2018 is officially in the history books, but the new year will see a number of automakers introduce highly anticipated models.
Things will kick off in a couple of week as the North American International Auto Show will be usher in the unveiling of the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Featuring a supercharged V8 engine that produces more than 700 hp (522 kW / 709 PS), the range-topping pony car will be even more powerful than the iconic Ford GT.
While big horsepower ratings are always impressive, Ford has promised the GT500 won’t be a one-trick pony. Instead, it will come equipped with “innovative track technologies, performance hardware, plus aggressive and functional track-tuned styling.”
Toyota Supra
The GT500 won’t be the only high-performance model to debut in the Motor City as Toyota will finally pull the wraps off the all-new Supra. Based on the same platform that underpins the BMW Z4, the 2020 Supra will feature a unique design and special tuning.
Despite these modifications, the model will use a BMW-sourced 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. It produces up to 382 hp (284 kW / 387 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque in the Z4 M40i and it will send power to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential.
BMW M8
Sticking with the performance theme, BMW will pull the wraps off the all-new M8. A handful of pictures surfaced online last month and they showed the car will have an aggressive front bumper, a gloss black grille and honeycomb mesh inserts. Buyers will also find a carbon fiber roof, a carbon fiber diffuser and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system.
Specifications remain unconfirmed, but the model is expected to feature a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that produces around 617 hp (460 kW / 625 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. The engine enables the M5 Competition to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.3 seconds before hitting a top speed of up to 189 mph (304 km/h).
Audi S6
High-performance coupes won’t be the only highlight of 2019 as Audi is putting the finishing touches on the all-new S6. Featuring a restrained design, the sedan is distinguished by a sport-tuned suspension and a unique four-tailpipe exhaust system.
While it might look like fairly ordinary, the car is rumored to use a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine that produces around 444 hp (331 kW / 450 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque.
Acura TLX Type S
Speaking of performance sedans, Acura will finally be returning to the segment with the new TLX Type S. Featuring a sportier front bumper and a four-tailpipe exhaust system, the range-topping TLX will have an all-new turbocharged V6 engine and a Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.
There’s no word on how powerful the car will be, but the model has been caught being benchmarked against the Audi S4 Avant and Mercedes-AMG C43. If those cars are any indication, we could be looking at an output of around 350 hp (261 kW / 354 PS) to 360 hp (268 kW / 365 PS).
Land Rover Defender
Crossover and SUV fans have plenty to look forward to as Land Rover will finally unveil the 2020 Defender. Teased last week, the Defender features a modern design and an all-new platform that promises to make the model more comfortable than its predecessor.
Engine options remain unconfirmed, but we can expect an assortment of petrol and diesel units. Entry-level models will likely use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while higher end variants should have a six-cylinder powertrain.
Range Rover Velar SVR
Drivers looking for something more powerful can always wait for the upcoming Range Rover Velar SVR. Featuring svelte styling and a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces around 542 hp (405 kW / 550 hp) and 502 lb-ft (679 Nm) of torque, the model should rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 4.1 seconds.
Cadillac Escalade
Customers needing more space and can look forward to the 2020 Cadillac Escalade. Set to become the brand’s definitive flagship following the death of the CT6 in North America, the all-new Escalade will face stiff competition from the Lincoln Navigator as well as the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS.
While the model will be evolutionary, it will become far more modern and luxurious thanks to an independent rear suspension, a “really jazzy” interior and an available SuperCruise semi-autonomous driving system. Despite these updates, the model is still slated to use a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 420 hp (313 kW / 425 PS) and 460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque.
Corvette C8
Last but not least, Chevrolet will introduce an all-new Corvette which will feature a mid-engine design for the first time. Expected to debut this summer, the model will look far more exotic than its predecessor.
Rumors have suggested the Corvette will be offered with an assortment of different engines including an upgraded 6.2-liter V8 that produces around 500 hp (372 kW / 507 PS). There could also be a new 5.5-liter V8 which develops up to 800 hp (596 kW / 811 PS) in twin-turbo guise.
Those are just some of the models which are expected to be introduced this year, so which ones are you looking forward too?