Continental returns with 400-hp twin-turbo V6
World premieres of practical crossovers and SUVs dominated this year’s Detroit auto show. But from Europe, Asia and hometown Detroit, ostentatious luxury vehicles were front and centre as well.
2017 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
What is it? Like the last Continental from 2002, the 2017 version is based on a Taurus sedan — this time a Chinese-market model that’s essentially a stretched Fusion. A twin- turbocharged 3.0- litre six- cylinder engine making 400- hp and 400 lb.- ft. of torque powers the new Continental. All-wheel-drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring is standard.
While the Lincoln sedan’s exterior has been conservatively styled, its interior is more innovative, highlighted by the brand’s so- called Perfect Position Seats, which Lincoln says can be adjusted 30 ways and were inspired by fighter jets.
Why does it matter? After decades of lacklustre sales in North America, the new Continental is being counted on to gain sales with Chinese luxury buyers.
When is it coming? This fall.
2017 GENESIS G90
What is it? The 2017 G90 is the first of up to six new models available by 2021 under Hyundai’s new Genesis luxury brand. The G90 full- size sedan, previously known as t he Hyundai Equus, will essentially be sold as all- inclusive packages; the only decision is the choice of a new, twin- turbocharged 3.3-litre V6 with 360 hp or the existing 5.0-litre V8 with 429 hp. Both rear- and all- wheel drive will be available with both powerplants in foreign markets, but Canadians will get traction at all four wheels standard on all models.
Why does it matter? Hyundai’s Genesis is the first new luxury brand from a mainstream automaker since Nis-
san’s Infiniti and Toyota’s Lexus.
When is it coming? The 2017 Genesis G90 will become available in Canada in late 2016 and pricing will be revealed closer to launch.
2016 INFINITI Q50
What is it? The majority of the Q50’s updates are found underhood in the way of a trio of turbocharged engines, including a 208- hp 2.0- litre four-cylinder that is also appearing in the QX30 compact crossover and the Q60 coupe.
Next up is a twin- turbocharged 3.0- lite V6 that replaces Nissan’s longstanding 3.5- turned- 3.7- litre V6, coming in with 300- and classleading 400-hp tunes.
When is it coming? The updated 2016 Q50 is set to arrive in showrooms this spring.