2018 Detroit motor show: our star cars

What an unusual show this year's Detroit motor show was - typically SUV-heavy, but diverse nonetheless, although domestic manufacturers' efforts were dominated by Ford's heavy-hitters. 

Now the headlines have hit the web, we've each picked our favourite from Detroit. Scroll through to see them..

Steve Cropley - Ford Mustang Bullitt

Sorry to be so predictable, but my star car has to be the Ford Mustang Bullitt. I was collected from hospital in a Ford V8 when I was a couple of days old, had a Ford V8 drive me to school and so I'm desperate to claim this one. The only question-mark is over whether it'll sell in the UK. My tip, based on nothing, is it will.

Mark Tisshaw - GAC Enverge concept

Nothing overly original in GAC's concept, yet what it shows is ambition: GAC wants to be the first Chinese car comapny to crack America. It's well-funded, sells its cars in China for a price higher than any other domestic car maker, and has set-up a Californian design studio to help create cars with more international appeal. Remember the name.

Andrew Frankel - Mercedes-Benz G-Class

It is the approach Merc took with the new G-Wagen I liked most. ‘Change everything while changing nothing’ seems to have been the philosophy, with the result that the once threatened future of one of my favourite cars is secure once more. I just hope Land Rover takes the same approach with the new Defender.

Rachel Burgess - Infiniti Q Inspiration concept

Infiniti design has long been hit and miss, and often more miss. But the new Q Inspiration concept brings new hope: cleaner lines, more sleekness and yet still some originality to stand apart from its German rivals. Let’s hope this is the beginning of a new design era.

Sam Sheehan - Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 

I’ve chosen the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 because, alongside the E 53, it marks the start of AMG’s next chapter – one that is arguably its most challenging yet. For a brand famous for its belching, muscular V8 models, adjusting to the electric revolution is no easy task. But I think AMG has been smart here, gradually shifting towards zero-emission powertrains with a new range of models and its halo Project One hypercar. The 53 models present the best of both worlds, helping to make AMG and electrification seem an almost natural combination.

Jimi Beckwith - Nissan Xmotion concept

SUVs have become so metrosexual lately. No ground clearance, no ruggedness, no capability - the majority are just slightly raised hatchbacks with lifestiley advertising. Not the Xmotion, though, it's like a futuristic Nissan Patrol - a real Toyota Land Cruiser challenger. The perfect car in which to crush sand dunes, jungles and Micras at your will.

Jim Holder - Hyundai Veloster N 

I'm not sure anyone batted even half an eyelid when the Veloster quietly went off sale in the UK, but the arrival of a hot N version of the car at the Detroit show has served to pique interest again. It uses the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine the  i30 N, producing up to 271bhp and 260lb ft, and has the makings of a seriously desirable (albeit perhaps only for lovers of the obscure) hot hatch. It's also - sadly - for the US market only. I've already got half a curious eye(lid) out for Autocar's review...