As always, the New York motor show played host to some spectacular debuts in 2013
The New York motor show delivered the sort of buzz befitting of the city that never sleeps. Here are our favourite show cars.
*1. Range Rover Sport *
What else could it be? Delivered by James Bond on the eve of the show, the car’s incongruous reputation for being a dynamic SUV that is bought by chiefly city-dwelling urbanites meant it was in its element in the Big Apple. But take time to read the full technical story, ride story and interview with designer Gerry McGovern and you’ll soon understand there’s far more to the Range Rover Sport than the show gloss.
*2. Jaguar XKR-S GT *
A touch controversial this choice, because a limited run, £130k-plus XK is sure to divide opinion. In itself, though, it was a creation of pure aggression. The design team admitted that aerodynamic rather than aesthetic requirements took priority, but the raw end product more than delivered on both fronts. It will also be used as a test bed for future Jaguar tech, which will feed in to more products down the food chain.
*3. Jaguar XJR *
When your stable-mate is shutting down streets in Manhattan and wheeling out the Hollywood A-list, it’s no mean feat to cause a few ripples yourself. Jaguar managed a double whammy of success by unveiling the mind-blowingly quick XJR. You’d be brave to buy one over a Maserati Quattroporte – but looking at the on-paper figures we reckon you’d have an awful lot of fun doing it.
*4. Mercedes CLA45 AMG*
Another day, another show, this is the car that could have stolen all the headlines. Instead, despite its brooding presence, drop-dead good looks and immense powertrain, its arrival was slightly overshadowed. Perhaps it was the muted response to recent first drives of the standard car, or perhaps it was the fact Mercedes unveiled an electric B-class at the same time. Chalk and cheese don’t mix.
*5. Kia Soul *
If you don’t understand the hullabaloo surrounding the launch of the new Kia Soul, then you need to get to America, where it’s the coolest car that the kids want mum and dad to own. And, looking at the sales figures, mum and dad are often taking the path of least resistance. Has the styling evolved enough to make an impact in Europe? Probably not, but it won’t stop them trying.
*6. Jeep Cherokee*
With a bit of luck, the front end looks will grow on us, because this Jeep Cherokee has the makings of a fun addition to the SUV maker’s family. Jeep claims great on and off-road performance, frugal engines and a nine-speed gearbox, plus a host of new in-car tech. Stop for a moment and think of Land Rover's current success, based on its authentic off-road heritage, and then wonder what might happen if Jeep can gather some momentum.
*7. Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 *
The whooping and hollering had to be heard to be believed when the covers came off the fastest production Camaro yet made – here was a homegrown hero that could set the crowds abuzz without the need for a film star to be in tow. Powered by the Corvette ZO6’s 7.0-litre V8 and subjected to a weight-saving, aerodynamic and handling programme, it certainly lives up to its billing.
*8. BMW Concept Active Tourer*
It wasn’t new, having been on the motor show circuit for several months now, but its appearance in the USA was significant, because it highlights the hopes and aspirations that BMW has for the front-drive Mercedes B-class rival when it goes on sale in the next 12 months. With cars like this, the image of America being transported in large pick-up trucks is diminishing by the day.
*9. Cadillac CTS *
The proof, as ever, will be in the pudding, but Cadillac is making some lofty – and really rather feisty – claims about its Europe-bound BMW 5-series rival. Whether it can live up to them remains to be seen, especially as we’ve heard it all before and been disappointed, but there’s no doubting the car’s striking design and impressive performance claims. Full marks to them for trying.
*10. Subaru WRX *
It could have made minor shockwaves in New York, but the unfathomable decision to keep the new Subaru WRX concept under covers until the second day of the show rather took the wind from its sails. Few car manufacturers engender the goodwill that is shown to Subaru, and few models can stoke up that passion like a new WRX. Let’s hope they can make a business case for it back in the UK. Reported by Autocar 9 hours ago.
The New York motor show delivered the sort of buzz befitting of the city that never sleeps. Here are our favourite show cars.
*1. Range Rover Sport *
What else could it be? Delivered by James Bond on the eve of the show, the car’s incongruous reputation for being a dynamic SUV that is bought by chiefly city-dwelling urbanites meant it was in its element in the Big Apple. But take time to read the full technical story, ride story and interview with designer Gerry McGovern and you’ll soon understand there’s far more to the Range Rover Sport than the show gloss.
*2. Jaguar XKR-S GT *
A touch controversial this choice, because a limited run, £130k-plus XK is sure to divide opinion. In itself, though, it was a creation of pure aggression. The design team admitted that aerodynamic rather than aesthetic requirements took priority, but the raw end product more than delivered on both fronts. It will also be used as a test bed for future Jaguar tech, which will feed in to more products down the food chain.
*3. Jaguar XJR *
When your stable-mate is shutting down streets in Manhattan and wheeling out the Hollywood A-list, it’s no mean feat to cause a few ripples yourself. Jaguar managed a double whammy of success by unveiling the mind-blowingly quick XJR. You’d be brave to buy one over a Maserati Quattroporte – but looking at the on-paper figures we reckon you’d have an awful lot of fun doing it.
*4. Mercedes CLA45 AMG*
Another day, another show, this is the car that could have stolen all the headlines. Instead, despite its brooding presence, drop-dead good looks and immense powertrain, its arrival was slightly overshadowed. Perhaps it was the muted response to recent first drives of the standard car, or perhaps it was the fact Mercedes unveiled an electric B-class at the same time. Chalk and cheese don’t mix.
*5. Kia Soul *
If you don’t understand the hullabaloo surrounding the launch of the new Kia Soul, then you need to get to America, where it’s the coolest car that the kids want mum and dad to own. And, looking at the sales figures, mum and dad are often taking the path of least resistance. Has the styling evolved enough to make an impact in Europe? Probably not, but it won’t stop them trying.
*6. Jeep Cherokee*
With a bit of luck, the front end looks will grow on us, because this Jeep Cherokee has the makings of a fun addition to the SUV maker’s family. Jeep claims great on and off-road performance, frugal engines and a nine-speed gearbox, plus a host of new in-car tech. Stop for a moment and think of Land Rover's current success, based on its authentic off-road heritage, and then wonder what might happen if Jeep can gather some momentum.
*7. Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 *
The whooping and hollering had to be heard to be believed when the covers came off the fastest production Camaro yet made – here was a homegrown hero that could set the crowds abuzz without the need for a film star to be in tow. Powered by the Corvette ZO6’s 7.0-litre V8 and subjected to a weight-saving, aerodynamic and handling programme, it certainly lives up to its billing.
*8. BMW Concept Active Tourer*
It wasn’t new, having been on the motor show circuit for several months now, but its appearance in the USA was significant, because it highlights the hopes and aspirations that BMW has for the front-drive Mercedes B-class rival when it goes on sale in the next 12 months. With cars like this, the image of America being transported in large pick-up trucks is diminishing by the day.
*9. Cadillac CTS *
The proof, as ever, will be in the pudding, but Cadillac is making some lofty – and really rather feisty – claims about its Europe-bound BMW 5-series rival. Whether it can live up to them remains to be seen, especially as we’ve heard it all before and been disappointed, but there’s no doubting the car’s striking design and impressive performance claims. Full marks to them for trying.
*10. Subaru WRX *
It could have made minor shockwaves in New York, but the unfathomable decision to keep the new Subaru WRX concept under covers until the second day of the show rather took the wind from its sails. Few car manufacturers engender the goodwill that is shown to Subaru, and few models can stoke up that passion like a new WRX. Let’s hope they can make a business case for it back in the UK. Reported by Autocar 9 hours ago.