2013 New York Auto Show Highlights
Posted by:
Jennifer Morand
2013 New York Auto Show Highlights
The New York Auto Show signals the unofficial close of the auto show season, and many manufacturers saved some significant introductions for the Big Apple. New York is a big media show and many manufacturers took the opportunity to introduce mainstream vehicles and thinly veiled concept cars. The Chicago Auto Show team roamed the halls (and many floors, may we add) of Javits Center to bring fans our top five picks from the New York Auto Show. Drum roll please…
2014 Cadillac CTS
Introduced at the Rose Theater in Lincoln Center the night prior to the first day of the Media Preview, Cadillac took the cover off of its all-new redesigned 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan. The third generation model is longer – but lighter – and offers, for the first time, an eight-speed automatic transmission. Engine offerings include a 272-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four from the ATS, a 3.6-liter V6 engine that returns from last year and new twin turbo V6 that makes a whopping 420 horsepower. Another first for Cadillac, the new CTS will now offer automatic parking assist. Additionally, the CTS will be equipped with 20-way adjustable front seats and the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system.
While pricing is not yet available for the 2014 model, Cadillac did reveal that the new CTS will be at a higher price point than its current model, which begins at $39,990, and is set to go on sale this fall. Cadillac is hopeful that the 2014 CTS will help the company gain market share and be a big part of its overall brand growth.
2014 Toyota Highlander
As in Chicago, Toyota grabbed the first press conference time slot for the Media Preview and unwrapped an all new Highlander. The redesigned 2014 Highlander offers a sleeker exterior and upgraded interior, now with added room for an eighth passenger.
Toyota claims the 2014 version will ride quieter and handle better as the manufacturer put forth effort to cut down on vibrations, engine and wind noise by adding floor insulation and thick windshield glass to diminish sound. The modernized Highlander also offers an increased suspension to improve vehicle handling. In addition to an upgraded interior, the second-row seats can now be configured to a three-passenger bench to accommodate an eighth passenger. Engine offerings will remain similar to the outgoing model with a 2.7-liter, 187-horsepower four and 270-horsepower V6. There will also be a hybrid model. Set to go on sale in early 2014, Highlander pricing has not yet been disclosed although the current model starts around $29,000. Image credit: Autoblog
2014 Range Rover Sport
Another SUV to debut in the Big Apple was the Range Rover Sport. If the vehicle’s wow-factor wasn’t enough, Land Rover enlisted Daniel Craig to pilot the all-new Range Rover Sport at its off-site introduction the night prior to the Media Preview. Vehicle attributes include an all-aluminum chassis and a standard 340-horespower 3-liter supercharged V6 with an eight-speed automatic. The upgraded version offers a 510-horsepower 5-liter V8 engine. The new chassis is 800 pounds lighter, and, in combination with the new engines, should offer significantly better fuel economy.
Additionally, the 2014 Sport includes an automatic start-stop feature where the engine will shut off during long stops and then flip back on driver command. Auto-park will be offered as an optional feature, where the Sport can parallel-park itself into small spaces as well as "un-park" when the driver wants to pull back out onto the street.
On sale this fall, the Range Rover Sport will begin at $63,495 for the V6 model, just under $80,000 for the V8 Supercharged version and $93,295 for the top-of-the-line model. Image credit: NY Daily News
2014 Jeep Cherokee
Radically changed in appearance compared to the Cherokee we last say in 2001, Jeep reinvented its compact SUV offering with front-wheel drive and forward-thinking vehicle styling. Complete with LED lights and a seven-slot grille, the new Cherokee will offer the first nine-speed automatic transmission in an SUV, according to Jeep.
The Cherokee is expected to boast 45 percent better fuel economy than its predecessor with a 31 mpg highway. The base model will offer a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an upgrade to a 3.2-liter Pentastar V6.
The new Jeep Cherokee goes on sale this fall and pricing is still TBA. Image credit: Getty Images
2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
The Chevy Camaro Z/28 is back! When the legendary name was announced during Chevy’s press conference, it received quite the response with an eruption of cheers, claps and whistles. The 2014 Z/28 is set to offer major track performance with its 7.0-liter LS7 small block V8. Although the official power ratings aren’t yet available, Chevy disclosed the new V/28 will deliver "at least 500 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque." Additionally, the new Z/28 weighs 300 lbs. less compared to the ZL1 which is expected to aid in on-track performance. Chevy says the 2014 Camaro Z/28 will be available in early 2014 although pricing has not yet been disclosed.
Chevy did a great job keeping the secret under wraps until the great unveil. Click here for a clip of the live unveiling. As you’ll hear at the 5:45 mark, it’s no wonder Chevy representatives handed out earplugs at the start of the press conference.
CONCEPT BONUS
Subaru WRX Concept
Now that you have our top five production offerings from New York, we couldn’t help but give a big shout-out to the new Subaru WRX Concept vehicle that made its world debut at the New York Auto Show. According to Subaru, the WRX Concept "delivers even more street presence than previous generations of the WRX." With a bold, aggressive design, the WRX Concept also sported a bright blue paint color to modernize its look.
Some key features include a powerful turbocharged engine, an aggressive rear diffuser, sharp character lines, a large hexagonal grille and deep lower valences with air intakes designed to enhance aerodynamics, add downforce and aid engine cooling.
The concept vehicle design hints at the WRX finished product features that will include sharp handling, all-wheel drive and turbo power. The WRX is speculated to go on sale next year, for the 2015 model year. Image credit: Motor Authority
What are your top five faves from the New York Auto Show? Tell us below, on Facebook or tweet us @ChiAutoShow.
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