Army Displays New Version of Abrams Tank at Detroit Auto Show

The US Army unveiled a new version of its iconic Abrams tank at the Detroit Auto Show in what it hopes will be an example of a new, more streamlined way of producing major new weapons systems.

General Dynamics Land Systems’ M1E3 Abrams has a new transmission, a new hybrid engine, defensive systems that can shoot down enemy missiles and a Formula One-style cockpit. It’s the work of more than 10 companies including the defense unit of Caterpillar Inc., whose engine replaces Honeywell International Inc.’s AGT1500.

The project is important enough to the Pentagon that the new ...