Although recession lingers on in some precincts, all attentions are on the 2013 North American International Auto Show as car makers display their new car models featuring some impressive niceties, high-performance engines, and cutting edge technology. Car enthusiasts all over the world are gathered in Detroit gawking as new car models and concept cars shed their wraps.
The 2013 Detroit Auto Show runs from January 14 to 27. The show is one of 65 shows lined up for U.S. this year. With car sales reaching an all-time highest, industry watchers predicted that attendance at the 2013 NAIAS could be very high. Although the show only opened to the public today, January 19, attendance at media previews has been really impressive.
59 vehicle introductions are expected at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, some of them have already been unveiled at the press preview to wild applause. The Auto show is getting bigger than we expected; most of the vehicles unveiled so far have started generating some media attention.
Here are some of the new cars and concept vehicles that have been unveiled at the show:
FORD ATLAS CONCEPT: Despite several denials for the past few weeks, Ford finally unveiled a concept version of the F-150 pickup truck at the 2013 NAIAS. The company stole attention from its arch-rival, General Motors, when it unveiled the truck unannounced. When it is released, it will likely be the most important product in the U.S. auto industry because of its expected sales volume. The Ford Atlas features a chiseled design and an elaborate grille. It has shutters on its grille and the wheels close automatically, thus improving aerodynamics. Its buck weight and engine option suggest that Ford is emphasizing fuel economy. The truck will weigh less than the current model and it will be built with a more efficient engine. Ford has not disclosed the release date, but we expect it to hit the showrooms sometimes in 2014 as a 2015 model.
CHEVROLET CORVETTE: The Corvette almost vanished during the company’s bankruptcy but it is back, in style. The 2014 model unveiled at Detroit Auto Show is the first all-new version of car in nine years! The iconic sports car features a dramatic styling that picks up cues from the 1963 Sting Ray and newer Corvettes. It has a sleek new silhouette, a striking new front end and a split rear window. The roof and hood are made of carbon fiber. With a 450-hp 6.2-liter small-block V-8 engine, the car is capable of going from zero to 60 mph in less than four seconds. We expect the two-seater at showrooms in the fall with starting price of between $65,000 and $70,000.
2014 Audi RS7 Sportback: Audi’s new RS7 Sportback has made its debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. The 4-seater is capable of hitting 62mph (100km/h) in under 4 seconds and of reaching a top speed of 189 mph (304 km/h) with its fuel efficient twin turbocharged 4-litre V8 engine. A stop-start technology and thermal recapture technology were used to improve the fuel efficiency. The engine is paired with an automatic Tiptronic eight-speed gearbox system so that it rides smoothly, while an adaptive air suspension gives it a good balance. The car is expected to go on sale this summer at prices starting from $130,000 for the base model is expected to be available.
2014 KIA CADENZA: Korean car makers are on a purple. Some few days ago, we were treated to the unveiling of the 2014 Kia Candeza. With this new car model, Kia is aiming to fill in the gap between mainstream and luxury segment. It marks Kia’s entry into the full-sized sedan market. Cadenza rides on the same platform as the Hyundai Azera and comes with an impressive list of feature including Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Lane-Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD). The car will be powered by offered with Kia’s most powerful 293-hp 3.3L V-6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Kia Cadenza will be available in Kia retail showrooms later this year. Price details will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.
LINCOLN MKC CONCEPT: Ford has started strategizing for its entry into the luxury market by reviving its Lincoln brand. A new MKC compact crossover vehicle which we saw in Detroit borrows some styling cues from sport utility vehicles and some conventional passenger cars. The interior exudes luxury with its materials and new technology. The car comes with a push-button transmission, programmable ride control, personalized lighting and many other features. Estimated price is $35,000 to $40,000.
Mercedes CLA class: Mercedes-Benz revealed its E-Class line-up at the 2013 North American International Auto Show during the week but we are even more impressed with its CLA class, which was also unveiled. The CLA Class is Mercedes newest and smallest car made for the U.S. It is aimed at those buyers whose interest lies only in smaller and more efficient cars. The CLA Class took some styling details from the Mercedes’ Concept Style Coupe unveiled last year at the Beijing Auto Show. Its interior and front end similar to the brand’s European A Class hatch. The 15 feet long, 4-seater vehicle will be powered by a 211-hp turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a 330-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. A 2.1-liter diesel engine option can also be offered. The new CLA Class is expected in U.S. showrooms by mid-2013 as a 2014 model.
2014 Infiniti Q50: Infiniti teamed up with Cirque du Soleil to produce this new sports car model. It features heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, adaptive steering and active lane keeping and dual touch-screens. It is powered by a 328-hp 3.7-liter V6 or a 296-hp 3.5-liter hybrid powertrain. The two engines are paired with to a seven-speed transmission. Its estimated starting price is $42,000
Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept: This rear-drive sport sedan unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show rides on large lightweight alloys wheels. The interior is made of laminated and milled-wood accents, and it features a cabin-length center console. The car is powered by a 5-liter V8 engine with an 8-speed transmission and its estimated starting price is $50,000
Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept, 2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, 2014 Maserati Quattroporte Review, 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Toyota Corolla Furia Concept, 2014 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, 2014 Mini Paceman John Cooper Works, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Acura NSX concept and Shelby Focus ST are some of the other vehicles that have been unveiled.
The 2013 North American International Auto Show continues tomorrow as more vehicles prepare to shed their camouflages.
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