With the debilitating effects of the economic crisis firmly in the nation’s rearview mirror and new-car sales firing on all cylinders, the 2014 model year is serving up an engaging array of new and fully redesigned models, ranging from family sedans and plush luxury cars to hot sport coupes and utilitarian pickup trucks. We’re featuring 10 of the most noteworthy new models in the text below.
1. Chevrolet Corvette StingrayArguably the most significant new-car introduction for 2014 (at least from an enthusiast’s standpoint) brings a hallowed name back to an iconic American sports car. Coming in coupe and convertible versions, theCorvette Stingray is completely redesigned with an all-new chassis and mechanicals residing beneath seductively sleek bodywork. A technologically advanced 6.2-liter V8 engine channels an estimated 450 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque through the rear wheels that enables a launch from 0 to 60 mph in a sizzling 3.8 seconds.
Lighter in weight, though more structurally rigid than before, an ideal 50/50 front-to-rear weight ratio, reengineered steering and suspension systems and an array of sophisticated chassis-control hardware promise tenacious handling. A new Drive Mode Selector allows the driver to tune 12 separate performance attributes according to five different driving situations, including one for use on wet roads and another that enables the engine to run on only four cylinders to garner maximum fuel economy.
Addressing one of the past model’s nagging weaknesses, the Stingray’s two-seat interior features a new driver-focused dashboard and extensive use of high-quality materials.
2. Mercedes-Benz S-ClassIt’s become tough to define “luxury” in the new-car business when even mainstream models offer amenities like heated/ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. Mercedes solves the quandary with a decidedly outrageous approach in the elegantly redesigned version of its flagship S Class sedan. Featuring bold and elegant new styling, it comes powered in the S550 version by a 455-horsepower twin-turbo V8 or a 5.5-liter twin-turbo 577-horsepower V8 in the higher-performance S63 AMG 4MATIC model.
The 2014 S-Class redefines state-of-the-art with an extreme list of high-tech chassis control options including a low-speed autonomous driving mode, steering that automatically keeps the car centered between lane markers on the highway and the ability to anticipate road imperfections in its path and adjust the suspension accordingly to maintain a butter-smooth ride. Over-the-top-shelf options include rear seats that simulate a hot stone massage, heated armrests and an ionizing and perfuming feature for the climate control system.
3. Jaguar F-TypeComing wrapped in comely curvaceous styling, this new two-seat rear-drive convertible is positioned in size and price below Jaguar’s XK sports car line. It packs a lively 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine that generates either 340 or 380 horsepower, depending on the version. A 5.0-liter 495-horsepower supercharged V8 is also available and should be the ride of choice among well-heeled enthusiasts; it’s estimated to enable the F-Type to hit the 60 mph mark in just over four seconds. All engines come mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that includes a manual gear-select mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Its lightweight, yet-rigid aluminum structure, rear-drive configuration and sophisticated suspension promise sporty handling abilities in the British sports car tradition. A closed-roof coupe version will follow within a year.
4. Mercedes Benz CLA-ClassThe Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the German automaker’s first-ever front-drive compact luxury sedan. The vehicle borrows its so-called “four-door coupe” styling from the larger CLS-Class, and is likewise distinguished by a swoopy roofline. Mercedes says it will be among the most-aerodynamic car designs among production cars, with a coefficient of drag at just 0.23. A 208-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes with the base CLA250, while the high-performance CLA45 AMG variant packs a specially tweaked hand-built 355-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four.
The only available transmission will be a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual, with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive optional on the CLA250 and standard with the CLA45 AMG. Myriad available high-tech amenities include Mercedes’ Parktronic system with Advance Parking Assist that enables autonomous parking in both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.
5. Cadillac ELRThe midsize Cadillac ELR coupe is essentially a luxury-minded two-door version of the Chevrolet Volt extended range electric car. The ELR features distinctive styling that borrows cues from other Cadillac models, with a posh high-tech-looking interior and assorted amenities, though its electric powertrain and engineering largely carries over from the Volt. It’s powered by an electric motor and a plug-in chargeable battery pack, but once the battery runs low (it should run in full electric mode for about 35 miles on a charge), a small gasoline engine engages to run a generator that, in turn, powers the motor. Those with a modest commute may rarely have to visit a gas station. If the Volt is any indication, the ELR should be quick off the line and deliver reasonably sporty ride and handling attributes, though back seat space and cargo room look to be tight.
