2013 cars coming out





2013 Acura ILX
Acura has been selling a Civic-based compact sedan called the CSX in other markets (including Canada) for several years; we reviewed one in 2007 and found it to be little more than, well, a gussied-up Civic. I expected more of the same from the ILX, but Acura has gone out of their way to differentiate this car from it's Honda platform-mate. The ILX will hit showrooms in the spring of 2012 with a starting price around $30,000. Engine choices include a 2-liter base engine, the 2.4 liter engine and 6-speed manual found in the Civic Si, and a gas-electric drivetrain borrowed from the Honda Civic Hybrid. This will be Acura's first hybrid, but EPA fuel economy estimates are only 35 MPG city/35 MPG highway. (At least the Lexus HS 250h need no longer suffer alone.)




  

2013 Acura RDX
This is the redesigned version of the Acura RDX, based on the just-introduced Honda CR-V. Gone is the old RDX's exclusive turbocharged engine; the new RDX is powered by Honda's venerable 3.5 liter V6. The new engine develops more power and gets better gas mileage.



2013 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro
Audi is re-introducing the A4 Allroad, essentially an Audi A4 Avant wagon with a raised suspension and Outback-style body cladding, with sheetmetal that echoes the facelifted 2013 Audi A4.



2013 Audi S6
This is the high performance version of the Audi A6, which was introduced as a 2012 model. Power for the S6 comes from a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 producing 420 horsepower, a 7-speed twin-clutch transmission, and -- of course -- all-wheel-drive.



2013 Audi S7
Audi's high-performance hatchback shares its 420 horsepower 4-liter twin-turbo V8 with the S6.





2013 Audi S8
Audi's high-power all-aluminum flagship is returning for 2013. The S8 shares its 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 with the S6 and S7, but the S8 gets an extra hundred horsepower for a total of 520.




2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZR1 Convertible
For 2013, Chevrolet will add a drop-top version of the Camaro ZL1, which gets a 580 horsepower version of the Corvette ZR-1's supercharged 6.2 liter V8.





2014 Audi Q3
The Q3 is a small SUV that Audi recently introduced in Europe; Audi plans to introduce it to the North American market in late 2013 as a 2014 model. Shown here is the "Vail" concept version shown at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, complete with ski rack. This show car is powered by a 314 hp 5-cylinder turbocharged engine, but we'll probably see smaller engines in the production version.




2013 Bentley Continental GT V8

This, believe it or not, is the economy-minded version of the Continental GT. In place of the Continental's 567 hp W12 engine, this one gets a twin-turbo 4-liter V8 that produces a mere 500 horsepower, and cuts out four cylinders while cruising to save fuel.




2013 Buick Encore

The Encore is Buick's new micro-SUV. Based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Sonic, the Encore is powered by the 1.4 liter turbocharged engine from the href="http://cars.about.com/od/chevrolet/fr/2011-Chevrolet-Cruze-Test-Drive.htm">Chevrolet Cruze.



2013 Cadillac ATS

This is the new baby Caddy: The rear-wheel-drive 2013 ATS. Engine choices include -- and I never in a million years dreamed that I'd see a list like this in a Cadillac -- a 200 hp 2.5 liter four-cylinder, a 270 hp 2-liter turbo four, and our old familiar friend the 3.6 liter V6, here tuned for 320 horsepower. Options include manual or automatic transmissions and an FE3 sports suspension with dynamic magnetic-fluid shock absorbers. Compared to the CTS, the ATS is about 8" shorter and 4.5" narrower.




2013 Cadillac XTS


The 2013 Cadillac XTS will replace both the STS and DTS. Power comes from GM's venerable 300 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 with front- or all-wheel-drive, but the real story is inside, where the XTS gets Caddy's new CUE infotainment system.



2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZR1 Convertible


For 2013, Chevrolet will add a drop-top version of the Camaro ZL1, which gets a 580 horsepower version of the Corvette ZR-1's supercharged 6.2 liter V8.



2013 Chevrolet Corvette 42


Although it's called the Corvette 427 -- actually, the Corvette 427 Convertible Collector's Edition -- is essentially a Z06 convertible, complete with 505 horsepower 7-liter (427 cubic inch) V8.




2013 Chevrolet Malibu


The all-new mid-size Malibu debuts in 2012 as 2013 model. Styling is similar to the current Malibu but features enhanced aerodynamics and rear taillights similar to the Camaro. The base engine is an all-new 2.5 liter four-cylinder, and the Malibu Eco model will resurrect GM's belt-alternator-starter "mild hybrid" system (now renamed eAssist), which will help boost the EPA fuel economy estimates to compact-car levels: 26 MPG city/38 MPG highway.






