10 Hottest New Cars for 2013
source:http://auto.howstuffworks.com
Check out this 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra!
Check out this 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra!
It looks like 2013 will be a decent year for the auto industry -- in fact, we're already getting a preview. Thanks to the long-standing industry practice of introducing new model year cars midway through the previous calendar year, plenty of "upcoming" cars have been roaming the streets since the summer of 2012. It can be tricky to make such predictions, since numerous unpredictable factors can interfere with the release date of anew car (some can be delayed, while others can be completely killed off) but, at this point, we think this list is pretty safe.
Top-10 lists like this are always a little tricky -- like car shopping, some decisions are all business while others tend to get a bit personal. Facelifts of popular existing models are usually a safe bet because they're a known quantity, even when the automaker's worked in some interesting new features. And as far as all-new cars go? It's another fair bet that, if a new car has enjoyed a good amount of hype, or fills a particular void in a brand's lineup, it'll be rewarded with a fair amount of initial interest.
But, as it goes for all cars, whether they can actually compete in the market remains to be seen.
2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Courtesy of Subaru of America
Check out this 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra!
It looks like 2013 will be a decent year for the auto industry -- in fact, we're already getting a preview. Thanks to the long-standing industry practice of introducing new model year cars midway through the previous calendar year, plenty of "upcoming" cars have been roaming the streets since the summer of 2012. It can be tricky to make such predictions, since numerous unpredictable factors can interfere with the release date of anew car (some can be delayed, while others can be completely killed off) but, at this point, we think this list is pretty safe.
Top-10 lists like this are always a little tricky -- like car shopping, some decisions are all business while others tend to get a bit personal. Facelifts of popular existing models are usually a safe bet because they're a known quantity, even when the automaker's worked in some interesting new features. And as far as all-new cars go? It's another fair bet that, if a new car has enjoyed a good amount of hype, or fills a particular void in a brand's lineup, it'll be rewarded with a fair amount of initial interest.
But, as it goes for all cars, whether they can actually compete in the market remains to be seen.
2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Courtesy of Subaru of America
News of a new AWD wagon-esque/crossover-type vehicle from Subaru isn't exactly earth-shattering. That's what Subaru does best (well, that and rally cars). Getting excited about a new Subaru, though, means getting excited for new potential, even if you hardly ever use it. And the rest of the time (which is to say, most of the time) is a reasonably comfortable and pretty reliable ride, a comfy but not cushy five-door hatch with a decent amount of cargo space.
So what's the big deal about the Subaru Crosstrek? It is, essentially, a lifted Impreza Sport (and in fact, in other countries, the Crosstrek is just called the Impreza XV). The slightly goofy-looking wheel gap is the main visual differentiator between the former and the latter, but it serves a noble purpose -- if you ever go off-roading, it provides crucial ground clearance. Plastic trim panels protect the paint's most vulnerable areas from rocks and gravel. The suspension reportedly feels firmer than the base Impreza. In other words, roam with confidence, Subaru says.
EPA fuel economy estimates rate the Crosstrek as the most efficient AWD crossover available, but reviewers say that efficiency comes at a price. Although the body is attractive and comfortable, and Subaru's capabilities in the areas of sportiness and utility aren't to be underestimated, the engine and transmission are the Crosstrek's weak link. The CVT automatic transmission matches to the engine in an unpleasantly noisy way and saps the drivetrain of precious horsepower (the engine comes in at a scant 148-horsepower) [source: Neil]. The manual transmission option might provide a more satisfying driving experience, but it causes the EPA's fuel ratings to drop from 25/33 to 23/30.
Other than that, the Crosstrek is vacation ready. Go ahead, make fun of the roof rack. Joke that the Crosstrek looks naked without a surfboard or canoe. It doesn't matter -- even a Crosstrek that's temporarily de-accessorized is probably a Crosstrek that's had some good times.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Courtesy of Hyundai
Check out this 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra!
It looks like 2013 will be a decent year for the auto industry -- in fact, we're already getting a preview. Thanks to the long-standing industry practice of introducing new model year cars midway through the previous calendar year, plenty of "upcoming" cars have been roaming the streets since the summer of 2012. It can be tricky to make such predictions, since numerous unpredictable factors can interfere with the release date of anew car (some can be delayed, while others can be completely killed off) but, at this point, we think this list is pretty safe.
Top-10 lists like this are always a little tricky -- like car shopping, some decisions are all business while others tend to get a bit personal. Facelifts of popular existing models are usually a safe bet because they're a known quantity, even when the automaker's worked in some interesting new features. And as far as all-new cars go? It's another fair bet that, if a new car has enjoyed a good amount of hype, or fills a particular void in a brand's lineup, it'll be rewarded with a fair amount of initial interest.
But, as it goes for all cars, whether they can actually compete in the market remains to be seen.
2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Courtesy of Subaru of America
News of a new AWD wagon-esque/crossover-type vehicle from Subaru isn't exactly earth-shattering. That's what Subaru does best (well, that and rally cars). Getting excited about a new Subaru, though, means getting excited for new potential, even if you hardly ever use it. And the rest of the time (which is to say, most of the time) is a reasonably comfortable and pretty reliable ride, a comfy but not cushy five-door hatch with a decent amount of cargo space.
