Top 20 Vehicles at the New York Auto Show

By Matthew de Paula of MSN Autos

 

Over the past few days, the 2013 New York Auto Show has been a hive of activity as automakers continue to unveil record numbers of new cars. But despite all of the important announcements, which include Cadillac's all-new CTS, an unexpected electric vehicle from Mercedes and a radically designed Jeep Cherokee, the mood has been subdued. Two years ago, we would have blamed it on the economy; today it's a sign that the industry is chugging along at a brisk pace, with everyone hunkering down to launch all these great new vehicles. Click through for a roundup of top debuts from the Big Apple.

2014 Acura MDX

Acura's new midsize MDX sport utility is built on a completely new platform. It drops 275 pounds compared with its predecessor and offers front-wheel drive for the first time, in addition to all-wheel drive. Its V6 engine puts out 290 horsepower. Combined fuel economy is 23 mpg with front-wheel drive and 21 mpg with all-wheel drive. Testing was done on the Nürburgring, so this big SUV should have a pretty tight suspension and steering. It will go on sale this summer.

2015 Audi A3 and S3

Audi has sold the subcompact A3 hatchback in Europe for years and is finally bringing a new sedan version to the United States in early 2014 to battle the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class subcompact with a premium sedan of its own. The A3 sedan will offer three 4-cylinder engines: two gasoline and a diesel, all of which are turbocharged. The S3 will have a higher-output gasoline engine. A hatchback version called the A3 Sportback e-tron will have a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

 http://autoemporiummagazine.blogspot.com/2013/03/2015-audi-a3-sedan-makes-world-debut.html

2014 BMW 328d

BMW is bringing back a diesel to its vaunted 3-Series. But instead of a 6-cylinder engine, which it offered in the past, the new one gets a turbocharged 4-banger. BMW estimates that the 328d will deliver 45 mpg highway. It puts out 180 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, and will be offered in both sedan and wagon body styles. The 328d sedan will come with rear-wheel drive as standard and offer all-wheel drive as an option. The 328d wagon will come only with all-wheel drive. Production will begin in July, with sales set to kick off in July or August.

2014 Cadillac CTS

Cadillac's new CTS is larger but lighter than before, thanks to more use of aluminum in the structure and front suspension. The current CTS straddles the compact and midsize segments, but the 2014 CTS pushes squarely into midsize sedan territory now that the smaller ATS has joined the lineup. A new Vsport trim level gets an impressive all-new twin-turbo V6 engine whose 420-horsepower output rivals some V8 engines in competing sedans. A turbocharged 4-cylinder and regular V6 engine will also be available. It will go on sale this fall.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

The Chevrolet Camaro gets subtle styling changes for 2014, but the big deal with this muscle car is the return of a legendary Z/28 version with enhancements designed to make it perform better on a racetrack while keeping it street-legal. It ditches a bunch of equipment to save weight — 100 pounds versus the Camaro SS and 300 pounds versus the Camaro ZL1. The Z/28 gets the 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine from the C6 Corvette Z06, enhanced to produce 500 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Redesigned bumpers and body panels create added downforce for aerodynamic stability at high speeds. It will go on sale later this year.

http://autoemporiummagazine.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-unveiling-of-camaro-z28.html

Infiniti QX60 Hybrid

The new hybrid version of Infiniti's 7-passenger midsize crossover uses a 2.5-liter supercharged 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor to produce a combined 250 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. It is the same powertrain used in the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, also announced at the show. Nissan/Infiniti kept the price premium of these new hybrids to around $3,000 over the conventional equivalent by using a small lithium-ion battery. The tradeoff: It does not have the capacity to offer a low-speed electric-only mode. The Infiniti QX60 Hybrid will be available with front- and all-wheel drive when it goes on sale this summer.

 http://autoemporiummagazine.blogspot.com/2013/03/green-cars-to-be-unveiled-at-new-york.html

Jaguar XJR

Jaguar ups the performance of its largest sedan with a supercharged V8 engine that produces 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque. It will do zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds on to a top speed of 174 mph. The suspension and 8-speed transmission have both been tuned to be more responsive. The exterior gains subtle aerodynamic improvements that help keep this large cat stable at high speeds. Development testing was conducted at the punishing Nürburgring racetrack in Germany, among other challenging venues. The standard variant starts at $116,000; a stretched version costs $3,000 more.