6. Infiniti Q50Infiniti begins reinventing its entire line of vehicles with the handsome new Q50 sedan, which takes over from the previous G37. More of a deep cosmetic makeover than a full redesign, the car’s 3.7-liter 328 horsepower V6 engine carries over and the line adds a fuel-saving 3.5-liter V6 hybrid version; all-wheel-drive is available with either powertrain.
New leading-edge options include an Active Lane Control system that automatically makes minor steering adjustments to help keep the Q50 centered between highway lane markers (along with active cruise control and automatic forward braking, this brings it a step closer to being a car that drives itself). A new i-Key system allows up to four motorists to customize a wide range of operating parameters, automatically recognizing the user and adjusting everything from seat, mirror, and climate control settings to radio presets and stored navigation destinations.
7. Chevrolet Silverado / GMC SierraFully redesigned for 2014, General Motors’ full-size pickup trucks come with myriad structural and engineering revisions to enhance their already decent ride and handling characteristics. We have to admit being disappointed with the Silverado and Sierra’s only modestly revised exterior designs that seem dated from day one.
The trucks’ trio of “EcoTec3” engines include a new 4.3-liter V6 with 285 horsepower, a revised 5.3-liter V8 with a beefier 355 horsepower and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horses for heavier-duty use; all incorporate direct fuel injection for improved performance and selective cylinder shutdown for better fuel economy. Both the Silverado and Sierra feature roomy and nicely styled interiors with newly added features including the optional MyLink infotainment system that allows users to place calls, operate the navigation system and control other functions via natural language voice-commands. The GMC comes in an opulent leather-clad Denali trim level that should bust the budget at over $50,000 fully loaded.
8. Toyota CorollaThe popular Toyota Corolla compact sedan gets its most radical reinvention in a decade for 2014 to help the car shed its stodgy image. Growing a bit in most dimensions, it’s more athletic looking overall, with aggressive styling elements at the front and rear ends of the vehicle. The new Corolla rides on a longer wheelbase, which helps contribute to additional interior room. A freshly cast interior features extensive use of higher-quality materials to help infuse the vehicle with a more upscale look and feel.
Though the current 132-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine will continue, a revised 1.8 four included with the new LE Eco variant features variable valve timing and a slightly quicker 140 horsepower, with a Toyota-estimated five percent increase in fuel economy. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with most versions offering a new gearless CVT automatic that includes both manual “shift” and selectable driving modes. Available amenities include push-button entry/start, heated front seats, a navigation system and Toyota’s Entune multimedia array with smartphone data connectivity.
9. BMW 4 SeriesFor 2014, the former BMW 3 Series coupes and convertibles get a major redesign and are reclassified as 4 Series models. Fresh exterior designs borrow front styling cues from the sedans, but they otherwise resemble smaller versions of BMW’s 6 Series models. There’s a choice of a 240 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the 428i, and a faster 300-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo-six in the 435i, ad both can be mated to either a standard eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission; BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system will be optional with the coupes. A near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution should deliver impressive handling abilities.
As with the 3 Series, three separate trim lines – Luxury, Sport and M Sport – are available, with the latter affording the sharpest handling. A long list of high-tech features includes an adaptive cruise control system that works in stop and go traffic, a forward collision warning system that can warn of a potential collision with a pedestrian, and the latest version of BMW’s iDrive multimedia control system with Bluetooth smartphone integration and a dictation function with full speech recognition.
10. Cadillac CTSA third-generation CTS sedan debuts for 2014 that’s longer, lower and lighter in weight than before, with more athletic-looking exterior styling that’s highlighted by an striking new front end treatment that announces its arrival with authority. Three separate engines are available, including a base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a just adequate 272 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 with a livelier 321-horsepower.
Meanwhile, a new Vsport version features Caddy’s first ever twin-turbo V6 that delivers an eager 420 horses, along with other performance-minded steering, braking and suspension upgrades. A more spacious drive-focused interior offers no less than eight available “environments” that come trimmed with assorted genuine wood, aluminum or carbon fiber trim. All-wheel-drive is optional for added traction on wet or snowy roads, along with Cadillac’s adjustable Magnetic Ride Control suspension that enhances the car’s cornering abilities while soaking up potholes and pavement imperfections.
A long list of features includes the CUE (for Cadillac User Experience) touchscreen-based operating system, a self-parking feature and a motorized cupholder lid in the center console. Cadillac’s Safety Alert Seat giving feedback to the driver from a full complement of crash avoidance systems via a vibrating seat cushion. Unfortunately, starting at $45,100 it’s priced more than $6,000 higher than the 2013 model.
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