2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS


The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS is essentially a souped-up version of the 2012 Sonic. The RS gets a stiffer suspension, louder exhaust, rear disc brakes, sport seats, and a few extra interior and exterior details. There's no power upgrade, but that's okay -- the 1.4 liter turbo generates plenty of smiles. Chevrolet noted that the RS will be available with an automatic transmission; as of now, the 1.4 turbo only comes with a manual.



2013 Chevrolet Spark


We've seen the Chevrolet Spark -- it's been on sale in Korea for a couple of years now -- but the micro-Chevy is finally due to appear in the States (and Canada). Power comes from a tiny 1.2 liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers its 85 horsepower through either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The Spark gets 10 airbags as standard equipment, and a navigation system is optional.




2013 Dodge Dart

Dodge is bringing back the Dart nameplate for their new compact sedan, which is based on the same Fiat-sourced platform as the Alfa-Romeo Giulietta, although it shares styling cues with the Dodge Charger. Power choices include the new 2-liter Tigershark four-cylinder, producing 160 hp; a 1.4 liter turbocharged version of the MultiAir engine found in the Fiat 500, also at 160 hp but with more torque; and the 184 hp 2.4 liter Tiger Shark. Pricing for the Dart will start at $15,995 plus destination, and Chrysler's Mopar division has already announced a line of aftermarket parts.



2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid/Energi

Ford's new C-Max is a 7-seat crossover currently sold in Europe. Here in the US, the C-Max will be a 5-seater with either hybrid or plug-in hybrid ("Energi") powertrains, both based around a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine.



2013 Ford Escape

Ford's new Escape is a radical change from the old version; it's now identical to Ford's European-market small SUV, the Kuga. The new shape brings it more into line with competitors like the Honda CR-V (also new at the show) and the Toyota RAV4.



2013 Ford Fusion


Ford's mid-size Fusion sedan has been redesigned in conjunction with the European-market Mondeo, from which it inherets its cutting-edge styling. The new Fusion features an array of high-tech powerplants: Along with our old familier friend, the 2.5 liter 5-cylinder, the Fusion will be offered with 1.6 and 2.0 liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine, a 2-liter hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid called the Fusion Energi.



2013 Ford Shelby GT500


When I first saw the new Mustang's V8 engine, I could tell there was room for a supercharger between the heads and below the intake manifold. Well, here it is -- with a new Shelby GT500 wrapped around it. The new super snake produces 650 horsepower, so look out, Camaro ZL-1.



2013 Ford Taurus


The Taurus gets minor styling tweaks designed to make it look more like an Audi. More importantly, the Taurus will get the 2-liter EcoBoost engine, a turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine designed to deliver the power of a V6 (237 hp) with the mileage of a four (31 MPG highway). I've driven this engine in the Edge SUV and it's fantastic. The 3.5 liter V6 has been boosted to 290 hp, and the Taurus has a host of new optional gadgets including massaging seats, automatic high-beams and rain-sensing wipers.





2013 Ford Taurus SHO


When the Taurus SHO returned in 2010, some people were a bit underwhelmed by the driving dynamics. Ford has responded: Along with revised styling, the 2013 Taurus SHO gets an optional Performance Package with a stiffer suspension, upgraded brakes, recalibrated steering, and a "track mode" stability control system that can be shut completely off. Now we're talking!



2013 Honda Accord Concept


Although Honda officially labels this as a concept car, in keeping with Honda tradition, it's pretty close to the restyled Accord Coupe that will debut in the fall of 2012. The base 2.4 liter engine gains direct fuel injection for an increase to 181 horsepower, while the 3.5 liter V6 will return -- and you will once again be able to get it with a 6-speed manual trans. That's good news, as the current Accord coupe is a lot of fun to drive, even though enthusiasts often overlook it. Honda will also make a plug-in hybrid version which will be able to run 12 to 15 miles on pure battery power at speeds of up to 62 MPH.




2013 Honda Fit EV


The new battery-powered version of Honda's venerable Fit has an EPA-rated range of 76 miles -- 3 more miles than the Nissan Leaf -- and boasts similar space and versatility as the gas-powered version. Honda will offer the Fit on lease for $399 per month.



2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe


For 2013, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe gets a new look and improved drivetrains: The 2-liter turbocharged four jumps from 210 horsepower to 274 courtesy of a new turbocharger and intercooler, while the 3.8 liter V6 gets direct fuel injection and an increase from 306 hp to 348.