Jaguar XKR-S GT

This is a special limited-edition of the Jaguar XKR-S designed for improved performance on the racetrack. Only 25 will be sold in the United States and five in Canada. It features carbon-fiber enhancements to improve downforce, and revised suspension and steering systems for better stability at high speeds. The brakes have been upgraded as well. The XKR-S GT uses the same 550-horsepower supercharged V8 engine as the standard XKR-S. It will do zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 186 mph. It will go on sale in August with a starting price of $174,895. Good luck trying to find one.

2014 Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee has sparked controversy with styling that is a radical departure for the brand. In person, this midsize sport-utility actually looks — lacking a better term — handsome, especially in the Trailhawk edition with beefy body cladding and larger wheels and tires. It features two new engines, a 184-horsepower 4-cylinder and a 271-horsepower V6. An all-new 9-speed transmission is standard. Three new 4-wheel-drive systems offer different levels of capability, from improving traction in everyday driving to tackling tough terrain off-road. The new Jeep Cherokee will go on sale in the third quarter.

2014 Kia Forte Koup

This sporty 2-door is the third and final member of the redesigned Kia Forte family, following the previously unveiled new sedan and 5-door hatchback. It boasts attractive new styling and two 4-cylinder engines: a 2.0-liter version with 173 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit putting out 201 horsepower. Typical of Kia, the Koup comes loaded with standard features, including Bluetooth connectivity, a touch-screen interface and backup camera. It is expected to go on sale in the fourth quarter; pricing has yet to be announced.

2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Land Rover's midsize Range Rover Sport gets a complete makeover and loses 800 pounds. It grows a bit in length and adds an optional third row only large enough for small kids. A new 340-horsepower supercharged V6 engine replaces the base V8. The Range Rover Sport Supercharged comes with a 510-horsepower supercharged V8 engine. Both engines have start-stop technology. The Terrain Response system gains a Dynamic mode that tightens up the suspension and improves steering and throttle response. It will go on sale in the third quarter.

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive

This one was a surprise, first because Mercedes previously hasn't offered the B-Class in the United States, and second because it's an electric vehicle. This subcompact hatchback has an electric motor that drives the front wheels and generates 134 horsepower and more than 228 lb-ft of torque. The lithium-ion battery is under the floor, giving the diminutive eco-mobile an estimated range of about 115 miles in the city. The Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2014.

Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG

The high-performance AMG version of Mercedes' new CLA-Class has the world's most powerful 4-cylinder engine in a production passenger vehicle. It sends 355 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels. The CLA45 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph. The suspension and steering have been upgraded as well. It will go on sale in November with a starting price of $47,450.

2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

Nissan kept the price down on its new Pathfinder Hybrid by using a small lithium-ion battery. The hybrid version of the popular SUV will cost only about $3,000 more than a standard Pathfinder and get 24 percent better fuel economy for an estimated 26 mpg overall. The battery is under the third-row seat and does not cut into the passenger compartment at all. But its lower capacity precludes having a low-speed, electric-only mode. A 2.5-liter supercharged 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor produce a combined 250 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. It will go on sale in late summer.

2013 Shelby American Raptor

Shelby American Inc., a Las Vegas-based performance shop founded by automotive legend Carroll Shelby, isn't just upgrading Ford Mustangs anymore. It now offers a 575-horsepower supercharged V8 engine in Ford's Raptor. The Raptor is a beefed-up version of the F-150 pickup designed for high-speed off-road driving. The package costs $17,995 and includes a custom interior, among other minor embellishments. Custom wheels and bumpers are part of a long list of options. The company expects to build about 100 per year.

2014 Subaru XV CrossTrek Hybrid

Subaru's first-ever hybrid pairs the company's well-known 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 13.4-horsepower electric motor. The system uses a nickel-metal hydride battery under the floor of the car. Subaru re-engineered the chassis to handle the 300 pounds of extra equipment. The system has an EV mode that can propel the car with the gas engine shut off in certain low-speed situations. It will go on sale in the fourth quarter.

2014 SRT Viper TA

SRT will offer a Track Attack package for the Viper starting in the third quarter. As the name suggests, it includes suspension, brake and aerodynamic upgrades designed to improve performance on racetracks, but even with the performance goodies, it manages to stay completely street-legal. A carbon-fiber structural brace in the engine bay replaces the standard aluminum one. Ultralightweight wheels are part of the package, too. Output for the V10 engine stays the same at 640 horsepower. A bright orange paint job will be available on 33 units.

