Susan Frissell
editor/publisher Womenwithwheels.com

As the auto show season kicks off for 2018, there will be lots of shows to attend. Wherever you reside and whichever show you partake of, be on the look out for several new models on the horizon.

Heading the major auto show circuit was the Los Angeles show, which took palace in early December. The Los Angeles show has grown in the last 20 years to a respectable, place-to-be and be-seen auto show. Followed by the now famous North American International Auto Show, out of the Motor City, Detroit in early January.

And, if you’re in or around Chicago, be sure to take in the other ‘biggie,’ the Chicago Auto Show-the nation’s largest consumer show-beginning February 10-19.

Some of the new offerings you’ll see include the following:

*2018 Jeep Wrangler-a new redesign, the Wrangler will be available with three engine choices, including a hybrid and diesel version, and far updated technology. In two-and-four-door versions, the Wrangler’s new look has been a long time coming, making this ever-popular jeep feel more like a daily driver.

*2019 BMW i8 Roadster-This plug-in, hybrid sports coupe will get a soft top, offer a 18-mile range, and a 369-hp. powertrain.

*2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-A four-door sport coupe, the CLS gets a redesign, new inline six-cylinder engine and hybrid system.

*2019 Subaru Ascent-yet, another crossover on the market! This three-row family SUV is the largest offered by Subaru. Standard AWD, all new 2.4-liter turbo-charged Boxer engine, CVT transmission, and 260-hp. Expect to be able to tow your boat, too, with capacity up to 5,000 pounds.

2019 Subaru Ascent

*2019 Lincoln Nautillus-a funny name for this crossover; formerly known as the MKX. This new Lincoln will have semi-autonomous technology, enabling drivers to stop-and-go”non-driving.” Making it more high tech, the Nautillus will have precollision braking (“evasive steer assist”).

2019 Lincoln Nautillus

*2019 Infiniti QX50-The brand’s successful midsize crossover will be the first to show off Infiniti’s new platform, and include the new variable-compression-ratio engine (2-liter, 4-cylinder VC Turbo). This AWD SUV offers 268 hp. and fuel economy of 26 mpg.

*2019 Porsche Panamera Turbo SE-Hybrid Sport Turismo-one of our favorites, the Panamera adds a ‘wagon’ model complete with 680-hp. twin-turbo V8, 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Different than other Panamera offerings, this new beauty is not only practical, but handsome, and starts at $188,400.

*2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible-long awaited, the Vette ZR1 gets a drop-top (additional $4,000). At 755-hp., this baby will fly topless and no doubt, be much sought-after. Adding about 60 pounds to the ZR1’s weight, this version will still hit 0-60 in under three seconds, and reach speeds of over 210 mph. At $123,995, you can bet owners will be sleeping in the garge with this monster.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible

*2018 Hyundai Kona-Again, another Hyundai crossover vehicle added to the fleet, fulfilling their promise of adding many new crossovers. As an entry-level, the Kona is available with AWD and a turbo 4-cylinder, 175 hp. engine.

*2018 Nissan Kicks-Funny name for this entry-level crossover. Following in Nissan’s successful Rogue series footsteps, the Kicks uses the same engine (1.6-liter 4-cylinder borrowed from Versa, and estimated 33 mpg.).

2018 Nissan Kicks SUV

*2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross-Now with three models to offer, Mitsubishi introduces a new crossover with an old name. Complete with tech offerings for the
Millenials, this crossover offers an available turbo 4-cylinder, 152 hp. engine.

If you can believe what you read, rumors suggest some other possible models appearing in 2018-19-20, which although remain to be seen have certainly been explored. Among those possible up-and-comers are the 2019 Toyota Supra, 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the 2018 Ford Mustang GT460, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and the 2019 Ford Ranger Truck and 2020 Ford Bronco.

If you missed any of the above auto shows, perhaps you can make it to New York in April for the ever-popular New York Auto Show.