NEW YORK AUTO SHOW HIGHLIGHTS,
INFINITI QX80 MONOGRAPH
Q What is it? A At more than five metres in length, two metres tall and more than two metres wide, the Infiniti QX80 Monograph is more like a mother ship than the flagship from Infiniti, riding on optional 24-inch wheels. But instead of trying to hide its presence, the design of the next QX80 underlines its size with a straight shoulder line that runs from the grille all the way to the rear. Infiniti calls the Monograph a design “exploration” for its biggest SUV — a “private jet” for the road. But expect the production model to look almost like what you see here. Q Why does it matter? A That look further cements Infiniti’s design direction, with swank, pop-out door handles and “human-eye” headlamps. But it also gives the full-size SUV a significant lift in the luxury SUV segment, where competition is strong in North America thanks to cheap gasoline and a strong U.S. economy. In New York City, for example, Cadillac Escalades and US$80,000 Chevy Suburbans are as plentiful as yellow cabs. With this new design, Infiniti could even take some thunder from Mercedes, Range Rover and Lexus. It also retains its offroad credentials with full underbody armour. Q When will Canada get it? A Infiniti is only calling the QX80 Monograph a “detailed examination” of how the QX80 will evolve, so the production model is still several months away. It is possible it will appear at the L.A. Auto show in November as a 2018 model. Q Should you buy it? A The QX80 has always been an extremely competent, powerful and satisfying SUV, but its looks were polarizing. The new QX80 will likely have the same underpinnings as before, but will get an unmistakable presence that should quiet much of the criticism of its looks. Derek McNaughton
2018 ACURA TLX
Q What is it? A For the most part, midsize sedans live in the shadows of crossovers. It’s the truth for many automakers, but that hasn’t stopped Acura from freshening its bread-and-butter luxury sedan. For 2018, the TLX sees a nip and tuck inside and out, bringing restyled bodywork, new interior bits, more technology and, as a nod to its predecessors, the return of the sporty A-Spec trim. Q Why does it matter? A When it made its debut in 2015, Acura tasked the TLX to fill the shoes of not one, but two Acura models: the TL and TSX sedans. The MDX is undoubtedly Acura’s sales champion, but the TLX is the automaker’s key to playing in the stillpopular luxury sport-sedan market. The 2018 refresh for most of the TLX lineup is fairly modest, with an MDX-inspired front end, a restyled rear bumper and a new set of wheels. There’s also more tech inside. While the TLX retains the somewhat awkward dual-screen setup, the infotainment system itself is redesigned, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard. Buyers looking for more tech can opt for a new Advance package, which adds goodies such as wireless charging, cooled front seats and unique interior lighting. Powertrain options remain the same; the base LX comes standard with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine putting out 206 horsepower, paired to an eightspeed dual-clutch automatic transmission. If that’s not enough kick, Acura is still letting you step up to a 3.5-L V6 with 290 hp paired with a nine-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is optional. The big news for the V6powered TLX is the addition of the A-Spec package. Setting it apart from the standard TLX is more aggressive styling all around, including a mild body kit and a set of slick 19-inch wheels. The changes aren’t purely cosmetic; the A-Spec package also adds retuned suspension components, a more responsive powersteering system and, on AWD models, stiffer springs and a thicker rear sway bar. There are no power upgrades, though. The TLX ASpec also sees a few unique interior bits, including different gauges, a thicker steering wheel and brushed aluminum trim bits, plus a pair of well-bolstered front seats, available in either black or red. Q When will Canada get it? A The 2018 TLX should hit North American dealers this summer. Q Should you buy it? A The Acura TLX is undoubtedly a competent sedan, and the updates for 2018 keep it fresh among the competition. Bonus points for the A-Spec package, which should jog fond memories among Honda faithful; it’s the closest they can get to a modern-day TL Type S. Nick Tragianis
2018 LEXUS LS 500 F SPORT
Q What is it? A There was a time when Lexus was a stolid but solid brand. The former characteristic has long since disappeared. The latest expression is found in the LS 500 F Sport, which will be available in both regular and hybrid models. The changes start with bolder spindle grille and rocker panels, and run through to the rear-end treatment, F Sport badging and 20-inch wheels that hide larger brakes with sixpiston front calipers. Inside, it gets better bucket seats, a unique steering wheel, sports instrumentation and a racing-pedal package. It all combines to give the formal sedan some attitude. Q Why does it matter? A The more important changes are found beneath the brightwork. Opting for the handling package brings variable-ratio steering, active rear-wheel steering, active stabilization and a sport-tuned air suspension with variable heights. The regular gas model uses a twin-turbo 3.5-L V6 engine, producing 415 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The LS 500h hybrid employs a 3.5-L V6, two electric motor/generators and a lithium-ion battery to deliver 354 hp. Q When will Canada get it? A The LS 500 F Sport will arrive next winter. Q Should you buy it? A What’s not to love about a head-turning luxury sedan that can whisk its riders from rest to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds? Even the hybrid, with its economy thrust, still manages to turn the trick in 5.2 seconds. Graeme Fletcher The New York International Auto Show runs from April 14 to 23 at the Jacob Javits Convention Centre in Manhattan.