The Hottest New Cars For 2014

With the debilitating effects of the economic crisis firmly in the nation’s rearview mirror and new-car sales firing on all cylinders, the 2014 model year is serving up an engaging array of new and fully redesigned models, ranging from family sedans and plush luxury cars to hot sport coupes and utilitarian pickup trucks. We’re featuring 15 of the most noteworthy new models in the accompanying and in the text below. While all are significant, two new breakthrough autos will likely dominate the discussion for several months to come, namely the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

1. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Arguably the most significant new-car introduction for 2014 (at least from an enthusiast’s standpoint) brings a hallowed name back to an iconic American sports car. Coming in coupe and convertible versions, the Corvette Stingray is completely redesigned with an all-new chassis and mechanicals residing beneath seductively sleek bodywork. A technologically advanced 6.2-liter V8 engine channels an estimated 450 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque through the rear wheels that enables a launch from 0 to 60 mph in a sizzling 3.8 seconds. Lighter in weight, though more structurally rigid than before, an ideal 50/50 front-to-rear weight ratio, reengineered steering and suspension systems and an array of sophisticated chassis-control hardware promise tenacious handling. A new Drive Mode Selector allows the driver to tune 12 separate performance attributes according to five different driving situations, including one for use on wet roads and another that enables the engine to run on only four cylinders to garner maximum fuel economy. Addressing one of the past model’s nagging weaknesses, the Stingray’s two-seat interior features a new driver-focused dashboard and extensive use of high-quality materials.

Chevrolet

2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

It’s become tough to define “luxury” in the new-car business when even mainstream models offer amenities like heated/ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. Mercedes solves the quandary with a decidedly outrageous approach in the elegantly redesigned version of its flagship S Class sedan. Featuring bold and elegant new styling, it comes powered in the S550 version by a 455-horsepower twin-turbo V8 or a 5.5-liter twin-turbo 577-horsepower V8 in the higher-performance S63 AMG 4MATIC model. The 2014 S-Class redefines state-of-the-art with an extreme list of high-tech chassis control options including a low-speed autonomous driving mode, steering that automatically keeps the car centered between lane markers on the highway and the ability to anticipate road imperfections in its path and adjust the suspension accordingly to maintain a butter-smooth ride. Over-the-top-shelf options include rear seats that simulate a hot stone massage, heated armrests and an ionizing and perfuming feature for the climate control system. 

Wieck

3. Jaguar F-Type

Coming wrapped in comely curvaceous styling, this new two-seat rear-drive convertible is positioned in size and price below Jaguar’s XK sports car line. It packs a lively 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine that generates either 340 or 380 horsepower, depending on the version. A 5.0-liter 495-horsepower supercharged V8 is also available and should be the ride of choice among well-heeled enthusiasts; it’s estimated to enable the F-Type to hit the 60 mph mark in just over four seconds. All engines come mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that includes a manual gear-select mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Its lightweight, yet-rigid aluminum structure, rear-drive configuration and sophisticated suspension promise sporty handling abilities in the British sports car tradition. A closed-roof coupe version will follow within a year. 

Getty Images

4. Jeep Cherokee

Replacing the former Liberty model in Jeep’s lineup, the new midsize Cherokee SUV features a dramatically sculpted exterior that’s capped by a swept-back treatment of Jeep’s signature seven-slot front grille that might be too extreme for some brand loyalists. It packs either a Fiat-supplied 184 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a new 271-horsepower 3.2-liter V6, with an advanced nine-speed automatic transmission standard. The Cherokee rides on a four-wheel independent suspension that should deliver excellent ride and handling manners around town, with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction control system and no less than three separate four-wheel-drive systems optional that promise exceptional off-road abilities. The Cherokee offers many high-tech safety features, along with niceties like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats and a wireless charging pad for portable devices. 