2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo


Right on the heels of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster comes the hot-rod version, the Veloster Turbo, powered by a 201 horsepower turbocharged and intercooled version of the 1.6 liter Gamma engine. A bigger grille provides better airflow and a more menacing look. Fuel economy ratings are 27 city/38 highway, which is not far from the non-turbo version. Note the matte-gray paint, which will be optional.



2013 Infiniti JX


Infiniti's new 7-seat JX crossover slots in between the QX and the FX. Like the new Nissan Pathfinder, the JX is based on a stretched Nissan Murano platform. It will compete against other luxury 7-seaters like the Buick Enclave and Lincoln MKT.




2013 Lexus GS


The new version of the Lexus GS is aimed squarely at the BMW 5-series, with more aggressive styling outside and in and a choice of conventional or hybrid powertrains.



2013 Lexus LX570
And speaking of Lexus design language, the fascia from the 2013 Lexus GS has been grafted onto the Land Cruiser-based LX 570 SUV. Other changes are fairly minor.



2013 Lincoln MKS
The MKS has been subtly but substantially updated. Along with a new grille and refined interior, the MKS gets more power for both its normally-aspirated and turbocharged engines and driver-adjustable shock absorbers.




2013 Lincoln MKT


The 2013 MKT gets similar changes to the MKS: A new grille, upgraded engines, and an adjustable suspension.






2013 Mercedes E-Class Hybrid


This is Mercedes' new E400 hybrid, which, as you might be able to tell, is rated for 27 MPG. Don't worry, they won't all be painted like this...we hope.





2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550


Mercedes concentrated on shaving weight when they developed the new SL550; its aluminum structure that sheds nearly 250 lbs compared to the old car. With a 4.6 liter twin turbo V8 producing 429 hp and a 7-speed automatic, Mercedes says the SL550 will make it to 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds, while an auto start/stop system helps improve fuel economy.



2013 MINI Roadster


This is the convertible version of the two-seat MINI Cooper Coupe, which will be sold right alongside the Cooper convertible, a convertible version of the Cooper hatchback. Confused? Yeah, me too. But one thing I can say: The Coupe/Roadster looks a heck of a lot better with the roof off.



2013 Nissan Pathfinder


While the Pathfinder's chief competitor, the Toyota 4Runner, has remained resolutely off-road ready, the 2013 Pathfinder is (once again) trading in its body-on-frame configuration for a slick unibody design.The seven-seat Pathfinder is based on a stretched Nissan Murano platform.



2013 Porsche 911 Cabriolet


Porsche has introduced a new hardtop 911 Carrera and Carrera S for 2012; the convertible versions will follow as 2013 models.




2013 Scion FR-S


This is the Scion version of the joint Toyota/Subaru-developed sports car. The rear-wheel-drive FRS uses a Subaru-style flat-four (or "boxer") engine with Toyota-developed direct fuel injection, although power output is a lukewarm 200 hp and 150 lb-ft. The FR-S is home to Scion's latest voice-activated infotainment system.




2013 Subaru BRZ


The Subie version of the Subaru/Toyota sports car is called the BRZ. Unusually for Subaru, it is a rear-drive vehicle, not all-wheel-drive; as with the similar Scion FR-S, it will be powered by a 2-liter flat-four engine (a different engine from the one found in the 2012 Impreza tuned for 200 hp and 150 lb-ft. Subaru has not announced plans for a turbo version, although they did show a BRZ STI concept car at the 2011 Los Angeles auto show, and it's hard to imagine Subaru not doing a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive version.



2013 Toyota Prius C


Look out, Honda Insight: This is Toyota's new Yaris-sized hybrid, and it will have a price tag under $20,000. The Prius C has a 99 horsepower 1.5 liter engine -- smaller and less powerful than the one in the grown-up Prius -- but Toyota says it will be nimbler and more engaging to drive, with a combined EPA MPG estimate of 50 MPG





2013 Volkswagen CC
Volkswagen's updated CC gets a new front fascia similar to the 2012 Passat and 2011 Jetta. The 2013 CC will offer an optional five-seat interior in addition to the twin rear buckets of the current car.



2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
Most automakers offer a choice of hybrids or diesels, but starting in 2013, the Jetta will be one of the few cars to offer a hybrid and a diesel. The hybrid Jetta uses a 150 horsepower 1.4 liter turbocharged engine and a 7-speed twin-clutch transmission, and while it's not a plug-in, it can run for short distances on electric power only at speeds up to 44 MPH. The EPA combined estimate is 45 MPG, better than the diesel-powered Jetta TDI.