In part two of our preview of America's twin auto shows in LA and Detroit, we take a look at some of the new metal expected from Japan and Korea.

Subaru B9X

Subaru's secret new seven-seater crossover, the B9X, is expected to show up in Detroit. The crossover will use the Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive and a 3.0-litre boxer-six engine. A twin-turbo version is under consideration for a future range-topper. B9X will also be the first global Subaru model to introduce the company's future styling theme. The car-based B9X, known as Tribecca, will go on sale in mid-2005. Expect it in South Africa at about the same time, if not earlier.

Mitsubishi Raider

Take a close look at the blue bakkie in the drawing. Look familiar? It should — it's the machine that's going to replace the ageing Colt. Expect a standard V6 with the possibility of a V8 option too (and of course, turbodiesels for SA consumption), three cab configurations and a distinct style. Based this time on the Dodge Dakota, US models will boast a minimum of a 500-watt sound system, while Bluetooth integration for cellphones will please technophobes.

Two aspects of this vehicle are significant for SA bakkie fans:

  • It will not be called Colt when it gets here in 2006, that nametag has now become the domain of a small Mitsubishi car set for local release soon, so future Mitsubishi bakkies will simply be called Raider,
  • And, the Dodge connection spells a likely return of Ram bakkies to the SA market in 2006 — much as the Ford Ranger and Mazda Drifter share vital components, but offer differing lifestyle and brand options.

    Mitsubishi Eclipse

    Mitsubishi will show the long 2006 Eclipse alongside the Raider at Detroit, and Eclipse is set to go on sale first in mid-2005, a couple of months ahead of the Raider. Eclipse will get the more powerful four and six-cylinder mills (the six worth 195kW), an available six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic.

    Toyota to double up, twice

    Toyota plans to unveil a new model and a concept for Lexus and Toyota in Detroit. On the new model front, the all-new US market 2005 Toyota Avalon will take a bow at Detroit, with promised improved performance and more luxury features set to go on sale later in 2005.

    The other production vehicle is an updated 200kW V8 Lexus LX470 SUV featuring Lexus' new anti-roll system. The concepts are a Toyota concept sport wagon loosely based on the next Highlander, a Hilux based SUV set for SA production in 2005, and the Lexus LF-A, a high-performance sportscar set to go toe-to-toe with Nissan's acclaimed 350Z.

    Toyota is also working on what some insiders are calling "TXS" — a limited-production exotic that may be powered by a 400kW V10 to celebrate Toyota F1 success in a 320km/h limited production run of about 10 000 units. Let's hope that some of them find their way to SA.

    Acura RD-X

    The next in a line of Acura concept SUVs will be show in Detroit. As reported here on Monday, the Honda offshoot Acura has confirmed that the RD-X concept will hit production as a sport-ute in 2006 — perhaps even locally as a Honda. Acura promises car-like handling and SUV utility, and is targeting RD-X at the usual active urban professionals. A wood and leather interior is in the offing "based on the feeling of an upscale loft apartment".

    Honda Ridgeline

    Honda's SUV bakkie concept shown at Detroit last January is due at dealers in the northern spring, and will be badged as Ridgeline. Powered by a 3.5-litre V-6 with a five-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, a powertrain familiar to owners of the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, Ridgeline will come standard with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags, and stability control. The production version of Ridgeline will be shown in Detroit and promises to be a vehicle of great interest to Honda South Africa.

    Infiniti Kuraza Concept, M Sport Sedan

    Detroit will also witness the debuts of an Infiniti concept vehicle (Nissan's US snob brand a la Lexus), and the production version of the M sport sedan. The Kuraza concept takes an exploratory look at future SUV interior design, starting with comfort, amenities and roominess for all passengers. Kuraza is set for a January 10 unveiling in Detroit alongside Nissan's new M sedan, which goes on sale in the US in 2005 in either a 3.5-litre V-6 or a 4.5-litre V-8.

    Hyundai Sonata

    From across the Strait comes the Korean attack, headed by the new Hyundai Sonata. Although it was shown in Paris, Sonata only officially hits the US in Detroit. Built at Hyundai’s new US plant near Montgomery, Alabama, beginning in 2005, the new, larger, more angular and better looking Sonata will be available with either a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine or a new 3.3-litre V-6, and will be the first vehicle to be produced at the new plant.

    Kia P KCD-II Concept

    Hyundai's sister Kia has released this rendering of the KCD-II concept, set to be unveiled in Detroit. The second concept vehicle from Kia's California Design Centre is a potential three-row, seven-seater SUV. The 195.3m concept has a 2.9m wheelbase to shift Kia upmarket in the SUV class; the same vehicle might potentially spawn a conventional bakkie; another niche the company is interested in.

    Kia Rio

    Another newcomer on Kia's Detroit showcase will be the sleeker Rio subcompact — a totally new car with a longer wheelbase, wider track and more power than the last version. Kia also promises better handling, a smoother ride and improved performance, as well as class-leading interior space with six standard airbags. It arrives in showrooms worldwide next year.

    Other expected Detroit highlights from the Orient include a Honda Hybrid SUV, a hybrid from Hyundai, a new Isuzu SUV based on the KB bakkie (likely to find its way to South Africa) and the new Suzuki Grand Vitara.

    But as they say, that's not all — come back tomorrow for the final instalment of our Detroit Show preview, when we look ahead at what to expect from Europe's carmakers in the US in 2005.

    Part 1 of our Detroit and LA preview:


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