This week, the auto show circuit reaches the Big Apple. New York may not be the most car-friendly city, but its car show is still one of the biggest. From hybrid BMWs to supercharged Land Rovers, here’s what’s hot at the 2013 New York Auto Show.
Acura: MDX
What it is: Acura’s midsize luxury SUV, and S.H.I.E.L.D.’s favorite ride, gets a redesign. Based on what we saw with the MDX Prototype at January’s Detroit Auto Show, we don’t expect drastic changes to the styling, which already looks pretty good.
Under the hood will be a 3.5-liter direct-injected V6, couple to Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. A next generation AcuraLink infotainment system is expected, along with a bevy of safety features including Lane Keep Assist and active cruise control.
Audi: A3 sedan
What it is: a hatch-less version of the 2014 A3, which debuted at the recent Geneva Motor Show, meant to entice American buyers. Like the current A3, it will slot below the A4 and be the cheapest four-ringed ride, but Audi hopes its sedan body will make it more appealing to buyers still scarred by the AMC Gremlin and Ford Pinto.
The A3 will compete against the Mercedes-Benz CLA, so we hope a performance RS model shows up to challenge the CLA45 AMG.
BMW: Concept Active Tourer, 328d, 3 Series Gran Turismo
What they are: The Concept Active Tourer is unlike any BMW we’ve ever seen. It’s a front-wheel drive plug-in hybrid hatchback, powered by a three-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor. Some might argue that this car is wrong-wheel drive, but it’s hard to argue with BMW’s 95 mpg claim.
BMW will also show two new versions of its bestselling 3 Series: the diesel 328d, and the hatchback 3 Series Gran Turismo, which will be making its American debut.
Cadillac: CTS
What it is: The car that saved Cadillac enters its third generation. The CTS has been taking the fight to BMW and Mercedes for nearly 10 years, and for the 2014 model year, it will get more firepower.
Cadillac will debut a new twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 in the 2014 CTS. It should be good for a segment-leading 420 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. We just hope Cadillac follows up with sexy coupe and wagon versions, as it did with the current model, and a high performance V model.
Chevrolet: Camaro
What it is: Everyone knows the Camaro, and that’s not about to change. Chevy is giving its Mustang-fighter a mild restyling for the 2014 model year. The changes to the bodywork and mechanicals should be minimal, and that’s alright with us.
Hyundai: Equus
What it is: Hyundai’s improbable luxury flagship gets a refresh. Its V8 engine and generic styling haven’t changed, but Hyundai will dial up the tech with a 9.2-inch center console display, TFT gauge cluster, and monitors mounted in the rear seat headrests.
Infiniti: QX60
What it is: Infiniti’s JX crossover gets a new name and a new hybrid powertrain. Infiniti promises a segment-leading 26 mpg for this seven-passenger school bus. We think someone randomly banged their ahead a keyboard to come up with the name.
Jaguar: XJR
What it is: The most powerful version of Jaguar’s flagship sedan yet. The XJR boasts the same 5.0-liter supercharged V8 as the XFR-S and XKR-S, producing 550 hp.
Jeep: Cherokee
What it is: An old name with a startlingly new design. The Cherokee will replace the Liberty in Jeep’s lineup, and will feature styling that is already creating controversy. It’s a shocking departure from the boxy SUVs that carried the Cherokee name in the 1980s and ‘90s, and only time will tell if that is a good thing.
Land Rover: Range Rover Sport
What it is: With an all-new Range Rover comes an all-new version of the smaller, feistier Sport model. Styling should be updated to match the rest of the Land Rover lineup, and there are rumors that the Range Rover Sport will feature new engines, possibly Jaguar’s 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and 5.0-liter supercharged V8.
Mercedes-Benz: CLA45 AMG
What it is: A performance version of Mercedes’ baby “four-door coupe” and Super Bowl ad star. It’s expected to pack the 2.0-liter turbocharged four from the A45 AMG and all-wheel drive. AMG will give the CLA performance to match its good looks.
Scion: tC
What it is: While the FR-S steals the headlines, Scion’s other coupe will get a midcycle refresh for the 2014 model year. It won’t differ too much from the current model (pictured).
Shelby: 1000 SC
What it is: A 1,200 hp Mustang. Shelby unveiled the 950 hp 1000 Mustang at last year’s New York Show, a few months before company founder Carroll Shelby passed on. This year, the 1000 is back with the 5.8-liter supercharged V8 from the 2013 Mustang GT500.
SRT: Viper TA
What it is: A hardcore version of the 640 hp SRT Viper. It ditches amenities like leather seats and audio to keep its curb weight low, while bigger brakes and a revised suspension should make this snake slither on the track. TA stand for “Time Attack,” after all.
Subaru: XV Crosstrek hybrid and performance concept
What they are: Subaru’s first production hybrid. We’re not sure if it will employ the diesel-electric hybrid system from the Viziv Geneva Motor Show concept, or use a more conventional system.
Subaru will also unveil a performance concept vehicle in New York. Subaru fans have been waiting for a new WRX based on the current Impreza, and rumors of a BRZ STI have also been circulating. We’d be excited to see either one.
Toyota: Highlander
What it is: Toyota’s midsize crossover (not to be confused with the truck-based 4Runner) will be all new for the 2014 model year. It will continue to be one of a handful of hybrid SUVs available.
Volvo: V60 plug-in hybrid
What it is: The world’s first production diesel plug-in hybrid, according to Volvo. The V60 is a wagon version of Volvo’s S60 sedan, and it’s been getting the plug-in treatment in Europe for the past year. A 31-mile electric driving range yields 130 mpg on the European cycle.
Volvo hasn’t said whether it will sell the V60 plug-in in the United States, but it will be announcing a new addition to its North American lineup in New York. Rumor has it that it could be a non-plug-in V60 wagon.
Digital Trends has staff on the scene for the New York Auto Show. Check back often for updates and follow our Twitter feed.
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