2014 New York auto show wrap-up
Fri, 18 Apr 2014
The 2014 New York auto show is all wrapped up -- at least for the press. We saw some big debuts from Dodge, Subaru, Mercedes and others. Ford and Mazda celebrated big anniversaries with two of their legendary names, and SRT threw out one more Viper to see if it finally sticks. Follow along as we break down every reveal from the show in the Big Apple, and make your cheat sheet as you head to the Javitz center for public days.
Subaru Outback
Subaru revealed the redesigned 2015 Outback crossover. It gets a new grille, more technology and more interior space thanks to slightly enlarged dimensions. Power now goes through continuously variable transmissions to all four wheels, and fuel economy is up in both engine configurations.
Alfa Romeo 4C
The Alfa Romeo 4C made another stateside debut. The small branch of the Fiat family has been threatening a return for some time now, but this time it says it means it. The first 500 models will be called Launch Edition 4C, and will come in at about $70,000. Regular cars will start at about $54,000.
BMW M4 Convertible
The folding-hardtop BMW M4 Convertible took its place on the stand. We already knew most of the specs: 425 hp, 406 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 in 3.9 seconds with the dual clutch. Thankfully a six-speed manual will continue to be offered. The Roundel also showed its new X4 crossover, which is just a smaller version of the frumpy X6.
Acura TLX
Acura revealed the TLX sedan in production form. We first saw a prototype in Detroit, and later learned the details in March. It'll get either a four- or six-cylinder engine, with either an eight- or nine-speed transmission. It will go on sale later this year.
Dodge Charger and Challenger
Dodge used New York to pull out the redesigned 2015 Charger sedan. The new version gets redesigned headlights and grille, a new wheel package and a more rounded rear but with the same giant brake light. The 300-hp four door returns 31 mpg on the highway with help from an eight-speed transmission.
The new Challenger will get an upgraded Hemi V8 making 485 hp and 475 lb-ft with the Scat Pack option, though styling is basically unchanged. Transmission options include an eight-speed auto or a six-speed manual.
Finally from the Pentastar-Fiat umbrella, there was the SRT Viper Anodized Carbon Special Edition. Only 50 examples will be made, only 10 of which get the Time Attack Group package.
Maserati GranTurismo MC Centennial Edition
The GranTurismo MC Centennial Edition celebrates the company's 100th anniversary, and will be offered in both coupe and convertible form. The 4.7-liter gets 10 more hp for a total of 454, top speed is pegged at 185 mph. It will only come in two colors, magma red and Inchiostro blue.
Infiniti Q70 and QX80
Nissan's luxury arm displayed its Q70 sedan and QX80 SUV in New York. The Q70 will get a long-wheelbase version, adding nearly 6 inches over the previous generation. The 330-hp V6 and 420-hp V8 continue. The QX80 gets a few design tweaks, but stays similar to last year's model.
Toyota Camry
Toyota dropped its new, dare we say it, good-looking Camry at the show, perhaps in response to Hyundai's redesign of the Sonata. All of the body panels were replaced except for the roof. And overall, it's almost 2 inches longer and has a half-inch wider track. An I4, V6 and hybrid powertrain will be offered.
Hyundai Sonata
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata showed off its new look. Many of the curves of the previous model are gone, especially in the front and back. U.S. sales should begin early this summer.
The VW Phaeton will return to dealerships in the United States, after leaving in 2006. VW boss Michael Horn said we'll see the German bruiser, probably in W12 guise, in 2018 or 2019.
Mazda MX-5
We really, really hoped to see an all new Miata MX-5 in New York. It fit the cars 25th anniversary, and we heard the rumors, man. Sadly, all we saw was a naked piece of chassis, which we suppose looked promising. The company also teased us with a ton of classic Miata roadsters, which kept us from burning the whole place down in disgust.
Chevy Corvette Z06, Trax and Cruze
One of the biggest reveals, or at least the fastest, was the Z06 convertible. It promises 625 hp, all of the go-fast bits of the hardtop, and the entire universe for headroom. A seven-speed manual will be standard; a new eight-speed automatic is optional. We also saw the Trax, a small sport 'ute for the eco-conscious. And the 2015 Cruze got a facelift.
Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover brought back the Discovery name at the USS Enterprise Air and Space Museum in the form of the Discover Vision concept. The Discover Sport will arrive in 2016 taking the place of the LR models. The concept had a ton of future tech including hand gestures, voice control and reconfigurable seats.
Ford Mustang 50th anniversary
Ford drew the curtains on its 50th anniversary Mustang. The limited edition model will only be repeated 1,964 times, to celebrate the year it was born. It'll get the fantastic Coyote motor, making 420 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.
BMW X5 eDrive
We didn't just watch the reveal of the eDrive, we got a quick chance to drive it. Most of the time we let the X5 decide how much gas and electricity to use, but like other BMWs, it has the Driving Experience Control switch that moves from comfort and eco to sport when necessary. BMW says its range on batteries alone is about 20 miles.
Mercedes AMG GT
Mercedes showed off its new 911 fighter on the night before the show. Well, at least the interior and the silhouette. The new AMG GT looks like a shorter version of the SLS, but without the gullwing doors. One PR flack told us that the GT will “out F-Type the F-Type.”
Audi RS7 Dynamic Edition and A3 Sportback
Audi broke out another RS7, and this time it's more “dynamic!” It gets a carbon fiber package, 21-inch gloss black wheels and painted calipers. The interior is upgraded too, but output stays at 560 hp. We also got our first look at the A3 Sportback, which hits all the right buttons on our wagon receptors in the brain.
As for the rest, the Mini Cooper Countryman got a freshening, pricing on the VW GTI was announced, two Aston Martin models debuted and we got a good look at the 2015 Nissan Murano.
About the New York auto show
The 2014 New York auto show runs April 16-27 and is expected to attract a range of production and concept cars including the 2015 Mustang convertible, BMW M4 convertible and next Hyundai Sonata. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage at autoweek.com/new-york-auto-show.
By Jake Lingeman