on the highway. Super
Cruise isn't the first such system. Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and a few
other brands have similar systems. But Super Cruise will add a twist
that should enhance safety: an eye tracking system. IHS analyst Jeremy
Carlson says eye-tracking will be an important component of monitoring
the driver.
Tech for everyone
But the real technology trend of the new year will be the continued
move to "democratize" features such as advanced safety and
connectivity, says AutoPacific analyst Dave Sullivan. The stuff that was
previously found on luxury and high-performance vehicles is migrating
to mainstream cars. A prime example is Toyota's Star Safety System, a suite of six safety systems that Toyota installs on every model, from the bargain basement Yaris to the most expensive Lexus. The system includes traction control, vehicle stability control, antilock brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, brake assist and Smart Stop Technology.
source-auto news
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