To kick-off automotive news for 2016, it seems only fitting to give a brief list of highly anticipated vehicles bound to make their public appearance for this year. As routine, most if not all of these vehicles are coded under the 2017 or higher model year and will be or are already available in a showroom. The concise list is broken down into the following 5 model categories.

Small/Midsize

2017 Honda Civic Coupe

Honda released a fully redesigned Civic sedan towards the end of 2015 and it is no surprise that a coupe will follow. Although the sedan has won a number of awards, the reason you will want to look out for the coupe is the speculation that a “Type R” variant may be coming to our shores very soon. Orders for the coupe start to be placed in March.

Luxury/Performance

2017 Alfa Romeo Guilia

Alfa Romeo made its entry into the North American market with its 4C- a sporty, “Cayman-like” 2-door coupe. Its next attempt to win our hearts over is with the stylish, powerful, and practical Guilia. With a 510HP engine inspired by Ferrari, and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive as options, it is evident the Guilia will be aimed to compete with the German opposition, namely the high performance divisions of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. It will be hard to miss this striking sedan, once it hits the streets.

2017 Audi A4/S4

For the next generation of the A4 (B9), Audi opted for sharper, bolder styling cues and a refreshed drivetrain, engine and interior. Adopting the latest technology, including the Virtual Cockpit as found in the TT-S, this is bound to be an attractive luxury sedan in all aspects that you will want to get your eyes and hands on. An “S” version is in the works with hopes of becoming available sometime near the end of the year or early into 2017.

SUV/CUV

2016 Infiniti QX30

Infiniti is on the verge of releasing two brand new vehicles, the Q30 and the QX30. Both are subcompact vehicles in their line-up, sharing similar body traits, and targeted to the urban, young buyer. The QX30 is more versatile due to its CUV-properties. Keep an eye out for our first drive article very soon and expect it to hit showroom floors later in 2016.

2016 Tesla Model X

Tesla took the world by storm with the release of the Model S. It’s first shot at a luxury, electric sedan was a formula for success. Now, with an attempt to segment into the electric SUV/CUV market, Tesla unveiled the Model X. The X maintains similar design cues as the S, and introduces a more beefed up suspension. With added practicality and the space saving gull-wing doors for easy access to the rear, it won’t be long before we start seeing these become common family-haulers.

Sports

2016 Chevy Camaro/2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1

The 2016 Camaro adopts a more futuristic-look and greater performance gains along with a number of other features. There is some chance that you might have already seen one or two of these bad boys around, but be on the lookout for the release of an updated ZL1- testing is already in the works.

2018 Infiniti Q60

The Q60 was debuted at the 2015 Detroit Auto  Show. Really, the third generation of the original G-Coupe, the Q60 takes a more modern and bold approach at a luxury-sport coupe. Very little information is available regarding drivetrain and power options, but testing has already begun. Expect to see more consumer ready proto-types at Autoshow’s this year.

Exotic

2017 Acura NSX

Acura is finally bringing back the past with its 2017 NSX. Taking a number of years to develop and being enhanced with the latest technology makes the 2nd generation much less alike to it’s older sister. Its price tag will make it less common on city streets, but with pre-orders already placed, it shouldn’t be too long before this hybrid-supercar makes its appearance.

2017 Audi R8

The all-new Audi R8 (V10 Plus) is Audi’s “fastest production car”. This generation introduces weight savings and increased power, making it more dynamic and performance-oriented. Having been spotted in markets around the world, the time is nearing where North America will see these monsters ravaging the streets.

2017 Ford GT

Ford is bringing back the GT. Adopting a futuristic design, opting for a twin-turboed V6 and being priced much higher are aspects that may or may not make this latest gen appealing. A testing mule has already been spotted locally, and seeing that the production of the GT is here at home in North America, we should be among the first to get it! Keep your eyes peeled for a production version to launch at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, which the team will be covering next week!