2014 Toyota Highlander

The all-new Toyota Highlander grows in size and gets beefier styling. It can now seat up to eight passengers, thanks to a third row that accommodates three occupants. Cargo space behind the third row is up an impressive 34 percent. Three engines will be offered: a base 4-cylinder, a V6 and a hybrid that pairs an electric motor with the V6 engine. It will go on sale in early 2014.

Volvo V60

Volvo announced that it will bring the V60 to the United States, restoring its well-loved wagon line to America. Volvo has not offered a compact wagon in the U.S. since it killed the V50 in 2011. The V60 immediately replaced it in Europe and other markets, but has remained absent from the U.S. until now. The V60 will go on sale in early 2014. Pricing and specs have not been announced.

2015 Volkswagen Golf and GTI

Volkswagen unveiled the U.S.-spec versions of its hot hatchbacks in New York. They closely mirror versions already on sale in Europe. The new Golf is longer, wider and lower than the previous model. It will come in three flavors: a base trim with a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a TDI version with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel, and the racy GTI with a 220-horsepower turbo 4-banger. All three will go on sale early next year.

 

1966 Plymouth Satellite 2D

In 1966 the Plymouth Satellite was the top of the line model in the Belvedere Series.  Available in a hardtop or convertible, it had front bucket seats, a center console, deep pile carpeting, a padded instrument panel, safety door handles and unitized body construction.  A standard 273 cu. in V8 engine was available along with a handful of other V8's.

In 1966, along with a redesigning, the Satellite was available with the newly optional "Street Hemi" engine, which had two 4-barrel carburetors, and 10.25:1 compression. This engine was rated at 425 hp (317 kW) at 5,000 rpm and 490 lb ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The other V8 engine options for 1966 remained the standard 180 hp (130 kW) 273, plus the popular 318 at 230 hp (170 kW) and the 265 hp (198 kW) Commando 361 and Commando 383 at 325 hp (242 kW), down from the 330 hp (250 kW) it had on tap in 1965.

Head over to Heritage Motors to get a closer look.
http://heritagemotors.com/inventory.asp?specific=2367

2015 Audi A3 Sedan Makes World Debut

By Mike Meredith of MSN Autos


Any doubts about growth in the premium compact segment were quashed at the 2013 New York Auto Show as Audi unveiled the all-new A3 sedan, a fresh take on the German automaker's presence in the segment. Aimed squarely at competitors such as the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, Cadillac ATS and Acura ILX, the new A3 promises to deliver the same technology and quality as other Audi models — simply in a smaller package.

Although the A3 has been in the U.S. since the 2006 model year, its body style has always been a premium compact hatchback. It will return for 2015 as a sedan with multiple engine choices, followed by a high-performance S3 version.

The A3 hatchback will remain in the U.S. market as a plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid, a production version of the A3 Sportback e-tron that debuted at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

What's hot?
The new A3 sedan carries forward Audi's signature design and style attributes, including its single-frame grille, and inherits the sportiness of the previous hatchback.

The sporty sedan will have four engine choices in the U.S. market, starting with a 1.8-liter 170-horsepower TFSI gasoline engine and a 2.0-liter 150-horsepower TDI diesel engine. Two versions of the 2.0-liter TFSI will be offered in the A3 quattro and S3 quattro; official horsepower ratings will be announced later. We expect the 2.0 TFSI will increase the current A3's 200-horsepower rating, and the S3 quattro should pack more than 250 horsepower.

Standard equipment will include leather upholstery, Bluetooth technology, rain-sensing wipers and a panoramic glass sunroof. Technology that previously would not be expected in the compact segment includes Audi MMI, Audi drive select, 4G LTE connectivity and Bang & Olufsen audio.

What's not?
The Audi A3 has been successful as a sporty premium hatchback, so is a new compact sedan a brilliant move or a misstep? As the A3 sedan joins other new models in the growing premium compact segment, it raises the question: How big is the American appetite for a premium small car?

How much and when?
The new Audi A3 will go on sale in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2014 as a 2015 model. While pricing has not been announced, the A3 slots in below the A4 in the Audi lineup, thus pricing should start at less than $30,000 and could approach $25,000. Both the S3 quattro and A3 Sportback e-tron will arrive later in 2014; prices have yet to be announced.

