The massive 2014 New York International Auto Show has hundreds of cars on display and dozens of all-new models and concept cars vying for attention. While much focus this week has gone to the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang, as well as numerous other automaker milestones, we think there are five significant introductions that you need to know about.
A super light two-seater, mid-engine sports car, the 4C will mark Alfa’s return to the States when it goes on sale this summer at Maserati dealerships. This striking car is powered by a 1.7-liter turbo four that cranks out 237 horsepower and uses a dual-clutch six-speed automated manual that can be shifted manually. With its light 2,600-lb. curb weight, low center of gravity, and a race-car-like weight distribution, the 4C promises to be an enthusiast-focused car.
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Looking for a bigger slice of the competitive midsized sedan segment, Hyundai has given the Sonata a more mainstream appearance. That conservative sheetmetal wraps a model that aims to be more refined, with a 40-percent stiffer chassis, redesigned suspension, and increased emphasis on noise reduction. The new Sonata has a longer roster of available equipment, including a full suite of active safety systems, and luxury amenities like cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and hands-free trunk release.
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With aggressive new styling reminiscent of the recently redesigned Rogue, Nissan’s midsize SUV gets a new, airier interior with larger windows, a lower dashboard, and an optional full-length panoramic sunroof. An available eight-inch color display houses the NissanConnect infotainment system, with access to mobile apps, navigation, entertainment, and more. Nissan’s punchy and refined 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine soldiers on under the hood, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. New electronic safety features, include moving object detection and blind-spot and cross-traffic warnings, along with forward-collision warning with emergency braking.
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Joining the emerging subcompact SUV segment, started by the Nissan Juke, and soon to include the Chevrolet Trax and Honda H-RV, Jeep has tapped its global resources to develop the Renegade. Built in Italy and spun off the Fiat 500L platform, the Renegade is a tall, relatively roomy small vehicle with abundant brand styling cues and youthful attitude. It offers two familiar engines: a 160-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or 184-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder. As with the larger Cherokee, the Renegade will be offered in a TrailHawk configuration, equipped for Jeep-worthy off-roading. Likewise, it will also offer a broad range of active safety features.
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The sixth-generation Outback doesn’t stray from its successful formula, but it brings more civility to this popular SUV alternative. The exterior demonstrates better proportions than the outgoing model, with a sharp side crease and upscale light treatments. Power again comes from a flat four- and flat six-cylinder engines, with fuel economy promised to make significant gains with the 3.6R, thanks in part to a continuously variable transmission. The interior benefits from more rear leg room and a modern infotainment system, with Internet radio streaming, smart phone integration, and 7-inch screen.
For more information on these, and more than two dozen other new models, check out our complete New York auto show coverage.
—Jeff Bartlett
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