MIAMI BEACH, Fla. _ America's top models recently took the stage in Miami Beach, most of them on four wheels.
They'd been gathered for mid-September's Miami International Auto Show, the first major show of the 2017 model year season and the site of multiple new-model reveals.
Among everything featured at the show, the 46th annual edition, one aspect that stood out was the pace of technological improvement on display, said show manager Rick Baker.
"The great thing is that many of these tech features will help cars last longer and be safer, too," he said.
Also present were hybrids, rugged trucks and sporty compact sedans.
Couldn't make it?
Here's a quick review of 10 vehicles seen at the show you might want to test drive _ after you stop drooling:
_Maserati Levante S: An SUV from Maserati? If Porsche can do it, why not?
With 424 horsepower and 50-50 weight distribution, the Levante is a "refined SUV with the soul of a sports car," said marketing manager Vinny Russo.
Its tall doors close over the sills, keeping pant legs and dresses clean upon entry.
"It's about design, performance and exclusivity," Russo said.
Starts at $72,000.
_Genesis G90: With its long hood and taut lines, the G90 is as gorgeous as luxury gets. The car has a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 that makes 365 horsepower, and its double-pane acoustic glass helps for a quiet journey.
Spokesman Erwin Rafael said it outdoes all competitors in standard safety features. And, despite the distance between the Genesis display in Miami and that of its Hyundai kin, the G90 does feature Hyundai's 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, which is unmatched in the luxury segment.
_Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio: This racy number is dripping with Alfa DNA and was named star of the show in Miami Beach. The rear-wheel-driver lives up to Alfa's racing history with a Ferrari-based 505-horsepower bi-turbo V-6 that hits 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 191 mph. It also boasts the best power-to-weight ratio in its class at 7 pounds per horsepower. The Giulia Quadrifoglio has a carbon fiber hood, roof and rear wing. Leather and suede are inside. Spokeswoman Kimberly Schultz revealed that it's only the first of eight new Alfas coming to the U.S. by 2020. Starts at $71,000
_Chevrolet Bolt EV: The Bolt is probably the most anticipated electric vehicle for 2017. With a promised range of 200-plus miles and a price around $37,500 (before incentives), this is one that can spark the interest of the masses. It replaces the Chevy Spark, by the way, which had limited availability. The Bolt will be equipped with a 60-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. The first ones should show up by the end of 2016. The Bolt will have some company in the new model year: Hyundai introduced the Ioniq Electric, which will be offered in electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid. The EV gets a 118-horsepower electric motor and a range of 155 miles and is also due out by year's end.
_Nissan Sentra SR Turbo: One of two models from Nissan to make its global debut at the Miami Beach event, the SR ups the ante on fun and horsepower with a new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. Rated at 188 horsepower (50 percent more than the normally aspirated engine), the SR also gets enhanced body structure, revised steering and a new six-speed manual transmission. It's available later in the fall. Nissan also unveiled the 2017 Rogue Hybrid, available in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive. Powered by a 2.0-liter engine and electric motor, its fuel economy is estimated at 33 mpg city and 35 mpg on the highway. And Nissan says it does it all with no compromise in performance or cargo space.
_Lexus IS: In its national debut, the 2017 IS flashed a distinctive new look that will ensure it's easily identified on the road. It has new headlight and taillight designs that feature L-shaped LED lights. It also has a larger, more aggressive take on the brand's spindle grille. The F-Sport models get functional brake air ducts. The top-line powertrain is the 3.5-liter V-6 turbo, which is good for 306 horsepower.
_2018 Lexus LC 500L: Cheating on this one since it's a 2018 model, but it does come out in May of 2017. And this sports car is too cool not to mention. The new flagship for Lexus has a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that gets 471 horsepower at last rating. Even a hybrid version putting out 341 horsepower will get you to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. It will be available in four trim levels: Base, Touring, Sport and Sport Plus. Should start around $90,000 and more than $100,000 for the hybrid.
_Ford F-150 STX and Raptor: Ford literally took the wraps off the new STX appearance package in Miami, displaying its black billet-style grille with mesh insert, body-color front fascia and rear bumpers, and 20-inch wheels with dark gray pockets. Positioned between the XL and XLT, it gets a 10-speed transmission with increased low-end torque. Starts at $35,615. Rivaling the STX in attention from wide-eyed truck folks was the next-generation Raptor, which returns after a two-year hiatus. It's available in Ruby Red, Lightning Blue or Shadow Black and comes with hood graphics. Also available is a carbon fiber package for the shift knob, center console and dash.
_Honda Ridgeline: The second-generation Ridgeline, also back after two years away, is all about versatility. Its target crowd is commuters and recreational truckers: Bicycles fit in the cargo bed with the wheels on, a 47-inch boxed TV can slide right in, and a set of golf clubs can actually fit under the rear seat. Ridgeline leads the midsize-truck segment in hauling capacity with a maximum payload of 1,584 pounds. But the real fun is at tailgate parties, with Ridgeline's exclusive in-bed trunk that passes as an 80-quart ice chest and with a drain plug.
_Toyota Corolla: Toyota celebrates the 50th anniversary of this ultra-popular compact (43 million have been sold) with a new focus on safety. Called Toyota Safety Sense, the high-tech package includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It sounds an alert and at lower speeds will apply the brakes, too. Also included are lane-departure alert, auto high beams and dynamic radar-based cruise control. Here's the best part: TSS is standard on all trim levels. And that, says Toyota, is a first for the industry segment.