MSN Autos' verdict?
Audi's newest model is a very attractive sport sedan that promises a range of performance capability with both gasoline and diesel engines. The A3 is a sedan we can't wait to get our hands on — and our seats in.

Mike Meredith worked in motorsports public relations and practiced law before joining MSN CarPoint (now MSN Autos) in 1999. A lifelong automotive enthusiast, Meredith has raced sports cars, teaches high-performance driving and enjoys auto detailing in his copious free time.

2013 Toyota Rav4: First Drive Review

The first crossover returns to its roots.

By Kirk Bell of MSN Autos


When the Toyota RAV4 was introduced for the 1996 model year, it started an automotive revolution. It was the first unibody SUV, better known today as a crossover. That first RAV4 was awfully small, but it has grown over the years, eventually adding optional 7-passenger seating and a V6 engine with its 2006 redesign. But that RAV4 was trying to be too many things to too many people. It is redesigned once again for 2013, offering only 5-passenger seating and 4-cylinder power. It may not be as diverse as it was, but the new RAV4 is really what this compact crossover was always meant to be.

Model lineup
Toyota has simplified the RAV4 lineup for 2013. The base trim is gone, leaving only LE, XLE and Limited versions, all offered with front- or all-wheel drive. The LE is fairly well equipped, with unexpected features such as a rearview camera, USB and auxiliary ports, Bluetooth Connectivity, and an audio system controlled by a 6.1-inch touch screen. It also gets cloth upholstery; manually adjustable front seats; eight standard airbags; whiplash-protection front seats; power windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; tilt/telescoping steering column; and 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers.

The XLE adds upgraded cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, sport seats, a sunroof and alloy wheels. The Limited gets Softex faux leather upholstery, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory, heated front seats, keyless access and starting, adjustable power liftgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Notable options include satellite high-definition radio, a navigation system with Toyota's Entune infotainment system, an 11-speaker JBL GreenEdge audio system, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

Under the hood
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 comes with only one carryover engine. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. It trades an antiquated 4-speed automatic transmission for a 6-speed automatic that improves both power delivery and fuel economy.  Manufacturer-estimated Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy ratings are 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 22/29 mpg with all-wheel drive.

That all-wheel -drive system is upgraded for 2013. Toyota calls it Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive, and it can send up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels in aggressive cornering to let the rear tires help rotate the RAV4 through a turn.

Inner space
Compact crossovers, including the RAV4, traditionally have had overly plasticky interiors. For 2013 the RAV4 gets soft-touch surfaces on the door armrests and center console bin, but hard plastic still dominates the dashboard and door tops. On higher-line models a prominent styling flourish on the dashboard is covered in a stitched, soft-touch material as well. On the base trim this area features a semisoft molded material with fake stitching. Toyota uses a similar material in the Camry and it looks tacky both places. Overall, the interior environment is improved, but not as refined as vehicles such as the Ford Escape, Kia Sportage, or Mazda CX-5.

On the plus side, the RAV4 does come standard with some unexpected equipment, including Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port to connect MP3 players. Most notable among the standard

features is a 6.1-inch touch-screen radio with a rearview camera. This system features large buttons and is fairly easy to use. Optional on the Limited is a version of this screen that adds Toyota's Entune infotainment system. Entune pairs with owners' smartphones to provide access to mobile apps, including music streaming through Pandora and iHeartRadio, Bing local search, OpenTable dining reservations, and movietickets.com.

While the environment may not be the best in class, interior space is. The RAV4 is roomy enough for a family of five. The steering wheel angle is lowered this year as Toyota continues to move away from the bus-driver driving position it favored in the past. The base front seats are fairly comfortable, and have more bolstering than last year; the XLE and Limited seats add a bit more bolstering as well. The Limited also comes standard with Softex faux leather upholstery that looks a lot like leather, but isn't quite as soft or rich. The front and rear occupants have plenty of headroom and legroom.
Cargo space is improved this year and it's easier to access. Despite its compact size, the RAV4 has a class-leading 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. It also gains two cubic feet of space with the rear seats up for a total of 38.4 cubic feet, which leaves plenty of room for a week's worth of groceries. The RAV4 also switches from a rear swing-gate to a more desirable liftgate. On the Limited the liftgate is adjustable, so shorter drivers can set it to open to a lower height.

