Pages

Friday 18 January 2013

10 BEST CARS OF THE 2013 DETROIT AUTO SHOW


New Picture 60
The annual Detroit Auto Show showcases the latest in the auto world and continues to serve as a barometer for the entire industry.

10 Best of the 2013 Detroit Auto Show
By Mike Austin,
Popular Mechanics, 17 January 2013.

The new Corvette, Cadillac's version of the Chevy Volt, and a preview of the next Ford-F150 find their places in our top 10 of Detroit 2013.

1. 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

New Picture 61

Tracing back six previous generations since 1953, expectations were high for this automotive icon, and Chevy delivered. As if a 450-hp engine and seven-speed manual weren't enough, the new 'Vette also comes full of gee-whiz tech, including a carbon-fibre roof and hood and electronically controlled limited-slip differential. We love the way it looks, and the new interior is nice enough to make a Porsche owner blush. It was easily the biggest car of this year's show. [More information] [2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray website]

2. Lincoln MKC Concept

New Picture 62

A preview of the upcoming MKC small sport utility, this concept is the best execution of Lincoln's current design language, with the split-wing motif repeated in the grille, taillights, and dashboard. It shares a platform with the Ford Escape, though you'd never guess that by looking. If the production car looks this sleek and the interior is anywhere near as luxurious as the show car, Lincoln could have a hit on its hands. [More information from Lincoln]

3. 2014 Cadillac ELR

New Picture 63

It's not just the concept-car styling, although the ELR looks better than the Converj concept that provided the inspiration for the exterior. Cadillac's first electric plug-in hybrid also has the most beautiful interior we've ever seen from the automaker, full of rich leather and genuine materials. Underneath, the Chevrolet Volt running gear has been tweaked to crank out 207 hp, and the suspension is heavily revised for a sportier driving experience. [More information from Cadillac]

4. Ford Atlas Concept

New Picture 64

You can expect the next F150 to look a lot like the extra-rugged Atlas concept. What has us most excited, though, is that we'll see some of the concept's nifty features on a real truck soon. Active grille shutters, a drop-down lower air deflector, and active wheel shutters help improve fuel efficiency, while LED flood lamps on the side mirrors and in the bed help light up a job site through the night. The tailgate step now doubles as a cradle for long cargo, and it even has a trailer backup assistant. We can't wait until these ideas become a showroom reality. [More information from Ford]

5. Nissan Resonance Concept

New Picture 65

The Resonance sets the general styling theme for the next-generation Murano. And while it's purely a concept car, we wish the translucent 3D-style instruments and centre info display were production-ready. Nissan says the styling was inspired by a spaceship. We're ready for it to land in our garage. [More information from Nissan]

6. Lexus IS

New Picture 66

The old Lexus IS dates back to the 2006 model year, an eternity in the automotive world. The new car is a huge leap forward, sporting the latest Lexus trapezoidal front end. Both IS250 and IS350 variants will be available in F Sport trim, which adds aggressive styling tweaks and performance-oriented tuning. It's only a matter of time until a new IS F arrives to take on the upcoming BMW M4. [More information from Lexus]

7. Toyota Furia Concept

New Picture 67

Toyota's a little sensitive about its reputation for boring cars, and the Furia concept is the latest effort to project a more exciting image. Remember this look, because the next-generation Corolla should look very similar. Okay, Toyota, you've got our attention. [More information from Toyota]

8. BMW 4 Series Concept Coupe

New Picture 68

Split off from the 3 Series, this thinly disguised production car adds stunning looks to everything we already love about the sedan and its counterpart wagon. This debut means that an M4 variant (aka the M3 replacement) is one step closer. [More information from BMW]

9. Acura NSX Concept

New Picture 69

It's easy to say that the NSX is the most anticipated car of 2015. At this year's show Acura whetted our appetite a little more with an evolution in the styling of the mid-engined, hybrid all-wheel-drive supercar. And for the first time, we've seen one possible interpretation of the interior. The real thing can't come fast enough. [More information from Acura]

10. 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

New Picture 70

Updated interior and exterior styling keep the E-Class fresh, and a laundry list of safety and technology features (including self-parking) make it one of the most sophisticated luxury cars on the market. That's nice, but the real reason this car is on the list is the E63 AMG S-Model 4Matic. With 577 hp and all-wheel drive, the super E is nearly as quick as the gullwing SLS. [More information from Mercedes-Benz]


[Source: Popular Mechanics. Edited. Links added.]




No comments:

Post a Comment

Please adhere to proper blog etiquette when posting your comments. This blog owner will exercise his absolution discretion in allowing or rejecting any comments that are deemed seditious, defamatory, libelous, racist, vulgar, insulting, and other remarks that exhibit similar characteristics. If you insist on using anonymous comments, please write your name or other IDs at the end of your message.