Jeep

5. Mercedes Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the German automaker’s first-ever front-drive compact luxury sedan. The vehicle borrows its so-called “four-door coupe” styling from the larger CLS-Class, and is likewise distinguished by a swoopy roofline. Mercedes says it will be among the most-aerodynamic car designs among production cars, with a coefficient of drag at just 0.23. A 208-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes with the base CLA250, while the high-performance CLA45 AMG variant packs a specially tweaked hand-built 355-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four. The only available transmission will be a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual, with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive optional on the CLA250 and standard with the CLA45 AMG. Myriad available high-tech amenities include Mercedes’ Parktronic system with Advance Parking Assist that enables autonomous parking in both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. 

AP

6. Cadillac ELR

The midsize Cadillac ELR coupe is essentially a luxury-minded two-door version of the Chevrolet Volt extended range electric car. The ELR features distinctive styling that borrows cues from other Cadillac models, with a posh high-tech-looking interior and assorted amenities, though its electric powertrain and engineering largely carries over from the Volt. It’s powered by an electric motor and a plug-in chargeable battery pack, but once the battery runs low (it should run in full electric mode for about 35 miles on a charge), a small gasoline engine engages to run a generator that, in turn, powers the motor. Those with a modest commute may rarely have to visit a gas station. If the Volt is any indication, the ELR should be quick off the line and deliver reasonably sporty ride and handling attributes, though back seat space and cargo room look to be tight.

Cadillac

7. Chevrolet SS

The new top sedan at Chevy is a sporty aggressively styled rear-drive model that comes by way of General Motors’ Holden subsidiary in Australia (a lesser-equipped version is sold to law enforcement departments as the Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle). In homage to classic SS-designated models from the 1960’s, it burns rubber with the 2013 Corvette’s 6.2-liter 415-horsepower small-block V8 engine, and can sprint from 0-60 mph in around five seconds. The SS rides on a sport-tuned suspension for grippy handling, with beefy Brembo-supplied brakes on hand for sure stopping abilities. A long list of standard and optional features include an Automatic Parking Assist function that steers the car into a parallel or reverse right-angle parking space with the driver only modulating the brake pedal. Those looking for a more passive driving experience might want to instead check out the redesigned-for-2014 front-drive Chevrolet Impala.

Chevrolet

8. Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra

Fully redesigned for 2014, General Motors’ full-size pickup trucks come with myriad structural and engineering revisions to enhance their already decent ride and handling characteristics. We have to admit being disappointed with the Silverado and Sierra’s only modestly revised exterior designs that seem dated from day one. The trucks’ trio of “EcoTec3” engines include a new 4.3-liter V6 with 285 horsepower, a revised 5.3-liter V8 with a beefier 355 horsepower and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horses for heavier-duty use; all incorporate direct fuel injection for improved performance and selective cylinder shutdown for better fuel economy. Both the Silverado and Sierra feature roomy and nicely styled interiors with newly added features including the optional MyLink infotainment system that allows users to place calls, operate the navigation system and control other functions via natural language voice-commands. The GMC comes in an opulent leather-clad Denali trim level that should bust the budget at over $50,000 fully loaded.

GMC

9. Toyota Corolla

The popular Toyota Corolla compact sedan gets its most radical reinvention in a decade for 2014 to help the car shed its stodgy image. Growing a bit in most dimensions, it’s more athletic looking overall, with aggressive styling elements at the front and rear ends of the vehicle. The new Corolla rides on a longer wheelbase, which helps contribute to additional interior room. A freshly cast interior features extensive use of higher-quality materials to help infuse the vehicle with a more upscale look and feel. Though the current 132-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine will continue, a revised 1.8 four included with the new LE Eco variant features variable valve timing and a slightly quicker 140 horsepower, with a Toyota-estimated five percent increase in fuel economy. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with most versions offering a new gearless CVT automatic that includes both manual “shift” and selectable driving modes. Available amenities include push-button entry/start, heated front seats, a navigation system and Toyota’s Entune multimedia array with smartphone data connectivity. 

