Hyundai unveiled the Genesis sedan back in 2008 with hopes of attacking the market being dominated by models like the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class. It did okay for a while, but then both German models saw facelifts and the competition got fiercer. Hyundai shot back with a facelifted version for the 2012 model year, but now Hyundai is working even harder for the second generation Genesis, which will be unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The show is set to kick off for the press on January 13th and the public on January 18th.
Hyundai may have only waited two years after the facelifted model to bring out the new generation, but the company has always had the shortest product cycle, so it shouldn’t be all that surprising. This allows Hyundai to keep its models fresh and with BMW and Mercedes in the loop of competition.
As far as the 2015 Genesis goes, Hyundai hasn’t offered any details on what changes the company will apply, but expect a new design language. It won’t be completely new, but will feature major changes on the front grille - expect a grille similar to the one found in the new Genesis Coupe, new headlamps, a new bonnet and new bumpers. The interior will also receive a series of new technologies.
In terms of power, the next generation Hyundai Genesis will feature the same, albeit updated, engines with improved power outputs and fuel economy.
UPDATE 4/30/2013: Per Edmunds, Hyundai has announced that it will unveil the 2015 Genesis at the 2014 North American Auto Show in Detroit. Additionally, the model will have optional all-wheel drive for the first time ever.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Genesis
After teasing it for quite some time now, Lexus has finally unveiled the third generation IS sedan at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. The new model will be put on sale in mid-2013 in both rear- and all-wheel-drive versions, and in 250 and 350 trim levels. There will also be an F-Sport variant, and Europe and Japan will get an IS 300h version featuring the new Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine combined with a high-torque motor.
The 2014 Lexus IS features the same design language we have already seen in models like GS and LS, including an inverted trapezoidal upper grille and slanted lower grille. Unlike the previous models, which featured a three-projector LED headlamp unit, the new IS receives Lexus’ new powerfully articulated headlamp cluster design with L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL) located independently below.
Both models will be offered with a V-6 engine, one in a 2.5-liter displacement and the other one in 3.5-liter displacement.
Updated 04/29/2013: Lexus announced today prices for the 2014 IS luxury sedan set to arrive at dealerships this summer. Click past the jump to learn more about it.
Hit the jump to find out more details on the third generation Lexus IS.
Though it doesn’t bring increased power to the table — a privilege reserved for the future Z06 or a ZR1 – the new Z51 package for the Corvette Stingray does bring along significant upgrades that customers can benefit from, if they regularly plunder a track.
With this package installed, your Corvette Stingray will be fitted with a dry-sump oiling system that plays a crucial role while cornering, slightly shorter gear ratios, larger-capacity Bilstein dampers, a rear-stabilizer bar and forged rims that have grown up to 19 inches up front and 20 inches in the rear, an inch bigger than the standard Stingray.
What can arguably be called the most significant addition is the limited slip differential — an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch pack – which modulates the rate at which the differential transfers torque across the axle. When the car corners, the LSD acts like an open differential to reduce understeer, but when power is added, electronic slip diff is engaged to handle the traction and balance it all out.
Along with ride tweaks, the Z51 also focuses on the tweaking the aerodynamics of the Stingray. While the standard one has impressive figures, the Z51 package makes it better with the addition of a rear spoiler to keep it planted to the ground and gaping air inlets at the rear fenders to cool transmission and differential.
People opting for the Z51 package have the option to choose the Magnetic Ride Control that promises track-like performance with a more comforting ride for $1,795.
All of these upgrades play a role in its impressive cornering at 1.0g and a 0 to 60 sprint of less than 4 seconds.
GM has set the package at a premium of $8,005, bringing the total cost for the Stingray Z51 to $60,000. We are still uncertain if the Z51 package will be available on the convertible model; if so, the package total will be $65,000.
Though the C7 Stingray is proving to be a great track-day car, as well as a pleasant cruiser, the Z51 package takes the excitement and thrill of driving the new Corvette Stingray up a notch.
UPDATE 4/26/13: GM has released the pricing and more details on the Z51 package.
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.
Cadillac unveiled a first ELR concept back in 2011 and ever since then everyone was pretty sure a production will also follow. Things got pretty clear in 2012 when a leak from OnStar confirmed Cadillac will dive into the hybrid realm with a vehicle not named "Escalade." The model finally made its world debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show and according to the first official details we have, it offers "an unprecedented combination of luxury, advanced engineering and progressive design."
However, this is not the first time in Caddy’s long history that it’s tread into the economy car world. The first one was the laughably Cavalier-like Cimarron. If you recall, Cadillac was so embarrassed by the Cimarron that the automaker refused to call it a Cadillac and instead dubbed it the “Cimarron by Cadillac” originally. GM later forced a name change to “Cadillac Cimarron.”
Needless to say Caddy does not want to relive those days, so they took things pretty serious with the ELR. The model is being powered by the latest GM EREV technology that combined a pure electric drive and an efficient, range-extending 1.4 liter gasoline-powered electric generator.
Updated 01/15/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and video.
Click past the jump to read the entire review to see if the ELR will end up on TIME’s “50 Worst Cars of All Time” list alongside the Cimarron.
UPDATE 4/14/2013: Cadillac has just revealed the details on the ELR’s unique regenerative-braking system that allows you to regen on demand. See more after the jump.
