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Detroit motor show: 10 star cars you need to see

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<b> PREMIUM SEDAN: </b> BMW unveiled its new SA-bound 5 Series at the North American International Auto show in Detroit. <i> Image:  AP / Carlos Osorio </i>
<b> PREMIUM SEDAN: </b> BMW unveiled its new SA-bound 5 Series at the North American International Auto show in Detroit. <i> Image: AP / Carlos Osorio </i>
Carlos Osorio

Detroit -  From hot-selling SUVs of all sizes to the a redesign for the Toyota Camry, the top-selling car in the US, the 2017 North American International Auto Show has a diverse lineup of new vehicles.

The show opens to the public on Saturday (January 14), and automakers gave the media a sneak peek at their newest cars and trucks on Sunday and Monday.

Here are some of the buzz-worthy new cars and trucks at the show:

BMW 5 Series

BMW boasts luxury and power in its 2017 BMW 5 Series. The cars' advanced personal driver connectivity features an optional gesture control, latest generation head-up display and remote 3D viewing.

The 5 Series also has remote control parking and advanced driver assistance systems. The BMW 540i xDrive goes from 0 to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive runs on an 8-cylinder petrol engine and produces 340kW.

BMW SA confirmed the car will be launched in February. 

Worldwide debut of the new #BMW #5series. #NAIAS2017 #530e #Detroit

A photo posted by Car and Driver (@caranddriver) on

Lexus LS

Lexus introduced its LS flagship at the Detroit auto show in 1989. On Monday, it unveiled the latest version. The 2018 LS is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor. It also weighs 90kgs less, thanks to greater use of lightweight materials.

Under the hood is a new, 309kW turbocharged V6. Other new features include a system that will automatically brake and steer away from obstacles and seats that provide passengers with Shiatsu massages. The LS goes on sale at the end of 2017 in the US.

Audi Concept SUV

Audi unveiled a concept version of the Q8 SUV hybrid, which it says will roll out in 2018. Audi officials said it will open a new segment for the brand. The Q8 is sleek, features a downward sloping front end and has as sporty yet elegant look.

The concept was created under Audi Chief Designer Marc Lichte's direction. His description of the vehicle also can be applied to an Olympic athlete or world-class race horse. " ... the waistline is very lean and the muscles extremely powerfully defined," Lichte said in an interview in Audi's technology magazine.

World debut of the #Audi #Q8 concept at #NAIAS2017

A photo posted by Car and Driver (@caranddriver) on

Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2018 model year will kick off the redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLA compact SUV. Mercedes says the GLA will offer LED high-performance headlamps characterized by a color temperature similar to daylight, and new seat covers and trim parts as well as chromed control panels in the interior.

It also features a 360-degree camera that records the direct surroundings of the SUV. The GLA also offers autonomous braking and is standard-equipped with an "attention assist" features that can detect typical signs of drowsy behavior.

Kia Stinger

Kia Motors heads into new territory with the Stinger sports sedan. Designed in Germany and based on Kia 2011 GT concept, the Stinger has the elegant looks of a European fastback.

Engines are still in development, but Kia says a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder will produce 190kW; an optional 3.3-litre V6 pushes that up to 272kW. Kia is targeting a 0-to-100km/h speed in 5.1 seconds. The Stinger goes on sale in late 2017. 

A photo posted by Wheels24 (@wheels24_sa) on

GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Traverse

General Motors went small when it started revamping its aging midsize people-hauling SUVs in 2016 with the GMC Acadia. But it going bigger with the Acadia sibling, the Chevy Traverse.

The company says Chevrolet buyers want more space, so the Traverse will seat up to eight and have more cargo room. It comes standard with a new 3.6-litre V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission.

A 2-litre turbo four is available. There also a new GMC Terrain small SUV with sleeker looks and smaller engines including 1.5-litre and 2-litre turbocharged four cylinders with nine-speed transmissions. There's also a diesel option.

Chevrolet Traverse

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen stretches out its Tiguan SUV by 28cm to meet American demand for more space. The 2018 Tiguan also has more cargo space, sliding second-row seats and an optional third row.

New safety options include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and a lane departure warning system. Under the hood is an updated 2.0-litre turbrocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 137kW.

The bigger Tiguan goes on sale in the US this summer. Europe will offer both short and long versions.

Toyota Camry

Toyota unveiled the eighth-generation Camry at the Detroit auto show Monday, at a time when car buyers in the US are flocking to SUVs. The 2018 Camry has a more rounded look, new engines and transmissions with sportier handling.

A video posted by toyotausa (@toyotausa) on

Honda Odyssey

The minivan segment has gotten smaller, but is still hotly contested. Honda is giving the Odyssey its first extensive makeover since 2011, adding high-tech innovations such as an intercom and a system that allows the driver and front passenger to monitor backseat passengers via display audio screen. 

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