Toyota

10. BMW 4 Series

For 2014, the former BMW 3 Series coupes and convertibles get a major redesign and are reclassified as 4 Series models. Fresh exterior designs borrow front styling cues from the sedans, but they otherwise resemble smaller versions of BMW’s 6 Series models. There’s a choice of a 240 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the 428i, and a faster 300-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo-six in the 435i, ad both can be mated to either a standard eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission; BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system will be optional with the coupes. A near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution should deliver impressive handling abilities. As with the 3 Series, three separate trim lines – Luxury, Sport and M Sport – are available, with the latter affording the sharpest handling. A long list of high-tech features includes an adaptive cruise control system that works in stop and go traffic, a forward collision warning system that can warn of a potential collision with a pedestrian, and the latest version of BMW’s iDrive multimedia control system with Bluetooth smartphone integration and a dictation function with full speech recognition. 

BMW

11. Cadillac CTS

A third-generation CTS sedan debuts for 2014 that’s longer, lower and lighter in weight than before, with more athletic-looking exterior styling that’s highlighted by an striking new front end treatment that announces its arrival with authority. Three separate engines are available, including a base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a just adequate 272 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 with a livelier 321-horsepower. Meanwhile, a new Vsport version features Caddy’s first ever twin-turbo V6 that delivers an eager 420 horses, along with other performance-minded steering, braking and suspension upgrades. A more spacious drive-focused interior offers no less than eight available “environments” that come trimmed with assorted genuine wood, aluminum or carbon fiber trim. All-wheel-drive is optional for added traction on wet or snowy roads, along with Cadillac’s adjustable Magnetic Ride Control suspension that enhances the car’s cornering abilities while soaking up potholes and pavement imperfections. A long list of features includes the CUE (for Cadillac User Experience) touchscreen-based operating system, a self-parking feature and a motorized cupholder lid in the center console. Cadillac’s Safety Alert Seat giving feedback to the driver from a full complement of crash avoidance systems via a vibrating seat cushion. Unfortunately, starting at $45,100 it’s priced more than $6,000 higher than the 2013 model.

Cadillac

12. Fiat 500L

More than just a four-door hatchback version of the Italian automaker’s perky two-door 500 subcompact, the 2014 Fiat 500L is an entirely different – and much more practical – vehicle. Featuring specific exterior styling cues with a distinctively cast five-passenger cabin, it’s considerably longer and wider and taller than the 500 coupe, with 42 percent more interior room and 13.6 added cubic feet of cargo space. It bears a strong resemblance to the similarly sized MINI Cooper Countryman. Power comes from a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s estimated to generate 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for sufficient acceleration and highway passing prowess. This is the second separate model line to grace Fiat showrooms, and it will subsequently spawn a more SUV-like version with all-wheel-drive and perhaps even a sporty Abarth model with added muscle. 

Fiat

13. Infiniti Q50

Infiniti begins reinventing its entire line of vehicles with the handsome new Q50 sedan, which takes over from the previous G37. More of a deep cosmetic makeover than a full redesign, the car’s 3.7-liter 328 horsepower V6 engine carries over and the line adds a fuel-saving 3.5-liter V6 hybrid version; all-wheel-drive is available with either powertrain. New leading-edge options include an Active Lane Control system that automatically makes minor steering adjustments to help keep the Q50 centered between highway lane markers (along with active cruise control and automatic forward braking, this brings it a step closer to being a car that drives itself). A new i-Key system allows up to four motorists to customize a wide range of operating parameters, automatically recognizing the user and adjusting everything from seat, mirror, and climate control settings to radio presets and stored navigation destinations. 

Infiniti

14. Acura RLX

Acura’s new flagship sedan remains conservatively styled, but offers a roomier interior and added overall sophistication than the RL it replaces. Already in dealers’ showrooms, the RLX comes powered by an economical 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 310 horsepower, with an all-wheel-drive version coming later in the model year that will deliver added muscle with a 370-horsepower V6. Unlike much of the competition neither a turbo-six nor a V8 engine are offered. A standard Performance All-Wheel Steering system adjusts the angle of the rear wheels slightly while cornering to quicken the car’s handling. Also new is an Automatic Brake Hold function that keeps the brakes engaged for up to ten minutes without the driver having to keep a foot on the pedal (though for that long a period one could just shift the transmission into “park”). While the RLX is indeed improved, it’s a costly item, and Acura may still find it tough diverting attention away from the usual suspects in the luxury segment. 

AP