Meet some of the new cars at America's year-ending auto show that stand a chance of selling in Thailand within two years.
Audi e-tron Gran Turismo
After launching the e-tron SUV as its first dedicated EV, Audi is gearing up to introduce the second all-electric vehicle in 2020. Although still billed as a concept, the near-production e-tron Gran Turismo is confirmed with 590hp, all-wheel drive, 0-100kph in 3.5sec and 400km range. Its expertise is shared with next year’s Porsche Taycan.
Bentley Continental GT Convertible
Bentley is another maker that has chosen to launch a drop-top in a country that loves driving roof-down. The GTC inherits the 635hp 6.0-litre W12 from its fixed-top sibling, although next year’s V8 models might be more interesting due to their lower price points of less than 20 million baht in Thailand.
BMW M340i xDrive
For the first time, BMW is offering a second-from-top M model for the new 3 Series. Positioned below the M3, the M340i has a newly developed 374hp 3.0-litre petrol-turbo engine mated to eight-speed torque-converter automatic and all-wheel drive. It goes from 0-100kph in 4.4sec.
BMW X7
The all-new X7 becomes the largest SUV BMW has to offer for those liking the Lexus LX and Mercedes-Benz GLS. There are only six- and eight-cylinder options in the seven-seat X7. The most likely candidate for Thailand next year is the 265hp 30d diesel-turbo.
BMW 8 Series Convertible
The resurrected 8 Series family now sees an open-top version joining the Coupe variant. The Convertible gets the same six-cylinder diesel and eight-pot petrol options as the Coupe, which has just been launched in Thailand in 530hp M850i guise at some 13 million baht.
Kia Soul
This fashionable MPV from Korea has entered its second generation and is being highlighted with 209hp electric motor and new battery pack promising over 400km of driving range. Thai sales have yet to be considered for next year as the first-gen EV saw sales of only two in the country.
Mazda 3
The latest generation of the Mazda 3 has been unveiled in both saloon and hatchback silhouettes featuring completely new platform and body work. The real highlight is the SkyActiv X 2.0-litre petrol engine claimed to yield sharp response at low speeds and diesel-like fuel efficiency. Thai sales are slated in the third quarter of next year.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro
Along with the updated GT, Mercedes has introduced a special track-focused version of the GT R. Although the 585hp 4.0-litre V8 remains, the GT R Pro receives some weight-saving measures and aero and chassis tweaks to improve its driving dynamics. Sales are likely to be limited.
Porsche 911 Carrera S
The eighth-gen finally breaks cover with evolutionary looks albeit more muscular proportions. The initial model to go on sale is the Carrera S powered by a more potent 450hp 3.0-litre flat-six motor and new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. There’s also the all-wheel drive 4S that can cover the 0-100kph sprint in 3.4sec.
Range Rover Evoque
The highly successful Evoque has gone into its second generation with evolutionary looks and a slightly roomier interior. A range of 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are available with nine-speed automatic transmission. Confirmed for next year is 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol motor with plug-in hybrid.
Subaru XV Plug-in Hybrid
Subaru has unveiled its first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle based on the XV, also known as Crosstrek in the US. The XV’s 2.0-litre petrol engine is hooked up to electric motors and drives all four wheels in the typical Subaru fashion. All-electric driving range is rated at a meagre 27km.