On the road
Lately Toyota has made a concerted effort to add some sportiness and driver engagement to its vehicles. While the RAV4 doesn't benefit from that mindset as much as the Lexus GS or Scion FR-S, it is more controlled than the outgoing model. It reacts quicker to steering inputs and doesn't have as much body roll in turns.

The steering is light but pleasingly direct. Toyota provides a Sport mode that makes the throttle more aggressive and lessens steering boost by 20 percent. Even at that, the steering still feels light. There is also an Eco mode that dulls throttle response and makes the air conditioning run more efficiently.
The Sport mode also affects the Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel-drive system. When in Sport, this system sends up to half the torque to the rear wheels during aggressive cornering. We tested it on some tight switchbacks in Arizona and found it gives the RAV4 a bit more of a rear-wheel-drive feel, helping the vehicle rotate through corners. Dynamic Torque Control isn't as advanced as some of the torque vectoring systems offered by luxury brands, but it does help. And while the RAV4 is pleasantly composed, it doesn't offer the sporty driving experience of the Ford Escape or Mazda CX-5.

While the RAV4 loses its available V6 engine for 2013, the performance of the carryover 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is much improved. That's because Toyota replaced the 4-speed automatic transmission with a more responsive and fuel-efficient 6-speed automatic. The 6-speed utilizes the engine's power band better, and drops the zero-to-60 mph time from 10.2 seconds to 8.9 seconds, which is right in the ballpark with the competition. The 2.5 provides spritely punch from a stop and even has enough for decent passing power when needed. We were also impressed by how smooth and quiet it is for a 4-cylinder. Nonetheless, we miss the V6, which made the outgoing RAV4 downright quick.

Right for you?
Compact crossovers like the RAV4 are great choices for young families for their utility and for empty nesters for their ease of ingress and egress; both groups benefit from the fuel efficiency. Families likely won't miss the RAV4's 7-passenger option because the third-row seat was too small, but some might miss the power of the discontinued V6 engine.




(As part of a sponsored press event, the automaker provided MSN with travel and accommodations to facilitate this report.)
Kirk Bell has served as the associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive and editor of Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine. A Midwest native, Bell brings 18 years of automotive journalism experience to MSN, and currently contributes to JDPower.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

The Unveiling of the Camaro Z/28

 
“The 2014 Camaro is our opportunity to apply what we have learned listening to our customers, and our continuing development of high-performance models,” said Tom Peters, Camaro exterior design director. “We look for solutions that are both functional and beautiful so that the result is genuine Chevrolet – simple, powerful, honest, and more than expected.”

This is a Camaro with the 427 engine from the C6 Z06. That means it's a naturally aspirated Camaro with 500 horsepower and 470 pound feet of torque.  And it's about 300 pounds lighter than the 580 horsepower Camaro ZL1.  Enjoy the eye candy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo credit to:  http://jalopnik.com/the-camaro-z-28-is-back-461112191

New Reveals for the New York Auto Show

I missed yesterdays previews so I'm combining todays with it.  Yesterday Live with Kelly and Michael revealed the hottest performance cars from the New York Auto Show and today are the hottest hatchbacks.

Starting with the performance cars is the.....

2014 Chevrolet Camaro

 

The 2014 lineup includes:

The 323-horsepower (241 kW) V-6-powered LS coupe and LT coupe and convertible – including the 2LS with an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway.

The Camaro SS coupe and convertible, with a 6.2L V-8 delivering up to 426 horsepower (318 kW).  

The 580-horsepower (432 kW) supercharged Camaro ZL1 coupe and convertible.

chevrolet.com

2014 Jaguar F-Type

With front-engine, lightweight aluminum architecture and rear-wheel drive, the F-TYPE is engineered to be a true high-performance sports car, reaching 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds, and has a top track speed of 186 mph.  Three models will be available.  The F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and the F-TYPE V8S.

All engines drive through and eight-speed, 'Quickshift' automatic transmission and steering wheel mounted paddles for full manual control.  The F-TYPE introduces a new sports car design language for Jaguar, with bold, clean lines, accented by the discreet use of technology.  Including a deployable rear spoiler and hidden door handles.  The Jaguar F-TYPE has a starting price of $69,000 and will be in showrooms in late May.

 www.jaguarusa.com 

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Following its global debut in Geneva, Volkswagen will pull the cover off of the all-new United States-specification GTI at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. 