Along with the unveiling of the revised E63 AMG, Mercedes has also added a new top-of-the-line version to the lineup. The new E63 AMG S-Model will be offered in both the sedan and station wagon versions, and will add a distinctive look when compared to a standard E63 AMG model, plus a more powerful engine.
With the extra horsepower, the new E63 AMG S-Model will be a little bit faster than the standard model, plus it comes equipped with a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system and a limited-slip rear differential that helps delivering better vehicle dynamics and more driving pleasure, especially on the race-track
The new Mercedes E63 AMG S-Model will make its world debut next week at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, with sales to begin later in June.
Updated 01/21/2013: Mercedes has unveiled a pretty cool video presenting the new E 63 AMG S-Model in action. Enjoy!
Updated 04/11/2013: Mercedes has unveiled a new commercial for the E63 AMG S-Model called "Opposites Attract". The main idea of this commercial is "when opposites fuse together, they create something unique. Like the new E 63 AMG." Enjoy!
Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Mercedes E 63 AMG S-Model.
In 2009, Infiniti replaced the G35 with the more powerful G37 Now another switch is set to take place in 2014. This time around, however, the model is not changing just the engine, but it will adopt a new nomenclature and design too.
The new Q50 has received a smooth yet dynamic design language, with LED-infused headlights, a "double arch" grille and a crescent-shaped C-pillar. For the interior, Infiniti has placed higher-quality materials and user-focused advanced technology.
In the U.S. market, the Q50 will be offered with a standard 3.7-liter V-6 engine, but customers interested in environment can opt for a new-to-the-model hybrid version that will combine a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and an electric motor.
The new Infiniti Q50 made its world debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show and will be put on sale in the summer 2013 in both standard and hybrid versions.
UPDATE 03/21/13: A leaked document guide for the new Infiniti Q50 reveals further details on the new sports sedan. The document reveals that the gasoline-powered Q50 will be offered in three trim levels: base, premium and sport, while the hybrid version will only come in premium and sport versions. Both models will be offered in AWD and RWD versions. Customers will have to choose between eight exterior colors and three interior colors combined with aluminum and wood insertions. There will also be lots of packages that will offer the clients the possibility to further customized their models: Technology Package, Deluxe Technology Package, Moonroof Package, Deluxe Touring Package and Navigation Package. Click here to see the guide.
UPDATE 04/02/13: Infiniti USA has launched an official configurator for the new Q50 sedan. Thanks to the new site, you will be able to configure each version of the new Q50, selecting trims, colors and packages.
In the same time with the standard E-Class variants: sedan, coupe and convertible, Mercedes will also be unveiling the most powerful version of the lineup: the E63 AMG. As the previous spy shots have revealed, the new E63 AMG is the first model to feature the new AMG design language and it also received an improved version of its AMG 5.5-liter V8 bi-turbo engine.
As usual, the new E63 AMG will be offered in both sedan and station wagon variants and all models will be offered with permanent all-wheel drive is standard. As a first for the E-Class AMG lineup, Mercedes will be offering a S-Model version that is both more powerful and faster than the standard version.
Official debut will be made next week at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, with sales on the U.S. market to being in the summer of 2013.
Updated 03/27/2013: Mercedes has unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show the 2014 E63 AMG S 4MATIC Wagon and all of its performance credentials. We are still awaiting details on the S version of the sedan. Check out the performance of the E63 AMG S 4MATIC after the jump.
GAC Group was the only Chinese automaker present at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, yet they did present a pretty unique concept that caught the attention of a lot of people.
The concept is called the E-JET, a hybrid sedan prototype whose design characteristics remind us of another just-introduced vehicle at Detroit (Is this the Chinese cousin of the CLA Class?). The E-JET measures 4,570 x 1,790 x 1,490 mm (179.9 x 70.4 x 58.6 inches) with a 2,620 mm (103.1-inch) wheelbase. Not too bad for what looks like a compact sedan.
As a range-extending hybrid, the E-JET is powered by a 1.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine that produces 60 horsepower and 60 pound-feet of torque. It also has a permanent-magnet motor that produces a peak output of 127 horsepower and a permanent-magnet generator produces 40 horsepower. On top of all that, a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery can power the E-JET in electric mode for up to 62 miles.
Put all of its powertrain capabilities together and you have a car that boasts of a total range of 373 miles with a fuel consumption of 1.9 l/100 km (123.8 mpg U.S. or 148.6 mpg UK), a 0 to 31 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 99 mph.
We’re not entirely sure if GAC has any intention of building a production model for the E-JET. But we do have to give it to them; this is one interesting concept.
Everybody knows that Detroit has always been the Automobile hub of the United States. So, it’s no surprise that the 2013 Detroit Auto Show is an important platform to show-off brand new models.
Regarded as the first major auto show to kick off the New Year, the Detroit Motor Show brought tons surprises and drool-inducing releases as compared to disappointments. Most car manufacturers have shown off their new models that aim to broaden their lineup and strengthen their respective images, a goal shared amongst all automakers.
Though there were many new models that launched in Detroit, which made it one of the most anticipated and exciting auto shows, if we were to point out the one car that really made not just us but nearly every auto enthusiast impatient, it would be the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Being the home turf of the ’Vette, it was befitting for Chevy to debut the seventh generation of the successful Corvette at Detroit.
Click past the jump to check out the top four debuts that have impressed us greatly, making the Detroit Auto Show worth the wait.
