More than 81 U.S. car models will be new or refreshed in the year 2014, from big-selling mainstream cars like the Toyota – ‘Corolla’ to rarefied supercars like the $1.3 million Ferrari – ‘La Ferrari’. – DETROIT (AP)
There are some common threads among the new models. Automakers are all updating their interiors, replacing hard plastic with soft-touch arm rests and dashboards, and adding larger touchscreens, cooled seats and more ways for drivers to access their smart phones, etc.
Luxury car makers like Mercedes and Maserati are adding lower-priced models to their ranges, hoping to boost sales, while lower priced brands like KIA are moving upmarket.
Honda and Porsche have new hybrids, BMW is releasing its first electric car and Mazda will soon become the first Japanese automaker with a non-commercial diesel in the U.S. market. Electric car maker Tesla expects to introduce its Model X crossover by the end of this year.
Many automakers are also adding ‘stop-start’ technology, which automatically shuts the car down at stop traffic lights to save fuel. There’s also more use of aluminium and high-strength steel for weight reduction.
Start saving for a new car in year 2014…
Here are a brief review of the 2014 cars in alphabetical order according to automakers brand name:
1. Acura – MDX
- 2.8 inches longer underbody.
- 275 pounds lighter – high-strength steel & aluminum.
- Better fuel economy of 23 mpg (combined city and highway driving).
- 3.5 liter V6 engine (290hp) with 6 speed transmission.
- 2WD model is also available.
- New standard features: Key-less entry, jeweled LED headlights, sliding second-row seats and an 8 inch touchscreen dashboard display.
- New optional features: Adaptive cruise control (works at speeds as low as 20mph) and a lane-keeping system that nudges the wheel to keep the car in the center of its lane.
2. Acura – RLX
- 3.5 liter direct injection V6 engine (310hp).
- 24mpg (combined city & highway driving).
- Stretched for a roomier interior and also makes standard.
- AcuraLink (which connects to drivers’ phones for real-time traffic updates, text messaging and other features).
- Adaptive cruise control (works at speeds as low as 20 mph).
- A lane-keeping system that nudges the wheel to keep the car in the center of its lane if the driver is drifting.
3. Audi – R8
- High Performance Line.
- Updated standard LED headlights and round two outlet exhaust.
- V10 engine (550hp) with 7 speed transmission (new).
- 0-60 in 3.3 seconds.
4. Audi – RS7
- Track-tested performance variant added to the A7 model lineup.
- 4.0 liter twin turbo V8 engine (560hp).
- 0-60 in 3.7 seconds.
- Most powerful RS model yet.
5. Audi – SQ5
- First high performance S model.
- 3.0 liter supercharged V6 engine (354hp).
- 0-60 in 5.1 seconds.
6. Bentley – Flying Spur
- New interior with handcrafted leather & wood veneers.
- 6.0 liter twin turbo 12 cylinder engine (616hp) with 8 speed transmission.
- 0-60 in 4.3 seconds.
7. BMW – i3
- BMW’s first electric car.
- Expected to go 80 to 100 miles on a single charge.
- Has an optional, gas powered generator that can maintain the battery’s charge if the car is too far from a charging station.
- Drivers can opt for an optional wall-mounted charging station that can get the battery 80 percent charged in less than 3 hours. To reduce weight, body is made almost entirely from high strength carbon fiber material.
- Chunky build, wraparound windows and big, 19 inch wheels.
8. BMW – 3 Series (328d)
- 2.0 liter turbocharged diesel engine (180hp).
- Marking the return of midsize sedan diesel engine to the U.S. 3 Series lineup.
- When combined with BMW’s fuel-saving ‘Efficient Dynamics’ program (which includes automatic shutdown at stops, regenerative braking and optimal aerodynamics), the 328d will get an estimated 45mpg on the highway.
9. BMW – 4 Series
- Will replace the 3 Series coupe model.
10. BMW – 5 Series (535d)
- Gets a new diesel engine.
- 6.0 cylinder turbocharged diesel (255hp).
- Estimated fuel economy is not yet available.