The new GTI will be powered by a turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine (TSI®) that makes 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in standard form.  Featuring a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the next generation GTI will offer an 18 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. GTI models will come equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or DSG® dual-clutch automatic. It will hit dealer showrooms in 2014.

www.vw.com

2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible

The 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible, features an all-new, fully electronic top that can be lowered remotely using the car’s key fob. The top can also be opened or closed on the go, at speeds of up to 30.

All of the performance technology and capabilities introduced on the Corvette Stingray coupe carry over to the convertible. The only structural changes are limited to accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts.  Central to the Corvette Stingray’s driving experience is an all-new, more rigid aluminum frame structure, which is 57-percent stiffer and 99 pounds lighter than the current steel frame. 

All models are powered by the new LT1 6.2L V-8, with an estimated 450-hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. As no structural reinforcements are required for the convertible, both models share almost identical power-to-weight ratios. 

The LT1 combines several advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing to support an advanced combustion system designed to balance power and efficiency. The new Corvette Stingray is expected to improve upon the current model's fuel economy of an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 26 mpg. With the top up, the Corvette Stingray convertible is designed for a refined driving experience. A thick, three-ply fabric top, along with sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window, contributes to a quiet cabin and premium appearance. With the top down, the Corvette Stingray's signature profile is further accentuated. Behind the seat backs, dual black accent panels enhance the character lines of the tonneau cover. Corvette Stingray's signature "waterfall" design originates in the valley between the nacelles, bringing the exterior color into the interior.

chevrolet.com


Now for the hatchbacks we start with the....

BMW 3  Series Gran Turisimo

BMW is redefining the Gran Turismo segment.  First, with the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and now with the 3 Series Gran Turismo, by adding first-class seating form five and expanded luggage capacity.

The 3 Series, features a longer wheelbase, more rear seat room and space for luggage.  Along with a power tailgate and a standard panoramic moon roof.

It will arrive in the US late this fall and will be available with either BMW's award-winning TwinPower Turbo 4 cylinder or inline 6 cylinder engine.

www.BMWUSA.com

2014 Ford Fiesta ST

The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST proves once and for all that small cars are anything but boring.  The turbocharged 1.6 liter EcoBoost 4 cylinder engine produces nearly 200 hp and 214 lb.-ft of torque, giving the Fiesta ST the performance and feel of an engine twice its size.  It's projected to achieve up to 34 mpg.

www.ford.com

Volvo V60 R-Design

Making it's global debut at the North American International Auto Show, Volvo has brought the wagon back to the US.  The Volvo V60 R-Design sports wagon is designed for people who want the versatility of extra room, but still want the handling of a sports sedan.

The Volvo V60  sports wagon features has 'intelligent seating',  featuring rear seats that can be folded down in three 40/20/40 segments, allowing its interior sace to be configured for passengers and loaded in a remarkably flexible way.

www.volvocars.com

Nissan Versa Note

The Nissan Versa Note has a projected 40 highway, 31 city and 35 mpg combined.

It's system utilizes four small super wide-angle cameras mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle to provide a virtual 360 degree view around the vehicle, helping the driver maneuver the car into tight spots.  When filling the tires with air the hazard lamps flash to let the operator know the system is working.  When the correct pressure is reached, a beep of the horn provides notification.

Standard safety and security systems include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), including dual-stage front supplemental air bags, front seat mounted side-impact supplemental air  bags for chest protection and roof mounted side-impact supplemental air bags.

www.nissanUSA.com


http://livekellyandmichael.dadt.com/features/themed/live-auto-week-2013/

2013 Subaru Crosstrek: First Drive Review

By Kirk Bell of MSN Autos

What is a crossover?

Although there is no universally accepted definition of the word, most people would probably answer, "What you get when you combine a car with an SUV." And they'd essentially be right. Crossovers have the look, cargo capacity and raised ride height of a small SUV, and they handle, ride and consume fuel like a car.

All of these attributes are highly desired by the American consumer. Consequently, crossovers are extremely popular, especially with young, hip mommies and daddies that want to drive a big vehicle but appear like they aren't.

Subaru is staking claim to its piece of the enormous crossover pie with the all-new XV Crosstrek. The Crosstrek is essentially a lifted Impreza hatchback with new bumpers, some fender cladding and unique wheels to make it look more masculine.

But is it a crossover? By the above definition, the answer is yes. But then aren't all Subie wagons SUVs by that definition?

