In photos: From a stowaway vacuum to moose alert, the 10 coolest new design features
When it comes to car design, it's all in the details at the Detroit auto show. Here are 10 cool design details that are driving design into bold, new territory.
<b>2017 Chrysler Pacifica</b> Chrysler has reinvented the minivan, yet again. Gone is the old Town & Country moniker, replaced with a new nameplate: the 2017 Pacifica. And with it comes innovative new design features such as hands-free sliding side doors – a first in the segment. Simply kick under the door to open or close the sliding doors. It works with the lift gate, too. Also available is a built-in Stow ‘n Vac vacuum cleaner.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
<b>2017 Honda Ridgeline</b> Honda’s all-new 2017 Ridgeline pickup is filled with distinct design elements that’ll give the Detroit 3 truck competitors a run for their money. By far, the best feature is a lockable in-bed trunk. It’s deep and nicely hidden to secure items from wandering eyes. And it’s easy to access thanks to the tailgate, which can open down or to the side for easier loading and unloading. Another first is the new in-bed audio system with an available 400-watt power inverter, which is perfect for any tailgate party.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
<b>2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV</b> The Chevrolet Bolt EV is the ultimate in affordable, long range driving. Taking a cue from the Tesla Model S, the Bolt’s battery pack runs along the entire floor of the vehicle, from the front foot well to the back of the rear seat. The new cell design measures only 10 cm high and 34 cm wide so it gives passengers plenty of interior space without sacrificing cargo room. There’s 478 litres of cargo space and 1,478 litres of passenger volume in the first row and 1,195 litres in the second row.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
<b>Nissan Titan concept</b> On the opposite side of the spectrum is this super-sized monster machine from Nissan. It’s the Titan Warrior Concept truck and it pushes the boundaries of off-roading to new limits. It’s an extreme version of the new 2016 Titan XD complete with funky design details such as custom LED front and rear lights. Notice anything in the rear taillights? Look closely to spot the unique design feature: a tiny red Titan “T” emblem.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
<b>Volvo S90</b>Swedish auto maker Volvo unveiled its all-new S90 premium sedan, which replaces the boring, old S80. Stylish and sophisticated, it incorporates safety into its design. Its latest City Safety system can detect large animals such as deer or moose, night or day, in the driver’s path. It’ll warn the driver and apply the brakes to help avoid a collision with larger animals.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
<b>Hyundai Vision</b> Hyundai’s Vision G concept coupe has a streamlined body, aerodynamic side-view mirrors, and flush door handles - all design dos in the auto world. But look closely and you won’t find the door handle on the front door – it’s moved to the rear.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
<b>2017 Ford Fusion</b> Since 2011, all Ford vehicles built in North America have soy foam in their seat cushions and backs. This saves approximately 2.3 million kilograms of petroleum per year. Ford is currently testing other products like sugar cane–based plastic for use in interior fabrics.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
<b>GMC Acadia</b>The 2017 GMC Acadia adds a new safety tech feature called Rear Seat Alert. Standard on all models, it basically acts as a reminder to look in the rear seats before leaving this crossover. It’s designed to alert the driver when an item is accidentally left behind in the second- and third-row seats. While it can’t detect kids or pets per se, it does act as an extra set of eyes.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
<b>Lexus LF-LC</b> When it comes to grilles, bigger is better. At least, that’s the case with the Lexus LF-LC – the concept that debuted at the 2012 NAIAS and inspired the design of the new LC 500 luxury production coupe. The LF-LC has a massive and distinct mesh grille design, bordered by chrome that takes centre stage at the front end. It’s one of the biggest, baddest, and boldest grilles at the show and is definitely unmistakable on the new LC 500.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
<b>2017 Mercedes E-Class</b> The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan raises the bar in comfort. Touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel are designed to keep you safer and make it easier for the driver to access the infotainment system. The front seats and steering wheel can be heated and so can the door armrests and centre console for extra comfort. And depending on your mood, you can also chose between 64 different colours to light the interior.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail