After months of speculation, spy shots and “leaked” 3-D images raising the anticipation level and the excitement of the fanboy in us, here it is folks, The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, and yes, the iconic Stingray name is back since it was last seen in the ‘Vette C3.
As promised, Chevrolet has taken off the wraps of what’s arguably one of the most highly anticipated cars in 2013 at the Detroit Motor Show. This is the day we at TopSpeed have been waiting for since all of this C7 talk started about a year ago.
Rather than calling it the “Corvette,” Chevy boldly calls it the “New Corvette.”Calling it “New” is absolutely correct, as everything on the car is brand new. From a new design to a new powertrain to a brand new interior, Chevrolet has revolutionized every nook and cranny of the `Vette. But it still has that modern Corvette philosophy that has been retained for the past six generations, maybe even made it better.
Click past the jump to enjoy our full review and check out whether we were impressed by the all new ‘Vette or if Chevy could’ve done better.
The new-generation Range Rover has been testing ever since 2011 and when the standard model arrived on the market, we knew the Sport version would be just one step behind. The standard Range Rover arrived last September at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, but Land Rover chose to swap continents for the Sport version, and introduce it at the 2013 New York Auto Show.
Just like the standard Range Rover, the Sport model will be all about the reduction of weight. For that, Land Rover has paid extra attention to the materials used to construct the vehicle. The most most important addition is an all-new, first-in-class aluminum architecture that helps save an amazing 420 kg (925 pounds).
The new Range Rover Sport will be put on sale in the third quarter of 2013. Customers will have the possibility to choose between four equipment levels: S, SE, HSE and Autobiography.
Update 04/24/2013: Land Rover has unveiled today a new promo video for the new Range Rover Sport — the most dynamic, agile and responsive Land Rover ever. Enjoy!
Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
The Hyundai Mistra Concept made its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show. Hyundai plans to position the mid-sized sedan between the Sonata and Elantra in its lineup.
With the Chinese market suddenly booming, the Korean manufacturer is grasping at all it can to increase its share in China, hence this being a China only model. The Chinese market hosts 1.3 billion people and its middle class is growing, making the market an important one for car manufactures.
Thanks to China’s anti-Japanese-car sentiment, companies based in other countries – Korea included – have had a lot of success in the region. Hyundai is hoping to cash in on this with the Mistra.
So, is this new concept model one that can help Hyundai reel in the up-and-coming Chinese middle-class, or is this simply another concept that will fall by the wayside?
Hit the jump to read more details about the Hyundai Mistra Concept and find out.
Earlier this year, it was rumored that Lamborghini would unveil a special Aventador LP720-4 at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show as a celebration to its 50th anniversary. But the show only brought that strange-looking Veneno three-off supercar.
It looks like Lamborghini decided to keep this special edition for the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show - a date that gets closer to its May 7th anniversary. Lambo has named the new special edition the Aventador LP720-4 50° Anniversario and its name pretty much says it all. In Lamborghini speak, that name translates that it celebrates the company’s 50th anniversary and its output has been increased by an extra 20 horsepower.
The model has received a special Giallo Maggio (May yellow) exterior paint - as a tribute to the most preferred color chosen by Lamborghini costumers since May 1963.
The new Aventador LP720-4 50° Anniversario will be limited to only 100 units.
Updated 04/23/2013: Lamborghini has dropped the first promo video for the new LP720-4 50° Anniversario special edition built to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. Also released is Lamborghini CEO, Stephen Winkelmann, describing the Aventador LP720-4 50° Anniversario. Enjoy!
Hit the jump to read more about the Lamborghini Aventador LP720-4 50° Anniversario.
When little-known supercar builder, Vencer, started teasing its latest creation, we knew there was something special going on at the Dutch automaker’s offices. The Sarthe remained a well-kept secret from its initial teaser image all the way through its debut in Top Marques Monaco, so much so that to date, Vencer hasn’t even released images of it .
Well, we managed to scour around the Interwebz and dig up some images from Top Marques Monaco’s Facebook page. We’re not too sure exactly what to think of what we saw at Top Marques, as the Sarthe is your typical supercar with no real surprises. This could be engineering genius or maybe a complete flop – that decision is ultimately up to those of you with the funds in the bank to buy one.
We already knew what kind of pop the Sarthe would have, as Vencer reveled all of that information pretty early on in the teasing process.
Click past the jump to see all of the images of the Vencer Sarthe.
UPDATE 4/23/2013: The Sarthe officially debuted at the 2013 Top Marques Monaco over the weekend. Some images of the production model made their way onto Facebook, and many of the official details have been revealed. See more after the jump
Ford is looking to re-launch the classic Escort nameplate for the Chinese market. The new Ford Escort Concept debuted at the Shanghai Motor Show and will be a compact four door sedan in its reincarnation.
The Escort name brings back memories of the 60’s and 70’s cars that were popular rally racing cars or the popular selling cars from the 80’s and 90’s. The nameplate is still very big in China where older cars command a premium.
The concept has styling much like that of other recent Fords, such as the Focus and Fusion. The front features a large angular grille that sets the styling tone for the vehicle. It also features bold lines that flow smoothly from front to back.
The car looks to help Ford gather more sales in the emerging Chinese market, as the American automaker is tries to gain foothold in the Asian market. The hope is that the Escort will give them a leg up.
Hit the jump to read more details about the Ford Escort Concept.
Buick unveiled the first Riviera Concept at the 2007 Auto Shanghai. Now, six years later, the company is using the same show to unveil a second version of the concept that, according to the company, "offers a preview of Buick’s future design language."
While it’s pretty obvious the concept’s exterior design won’t make it to production in its entirety, the second version of the Riviera Concept features a low, sporty and futuristic look. The concept offers an updated version of Buick’s waterfall grille and wing-shaped daytime running lights - both elements are said to be used in future Buick models.
The concept unveiled in Shanghai is coated in an ice celadon finish that is inspired by jade and features unique gull-wing doors.
The most important part of the concept is that is powered by an all-new, dual-mode W-PHEV (wireless plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) propulsion system that allows the vehicle to be charged wirelessly via a sensory recharge panel on the car’s chassis.
Updated 04/22/2013: Buick has unveiled a new set of images for the second Riviera concept, which made its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show. Check the picture gallery to see all the images.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Buick Riviera Concept.
This year’s Shanghai Auto Show comes with great news, and not only for the Chinese market. In an interview with AutoCar, Audi technical chief, Wolfgang Durheimer, said that he is pushing to expand Audi’s SUV lineup with a new model placed above the current Q7 and a Q2.
The SUV placed above the current Q7 would likely be named Q8 and will "combine a Range Rover Sport-style sporting look with a very luxurious interior." Durheimer said that Audi has been inspired by Bentley’s decision to offer a SUV and he is also "encouraging" Lamborghini to progress with its SUV – remember, Lambo is under Audi’s control.
If built, the three SUVs - Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini - will most likely be developed in the same time, because, according to Durheimer VW encourages internal competition, as long as the models don’t overlap one another.
Until we will see the Q8 on the market, another SUV has priority: the Q2. It was previewed by the Crosslane Coupe Concept and Durheimer calls is a “top priority” within Audi. Rumor has it that the Q2 could arrive sometime in 2014.
Click past the jump to read about the Crosslane Coupe Concept
Everyone was expecting to see a revised version for the Panamera luxury sedan, but Porsche decided to call it "the second generation." The model will make its world debut at the 2013 Auto China in Shanghai and will be put on sale later in July.
The second-generation Panamera adds a new S E-Hybrid model to the lineup, plus two new luxurious Executive versions. Also, 4 and 4S models get an all-new engine to help increase efficiency while not killing its performance.
Updates made to the exterior are inspired by the new-generation Porsche 911. Up front, we will see more prominent lines, larger air intakes and redesigned headlights. For the rear, the model will add a wider spoiler and redesigned rear lights.
Update 04/02/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.
Update 04/22/2013: Porsche has unveiled a new promo video for the new generation Panamera luxury sedan. Enjoy!
Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Porsche Panamera.
It is not a secret anymore that the Chinese market is clamoring for longer versions of the models sold in markets like the U.S. or Europe. So, it should be no surprise to anyone that Mercedes has unveiled a long-wheelbase version of the new E-Class at Auto China 2013 in Shanghai.
The model measures 5,019 mm (197.59 inches) in length so it offers an extra 140 mm (5.51 inches) legroom in the rear. Also, as a first for the model, the new E-Class Long offers two different front ends. The standard version features the classic, three-dimensional saloon radiator grille in three-louver look, while the Sport Sedan version comes with the sporty front end featuring a centrally positioned star.
Chinese customers can choose between two variants — luxurious Sedan and the Sport Sedan — and three trim levels — E 260 L, E 300 L and E 400 L.
Hit the jump to read more about the new Mercedes E-Class Long.