So what's the big deal about the Subaru Crosstrek? It is, essentially, a lifted Impreza Sport (and in fact, in other countries, the Crosstrek is just called the Impreza XV). The slightly goofy-looking wheel gap is the main visual differentiator between the former and the latter, but it serves a noble purpose -- if you ever go off-roading, it provides crucial ground clearance. Plastic trim panels protect the paint's most vulnerable areas from rocks and gravel. The suspension reportedly feels firmer than the base Impreza. In other words, roam with confidence, Subaru says.
EPA fuel economy estimates rate the Crosstrek as the most efficient AWD crossover available, but reviewers say that efficiency comes at a price. Although the body is attractive and comfortable, and Subaru's capabilities in the areas of sportiness and utility aren't to be underestimated, the engine and transmission are the Crosstrek's weak link. The CVT automatic transmission matches to the engine in an unpleasantly noisy way and saps the drivetrain of precious horsepower (the engine comes in at a scant 148-horsepower) [source: Neil]. The manual transmission option might provide a more satisfying driving experience, but it causes the EPA's fuel ratings to drop from 25/33 to 23/30.
Other than that, the Crosstrek is vacation ready. Go ahead, make fun of the roof rack. Joke that the Crosstrek looks naked without a surfboard or canoe. It doesn't matter -- even a Crosstrek that's temporarily de-accessorized is probably a Crosstrek that's had some good times.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
Part of the problem with replacing a perennially popular car with a new model is that the outgoing version will remain popular for quite some time. However, it can be hard to see why, exactly, that might be a problem. After all, the automaker usually hopes that a lot of fans of the old model will trade up for the younger version.
Sometimes, though, that phenomenon translates into sales problems, especially in the case of traditionally high-volume models. It's not that buyers are rejecting the new car -- it's that the old car is still good enough, especially when dealerships are offering sizeable discounts to clear out the lots. That's what happened in the summer of 2012, after the release of the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, and GM was worried that it affected the way people would perceive the car [source: Burgess].
No worries -- according to reviews, the Malibu is likely to stay strong, despite heavy competition (its main competitors in the midsize sedan segment have also been revitalized). But Chevy has retained the characteristics that made the Malibu a reliable seller, the moderate but accessible features such as a decent list of available options across three trim levels, reasonably efficient 4-cylinder engines, comfortable but not remarkable interiors and attractive but not polarizing exterior styling.
Among the most notable of the improvements is a range of new 4-cylinder engine options (the V-6 from the previous generation is gone). There's a 2.5-liter base engine that puts out 197-horsepower; buyers of upgraded trim levels can opt for a 2.0 turbo that clocks in at 259-horsepower. The Malibu Eco is another new choice, combining a 2.4-liter 4 with an electric motor that puts out a total of 182-horsepower. (Technically ahybrid, the Eco's configuration might cause some confusion since, unlike the more traditional hybrid setup, it cannot run on the battery-powered motor alone.) And a host of typical safety features rounds out the standard- and available-equipment lists. Nothing too groundbreaking, but if the older, rather stale Malibu was still in demand, it's probable a lot of buyers will appreciate Chevy's new touches.
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Courtesy of Hyundai
The Hyundai Veloster is not new, and if you've driven one, chances are, you've been underwhelmed. It's a svelte hatch that's been puttering its way through crowds that should have easily parted. For two years, it's lacked the "oomph" factor that such a car would need to succeed.
But it's not like Hyundai doesn't know how to do this. The Tiburon and Genesis are two examples of peppy crowd-pleasers. So clearly, the Veloster needed a turbo. That's the only logical conclusion. And now, here it is. The 2013 Veloster Turbo.
Making a decent car less dowdy requires an external makeover, as well as internal, so it's obvious from the start that this Veloster is different. Its presence is illuminated by front LEDs, aggressive side-skirts, 18-inch alloys and dual exhaust tips. Also, Hyundai gives buyers the option of matte gray paint, which is a nice, and different, touch. (Matte paint jobs are popular on motorcycles and with the aftermarket crowd, especially on imports, but they've never really caught on with car manufacturers.)
Although bolting a twin-scroll turbo to the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder takes the Veloster from a miserly 138 to a more respectable 201-horsepower. The Veloster Turbo also comes with a 6-speed manual (an upgrade over the 5-speed that comes standard on the non-turbo model), but another grand will get the buyer a 6-speed automatic. The extra gear takes advantage of the turbo power, but it also helps the car run more efficiently at highway speeds. Hyundai says that about 30-percent of the Veloster's customers are satisfied with the manual option, compared to the nationwide average of just 7-percent [source: Schultz]. That stat is for both turbo and non-turbo Velosters, but it's as good an indication as any that the Veloster's got a chance to find its niche.
2013 Audi Allroad
Courtesy of Audi of America
2013 Toyota Prius c
Courtesy of Toyota
2013 SRT Viper
Courtesy of Chrysler Group LLC
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