2013 Detroit Auto Show: The Top Five Cars You Don't Want To Miss
2013's auto show circuit kicked off at home this weekend at Detroit's North American International Auto Show, arguably the most important auto show venue in North America.
The first full day of the show began today, January 14, for the press, January 19 for the public, and will be open until January 27. This year, the show will be responsible for the North American or global debut of no less than 33 new vehicles.
Of the lot, we're breaking it down to just five of the key new models that you don't want to miss.
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If you haven't been living under a rock for the past six months, then you should have a pretty good idea which vehicle is #1 on the list (Hint: the next-generation iconic American sports car with a pushrod V8).
Without further ado, click on 'Start' to let the slideshow begin!
Photo:NAIAS logo North American International Auto Show
North American International Auto Show
More than 33 cars will debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Cut through the filler and check out the top 5 new cars for 2013!
Photo:infiniti Infiniti Q50
5.) Infiniti Q50
Images of the upcoming Infiniti Q50 have leaked via the MyG37 forums yesterday. An all-new naming scheme is in effect across the premium Japanese brand’s lineup and the new Q50 is actually the replacement of Infiniti's major volume seller G-sedan.
Specs on the new sedan are limited but it’s safe to say that Q50 does not translate into a 5.0 liter powerplant as the nomenclature suggests. Instead, the Q50 will likely carry on with the tried and true Nissan VQ V6 engine.
The Infiniti sedan features a new Infiniti 'Essence' concept-inspired design expression and will continue to compete against the likes of the BMW 3-Series.
Photo:Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4Matic
4.) Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4Matic
The hand built 5.5 liter twin-turbocharged AMG engines are so powerful that to call an E63 AMG a "German sports sedan" just doesn't feel adequate. In fact, the delivery of 550-hp and 531 lb.-ft. of torque is so brutally violent that the AMG cars from Mercedes-Benz are better off described as "hot rods" instead.
Now, Mercedes-Benz is introducing a new E63 AMG for 2014 that features a 4Matic AWD drivetrain that is intended to tame the monstrous power by sending torque to all four wheels. That said, some AMG enthusiasts appreciate the German brutes purely for its violent display of power. Thankfully, Mercedes-Benz says that the 4matic will still offer some vicious tail-sliding action with its rear biased setup in a safer and more confidence-inspiring package.
Photo:GM Cadillac Converj Concept
3.) Cadillac ELR
The Cadillac ELR coupe, featuring evocative designs heavily influenced by the Cadillac Converj Concept, will be powered with GM's highly acclaimed Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car platform.
A small displacement Ecotec engine will act as a generator to send power to the T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located across the floor of the vehicle. The pack sends energy to the electric motor that powers the front wheels.
A promising entry into the world of premium luxury EV, the Cadillac ELR is estimated to hold a price tag somewhere in the mid-$50k range.
Photo:Ford Motor Company 2.) Shelby Focus ST
2.) Shelby Focus ST [UPDATE]
Formerly titled Shelby Ecoboost, the Shelby Focus ST might have earned #2 on the list but it's arguably a tie for #1 in my heart.
The Shelby name has long been associated with only the most muscular of muscle cars so it's refreshing to see the all-American brand work its magic on what is perhaps Ford's most European model, the Ford Focus ST hot hatch.
Surprisingly, the Shelby Focus ST doesn't actually possess anymore power than the standard ST as earlier rumors suggested that Shelby might tune a turbocharged EcoBoost engine. That said, the Focus ST does introduce higher levels of performance in a rather Lexus F Sport-like fashion -- Shelby fits in Ford Racing suspension components, bigger brakes with cross-drilled rotors, and a Borla exhaust system with larger pipes for drama.
According to Shelby, the uber-hot hatch will carry a substantial $14,995 premium over the standard 2013 Focus ST's $23,700 msrp. Shelby Focus ST production will only be limited to just 500 units. Is it worth it? For 500 of us out there, the answer is a resounding yes!
Photo:GM 2014 Corvette C7
1.) 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 'C7'
The 2014 Corvette Stingray ‘C7’ is undoubtedly the darling of the Detroit show this year. Based on reactions among critics and press, the new design is very divisively split between those that love it and hate it. Either way, GM should be extremely pleased with the attention the new Corvette is receiving.
The Corvette is fitted with an all-new 6.2 liter small-block ‘LT1’ V8 engine. According to GM, 99.9 percent of the LT1 engine is new, replaced with new and lighter materials that provide more immediate response and even better fuel efficiency. Power is rated at an estimated 450-hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque.
GM CEO and chairman Dan Akerson said: "It’s going to be one of the most beautiful cars ever made. It’s a real statement about the new GM, today’s GM, and it’s a statement about Chevrolet and our prospects.”