Model lineup
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek lineup is quite simple, with only two trims: the base Premium and the Limited. Standard features on the $21,995 Premium include cloth upholstery, air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering column, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with iPod and USB integration, Bluetooth streaming audio and cellphone connectivity, fog lights, and P225/55R17 tires on alloy wheels
.
The $24,495 Limited adds leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, display audio system with rearview camera, and automatic headlights. 

Options are limited to a continuously variable automatic transmission (for Premium trim only), a moon roof and a navigation system.

Under the hood
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is basically an Impreza 5-door raised three inches, and it shares that vehicle's powertrain. The engine is a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder that makes 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Premium trim comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic is optional. The Limited comes only with the CVT. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy estimates are 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway with the manual and 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the CVT.

All XV Crosstreks come with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. In models with the manual transmission, it features a center differential that always locks in a 50-50 front-rear torque split. Go with the CVT and it uses an electronically controlled center differential that usually runs with a front-drive bias but can send all of the torque to the axle with grip. All Crosstreks have a modest 1,500-pound towing capacity.

Inner space
Like other compact cars developed in the past couple of years, the Subaru Impreza features interior materials that are a cut above the traditional norm for the class. The XV Crosstrek gets the same interior, with the exception of different material for the cloth seats. The dash, armrests and door tops have soft-touch surfaces and the surrounding plastics are quite sturdy. It's pretty basic but it feels substantial.

The layout is refreshingly simple, with three dials set low for the climate controls and an information display set at the top of the dash that shows time, outside temperature and some trip computer data. In between is the radio, and buyers get a choice of three, all of which are easy to use. The step-up display audio system features a 4.3-inch screen with a rearview camera, and the top-end version adds navigation and a 6.1-inch touch screen. Our only complaint is the virtual buttons on the navigation screen are too small to hit easily while driving, especially if the road is bumpy. The navigation system is quite intuitive, though the look is cartoonish.

One of the major reasons Subaru has enjoyed five straight years of growth is the more competitive size of its vehicles, which translates to more usable passenger and cargo space. Despite its compact footprint, the XV Crosstrek has plenty of room for five passengers. Front seat occupants need not worry about space, and the Crosstrek will accommodate four adult passengers quite comfortably. Rear seat occupants will only complain about elbow room when they sit three across.

Likewise, the XV Crosstrek offers excellent cargo space for its size. There is 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and they fold flat quite easily to expand that to 51.9 cubic feet. While that is plenty of space, many of today's larger compact crossovers have at least 60 cubic feet of room.

On the road
Drivers will like this vehicle's spirited nature. The XV Crosstrek is lighter than most crossovers, even small ones like the Nissan Juke and MINI Countryman, and it has a lower center of gravity thanks to the horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine, which can sit lower in the chassis than an inline 4-cylinder. These features give it nimble handling, though the raised ride height allows some noticeable, albeit well-controlled body lean. The steering is light but direct, and the brakes are strong and progressive.
The XV Crosstrek offers some satisfying road feel, too, yet the ride is quite comfortable. The suspension is raised three inches from that of the Impreza, which means the shocks and struts have more travel. This lets the XV Crosstrek smooth out most bumps on the road. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance and all-wheel drive also help this vehicle plow through deep snow.

Engine performance isn't as rewarding, though. The 2.0-liter engine delivers excellent fuel economy but it can be frustratingly slow. Subaru isn't providing zero-to-60-mph numbers, but they are likely between nine and 10 seconds. The limited power is more accessible with the manual transmission, which offers a natural clutch feel and smooth but long shifts. Power delivery is slushier with the CVT, especially from a stop, which makes getting out ahead of traffic a risky proposition without enough space.

Right for you?
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek will fit the bill for many buyers. It offers passenger and cargo space for small families; its standard all-wheel drive makes it ideal for active singles and couples; and the raised ride height means empty-nesters will find it easy to get in and out. It's more affordable than most compact crossovers, too, but buyers looking for power and pure luxury should look elsewhere.
While we don't think it's a crossover — it's more of a raised wagon — the XV Crosstrek is an excellent value nonetheless.



(As part of a sponsored press event, the automaker provided MSN with travel and accommodations to facilitate this report.)
Kirk Bell has served as the associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive and editor of Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine. A Midwest native, Bell brings 18 years of automotive journalism experience to MSN, and currently contributes to JDPower.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.