With each passing moon cars are getting more efficient, lighter, stronger, safer and are performing infinitely better than the cars of yesteryear. My moms new civic can outdrag the “performance” vehicle I owned from the 80s, and technology previously seen on exotics is now becoming more mainstream. We are at the pinnacle of automotive engineering, so what better time to jump into the action and get a new car for yourself? Here is my list of 10 to watch for 2014.
2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
That’s right… The z/28 namesake is back, and its taking a dinosaur sized dump on the shameful z/28 that dissipated in 2002. It seems Chevrolet wanted to break the stereotype and is telling Europe that we not only Googled a corner but built a car that can take one. Europe may have chuckled at this, but was jaw dropped when GM announced a 7 minute and 37 second time at the Nurburgring. That is Porsche 911 territory and doing it while coming in at nearly half the price. This is bringing performance, value and a large amount of chest hair to the middle class man.
2014 Volkswagen XL1
This car is cooler than a hipster with glasses with no lenses and his soy milk pumpkin spice latte. Quite a bit rarer than the hipster though seeing as this car will only be produced 250 times, 50 of those being left with Volkswagen for further testing. In typical supercar fashion it will come in at a monstrous $140,000. However uncharacteristically for a supercar it will achieve 260mpg. I never thought that the term “supercar” would be used with a hybrid electric vehicle, but this isn’t your neighbors cheesy pompous Prius. This is an all carbon fiber, streamlined extremely lightweight car which utilizes all the technology you see in modern exotics. That means Los Angeles to New York in less than $60 in fuel. Although probably not on your shopping list, something to keep an eye on because this is an example of what we could be seeing as our mainstream cars in 30 years.
2014 Ford F-150
Being fords best seller for decades, don’t expect them to drop the ball anytime soon. Rumors of aluminum mean the gas robbing; performance diminishing heavy weight of the predecessor will be considerably reduced. Ford always seems to manage to stay one step ahead of the rest, and with the truck market becoming ever more competitive, expect some nice luxuries as standard.
2014 Chevrolet SS
Coming in right on time with the platform of one of the most underrated cars to be produced, the Charger being almost a cliché and ford never really figuring out the Taurus SHO, the SS brings back the Super Sport name with a bang. Packing a Corvette derived LS3 engine, stomp the go pedal and this beast will kick your kidneys back, with enough room to take your family and some cargo along for the ride. Expect this to compete with the BMW 5-series, for those who don’t need all the fancy computers, gadgetry and price increase that goes with it.
2014 Alfa Romeo 4C
Alfa Romeo’s re introduction into the sports car scene is one that has received open arms from critics and enthusiasts alike. The weight is low, and the ride height is lower. This will be a great driver’s car that took lotus’ motto and showed them how it’s done. True blooded passion for cars and driving has always been the reputation of Alfa Romeo. It is said that you’re not a true car fan until you have owned an Alfa Romeo. During World War II Alfa Romeo hid 5 158 Alfetta’s by disassembling them and hiding them in a cheese factory in Melzo, Italy. After the end of WWII Alfa Romeo entered the Grand Prix in Geneva and won 3 of 4 races with this car. That is that kind of dedication Alfa Romeo has had, and always will have, that sets them apart. So be excited to see what this passion and soul have brought us next.
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Mercedes is finally coming out with a smaller, better valued sedan after the splash the bigger CLS made back in 2005. Starting around $30k, this will be a strong competitor to the new 3 series BMW. Also something to consider for people who want a little less power, and a little more luxury than the Chevrolet SS. For those who want both, grab a hold of your wallet and testicles because AMG will tune the 4 bangin’ turbo to a significantly kickass 355hp.
2014 Acura MDX
First let’s get it out of the way. They have named the engine of this new SUV “Earth dreams.” That’s a big hit in the cool column, but everywhere else the MDX stacks up nicely against the competition and has always been quietly selling quite well. Accounting for one third of total Acura sales, don’t expect them to cheap out on the complete makeover for 2014.
2014 Cadillac ELR
Cadillac’s game plan has always been to be the trendsetter. Recently they have fallen curse the atrocities of GM’s badge engineering. However they saw the light after realizing they were falling in the same pattern as Saturn, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and the many others that GM terribly managed and pissed down the drain. Once realizing the problem, they started bringing out game changers like the CTS and ATS. Relying on money from an over expensive Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban (Escalade), they created some serious hype with their Elmiraj concept. Noticing that Cadillac is once again regaining their foothold as a serious player, everyone will be looking to see if this luxurious electric hybrid has what it takes to ask for its hefty price. This will be a flop, or a success and nothing in-between.
2014 Subaru Forester
They took out the hood scoop, instantly disappointing the 8 year old that lives within. However to keep you happy they updated the styling and offer up a new CVT transmission and boxer engine. This should please the cult like following that Subaru have relied on for steady sales in the past years. Subaru have always had the best ability not to disappoint its loyal customer base.
2014 Jeep Cherokee
Although the headlights are reminiscent of someone’s face while they start directly towards the sun. The Jeep Cherokee has promising attributes, such as 3 different kinds of off road terrain response a powerful V6 and Chryslers new 9 speed transmission. Expect this to be a solid seller in 2014.
